■fmmm'
Book No
Accession
979.453 R251H
544988
NOT TO BE TAKEN FROM THE LIBRARY
FORM 3427— 45O0-8-4'*
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2011 with funding from
California State Library Califa/LSTA Grant
http://www.archive.org/details/historyofsacrameOOreed
HISTORY OF
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
WITH
"biographical Sketches
OF
The Treading Aden and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY EDITED BY
G. WALTER REED
ILLUSTRATED
COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME
HISTORIC RECORD COxVIPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
544988
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Numbers refer to pages.)
Introduction 33
Sacramento County's preeminent place in the history of the state. Extraordinary Natural Ad-
vantages: Alluvial soil of the lowlands — Gold deposits — Rivers — Climate. Sacramento the objec-
tive point of the early pioneers — The new El Dorado — The lure of gold — A tribute to the pioneer
mothers (p. 34) — The rise of agriculture, and its progress from the days of the Spanish grants, the
stockmen, and the wheat barons to the era of limited holdings and intensive cultivation — The growth
of rural communities (p. 35).
CHAPTER I
Sacramento County '. 35
Location and population — The county's magnificent river — Agricultural importance of the county
(p. 36) — Topographical features — The abundant water-supply (p. 37) — The great dam at Folsom —
The immense potential hydro-electric power of the rivers — A second Valley of the Nile — Sacramento
a great fruit-shipping center — Strawberries, grapes, and pears — The tule lands now the site of
orchards of deciduous fruits and fields of asparagus and celery — Rice, hemp, ramie, and hops — Early
Spanish grants (p. 38) — Property values.
CHAPTER n
Climate of Sacramento County 38
Ideal climate of the inland valley empire — Adaptation to horticulture — The gift of summer sun-
shine— Low humidity — Modifying influence of trade winds — Infrequent frosts — Winter sports in the
mountains — Comparative data (p. 39). Meteorological Data, Tables furnished by local United States
Weather Bureau (p. 40) — Rainfall: Monthly, seasonal, and annual rainfall, 1849-1920 (p. 41) —
Approximate Mean Rainfall: Means, seasonal, annual and by months, 1849-1911 (p. 44) — Tempera-
tures in Degrees Fahrenheit: Absolute maximum and minimum temperatures, annually, 1878-1920 —
Relative Humidity and Percentage of Sunshine: Average conditions by months — Extreme Tempera-
tures: Absolute extremes by months for period 1878-1920 (p. 45) — Maximum Extremes of Wind:
Maximum velocities b5' months for period 1895-1920.
CHAPTER III
Sacramento County Crops 46
The "Heart of California" — Land area of county and character of soil — Leading county of state
in production of pears and asparagus — Grapes, peaches, prunes, plums, olives, almonds, oranges —
Acreage devoted to fruits, vines, and nuts — Fruit production and net returns for season of 1920 — In-
creased plantings — Erection of fruit and vegetable canneries — Sacramento the shipping headquarters
for ninety per cent of nation's canned asparagus and ninety-five per cent of all deciduous fruits grown
in California — The world's greatest shipping point for perishables — Unexcelled river transportation
and transcontinental shipping facilities — Alfalfa, beans, hops, corn, vegetables, vegetable seeds, and
flower seeds — Wheat, barley, and other cereal crops — Live stock and poultry — Crop reports — Im-
provements in quality of crops, and standardization of crating and grading, under direction of horti-
cultural commissioner (p. 47).
CHAPTER IV
Gen. John A. Sutter 47
The pioneer of civilization in Sacramento County — Parentage and early history — Sutter learns of
Upper California — Overland trip with Captain Tripp, of the American Fur Company — Reaches
Yerba Buena by ship and meets Governor Alvarado at Monterey — Secures passport with authority
to explore and occupy territory on Sacramento River for colonization — Account of his exploring
TABLE OF CONTENTS
expedition — His location at the future site of Fort Sutter (p. 48) — Relations with the Indians — Sutter
becomes a Mexican citizen and receives a grant for "New Helvetia" — He acquires Fort Ross and
Bodega, with the accompanying Russian settlements and live stock — He obtains the sobrante or
surplus, by purchase from Governor Micheltorena, in consideration of military services and supplies —
His attitude during the Mexican War — Appointed alcalde by Commodore Stockton and Indian agent
by General Kearney (p. 49) — His hospitality at Fort Sutter — Impoverished through the discovery of
gold and rival claims of the squatters — His removal to Hock Farm — His efforts to obtain redress
from congress for liis wrongs — California comes to his relief. ,
CHAPTER V
Sutti'r's Fort Restored 50
Decay of the old fort and sale of its site — Gen. James G. Marline's open letter to the pioneers —
Response to the appeal — The title cleared — Property deeded to the state by Native Sons (p. 51) — State
appropriation for restoration of Fort Sutter — First board of trustees — Detailed description of the
restoration — Planting of trees and flowers by Native Daughters — Parking and care of grounds by
state — Museum and relics of early days.
CHAPTER VI
The Revolution in California — 52
Early American settlements encouraged by local government — Growing animosity between
American and Mexican population prior to the Mexican War — Colonel Fremont's expedition — Lieu-
tenant Gillespie's despatch and Colonel Fremont's return from Oregon — Foreigners ordered by
General Castro to leave the country — Castro's order to Lieutenant de Arce — Capture of de Arce's
horses — Taking of town and mission of Sonoma by Bear Flag Party — William Ide's proclamation,
stating the causes of the revolution and announcing the estabhshment of the Republic of California
(p. S3) — Conflicting accounts of the making of the Bear Flag — The Bear Flag displaced by the Stars
and Stripes — Dispute as to causes of the revolution — Monterey seized by Commodore John D.
Sloat — Colonel Fremont hoists the American flag where Sacramento now stands, July 10, 1846
(p. 54") — Peace, and end of the revolution and Republic of California.
CHAPTER VII
St.-^te Capital, and Capitol Building 54
California under military governor until its admission as a state — Election of delegates to con-
stitutional convention in response to proclamation of General Riley — Constitutional convention at
Monterey, September 3, 1849 — Ratification of constitution, November 13, 1849 — State officers and
representatives to congress elected — Meeting of state officers-elect at San Jose, December 15, 1849 —
State government established and Peter H. Burnett inaugurated first governor of California — Wil-
liam M. Gwin and John C. Fremont elected United States senators — State government established
before admission to statehood — Text of proclamation whereby General Riley resigned his powers as
military governor — Contest for the state capital (p. 55) — The Capitol Building (p. 56) — Capitol Ex-
tension (p. 57) — Governors from Sacramento.
CHAPTER VIII
Sacramento City 58
The City Today: From swaddling clothes to modern garb — Municipal improvements — Public
buildings — State Capitol and grounds. Factors conducing to the City's Growth (p. 59) : Geographi-
cal location in the "Heart of California" — Transportation — Development of hydro-electric power.
The City in Early Days: First survey of the plat of Sacramento, December, 1848 — The founding of
Sutterville — Bayard Taylor's account of his first visit to Sacramento, in 1849 — Stores located at
Sutter's Fort (p. 60) — Freighting to the mines— George McDougal and the passing of Sutterville
(p. 61)— First board of commissioner,s — The influx of gold-seekers — Prevalence of gambling (p.
62) — The moral wave under the leadership of Rev. J. A. Benton — Business and prices — Organization
of first city government (p. 63) — Early vicissitudes of the city — News of California's admission
(p. 65) — The epidemic of cholera — Subsequent events (p. 67) — Early business enterprises (p. 68)
Early grocery firms (p. 70) — Early manufacturing firms (p. 72) — Flouring mills — Dramatic and
musical (p. 74) — Theaters of more recent date (p. 75) — The first ball — The funded debt (p. 77).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER IX
The Discovery and Mining of Gold 78
Accounts of the Discovery of Gold: Existence of gold in California known long before Marshall's
discovery — Gold mentioned in Hakluyt's account of the voyage of Sir Francis Drake along the coast
of California, in 1579 — Gold observed by Dana in southern Oregon in 1842, and also found on the
Sacramento River — Intimation of gold, in report of Fremont's expedition — Mexican with bag of gold
dust at Yerba Buena, in 1845 — Gold said to have been found by Mormons on Mormon Island before
1848 — Account of the finding of gold by the "King's orphan" — Story of block of gold-bearing quartz
from California in the Paris Museum (p. 79) — Discovery of gold by Sarah A. Aram in 1846, near
South Fork of the Yuba River — Marshall's discoverj' of gold at Coloma — Brief account of Marshall's
life (p. 80) — Monument erected to Marshall's memory by the state — Effect of the discovery on the
growth of Sacramento. Mining the Metal: The inrush of gold-seekers — The rich placers around
Folsom — Hydraulic mining and the work of the dredgers — The Anti-Debris Association's fight
against hydraulic mining.
CHAPTER X
The Squatter Riot 81
Causes of the Riot: Rival claims of the squatters and those holding title by purchase from
Sutter — The Squatters' association — Seizure of lots, contests, and removals — Action in the recorder's
court against James J. Madden — Defendant fined and restitution ordered — Judgment sustained on ap-
peal— The Squatters' poster announcing resistance by appeal to arms under plea of invalidity of state
land laws not recognized by congress — Squatters' meeting on the levee, August 11, 1850 (p. 82) —
Warrants for arrest — Eviction and recovery of possession. Contemporary account of the riot — Sub-
sequent events, and further account of leading participants.
CHAPTER XI
Politics in the Early Days 85
A Democratic Convention: Rise of the anti-slavery party and growing bitterness of feeling —
Opening of the convention, July 18, 1854, at Fourth Street Baptist Church — Rival temporary chair-
men, John McDougal and Edward McGowan — Rival vice-presidents announced by rival chairmen —
Further double-header proceedings — Eviction of riotous assemblage from church by trustees — Serio-
comic close of the day — Southern and Northern factions meet in separate session — Resignations and
overtures — Nomination of separate tickets, and result of election (p. 86). Early Republican gather-
ings— The Spittoon Convention fp. 87).
CHAPTER XII
County Government 88
Formal organization of Sacramento County in 1850 — Accounts of first elections, held prior to
admission of California, as given by Dr. John I. Morse and D. J. Thomas — Proclamation by General
Riley, calling for election on August 1, 1849, of delegates to general constitutional convention, and
choice of other officers (p. 89) — Meeting of July 5, 1849, and appointment of committee on organiza-
tion of precincts, apportionment of representation, and nomination of candidates — Results of the
election — Representation in constitutional convention — Election of November 12, 1849 — Provisions of,
and subsequent changes in. election law — First county officers, elected April 1, 1850 (p. 90) — The
Court of Sessions — County boards of supervisors provided for by legislature of 1852 — First board of
supervisors, elected June 14, 1852 — Civil business of county under control of Court of Sessions, Ma3f
1853-May, 1855 — Control of civil business reverts to board of supervisors, 1855 — Subsequent elec-
tions, and lists of officers elected — Government of city and county consolidated, and president of
board made separate office, 1858 (p. 91) — Subsequent elections, and officers elected — Legislature
divides city and county government, 1863 — Elections and officers — Date of elections changed to
November by legislature of 1882 (p. 92) — Elections and officers.
CHAPTER XIII
City .and County Elections 94
Account and results of first municipal election in Sacramento, April 1, 1850 — First meeting of
council-elect, April 4, 1850— Mayor Biglow and the flood of March, 1850 (p. 95) — Surveys made for
levee — Assessor's report on property values — Inflated valuations, foreclosures, bankruptcy — Sacra-
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memo City iiicorporatod by act of first legislature, February 17, 1850 — Boundaries of the c\Xy —
Further provisions of act of incorporation (p. 96) — Amendatory act of March 13, 1850 — Act of April
10. 1850, providing for port warden at port of Sacramento — New charter provided for Sacramento
City by act of second legislature, effective March 25, 1851 — Attitude of Governor McDougal — Pro-
visions of the act — Act of April 26, 1853, providing special tax for support of free common schools
and establishing board of trustees — Act of March 31, 1855, and fixing of salaries — Act of April 2,
1856, regulating the fire department — Consolidation of city and county; provisions of the act of
April 24, 1858. Reorganization and New Charter (p. 97) : Repeal of consolidation act and adoption
of new charter, April 25, 1863 — Provisions of new charter — Bills providing for paid fire department.
new water-works, and reorganization of police force, 1872. Mayors, Commissioners, and Council-
men: Hardin Biglow — Special election of December 14, 1850 — Subsequent elections for mayor, with
results — Elections for presidents of board of supervisors under consolidation act, with results, 1858-
1861 — Elections for mayor under charter of 1863, with results (p. 98) — Elections for mayor under,
charter of 1893, with results — New charter adopted in 1911, providing for city government by com-
mission— First commissioners — Succeeding annual elections for commissioners, with results — Election
of board of freeholders. May 20, 1920^New charter completed and filed with city clerk, September
13, 1920 — List of freeholders — Charter ratified by people and legislature — First election for council-
men under new charter, May 3, 1921, with results (p. 99). First meeting of council-elect in City
Hall, and choice of permanent chairman and city manager — The city manager as administrative head
of the city government; his salary, term of office, powers and duties — Sacramento a leader in adoption
of proportional representation in municipal elections, and the managerial form of municipal adminis-
tration— The proportional system of balloting.
CHAPTER XIV
City Officers 100
Officers prior to adoption of charter of 1850 — ^Mayors and other city officers (1850-1857) elected
under city charter — Presidents of the board and other city and county officers (1858-1862) elected
under the consolidation act of 1858 — Trustees and other city officers (1863-1893) elected under
charter of 1863 (p. 101) — Mayors, trustees and other city officers (1894-1912) elected under charter
of 1893 (p. 103) — Commissioners and other city officers (1912-1921) elected under charter of 1911
(p. 104) — City manager, councilmen and other city officials elected under present charter.
CHAPTER XV
S.ACRAMENTO CoUNTY SENATORS 105
Representation of Sacramento District in first legislature under constitution of 1849— Sacra-
mento County made twelfth senatorial district, April 4, 1850; representation — County made eleventh
senatorial district. May 1, 1851; representation — State reapportioned and county constituted six-
teenth senatorial district, May 18, 1861; representation — Apportionment of county under Political
Code of March 2, 1874 — Reapportionment of May 16, 1874; county becomes eighteenth senatorial
district — Reapportionment of March 8, 1883; counts^ made thirteenth senatorial district— Apportion-
ment of assembly districts in city and county. March 13, 1883— County senators. 1849-1923, their
terms of office, and brief account of their lives.
CHAPTER XVI
Sacramento County Assemblymen lOS
Representation of Sacramento District, and territory represented, prior to division of state into
counties. Chronological List of County Assemblymen (1849-1921), with Brief Account of Their
Lives, Including, among Others: P. B. Cornwall (1849-1850), pioneer of 1848, one of the founders
of the trading post at the Sutter Embarcadero— T. J. Henley (1849-1850), thrice 'congressman from
Indiana, pioneer of 1849, Presidential elector, postmaster in San Francisco, superintendent of Indian
affair.s— E. W. McKinstry (1849-1850), pioneer of 1849, judge of District Court, justice of Supreme
Court— John Bigler (1849-1850), pioneer of 1849, speaker of first assembly, twice governor. United
States minister to Chile— George B. Tingley (1849-1850) (p. 109), lawyer, formerly member of
Indiana legislature— Thomas John White (1849-1850), speaker of assembly, city councilman— Dr.
Charles Robinson (1851), implicated in Squatter Riot, afterwards twice governor of Kansas— J. Neely
Johnson (1853), district attorney, governor— Charles Crocker (1861)' (p. 110), one of the builders of
the Central Pacific Railroad-M. M. Estee (1863). district attorney, chairman national Republican
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convention. Presidential elector, United States district judge of Hawaiian Territory — Bruce B. Lee
(1867-1868) (p. Ill), prominent Mason— Isaac F. Freeman (1869-1870), pioneer of 1852, "Uncle
Isaac" — R. D. Stephens (1869-1870), pioneer of 1849, prominent viticulturist and horticulturist, delc-
g-ate to constitutional convention of 1879, postmaster of Sacramento — James N. Barton (1873-1874),
member of second constitutional convention — Thomas J. Clunie (1875-1876), lawyer, afterwards
state senator and congressman from San Francisco, delegate to national Democratic convention —
Grove L. Johnson (1877-1878) (p. 112), state senator— W. C, Van Fleet (1881). justice of the Supreme
Court, code commissioner, judge of LTnited States District Court — Hugh M. LaRue (1883), pioneer
of 1849. member of second constitutional convention, speaker of assembly, delegate to national Demo-
cratic convention, railroad commissioner — H. W. Carroll (1887), prominent Mason, lieutenant-colonel
and aide-de-camp on staff of Governors Stoneman and Bartlett — Judson C. Brusie (1891) (p. 113).
secretary of railroad commissioners, versatile writer — W. A. Anderson (1893), prominent attorney —
Hugh B. Bradford (1913), district attorney — J. M. Inman (1913), state senator.
CHAPTER XVII
Townships and Towns 114
Alabama Township: Established October 20, 1856 — Boundaries — Early settlers — First school —
Industries. American Township: Established July 30, 1851 — Boundaries — Formerly nearly all was
overflowed land — Early settlers. Brighton Township (p. 115): Established February 4, 1851 —
Boundaries — Town of Brighton, started in 1849 — Other towns — Early settlers. Center Township
(p. 116): Established in 1851 — Boundaries — Composed of Spanish grants — Attempt to get artesian
water on Norris Grant (p. 117) — Oak Grove House, and the Denver-Gilbert duel — First store started
at Antelope in 1877 — Arcade. Cosumnes Township: Established in 1856 — Towns included in its
boundaries — Much gold mined in early days — First ditch built in 1851 — Beginning of hydraulic min-
ing, 1858 — Early population of Michigan Bar — Other mining towns (p. 118) — Tragic death of Jared
Sheldon — Earl}- settlers — Industries (p. 119) — First school opened in 1853. Dry Creek Township:
Established in August, 1853 — Boundaries — Dr. Mclntyre settled in township in 1851 — Other early set-
tlers and stockmen — Grain-farming — Gait laid out in 1869 — Village schools, churches, lodges — "Uncle
Billy" Hicks, who came in 1847 (p. 120) — New colonies started in later years. Franklin Township:
Established October 20, 1856 — Very productive soil — Grain, vegetables, orchards, alfalfa, berries, etc.
— Joseph Sims, pioneer settler here in 1849 — Other early settlers — Towns and villages. Georgiana
Township: Established August 14, 1854 — Composed of the island section — Over 100 miles of levee —
Wonderful fruit and vegetable lands — Pierson Reclamation District (p. 121) — Description of the River
Islands. Lee Township: Established October 20, 1856 — Boundaries — First settlers, Daylor and
Sheldon — Brief account of their lives (p. 122) — Other settlers — Earlj^ instance of mob law (p. 123).
Mississippi Township (p. 124) : Established Februarj- 24, 1851 — Boundaries — Orangevale, Fairoaks,
and the Carmichael Colony — Gold found along the banks of the American River in 1849 — Early min-
ing and mining companies — Colonel Russ, of Russville (Ashland) (p. 125) — First water-power mill in
county, built by James Smith in 1851 — Granite quarries. Natoma Township: Established February
24, 1851 — Boundaries (p. 126) — Industries — Early settlers — Mormon miners — Early stage lines, hotels
and business enterprises — First ball in county given on Mormon Island in 1849 (p. 127). San
Joaquin Township: Established October 20, 1856 — Boundaries — Earliest settlers, Martin Murphy
Jr., and wife, in 1844 — Other early settlers — Elk Grove and other towns (p. 128); community enter-
prises, schools, churches, lodges. Sutter Township (p. 129) : Established in 1851 — Boundaries —
New suburban district of Sacramento City. Riverside Township: Established in 1909 — Now large-
ly included in citj' — Smith's Gardens — The Tivoli House, a pioneer resort (p. 130) — East Park.
Granite Township: Created October 20, 1856 — Boundaries — Land mostly mineral — Folsom the prin-
cipal city — Operations of the Natoma Water and Mining Company — The Natoma Vineyard — Mem-
ories of Folsom by Judge W. A. Anderson — The Folsom dam (p. 132) — Further history of Folsom —
Other towns (p. 133) — Origin of names (p. 134) — Townships reduced and renamed.
CHAPTER XVIII
NoT.ABLE Floods in Sacramento County 135
Efforts of aborigines to provide safety from floods — Flood of January, 1850 — Morse's account of
the flood— Hardin Biglow and the flood of March, 1850 (p. 136)— Flood of March 7, 1852— "Daily
LTnion's" account of the flood (p. 137) — Duration of flood — Preparations for construction of levees —
Levee break on American River, December 19, 1852 — Flood of January 1, 1853 — New Year calls
made by boat — Destruction in county heavy — Flood of March 28, 1861 (p. 138) — Flood of December
9, 1861 — The Howard Benevolent Societv's humane work of relief at the Pavilion — Estimated loss
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$1,500,000 (p. 139)— Flood of December 23, 1861— Flood of January 9, 1862— Work of rescue- and re-
lief— Fires in "Daily Union" office extinguished (p. 140) — Description of flood in "Daily Union" —
Relief sent from San Francisco and Folsoni (p. 141) — Break in levee at Rabcl's tannery and floods
of January 23 and February 24, 1862 — Measures adopted for protection from floods — The raising of
J and K Streets — The Lovdal break, February 1, 1878 — The Edwards break, February 26, 1904 — The
Levees: Detailed account of progress of levee protection since 1850.
CHAPTER XIX
Local j l'diciar\ and Attorneys : 14+
Influence of Bench and Bar of Sacramento on legal system of California — Government and
judicial organization under Mexican laws of 1837 — Act of March 16, 1850; judicial districts estab-
lished— Count}- Courts and Court of Sessions — Reorganization under present state constitution. Local
Judiciary: Judge James S. Thomas, judge of the Court of First Instance (1849); clerks of the
court — Judge Shannon (1849) ; organization of his court — Judge R. A. Wilson (1849) (p. 145); his
courts at Sacramento and Marysville — Stephen J. Field — Reorganization of judiciary under state con-
stitution. May 30, 1850 — The first district judges — Resignations from and successions to office from
1850 until the abolishment of the court under the constitution of 1879 — Later personal history of the
district judges. The Court of Sessions: Composition of court — Resignations and successions from
1850 to August 14, 1851 — List of subsequent judge; up to the abolishment of the court in 1862 — Judge
Clark, county judge until abolishment of County Court in 1879 — Subsequent personal history of judges
of Court of Sessions (p. 146). Superior Court of the County of Sacramento: Judges, elective and
appointive, 1879 to the present. Crudity of the courts in early days — Crimes punishable by death —
A novel civil case (p. 147). The County's Lawyers: Important place of the lawyer in society —
Brief mention of prominent representatives of the county Bar — Attorneys now practicing in Sacra-
mento (p. 151) — Attorneys now deceased (p. 152).
CHAPTER XX
Criminal Records 152
Comparative freedom from crime prior to 1850 — Influx of criminal element, and ineffective legal
restraint. Early Lynchings: Detailed account of the lynching of Frederick J. Roe — The lynching of
William H. Robinson (p. 154). Early Crimes and Hangings: Murder of John Carroll and triple
hanging near Sutter's Fort — The hanging of Ah Chung for the murder of Ah Let — Conviction and
hanging of Samuel Garrett for the murder of Amiel Bricknell — Brutal murder of Daniel C. Howe, and
execution of William S. Kelly — Execution of Peter Lundberg for the murder of John Peter Ritz —
The case of W^illiam Wells (p. ISS). Other Murders and Executions: Execution of Louis Kahl for
murder of Catherine Gerken — The case of William Williams — Trial and Execution of George Nelson
Symonds for the murder of B. F. Russell (p. 156) — Murder of Lieut. Webster Levergood and court
martial and hanging of Corporal Frank Hodson — The case of "Tip" McLaughlin — Execution of
"Charles Mortimer" for the murder of Marj- Gibson — Triple hanging of convicts for the murder of
John Cruse (p. 157) — Trial and defense of David Turley for murder under influence of liquor; con-
viction and execution — A murder mystery — Strange murder of A. M. Tullis — A tragedy and near-
lynching (p. 158) — Legal technicalities in the cases of Raten and Hurtado — Triple hanging for the
murder of John Lowell — The brutal murder of F. H. Weber — Tong war and murder in Chinatown
(p. 159) — More recent executions at Folsom — Brutal murder of Joseph Piraino. The jail-break at
Folsom Prison — Later desperate attempt at jail-break.
CHAPTER XXI
Government Offices 160
The Sacramento Postoffice: The barometer of city's growth and of the development of its en-
virons— Repeated enlargement of facilities — Grow-th of postal business commensurate with rapid ex-
tension of city's corporate limits and development of rural delivery — Comparison of volume of busi-
ness in 1913 and 1923 — Office force and substations — Present enlargement of postoffice and other
government offices in Federal Building. Federal Land Office (p. 161): Formerly three land offices,
at Marysville, Stockton and Sacramento — Land-office work now centralized in Sacramento — Present
registrar and receiver. United States Internal Revenue Oflice: Deputy revenue collector in charge
— Office of collector in San Francisco. LTnited States Weather Bureau: Sacramento station estab-
lished July 1, 1877 — Changes in location — Former officers in charge, and present incumbent — Liiprove-
ments under Observers Barw-ick, Scarr and Taylor — Territory observed — Observation stations in the
Sierra Nevada Mountains.
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CHAPTER XXII
California State Library ! 162
Established in 1851 by state legislature — Scattered books belonging to state placed in custody of
secretary of state — Purchase of law books, 1850 — Growth of the library — The Sutro Branch — Present
annual income — Present location — Ample facilities of new library unit of Capitol Extension build-
ings— Appointment of state librarian transferred from legislature to governor — Constructive work of
State Librarians J. L. Gillis and Milton J. Ferguson — Summary of departments — Work of department
devoted to California — Records, files and indexes — Work of the Department for the Blind — Organiza-
tion of and cooperation with county libraries (p. 163) — Annual County Librarians' Convention — Board
of Library Extensions.
CHAPTER XXIII
City Free Library 163
Early recognition of the need for a public library in Sacramento — Organization of the Sacramento
Library Association in 1857, and collection of a library — Erection of former library building in 1872 —
Oflfer of the property to the city in 1879, and its acceptance by popular vote, with assumption of
debt — Library rearranged and recatalogued, and thrown open to public with 6,067 volumes on its
shelves — Library's growth in size and usefulness — Leading citizens who have directed its afifairs —
Privileges extended to all residents of the county — Branch libraries established in various com-
munities— County contract with City Library terminated on establishment of free county library
service by supervisors in 1919 — Present size of library, and extent of its service — Control and super-
vision of Cit3' Library prior to 1921 — Control under new city charter — Librarians — New administra-
tion's plans for extension of Library's usefulness— The magnificent new Library Building (p. 164).
CHAPTER XXIV
E. B. Crocker Art Gallery, and Museum Association 164
Sacramento the possessor of one of the finest art collections in the United States — Nucleus of
the collection gathered b^' Judge E. B. and Mrs. Margaret E- Crocker during the Franco-Prussian
War — Cost of collection and gallery — Description of gallery and annex — The works of art (p. 165).
Story of the Gift of the Art Gallery to Sacramento City: Organization and aims of the California
Museum Association — Association's plans for the erection of a museum building — "Sacramento's Lady
Bountiful" — Account of the art loan exhibit at the Art Gallery in March, 1885 — Mrs. Crocker's gen-
erous oflfer of the property and art collection to the Museum Association — Execution of deed to city,
March 20, 1885 — The floral festival given in honor of Mrs. Crocker in May, 1885 — Transfer of the
keys of the Art Gallery to the mayor, and presentation of the beautiful oaken casket to the donor
(p. 166). The School of Design — Scholarships of the Ladies' Museum Association — Custody of state
mineral cabinet transferred to Museum Association; cabinet placed on display at the Art Gallery —
Presentation of the Agassiz Institute collection to the Museum Association — David Lubin's gift of
Italian statuary — Organization of the Ladies' Museum Association of Sacramento, and the second
loan exhibition — Trustees of the cabinet — Curator of the Art Gallerv.
CHAPTER XXV
Educational M-vfters 167
Sacramento abreast of the times in matters educational — Benton's account of the first educa-
tional ventures in Sacramento — Provisions of early school laws (p. 168) — Early public school adver-
tisement— Increase in attendance and opening of other schools — First city superintendent and board of
education elected by council — Teachers elected — First common schoolhouse erected (p. 169) — Report
on accommodations and attendance, 1855 — Authority to elect the board taken from the couucil and
given to the people by legislative act, 1855 — First election by people, and results — Orgam'zation of
board and election of teachers — Superintendent's report — Superintendent and board of commissioners.
1856 — First appropriation for colored school — Superintendent's report — Superintendent and board.
1857 — Building of the Franklin Grammar School — School directors, 1858, .appointed under consolida-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
lion act — Board of education as orKanized October 4, 1858 — Erection of Washington schoolhoiiMj
Subsequent boards, improvements, in school system, and reports of attendance, receipts and disburse-
ments, 1859-1880— Boards of education, 1880-1911 (p. 172)— Superintendents since 1880 (p. 173) —
City board of education under charter of 1911 — The new city board of education, appointed under 1921
council — The High School — Colored pupils (p. 174) — Other matters — School districts Cp. 175) — Sac-
ramento Business College.
CHAPTER XXVI
Pri£ss of the County '. 176
"Monterey Californian," the first newspaper published in California — First issue printed in 1846
on paper used for tobacco wrappers — "California Star," first issued in San Francisco, January 9, 1847
— The two papers consolidated in 1848 under the title "Star and Californian" — "Alta Californian,"
first issue January 1, 1849— "Journal of Commerce" (p. 177) — "Pacific News," the first tri-weekly pub-
lished in California — "Placer Times," first issue April 28. 1849, at Sutter's Fort — Unruled foolscap used
as printing paper — "Sacramento Transcript"; tri-weekly, and monthly steamer edition — "Transcript's"
salutatory — Crude expedients of the early printers— "Times and Transcript," consolidation and en-
largement, June, 1851 (p. 178) — Squatter Association's paper, "Settlers" and Miners' Tribune" —
Launching of the "Sacramento Daily Union" — Subsequent history of the "Union" — "Democratic State
Journal" (p. 179) — "California Statesman" (p. 180) — "California Farmer and Journal of Useful
Science" — "Illustrated Historical Sketches of California" — "Pacific Recorder" — "State Tribune" —
"California American" — "Water Fount and Home Journal" (p. 181) — "Spirit of the Age" — "Daily
Evening Times" — "City Item" — "Daily Times" — "Chinese News" — "Temperance Mirror" — "Daily
Morning Bee": History of changes in its make-up and management; its influential standing and mod-
ern equipment — "Star of the Pacific" — "Daily State Sentinel" — "Covenant and Odd Fellows' Maga-
zine"— "Temperance Register" (p. 182) — "Phoenix" and "Watch Dog" — "Sacramento Visitor" — "Sac-
ramento Mercury" — "Baptist Circular — "Daily Register" — "Daily Democratic Standard" — "Daily
Morning News" — "Evening Post" — "The Rescue" — "Evening Star" — "California Republican" (p.
183) — "California Express" — "Sacramento Daily Record" and "Record-Union" — "Expositor" — "The
Young American" — Other weekly papers — "Dramatic Chronicle" — "Traveler's Guide" and "Railroad
Gazetteer" — "State Capital Reporter" — "Locomotive" (p. 184) — "Sacramento Journal" — "Valley World"
— "Evening News" — "Sacramento Valley Agriculturist" — "Occidental Star" — "Winning Way" — "Com-
mon Sense" — "Mercantile Globe" — "California Teacher" — "State Fair Gazette" — "Evening Herald" —
"Enterprise" (p. 185) — "Seminary Budget" — "Business College Journal" — "Sunday Leader": History
and present management — "Sunday Capital" — "Occidental Medical Times": History and inanage-
ment — "Daily Evening Journal" — "Nord California Herold": History and influence — "Themis" —
"Folsom Telegraph": History and management — "Fairoaks Citizen" and "Elk Grove Citizen" (p.
186) — "Gait Gazette" — "Daily Evening News" — "Sunday News" and News Publishing Company —
"Sacramento Star": Management and history.
CHAPTER XXVn
Churches of Sacramento 187
First church organization in Sacramento — Grace Protestant Episcopal Church of Sacramento —
New Parish of St. Paul's (p. 188)— Christ Church, Episcopal, of Oak Park— St. Rose's Church-
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament (p. 189) — Christian Brothers' College — St. Joseph's Academy —
Parish of the Order of St. Francis of Assisi (p. 190) : Present church of St. Francis of Assisi — The
First Church of Christ in Sacramento (Congregational) — First Christian Church of Sacramento —
Westminster Presbyterian Church (p. 191) — Fremont Park Presbyterian Church. The First Metho-
dist Episcopal Church: "Sixth Street Methodist Church" — University of the Pacific — Seventh Street
Methodist Church (p. 192) — Baltimore California Chapel — Present church on Sixth Street — "American
Center." Central Methodist Episcopal Church — German Methodist Church (p. 193) — St. Andrew's
Church, African Methodist Episcopal — The Methodist Episcopal Church South (p. 194) — German
Evangehcal Lutheran Church — First Church of Christ, Scientist — Christian Church, or Disciples of
Christ (p. 195) — Calvary Baptist Church — First Baptist Church — Siloam Baptist Church (Colored) —
Seventh-Day Advcntist Church of Sacramento (p. 196) — Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Lat-
ter-Day Saints — First Lhiitarian Church — Congregation B'nai Israel — Ebenezer Church, Evangelical
Association (German) — United Brethren in Christ.
^
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER XXVIII
Fraternal Organizations 197
Inception of Masonry in Cailfornia: Masonry well represented among the early pioneers — Peter
Lassen, the first Masonic missionary — Charter granted for Western Star Lodge No. 98, May 10, 1848
— Masonic lodge instituted at Oregon City September 11, 1848 — Charter for California Lodge No. 13
granted November 9, 1848 (p. 198) — Connecticut Lodge No. 75 granted charter, January 31, 1849; af-
terwards becomes Tehama Lodge No. 3 — Pacific Lodge, U. D., granted traveling charter, June 5.
1849; afterwards becomes Benicia Lodge — Account of the founding of early lodges — Organization of
the Grand Lodge of California, April 19, 1850 (p. 199). The Masonic Temple (p. 200)— Masonic
Lodges — Organization of Capital City Lodge, Sacramento, October 16, 1921 (p. 201) — Royal Arch
Masons — Royal and Select Masters — Knights Templar — Scottish Rite — Women's orders in Masonry
— Freemasonry among the colored (p. 202) — Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs —
Knights of Pythias (p. 204) — Independent Order of Red Men — Ancient Order of United Workmen (p.
205) — United Ancient Order of Druids — Native Sons and Native Daughters of the Golden West —
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks — Other Orders.
CHAPTER XXIX
Associations .\nd Clubs : 207
Sacramento Pioneers: Organization of the association in 1854 — Charter members — Present offi-
cers— Sons and Daughters of the Sacramento Society of California Pioneers — New organization with
a new constitution (p. 208) — Sons and Daughters members of the Association of Pioneers — Complete
list of the presidents of the society with the respective dates of their terms of service — Pioneer Hall —
Museum of relics of the early days. The Sutter Club: Leading organization of its kind in Sacra-
mento— First president of the organization — Club incorporated February 2, 1889 — Officers and direct-
ors. The Tuesday Club: One of prominent organizations of Sacramento — Strong and beneficial in-
fluence on the progress of city — Organized in 1896 — First president — Present membership — Recog-
nized as a center of social and mental culture — Work of a philanthropic nature taken up (p. 209) — Mc-
Kinley Park — Traveling libraries — Tuesday Club House Association — Club's president. The Satur-
day Club: Musical life of Sacramento represented by the Saturday Club — Growth of membership —
Present president of club — Student class — Limited number of men admitted to associate member-
ship, and Men's Auxiliary formed (p. 210) — Study course for members — Famous artists of the world
who have appeared under the patronage of the club — Artist Recitals — Recognized as one of the lead-
ing musical organizations of the country — Workers who have given long and active service. Young
Men's Christian Association: Organized on October 3, 1866 (p. 211) — New building — General Sec-
retary. Young Women's Christian Association: First organization of its kind in California — First
officers — Present officers — Board of directors — Boarding-homes for girls — Room registry file — Bunga-
low club house — Secretaries — Travelers' aid and emergency department. California State Fair:
First annual state fair, 1854 — Incorporation and appropriation for support (p. 212) — Stock grounds —
Race track and pavilions — New grounds of the society — Importance of society's work — Officers (p.
213). Sacramento Valley Development Association: Formally organized January 15 and 16, 1900 —
Sacramento Valley Irrigation Convention — Educational campaign in Sacramento Valley — Establish-
ment of funds — Recognized as one of the largest factors of public improvement on the Pacific Coast —
Officers of the association (p. 214) — Territory embraced in the organization. Chamber of Commerce:
A live, throbbing, influential commercial organization — Campaigns of 1919 for clear water and more
schools — Awakened public spirit of Sacramento — The new $85,000 home on Seventh Street — Officers
and directors in office during 1921 — Present (1922) officers of the Chamber.
CHAPTER XXX
Hospitals and Charitable Institutions 215
The suffering in 1849 and 1850 — Dr. Morse's account — Early hospitals (p. 216) — County hospital —
County physicians (p. 217) — White Hospital — Southern Pacific Hospital — Protestant Orphan
Asylum — The Marguerite Home (p. 218) — Other hospitals — Mater Misericordiae Hospital (p. 219)
— Igo-Flitcroft Hospital — Home of the Merciful Savior — Other benevolent institutions. Cemeteries
(p. 220) : The New Helvetia Cemetery — Old cemetery property transformed into an open park —
The City Cemetery — The Hebrew Cemetery — St. Joseph's Cemetery — East Lawn Cemetery — Odd
Fellows' Lawn Cemetery — Masonic Lawn Cemetery.
TABLE Ol' CONTENTS
CHAPTER XXXI
County Red Cross Chapter .221
The count}' Red Cross chapter an outgrowth of the World War — Organization of the chapter —
Excellent work of the Home Service Section of the Civilian Relief Department — The Production
Committee's work — Relief work of the Canteen Service — ^Director and commandant of the Canteen
Service — Contribution to the relief fund — -Valuable service of the Motor Corps of the Red Cross
during the influenza epidemics — Cooperation of branch chapters — American Peace Time Program
and Public Health Service Committee — Present activities; Soldiers' claims, employment and reha-
bilitation— Present organization of executive board. Roll of nurses from Sacramento County, with
home addresses — Overseas nurses; nurses who made the supreme sacrifice "over there" — Enrolled
Red Cross nurses — Home Defense nurses (p. 222').
CHAPTER XXXll
S.ACR.AMENTO CoUNTY War WoRK 222
The county's liberal contribution, in dollars and man-power, to the government's program in the
World War — Success of the Liberty Bond drives — Response to the call to arms — Sacramento's sub-
scription fund for war work — General participation in patriotic war work, in all sections of the
county — Comparatively large number of those who enlisted in their country's service and took part in
the great conflict. Honor-roll of those from Sacramento County who made the supreme sacrifice:
From the United States Army (p. 223) — From the United States Navy — From the Lfnited States
Marine Corps.
CHAPTER XXXni
County Military Org.^xization 223
State militia organized April 10, 1850 — First major-generals — Changes in military divisions and
districts — Brigadier-generals; resignations and successions — The 4th Regiment of Infantry, N. G. C.
(p. 224) — Volunteer companies — Troop B, Cavalry; detailed account of organization and changes (p.
226) — The 2nd Regiment of Infantry, N. G. C. — Companies E and G, Infantry. Grand Army of the
Republic and Ladies of the Grand Army; Sumner Post, No. 3 — Warren Post, No. S4 — Fair Oaks
Post, No. 120 (p. 227)— Sumner Relief Corps, No. 11— Fair Oaks Relief Corps— Clara Barton Circle,
No. 11, Ladies of the G. A. R. Spanish War Veterans: J. Holland Laidler Camp, No. 5; charter
members and first officers — Admiral Robley D. Evans Camp, No. 33; charter members and first
officers — Cynthia E. Moore Auxiliary, United Spanish War Veterans; first officers. The American
Legion (p. 228) : American Legion, Post No. 61 ; charter members and present officers.
CHAPTER XXXIV
Sacramento Fire Department.., — - 228
First Organization and Early Fires: First fire department in Sacramento organized in 1850 —
First fire of any considerable extent — Greatest fire of the early days, November 2, 1852 — The second
general conflagration — The fire of July 3, 1855 (p. 229) — Burning of the Capital Woolen Mills — Burn-
ing of the Western Hotel. The most disastrous conflagration of later years; destruction of the fine
department store of Weinstock, Lubin & Company — Other serious fires of recent 3'ears. Early Fire
Companies: Mutual Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1 — Alert Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2 —
Confidence Engine Company, No. 1 — Protection Engine "Company, No. 2 — Sacramento Engine Com-
pany, No. 3 — Eureka Engine Company, No. 4 (p. 230) — Knickerbocker Engine Company, No. 5 — ■
Young America, No. 6 — Tehama Hose Company, No. 1 — Neptune Hose Company — Broderick En-
gine Company, No. 7. The fire fighters of the old volunteer days — Chief engineers of volunteer fire
department — Rivalry' of the companies. Exempt Firemen (p. 231): First Exempt Firemen's Associar
tion organized August 14, 1865 — The new association formed in 1872 — Last president of the Exempts.
Paid Fire Department: Estabhshed April 1, 1872— The first commissioner,s — Detailed account of or-
ganization, companies, and equipment — Two-platoon system adopted (p. 232) — Annual appropriations
for the cit3''s fire department since 1913 — Chief engineers of paid fire department (p. 233).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER XXXV
Public Utilities 233
Gas Works: William Glenn and the Sacramento Gas Company — Initial step in constructing the
gas works taken October 20, 1854 — City lighted with gas for the first time on the evening of Decem-
ber 17, 1855 — Citizens' Gas Light Company of Sacramento (p. 234) — Pacific Pneumatic Gas Com-
pany— Citizens' Gas, Light and Heat Company — Sacramento Gas Company and the Citizens' Gas,
Light and Heat Compan}' consolidated under name of Capital Gas Company — Daily output and sell-
ing price — New 500.000 cubic foot gas-holder constructed in 1908 — Capital Gas Company combined
with the Thompson-Houston Electric Light Company — Sacramento Electric Gas and Railway Com-
pany— California Gas and Electric Company — Improvements in methods — Price reduced — Pacific
Gas and Electric system. Water-works (p. 235) r First plant in Sacramento — Construction of a
system of water-works — First superintendent — Growth of the system — Complaints of scanty supply of
water — Analysis of water taken from the Sacramento River — Water-works of 1873 (p. 236) — $1,800,-
000 bond issue voted, June 28, 1919 — $900,000 additional bonds — The new and modern filtration plant
and water-works system. The Telephone: The Sunset Telephone Company' — Account of the devel-
opment of the system — The Capital Telephone and Telegraph Company — Competition and rates (p.
237) — A natural monopoly — The Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company — The Sacramento ex-
change— Division headquarters and officials.
CHAPTER XXXVI
The Coming of the R.ailro.^ds 237
The building of the Central Pacific: Sacramento Valley Railroad — Early agitation for building
of a railroad across the plains — First effort made in California for the building of an overland railroad
— Auburn and Nevada Railroad Company — Prosecution of the undertaking abandoned — Congressional
act providing for a survey (p. 238) — Report submitted to congress and published — Theodore D.
Judah's trial surve^-s over the Sierra Nevadas — His further activities — Railroad convention in San
Francisco, September 20, 1859 — Mr. Judah's efforts to secure congressional support — Further sur-
veys— Failure to interest San Francisco capital — Meeting of the business men of Sacramento — Or-
ganization of company perfected and articles of incorporation filed with the secretary of state, June
28, 1861 — Officers elected (p. 239) — The difficulties encountered — Provisions of the bill passed by
congress in July, 1862 (p. 240) — State aid — Stock subscriptions — A schedule for trains going east —
The celebration, on inception of the work of construction (p. 241) — Equipment ordered — Stock sub-
scriptions and issue of bonds— Right of way into city of Sacramento granted — Progress of the work —
Engineering work under S. S. Montague (p. 242) — Further measures of Federal aid — Improved finan-
cial status of the company (p. 243) — The driving of the last spike. Brief Account of Other Railroads:
Western Pacific Railroad Company — San Joaquin Valley Railroad — California and Oregon Rialroad
— California Pacific Railroad Company — Rivalry of Central Pacific and California Pacific Railroads
(p. 244) — Western Pacific as a transcontinental railroad — The Western Pacific shops — Sacramento
Valley Railroad, the first railroad constructed in California — California Central Railroad (p. 245)
(Oregon Division of the Southern Pacific) — Sacramento, Placer and Nevada Railroad — Placerville
and Sacramento Valley Railroad — The Amador branch — The Freeport road — Sacramento Southern
Railroad — Southern Pacific Railroad Company of California (p. 246) — Southern Pacific Branch Com-
pany— Northern Railway Company — San Pablo and Tulare Railroad Company — Southern Pacific
> Company of Kentucky — The Southern Pacific system of pensions — The Southern Pacific shops at
Sacramento — Electric railroads (p. 247). The great railroad strike (p. 248) — Reminiscences of the
railroads (p. 255).
CHAPTER XXXVII
Commerce and Navigation 257
Richest cargoes in the United States carried on the waters of the Sacramento River — Value of
tonnage transported — Increase in the percentage of tonnage transported — Yearly value of the traffic —
Comparative data — Average tonnage, past two years — Products shipped — Russians first to navigate
the river (p. 258) — Agency of the Hudson Bay Company — ^Russian schooner — The rush for gold —
The schooner "Providence," 1849 — "Eliodora," purchased bj' Sam Brannan — "Joven Guipuzcoana,"
a Peruvian vessel — "McKim" and "Senator" — Trip of the bark "Whiton" — The "Little Sitka," first
steamboat on bay or river — The "Sacramento," first boat advertising for regular runs on the river —
"Mint," first boat to make successful regular trips with passenger and freight to and from San Fran-
TABLE OF CONTENTS
cisco, beginning in October, 1849 (p. 259) — Steamer "Washington" first to ascend to mouth of Feath-
er River — The "Aetna" — The "Jack Hays" — Steamboat "Linda" among the first to make the run be-
tween here and Yuba City, in the fall of 1849 — The steamer "New World" — Water craft in operation
in 1850 — California Steam Navigation Company — The "Chrysopolis" — Steamers operating on river
and tributaries in 1867 — Central Pacific and Southern Pacific on the river — "Navajo" and "Seminole"
— Mail boats leaving for San Francisco: The "Apache" and the "Navajo" — Sacramento Wood Com-
pany— Sacramento Transportation Company — Firm of Miller and Eaton (p. 260) — Steamers and
barges on the upper Sacramento in the grain-carrying business — Messrs. D. E. Knight, N. D. Rideout
and W. T. Ellis — Weekly freighting between Marysvillc and San Francisco — California Transporta-
tion Company — The steamer "Reform" — Transportation of fruits, vegetables and perishable products
— Freight and passenger service between Sacramento and San Francisco — "Chin-Du-Wan" and "S. M.
Whipple" — The Farmers' Transportation Company — Other vessels operating on the river — Immense
amount of produce transported on the river — Casualties on the rivers and bay — -Tragedy of the
steamer "Belle" (p. 261) — Early-day competition on the river (p. 262) — Yolo Bridges.
CHAPTER XXXVIII
Banks and Bankers 263
Rank and influence of Sacramento's banks in financial world — Aggregate deposits of the banks of
Sacramento, as of September 6, 1921 — Deposits of chief banks, severally. History of the Banks: Na-
tional Bank of D. O. Mills & Company — Other banks and bankers of the very early days (p. 264) —
Sacramento-San Joaquin Bank — Capital Savings Bank (p. 265) — Odd Fellows Savings Bank — Dime
Savings Bank — People's Savings Bank — Banks and their resources in 1881 — California National. Bank
— Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank (p. 266) — Capital National Bank — Sacramento Valley Trust
Company — Fort Sutter National Bank — Merchants National Bank (p. 267) — Bank of Italy. Sacra-
mento Clearing House: Annual volume of business from date of organization to the present.
CHAPTER XXXIX
First Things 269
First mail brought to Sacramento — First directory of Sacramento City — First ship used in Cali-
fornia as prison brig — First house in Sutterville — First store in Sacramento — First projected rival of
Sacramento — First census taken in the state — The "Dice me Nana" — First paper published in Sacra-
mento— First public reception and grand ball — First railroad built in California (p. 270) — First man
hung in Sacramento — First steamboat explosion — First steamer to enter port of San Francisco — First
agricultural association in the state — First case of smallpox — First steamboat to Sacramento — First
military organization in Sacramento — First frame house — First brick house built in Sacramento — First
mail for Salt Lake — First fire department — First street cars in Sacramento — First Thanksgiving daj^
ever observed in California — First mass-meeting of Republicans in California (p. 271) — First Repub-
lican state convention in the state — First child born of white parents in California — First school in
Sacramento County outside of the city — First ball held in Sacramento County by white settlers — First
courthouse erected in Sacramento — First criminal trial in Sacramento — First survey of plat of Sacra-
mento (p. 272) — First city government in Sacramento — First county superintendent of common
schools elected by the people in Sacramento — First cement sidewalks in Sacramento — Sacramento the
.first city in California to adopt the system of proportional representation in municipal voting.
INDEX OF NAMES
(Numbers refer to pages.)
A
Adams, Harvey 0 984
Affleck, Augustus James 895
Ahl, Frank Z. 768
Albertini, Aurelio 972
Alderson, Elbert F. 767
Allen, George Edward 543
Amacker, Casper G. 967
Amaro, Frank G. 910
Anderson, Hon. Alden 300
Anderson, Andrew N. 850
Anderson, John L. 752
Anderson, Neil Christian 850
Anderson, Ole 663
Anderson, Osmer W. 380
Anderson, Walter C. 635
Annereau, Edward A. 988
Anspach, Tim 957
Aram, Eugene 368
Arlin, Raymond C 873
Armstrong, Jefferson 462
Armstrong, Thomas H. SSS
Armstrong, William 462
Arnold, Isaac 930
Arnold, John Henry 779
Augustine, John 976
Augustine, Louis 974
Await, Fred Ellsworth 689
Azevedo, Rev. J. V. 878
B
Baak, Otto 957
Bachelor, Benson F. 751
Backer, Henry 841
Baird, Harry S. 987
Baker, Alfred W. 901
Baker, William C. 992
Baldocchi, Giuseppe 1002
Ballard, Mitchell J. 522
Barquist, Alexander 914
Barsetti, Gottardo 929
Bartell, Henry William 907
Bartlam, Rev. Ernest Storer... 980
Barton, Louis Gove 493
Bateman, Norman H. 891
Bates, Benjamin 526
Bates, Frank B 526
Bauer, August 982
Bauer, Gus A. 982
Bauer, John J. 1000
Beard, C. R. 995
Beard, Clarence William 995
Beattie, Hugh, M. D. 290
Beauville, Mrs. May A. 336
Becker, Albert H. 918
Bcdeau, Grover W. 954
Beebe, Joseph 952
Belcher, John Cleveland 838
Beleney, George, Jr. 735
Beleney, George, Sr 735
Bender, Peter Francis 540
Benjamin, Arthur 643
Bennett, Wilson D. 681
Bernardis, Paul Lee 916
Bernay, Mrs. Helen Greene... 452
Berry, Robert 810
Bertolucci, Guido A. 710
Bessey, William D. 941
Betschart, Edwin 818
Bianchi, Joseph 1003
Bills, Hon. Charles B 297
Bird, John M. 940
Blake, C. T. 905
Blasch, William Fred 833
Blauth, Julius 962
Blocher, Michael 659
Bloom, Andrew C, Sr 841
Bloom, Andrew Corblv 841
Bloom, W. H. H. 841
Blue, George B. 919
Bogardus, J. P 758
Bogle, Mrs. Anna A. 932
Bolton, Curtis A. 391
Borba, Joseph Martinez 583
Bottimore, William W. 316
Bottorff, George W 818
Botzbach, William 736
Bovyer, Stephen Frederick-... 902
Bowen, J. M 898
Bowen, James E. 898
Boyd, Abraham Lincoln 926
Boylan, Patrick Matthew 893
Bradford, Mrs. Birdie Ruby... 346
Bradford, Eugene 472
Bradford, George 340
Bradford, George Bruce 345
Bradford, James Bascom 340
Bradford, Mrs. Mary Belle 3t'7
Bradford, Mary F. (Bruce) 340
Bradford, Perley K. 352
Bradford, Sarah G. 340
Bradford, Gov. William 345
Bradford, Wilham Barton 340
Bradley, Allan Cormack 441
Bradley, Henr5' John 44!
Bradley, William H. 441
Brand, George S. 891
Brand, Wilbur F. 891
Breech, James W. 747
Brennan, Martin J. 973
Breslan, John J. 971
Brier, Bingham C. 758
Brier, Edson D. 970
Brier, George 758
Brill, William Cass 909
Bristol, William E. 908
Brock, G. A. 703
Broder, Raymond E. 621
Brosig, William Lee 858
Brosius, Fred C. 441
Brown, Alexander 306
Brown, Henry H 699
Brown, John Quincy 408
Brown, Oscar F 779
Brown, Pona 821
Brown, Roy H. 741
Brown, Theodore Edward 577
Brown, Vanness A. 821
Brugler, Herbert 995
Bryan, Geo. E. 493
Buchanan, Percy E 922
Buckley, Joseph M. 534
Bunnell. Charles E. 509
Burns, Mark L. 517
Burr, Allyn, L. 917
Bushart, Joseph 625
Butler, Arthur Wood 1000
Butler, Drury De Wolf 499
Butler, Richard T. 334
Butler, Wilham Thomas 861
Byrne. J. Francis 896
C
Cain, Thomas E. 936
Calder, George J 935
Callaway, Mrs. Nellie 533
Callnon, John W., M. D. 975
Camp, Edgar J. 956
.Campbell, John 699
Cantrell, Clinton Henley 748
Capital Candy & Cracker Co.. 997
Carithers, Ernest 907
Carli, Peter 960
Carmassi. Guglielmo G. 943
Carmichael, Daniel W. 813
Carpenter, N. Tracy 926
Carr, Seymour 317
Carr, Walter C. 589
Carr, Wilham D. 322
Carrick, Charles W. 485
Carroll, Jeremiah 423
Carstensen, Rasmus 809
Carter, James Monroe 805
Gary, Una W. 758
Case, Walter W. 885
Caselli, Ansono 869
Caselli, Vinccnzo 948
Cassic, TaiTies W. 912
INDKX Ol'" NAMES
Cavitt, G. W. 336
Cazau, Mrs. Lina 894
Cccchettini, Orozio 947
Chadwick, Leslie D. 904
Clialmcrs, Charles S. 780
Chapman, Almon 544
Chapman, Mrs. Amelia M 544
Chapman, L. H. 918
Chappell, Ernest B. 979
Charles. Harry G. 568
Charlevillc, Frederick 895
Charleville, Robert F. 895
Chatterton. Charles H. 866
Chorich, Peter S. 649
Christesen, Louis 695
Christian Brothers College 928
Cifuentes, Fernando Gregory.. 895
Cifuentes, Gregory 961
Cifuentes, Marshall 961
Clark, Elic L. 908
Clarke. Albert E. 970
Clifford, Reginald George 889
Clifford, Christopher 794
Clifford, William James 794
Clifton, A. W. 763
Clifton, Thomas K. 999
Clunie, Thomas Jefferson 275
Cohn. John Philip Charles 293
Colby. Rcxford G. 911
Comstock, WiUiam H. 924
Connelly, John R. 971
Conner, Fred E. 424
Conner, Robert L. 366
Conway, John A. 899
Coons, Frank M. 361
Coons, George W. 361
Cordano, Deo 866
Corum, Erwin A. 767
Coughlin, Ray T. 877
Court, Ernest A. 874
Cox, James W. 949
Coyle, Edward F 285
Coyle, Frank James 747
Coyle, Thomas Edward 784
Crawford, Edward S 892
Cross, Samuel W. 783
Crouch, Eugene A. 793
Cruikshanks, Andrew 939
Cruinp, J. C 964
Cummins, John H. 678
Cunningham, Clarence B. 604
Curtis, William Albert 275
D
Dailey, William H. ..919
Dale, John Franklin 578
Dalton, Donald Coy 788
Dalton, Edward F 788
Daniels, Harvey S. 571
Dathe, Frederick R. 935
David, Thomas H. 963
Davis, Charles K 391
Davis, David L. 304
Davis, Hugh 391
Davis, Thomas N. 333
Dean, Charles F. 518
Dean, James S. 568
de Back, William 954
De Coe, Darold D 577
Dee, John 853
Denton, Harry G. 962
Derr, Jesse M. 709
de Saules, Corning 787
Desmond, Felix 954
Dcterding, Mrs. Mary A. 324
Dewc}-, Harry 625
Dicks, F'ranz 654
Dixon, Harold ,. 990
Dobbins, George Centennial... 503
Dobbins, James 503
Dohrmann, Charles W 475
Dolan, Capt. Bernard Joseph.. 889
Donahue, John 323
Donahue, John F. 990
Donovan, Mrs. Sarah E. 489
Douglas, William 736
Dowdin, Samuel, Jr. 890
Dowdin, Samuel, Sr. 890
Downing, William Everts 914
Doyle, Melville F. 904
Dreher, William 869
Driver, Charles A. 934
Driver, Philip S 276
Dudlej', Arthur Serviss 383
Dudley, Carroll Ogden 924
Duensing, Henr5' George 870
Duffy, John B. 631
Duggan, John Joseph 517
Dundas, Captain Robert H.... 806
Dunphy, Michael James 420
Dunwoody, Bentley J. 747
Durbin, Madison L 556
Durbin, Russell 911
Dutton, George Edward 968
Dutton, William B 968
Dwyer, Capt. Thomas 603
Dwyer, William P. 603
Dye, Sperry W. 567
E
Earle, Otis Robert 862
Ebel, Mark Hopkins 714
Eddy, Edward Lyman 933
Edgar, Mrs. Blanche O 534
Ehrhardt, Henry L. .328
Ehrhardt, John 404
Elliott, Andrew 767
Elliott, Arthur Willis 767
Elliott, W. L 989
Ellis, Rev. Father John Henry 503
Ellis, Rev. Father Wm. Francis 500
Ennis. Scott F. 718
Enos, Mallory E. 713
Erickson, A. E. 958
Erickson, Theodore 722
Erickson, Theodore B 980
Eskridgc, Alexander W. 689
Eskridge, Elizabeth A. 695
Eskridge, Leonard W 689
Ewing, Dr. G. V 327
F
Fairbairn, James H 316
Fairbairn, John T 315
Fair Oaks Fruit Company 599
Farrell, Thomas Anthony 893
Farrell, Vitold Charles 984
Fassett, Charles Henry 950
Fassett, L. H. 764
Fassett, Truman Lewis 764
Fawcett, Fred Gier 596
Feil, Fred 622
Ferguson, William George-... 685
Fernandez, Manuel 994
Feusi, Joseph 983
Ficetti, Louis 881
Files, Walter Oglesby 940
Finnigan, Henry 616
Finnigan, James 616
Fleischbein, Louis 955
Fleming, Edward 938
Flynn, John K. 303
Foote, Claude Eugene 963
Forrest, Sterling P.. Jr. 889
Foster, James 735
Francis, G. H. L 398
Francis, Jerome Nicholas 595
Francis, Joseph A. 398
Frates, Manuel A. 952
Fratt, Cornelia E 285
Fratt, Francis Wilham 280
Frederick, Harley W. 757
Frederick, Harley W., Sr. 757
Fredericks, Charles J. 365
Fredericks, Mrs. Millie 365
Freeman, Abraham Clark 392
Freeman, Mrs. Josephine B.-.. 397
Frei, Henry 894
Frey, Fred J 794
Frey, Henry 826
Frey, John N. 826
Frye, Eugene Hough 773
Frye, William H. 773
Freyer, Mrs. Mary 897
Fuller, Frank M. 741
Fulton. Eric E. 525
Funk, William H. (Bill) 990
G
Gaddi, Carlo 946
Gaddis, Byron Elmer 985
Gaffney, James Francis 615
Gafney, Frank Lawrence 552
Gammon, Ernest Albert 407
Gannon, Chester F. 938
Garden, William J. 885
Gardiner, Ida Pool 572
Gardiner, John Wilbur 572
Gardiner, Lester Pool 784
Gardiner, Philip Hogate 577
Garibaldi, John 946
Gatejcn. Paul 801
INDEX O:- NAMES
Gates, Messinger E. 806
Gelling, H. J. E. 686
George, Arthur 944
Germain, Peter B. 317
Giannetti, Mrs. Severina 830
Gibbs, Charles E., Jr. 521
Gibson, Beverly 923
Gibson, James A. 783
Gibson, William H. 834
Gillenwater, Grant Franklin... 626
Gilmore, Charles Lee 9i7
Giorgi, Roger 383
Girolami, Mrs. Lucinda 80S
Giusti, Mrs. Margarita 985
Glenn, William H. H 718
Gomez, Tony 983
Gonzales, Martin 833
Gonzales, Peter Benjamin 584
Goodrich, H. F. 779
Goodrich, Ole O. 365
Gorman, James E. 806
Gould, John D. 763
Gould, Mrs. Jennie 763
Gould, Josiah 763
Gould, Lucius F. 955
Gould, Newton T. 367
Gould, Raymond D. 854
Gradon, H. D. 539
Grandlees, John DriscoU 461
Gray, Frank E 589
Green, Henry 987
Green, Mrs. Mary J. 419
Green, Samuel W. 968
. Green, William R. 899
Greene, Bessie Byrd 452
Greene, Fred Elmer 452
Greene, George Albert 459
Greene, George B. 442
Greene, Josiah B. 442
Greene, Lester Downing 447
Greene, Sylvester 447
Greenhalgh, Theodore 427
Gregor, Ludwig 748
Griffith, James 544
Grimshaw, Walter Scott 375
Grosch, Charles G. 885
Guisto, John Alexander. ....... 794
Gum, Charles A. 946
Gummere, William O. 961
Gunn, Robert Forsythe 842
Gustafson, Alfred 991
Gwerder, Joseph 999
H
Hack, George 609
Hack, George W. 609
Hack, Mary 609
Hack, Nathan D. 609
Hagel, John 509
Hagel, John E. 509
Hall, George Joyce, M. D. 788
Hall, Lawrence S. 854
Hallander, August 992
Halvcrson. Louis 713
Hamilton, Ivan Knox 672
Hamilton, James 672
Hamilton, Neils R. 672
Handlin, Joseph J. 924
Handlin, Louis F. 924
Hanley, Henry A. 965
Hanlon, George J. 801
Hanlon, John 801
Hannum, Charles H. 636
Hanson, Levi O. 695
Harber, Clinton E. 783
Harder, Conrad K. 717
Harnej', Major Patrick J. 277
Harris, Fred J. 903
Harris, Thomas J. 981
Harrison, Frederick S. 967
Hart, Edward T. 721
Hartig, Oscar G. 682
Hartin, John Henry 955
Hartin, Walter Scott 955
Hastings, James M. 667
Hateley, Thomas J. 960
Hathaway, William E. 925
Hauschildt, Edward T. 388
Hauschildt, Henry 388
Hauser, Caspar 784
Hawk, Elbridge La Fayette 460
Hayes, James 555
Hayes, Patrick 315
Haywood. Charles H 704
Haywood, Samuel S. 543
Heath, Mrs. Ehzabeth 80S
Heath, George W. 805
Heath, John Wesley 805
Heber, Henry 999
Heim. Alvin L 947
Heldoorn, Louis 1001
Hendren, Jesse A. 982
Henley, Oscar J. 951
Henning, Arthur Frederick.... 902
Henry, Alexander Culberson. . . 899
Hermitage, Rev. William 561
Herndon, George L. 372
Herspring, Dr. David F 480
Hiatt, Hiatt T. 850
Hibbitt, William Ewart 905
Hicks, James B. 849
Hicks, Joseph 849
Hicks, Joseph E. 849
Hill, John Leland 882
Hill, John S. 882
Hill, William 910
Hillhouse, John 305
Hinsey, W. W. 599
Hobday, Mrs. Kelsey 329
Hobrecht, Joseph Charles 667
Hodson, Burton M. 321
Hoefling, John 988
Hoffman, Chester M. 998
Hoffner, Edgar and Mary V... 489
Holdener, Frank A. 552
Hollenbeck, George J. 530
Hollenbeck. John 941
Hollister, Dwight 829
Holmes, James W .■ 933
Holmes, Walton E. 933
Holt, Charles A. 854
Holt, Lester E 854
Holt, Percy La Rue 873
Hoopes, Jess W., Jr. 957
Hopfield, Lewis D. 690
Horrell, Frederick 998
Horton, Capt. John Emerson.. 986
Hosking, John Griffith 768
Hosking, William Albert 768
Howard, James Wesley 518
Howe, E. P. 685
Howe, William S. 685
Hudnutt, George Deming 906
Hudspeth. Frank B. 1002
Hughes, Charles Leslie 928
Hughes, Evan J. 923
Hughes. Michael 278
Hughes, Robert F. 825
Humphrey, Anthony Byrd.... 452
Hunger, William J. 649
Hunt, John T. 722
Hunt, Mark T. 371
Hunter, Lewis C. 686
Hurley, D. A 991
Husbye, Harold H. 732
Huston, Edward Parramore... 787
Hutchinson, W^m. N. Lindsay 837
I
Inderbitzen, Anton 562
Inman. Hon. J. M. 934
J
Jacinto, Manuel 562
Janes, Francis M 664
Jarvis, Charles W 912
Jauch, Benjamin 978
Jauch, Frank A 978
Jenkins, George R 316
Jenkins, Lewis R 316
Jenkins, Morris A 379
Jensen. Joseph 987
Johanson, Charles J 882
Jones, Charles W 714
Jones, Chris R 890
Jones, Ellis Wesley 659
Jones, James P 944
Jones, William E 890
Johnsen, Nels 958
Johnson, Andrew 415
Johnson, Anton L 862
Johnson, C. A 415
Johnson. C. Gustaf 912
Johnson, Fontaine 403
Johnson, Gerald R 920
Johnson, Julian W 403
Johnson, Mrs. Margaret K 686
Johnston, Alexander, Sr., 825
Johnston, .'Alexander Francis... 825
Johnston, John 672
Johnston, John Crawford 672
lohnston, John W 476
INDEX OK NAMES
Jolly. Charles H J34
Journey, Mrs. Margaret A 913
Judge, Miss Mary 663
Jurach, John 894
K
Kadel, Nicholas C 984
Kaeser, Reinhardt G 571
Kammerer, John 621
Katzenstein, Carleton Leonard 886
Katzenstein, George B 279
Kay, Samuel H 909
Kay. Samuel William 909
Keane. James 858
Keane. Rt. Rev. Patrick Joseph 877
Keithly, Abram 931
Kelly, Thomas 323
Kelly, Thomas M 416
Kenealy, James J 323
Kenefick, Edmund 489
Kennedy, Edgar Frank 846
Kennedy, Frank 846
Kennedy, William 846
Kenourgios. Sam 870
Kercheval, Howard D 631
Kercheval, James Louis 590
Kercheval, Reuben 631
Kesner, Mary C 494
Kesner, William A 494
Keys, William 609
Kiernan, Harold S 616
Kiernan. Lawrence B 600
Killam, Frank N 757
Kimball, Leland C 668
Kimball, Moses Nixon 979
Kimberlin, Ernest M 774
Kindblom, Gustavus A 929
King, Charles W 920
King, George E 943
King, Herbert 886
Kingsbury, William Stephen . . . 412
Kirkpatrick, Glenn R 978
Kirtlan. Thomas 609
Klaeser, Florence 678
Klattke, Herman 980
Kleinsorge, William 375
Kleinsorge, William E 846
Kloss, August 829
Kloss. August, Jr 977
Kloss, Edward C 829
Kneppel, Martin 853
Knowles, J. G 902
Knowles, Joseph L 902
Kofod, Martin 953
Kohnke, Henry 915
Kraus, Edward Henry 376
Krebs, Harry G 584
Kubel, Isadore 861
Kueny, Joseph 885
L
Labhard, Alfred G 837
Labhard, Theodore 837
Ladue, William Bell 525
Laine, William H 989
Lamb, Arthur H 891
Lampson, Mrs. Mary L 299
Lamus, Carl A 891
Landis. L. H 361
Landsborough, Leonard B 664
Landsborough, Thomas R 857
Larac3% John J 873
Laracy, William F 873
Larkin, William H 797
Larrick, James W 952
Larsen, Nils Olaf 817
Lauppe, Frank E 774
Lauppe, John D 466
Lauppe, Nettie S 466
Lauridson, Niels H 990
Lavenson, Gustav 475
Lawson, Edward H 328
Lawson, John S 311
Leavitt, Edward Jewell 818
Lee, King H 921
Lehman, Charles 996
Leitch, Albert E 966
Lemery, Charles H 999
Leonard, Lewis Y 933
Leoni, Peter 917
Lettner, S. Henry 610
Lewald, Captain H. A 530
Lewis, Frank J 976
Lewis, George L 653
Lewis, Ralph H 987
Lewis, Wesley B 653
Lewds, William Selby 969
Lilly, Samuel Lincoln 960
Lima, Samson E 802
Lindstrom, Gustaf F 984
Lippi, Amedeo 678
Lobner, Leo Kneeland 650
Loizeaux, Edouard Sanderson . . 845
Lord, Mrs. Clara Belle 504
Loughridge, James, M. D 865
Lower, Capt. William Franklin 995
Lubin, David 279
Lubin, Simon J 327
Lucich, George 873
Lucich, Marco 768
Ludlow, Charles A 285
Lufkins, D. T 810
Lumbard, Charles 303
Lumry, Lemuel Oscar 742
Lundlec, Gunerius T 996
Luppen, Luppe Barnes 787
Lyding, Peter R 639
Lynch, Edward M 423
Lyons, James L 1002
M
Macaulay, David 910
Macdonald, Murdoch Alex-
ander 809
Machado, Manuel Joseph 948
Maddox. Harrv S 380
Maestretti. Emil Alfred 977
Maguire, Joseph T 663
Mahan, Maurice Thomas 986
Mannix, William J 925
Marengo, Alessandro 486
Marengo, Augustino 486
Maritsas, Paul D 1003
Marsh, Ralph Ellis 671
Marten, Wesley E 943
Martin, John B 977
Martindale, Edward Lee 866
Marline, Annette 479
Martine, Harry C 479
Mason, Edward S 953
Mason, Francis Elton 659
Matcovich, N. N. S 636
Matthias, Adolph J 525
Matthias, Harold R 525
Matthias, Louis W 525
Maxwell, William M 751
May, George F 667
Mayden, John Lincoln 672
Mayhood, Ray H 556
McCauley, John F 297
McClain, Donald 604
McClain, Henry Harrison 945
McConnell, Thomas 981
McCubbin, Eugene L 567
McCuistion, John Wesley 632
McCulloch, D. H 920
McCulloh, F. S 379
McCurry, Harold J 471
McCutchen. George E 986
McDermott, Mrs. Georgiana... 411
McDonell, Albert W 927
McDonnell, William 452
McElligott, William 983
McEnerney, Joseph P.- 486
McEnerney, William D 358
McEwen, Edwin 950
McGee, Amos 696
McGee, Fredrick James 923
McGrath, John A 73S
McGuire, Andrew T 959
Mclntire, John A 981
McKenzie, Colin 286
McKern, Roland L 971
McKoy, Walter Day 677
McMichael, Ellsworth E 466
McNally. Frank L 903
McNeil, Elbert S 944
McNeil, George P 514
McShane, Bernard J 289
Meiss, Benjamin Robert 797
Menke, Antone 362
Menke, George H 362
Merz, Chris 1003
Messner, Jack Joseph 961
Meyer, John N 925
Miles, Charles 1001
Miller, Charlotte 287
Miller, Joseph F 907
Miller. Lafavette 773
IXDKX Ol' XAMRS
Miller, Ll-ou R 773
Miller, Michael 287
Miller, Oscar H 909
Miller, Royal 969
Miller, Wayne 903
Mitchell, Howard X 434
Mitchell, Richard Earl 993
Moeller, Albert H 660
Moeller, Richard R. . . . 742
Moore, James 810
Moore, Lee Douglas 900
Moore, Loyal Chauncy 833
Moore, Ralph 810
Moroney. Thomas J 278
Morrissey, Rodney J 562
Morton, Charles Wardle 479
Mosher, Mrs. Catherine 731
Mosher, Norbert G 950
Mosier, Doran H 861
Mosier, Frank Byron 861
Mossman, John Wesley 915
Moyer, Charles A 878
Muddox, Harry C 286
Mugford, Mrs. Sarah 722
Mull, A. M 465
Mundt, Herman A 654
Munson, R. E 653
Murer, Paul 985
Murphy, Harry L 927
Murphy, John 0 947
Murphy, Richard J 918
Myers, Mrs. Henrietta de Back 318
Myers, Louis W 318
N
Nathan, Charles P 290
Need, George C . 632
Neubourg, George W 801
Neves, Joseph Francis 901
Newbert, William Edmond... 555
Newman, Frank J 600
Nicholas, Edwin 930
Nilsson, J. Leonard 763
Nix, James J 900
Noble, Mrs. Elizabeth 419
Noble, George W 419
Nold, Frederick 384
Nopper, Hans 897
Norbryhn, Paul M 991
Norris, Amos William 898
Nusbaum, Peter J 894
O
O'Brien, Thomas F 383
O'Brien, William R 383
O'Connell, Thomas 367
O'Connor, James Joseph 939
Odell, John W 822
O'Donnell, Edward J.. Sr 578
Olson, Peter L 622
O'Neil, Michael 727
Opdyke, Paul R 842
Orr. Mrs. Marv McFarland... 681
Orr. Silas 959
Osborn, David H 913
Osgood, Mrs. Ada L 304
Ostman, Charles 913
Owen, Asa 311
P
Palm, Henry A 959
Palmer, Charles Wil'iam 710
Pape, Albert George 895
Parker, Clarence R 1004
Parkinson, Mrs. Valla E 416
Patterson, Guy S 751
Patterson. John 878
Pellandini. James 596
Pennish. T. J 814
Perrin, H. Yates 916
Perry, Emanuel D 485
Peters, Mott 793
Peterson, Charles John 917
Peyton, William F '. . . 965
Phillips, Emmett 660
Phillips, Emmett, Sr 660
Phipps, George 434
Picard, Charles J 982
Pierson, .\Ifred E 727
Pimentel. William H 922
Pingel, Viggo Christian 700
Plato, Elken J ." 906
Polhemus, Cornelius B 584
Polhemus, Elbert V 529
Polhemus, Josiah Arvin 584
Pollard, Albert L 969
Poole, Francis 901
Poole. Theodore C 901
Porter, Henry S 287
Porter, Robert 590
Porter, Wildey M 814
Post, Roy Swain . ; .' 963
Powell, Mrs. Alice F 894
Powell, George F 893
Powell, Robert 644
Prager, Harry Samuel 517
Priest, Henry Ames 881
Pringle, William W 668
Pritchard, Charles D 865
Protzman. Robert L 997
Provines, Cornelia Douglas.... 615
Prudhomme, Clifford 956
Pugh, Charles L 931
Q
Queirolo, Frank 838
Quiggle. Thomas L 367
R
Rackliffe, Pitt B 905
Radke, Joseph 945
Ralls, Earl M 979
Rambo, Clarence J 1004
Rapp, Wilham A 937
Raschen, Fred 703
Rasmussen. Harvey 940
Raymond, George J 86!
Read, Emerson Worrell 937
Reed, James H 986
Reeder, William M 877
Reese, David 704
Reese, John K 71.i
Reith, Jesse Lee 849
Rennie, Frederick G 671
Rhoads, Thomas 339
Rich, Henry Merritt 610
Richards. John 773
Riehm, Charles 365
Riffe, Isaac M 387
Riffe, John 387
Riley, Edward A 304
Riley, Peter 304
Ritz, Mrs. Maude I ;. 650
Robinson, Harold Hugh 886
Robinson, James Edward 696
Robinson, Peter M 927
Rogers, Capt. Edgar F 742
Rogers, Manuel L 709
Rooney, Stephen J 494
Rooney, William J 494
Ropcke, Leonhart 1001
Rouse, Willard Preston 780^
Rowe, John Charles 822 '
Rowra}', James Byron 590
Rudech, Thomas 568
Rugg, Bertram G 951
Ruhstaller, August Louis 798
Ruhstaller, Frank J 294
Russell, Clifford Albert 889
Russi. John A 472
Rutter, James 46:i
Ryan, Arthur D 312
Ryan, Hon. Frank D 288
R)'an, George T 853
Ryan, John C 416
Ryan, Capt. Thomas A 300
S
Salcedo, Albert Edward 988
Saner, Arnold 949
Saner, Joseph 721
Sapunar, Matt 967
Sarment, Mrs. Rose 935
Sarti, Frank 893
Saunders. Joseph W 821
.Sbarbaro, .Antonio, Capt 330
Scatena, Frederick Nicholas... 742
Schaefer, Henry 997
Schaffnit, Emil G 974
Schardin, Frank H 741
Schei, Lawrence B 973
Schenk, John 690
Schluckebier, Theodore W . . . . 953
Schmitt, Charles 529
Schneider Bros 1001
Schneider, Henry 845
Schoech, Charles S 846
Schulze, Mrs. Jennie .V 371
Schwab. Jack 936
INDEX or XAMRS
Seavcy, Dr. Minnie A 894
Selkirk, William R 735
Sharp, John Wesley S04
Sharp, Mrs. Sophia B 504
Sheldon, William C 336
Shepard, Jo. H 900
Shepard, Wallace 793
Sherfey, Mrs. Ruth 583
Sherman, George C 997
Shields, Peter J 288
Shinn, Robert E. Lee 366
Showers, Mrs. Minnie Barton.. 329
Sill, Anna P 551
Silva, Charles F 510
Silva, Francisco F 727
Silva, J. Ignatius 896
Simmonds, Clyde Shapel 857
Simpson, Harry 427
Simpson, Herbert 951
Skog, John A 966
Skoog, Adolph 949
Small, Jake 67)
Smith, Alexander H 752
Smith, Calvin H 850
Smith, Charles 896
Smith, Charles S 589
'Smith, Garrett D 817
Smith, George H 915
Smith, H. Jay 490
Smith, Hart F 975
Smith, Mrs. Ida M. C 931
Smith, James G 934
Smith, Jay H 898
Smith, John Joseph 437
Smith, Mrs. Lillian C 480
Smith, Matthew A 798
Smith, Maurice K 940
Smith, Robert M 834
Smith, Warren W' 480
Smith, William J 324
Sobey, Russell R 908
Sommers, Adolph 958
Souza, Manuel Patrick 992
Spickard, Claude Richard 682
Sposito, Louis 728
Spring, Henry 964
Squaglia, Giovanni 942
St. Francis Parish 858
Stackpoole, Owen Thomas.... 996
Stahl, Mrs. Matilda 321
Starkey, Jerome 411
Starks, Leonard F 936
Stauffer, Fred iiH
Steiner, Albert 929
Steneberg, Edward A'bert 874
Steppan, Leo 731
Steude, Paul H 643
Stevenson, Roy Milton 951
Stewart, Merlin W 994
Stillman, W. AI 813
Stirnkorb, Fred 911
Stuart, Daniel V. 315
Swan, Robert T 681
Swannell, William Laurance... 906
Swanston, George 398
Swanston, Jennie E 398
Sweet, Arthur Walter .... , 952
T
Talbot, Richard P 892
Taverna, Rev. Fr. Dominic 962
Taylor, John B.. , 710
Teichert, Adolph (portrait, iTs) 376
Teichert, Adolph, Jr 540
Tellstrom, Axel 424
Terkelson, Louis 932
Terra, Manuel F 718
Thaler, Kasper 403
Thatcher, Albert Miles 649
Theile, Ernest A 764
Thielbahr, William A 728
Thomas, Joseph 764
Thomas, William D 918
Thompson, Edward M 870
Thornton. Charles E 862
Tinsler, Miss Silvcy-Pearlc 926
Tobey, Jesse 0 407
Todd, Clarence D 994
Toomey, Walter Daniel 997
Torney, Richard Daley 919
Totman, Caroline M 433
Trainor, Alfred T 965
Travis, William E 998
Tryon, Sylvester Cornelius.,.. 312
Turner, Edgar D 578
Turner, Jabez 517
Turton, William 294
U
Upham, Robert L 603
Uren, Stephen ._ 993
Utz, Herman F. 540
Valensin, Mrs. Alice M 297
Valensin, Pio 299
Van Alstine, Edward idd
Vanina, Charles Leslie 822
Vicari, Saverio 433
Vice, George 748
Vining, Carl F 956
Vollman, Clarence 640
Vpllman, Mrs. Dagmar Elea-
nore Hansen 640
Vortriede, William 732
Wahrhaftig, Peter S 513
Wall, Edwin Taylor 649
Walters, William F 957
Wanamakcr, Joy F 939
Ward, Lida Sparks Bowman... 635
Waring, Ray C 309
Warner, Willard 561
Waterbury, Frank G ; 522
Waterman, Harry G 989
Waters, J. Edward 972
Wegat, August 92S
Weigt, William Albert 892
Weil, Conrad 384
Weil, Frederick Conrad 384
Weil, John 809
AVeil, Robert H . . ; 809
Weinstock, Lubin &; Company 327
Welsh, Martin I 312
West, Hon. Percy G 499
Wcstoby, John E 942
Weston, Ernest A 966
Wetzlar, Gustavus 476
Whidden, Dr. Frank 935
White, Albert L 897
White, Mrs. Camille P 678
White, Charles G 921
White, Clinton L , 351
White, Herbert E 351
White Hospital 678
White, Lincoln 897
Whittemore, Benjamin F 317
Whittemore Bros 317
Wickstrom, Charles August... 485
Wiegand, John Martin 387
Wilcox, John T 961
Wilke, Charles 696
Wilkie, Peter J 802
Williamson, David A 595
Willis, Hal E 996
Wilson, Charles E 978
Wilton, Seth A 310
Wing, Frederick W 616
Winters, Winfred D 757
Wise, Jesse 438
Wise, Joseph 428
Wise, Joseph Lincoln 428
Wise, M. L 830
Wise, Mrs. Nancy Jane 428
Wixson, Charles H 704
Wood, Hiram T 358
Wood, Will C 309
Woods, George H 917
Woods, James A 529
Woollett. John Woodward 854
Work, George Armistead 994
Worthington, John J 278
Wright, Albert W 596
Wriston, Mrs. Jennie \' 514
Wulff, Henry 826
Y
Yoerk, August W 322
Yoerk, Charles August 305
Yoerk, George P 322
Youngman, Franklin L lid
7.
Zagoren, Hyman W 938
Zeigerst, E. R 825
Zimmerman, Charles. W 834
Zumwalt, Tacob 695
PREFACE
THERE is a romance interwoven with the history of Sacramento County which at once
carries both the reader and the narrator above the plane of the commonplace in review-
ing the lives and events of bygone days, casting the glamour of fascinating interest over
otherwise uninviting facts and dry statistical data. Linked up with Spanish tradition, the soul
of adventure, and the pluck of the West, these historic grounds are ever kept fresh and green
with the memories of heroic deeds performed by the pioneers who labored and accomplished
here, overcoming the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that blocked their way through the
trackless wilds that cradled California's early childhood and were to become the scene of her
marvelous mature development. Recollections of the "Days of Forty-nine''; the inspiring ac-
complishments and associations of Mark Twain. Bret Harte and Joacjuin Miller; and the stal-
wart and manly character of General Sutter, who blazed a trail to the future Capital City and
bivouacked on its virgin soil, and of John W. Marshall, who uncovered the hidden treasures
of gold — all these, and a wealth of equally fascinating incident and reminiscence, are vividly
recalled in the pages of this volume. The names of such empire-builders as Stanford, Hunt-
ington, Crocker, Hopkins, and other pioneers of their time in Sacramento, stand out in letters
of fire among the builders of the West and the moving spirits in coloni.zation and transportation.
Much of the history of this Wonderland — still an unknown wilderness fifty years after
Junipero Serra had founded San Diego, Monterey, Los Angeles, San Francisco and some sev-
enteen other places, and had passed away — was written by the late W. L. Willis and others,
whose first-hand knowledge of things and actual participation in many of the early events
made possible the compilation of a work that has ever since provided a storehouse of rich in-
formation, so replete with the salient facts and beguiling romance of pioneer daj-s that it
would be futile to undertake any material improvement upon their version. The editor, in
revising this work, has held intact the most vital chapters bearing upon the escapades of the
pioneers, and innumerable side-lights on the rough but noble characters of that memorable
period, and has sought only to make such changes and substitutions in facts and statistics as
are made necessary by the progress of the present generation, and particularly by the re-
markable agricultural and industrial growth and development of the county and the broaden-
ing of its civic institutions and social organizations. Sacramento County, during the last
fifteen years, has made wonderful progress. The lure of gold has given way to the develop-
ment of still richer sources of wealth, in the raising of horticultural and agricultural products,
and in manifold industrial occupations. Moreover, the world has passed through the great war
since the last edition of this work was published, and it therefore has seemed fitting to chron-
icle the part played by the county's loyal sons and daughters, and the citizenship as a whole,
in helping to win the victory for humanity. It is hoped that the chapters so necessitated, and
others telling of the more recent occurrences, growth of population and progress in general,
will meet the approval of the vast army who shall acquire or consult this history in the years
to come.
G. WALTER REED.
Los Angeles, February 15, 1922.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
G. AValter Reed, Editor
INTRODUCTION
(Condensed from the Introduction by the late William L. Willis. Edition of 1913.)
IT MAY be safelj' said that Sacramento
County has played a more important part
in the history of the state than any other
county within the borders of Cahfornia. Em-
bracing in her confines the most precious gifts
of the lofty Sierras and the foothills at their
base — and not least of these, the fertile alluvial
soil washed down from their hillsides and can-
yons to fill tip the inland sea of which she once
was a part, making her a second Valley of the
Nile, no whit inferior to the original in fertility
and productiveness — she is almost without a
peer. But the mountains and foothills were
not niggardly in their magnificent gifts, for in
addition to the splendid soil so given, they
sprinkled it literally with golden dust and nug-
gets that enriched many a one of the Argonauts
and of the generation who succeeded them, and
that to this day pour millions into the pockets
of the men who are mining the precious metal
on the lands adjoining the American River.
Sitting majestically on the banks of the
magnificent river that forms her western
boundary, Sacramento County has witnessed
for half a century full-laden barges and
steamers bringing her choicest products down
the bosom of the river to the bay, to supply the
markets of the coast cities and of lands beyond
the sea. With the summer's sun and the win-
ter's rain, aided by the balmy winds of spring
and auttmm, her crops follow each other in
annual succession and are sent abroad to feed
the less fortunate dwellers of Occident and
Orient and to spread the fame of her wealth
and resources to distant lands. Well has she
played her part so far, but it is an insignificant
one compared to that which she will play in
the near future, when instead of a few thou-
sands, this magnificent valley of the Sacra-
mento shall support millions of happy, pros-
perous men, women and children of the mighty
empire that is developing so rapidly on the
western coast of our country. And now has
come to her a quickening of perception that
will have far-reaching results. Her own has
come to her. She realizes the value of her
birthright and will take advantage of it to the
fullest extent. Agriculture, horticulture, com-
merce and manufacturing all feel the impulse
resultant on the realization of her power and
opportunity, and her watchword is "Onward!"
In the days before the American occupation.
Gen. John A. Sutter, the pioneer of pioneers of
the state, saw with the vision of a prophet the
future of the country, and built his fort near
the confluence of the Sacramento and Ameri-
can Rivers, to become, a few years later, the
objective point of the wagon trains which
wended their weary way across the trackless
wilderness of this vast continent. Here many
a company of immigrants, worn out with their
long journey and often half starved and in dis-
tress, arrived and were fed and relieved from
the stores of the generous-hearted old pioneer,
and rested and recuperated under the protec-
tion of his fort. Here was for many years the
point where the gold-seekers, landing from
their long and dangerous voyage around the
Horn, arrived on boats from San Francisco,
and fitted themselves out for the mines. Here,
too, was the supply point for these seekers for
gold after they had begun with pick, shovel
and rocker to delve their fortunes from the
rich placers of the foothills. Here, then, be-
gan the making of the history of the Golden
State. It was to Sacramento, too, that Mar-
shall— long before the irruption of the dwellers
of every clime, hastening to be first on the
ground to gather the treasure — brought for
Sutter's inspection the bright pieces of yellow
metal found in the race at Coloma ; and it was
from Sacramento that, after that conference,
the news went forth to the world that the gold
placers of California held out the opportunity
of accjuiring wealth to all who possessed the
nerve and confidence to come and seek for it.
Not more interesting and romantic was the
search of Jason and his Argonauts for the
Golden Fleece than was that of the modern
Argonauts who braved the wilderness, with its
hostile Indians, or endured the tedium and
dangers of the voyage round the Horn in
34
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
search of the precious metal with which Cah-
fornia was so richly endowed. There is a
fascination that never lessens or grows old as
one listens to the reminiscences of the old
pioneers and the tales of their journeying to
the new El Dorado in answer to the lure of
gold; and under the spell of their words one
lives over again with them the exciting experi-
ences they met with, both on their way and
after their arrival. Such a polyglot community
was surely never elsewhere drawn together,
as assembled here at the call of gold, banded
in one common aim, but each one still pursu-
ing his own way independently, striving to
acquire wealth as quickly as possible, and
hoping meanwhile for an early return to the
old home. A few did so return, but for the
majority a different destiny was happily ap-
pointed. They never dreamed that they were
to be the founders of a great state which would
hold their memory in reverence, and respect
them for their sturdy, heroic qualities. Alas,
their last-surviving representatives are fast
dwindling in numbers, and only a few brief
years will see these too no more among us.
The lure of gold is one of the strongest in-
centives to man, inducing him to leave home
and loved ones, to brave well-known and cer-
tain dangers and to tempt fate in the most dar-
ing manner. Perhaps the spice of danger and
adventure lends force to the lure, although
optimism must necessarily be the most potent
factor. Other men have made fortunes quick-
ly and with comparative ease, and why not he?
We hear only of these succsessful ones, but
rarely of the unsuccessful and of their priva-
tions and sufferings ; and the dazzle of the gold
blinds us to the hazard of the venture. The
struggles and privations of the thousands who
joined in the mad rush to Alaska in the last
decades are very little known and considered.
Rotten ships, condemned years before, were
chartered to take them on the treacherous sea
voyage, and were laden to the gunwales with
passengers and freight, with the chances
against their proceeding a hundred miles on
their way before experiencing shipwreck. And
yet men fought and pleaded for a chance to
brave the dangers of the journey, and the cer-
tain suffering from cold and hunger and other
perils after their arrival in the land of the
Great White Silence. So it was in the days
of '49. The long six months' journey across
the plains and lofty mountains, with only a
trail to follow, and with its dangers from In-
dians, floods, fire, pestilence and starvation,
could not deter the dauntless ones who set out
on their way of more than 2,000 miles through
the wilderness, many of them accompanied by
their wives and children.
Right here it is only just to give their full
due to the women — the pioneer mothers of
whom we hear so little — the women who for-
sook home and kindred to follow their hus-
bands through all trials and dangers to the un-
known lands, and to assist with their labors
and counsel, and with the rearing of the chil-
dren of the rising generation, in the shaping
and moulding of a great empire whose fame
was destined to reach the uttermost parts of
the earth. Like the pioneer women of the
great West and the Mississippi Valley, they
have not received their meed of praise and
recognition for the important part they played
in empire-building. While the men labored,
the women, had to make the home as comfort-
able as conditions allowed, rear and care for .
and clothe the children, and endure all sorts of
privations. Theirs the test of patience and
courage to meet and overcome, to cheer and
encourage under adverse circumstances ; and
well the pioneer women did their part. Not
the least of their tests was the scarcity of
female companionship, as for several years but
few women came to this coast, and they were
widely scattered after their arrival. The com-
ing of a woman to a mining camp was a great
event and roused all the latent chivalry of the
rough men of the community, who vied in do-
ing her honor and in making her comfortable
and mitigating the conditions around her. She
was placed, as it were, upon a pedestal and
surrounded by adoring subjects. A man would
be safer in committing murder than in insult-
ing or injuring her.
Pioneers have told the writer of the appear-
ance of the country adjoining Sacramento on
the south in the days of '49 and '50. "A man
could ride over the plains on horseback," they
say, "and tie the wild oats across his saddle
bow, as they rose often above the head of a
man on foot. Droves of antelope were to be
seen on the plains, and deer were to be found
in the groves along the river, while in the tules
and along the sloughs and lakes in the south-
ern part of the county herds of elks passed
most of their time." And yet, with those fer-
tile plains at their doors, such was the fixity
of the idea that had taken hold of men's minds
and impelled them to the mines, that they
scoffed at the few wise ones who planned to
take up land and go to farming. "What !"
they would say, "would 3'ou go out there and
drudge, when you could go to the mines and
pick up gold? Why, you would starve to
death out there! Not any land for me."
But among them were men who had left
the farm in the East to come to California.
These men saw that while many lucky ones
made their fortunes more or less quickly in the
mines, there were thousands of others who
lived from hand to mouth or went "broke" in
the quest for gold. They looked on the face
of the country and, like the Israelites, "found
it good." They realized that the soil that
would produce such crops without cultivation
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I-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
35
would produce bounteously when properly
cultivated. They realized, too, that the gold-
diggers must be fed, and that feeding them
would bring its reward in rich profits. They
knew the stock must have hay in the winter as
well as in the summer, when every spear of
grass was dried up in the absence of rain. So
the wise men took up tracts of land. Some of
them purchased large grants which had been
given by the Mexican government, as had Sut-
ter's. They prepared to feed the hungry, and
their descendants are carrying out their plans
today. The land which the miners, in their ig-
norance of the effects of climatic conditions in
the valley, designated as a desert, has proved
"a land flowing with milk and honey," and has
promoted the growth of an industrious and
prosperous community which has done its
share in the upbuilding of the great common-
wealth that extends along the Pacific for a dis-
tance almost as great as that of the coastline of
all the states that border on the Atlantic.
The great possibilities of our county are
only in their first stage of development. The
days of the stockmen and cattlemen, and of
the great herds that covered the land, are gone.
The days of wheat-raising that followed are
also almost past, and the era of intensive farm-
ing has come. The small home of a few acres,
where the work that in the days of the wheat
farmers was distributed over a quarter or half
section is now concentrated on ten or twenty
acres, has begun to take the place of the big
ranch. Instead of the sparsely settled plains
where the farm-house, barn and corrals were
the only signs of habitation, and the rancher
depended on the peddler's wagon to supply
him with vegetables and fruit, and where per-
haps a few fowls were to be seen around the
barn yard, and the rancher brought out from
the town his butter, eggs, condensed milk and
bacon, are now to be seen the orchard and
vineyard, with perhaps a patch of alfalfa yield-
ing green feed the year round for cows and
chickens. "The old order changeth, yielding
place to new." The country is daily growing
nearer to the city. The telephone, parcel post,
and rural delivery, which brings to the farmer
his daily paper and his letters, and keeps him
in touch with the markets on which he depends
for the sale of his products, all are making the
farm more attractive to the rising generation.
The immense holdings of the wheat barons are
passing away; "and in place of the scattered
bunk-houses where in winter the men who ran
the gang plows and sowed the seed, and in
summer the harvester gangs, passed their
nights, are now to be seen the small farms
of settlers, with comfortable and attractive
homes, where children are growing up with
rural tastes and training, to become the next
generation of our citizens. The schoolhouse,
the cornerstone of our nation's greatness, be-
gins to dot the landscape, and beside it the
church and post-office are seen, each new
group a nucleus for another of the many thriv-
ing communities that are springing up and
will soon thickly cover the state, as they cover
the states in the East. We are coming into
our own at last.
CHAPTER I
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Location and Population
SACRAMENTO County is situated on the
Sacramento Rjver, from which it is named
(Rio Sacramento, "River of the Sacra-
ment"), being bounded on the north by Placer
County, on the east b)^ Eldorado and Amador,
on the south by San Joaquin and on the west
by Yolo and Solano. Sacramento City is the
county town as well as the capital of the state.
The city is in 38° 35' north latitude, and 121°
30' west longitude from Greenwich. The coun-
ty contains 988 square miles, only a little less
than the area of Rhode Island. Its population
was 91,029 in 1920, but was estimated in 1921
at 104,600 and is rapidly increasing, owing
to the era of rapid development which has set
in during recent years. The coming of a new
transcontinental railroad — the Western Paci-
fic— and the approaching entry of the Great
Northern and Santa Fe, as well as several in-
terurban electric lines either already con-
structed or in course of construction, have
contributed largely to its progress and pros-
perity. The magnificent river that flows along
its western boundary bears on its bosom, it is
stated, almost as much freight annually as the
mighty Mississippi does. While the figures
are not at hand to verify this statement, it is
certain that the tonnage of grain, wood, fruit,
vegetables and other products of the state
which are carried on the river by steamers and
barges totals an immense amount and relieves
the railroads of a very great amount of freight
during the busy season, and is a decided fac-
36
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
tor in keeping: down freight charg-es in the cen-
tral valley.
Agricultural Importance
The river flows through a country unsur-
passed in fertility in the whole world and
producing a vast variety of grain, fruit and
vegetables. On the river and the islands
bounded by its various channels and tribu-
taries, in addition to the fruit orchards that
have been celebrated for their fine fruit for
nearly a half century past, asparagus- and cel-
ery-growing have of late years become a most
important and yearl}^ increasing interest, the
former furnishing many thousands of cases of
canned product, which is shipped all over the
world.
Sacramento County was one of the large
wheat-growing counties many' years ago, but
as wheat-growing became less profitable and
the land became more valuable, it gradually
became utilized for vineyard and orchard pro-
duction, for which most of the land in the
county is admirably adapted. Hence of late
years Sacramento has become the chief ship-
ping-point for all kinds of fruit except the cit-
rus varieties ; and as the soil and climate have
been found to be of the best for the citrus
fruits, their production has been rapidly in-
creasing in quantity. In quality the citrus
fruits are found to be inferior to none raised
elsewhere. A peculiar feature of the climatol-
ogy of Sacramento County and the adjoining
counties on the east and north is found in what
is known as the thermal belt in the foothills
and higher portion of the plain, where the cit-
rus fruits ripen to perfection, and so much ear-
lier than in other sections that they are from a
month to six weeks earlier than those in the
southern part of the state. They are therefore
marketed before the frosts come, reaching the
Eastern markets before the holiday season and
of course bringing the highest prices. Besides
these, all varieties of deciduous fruit grow in
profusion and to perfection, the shipments in
1909 reaching as high as 200 carloads in one
day, and on one day in July, 1912, totaling 220
carloads.
Topographical Features
The city of Sacramento is thirty-one feet
above sea level, the river below Colusa having
a very gradual fall. The mountains which
form the walls of the valley are visible on both
sides of the city, and the panorama of the
river, plain, foothills and mountains as seen
from the dome of the capitol is a grand one,
Mt. Shasta and Lassen Peak, more than 200
miles away, being visible on some clear days.
The climate of the city and county is tempered
by the Sierra Nevadas and the Coast Range,
and the humidity of the air in the summer is
perceptibly lessened by being shut out from
the ocean to a large degree by the Coast
Range. For this reason, while the thermom-
eter on some days in summer shows a high
reading, the absence of moisture in the at-
mosphere renders it much more comfortable
than in a moister climate, and sunstrokes
and heat prostrations are practically unknown.
Sacramento Valley is about 150 miles long,
with a breadth of about fifty to sixty miles,
and is walled in by two ranges of mountains,
the Sierra Nevadas on the east, and the Coast
Range on the west. They gradually approach
each other until they come together in Shasta
County. At the head of the valley Mt. Shasta
stands, looking down from his snowy heights
like a hoary sentinel placed there to watch
over the welfare of the country below. Be-
neath him winds the Sacramento River, on its
way to water the fertile plains" to the south.
The alluvial lands along the river slowly merge
into the plains, and they gradually rise until
they meet the foothills with which the valley
is fringed, the foothills in turn giving way to
the higher ranges, the loftiest peaks of which
are Pyramid Peak, 10,052 feet in altitude, and
Alpine, 10,026 feet, in the Sierra Nevadas, and
Mt. Johns, 8,000 feet high, in the Coast Range.
To the southwest fifty-three miles rises Mt.
Diablo, in a detached range, 3,856 feet high,
while the Marysville Buttes, from forty to
fifty miles north, rise 2,000 feet out of the level
plain and cover an area of fifty-five square
miles. Adjoining the alluvial lands along the
river are the plains, the soil of which is a sandy
loam, a reddish land containing some clay, and
a heavy black clayish soil known as adobe.
There are also gravelly ridges running nearly
north and south through the center of the
county and also east of the Cosumnes River,
which comes down from Amador County and,
entering the eastern part of Sacramento Coun-
ty, flows into the Mokelumne River on the
southern boundary. Around Folsom, on the
eastern edge and three miles from the Eldo-
rado boundary, the soil becomes of a deep red
color and is a gold-bearing gravel which turned
out many millions in the early days, and is still
mined with great profit. All these varieties of
land grow fine grapes and other fruits, which
are mostly shipped to the East, bringing good
prices. Along the rivers, corn, hops and vege-
tables are grown in large quantities, the hop
crop being an important industry in the coun-
ty. Large quantities of vegetables are shipped
to Utah, Idaho and Montana, and some even
as far east as Chicago and New York. The
American River, coming down from Eldorado
County, runs through Folsom and empties into
the Sacramento River only a little way above
Sacramento City.
The greater part of the surface of the county
is level, or nearly so. As it approaches the
Cosumnes it becomes more hilly, falling again
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
17
to Deer Creek, which runs along the west side
of the Cosumnes River bottom, and becoming
roUing- land on the other side of the Cosumnes,
until it reaches the lower foothills. On the
Cosumnes are hop yards, orchards, corn and
alfalfa fields. Dry Creek on the south forms
part of the southern boundary and empties into
the Mokelumne, which also forms a part of the
southern boundary. Thus the county is abun-
dantly watered in its various localities by four
rivers and their tributary streams. The Amer-
ican, Cosumnes and Mokelumne are all torren-
tial streams rising in the high Sierras and with
a larger area of land contributing to their
watersheds. Down the canyons, therefore,
through which they flow, rushes annually an
immense volume of "water on its way to the
ocean. In the early days this often over-
flowed the alluvial lands along the Sacramento
River, carrying death and destruction along its
course. Several of these floods were disastrous
to Sacramento City in its early history. Judg-
ing from the tales of the pioneers, the flood in
the winter of 1862 must have covered not only
the river bottoms, but also a large portion of
what is familiarly known as "the plains," for
the writer has heard old settlers tell of trans-
porting their provisions and other merchandise
from Sacramento during that winter on flat-
boats or barges almost to the town of Elk
Grove. An idea of the immense volume of
water that found its way to the sea on that oc-
casion may be gained from the fact that it not
only covered the great tule basin of Yolo
County, but also a large portion of the plains
east and south of the city to a width of many
miles. Since that time the settlers have learned
the lesson that safety can be found only in
high and wide levees, properl)^ constructed to
withstand the wind and water.
But man, while always striving against the
elements and the forces of nature, often suc-
ceeds in the Herculean task of subduing them
and turning the master into the servant. These
same torrential streams, which, unbridled,
sweep man and his works from their path like
feathers, are being harnessed and confined to
do his bidding and foster his prosperity. The
great dam at Folsom, built by the state, fur-
nishes power to the state's prison as well as
electricity for lighting the grounds. It has
also for many years supplied Sacramento City
and County with light and power. In the near
future the water of those streams will be used
again and again to turn mills and machinery
for factories, and the electrical power gener-
ated by the rivers will be, even more than in
the past, transmitted over long distances — a
factor in building up the prosperity of many a
community. The day will come, moreover,
when immense reservoirs will be constructed,
either by the government or by the state, for
the impounding of the flood-waters from the
rain and melting snow, and its distribution
during the long, dry summer over the thirsty
land, doubling and trebling the crops and
bringing greater prosperity to the valley. Then,
too. will the rivers, instead of bringing down
destructive torrents upon the valley, remain
within their banks and the Sacramento, with
its deep-water channel dredged, will see the
ships of distant nations bringing their com-
merce to our door.
Many centuries ago a vast sea occupied the
place now known as the Sacramento and San
Joaquin Valle3's. The action of sun, rain and
air slowly disintegrated the surrounding moun-
tains and erosion set in, the detritus forming
soil which was washed down into the inland
sea, eventually filling up the great basin. It
is no wonder then, that, like the valley of the
Nile, which was formed in the same way, the
valley of the Sacramento became one of the
richest and most fertile in the world. For near-
I3' half a century it was one of the great wheat-
producing sections of the United States. As
the soil became exhausted for wheat-raising
under the one-crop system, the farmer began
to find it necessary to change the crop. He
found that it would not only raise all varieties
of fruit and berries, but that on a much smaller
acreage he could raise a far more profitable
crop, as well as a more certain one. So in a
few years Sacramento developed into a great
fruit-shipping center and today the Florin dis-
trict is one of the largest, if not the largest, of
the strawberry-growing centers in the state.
Sacramento County also leads in the produc-
tion of the Tokay grape, the color and quality
of which always secures for it the highest
price in the Eastern market. The county also
leads in Bartlett-pear production.
Nor must the tule lands along the Sacra-
mento River in the southwestern part of the
county be overlooked. Alluvial lands of the
richest quality, for some distance back from
the river, have been reclaimed and thou-
sands of acres have been planted with orchards
of deciduous fruits or sown with alfalfa and
used as dairy farms. Of late years they are
being reclaimed faster, and asparagus and cel-
ery have been found to be very successful and
profitable crops, the former being canned in
immense quantities and sent East to supply
the markets of the world.
In fact everything that can be produced in a
semi-tropical country can be grown in the Sac-
ramento Valley, and even some fruits and
other products that really belong to tropical
climes. Rice is being grown with great suc-
cess and of the finest quality in Butte County,
as well as to a limited extent in Sacramento
County, a large portion of the soil of which is
admirably fitted for its culture. Hemp and
ramie bid fair to become profitable textile pro-
38
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ducts, and much of the land is suitable for flax.
Hops are also an important product, being
grown of the finest quality along the Sacra-
mento and Cosumnes Rivers.
Early Spanish Grants
A large portion of the area of Sacramento
County, which is now in private ownership
through subdivision, was in the early days
comprised in the old Spanish grants. The boun-
daries and other matters were the cause of
much costh' and vexatious litigation. The
grants were as follows :
The Rancho Rio de los Americanos, or
LeidesdorfT Grant, lying along the American
River and embracing the country around
Folsom.
The Sutter Grant, or New Helvetia.
The Sheldon Grant, embracing the estates
of Jared Sheldon and William Daylor, on the
Cosumnes River, originally known as the
Rancho Omochumnes.
The Hartnell Grant, also on the Cosumnes
River.
The Rancho San Jon de los Moquelumnes,
generally known as the Chabolla Grant, on the
lower Cosumnes around Hicksville and run-
ning to the Mokelumne River.
The Arroyo Seco Grant, in Alabama Town-
ship, on Dry Creek.
The Rancho San Juan, on the north side of
the American River and embracing the Car-
michael colony, Fairoaks and also a part of
Orangevale.
The Rancho del Paso, formerly known as
the Norris Grant and now generally spoken of
as the Haggin Grant. This stood for more
than fifty years as a barrier to the extension of
the city on the north, and was the last of the
great land holdings in this county to be sub-
divided.
The Rancho Sacayac, on the north side of
the Cosumnes, between the Sheldon Grant and
the east line of the county.
The Rancho Cazadores, on the northwest
side of the Cosumnes, opposite the Chabolla
Grant.
Property Values
While Sacramento County is fifth among the
counties of the state, according to property
valuation, she excels her rivals in other ways.
According to the figures prepared by State
Controller John S. Chambers for 1920, the as-
sessed value of the property of the county was
$130,162,551, an increase over the figures re-
ported in 1912 of $43,581,756. The present
standing of the counties with respect to prop-
erty valuation starts with Los Angeles, first;
San Francisco, second : Alameda, third ; Fres-
no, fourth ; and Sacramento, fifth. The won-
derful increase in property values in Sacra-
mento County is to be ascribed primarily to
the remarkable growth in agricultural, indus-
trial and other productive activities, of which
it has been the pivotal center ; but contributory
causes are also found in favorable climatic and
market conditions.
CHAPTER II
CLIMATE OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
SACRAMENTO County has the most ideal
climate of any section of California. This
assertion may at first be challenged by
non-residents who have heard only tales of
"torrid heat," which in a careful analysis are
found to be far from representing real climatic
conditions in the county. The county, in keep-
ing with its location in the vast inland empire
comprising the two great river valleys, has
indeed its fair sliare of warm weather, which
is at the same time its salvation and the secret
of its wonderful productivity and remarkable
adaptation for the ripening and curing of
fruits, and the general requirements of profit-
able horticulture. For its gift of summer sun-
shine puts a wealth of sugar in the myriad
plums, apricots, peaches, pears, grapes, raisins
and other fruits which grow so abundantly in
its fertile vallej's. However, the exceedingly
low humidity, which throughout the summer
season usually records a mere trace, takes the
oppressiveness out of hot weather, and the dry
heat on the warmest days is far from being
unbearable even in the open fields, much less
in the shaded parks and playgrounds. At night
the cooling trade winds, blowing in from the
Pacific Ocean, bring temperatures which make
blankets comfortable for sleeping practically
365 days in the year.
The balmy weather throughout the winter,
with very infrequent killing frosts, enables
the farmer to work outdoors almost the entire
year, except during the rainy season, which
brings its blessings of brimming reservoirs
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
39
and well-soaked lands, thus insuring abundant
crops in field and orchard. To the inhabitant
of the frozen North, where snow, ice and
sleet reign for several months in the year, such
a condition and opportunit}' make a strong
appeal, and man_v of the present-day farmers
in this most favored territory are of those who
have forsaken the cold, bleak regions for the
land of flowers, sunshine and happiness.
Nor is one prohibited here from enjoying
the winter sports, for within a three-hour drive
by automobile from the Capitol may be found
snow of almost any depth up to ten or tvi^elve
feet, during the winter season ; and in July
and August one may engage in a snowball
contest with his comrades by going a little
higher into the lofty Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Comparative Data
Writers and travelers the world over have
compared the climatic conditions in Sacra-
mento County with those in Italy; and indeed
there are many marked resemblances in cli-
mate and productiveness between the '"Heart
of California" and the sunny southern land
on the shores of the Mediterranean, particu-
larly with respect to the successful culture of
lemons, olives and grapes. During more re-
cent years, also, this county has developed its
orange industry, until today it is fast taking
the lead in the growing of that variety of
citrus fruit. The Washington navel orange
ripens here from four to six weeks earlier
than in the groves of the southern part of the
state, thus insuring an early and inviting mar-
ket, both locally and in the East. The grow-
ing of figs, olives and table grapes, likewise,
is established on a steady and profitable com-
mercial basis, with increasing acreage and pro-
duction.
Indeed, the county possesses all the advan-
tages of unsurpassed climate and , soil ; and
to these are added unexcelled railway facili-
ties, co-ordinated with the main trunk lines
and cross-country laterals of the greatest sys-
tem of state highway's ever built by any com-
monwealth in the nation, touching seashore,
mountain and valley, and affording the quick-
est, easiest and most pleasant and fascinating
routes of ingress and egress in every direction.
When the topic of climate is presented for
consideration it is customary to bring Los
Angeles into the discussion by way of com-
parison. The records of the United States
Weather Bureau, carefully taken and compiled
at the government station here, tend to dis-
prove any claims of our beautiful Southern
metropolis to a monopoly on sunshine and
flowers. To convince the skeptical, and fur-
nish food for thought to those who seek in-
formation and are willing to accept official
data from so reliable an authority as the
United States Weather Bureau, the following
comparative statistics, covering a period of a
quarter of a century, are given:
Southern Italy : Average winter tempera-
ture, 47.3 ; average spring temperature, 57.3 ;
average summer temperature, 73.7 : average
autumn temperature, 61.9; average yearly
temperature, 60.0; average highest tempera-
ture, 85 ; average lowest temperature, 20; aver-
age clear days, 220.
Los Angeles : Average winter temperature,
52.0; average spring temperature, 60.0; aver-
age summer temperature, 70.0 ; average
autumn temperature, 65.0; average yearly
temperature, 62.0; average highest tempera-
ture, 109; average lowest temperature, 28;
average clear days, 250.
Sacramento ; Average winter temperature,
48.0; average spring temperature, 60.0; aver-
age summer temperature, 75.0; average au-
tumn temperature. 61.0; average yearly tem-
perature, 61.0; average highest temperature,
100; average lowest temperature, 29; average
clear days, 238.
The record of the blossoming of fruit trees
for twenty-five years previous to 1894 showed
the earliest date to have been January 20,
1888, and the latest March 8, 1871. No later
data are at hand, but the seasons have varied
very little for cycles of ten years since the
settlement of the state and the growing of
fruits, so that these figures may be regarded as
a fair average of conditions. Cherries ripen
and are shipped from here in April, and in
exceptional seasons a few boxes have been
shipped earlier, the usual period of blossom-
ing, however, being about the 15th of Febru-
ary. The long, dry summer ripens all kinds
of fruit perfectly, and but rarely do the au-
tumn rains come earl}' enough to damage the
fruit crop not already marketed. The farmer
leaves his hay or grain in the stack for months
if necessary, secure that it will not be dam-
aged by untimely rains. Each season thus
brings its own work. As the fall months ad-
vance and the winter begins, the rains make
their appearance. The summer fallow is mois-
tened and the grain is sown and harrowed.
The winter plowing is begun as soon as the
rain has penetrated the soil to the proper depth
and when the seeding is completed the farmer
leaves the rainfall to complete the work.
In the matter of rainfall, Sacramento County
enjoys the happy medium, the average rain-
fall being nearly twenty-one inches. Taken in
connection with the fertility of the soil, and
the conditions surrounding the valley and in-
fluencing its climate, the fact is that a crop
failure in this county has never been recorded,
and that it was the boast of the past genera-
tion of farmers that irrigation was not neces-
40
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
sary in order to secure a crop. That boast
was made in the days of wheat-raising and
does not apply so strictly to fruit-raising and
later methods of farming. Still in most sec-
tions of the county the raising of grapes and
deciduous fruits and nuts is in many cases
made profitable by thorough cultivation with-
out resorting to irrigation. While this is true,
there are several irrigation systems of ditches
from which water can be obtained on reason-
able terms, and this is found necessary for
the production of citrus fruit and alfalfa.
The absence, or rather scarcity, of humidity
in the atmosphere at Sacramento during the
summer time, as already stated, is a great
factor in making the heat more endurable
when the thermometer shows a reading that
is high. As is well known, a high degree of
atmospheric humidity intensifies the suffering
when the temperature reaches one hundred
degrees or more. In fact, in the country east
of the Rocky Mountains, where showers are
more or less frequent in the summer, there is
more suffering when the thermometer rises to
ninety degrees, and the air is charged with
moisture, than there would be in Sacramento
when it marked one hundred degrees or more.
In the one case fatalities from sunstroke are
common, while in the other sunstroke is un-
known. The breeze blowing from the ocean
along the Sacramento River in the summer
afternoons has a cooling effect on the atmos-
phere and renders the evenings delightful for
outdoor amusements. It seldom occurs in
Sacramento, in fact not more than two or
three nights in the year, that a person can-
not sleep comfortably under a sheet or even
under a blanket or two. The spring and fall
weather are delightful, and winter almost
seems a misnomer when one enjoys the sunny
days and a coat seems almost a burden. No
wonder, in such a climate, that the fruit trees
haste to break into blossom and fill the air
with their fragrance. To the Easterner, im-
pelled by the cold of his native state to seek
a more balmy climate, Sacramento oft'ers one
not to be excelled by any other place, in win-
ter or summer.
Sacramento presents further advantages to
the settler. As has been stated, all kinds of
fruits of the temperate zone, all semi-tropical
fruits, and even some tropical fruits ripen here
to perfection ; for a peculiarly favorable cli-
matic condition prevails in the foothills of the
Sierras of Sacramento and adjacent counties,
a section known as the thermal belt. The
southern part of the state has been extensive-
ly advertised as the home of the orange and
the lemon. While this is true, it is equally
true that Sacramento and adjoining counties
are also the home of the orange and all other
citrus fruits, and the shipment of such fruits
is a constantly increasing factor in their pros-
perity. Hundreds of carloads of oranges, lem-
ons and pomelos, or grapefruit, are shipped to
the East annually. The very decided advan-
tage that Sacramento has over the southern
part of the state is that her oranges ripen
from a month to six weeks earlier than in
the south and her crop is practically disposed
of in the Eastern market for the Thanksgiv-
ing and holiday trade at high prices, before
the southern oranges are ripe enough to be-
gin shipment. Such being the case, the freez-
ing of the orange crop is a thing unknown
in Sacramento County, nor do the later vari-
eties ever suffer from frost.
Olives thrive and bear profitable crops in
Sacramento Count3^ where there are many
orchards of them. As fine a quality of oil as
is to be found in the state is made at Fair-
oaks, and both there and in several other
places the business of pickling the ripe olive
is made a paying industrj'.
METEOROLOGICAL DATA
The editor of this edition of the History of
Sacramento County renews his thanks and
obligations to Nathaniel R. Taylor, meteorolo-
gist of the local United States AVeather Bu-
reau, for his assistance in furnishing the val-
uable data contained in the reports and com-
parisons herewith presented concerning cli-
matic conditions, including temperatures,
rainfall and other matters, which make this
work the most complete in this respect of any
obtainable. AVhile it is true that there is a
considerable difference in rainfall and temper-
ature during individual years, it will be seen
that taken in cycles of five or ten years, the
average weather of the seasons shows but
little variation, and there is no great amount
of change for the past sixty years. The in-
crease in irrigation which has been made dur-
ing the past few years, and which will increase
rapidly within the next decade, may make a
perceptible change in the course of time, as
the creation of the Salton Sea has brought
about an increased rainfall in the southern
part of the state, but as yet no noticeable
change has occurred here. As has been seen
in a preceding table, our climate is, if any-
thing, better than the vaunted climate of Italy
and is not materially different from that of
Eos Angeles, upon which so much stress is
laid by the inhabitants of the South. Taken
all in all, the climate of our glorious state is
unequaled by that of any similar extent of
country in the world, and the Californian who
desires a change of climate can easily obtain
it in a few hours, without leaving his own
state.
As will be seen by the table of absolute
maximum and absolute minimum temperature
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
41
for the last forty years, taken in cycles of
ten years, the average maximum for the ten
vears from 1881 to 1890, inclusive, is 102.6°;
from 1891 to 1900, it is 104.8° ; from 1901 to
1910, it is 103.6°; and from 1911 to 1920, it is
105.3°. On the other side, the average mini-
mum from 1881 to 1890 is 27.1° ; from 1891 to
1900, it is 27.6° ; from 1901 to 1910, it is 29° ;
and from 1911 to 1920, it is 27.7°.
Rainfall
The following table gives the inonthly, sea-
sonal and annual rainfall from 1849 to July
1, 1920, and will be found a very valuable one
for reference. As will be seen by it, the aver-
age seasonal rainfall for the sixty-two years
from 18+9 to 1911 was 19.48 inches, and the
annual rainfall was 19.24 inches ; and there has
been no material change since.
Sacramento rainfall, monthly, seasonal and
annual, 1849-1920:
1849-50: July, 0; August, 0; September,
0.25; October, 1.50; November, 2.25; Decem-
ber, 12.50; January, 4.50; Februarv, 0.50;
March, 10.00; April, 4.25; May, 0.25; June, 0;
seasonal, 36.00; year, 1850; annual, 19.50.
1850-51 : July, 0; August, 0; September, 0;
October, 0 ; November, T. ; December, T. ;
January, 0.65; Februarv, 0.35; March, 1.88;
April, 1.14; May, 0.69; June, 0; seasonal, 4.71 ;
year, 1851 ; annual, 15.10.
1851-52: July, 0; August, 0; September,
1.00; October, 0.18; November, 2.14; Decem-
ber, 7.07; January, 0.58; February, 0.12;
March. 6.40; April, 0.19; Mav, 0.30; June, 0;
seasonal, 17.98; year, 1852; annual, 26.99.
1852-53: July, T. ; August, 0; September,
T. ; October, 0; November, 6.00; December,
13.40; January, 3.00; Februarv, 2.00; March,
7.00; April, 3.50; May, 1.45; June, T. ; sea-
sonal, 36.35 ; year, 1853 ; annual, 19.99.
1853-54 : July, 0 ; August, 0 ; September, T. ;
October, T. ; November, 1.50; December, 1.54;
January, 3.25 ; February, 8.50 ; March, 3.25 ;
April, 1.50; Mav, 0.21; June, 0.31; seasonal,
20.06; year, 1854; annual, 19.83.
1854-55: July, 0; August, T. ; September,
T. ; October, 1.01 ; November, 0.65; December,
1.15; January, 2.67; Februarv, 3.46; March,
4.20; April, 4.32; May, 1.15; June, 0.01; sea-
sonal, 18.62; year, 1855; annual, 18.56.
1855-56; July, 0; August, 0; September,
T. ; October, 0; November, 0.75; December,
2.00: January, 4.92; Februarv, 0.69; March,
1.40; April, 2.13; May, 1.84; June, 0.03; sea-
sonal, 13.76; year, 1856; annual, 14.26.
1856-57: July, 0; August, 0; September,
T. ; October, 0.20 ; November, 0.65 ; December,
2.40; January, 1.38; February, 4.80; March,
0.68; April, T. ; May, T. ; June, 0.35; seasonal,
10.46; year, 1857; annual, 12.91.
1857-58: July, 0; August, T. ; Septem-
ber, 0; October, 0.66; November, 2.41 ; Decem-
ber, 2.63 ; January, 2.44 ; February, 2.46 ;
March, 2.88"; April, 1.21; May, 0.20; June,
0.10; seasonal, 14.99; year, 1858'; annual, 16.80.
1858-59: July, 0.01: August, T. ; Septem-
ber, T. ; October, 3.01; November, 0.15; De-
cember, 4.34; January, 0.96; February, 3.91;
March, 1.64; April, 0.98; May, 1.04; June. 0;
seasonal. 16.04; year, 1859; annual, 16.86.
1859-60: July, 0; August, 0; September,
0.02; October, 0; November, 6.48; December,
1.83; January, 2.31; February, 0.93; March,
5.11; April, 2.87; May, 2.49; June, 0.02; sea-
sonal, 22.06; year, 1860; annual, 19.79.
1860-61 : July, 0.63; August, 0; September,
0.06; October, 0.91; November, 0.18; Decem-
ber, 4.28 ; Januar}^ 2.67 ; Februarv, 2.92 ;
March, 3.32; April, 0.48; May, 0.59; June,
0.14; seasonal, 16.18; year, 1861; annual, 21.48.
1861-62: July, 0.55 ; August, 0; September,
0; October, T. ; November, 2.17; December,
8.64: January, 15.04; February, 4.26; March,
2.80; April, 0.82; May, 1.81; June, 0.01; sea-
sonal, 36.10; year, 1862; annual, 27.44.
1862-63: July, 0; August, 0.01 ; September,
0; Octboer, 0.36; November, T. ; December,
2.33; January, 1.73; February, 2.75; March,
2.36; April, 1.69; May, 0.36; June, 0; sea.sonal,
11.59; year, 1863; annual, 12.20.
1863-64: July, 0; August, 0; September,
T. ; October, 0; November, 1.49; December,
1.82; January, 1.08; February, 0.19: March,
1.30; April, 1.08; May, 0.74; June, 0.09; sea-
sonal, 7.79; year, 1864; annual, 19.27.
1864-65: July, 0; August, 0.08; Septem-
ber, T. ; October, 0.12; November, 6.72; De-
cember, 7.87 ; January, 4.78 ; February, 0.71 ;
March, 0.48; April, 1.37; May, 0.46; June, 0;
seasonal, 22.59; year, 1865; annual, 11.15.
1865-66: July, T. ; August, 0; September,
0.08; October, 0.48; November, 2.43; Decem-
ber, 0.36; January, 7.70; February, 2.01;
March, 2.02; April, 0.48; May, 2.25; June,
0.10; seasonal, 17.91 ; year, 1866; annual, 26.52.
1866-67: July, 0.02; August, 0; September.
0; October, T. ; November, 2.43; December,
9.51; January, 3.44; February, 7.10; March,
1.01 ; April, r.80; May, 0.01 ; June, 0; seasonal.
25.32; year. 1867; annual, 30.03.
1867-68: July, 0; August, 0; September,
0.01; October, 0; November, 3.81; December,
12.85; January, 6.04; February, 3.15; March.
4.35; April, 2.31; May, 0.27; June, T. ; sea-
sonal, 32.79; year, 1868; annual, 19.50.
1868-69: July, 0; August, 0; September, 0
October, 0; November, 0.77; December, 2.61
January, 4.79; February, 3.63: March. 2.94
April, 1.24; Mav, 0.65; June, 0.01; seasonal
16.64; year, 1869; annual, 18.19.
42
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
1869-70: July. 0; August. 0; September,
T. : October, 2.12; November, 0.85; December,
1.96; Tanuarv, 1.37; February, 3.24; March,
1.64; April. 2.12; May, 0.27; June, T. ; sea-
sonal, 13.57; year, 1870; annual, 10.21.
1870-71 : July, T. ; August, T. ; September,
0 ; October, 0.02 ; November, 0.58 ; December,
0.97; Tanuarv, 2.08; February. 1.92; March,
0.69; April, '1.45; May, 0.76;' June, T. ; sea-
sonal, 8.47; year, 1871 ; annual, 18.92.
1871-72: July, 0; August, 0; September, T. ;
October, 0.21; November, 1.22; December,
10.59; January, 4.04; February, 4.74; March,
1.94; April. 0.61; May. 0.28; June, 0.02; sea-
sonal, 23.65; year, 1872; annual, 19.17.
1 872-73 : July, 0 ; August, 0 ; September, T. ;
October, 0.22; November, 1.93; December,
5.39; Januar)'. 1.23; February, 4.36; March,
0.55; April, 0.51; May, 0; June, T. ; seasonal,
14.19; year, 1873; annual, 18.20.
1873-74: July, 0.02; August, T. ; Septem-
ber, 0; October, 0.31 ; November, 1.21 ; Decem-
ber, 10.01; January, 5.20; February, 1.86;
March, 3.05; April, 0.99; May, 0.37; June, T. ;
seasonal, 22.92; year, 1874; annual, 17.92.
1874-75: July, T. ; August, 0; September,
0.05; October, 2.26; November, 3.80; Decem-
ber, 0.44; January, 8.70; February, 0.55;
March, 0.80; April, T. ; May, T. ; June, 1.10;
seasonal, 17.70; year, 1875; annual, 23.31.
1875-76 : July, 0 ; August, 0 ; September, 0 ;
October, 0.44; November, 6.20; December,
5.52; January, 4.99; February, 3.75; March,
4.15; April, 1.10; May, 0.15; June, 0; seasonal,
26.30; year, 1876; annual, 18.12.
1876-77: July, 0.21; August, 0.02; Septem-
ber, T. ; October, 3.45; November, 0.30; De-
cember, 0; January, 2.77; February, 1.04;
March, 0.56 ; April, 0.19 ; May, 0.64 ; June, 0.01 ;
seasonal, 9.19; year, 1877; annual, 8.44.
1877-78 : July, T. ; August, T. ; September,
0; October, 0.73; November, 1.07; December,
1.43; January. 9.26; February, 8.04; March,
3.09; April, 1.07; May, 0.17; June, 0; seasonal,
24.86; year, 1878; annual, 23.45.
1878-79: July, 0; August, 0; September,
0.29; October, 0.55; November, 0.51; Decem-
ber, 0.47; January, 3.18; February, 3.88;
March, 4.88; April, 2.66; May, 1.30; June. 0.13;
seasonal. 17.85; year, 1879; annual, 22.37.
1879-80: July, T. ; August, T. ; September,
0; October, 0.88; November, 2.05; December,
3.41; January, 1.64; February, 1.83; March,
1.70; April, 14.20; May, 0.76; June, 0; sea-
sonal, 26.47; year, 1880; annual, 31.99.
1880-81: July, T. ; August, 0; September,
0; October, 0; November, 0.05; December,
11.81; January, 6.14; February, 5.06; March,
1.37; April, 1.64; May, T. ; j'une, 0.50; sea-
sonal, 26.57; year, 1881; annual, 20.71.
1881-82: July, T. ; August, 0; September,
0.30; October, 6.55; November, 1.88; Decem-
ber. 3.27; January. 1.89; February, 2.40;
March, 3.78; April, 1.99; May, 0.35; June,
0.10; seasonal. 16.51; year, 1882; annual,
18.06.
1882-83: July, T. ; August, 0; September,
0.57; October, 2.63; November, 3.22; Decem-
ber, 1.13; January, 2.23; February, 1.11;
March, 3.70; April, 0.67; May, 2.85; June, 0;
seasonal, 18.11; year, 1883; annual, 13.48.
1883-84: July, 0; August, 0; September,
0.90; October, 0.97; November, 0.61; Decem-
ber, 0.44; January, 3.43; February, 4.46;
March, 8.14; April, 4.32; May. 0.06; June,
1.45 ; seasonal, 24.78; year, 1884; annual, 34.92.
1884-85: July, 0; August, T. ; September,
0.60; October, 2.01; November, 0; December,
10.45; January, 2.16; February, 0.49; March,
0.08; April, 0.68; May, T. ; June, 0.11; sea-
sonal, 16.58; year, 1885; annual, 20.72.
1885-86: July, T. ; August, 0; September,
0.08; October, 0'.02; November, 11.34; Decem-
ber, 5.76; January, 7.95; February, 0.29;
March, 2.68; April, 4.08; May, 0.07; June, 0;
seasonal, 32.27; year, 1886; annual, 18.17.
1886-87 : July, 0 ; August, 0 ; September, 0 ;
October, 0.68; November, 0.21; December,
2.21: January, 1.12; February, 6.28; March,
0.94; April, 2.53; May, T. ; June, 0; seasonal,
13.97 ; year, 1887 ; annual, 13.43.
1887-88: July. 0; August, T. ; September,
0.02; October, 6; November, 0.45; December,
2.09; January, 4.81; February, 0.57; March,
3.04; April, 6.10; May, 0.40; June, 0.08; sea-
sonal, 11.56; year, 1888; annual, 18.46.
1888-89: July, T. ; August, T. ; September,
0.55; October, 6; November, 4.28; December,
4.63; January, 0.15; February, 0.33; March,
6.25; April, 0.26; May, 3.25; June, 0.25; sea-
sonal. 19.95; year, 1889; annual, 27.48.
1889-90: July, 0; August, 0; September,
0; October, 6.02; November, 3.15; December,
7.82; January, 6.62; February, 4.06; March,
3.00; April, 1.33; May. 1.80: June, 0; seasonal,
33.80; year, 1890; annual, 20."95.
1890-91: July, 0; August, T. ; September,
0.80; October, "T. ; November, 0; December,
3.34; January, 0.53; February, 6.61; March,
1.78; April, 2.04; May, 0.66; 'June, 0.05; sea-
sonal, 15.81 ; year, 1891 ; annual, 15.63.
1891-92: July, T. ; August, 0; September,
0.10; October, 6.10; November, 0.48; Decem-
ber, 3.28; January, 1.78"; February, 2.84;
March, 3.02; April, 1.20; May, 2.38; June, T. ;
seasonal, 15.18; year, 1892; annual, 23.60.
1892-93: July," 0; August, 0; September.
0.18; October, 0.70; November, 6.60; Decem-
ber, 4.90; January, 3.27; February, 2.66;
March, 3.51; April, 1.08: May, 1.05; 'June, 0;
seasonal, 23.95; year, 1893; annual, 16.59.
1893-94: July, T. ; August, T. ; September,
0.22; October, 0.12; November, 2.92; Decern-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
43
ber, 1.76: January, 4.17; February, 3.92;
March, 0.74; April, 0.34; May, 1.70; June, 0.46;
seasonal, 16.35; year, 1894; annual, 22.61.
1894-95: July, T. : August, T. ; September,
0.88; October, 1.06; November, 0.48; Decem-
ber, 8.86; January. 8.42; February, 1.84;
March, 1.20; April, 0.86; May, 0.51; June, 0;
seasonal, 24.11; year, 1895; annual, 17.38.
1895-96: July, 0.04; August, T. : Septem-
ber, 1.26; October. 0.17; November, 1.54; De-
cember, 1.54; January, 9.76; February, 0.09;
March, 2.57; April. 5.34; May, 0.92; June, 0;
seasonal, 23.23; year, 1896; annual, 25.06.
1896-97: July, T.; August, 0.20; Septem-
ber, 0.31; October, 0.55; November. 3.56;
December, 1.76; January, 3.66; February,
4.15 ; March, 2.54 ; April, 0.25 ; May, 0.30; June,
0.04; seasonal, 17.32; year, 1897; annual, 15.32.
1897-98: July, 0; August, 0.01 ; September,
0.16; October, 1.96; November, 0.61; Decem-
ber, 1.64; January, 0.98; February, 3.19;
March, 0.04 ; April, 0.28; May, 1.50; June, 0.14;
seasonal, 10.51; year, 1898; annual, 10.04.
1898-99: July, 0; August, 0; September,
0.36; October, 0.64; November, 0.61; Decem-
ber, 2.30; January, 3.94; February, 0.04;
March, 6.02; April, 0.10; May, 0.54; June,
0.49; seasonal, 15.04; year, 1899; annual, 21.14.
1899-1900: July, 0; August, 0.02; Septem-
ber, 0; October, 4.46; November, 2.62; Decem-
ber, 2.91 ; January, 3.54 ; February, 0.32 ;
March, 1.61; April, 1.88; May, 2.88; June, T. ;
seasonal, 20.24; year, 1900; annual, 17.91.
1900-01 : July, T. ; August, 0 ; September,
0.06; October, 1.74; November, 4.50; Decem-
ber, 1.38; January, 3.70; February, 5.32;
March, 0.48; April, 2.23; May, 0.80; June, T. ;
seasonal, 20.21 ; year, 1901 ; annual, 18.52.
1901-02: July, 0; August, T. ; September,
0.56; October, 1.56; November, 2.68; Decem-
ber, 1.19; January, 0.95; February, 6.52;
Alarch, 1.99; April, 1.36; May, 0.45; June,
0.01 ; seasonal, 17.27; year, 1902; annual, 17.88.
1902-03: July, 0; August, T. ; September,
0; October, 1.67; November, 2.02; December,
2.91; January, 3.05; February, 1.70; March,
4.81 ; April, 0.46; May, T. ; June, T. ; seasonal,
16.62 ; year, 1903 ; annual, 14.70.
1903-04: July, 0; August, 0; September, 0;
October, 0.12; November, 3.44; December,
1.12; January, 0.45; February, 5.26; March,
5.43; April, 1.02; May, 0.03; June, T. ; sea-
sonal, 16.87; year, 1904; annual, 20.99.
1904-05: July, T. ; August, 0.07; Septem-
ber, 3.62; October, 1.86; November, 2.05; De-
cember, 1.20; January, 3.33; February, 2.47;
March, 3.75; April, 1.18; May, 2.45; June, 0;
seasonal, 21.98; year, 1905; annual, 14.97.
1905-06: July, 0; August, ' T. ; September,
0.03; October, 0; November, 1.20; December,
0.56; January, 6.63; February, 3.02; March,
8.45; April, 1.21; May, 2.24; June, 0.59; sea-
sonal, 23.93; year, 1906; annual, 30.70.
1906-07: July, 0; August, T. ; September,
0.20: October, T. ; November, 0.99; December,
7 .17 ; January, 4.63 ; February, 2.37 ; March,
7.28; April, 6.25; May, 0.10; June, 0.85; sea-
sonal. 24.04; year, 1907; annual, 20.05.
1907-08 : July, 0 ; August, 0 ; September, T. ;
October, 1.20; November, 0.04; December,
i.ZZ; January, 3.84; February, 2.75; March,
0.42; April, 0'.08 ; May, 0.54; June, T.; seasonal,
12.20; year, 1908; annual, 11.21.
1908-09: July, T. : August, 0; September,
0.05; October, 0.26; November, 1.23; Decem-
ber, 2.04 ; January, 9.65 ; February, 6.68 ; March,
1.84; April, T. ; May, T. ; June, 0.03; seasonal,
21.78; year, 1909; annual, 24.87.
1909-10: July, 0; August, 0; September,
0.21; October, 1.27; November, 1.32; Decem-
ber, 3.87 ; January, 1.48 ; February, 0.83 ; March,
3.06; April, 0.11 ; May, 0.03 ; June, T. ; seasonal,
12.18; year, 1910; annual, 7.78.
1910-11: July, T.; August, 0; September,
0.20; October, 0.28; November; 0.17; Decem-
ber, 1.62; January, 12.72; February. 1.88;
March, 4.30; April, 0.66; May, 0.03 ; June, 0.12;
seasonal, 21.98; year, 1911; annual, 21.11.
1911-12: July, 0; August, 0; September, T. ;
October, 0.18; November, 0.15; December,
1.07; January, 2.74; February, 0.23; March,
1.97; April, 1.69; May, 0.94; June, 0.58; sea-
sonal, 9.55; year, 1912; annual, 11.01.
1912-13: July, T. ; August, 0; September,
1.25; October, 0.58; November, 0.80; Decem-
ber, 0.23; January, 2.52; February, 0.16; March,
1.32; April, 0.53; May, 0.51; June, 0.11; sea-
sonal. 8.03 ; year, 1913 ; annual, 14.29.
1913-14: 'July, T. ; August, 0.01; Septem-
ber, T. ; October, 0.13; November, 4.58; De-
cember, 4.40 ; January, 5.97 ; February, 2.96 ;
March, 0.59; April, 0.70; May, 0.50; June, 0.60;
seasonal, 24.44; year, 1914; annual, 16.05.
1914-15: July, 0;- August, 0; September, T. ;
October, 0.82 ; November, 0.47 ; December,
3.44; January, 3.76; February, 4.26; March,
1.20; April, 0.50; May, 2.75; June, 0; seasonal,
17.20; year, 1915; annual, 17.73.
1915-16 : July, T. ; August, 0.01 ; September,
T. ; October, T. ; November, 0.83 ; December,
142; January, 9.35; February, 2:45; March,
1.06; April, 0.06; May, 0.10; June, 0.01; sea-
sonal, 18.29; year, 1916; annual, 18.27.
1916-17: July, 0.07; August, T. ; Septem-
ber, 0.16; October, 0.79; November, 0.49; De-
cember, 3.73; January, 1.30; February, 4.97;
March, 0.70; April, 0'62 ; May, 0.12; June, 0;
seasonal, 12.95; year, 1917; annual, 8.92.
1917-18: July, T. ; August, T. ; September,
0.51; October, T. ; November, 0.23; December,
0.45; January, 0.97; February, 3.36; March.
4.00; April, 1.06; May, 0.01 ; June, T. ; seasonal.
10.61; year, 1918; annual, 16.92.
44
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
1918-19: July. 0; August, T. ; September,
3.58; October, 0.40; November, 1.84; Decem-
ber, 1.70; January, 1.77; February, 6.29; March,
1.50; April, 0.11 ; Mav, 0.01 ; June, 0; seasonal,
17.20; year, 1919; annual, 12.80.
1919-20: July, T. ; August, T. ; September,
0.53; October, 0.01; November. 0.36; Decem-
ber, 2.22 ; January, 0.29 ; Februarv, 0.81 ; March,
3.27; ApVil, 1.36; May, 0.1; June, 0.05; sea-
sonal, 8.80; year, 1920; annual, 14.79.
Approximate Mean Rainfall
Means (62 years, 1849-1911): July, 0.02;
August, 0.01; September, 0.22; October, 0.83;
November, 2.02 ; December, 3.95 ; January,
3.96; February. 2.89; March, 3.00; April, 1.58;
May, 0.80; June, 0.12; seasonal, 19.48; annual,
19.24.
Temperatures in Degrees Fahrenheit
Following is a table of absolute maximum
and minimum temperatures since 1878:
Year, 1878: Absolute maximum, 100 in
August; absolute minimum, 24 in December.
Year, 1879: Absolute maximum, 103 in
August ; absolute minimum, 25 in December.
Year, 1880: Absolute maximum, 98 in July;
absolute minimum 25 in January.
Year, 1881 : Absolute ma.ximum, 98 in July;
absolute minimum, 32 in November and De-
cember.
Year, 1882: Absolute maximum, 100 in
August and September ; absolute minimum, 27
in December.
Year, 1883 : Absolute maximum, 104 in
July ; absolute minimum, 22 in January and
February.
Year, 1884: Absolute maximum, 100 in
August; absolute minimum, 21 in February.
Year, 1885 : Absolute maximum, 105 in
August; absolute minimum, 34 in January.
Year, 1886: Absolute maximum, 105 in
July ; absolute minimum, 28 in January.
Year, 1887; Absolute • maximum, 100 in
June, August and September; absolute mini-
mum, 28 in November.
Year, 1888: Absolute maximum, 108 in
August ; absolute minimum. 19 in January.
■ Year, 1889: Absolute maximum, 104 in
July; absolute minimum, 31 in January and
February.
Year, 1890: Absolute maximum, 102 in
July ; absolute minimum, 29 in January.
Year, 1891 : Absolute maximum, 106 in
June, July and August ; absolute minimum, 26
in December.
Year, 1892: Absolute maximum, 106 in
August; absolute minimum, 26 in December.
Year, 1893: Absolute maximum, 103 in
July; absolute minimum, 28 in December.
Year, 1894: Absolute maximum, 108 in
August; absolute minimum, 26 in December.
Year, 1895: Absolute maximum, 102
June; absolute minimum, 28 in December.
Year, 1896: Absolute maximum, 104
July ; absolute minimum, 28 in January.
Year, 1897: Absolute maximum, 105
July; absolute minimum, 28 in December.
Year, 1898: Absolute maximum, 110
August, absolute minimum, 26 in January.
Year, 1899: Absolute maximum, 102
July; absolute minimum, 30 in February.
Year, 1900: Absolute maximum, 102
August; absolute minimum, 30 in December
Year, 1901 : Absolute maximum, 105
August ; absolute minimum, 26 in January.
Year, 1902: Absolute maximum, 107
July; absolute minimum, 29 in January.
Year, 1903 : Absolute maximum, 102
September; absolute minimum, 29 in January.
Year, 1904: Absolute maximum, 102
September; absolute minimum, 32 in January.
Year, 1905: Absolute maximum, 110
July ; absolute minimum, 28 in December.
Year, 1906: Absolute maximum, 104
July ; absolute minimum, 30 in December.
Year, 1907 : Absolute maximum, 99
August; absolute minimum, 31 in January.
Year, 1908: Absolute maximum, 103
August; absolute minimum, 28 in December.
Year, 1909 : Absolute maximum, 101
July; absolute minimum, 29 in December.
Year, 1910: Absolute maximum, 103
May; absolute minimum, 28 in January.
Year, 1911: Absolute maximum, 100
July ; absolute minimum, 30 in December.
Year, 1912: Absolute maximum, 103
June ; absolute minimum, 29 in January.
Year, 1913: Absolute maximum, 109
i\ugust ; absolute minimum, 26 in January.
Year. 1914: Absolute maximum, 102
July; absolute minimum, 30 in December.
Year, 1915: Absolute maximum, 105
August ; absolute minimum, 24 in December
Year, 1916: Absolute maximum, 105
July ; absolute minimum, 30 in December.
Year, 1917: Absolute maximum, 107
July ; absolute minimum, 26 in January.
Year, 1918: Absolute maximum, 107
June; absolute minimum, 29 in December.
Year, 1919: Absolute maximum, 107
August ; absolute minimum, 24 in January.
Year, 1920: Absolute maximum, 108
June; absolute minimum, 29 in January.
Relative Humidity and Percentage
of Sunshine
This table represents average conditions by
months ; humidity, mean for twenty-four
years ; sunshine, mean for five years.
January : Hufnidity, 5 a. m., 86 ; 5 p. m., 71 ;
per cent of sunshine, 37; hours of sunshine,
111.5.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
45
February : Humidity, 5 a. m.. 83 ; 5 p. m., 61 ;
per cent of sunshine, 54; hours of sunshine,
162.2.
March: Humidity, 5 a. m., 81 ; 5 p. m., 55;
per cent of sunshine, 63 ; hours of sunshine,
234.5.
April: Humidity, 5 a. m., 79; 5 p. m., 46;
per cent of sunshine, 81 ; hours of sunshine,
323.4.
May: Humidity, 5 a. m., 78; 5 p. m., 44;
per cent of sunshine, 83 ; hours of sunshine,
368.0.
June: Humidity, 5 a. m., 75; 5 p. m., 38;
per cent of sunshine, 87; hours of sunshine,
390.4.
July: Humidity, 5 a. m., 75; 5 p. m., 34;
per cent of sunshine, 96; hours of sunshine,
434.3.
August : Humidity, 5 a. m., 75 ; 5 p. m., 35 ;
per cent of sunshine, 96; hours of sunshine,
405.4.
September: Humidity, 5 a. m., 72; 5 p. m.,
36; per cent of sunshine, 88; hours of sunshine,
329.3.
October: Humidity, 5 a. m., 74; 5 p. m., 43;
per cent of sunshine, 77 ; hours of sunshine,
265.7.
November: Humidity, 5 a. m.. 76; 5 p. m.,
53 ; per cent of sunshine, 60 ; hours of sunshine,
180.0.
December: Humidity, 5 a. m., 82; 5 p. m.,
40; per cent of sunshine, 38; hours of sunshine,
111.2.
Extreme Temperatures
This table presents the absolute extremes of
temperature by months, covering the period
from 1878 to 1920, inclusive.
January: Absolute maximum, 72: year and
date, 30, 1899; absolute minimum, 19; vear and
date, 14, 1888.
February : Absolute maximum, 80 ; year and
date, 18, 1889; absolute minimum, 21 ; vear and
date, 13, 1884.
March: Absolute maximum, 82; year and
date, 22, 1915; absolute minimum, 29; year and
date, 15, 1880.
April : Absolute maximum, 89 ; year and
date, 24, 1910; absolute minimum, 35 ; vear and
date, 4, 1901.
May : Absolute maximum, 103 ; year and
date, 30, 1910 ; absolute minimum, 37 ; year and
date, 7, 1916.
June: Absolute maximum, 108; year and
date, 20, 1920; absolute minimum, 44; year and
date. 1, 1890.
July: Absolute maximum, 110; year and
date, 8, 1905; absolute minimum, 47; year and
date, 3, 1901.
August: Absolute maximum, 110; year and
date, 11, 1898; absolute minimum, 48; year and
date, 30, 1887.
September: Absolute maximum, 106; year
and date, 11, 1888; absolute minimum, 44; year
and date, 18, 1882.
October: Absolute maximum, 99; year and
date, 7, 1917; absolute minimum, 36; year and
date, 14, 1881.
November : Absolute maximum, 81 ; year
and date, 5, 1898; absolute minimum, 27; 3'ear
and date, 27, 1880.
December: Absolute maximum, 69; year
and date, 8, 1893; absolute minimum, 24; year
and date, 14, 1883.
Maximum Extremes of Wind
This table presents maximum velocities of
wind by months, covering the period from
1895 to 1920, inclusive.
January; Maximum velocitj^ 60; direction,
southeast; year, 1901; day, 3.
February : Maximum velocity, 60 ; direction,
southeast ; year, 1902 ; day, 25.
March : Maximum velocity, 65 ; direction,
southeast; year, 1904; day, 10.
April: ]Maximum velocity, 46; direction,
south ; year, 1902 ; day, 7.
May: Maximum velocity, 48; direction,
northwest; year, 1912; day, 6.
June: Maximum velocity, 42; direction,
northwest; year, 1886; day, 12.
July: Maximum velocity, 40; direction,
northwest; year, 1903; da}^ 2.
August: Maximum velocity, 38; direction,
southwest ; year, 1908 ; day, 9.
September: Maximum velocity, 40; direc-
tion, northwest; year, 1903; day, 11.
October : Maximum velocity, 48 ; direction,
south; year, 1894; day, 20.
November: Maximum velocity, 48; direc-
tion, north; year, 1895 ; day, 22.
December : Maximum velocity, 60 ; direc-
tion, southeast; year, 1894; day, 9.
46
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
I
CHAPTER III
SACRAMENTO COUNTY CROPS
SACRAMENTO County is situated at the
southern extremity of the great Sacra-
mento Valley, and is well-named the
"Heart of California." Its land area of 988
square miles is largely composed of rich sedi-
ment bottom land through which flow three
big rivers, and owing to the enormous yield
of crops obtained each year the county has be-
come known as among the richest farming
districts in the world.
This county leads all others of the state in
the production of pears and asparagus, be-
sides being a large producer of such fruits as
grapes, peaches, prunes, plums, olives and al-
monds. The orange likewise thrives well here,
and is a good producer. Over 35,000 acres are
devoted to fruits, vines and nuts. The fruit-
production and net returns therefrom during
the season of 1920, which netted the growers
nearly $10,000,000, surpassed that of all previ-
ous crop years. The increased production is
due to a normal increase in plantings during
the last eight years, and has placed Sacra-
mento County among the leading fruit-pro-
ducing counties of the state.
Apart from the ideal soil and climatic con-
ditions, so necessary to profitable fruit culture,
several other factors have contributed largely
to this gradual increase in the plantings of the
county. Among these is the permanent build-
ing of three of the largest fruit and vegetable
canneries in the state, three olive-pickling
plants, and five asparagus canneries which
alone handle a 16,000-acre crop. It is claimed
by those who follow the shipping and market-
ing of fruit and vegetable products, that ninety
out of every hundred cans of asparagus opened
and served on any table anywhere in the
United States, were grown and put up in Sac-
ramento County. Sacramento is the head-
quarters for the handling of more than ninety-
five per cent of all the deciduous fruits grown
in the entire State of California, and therefore
it is the greatest transportation center and
shipping-point for perishables in the world.
Other factors contributing to the growing
agricultural and horticultural importance of
the county are the splendid river transporta-
tion, handling the bulk of the vast Delta fruit
output, and the unexcelled transcontinental
shipping facilities of the city, which enable the
grower to get his fruit started to Eastern mar-
kets under refrigeration without the slightest
loss of time and with minimum loss of cargo.
From sixty to eighty carloads of deciduous
fruits leave this county every day during the
shipping season. In addition to the enormous
acreage developed to fruit crops, there are over
100.000 acres devoted to alfalfa, beans, hops,
corn, vegetables, and to the growing of vege-
table seeds and flower seeds ; and about
150,000 acres are planted each year to wheat,
barley, and other cereal crops.
The livestock industry has gradually been
increased along modern lines, so that now the
count}' has some of the largest and best dairy
and swine herds in the state. The large yields
of alfalfa and other crops, together with the
building of several large and modern cream-
eries and a condensary, have practically
trebled this industry during the last three
years. The poultry industry also is on the
increase, especially in the new districts that
are being settled, where the farmers are grow-
ing large flocks to carry them along until
their young orchards come into bearing.
Crop Reports
From 1917 to 1920 inclusive, the following
fresh-fruit and grape yields in Sacramento
County were reported ;
1917: 5,298 carloads, valued at $4,903,145.
1918: 4,702 carloads, valued at $5,613,400.
1919: 5,050 carloads, valued at $7,557,706.
1920: 5,768 carloads, valued at $9,450,169.
These figures do not include nuts and dried
fruits, of the annual production value of
$600,000 or over. The total bearing and non-
bearing acreage, including both fruit and vine,
is 35,000 acres.
The plantings for the seasons of 1919-1920
and 1920-1921 are reported as follows:
1919-1920 : Plums and prunes, 41,000 trees ;
pears, 75,697 trees; apples, 1,311 trees; apri-
cots, 6,959 trees ; cherries, 3,874 trees ; al-
monds, 8,965 trees ; olives, 9,867 trees ; citrus,
675 acres ; grapes, 20,862 vines ; miscellaneous,
6,983 trees.
1920-1921 : Plums and prunes, 31,775 trees ;
pears, 92,945 trees; apples, 1,680 trees; apri-
cots, 4,542 trees ; cherries, 3,785 trees ; al-
monds, 6,730 trees ; olives, slight increase ;
peaches, 32,010 trees; grapes, 71,440 vines;
miscellaneous, 8,505 trees.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
47
Under the direction of Fred C. Brosius,
county horticultural commissioner, not only
have the producing districts enlarged, but the
quality of the fruits, grapes and nuts has been
greatly improved. Likewise the marketing of
the crops and the enforcement of the stand-
ardization laws, with respect both to crating
and to wholesome grade, have been brought
to the highest state of efficiency by Commis-
sioner Brosius.
CHAPTER IV
GEN. JOHN A. SUTTER
NO OTHER name is so closely connected
with the settlement of Sacramento City
and County as that of Gen. John A.
Sutter, the first permanent white settler with-
in their limits and the pioneer of civilization
here. Born of Swiss parents, in the Grand
Duch}' of Baden, February 28, 1803, and edu-
cated there, he entered the French military
service as captain under Charles X and re-
mained there until he was thirty 3rears of age. ,
Embarking for New York, he arrived there in
July, 1834, having come to select a place and
prepare the way for a colony of his country-
men in the West. His first location was at
St. Charles, Mo., but having lost his property
through the sinking of a vessel, he abandoned
the place. Leaving St. Louis, where he had
stayed for a time, he went to New Mexico.
There he met some hunters and trappers, who
told him of Upper California, whither they
had journeyed, of its fertile and beautiful val-
leys, its verdant foothills and its lofty moun-
tain ranges, covered with magnificent pine and
redwood forests. He at once resolved to go
to this state and make it his future field of
labor. There being no lines of steamers run-
ning to California ports, the only way of ar-
riving here was to cross the plains and moun-
tains with one of the trapping expeditions of
the American or English fur companies. Ac-
cordingly, April 1, 1836, he joined Captain
Tripp, of the American Fur Company, and
traveled with him to the rendezvous in the
Rocky Mountains. Crossing the mountains
with six horsemen, after a long and dangerous
trip he arrived at Fort Vancouver. Embark-
ing on a vessel bound for the Sandwich Is-
lands, he hoped to find an opportunity to sail
thence to the Pacific Coast and sailed from
the islands in a vessel bound for Sitka and
from there down the coast. July 2, 1839, the
vessel was driven by furious gales into the
Bay of Yerba Buena (as San Francisco was
then called), and there was boarded by a gov-
ernment officer with an armed force, who
ordered him to leave, saying that Monterey,
ninety miles south, was the port of entry.
Sutter, however, obtained leave to stay forty-
eight hours in order to procure supplies.
When he reached Monterey, he succeeded
in meeting Governor Alvarado, whom he told
that he wished to secure and colonize a sec-
tion of country in Upper California on the
Sacramento River. The governor, who was
desirous that the country should be subdued
and settled, warmly approved Sutter's plan,
but warned him that the Indians were hostile
and would not allow the whites to settle there ;
further, that they had robbed the people of
San Jose and the lower country of their cattle
and other propert_v. However, he gave Sutter
a passport with authority to explore and oc-
cupy any territory he might consider desirable
for his colony, and requested him to return in
one year, when he should have his citizenship
acknowledged and receive a grant of such
lands as he might desire to secure.
Returning to Yerba Buena, which at that
time contained scarcely fifty inhabitants,
Sutter secured a schooner and several small
boats with which to explore the interior, and
started with ten whites to ascend the river.
He could secure no guide, as no one could be
found who had ever ascended the Sacramento
River. However, in eight days he discovered
the mouth of the river. Reaching a point
about ten miles below the present city of Sac-
ramento, he came on a party of about two
hundred Indians who showed hostility. As
some of the Indians fortunately understood
Spanish, Sutter was able to assure them that
there were no Spaniards (against whom the
Indians showed particular hostility) among
his party, and explained that he was simply
a peaceful citizen, coming among them to
settle and trade. Finally he was guided by
two Indians who spoke Spanish, up the river
to the Feather River. He made his way up
this river for some distance, but some of his
white men became alarmed and discontented
48
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
and he was constrained to return. Reaching
the mouth of the American River, he ascended
it a short distance, and August 15, 1839,
landed at a point on the southern side, where
he afterward estabhshed his tannery, within
the limits of the present city. After landing
his effects on the following morning, he in-
formed the discontented whites that if they
wished to return to Yerba Buena they could
do so. but that he was determined to remain,
and that the Kanakas were willing to remain
with him. Three of the whites determined to
leave and he put them in possession of the
schooner, with instructions to them to deliver
it to its owners when they reached Yerba
Buena. They started the next day.
Three weeks later he moved to the spot
where he afterwards constructed Fort Sutter,
which was destined in a few years to become
the nucleus of civilization in the Sacramento
Valle3^ He encountered many troubles with
the Indians in the early days of his settlement,
and a number of plots were laid to massacre
him and his men and secure the goods which
were such a great temptation to the aborig-
ines. These plots were foiled, several of
them, as the Indians afterwards confessed to
him. through the vigilance of his favorite bull-
dog. Afterward many of the Indians, at first
most hostile to him, became his firmest friends
and cooperated with him in his work. He
now devoted himself to agriculture and rais-
ing cattle and soon became wealthy and pros-
perous. His companions at this time were
six nomadic whites of various nationalities,
and eight Kanakas, who always remained
faithful to him, and who constituted his "col-
ony" and his army. They aided him in sub-
duing and colonizing a large area before total-
ly unknown and inhabited by roving tribes
of hostile Indians. The nearest white settle-
ment was at Martinez, and the Indians around
him were known as "Diggers," from their
habit of digging roots for food.
In the fall of 1839 he bought from Senor
Martinez 300 head of cattle, thirty horses and
thirty mares. During the fall eight more
white men were added to his colony. Having
been considerably handicapped by the lack of
lumber and timber during his construction
of the fort, he floated some down the Ameri-
can River, and was also compelled to send for
some to Bodega, on the coast, a distance of
several hundred miles. In 1840 five white men
who had crossed the Rocky Mountains with
him and whom he had left in Oregon joined
him, swelling his colony to twenty-five, sev-
enteen being white men and the others being
Kanakas. During the fall of that year Gen-
eral Sutter was forced to make open war on
the Mokelumne Indians, who had become
troublesome, stealing livestock from the set-
tlers and rendering themselves obnoxious by
their acts and menaces. He marshalled his
army of "six brave men and two vaqueros,"
as his diary quaintly states, and marched
against the Indians in the night time. Com-
ing to the camp wher^ they had concentrated
over two hundred warriors, he attacked them
so determinedly that they retreated and sued
for peace. He granted it readily and it was
ever afterward mutually maintained. In time
he made the Indians cultivate the soil, help
build his fort, care for the stock and be use-
ful in various other ways. In the military
history of California at a later date, he and
his Indians were an important factor. He
purchased a thousand more cattle and seventy-
five more horses and mules, and his herds be-
gan to increase in numbers and value. He
sent hides to San Francisco, kept supplies for
the trappers and purchased their skins and
either employed all the mechanics and labor-
ers or found work for them.
In June, 1841, General Sutter visited Mon-
terey, the capital, where he was declared a
Mexican citizen and received from Governor
Alvarado a grant for his land, under the name
of New Helvetia, he having caused a survey
of it to be made for him. He was also hon-
ored with a commission as "represendente del
Gobierno en las fronteras del norte y encar-
gado de la justicia." He was visited shortly
after by Captain Ringgold of the United
States exploring expedition under Commodore
Wilkes. About the same time Alexander
Rotcheff. governor of the Russian possessions.
Fort Ross and Bodega, offered to sell to him
the Russian possessions, settlements and
ranches at those places. The terms were ad-
vantageous and Sutter purchased them at a
price of $30,000. Besides the vast area of real
estate, he came into possession of 2,000 cattle,
over 1,000 horses, 50 mules and 2,000 sheep,
the most of which were driven to New Hel-
vetia and added to his herds there. In 1844
he petitioned Governor Micheltorena for the
grant or purchase of the sobrante, or surplus,
over the first eleven leagues of land within
the bounds of the survey of the Alvarado
Grant, which the governor agreed to let him
have, but the grant was not finally executed
until February 5, 1845. During tliis time he
had rendered valuable military services and
advanced supplies to the government to enable
it to suppress the Castro rebellion. For these
considerations and personal services he ob-
tained by purchase the sobrante or surplus.
When the Me.xican War broke out, although
Sutter was a Mexican citizen and an officer
under that government, his respect for the
citizens and the institutions of the United
States was such that his unbounded hospital-
ity was extended to all Americans, civil or
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
49
military, who visited him. When the country
surrendered to the American forces, Sutter,
being convinced that all was over, heartily
hoisted the American flag- July 11, 1846, and
accompanied it with a salute from the guns
of the fort. Lieutenant Missoon, of the United
States Navy, soon after organized a garrison
for the fort and gave Sutter the command,
which he held till peace was declared. He was
appointed alcalde by Commodore Stockton
and Indian agent by General Kearne3% with
a salary of $750 a year, but his first trip in
discharge of his duty cost him $1,600 and he
naturally resigned his office. During all these
years his hand and his fort were always open
to relieve the distressed. As he said after-
wards, "I have never turned a man away hun-
gry or refused him shelter." ]\Iany a party of
immigrants who had arrived near the fort half-
starved and destitute sent one of the party in
advance to ask assistance, and Sutter always
granted it, often sending an expedition out to
bring in the exhausted. On one occasion Cap-
tain Fremont, who had been exploring farther
north with a party, managed to reach the fort
and announced that his party was exhausted
and destitute some distance away. General
Sutter immediately dispatched an expedition,
which relieved them and brought them in. A
handsome fortune was expended by him in
like charitable acts, and he was a great favor-
ite among the pioneers on account of his large-
hearted generosity. The hungry he never
turned away. Often they were nursed back
to health and strength on his place. On one
occasion a solitary starving immigrant reached
the fort and announced that his party, some
distance behind, were starving. Immediately
General Sutter packed seven mules with sup-
plies and sent them in charge of two Indian
boys to the rescue of the party. On their
arrival everything was seized and devoured
by the famished wretches. Other starving
immigrants arriving on the scene, they killed
the seven mules and ate them, then killed and
ate the two Indian boys. Afterwards Sutter
said with much feeling, "They ate my Indian
boys all up."
However, evil days were at hand. "Ingrat-
itude, more strong than traitors' arms," was
to reduce the old pioneer to poverty. Gold
was discovered ; but while a boon to the coun-
trv and hailed with delight all over the world,
this proved the ruin of the grand old man.
His laborers and mechanics deserted him. His
mill was forced to cease operation. He could
not hire labor to plant his crops or cut his
ripened grain. Laborers would not work for
less than an ounce of gold a day, as they could
often make more in the mines. The influx of
immigration had brought men of all nations.
Among them were many who had no respect
for the property of others. Convicts from Aus-
tralia, thieves and murderers from the East,
flocked to the Coast. Both as a Mexican citi-
zen and as a citizen of the United States by
the treaty with Mexico, General Sutter con-
sidered himself doubly protected in his prop-
erty rights and felt that he held a strong
claim on his country's justice. But many of
the newcomers took forcible possession of his
land and began to cut his vi^ood, claiming that
it was vacant and unappropriated land of the
United States. Up to January, 1852, the set-
tlers had occupied all of his land capable of
settlement and appropriation, while another
class had stolen all of his cattle, horses, mules,
sheep and hogs, except a few that he himself
had sold. During the high water of 1849-1850
one party of five men killed and sold enough
of his cattle (which were surrounded b}- water
near the river) to amount to $60,000. De-
spoiled of his property, he removed to the
west bank of the Feather River and took up
his residence at Hock Farm, where, in the
midst of his famil}^ recently arrived from
England, he led a quiet life. Later he went
to Washington to press his claims upon the
government for the losses sustained by him
from the immigrants in the early days. Dur-
ing 1873 he removed to Lititz, Pa. On Tune
18^ 1880, he died at Washington, D. C, after
having devoted his last years to endeavoring
to obtain from congress redress for his
wrongs. It is to the honor of California that
in 1864 a bill was introduced in the state sen-
ate by Hon. J. P. Buckley and became a law,
appropriating $15,000 to be paid in install-
ments of $250 per month, for the benefit of
Sutter and his heirs. In 1870 another bill by
Hon. W. E. Eichelroth was passed, providing
$250 a month for two years, and in 1872 a
similar bill by Hon. B. C. Northrup. Thus
the state he founded, more grateful than the
country to which he was instrumental in giv-
ing an empire whose gold saved the Union in
the Civil War, made the latter days of the
noble-hearted old man comfortable.
50
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CHAPTER V
SUTTER'S FORT RESTORED
AS TIME rolled on after General Sutter
removed to his farm, and afterwards to
the East, the decay of the old fort set
in. Wind and storm did their work. The
adobe bricks became displaced, and the tiles
of the roof became broken and loosened. The
property had passed into other hands and was
used for other purposes than had been orig-
inally intended. The two blocks on which the
fort stood had been cut up into lots by John
A. Sutter, Jr., and sold to different parties,
but had finally all come into the ownership of
Benjamin Merrill, who was residing in the
East. Like many non-residents, he took no
care of the property and allowed it to deterio-
rate. Some enterprising individual stuck a
long hop pole, bearing an old red flannel shirt,
through the roof like a flag pole. The under-
pinning became dilapidated and the venerable
ruin Avas used as a chicken house and hog
pen. The walls cracked open, and it was evi-
dent that the days of the historic relic would
soon be ended by its collapse. Many citizens
regretted its passing, but as usual nothing was
done to preserve it. Finally the board of city
trustees decided to open Twenty-seventh
Street from K to L. The street would run
through the old fort and necessitate its de-
struction. Still the community was apathetic
and the historic building seemed doomed. But
Sacramento contained one patriotic citizen
who was determined to avert this disgrace
if possible, Gen. James G. Martine, whose
brain, ah\-ays filled with ideas for promoting
the progress and prosperity of the cit3^ took
immediate action. As a result the following
open letter was published, June 4, 1889, in the
"Record Union," and later in the press of the
Coast, and also in many newspapers in the
East, where it would come to the notice of
pioneers :
"To the Pioneers of the Pacific Coast, Gen-
tlemen : In the year '49, and even before that
date, you left home, friends and all that was
dear to you, and journeyed to the shores of
the broad Pacific in search of fame and for-
tune. After many months of toil and hardship
3'ou finally reached her golden shores, both
tired and hungry. Who was the first to reach
you a helping hand and say to you : 'Come,
my sons, you are strangers in a strange land,
and 'while you are here make my house your
home, and what is in it is yours'? Pioneers,
do you remember how grateful you felt then
for the shelter given you by Sutter's Fort?
Well, gentlemen, that was nearly forty years
ago, and the old fort is still in the same place,
but in a most wretched condition, and while
most of your noble band have been blessed
with good health, wealth and happiness, this
old friend has fared badly. It is now old and
can hardly stand, and unless you come to the
rescue it will soon fall by the wayside. Pio-
neers, there are many of you on the Pacific
Coast, and a few dollars from each of you
vv'ould buy the ground and fix up the old
Sutter's Fort as it was in the old days of '49.
Once repaired, it would be a lasting monu-
ment to you all long after j^ou have crossed
the silent river. I am not rich by any means,
but if the Pioneers or Native Sons do not take
this worthy object in hand at once, I suggest
that a subscription be raised among the citi-
zens of Sacramento to purchase the ground
and repair the old fort. I will subscribe fifty
dollars toward it. Sacramento has but few
historic relics left, and it would be a burning
shame to have Sutter's Fort torn down. The
city authorities have alreadj' announced their
intention of pulling it down unless something
is done with it, and there is no time to lose.
"(Signed) J. G. Martine."
The appeal commanded attention and re-
sponses came from individuals throughout the
state, commending Mr. Martine's proposal,
and making donations toward carrying it out.
Mr. Martine obtained a subscription from
Col. C. F. Crocker of $15,000 on behalf of him-
self and family, and $500 from Mrs. Leland
Stanford, the governor stating later that he
would make up any existing deficiency. The
Native Sons took up the matter, and Mr. Mer-
rill finally set a price of $20,000 on the prop-
erty, subscribing $2,000 of the amount himself.
c
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H
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
51
It was found, when the first payment was
made, September 12, 1889, that John Rider
and the city of Sacramento owned a part in-
terest in the fort, but the title was cleared and
the purchase made, the Native Sons' canvass-
ing committee and others having- secured the
necessary funds. The property was deeded to
the Native Sons and by them to the state.
In 1891 the legislature passed a bill appro-
priating $20,000 for the restoration of the fort,
and it is worthy of remembrance that in the
assembly Beecher and Phillips, both members
of the order of Native Sons, voted against it,
the latter moving to cut down the appropria-
tion to $10,000. The governor appointed as
the first board of trustees to manage the prop-
erty, which had been conveyed to the state :
C. E. Grunsky, of San Francisco ; E. E. Gad-
dis. Woodland ; Frank D. Rj'an, Sacramento ;
Charles E. Hollister, Courtland, and Eugene
J. Gregory, Sacramento, all natives of Cali-
fornia. Considerable feeling was engendered
among the Pioneers, who had worked and con-
tributed to the purchase of the fort, because no
member of their society had been appointed
on the board.
The first adobe brick for the restoration of
the fort was laid September 21, 1891, the
bricks being made from the soil on which the
fort stands, mixed with straw, and of the same
material which Sutter used in its construction.
The same cannon which guarded the fort after
its completion are to be seen on the grounds
today, as well as the heavy cannon vi^hich
General Sutter purchased from the Russians
with Fort Ross, one of which was presented
to John Stuber in 1855 by General Sutter,
and for many years guarded the entrance
of Pioneers' Hall on Seventh Street. The
original adobe bricks were made by the
Digger Indians, who used their hands for
molding them, and their finger marks were
to be seen when they were again used. One
of them was dislodged from the wall during
the restoration, and was found to be the cor-
ner-stone, on which were chiseled signs of the
"Indian Masonic" order which was known to
exist among the tribes. The tiles used in
the restoration were of ancient Spanish manu-
facture, such as' were used in the early days.
The fort as restored is constructed with
double adobe bricks, covered with concrete
plaster to preserve them from the ravages of
the weather.
Some years later the Native Daughters of
the local parlors planted trees and flowers on
the grounds, and within recent years the state
has laid out a park, made a small lake and
beautified the grounds, which are under the
care of a gardener. Within the court inside
of the fort are found a number of relics of the
early days : an old Wells Fargo coach with
the marks of Indian bullets on it, an old
prairie schooner that came across the plains,
an old Mexican cart with solid wooden wheels
sawed from the trunk of a tree, and other
things. There is also a museum containing
many old-time relics. The rooms of the old
fort have been restored as nearly as possible
to their original status by the trustees of the
fort, after consultation with Gen. John Bid-
well, who was General Sutter's financial
agent, and Charles Stevens of San Francisco,
who was Sutter's bookkeeper in 1847 and 1848.
52
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CHAPTER VI
THE REVOLUTION IN CALIFORNIA
IN JULY, 1839, when Captain Sutter told
Governor Alvarado that he desired to
occupy and colonize the section where he
afterward erected his fort, the governor warm-
ly approved his plan and gave him authority
to explore and occupy any territory he found
suitable and told him to return in a year and
have his citizenship acknowledged, when he
should receive a grant of such lands as he
might desire. This was done, and he received
a grant of eleven leagues. At that time the
settlement of Americans in the country was
encouraged by the local government.
But by 1844 the situation had changed. The
events in Texas had aroused the Mexican
people and it was well understood in the
United States that Polk's election to the presi-
dency in 1844 meant the annexation of Mexi-
can territory, and that hostilities might rea-
sonably be expected soon. At about the same
time feelings of animosity began to spring up
in California between the Americans and the
Mexican population and the former began to
apprehend that the latter would attempt to
drive them from the country. True, no decla-
ration of war had yet been made, but it was
evident that both the United States and the
Mexican government were preparing for a
hostile meeting. Colonel Fremont had reached
California, ostensibly on an exploring expedi-
tion, he having led several exploring expedi-
tions in the western part of the continent. The
existing government in the southern part of
California had shown some opposition to his
progress, and he had turned northward to-
ward Oregon.
In April, 1846, Lieutenant Gillespie of the
United States army arrived in California, and
started from Monterey in pursuit of Fremont,
and overtook him in Oregon, on May 9.
Gillespie's despatch to Fremont has never
been made public, but it is generally supposed
that it contained orders for Fremont to re-
trace his steps and hold himself ready to assist
in the conquest of California on the first inti-
mation that war was to be declared. He re-
turned and encamped at or near the place
where Sacramento now stands. The popula-
tion of California was estimated at that time
to be about ten thousand, exclusive of Indians.
Of this number probably less than two thou-
sand were foreigners. General Castro was at
that time military commandant of California,
and he had several times issued proclamations
ordering all foreigners to leave the country.
The American settlers therefore determined
that the time had arrived when they must pro-
tect themselves, and that some decisive move-
ment should be made by them. This move-
ment was precipitated by an order from Castro
to Lieut. Francisco de Arce to proceed with
fourteen men as a guard to the mission of San
Rafael, where there were some horses belong-
ing to the Mexican government, and remove
them to the mission at Santa Clara. As New
Helvetia (now the city of Sacramento) was
the first point at which the horses could swim
the river, de Arce was under the necessity of
coming to that point. An Indian observed de
Arce's party in its movement, and reported
that he had seen two or three hundred men
mounted and armed, coming up the Sacramen-
to River. The settlers believed that Castro
was leading a large party to attack Fremont.
The news spread among the Americans by
means of couriers, and they gathered for the
defense at Fremont's camp, near the conflu-
ence of the Feather River with the Sacra-
mento. There they met William Knight, who
told them that he had seen the party of Cali-
fornians in charge of the horses, and that de
Arce had told that Castro had sent for the
horses for the purpose of mounting a battalion
of two hundred men to march against the
Americans settled in the Sacramento Valley
and to expel them from the country. The set-
tlers held a consultation and resolved that a
party should pursue de Arce, and capture the
horses and thus defeat Castro's plans. Twelve
men volunteered for the duty, and chose Eze-
kiel Merritt, the oldest of the party, as their
captain. At daylight, June 10, 1846, they sur-
prised the Californians, and captured the
horses without resistance. De Arce and his
men were allowed to go, each one being al-
lowed one horse.
This was the first overt act committed by
the foreigners and made it necessary that all
in the country should take one side or the
other in the revolution thus precipitated. It
was followed on the morning of June 14 by
the taking of the town and mission of Sonoma.
The American party, increased to thirty-three,
was led by Ezekiel Merritt and was known
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
53
afterward as the famous Bear Flag Party. It
was composed mostly of hunters and men who
could leave their homes on short notice. They
were roughly dressed and presented a formid-
able appearance. They seized the town and
mission without bloodshed and captured Gen.
M. G. Vallejo, Lieutenant-Colonel Prudon,
Don Salvador Vallejo and other prominent
persons and conveyed them to Sutter's Fort,
where they were kept prisoners for about two
months.
As nearly as can be ascertained, the names
of the members of the Bear Flag Party from
Sacramento "Valley were : Ezekiel Merritt,
Robert Semple, Henry L. Ford, Samuel Gib-
son. Granville P. Swift. AVilliam Dickey, Hen-
ry Booker, John Potter, William B. Ide, Wil-
liam Fallon, William M. Scott, Henry Beason.
William Anderson, James A. Jones, W. Barti
(or "Old Red") and Samuel Neal. The rest of
the party were from Napa Valley.
A garrison of eighteen men, under command
of \\'illiam Ide, was left at Sonoma and in a
few days it w-as increased to about forty. Ide
issued a proclamation declaring that he and his
companions had been invited to come into the
country and had been promised protection by
the government, but that they had been sub-
jected to oppression by military despotism ;
that threats had been made, by proclamation,
of exterminating them if they did not leave
the country ; that it meant they must either
abandon their property and be driven through
deserts inhabited by hostile Indians, or must
defend themselves ; and that they had been
forced to inaugurate a revolution with a view
of establishing and perpetuating a republican
government.
The party obtained its name by adopting
what was known as the Bear Flag, and it
formed a partial organization under the name
of the Republic of California. The flag borne
by them was a piece of cotton cloth, with one
red stripe on the bottom, and on the white
part was the figure of a grizzly bear, with one
star in front of him, either painted or stained
wath lampblack and poke berries, and on the
top were the words, "Republic of California."
According to the history of the event filed in
the office of the Society of California Pioneers,
the flag was painted with paint secured from
a wheelwright's shop, "and the execution did
not excel in artistic merit."
William L. Todd, however, in a letter to the
Los Angeles "Express" under the date of Jan-
uary 11, 1878, makes this statement: "I have
to say in regard to the making of the original
Bear Flag of California at Sonoma in 1846.
that when the Americans who had taken up
arms against the Spanish regime had deter-
mined what kind of a flag should be adopted,
the following persons performed the work :
Granville P. Swift, Peter Storm. Henry L.
Ford, and myself. We procured, in the house
where we made our headquarters, a piece of
new, unbleached cotton domestic, not quite a
yard wide, with stripes of red flannel about
four inches wide, furnished by Mrs. John
Sears, on the lower side of the canvas. On the
upper left-hand corner was a star, and in the
center was the image made to represent a
grizzly bear, so common in this country at
that time. The bear and star were painted
with paint made of linseed oil and Venetian
red or Spanish brown. Underneath the bear
were the words, 'California Republic' The
other person engaged with me got the mate-
rials together, while I acted as artist. The
forms of the bear and star and the letters were
first lined out with pen and ink by myself, and
the two forms were filled in with the red paint,
but the letters with ink. The flag mentioned
b}' Mr. Hittel, with the bear rampant, was
made, as I always understood, at Santa Bar-
bara, and was painted black. Allow me to say
that at that time there was no wheelwright
shop in California. The flag I painted I saw
in the rooms of the California Pioneers in San
Francisco in 1870, and the secretary will show
it to any person who will call upon him at any
time. If it is the one that I painted, it will be
known by a mistake in tinting out the words
'California Republic' The letters were first
lined out with a pen and I left out the letter
T and liried out the letter 'C in its place. But
afterward I lined out the letter 'I' over the
'C so that the last syllable of 'Republic' looks
as if the last two letters were blended." The
guidon used at Sonoma was in 1874 presented
to the California Pioneers by Brig.-Gen. Jo-
seph Revere, who in 1846, as lieutenant,
hauled down the Bear Flag and substituted
the Stars and Stripes.
There has been considerable dispute as to
the causes which led to the revolution in Cali-
fornia, the capture of Sonoma, Ide's proclama-
tion, the raising of the Bear Flag and its de-
sign. Reliance is placed on the accounts which
were published in the "Californian" in August
and September, 1846. This was a few months
after the occurrence of those events and the
articles w^ere written by Robert Semple, the
editor, who distinctly stated in them that he
wrote them as a matter of history and for the
benefit of future historians.
Commodore John D. Sloat arrived at Monte-
rey July 7, 1846, with a United States frigate.
Monterey was at that time the Mexican capi-
tal of California. The commodore took pos-
session of the town and hoisted the American
flag over the custom house, and from that day
dates the possession of California Ijy the
United States. Sloat's frigate had been lying
at Mazatlan under orders to seize California
54
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
on the first intimation that war had been de-
clared against Mexico. The first American
flag was hoisted in the Sacramento Valley
where Sacramento City now stands, Colonel
Fremont being encamped there with about 170
men. William Scott arrived in the camp on
the evening of July 10, with the news of the
hoisting of the flag at Monterey by Commo-
dore Sloat. He also brought with him an
American flag sent by Capt. John B. Mont-
gomery, of the United States ship "Ports-
mouth." The "Californian," in speaking of the
first receipt of the news at Sacramento, says :
"It \\as received with universal shouts by the
men. and our gallant leader, surrounded by a
number of officers and soldiers, partook of a
cup of good brandy, and sang some national
airs. The 'Star Spangled Banner' was re-
sponded to with warmth."
With the raising of the American flag the
Bear Flag was supplanted, and although there
were several engagements between the United
States troops and the Mexican forces in the
southern part of the territory of California, the
Mexicans capitulated early in 1847, and the
hostilities ceased. While many events hap-
pened during the transition, those above re-
corded were all that directly afifected this
county and the territory surrounding it.
CHAPTER VII
STATE CAPITAL, AND CAPITOL BUILDING
CALIFORNIA'S history contains one pe-
culiar feature. It never passed through
the territorial stage deemed necessary
for the other states previous to their admission.
The United States took possession of it when
war was declared against Mexico, outwitting
and outmaneuvering the English, who were
preparing to seize it. From that time until its
admission as a state it was under the rule of a
military governor. June 3, 1849, Gen. B. Riley,
the military governor of the state, issued from
Monterey a proclamation for the holding of
an election on August 1 of that year to elect
delegates to a general convention and for the
filling of several necessary offices. At this
election delegates were chosen to the constitu-
tional convention, which met at Monterey Sep-
tember 3, 1849, and prepared a constitution
that was submitted to the people and ratified
by them on November 13 of the same year. At
the same election an entire state and legisla-
tive ticket was elected, as well as two repre-
sentatives to congress. The legislative assem-
bly of San Francisco and a provisional govern-
ment meeting at San Jose had both recom-
mended the calling of such a convention in
order that some plan of government might be
evolved that would put an end to the chaotic
condition of afifairs existing. General Riley
had the wisdom to recognize the desires of the
people, as thus expressed, and issued his proc-
lamation instead of asserting his authority to
govern.
The senators and assemblymen-elect met
December 15, 1849, at San Jose, and on Decem-
ber 30 the state government of California
was established and Governor Peter H. Bur-
nett was inaugurated as the first governor of
the State of California. Soon afterwards Wil-
liam M. Gwin and John C. Fremont were
elected the first United States senators from
the state. There had never been a territorial
form of government, and California had never
been admitted to the Union. Notwithstanding
these facts, the people had elected a state gov-
ernment and United States senators and repre-
sentatives, who immediately started for Wash-
ington, to work for the admission of their state
to the Union. The unparalleled audacity of
California's pioneers broke all precedent of
routine as to statehood admission and showed
that theirs was the stuff of which men born to
rule are made. It mattered little to them what
legal objection there might be to their action,
nor that congress had passed no bill for her ad-
mission, and might never pass one. California
had declared herself a state, and not only that,
but a free state, and had sent her representa-
tives to Washington to notify congress to
hurry up and admit her. And her audacity
won out, too. Such an achievement is worthy
of more than one page in any history relating
to California, and her sons and daughters
should see to it that the brilliant achievement
of their sires is not forgotten.
As soon as Governor Burnett was inaugu-
rated. General Riley, with rare judgment, is-
sued a remarkable proclamation, as follows :
"To the People of California:
"A new executive having been elected and
installed in office, in accordance with the pro-
visions of the constitution of the state, the un-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
55
dersigned hereby resigns his powers as gover-
nor of Cahfornia. In thus dissolving his offi-
cial connection with the people of this country,
he would tender to them his heartfelt thanks
for their many kind attentions, and for the uni-
form support which they have given to the
measures of his administration. The principal
object of all his wishes is now accomplished —
the people have a government of their own
choice, and one which, under the favor of Di-
vine Providence, will secure their own pros-
perity and happiness, and the permanent wel-
fare of the new state.
"Given at San Jose, this 20th day of Decem-
ber, A. D. 1849.
"B. Riley,
"Brevet Brig. Gen., U. S. A., and
Governor of California.
"By the Governor. AV. H. Halleck,
"Brevet Captain and Secretary of State."
Contest for the State Capital
The constitutional convention fixed the seat
of state government at San Jose. The first
legislature therefore met there on December
15 following. Finding the accommodations
there too limited, however, it accepted the
proposition of Gen. M. G. Vallejo to remove
the capital to his place. They met there Janu-
ary 5, 1852, but found themselves in a worse
plight than at San Jose, as the general had un-
dertaken more than he could accomplish, and
was behind with his contract to furnish a
building for the session. Sacramento then be-
stirred itself, and indorsed the court of ses-
sions in its action in offering the use of the
courthouse to the legislature. That body ac-
cepted the oiifer January 12, 1852, and lost no
time, arriving here the next day on the steamer
"Empire." The city put on gala attire and the
citizens welcomed the members with a grand
ball, at which the tickets were sold for twenty
dollars.
During the session the contest for the honor
of being the state capital grew hotter and hot-
ter between the rival claimants, and all sorts
of legal technicalities were put in use to in-
fluence the selection of a location. The state
records had been at San Jose, the place selected
as the seat of government by the constitutional
convention, and doubts were entertained by
many as to the legality of removing them to
Vallejo, there being no safe place there for
keeping them, and also as to whether they
could be removed to Sacramento, which had
not yet been declared the capital.
On April 30. 1852, the legislature passed a
bill declaring the seat of government to be at
Vallejo, and ordering the governor to remove
the state records to that place. General Val-
lejo then procured a cancellation of his con-
tract, and the legislature, after meeting at
Vallejo in January, 1853, soon adjourned to
Benicia, declaring it to be the capital. It met
there again January 2, 1854, when Governor
Bigler submitted to it a communication from
the mayor and council of Sacramento, tender-
ing to the state the free use of the courthouse,
with its safe, vaults, etc., together with a deed
for the block of land between I and J, Ninth
and Tenth Streets. On the 9th of February,
Senator A. P. Catlin introduced a bill in the
senate providing for the fixing of the perma-
nent seat of government at Sacramento, and
accepting the block of land, which was passed.
The legislature then adjourned to this city,
where the citizens received the members and
state officers with an enthusiastic demonstra-
tion.
The legislature met in the new courthouse
March 1, 1854. But its troubles were not all
settled yet. On the 24th of the month it passed
a law compelling the supreme court to hold its
sessions here, but that body retaliated by hold-
ing the opinion that San Jose was the constitu-
tional and legal capital, and refused to come.
Subsequently, however, a change of judges of
the supreme court effected a decision that
Sacramento was the legal capital. In accord-
ance with that decision, all sessions of the
legislature since 1854, with the exception of
that in the year of the great flood, 1862, have
been held in Sacramento.
On April 11, 1893, a few days before the ad-
journment of the legislature, the "Evening
Bee"' published an article making some grave
charges against the personal character and
conduct of some of the legislators, and thank-
ing God that the legislature was about to ad-
journ. The edition became known as the
"Thank God" edition. The members of the
legislature took umbrage at the article, and
claiming that it was an insult to the whole
body, hastily formulated a resolution authoriz-
ing the people of the state to vote on the re-
moval of the capital to San Jose, and rushed it
through the same evening, many members re-
garding it as a joke on Sacramento. The re-
sult created great excitement in the city, and
an indignation meeting called at the court-
house denounced the "Bee" and assured the
legislature that the article did not represent
the sentiments of the community. The next
day the board of trade ordered a boycott on
the "Bee" for injuring the interests of the city.
The "Bee" stuck by its guns and offered to
prove its charges, but the legislature adjourned
without rescinding the resolution. The inci-
dent occasioned much bitter feeling, but in the
end was beneficial to Sacramento, for the citi-
zens, while admitting that the removal of the
capital would be a blow to their civic pride,
resented the slurring taunt that its retention
here was a financial necessity to the city, and
inaugurated and carried to completion a num-
ber of public improvements that were the
56
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
initiation of the united work of the community
in making- Sacramento one of the most beau-
tiful cities in the state. While the vote of the
people, if the matter had been referred to them,
would have been against the removal, the is-
sue was not made, for in April, 1894, the su-
preme court decided that the resolution of the
legislature was unconstitutional.
In 1907 a number of members of the legisla-
ture took umbrage at Sacramento, and a con-
stitutional amendment was adopted, removing
the seat of government from Sacramento to
Berkeley, as a punishment to the former city.
It was submitted to the people of the state at
the election in November, 1908, and was de-
feated by so decisive a majority that it is not
likely another of similar import will ever be
introduced again.
The Capitol Building
In April, 1856, the legislature provided for
the issue of bonds amounting to $800,000 for
the erection of a Capitol building on the plaza
between Ninth and Tenth, I and J Streets,
which had been deeded to the state by the city
for that purpose. The board of commissioners
appointed to superintend the building ap-
proved the plans of Reuben Clark for the struc-
ture, awarded the contract to Joseph Mongues
for $200,000, and broke ground for the build-
ing on December 4. On the 15th of the
month, however, the commissioners refused to
issue the bonds, because the supreme court had
decided that the state had no authority to con-
tract so large a debt. The contractor brought
suit to compel the fulfillment of the contract,
but he was beaten, and work was stopped and
never resumed on the building. The block was
deeded back to the city and has been filled and
converted into a beautiful park.
The project for building the Capitol rested
until 1860, when the four blocks comprised
between L and N, Tenth and Twelfth Streets,
containing 11.90 acres, were donated to the
state by the city of Sacramento. A number of
years later the six blocks lying between L and
N, Twelfth and Fifteenth Streets were pur-
chased by the state for $100,000, so that the
Capitol Park now extends between L, and N
from Tenth to Fifteenth Street, with a total
area of 33.05 acres, including the streets be-
tween those boundaries. It is by all odds the
finest Capitol Park in the United States, and
is the admiration of all visitors to the city.
The grounds are planted with trees of more
than 400 varieties, it is stated, and rare shrubs
and trees from all over the world are to be
found there.
The legislature in 1860 appropriated $500,000
for a Capitol building, and the plans of M. F.
Butler were adopted, and Michael Fennell of
San Francisco secured the contract for furnish-
ing the material and constructing the base-
ment for $80,000. The corner-stone was laid
with imposing Masonic ceremonies on May 15,
1861. Fennell had abandoned the contract on
IMay 1, and it was afterwards let to G. W.
Blake and P. E. Conner, who in turn, having
suffered some losses during the great flood,
abandoned their contract. The work was then
turned over to the commissioners, who worried
along for several years because the various leg-
islatures could not agree on the amount of ap-
propriations that should be made for the work.
Finally in 1867 it was decided to finish the first
story only with granite, and construct the
rest of the building with brick, which was
done, and the building was hurried to its com-
pletion. The brick is of excellent quality,
however, and the work was done in the best
manner. The building is modeled largely on
the National Capitol at Washington, and is
much admired for its stately proportions. The
building was completed according to the orig-
inal plans as amended, which left the attic and
basement unfinished, in 1874. It was oc-
cupied first by the governor and the other
state officers November 26, 1869. The supreme
court met for the first time in the building De-
cember 3, 1869, and the legislature took formal
possession of it December 6 of that year. The
Sacramentans celebrated the occasion by firing
a salute and by a general display of flags. The
cost of its construction was $2,600,000.
As stated, the basement and attic remained
unfinished, but as the state grew, it became
painfully apparent to the legislature and the
state officers that the building was too small,
or rather that the finished portion of it was too
small to accommodate the demand for space.
Accordingly, in 1906-1908, during the admin-
istrations of Governors Pardee and Gillett, the
State Capitol Commission, composed of the
governor, secretary of sta!te and the state
treasurer, expended $372,925, appropriated by
the legislature for the purpose, in remodeling
the building, raising the roof and finishing the
basement and attic, so that at present there
are rooms sufficient. The building has been
made as near fireproof as possible, the only
woodwork remaining being the doors and win-
dows, and some floors which are laid over
brick and cement. The total cost of the Cap-
itol as repaired was $2,972,925, and competent
architects state that it could not be built now
for less than $5,000,000.
The architecture of the structure is of the
florid Roman-Corinthian style. It faces west
and is of four stories and basement. Its length
is 320 feet and its greatest depth 164 feet, and
it covers 52,480 square feet. The rotunda on
the first floor, is 168.07 feet in circumference,
and the ball on top of the dome is 247 feet
higher than the street at the junction of
Tenth and M Streets.
HISTORY OF SACRAAIEXTO COUNTY
57
A description of the Capitol could not be
complete without mention of the beautiful
group of statuary in the center of the rotunda,
facing the entrance. It is the work of the
famous American sculptor, Larkin Goldsmith
Mead, and was bought by Darius Ogden Mills,
one of the earliest bankers of Sacramento, for
$30,000 in gold, and donated by him to the
state of California. It represents Queen Isa-
bella of Spain seated on her throne, while
Columbus kneels beside her, holding a globe,
with which he explains his theory of sailing
westward around the earth to reach India. It
represents the moment when, according to the
historian Prescott, the queen, convinced by the
navgiator's arguments, exclaims, "I will as-
sume the undertaking on behalf of the crown
of Castile, and will pledge my jewels to defra}^
the expenses of it, if the funds in the treasury
shall be found inadequate." The writer once
overheard a citizen explaining to a visitor that
the group represented Columbus offering the
world to the queen, which, after all, was not
far from the mark.
The beautification of the park with trees and
shrubbery began about 1869, at the time the
building was occupied, and has continued ever
since. During Governor Booth's term of office
a governor's mansion w^as completed in the
northeast corner of the park, but as Governor
Booth was living in single blessedness at the
time, he never occupied it, and for various rea-
sons his successors followed his example, so
that several years afterwards it was converted
into a state printing office and is still in use
for that purpose. The printing for the legisla-
tive sessions, the state school text-books, the
various official reports and all the other work
of the state in that line is done there, but the
building will probably be torn down when the
new and modern State Printing Office, now
under construction, is completed. A pavilion
of the State Agricultural Society was erected
on the block in the southeast corner of the
park, but becoming unsafe, was torn down
some years ago and removed to Agricultural
Park, beyond the county hospital.
A feature of the Capitol Park is the Grand
Army plat, between Twelfth and Thirteenth
Streets. It is the only plat of the kind in
existence, and is cared for partly by the Grand
Army posts and the Ladies of the Grand Army.
It is thickly planted with trees from various
battlefields of the Civil AVar, all tagged with
the names of the localities from which they
came, and the exercises on Decoration (Mem-
orial) Day are generally held in the shade of
the historic trees.
Capitol Extension
The gfrowing need for more office space in
which to conduct the constantly expanding
state departments caused the people to vote
on November 3. 1914, $3,000,000 in bonds to
erect the Capitol Extension on the two blocks
of ground immediately west of the main
Capitol, for which tract the citizens of Sacra-
mento on April 5, 1913, voted bonds amount-
ing to $700,000. Having given the state the
site for its proposed buildings, the citj' natu-
rally expected that the improvements would be
made without unnecessary delay. However,
the outbreak of the war in 1914 and the condi-
tions which followed, together with the low in-
terest rate carried by the state bonds, caused
one delay after another, and only recently has
the prospect become hopeful for obtaining re-
lief from the high rents to which several of
the state departments and offices have been
subjected for a long period of years.
The legislature in 1919 added $100,000 to the
$3,000,000 originally voted, to take care of the
additional cost in building, the earlier esti-
mates having proved inadequate under con-
stantly changing conditions and increasing
costs of both labor and material. The 1921
legislature again came to what was then be-
lieved to be the satisfactory relief of the situa-
tion, and appropriated $30O,OOO more. This,
however, was found to be only about half of
what was needed to pay the commission on
the bonds. In other words, it was intended to
offset the difference between the 4^ per cent
bonds and their then market value.
Through the urgent efforts of the Chamber
of Commerce and Gov. AYilliam D. Stephens,
cooperating with the State Board of Control,
the waj- was opened during the early fall of
1921 for the accomplishment of something
definite, and the sale of the bonds became a
promising prospect. In the meantime, Weeks
& Day, architects selected on the competitive
basis, prepared the plans and specifications,
and had everything in readiness to proceed un-
der the direction of the State Department of
Engineering.
One of the two buildings will be used for
the State Librar}^ giving much more space,
and providing numerous fireproof sections for
the valuable collection of books, periodicals,
and other records and documents. The State
Supreme Court also will have its quarters in
one of the buildings, as also the State Motor
Vehicle Department, State Department of En-
gineering, State Highway Commission. State
Fish and Game Commission, Department of
Agriculture. State Board of Education, State
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Criminal Identifi-
cation Bureau, State Board of Health, Adju-
tant-General's Department, and a few other
offices that now are scattered about the city in
other quarters outside of the main Capitol.
Governors From Sacramento
Sacramento has had her full share of the
governors of the state chosen from among her
58
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
citizens. The rival of San Francisco in her
earliest days, being the objective point of emi-
grants who were seeking- wealth from the
placers, she attracted immediately the most
active and able men, who tarried at the city
on the bay only long enough to secure passage
to Sacramento. For this reason the capital
city was well-known among pioneers and
wielded a large influence in politics, as well as
in commerce and in affairs connected with the
mining industry. The first governor of the
new state, Peter H. Burnett, elected in Novem-
ber, 1849, had formerly acted as ag'ent for Gen-
eral Sutter. John McDougal, who succeeded
him. was another early resident of Sacramento.
John Bigler, also an early resident of Sacra-
mento, was elected governor in 1851 and died
in this city in 1871. In 1855 he was succeeded
as governor by J. Neely Johnson of Sacra-
mento. Milton S. Latham became governor
in 1859, resigning in 1860 to become United
States senator. Leland Stanford became gov-
ernor in 1862. Newton Booth of this city was
chosen governor in 1871, and died in Sacra-
mento in 1892. Hiram W. Johnson, born and
reared in Sacramento, was elected governor in
November, 1910, and reelected in 1914. He was
elected United States senator in 1916, and re-
signed as governor March 15, 1917, William D.
Stephens, then lieutenant-governor, being in-
augurated March 15, 1917, as his successor.
Friend W. Richardson, at one time state print-
er, was elected governor in 1922.
CHAPTER VIII
SACRAMENTO CITY
The City Today
THE PIONEER settler who in the early
days of the "Trail of Death" crossed
the plains in quest of the "Trail of Gold,"
would today look with wonder upon the cap-
ital city of California, with its stately build-
ings, magnificent parks, and beautiful paved
streets, lined with tall elms whose branches
overspread the thoroughfares, lawns and
playgrounds, affording protection from the
sun's rays and turning the entire city into a
forest of never-ending comfort and attractive-
ness. Since the early mining days, Sacra-
mento has discarded her swaddling clothes and
has put on the garb of modern times. On
every hand evidences of progress and prosper-
ity are seen, in her cosmopolitan stores, stately
hotels, and imposing public buildings.
The city today has more than 130 miles of
asphalt-paved streets, which have taken the
place of the cobblestone, crushed-rock, and
macadamized streets formerly in use when the
capital was in the class with the country towns.
Strangers and visitors almost invariably praise
this feature of the municipal improvements.
The progressive age has also seen practically
the last of the one- and two-story landmarks
razed to make way for the advent of twentieth-
century business blocks, sky-scrapers, and in
general a more substantial and modern type of
architecture. Buildings of five, seven, eight
and ten stories now line J and K Streets from
Fourth to Twelfth Streets, and an eighteen-
story bank and office sky-scraper has been de-
signed for Seventh and K, which soon is to be
erected. This will be among the loftiest struc-
tures west of Chicago, and will be a monument
to the financial strength of the city as well as
a mile-post in its onward march toward a
population of 250,000, which Gov. William D.
Stephens in a public address stated is sure to
be realized, even in the days of the present
generation.
Among the city's public buildings are the
magnificent County Court House, completed
in 1912 at a cost of $600,000. To this more
recently have been added the Hall of Records
and the County Jail, giving the county and
city governments the best group of office and
administration buildings of any municipality
in the state. The police department and health
offices of the city are maintained in the Hall
of Justice. The City Hall, also a modern
building of attractive architectural lines and
modern appointments, is the seat of the city
government, and houses the various depart-
ments other than those just mentioned.
The State Capitol and its beautiful park,
which contains a greater and better-kept vari-
ety of trees and shrubbery than any other
public park in the world, are a never-ending
source of pleasure and admiration, not only
to Sacramentans, but also to the thousands
of tourists and travelers who come here to see
the wonders of the semi-tropical valley and
feel the touch of its romantic traditions and
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
59
historic past. After a delay of several years,
due to war-time conditions which for a time
suspended practicall}- all public and much
private construction, the Capitol Extension
buildings have now been started on the two
blocks immediately west of the present
grounds. These improvements, consisting of
two buildings in keeping with the stately
appearance and architectural beauty of the
main Capitol, will house the State Library and
many of the state offices, some of which now
and for several years past have been compelled
to rent floor space in office buildings. The
extension of the Capitol will cost $3,400,000.
for which bonds have already been voted and
appropriations made, covering the present esti-
mated cost of the improvements.
Sacramento's geographical location in the
"Heart of California" and in the center of the
wonderful horticultural and agricultural activ-
ities of both the Sacramento and upper San
Joaquin Valleys, gives the city many advan-
tages, which have been judiciously utilized
through the keen foresight of her business
men and enterprising commercial bodies and
financial organizations, including the active
Chamber of Commerce. From the ten-story
Fruit Building is handled almost ninety per
cent of the deciduous fruit business of Cali-
fornia. Likewise, there are located here the
largest rice-mills in the United States, which
handle the immense crops of rice produced in
the Sacramento Valley. The raising of vege-
tables and the canning industry have also
grown apace, with the result that millions of
dollars j-earh' are realized from the products
of these enterprises, for which the farmer and
canner receive top prices. The city is sur-
rounded for hundreds of miles by the richest
agricultural lands in the world. These have
been the source of Sacramento's wonderful
progress, and will furnish in the years to come
the golden opportunities for even greater
growth and development. The great reclama-
tion districts, with their millions of acres of
virgin soil, insure this. More will be said of
these lands in a subsequent chapter.
Transportation likewise is a moving factor,
using a literal term, in the city's growth and
prosperity. Two transcontinental railroads
pass through here, and each has its network of
arteries leading out into the rich agricultural
districts and communities where their freight
cargoes originate. Sacramento today is the
greatest transportation center in the West,
and more trains enter and leave its terminals
than pass through any other city this side of
Omaha. No fewer than 160 passenger trains
come into and go from the stations in Sac-
ramento every day in the year.
Besides the steam roads, there are two elec-
tric interurban systems operating from here
to San Francisco, Oakland, Woodland, Marys-
ville, Chico and Stockton, and intermediate
points. These interurban lines also give local
street-car service, which, together with the
largest Sacramento S3'stem, the Pacific Gas &
Electric Company, afford three separate sys-
tems of conveyance by electric car within the
city limits and extending to the outlying dis-
tricts.
The city also is conveniently situated for
utilization of the advantages resulting from
hydro-electric power development, which sup-
plies cheap electrical energy for municipal de-
mands and for the needs of industrial and
other consumers. Steps already have been
taken to make filings on mountain water and
power sites, with a view to installing, later,
the equipment necessary to harness the city to
these almost unlimited sources of power and
energy.
The City in Early Days
The first survey of the plat of Sacramento
was made in December, 1848. by Capt. William
H. AVarner of the United States Army. Pre-
vious to 1844 Sutter's Fort was the principal
trading post in Upper California. In that year
Captain Sutter and some others at the fort
determined to lay out and build a town on the
river bank three miles below, which they called
Sutter, now spoken of as Sutterville. A sur-
vey was made by Capt. William Tecumseh
Sherman (afterwards famous during the Civil
AA'ar as General Sherman), and building was
begun. The first house was erected by Cap-
tain Sutter himself ; the second by a Mr. Hadel ;
and a third, a brick structure, said to be the
first of its kind erected in California, by Mr.
Zins. The city began to flourish unrivaled and
continued to do so until the discovery of gold.
Soon after that time, however, it came into a
disastrous rivalry with Sacramento. Dr.
]\Iorse, the earliest historian of those times
and a warm partisan of Sacramento, gives
many interesting particulars of the struggle
for supremacy between the two budding cities,
which resulted in the ultimate downfall of the
city on the high grounds back from the river
and the success of the city on the lower level,
that was doomed in a few years to be inun-
dated by the rising waters, although one of the
principal arguments used by the traders and
speculators in their arguments for the support
of this cit}' was that the ground where it
stands had never been overflowed within the
memory of white men. and never would be.
Bayard Taylor, in. his "Eldorado," says of
his first visit to Sacramento in October, 1849:
"The limits of the town extended to nearly
one square mile and the number of inhabitants,
in tents and houses, fell little short of 10,000.
The previous April there were just four houses
60
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
in place. Can the world match a growth like
this? . . . The value of real estate in Sac-
ramento is only exceeded by that in San Fran-
cisco. Lots 20 by 75 feet, in the best locations,
brought from $3,000 to $3,500. Rents were on
a scale equally enormous. The City Hotel,
which was formerly a sawmill erected by Cap-
tain Sutter, paid $30,000 per annum. A new
hotel, going up on the levee, was already
rented for $35,000. Two drinking and gaming
rooms on a business street paid each $1,000
monthly, invariably in advance. The value of
all the houses in the city, frail and perishable
as manv of them were, could not have been
less than $2,000,000. . . . The inhabitants
had elected a town council, adopted a city char-
ter and were making exertions to have the
place declared a port of entry. The political
waters were being stirred a little, in anticipa-
tion of the approaching election. Mr. Gilbert,
of the 'Alta California,' and Colonel Stewart,
candidate for governor, were in the city. A
political meeting which had been held a few
nights before, in front of the City Hotel, passed
off as uproariousl}' and with as zealous a senti-
ment of patriotism as such, meetings are wont
to at home."
Shortly after the great discovery that was to
so influence the fortunes of the world and to
become the ruin of General Sutter, a number
of stores were located at the fort and an im-
mense business was soon created there. The
first of these was the establishment of C. C.
Smith & Company, in which Sam Brannan was
a partner. It was started a few months before
the opening of the mines and the first ex-
change of gold dust for store goods took place
over its counters. Brannan afterwards bought
his partners out and continued the business in
the old adobe building which was subsequent-
ly used as a hospital. In 1849 the building on
the inside of Sutter's Fprt was occupied by
Rufus Hitchcock, the upper story being used
as a boarding house. The front room below
was used as a barroom and gambling house
and the bar was kept open night and day. If a
customer had coin, his drink cost him fiftv
cents, but he generall}' opened his sack and
the barkeeper took out a pinch of gold dust, to
be regulated by size or amount of drink con-
sumed, and in those days very few drank alone.
The cost of board at this place was $40 per
week.
Hitchcock soon left the fort and went to the
mines on the Stanislaus. In passing it may be
stated that old residents say that in the fifties
Capt. (afterwards Gen.) Ulysses S. Grant
owned a ferry on the Stanislaus and they often
saw him, dressed in red shirt and overalls, ly-
ing under a shady tree on the bank, contented-
ly waiting for a foot passenger to come along
who wanted to be ferried over. In those days.
in fact, many a man who afterwards became
prominent in the history of his country, was a
resident of California. Hitchcock subsequent-
ly became the owner of the Green Springs
ranch in Eldorado County and died there in
1851. He was succeeded in the boarding
house by M. F. McClellan of San Francisco.
By summer all the business had become trans-
ferred to the Embarcadero or landing place on
the Sacramento River, now known as Front
Street, which became a lively place. The
blacksmith shop at the fort was carried on by a
Mr. Fairchild, who paid an assistant $16 a day
and charged $64 for shoeing a horse all round,
or $16 for a single shoe.
In the freighting to the mines, which was
done by means of ox teams, John S. Fowler
had a virtual monopoly and paid his teamsters
from $200 to $250 per month. The rate for
freighting was enormous. In the winter of
1848-1849 the roads to the mines were almost
impassable. Freight from the fort to Coloma
was one dollar a pound — $2,000 a ton. Even
at that price it was impossible to transport the
necessaries of life fast enough to prevent ser-
ious apprehensions of famine in the more dis-
tant mining districts.
The firm of S. Brannan & Company con-
sisted of Sam Brannan, William Stone, \V. D.
Howard, Henry Melius and Talbot H. Green.
The stores of Priest, Lee & Company, Hens-
ley, Redding & Company, Captain Dring, C. E.
Pickett, Von Piister & Vaughan, and the drug
store of Drs. Frank Bates and AVard were
inside of the fort. The prices demanded were
enormous. One evening John S. Fowler, wish-
ing to give a supper to his teamsters, saw on
the shelf in Brannan's store a dozen two-pound
cans of oysters and asked the clerk the price.
"Twelve dollars each," replied the clerk. "How
much if I take the lot?" asked Fowler. "One
hundred and forty-four dollars," was the re-
ply. "AVell, I'll take them all," said Fowler,
and he carried of? his costly prize.
Brannan's employes were : Jeremiah Sher-
wood, of New York ; Tallman H. Ralfe, after-
wards editor of the "Democrat" in Nevada
City ; J. Harris Trowbridge, afterwards of
Newburg, N. Y. ; George M. Robertson, after-
wards supreme judge of Oahu, Sandwich Is-
lands; James B. Mitchell, subsequently public
administrator of Sacramento County, who died
in Benicia ; W. R. Grimshaw, a well-known
resident for many years on the Cosumnes
River; and James Queen.
The pioneers did not leave their patriotism
behind them when they came here. The 4th of
July, 1849, was celebrated in the shade of a
grove of oak trees, the last survivor of which,
hoary with age and covered with mistletoe,
stood for many years in front of the old build-
ing on L Street which was used as a hospital.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
61
The orators of the day were William M.
Gwin and Thomas Butler King-, who after-
wards served the state in the United States
senate.
Shortly afterward came the struggle for
supremacy with Sutterville. As soon as the
survey of Sacramento City had been made
George McDougal obtained a lease of the ferry
at a point below the entrance to Sutter Lake,
and located a store-ship on the river bank op-
posite I Street, and in compan}' with Judge
Blackburn, opened it with a large stock of
goods. When John A. Sutter, Jr., arrived, his
father, the captain, transferred to him all the
proprietary rights in the city of Sacramento.
McDougal declared that his lease gave him
control of 600 feet along the river front, and a
dispute arose which was carried into the
courts. Being defeated, McDougal in a rage
determined to destroy the prospects of the city,
and removed his goods to Sutterville. He then
came out with immense placards stating that he
would sell goods at cost and freight, and made
a verbal declaration that if necessary he would
sell goods at cost. This produced a lively
agitation among the traders and they patched
up a scheme of purchase which broke up
many lines of McDougal's stock and, as it
was no easy task in those days to replenish it,
effectually extinguished McDougaPs enter-
prise and put an end to the budding hopes of
Sutterville as well.
The latter end was accomplished largely by
a shrewd speculative move on the part of Sam
Brannan, Judge Burnett and Priest, Lee &
Company. The Sutterville proprietors had
offered to donate to these traders eighty lots
in Sutterville if they would transfer their
stocks and business to Sutterville. They in-
formed young Sutter of the . offer and per-
suaded him that it would be for his interest to
give them about 500 lots in Sacramento to in-
duce them to stay here, and he did so. Such
was the passing of Sutterville, and today the
old brick brewery stands as a monument of its
decease, while the big brick stores which stood
there until later years have disappeared.
Sacramento grew apace. April 1, 1849, the
number of inhabitants of the fort and city did
not exceed 110. An election had been held the
preceding fall for first and second alcaldes, re-
sulting in the election of Frank Bates and
John vS. Fowler, respectively. Fowler re-
signed in the spring and Henry A. Schoolcraft
was appointed in his place. Early in the spring
a board of commissioners, consisting of Bran-
nan, Snyder, Slater, Hensley, King, Cheever,
McCarver, McDougal, Barton Lee, Foote, Dr.
Carpenter, Fowler and Southard, was elected
to frame a code of laws for the district. The
committee met under an oak tree at the foot
of I Street and submitted a report which rec-
ommended the election of one alcalde and one
sheriff, who should have jurisdiction from the
Coast Range to the Sierra Nevada and
throughout the length of the Sacramento Val-
ley. H. A. Schoolcraft was elected alcalde and
A. M. Turner, sheriff, and thus was laid the
foundation of the judicial and political system
in northern California, under a sturdy oak on
the banks of the Sacramento.
Immigration was coming by sea, although
as yet in no very great numbers between Feb-
ruary and June, but improvement went stead-
ih" on. The condition was anomalous. There
was no law or system of government, yet there
was no discord or disorder. There was no le-
gal restraint imposed on citizens, yet during
these months the community was exempt from
violence, and all seemed imbued with a feel-
ing of forbearance and accommodation. The
craze for gold had not yet fastened its deleter-
ious influence on men, and right and a feeling
of equality and independence seemed to guide
their actions.
Trading yielded an enormous profit and
everyone was absorbed in it. Two hundred
per cent was the profit on goods procured
from San F'rancisco and trading in, gold dust
was very profitable. At first the scale of pay-
ment for goods with dust ranged from $8 to
$16 an ounce. Clerks could hardly be retained
in stores at from $200 to $300 per' month. The
trade between the mines and Sacramento was
immense. Such was the prevailing feeling of
honesty and security that neither merchandise
nor gold dust was watched with anxiety for its
safety. Miners came to town with bags of
gold dust which they took no more care of
than their hats and boots. Money was so plen-
tiful that there was no temptation to steal. By
the first of May there were about thirty stores,
and two barks and a brig were moored along
the shore. The "Whiton," one of the former,
had astonished the residents by coming up
from San Francisco in three days, from five to
ten days having been consumed before then by
small boats and launches.
In June there came a change. Immigrants
began to arrive by thousands and to outfit for
the mines, Sacramento being the point of de-
parture for the northern mines. The Ameri-
can, Yuba, Bear and Feather Rivers were the
points of attraction and Sacramento was the
place for outfitting. Business became a rush
in which the calculation was only for today.
Transportation from San Francisco was the
source of enormous profits and every craft that
could be procured was pressed into service.
The cost of passage from San Francisco to
Sacramento was from $16 to $25 and the
freight rate was correspondingly high. On
June 26 the city numbered 100 houses ; and
the City Hotel, on Front Street between I and
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
J, 35 by 53 feet and of three stories, originally
framed for a saw and grist mill for Captain
Sutter, was said to have cost $100,000. It was
headquarters for the aristocracy of the times
and the scene of manj^ town-meetings.
Every sort of material from which tents,
stores and houses could be constructed rose to
enormous prices. Muslin, calico, canvas, old
sails, logs, boards, zinc and tin were priceless
possessions. The hundreds of immigrants
coming in were luck}^ if they could have the
shade of the trees to protect them from the
noonday sun or the night. Gambling was
everywhere carried on and magnificent saloons
were built at enormous cost, the first place of
public gaming being on J Street, between Sec-
ond and Third, kept by James Lee, and eu-
phoniously " named "The Stinking Tent."
Others followed, and a democratic and cosmo-
politan crowd composed their patrons. Coin
was scarce and the miners brought their bags
of gold dust, depositing them with the game
keepers and drawing from them as the game
progressed, generally till all Avas gone, and
then went back to the mines for more. Not
one person in ten, either by absence or con-
demnation, tried to discountenance gaming.
Indeed, it is narrated b)^ Dr. Morse that two
ex-clergymen were conspicuous among the
gamesters, one dealing monte and the other
playing faro. Poker was played by the larger
capitalists on a magnificent scale, the ante
being often $100 and $3,000 being frequently
bet on a single hand. One individual is said
to have staked I, GOO ounces on a hand and
won, after having lost nearly that much pre-
A'iously. Many men who had been brought up
to regard gambling as a stain on a man's char-
acter and who had left their wives and chil-
dren in straitened circumstances, says Dr.
Morse, hastened to hazard and lose the first
few hundred or thousand dollars they had
made.
But a moral wave soon swept over the com-
munity. In April, 1849, Rev. Dr. Woodbridge
preached the first sermon ever heard in Sacra-
mento. In May Dr. Deal, a practicing physi-
cian, undertook to establish regular religious
services and in July Rev. J. A. Benton began
his long and beneficent services in the city.
"His course," testifies Dr. Morse, "was from
the first consistent. He was essentially a min-
ister of the gospel — a seven days' advocate of
the Christian religion." He extended his in-
fluence by a pure life, winning the respect and
confidence of the people, instead of making an
onslaught on the tide of vice, and soon ac-
quired great influence in the community. At
this late day many of the pioneer Sacramen-
tans who knew him speak in the highest terms
of his character. He sometimes made mission-
ary excursions of two or three weeks duration,
sleeping on the ground under the trees and
living like the primitive Apostles.
Before the removal of McDougal's store,
Hensley and Redding had erected a frame
building in Sacramento, on the corner of I and
Front Streets, the first frame house in the new
city. Soon after that a Mr. IngersoU erected
a building half canvas and half frame, between
J and K on Front Street and Mr. Stewart had
put up a canvas house on the bank of the river,
which was opened as a tavern. In February,
1849, Sam Brannan erected a frame storehouse
on the corner of J and Front Streets, and this
was soon succeeded by another belonging to
Priest, Lee & Company, on the corner of Sec-
ond and J, and directly afterwards two sub-
stantial log houses were erected by Mr. Gil-
lespie and Dr. Carpenter.
For a time the chief place for business was
on First or Front Street between J and K, but
soon it began to extend up J and K Streets to
Third. The river bank was piled with the
goods of immigrants and merchandise, and
storage facilities were entirely inadequate. The
chief business was in miners' supplies. Lum-
ber was from fifty cents to a dollar per square
foot, and hard to get at that. Teaming and
packing earned enormous revenue. In Decem-
ber $50 a hundred was charged for hauling
goods from Sacramento to Mormon Island
and Auburn. In July fresh beef sold for fif-
teen cents a pound ; bread, fifty cents a loaf ;
butter, from $2 to $3 a pound ; milk, $1 a quart ;
dried apples, $1 to $2 a pound ; saleratus, $6
a pound; and pickles, whatever their owner
chose to ask. Carpenters were paid $16 a day ;
laborers, $1.50 an hour. Board without lodg-
ing was $16 to $49 a week ; washing, $6 to $12
a dozen; doctor's fees, $16 to $32 a visit. A
glass of liquor at a first-class bar cost $1, and
a cigar cost fifty cents. Everything else was
high in proportion.
But business- did not entirely engross the
attention of the citizens. There were some
votaries of pleasure, and on July 4, 1849, a
grand ball was given at the City Hotel, at that
time the headquarters of Sacramento fashion
and aristocracy. Money was spent without
stint to enhance the success and dignity of the
occasion, and the affair was on a magnificent
scale. There was a dearth in the community
of feminine attractions and the surrounding
countr)!- was scoured thoroughly by a commit-
tee of young men to gather in all the ladies
that could be obtained to grace the occasion.
Ever}^ mining camp, ranch, wagon, tent and log
cabin was canvassed, with such success that
eighteen of the fair sex were secured. To
quote Dr. Morse again : "Not all Amazons,
but replete with all the adornments and graces
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
63
that belong to bold and enterprising pioneers
of a new country. Tickets to the ball were
fixed at the moderate price of thirty-two dol-
lars ; gentlemen were requested to have swal-
low-tail coats and white vests. The supper
was, of course, a profusion of all that money
could obtain," and champagne flowed freely,
despite its cost. Thus was the pace set for
future occasions in the new city.
Organization of First City Government
In July, 1849, a movement was set on foot
to organize a city government. An election
for councilmen was held at the St. Louis Ex-
change on Second Street between I and J,
and the first councilmen for the city of Sacra-
mento were chosen as follows : John P. Rod-
gers, H. E. Robinson, P. B. Cornwall, William
Stout, E. F. Gillespie, Thomas F. Chapman,
JM. T. McClelland, A. M. Winn and B. Jen-
nings. The new council was organized on Au-
gust 1, with William Stout as president and
J. H. Harper as clerk. The first business trans-
acted was the preparation of a constitution for
local government. A. M. Winn was afterwards
made president in place of Stout, who had left
the city. On September 20 an election was
held to decide on a city charter. A draft had
been prepared by the founcil but the citizens
did not turn out well to vote, and it was de-
feated by a majority of 146 votes. Its rejection
was charged to the gamblers, who opposed a
change and worked hard and spent much
money to defeat it. Up to this time there had
been no lav^r or government that was more
than nominal, as there was no court except
that of the alcalde, which, while expeditious,
was costly in dispensing justice. The people
therefore shunned litigation and this lawless
state just suited the gamblers. This was a
great mortification to the council, and the pres-
ident issued a proclamation stating that the
council was unable to determine what the citi-
zens wanted, and as the powers and duties of
the council were not defined, they desired to
know whether the citizens desired still to act
under the Mexican laws at present in force,
although inapplicable to the present condi-
tions, or to adopt a charter, striking out such
features as were objectionable. Immediate
action was necessary if the council was to be
of any use. It therefore asked the citizens to
meet October 10, 1849, and declare what they
wished the council to do. The people, who
had paid no attention hitherto to local govern-
ment, awoke from their apathy. A Law and
Order party was formed. The gamblers were
defeated and the charter adopted by a major-
ity of 296. The charter adopted, however, con-
tained matter relative to taxation which ren-
dered it unpopular, and it was soon amended.
Early Vicissitudes of the City
The council soon had a burden of troubles
of its own. The community had enjoyed ro-
bust health during the spring and summer
months, but with the fall a terrible change
came. Many of the adventurous immigrants
had seemed to think that nothing was neces-
sary to their success ■ except to reach Califor-
nia. Many of them were destitute on their
arrival. Not one in a hundred had money to
buy an outfit for the mines at the ruinous
prices asked. Many were suffering from hard-
ships and privations endured on the overland
journey, or as steerage passengers saturated
with scorbutic diseases or so depressed or de-
spondent that they became an easy prey for
disease. Nine-tenths of these adventurers
poured into Sacramento, the nearest point for
outfitting for the mines. Here they met an-
other train of scorbutic sufferers straggling in
from the East, debilitated and worn out by the
hardships encountered.
From these causes Sacramento had become
one vast lazar-house long before the city gov-
ernment was organized, and the council imme-
diately found a serious condition confronting
it. This was intensified by the fact that as
men became accustomed to these scenes of
suffering, familiarity with them hardened their
hearts, and cupidity took possession of them.
The lure of gold beckoned them away. They
could not spare time to relieve the distress of
their fellows. They must press on to the dig-
gings and begin to acquire their fortunes.
Fathers abandoned their sons, and sons aban-
doned their fathers when they required a little
troublesome care. When they could be of no
further use to each other friendship and kin-
ship became mere words. One flagrant case
was that of an old father, who had furnished
the means for his son and other relatives to
come to the new Eldorado, but was deserted
by them as he lay dying with scurvy on the
levee, where he soon passed away. The sick
and suffering accumulated so fast that by July
means of caring for them were entirely inade-
quate. Creigan's Hospital at the fort and the
one opened by Dr. Deal and Dr. Martin were
filled, but the prices for nursing and board
were prohibitive to four-fifths of those needing
care. Miasmatic fevers added to the misery
and distress of the scurvy.
But charity had not departed, and compas-
sion and help were at hand in a limited degree.
Two great fraternal orders were represented
among the community, not organized into
lodges, but numbering man}' individual mem-
bers. The feeling of brotherhood that had
bound them together, also bound them to re-
lieve distress as far as lay in their power, and
nobl}- did they come to the front and face the
64
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
stupendous task. The first effective efforts
for relief came from members of the fraternity
of Odd Fellows. They came together and
bound themselves into an informal organiza-
tion and devoted themselves v\'ith earnest zeal
to the relief of the distressed. A. M. Winn
was elected president of the association, a Mr.
McLaren secretary and Captain Gallup treas-
urer. Every member of this bod}' became a
visiting committee and an immense amount of
relief was dispensed.
They were joined by the members of the
Masonic fraternity in their efforts to take care
of the sick and destitute. "The two noble
orders contributed money and exertions as
freely as if their lives had been devoted to the
exclusive function of human kindness," says
Dr. Morse, "and their fair names are inscribed
in indelible and living characters upon those
pages of history which California ought to and
must preserve." But their combined efforts,
assisted by those of the council, could not do
all there was to do. The people were appealed
to in a public meeting to come forward and
assist in the general effort for relief. The pres-
ident of the council was dispatched to Monte-
rey for the purpose of laying the case before
General Riley and procuring from him some of
the public funds then in his possession. But
their mission was a failure, as General Riley,
the military governor of the territory, did not
consider he had the right thus to use the na-
tional funds.
Sacramento was then thrown upon her own
resources, and with her treasury empty and
low credit, she did all that was possible and by
cooperation with individual effort and the two
fraternities she succeeded in furnishing a tol-
erable shelter and medical attendance for the
sick. Rough pine coffins had ranged from $60
to $150, and even then the supply was far
from sufficient, so hundreds had been buried
without coffins and even without being
wrapped up in a blanket. The Odd Fellows
spent thousands of dollars for coffins and when
General Winn became the executive officer of
the city, no man was refused a coffin burial.
The scenes of those days were terrible and the
description of their horrors is almost unread-
able.
When the rains set in the miser}' was in-
creased. Many of the sick, with typhus and
other fevers, lay without shelter from the piti-
less storms. Finally Drs. Morse and Stillman
aroused the sympathies of Barton Lee, whose
name should occupy an honored place in the
city's history, and induced him to erect a storv
and a half hospital, 40 by 50 feet, at the corner
of Third and K Streets. The city determined
also to erect a two-story hospital, 20 by 60
feet, between I and J, Ninth and Tenth Streets,
and $7,000 was expended for lumber, but when
it was partially erected it was prostrated to
the ground by a rain and wind storm, and the
timber so injured as to make it almost useless
for building purposes.
But the future city was doomed to pass
through a yet more trying period. An enemy
came like a thief in the night, for which she
had made no provision. The reckless specula-
tors had declared there was no danger of in-
undation and the people had been credulous
enough to believe them when they declared
that the city's site had remained free from
flood during the sojourn of the oldest Califor-
nians. The people had not raised their build-
ings, but had built on the ground wherever
their lots happened to be. The rains through
the latter part of December and the first part
of January had awakened anxiety. The Sac-
ramento and American Rivers were rising rap-
idly and the back country seemed to be filling
up and cutting off communication with the
higher lands. But the citizens, with fatuous
confidence in the assertions that a flood could
not harm them, made no preparations for the
deluge. Hence, when it came, there was no
adequate protection for life or property. Many
were drowned, some in their beds, some in
trying to escape, and many from the terrible
exposure. The few boats belonging to the
shipping at the Embarcadero were pressed
into service to rescue the women and children
and the sick, that were scattered over the city
in tents and canvas houses. Some of the wo-
men were found standing upon beds or boxes,
in water a foot or two deep. Sick men on cots
were floating about helplessly. By mere acci-
dent a boat in Avhich Capt. J. Sherwood was
manager passed the hospital and was attracted
by the cries of the sick for help. He immedi-
ately proceeded to rescue them and took them
to safety in Mr. Brannan's house.
Most of these poor sufferers died and after
being placed in coffins, were buried across the
riA-er. One of the men detailed for this duty
was a Dutchman who was very suspicious of
everyone so far as his money was concerned,
and having accumulated about $2,000 in gold
dust carried it in a belt around his waist. They
placed the coffin across a small boat, and when
they had reached some distance the boat ca-
reened and sank. The Dutchman, who was a
good swimmer, called to his companion that
he would swim ashore and get a boat, but
weighted down with the gold that he loved
better than his life, he sank. His companion
hung on to the coffin and reached shore safely.
The description given by Dr. Morse of the
neglect of the sick and their condition is al-
most beyond belief.
After the January flood in 1850, prices of
everything rose enormously and continued
high for a long time. But the high prices of
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
65
real estate did not shrink on account of the
flood and destruction. Here are some of the
current prices in the city in April and May :
Filtered water, per barrel. $1.50; washing
and ironing, per dozen, $7 ; private boxes at
the theater, $4; ordinary boxes at the theater,
$3 ; pit seats at the theater, $2 ; musicians in
gambling houses, by the day, $16; hauling
lumber from First to Second Street, per thou-
sand, $3; hair cutting, $1.50; shaving, $1; bil-
liards, per game. $1 ; saddle horses, per day,
$10; lodging, without blankets, per night, $1;
celery, per head, 20 cents ; peas in the pod, per
gallon, $2; radishes, every size, per bunch, $1 ;
turke3's, per pair, $16; apples, small, but good,
each, 50 cents ; specked apples, each, 25 cents ;
Colt's pistols, medium size, $75.
Up to the 6th of August the amount of
$100,000 had been issued by warrants to meet
the expenditures for the city government, as
shown by the mayor's statement. The esti-
mated sum to be expended for the construction
of the levee and the city government inclusive
footed up $300,000. Sacramento endured
grievous troubles in August and September.
The contests about titles, the breaking up of
confidence in the general value of property
thus situated, the pecuniar)^ embarrassments
that were plunging men into bankruptcy and
ruin, and the heav}' taxation necessary to sus-
tain the city government and complete the
public works necessary to protect the city
from floods, were enough to utterly discour-
age the citizens and destroj' their confidence in
the city's future. But the community was com-
posed of men of iron ; men who had come
thousands of miles through all sorts of dan-
gers and perils to found on the shores of the
Pacific a great empire, although they were at
that time unconscious of the fact and looked
not far beyond the present. Their energy was
unconquerable and inextinguishable, and the
greater the burdens imposed by fate, the more
manfully and determinedly they strove to
overthrow them.
In August the council made itself decidedly
unpopular by one or two of its acts. The mem-
bers appropriated to themselves a salary of
$200 a month each. In addition to this, the
taxpayers saw the appointment of various
committees to duties that were but little more
than nominal, and these drew $25 a da}- for
their Services, in addition to their salar}'.
After the bankruptcies of September and the
squatter riots of August, affairs settled down
to a degree of quiet and the people began to
engage more systematically and soundly in
business, which was augmented extraordina-
rily by the heavy demand for goods and their
transportation to the mines. During the pre-
vious winter the people in the mines had suf-
fered greatly from privations and were thrown
into a desperate and almost starving condition
from the scarcity of provisions and the cut-
ting oft' of communication with the city by the
floods. As a natural consequence, in the fall,
soon after the revulsion in finance, there
sprang up a brisk demand and an immense
and profitable trade was inaugurated and car-
ried on between the merchants and miners.
The situation being thus relieved, the effect
upon the citj' was such as almost to restore its
former prosperity.
News of California's Admission
At this time a public question began to
awaken interest in the men's minds and to
cause them to watch every arrival from
AVashington and the news brought, with in-
tense anxietj*. This was the question of ad-
mission as a state to the Union. The constr-
tution had been adopted, the application made,
but congress still delayed action and the com-
munitj- was in a state of painful suspense as
to what the outcome would be. One can
readily imagine, then, the relief to the tension
when the news came that California was a
member of the great Union of states. Early
in the morning of October 15, it is stated, the
rapid firing of cannon on the levee awakened
the citizens to the fact that the news had
arrived and that our admission was an assured
fact. It was a season of rejoicing that for the
moment almost obliterated the memorj^ of the
past misfortunes. A number of Sacramento's
citizens returned by the steamer that brought
the news.
The Epidemic of Cholera
But Sacramento's cup of sorrow was not 3fet
full, and even in this season of rejoicing, a
calamity heavier than an}^ that had gone be-
fore was hovering over the devoted city. The
same fostering breezes that had attended the
steamer bringing the news of admission had
also borne on their Avings a ghastly pestilence,
and on the steamer itself many of the passen-
gers had fallen victims to the dread scourge.
A most malignant cholera was sweeping on
toward California and many were the un-
known graves that it was to fill in the new
state ere its violence should be abated. City
and country were alike to it and the urban
dweller and the miner in his cabin were alike
to pay toll to the dread Reaper. The tale that
is told by the pioneers who escaped the pesti-
lence with life harrows the soul of the listener
with the vivid pictures of distress and destruc-
tion. Each successive day brought news from
San Francisco that the passengers on the ill-
fated steamer were still being decimated by
the terrible scourge. Not only this, but the
66
HISTORY OF SACRAAEENTO COUNTY
accounts of the visit of the disease to San-
dusky, Rochester, St. Louis and other places
began to fill the hearts of the people with a
dread of impending disaster. The stories of
its relentless malignity and the wide-spread
destruction that accompanied its progress fell
like a pall on the community, and terror fell
on all. It is doubtful if history records a par-
allel of the destructive panic that followed its
appearance on this coast and in this city. The
hardships and disease that had prevailed dur-
ing the summer and which were sufficient to
crush all progress and energy in a less buoy-
ant and determined people, had been too re-
cent to allow a recuperation of their health and
strength and rendered them an easy prey for
the insidious disease.
As is well known, in cases of epidemics the
mass of the people are filled with fear and
dread, and in the fevered state of mind pre-
vailing it was easy for the disease to develop
to terrific proportions. Panic predisposed the
people to receive its attacks, and it hardly
needed an imported case to spread the disease.
Earh- in the inorning of October 20 a person
was found on the levee in the collapsing stage
of the dread disease. Medical aid was sum-
moned, but he was too far gone and soon died.
The cholera was in the city. The news spread
as if by magic, the circumstances grew in hor-
ror with repetition and the pall of despair
seemed to settle down like a black cloud over
the city. It is well known by experience that
the fear of disease and the dwelling on its
S3'mptoms are very often followed by its ap-
pearance, and so it was largely in this case.
The next day several more fatal cases were
reported ; and as the stories spread and were
constantly augmented in their description, it
is not to be wondered at that fear should have
become an auxiliary to the disease and that
the epidemic was soon in full progress.
In six days from its inception, the disease
had made such progress that regular burials
were but slightly attended to and nursing and
attention were frequently wanting. Money,
so powerful an agent in most cases, could
scarcely purchase the offices of common
kindness and charity. Affection seemed
blunted and the fear of death seemed to sever
all ties and develop elements of selfishness.
But little could be done under these conditions
to arrest the course of the disease, and it
swept through the community with irresisti-
ble force. In many such epidemics the per-
sonal habits of individuals have a strong influ-
ence in resisting disease or inviting it, but the
case was different here. Men of the most reg-
ular, careful and industrious habits were its
victims equally with those who were intem-
perate and irregular. In a few days many of
the most prominent and substantial citizens
fell before the pestilence. None seemed im-
mune to its attack.
It was reported that 150 cases occurred in
one day, but such was the confusion and the
panic in the community that no records were
kept, nor can any accurate data be found in
regard to the havoc made by this epidemic. As
the number of deaths increased and men were
kept constantly emplo3'ed in the removal of
the dead, the citizens began to leave the city in
every direction, and soon not more than one-
fifth of the residents remained. The most
heart-rending abandonment of relatives and
friends took place during the reign of terror.
But a very small remnant resisted the instinct
of self-preservation and remained to minister
to the sick and dying. A few noble men,
moved by sympathy, the divine attribute of
our nature, remained to do what they could
for the relief of suffering humanity, and their
humane ministrations, regardless of danger
and death, did much to ameliorate the situa-
tion. Their names should be writtan in letters
of gold in the history of Sacramento and Cali-
fornia, but alas, they were lost to us and their
only reward was the consciousness of having
done their duty. One name, however, has been
preserved, that of John Bigler. afterwards
governor of California, whom Dr. Morse de-
scribes as moving among the dead and dying,
with a large lump of camphor in one hand,
which he frequently applied to his nostrils, as
an antidote to the disease. No danger of in-
fection daunted him, however, and where mis-
ery, death and destitution abounded, he was
ever to be found in its midst, proffering aid
and sympathy.
The physicians of the city did noble work.
No danger appalled them. Night and day
they responded to the call of distress, scarcely
pausing to snatch a few hours of needed sleep
and rest. Before the epidemic subsided seven-
teen of them were deposited in the sandhill
cemetery of the city — an almost unexampled
mortality in the profession in a season of epi-
demic. Not one in ten escaped the disease
and not a single educated physician turned his
back on the city in its extremity. In such a
time of delirium and terror it is no wonder that
no systematic records were kept. In fact it
was impossible. Not only in the city, but on
the roads, and even in the mines, many who
were fleeing from the pestilence were stricken
down by the awful malady and perished, un-
known and unaided in many cases. In the
latter part of the epidemic, the city authorities,
who had from the first done all they could to
relieve the suffering, obtained the use of a
large frame building on L Street, where the
destitute victims were taken and cared for.
"From the beginning, the local papers had
endeavored, as usual in such cases, to conceal
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
67
the extent of mortality, and their files of that
date give no adequate idea of the fearful
scourge," say Thompson and AVest in their
history. On the 24th of October the city phy-
sician reported seven cases of cholera to the
council, five of which were fatal. Some of the
doctors endeavored to quiet public apprehen-
sion by giving the opinion that the disease was
onl}^ a violent form of cholera morbus. The
"Times" "felt confident that there was very
little danger, and had not heard of a single
case where the patient had not been previously
reduced by diarrhoea." On the 27th, six cases
were reported, and the "Times" "hoped that
some precautionary measures would be taken."
On the 29th twelve cases appeared ; on the
30th, nineteen, and it was no longer possible
to conceal the fact that a terrible epidemic had
attacked the community. A Sacramento cor-
respondent of the "Alta" says on November 4:
"The daily mortality is about sixty. Many
deaths are concealed, and many others are not
reported. Deaths during the past week, so far
as known, 188." On November 14, the daily
mortality had decreased to twelve and on the
17th, the pestilence was reported as having en-
tirely disappeared. But the precise number of
fatal cases can never be known, as a great
number were reported to have died of dysen-
tery, fevers, and other diseases, for the pur-
pose of Cjuieting the public anxiet}' and restor-
ing the confidence of the people. Many of the
victims were buried in unknown graves and
their very location was soon forgotten. Many
a wife or mother or sister waited in vain for
tidings of the loved ones that never came, and
never knew when or how they passed away.
A writer who was one of the survivors of
that terrible time says : "What with floods
and fires, insurrection and the plague, the very
stars seemed to fight against Sacramento in
her infancy, and the foundation of her later
prosperity was laid upon the ashes of her pio-
neers." Before the disastrous visitation of the
cholera. Dr. Stillman walked through the
sandhill cemetery and counted 800 graves that
had not yet been sodded over, and how many
more were added by the still more terrible de-
stroj'er is not found recorded in the histor}^ of
the time. Of a company of forty men who
came out on the infected schooner "Montague,"
more than half died after her arrival ; and after
her departure from Sacramento for Panama,
the captain, second mate, and six passengers
died of cholera before leaving San Francisco
Bay.
This terrible calamity lasted in its malignant
form onl}^ about twenty days, but under the
circumstances and from lack of systematic rec-
ords, the number of deaths will never be
known. Its abatement lasted much longer
than its period of beginning and virulence, and
began just as soon as the people became famil-
iarized with its features and the terrible scenes
in their midst, thus rendering them less liable
to be attacked through a paralyzing fear. By
the time it ceased, the city had become nearly
depopulated and many thought it would never
rise again from the disaster. But such prophe-
cies did not take into account the sturdy per-
severance of a strong people. Just as soon as
the mortality began to obviously decrease, the
fugitives began to return, and those who had
remained to help their fellow-men, abiding by
the fortunes of the city, recovered their elas-
ticity of mind and energy. A transformation
immediately commenced to take place in the
appearance of the city. Confidence in its
healthfulness returned ; men grew cheerful and
hopeful and business communication with the
mines was reopened. The previous prosperous
conditions were restored and for several weeks
business was good once more, and the beauti-
ful winter that followed stimulated the com-
munit}'- to energetic eft'orts.
Subsequent Events
But the merchants and traders had unfortu-
natel}' calculated too much upon a winter like
those of 1848 and 1849. This induced them to
transport at high prices large stores of goods
into the mining regions, trusting that com-
munication would be difficult, as it was in the
former year. But these goods, in consequence
of the lack of water in dry diggings and the
roads that offered immediate communication
with the mines all winter, were sold at ruinous
sacrifices.
A synopsis of events in the spring and sum-
mer shows that the city was divided into
wards, April 15; the first mail left for Salt
Lake, May 1 ; a city election May 5 polled
2.482 votes and James R. Hardenbergh was
elected mayor ; the treasurer's report, May 6.
showed the city's receipts for the fiscal year to
have been $214,939.86 and the mayor's report
showed the indebtedness to be $368,551.29 and
that $80,000 of this was drawing interest at ten
to twenty per cent per month, the balance from
three to eight per cent per month. In June the
city debt was fimded at ten per cent per an-
num in New York and twelve per cent in Sac-
ramento. In September the popular vote of
the county was 4.115. The Tehama Theater
burned August 13 and Dr. Volney Spalding
opened the American Theater September 9.
On December 24 the courthouse was finished
and January 14, 1852, the state offices and leg-,
islature moved to Sacramento and the first leg-
islative session opened January 16. One thou-
sand persons arrived by steamer January 20:
and on the 23rd, a brick building now on K
Street was begun.
68
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
At the municipal election, April 5, 2,802
votes were cast, C. I. Hutchinson being elect-
ed mayor. The debt had increased to $449,-
105.32 and the estimated revenue to $200,000.
At an election July 17 the people voted for a
wide levee through I Street, and also to erect
a city hall and prison. October 8 there was an
agricultural fair. The population at this time
was between 10,000 and 12,000. On November
2 there was a terrible conflagration. December
17 there was a storm of four days duration and
on the 25th the upper part of the city was
flooded. By January 1, 1853, the water was
higher than ever before known. January 13
the people voted for water-works, fire depart-
ment, loan and three-quarters per cent addi-
tional taxation. Many mercantile houses this
month established branches at Hoboken, trade
being entirely cut off from the city by reason
of high water and impassable roads.
The Golden Eagle, at the corner of Seventh
and K Streets, was for more than half a cen-
tury considered the hotel par excellence of the
city, and dates back in a much cruder form to
the early days of Sacramento. For many
years it was a headquarters for the Republi-
can politicians, while the Capital Hotel, on the
corner opposite, was considered the Demo-
cratic headquarters. Many a state campaign
and legislative session were engineered and di-
rected from these two points.
Where the Golden Eagle now stands, in
1851, "Dan" Callahan, for many years the pro-
prietor of that hotel, erected his frame lodg-
ing house, which he had purchased for a span
of horses, and added to it a canvas annex, upon
the flaps of which a joker named Wrightmire,
with artistic talent, drew with charcoal the
figure of an eagle, with outspread wings and
a pensive air, and named the structure the
Golden Eagle, and the name clung to it
through the pioneer days with the tenacity of
an inspired title.
Early Business Enterprises
A history of this city would not be com-
plete without at least a partial list of the
pioneer business men and business houses, in
addition to those already named.
The early historians state that in May, 1849,
there were about thirty buildings occupied by
stores and that on June 26 there were 100
houses in the city. In the advertisements in
the "Placer Times" we find reference to the
following business and professional men :
Whittlock & Gibson, auction and commis-
sion.
Burnett & Rogers (Peter H. and John P.),
exchange brokers and agents for the collec-
tion of debts. Mr. Burnett afterwards became
governor of California.
Drs. E. P. and S. S. Crane, physicians and
druggists.
Dr. C. B. Zabriskie, physician.
Orlando McKnight, proprietor of the Amer-
ican House and Restaurant.
JMurray & Lappens.
Pickett & Company.
Saget & Company.
T. McDowell & Company, auction and com-
mission.
Gillespie, Gerald & Company, wholesale
and retail grocers, provisions and mining
goods.
Brannan & Company (Samuel Brannan,
William Stout, and Melius, Howard & Com-
pany), general merchandise. In August, 1849,
Brannan was again alone. He died at Escon-
dido, San Diego County, May 5, 1889.
Dr. B. Bryant, a graduate of the Botanico
Medical College of Memphis, drugs and medi-
cines. He also established a hospital in Au-
gust, 1849, on L Street.
Dr. W. H. Anson, "late surgeon of the
United States Army," opened an office in
August, 1849, "opposite Professor Sheppard's
store."
John Codlin, butcher and provision mer-
chant.
H. P. Merrifield, auction and real estate.
James C. Zabriskie, law, conveyancing and
surveying.
Morse, Dunning & Company (Charles E. G.
Morse, of St. Louis, Mo., and John Dunning,
of New York), provisions.
J. P. Rittenhouse & Company (Thomas C.
D. Olmstead and W. E. Keyes).
Peyton, Comet & McCarver.
Dr. F. M. Rodrigues, from New Orleans.
B. E. Watson, groceries.
Dr. M. B. Angle.
Massett & Brewster (Stephen C. and
Charles O.), auction and commission. Mas-
sett later became a well-known musical com-
poser and writer.
A. Dring, store at the Fort.
Thomas A. Warbass, real estate.
Robertson & Company (G. M. Robertson,
Theodore Van Colt and Thomas King), meat
market.
Dr. W. G. Deal.
Dr. Robert Wilson.
G. G. & R. G. Cornell, meat market.
Drs. McKenzie and Ames (J. M. and F. W.).
James N. Harding, law and real estate.
Elisha W. McKinstry, law.
Jones, PrettA^man, BarroU & Company (Dr.
W. G. Deal), commission, real estate and
drugs. Afterwards Prettyinan, BarroU &
Gwynn.
Charles Lindley, law and commissioner of
deeds.
Bailey, Morrison & Company, merchants.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
69
Pearson & Baker (James Pearson and W. A.
Baker), real estate.
Plume, Truman & Company.
Cardwell, Brown & Company (H. C. Card-
well, E. L. Brown, John Harris and John F.
Fowler), afterwards Harris, Brown & Com-
pany.
Drs. J. L. Wydown and T. J. White.
J. B. Starr & Company (H. L. Barney),
auction.
McNulty & Company (A. G. Hedrick),
hardware.
Dr. Benjamin R. Carman bought Mr. Deal's
interest in the Martin & Deal hospital at the
Fort, in December, 1849.
Dr. Hardenstein, homeopathic physician.
Barney, Brewster & Company (B. B. Bar-
ney, R. E. Brewster, Fred Ogden, J. H. Blos-
som and J. P. Hurley), afterward Barney,
Blossom & Company.
Suydam, Fletcher & Company (John Suy-
dam, Warren Fletcher and J. E. Galloway),
then Suydam & Galloway, auction and com-
mission.
Drs. Stanbury and J. W. H. Stettinius, asso-
ciated with Charles E. Abbott, bought the
hospital of Dr. Craigan and Mr. Abell at the
Fort, during the winter of 1849-1850.
Dr. S. P. Thomas.
B. F. Hastings & Company, exchange brok-
ers, bankers and commission merchants.
James Tait & Company, general merchan-
dise.
C. F. McClure & Company (P. R. Slater).
Covilland, Fajard & Company, general mer-
chandise.
Meconniken & Company (E. Meconniken,
A. Hadley and James A. jNIyer), auction and
commission.
William Montgomery, auction and commis-
sion, groceries, etc.
Andrew J. Binney, civil engineer and sur-
veyor.
Fowler & Frye, proprietors of the City Hotel.
E. M. Hayes, jeweler.
Ofifutt, Wales & Company (M. H. Offutt, C.
P. Wales, Jacob P. Dunn and George Dunn),
auction and commission.
Hensle}', Redding & Company (Samuel J.
Hensley, Pierson B. Redding and Jacob R.
Snyder), general merchants. Dissolved part-
nership February 10, 1850.
Middlebrook & Christy (Charles Middle-
brook and John INI. Christy).
Steele & Grummun (Seymour G. Steele and
Caleb GriuTimun).
AVilliam R. Prince & Company, sheet iron,
zinc, miners' supplies, etc.
Demas Strong, dry goods. Mr. Strong was
a brother of W. R. Strong, afterwards a prom-
inent citizen and merchant of Sacramento.
He was still living in the East some years ago.
M. G. Leonard & Companj' (Sheldon, Kibbe
and Almy), groceries and miners' supplies.
Gillespie & Monson ("Eugenia Gillespie and
Alonzo Monson), land agents.
L. Bartlett, Jr., bank and real estate.
E. D. B)'ne & Company, dry goods.
G. M. Robertson, commission agent and
real estate broker.
Henley, IMcKnight & Company (S. C. Hast-
ings), bank.
Dr. Bryarly, partner of Dr. Deal.
AVetzlar & Company (Gustavus Wetzlar,
Julius Wetzlar, Benjamin Fenner, Cornelius
Schermerhorn and Francis Stratton). Some of
these sold out afterward to John A. Sutter, Jr.,
and C. Brandes.
A. P. Petit, contractor and builder.
Dr. C. MoTTiW and C. F. Whittier, drugs.
Joseph Clough, real estate.
John H. Dickerson, civil engineer and sur-
veyor.
Moran & Clark.
J. Neely Johnson, lawyer, afterward elected
governor by the American party.
Bailev, Morrison & Company (Maj. B., John
C. and E. M. Hayes).
Smith, Keith & Company (J. E. Smith, Mat-
thew Keith and Henry M. Spottswood).
Lewis & Bailey (John H. Lewis and John T.
Bailey), general commission and merchandise.
Warbass & Company (Thomas A. Warbass,
William S. Heyl and John F. Morse), bankers
and real estate.
Barton Lee, successor to Priest, Lee & Com-
pany.
G. B. Stevens, wholesale auction and com-
mission.
Chener}- & Hubbard, proprietors of the
Globe Flotel.
Ferris Forman, law.
Hoope & L'Amoreaux, general merchants.
G. H. Johnson, daguerreotype artist.
John H. Spies, notions.
Burnell, Stout & Company, wholesale auc-
tion and commission.
Spalding & McKinney (Volney Spalding,
M. D., and Joseph McKinney), saloon.
A. M. Winn, agent for Sutter.
Dr. T. B. Kruse".
J. D. B. Stillman, M. D., left in 1862.
L. A. Birdsall, M. D.
T. A. Wadsworth, IM. D., from Providence,
R."L, had the K Street hospital.
Boyd & Davis, real estate, later removed to
San Francisco and became wealthy.
Earl, Mcintosh & Company, forwarding,
later of San Francisco.
John Hatch, jeweler, resided in Sacramento
until his death.
Simmons, Hutchinson & Company, general
merchandise. Simmons dealt also in real
estate.
■0
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
J. L. F. Warren established the store now
owned by Baker & Hamilton. He went to San
Francisco afterwards and for many years pub-
lished an agricultural paper there.
D. O. Mills was a dealer in gold dust and
founded the bank that bears his name. He
went to New York many years ago to reside,
and there his death occurred.
Brown. Henry & Company, wholesale
clothing.
James Lee kept the "Stinking Tent," the
largest gambling establishment for a time. Z.
Hubbard soon after started a large, neat
gambling tent.
James Bininger built the first hotel in Sacra-
mento.
James King of William, who engaged in
various occupations, was killed in San Fran-
cisco by Casey, which precipitated the forma-
tion and action of the Vigilance Committee
there in 1856.
Dr. Charles H. Craigan, from Washington,
D. C, in 1849 established a hospital at the
Fort, at which the rates for board and treat-
ment ranged from $16 to $50 per day.
H. Arents & Company, general merchan-
dise.
Burge & Ratcliffe (Robert K. and William
M.), manufacturers of iron doors and shutters.
M. T. McClellan, speculator in gold and sil-
ver; "coin exchanged for dust, at $15 per
ounce."
Sagat and Southard (L. T. and Charles C),
general merchandise and miners' supplies.
Marshall & Santry, general merchandise.
Von Pfister & Vaughan (Edward and AVill-
iam), general merchandise.
H. A. Schoolcraft, real estate and magis-
trate.
Drs. William M. Carpenter and T. E. Chap-
man.
Dr. T. M. Ames, at Sutterville.
Nevett & Company, hardware ; Youmans
was the "Company."
C. C. Sackett, notary public and convey-
ancer.
R. Chenery, flour.
George H. Pettibone, proprietor of the El '
Dorado House.
Yates Ferguson, general store.
Haines, Webster & Company, hotel.
Richard Berry, auction.
Barton & Grimm, real estate.
Watson & Bem, hardware.
C. P. Huntington & Company, hardware.
J. B. Blanchard & Company, hardware.
Bowstead & Woods, iron and brass foundry.
There were also a number of stage lines and
express companies. AVells, Fargo & Company
began business here in 1856, and continued
until consolidated with the American Railway
Express Company.
Other firms were : Weslev Merritt, Moran &
Clark, H. E. Robinson & Company, George
H. Johnson, Thompson & Taylor, Cochran,
Peifer, Samuel Gregg, S. C. Bruce, Montgom-
ery & Company, Captain Gallup, A. C. Latson,
John Van Houghton, Ames & McKenzie, Jesse
Ha3'cock, Dearbower, Caswell, Ingalls & Com-
pany, Hanna, Jennings & Company, Captain
Northam, Geise & Son, J. J. Burge, Harden-
bergh & Company, Morrill & Hamlin, Coats &
Rivett, Cheeks, Pinkard, Prince, Scranton &
Smith, T. S. Mitchell & Company, Reynolds
& Company, P. B. Cornwall, Paul, White &
Company.
Early Grocery Firms
Of the early grocery firms, Pomeroy &
T'eebles were the most extensive in their oper-
ations. Their place was familiarly spoken of
as the Missouri Store.
Haynes & Company were almost exclusive-
ly an importing house.
BuUard, Figg & Compan}- did a large busi-
ness. Mr. Figg, for many years before his
death, dealt in salt; his son, E. J. Figg, con-
tinued the business until a few years ago.
Cavert & Hill, whose store was on Front
Street, where McCreary's mill stood in later
years, also did a large business.
Forshee, Booth & Company did a very large
business, and the members of the firm were
John Forshee, Eucius A. Booth and Job F.
Dye. The latter came to California as early as
1840. Booth removed to Piedmont and For-
shee is deceased.
E. D. and W. F. Kennedy were Philadelphia
men who enjoyed good patronage, became
wealthy in the grocery trade and then returned
to Philadelphia.
J. W. Foard & Company (George Cadwal-
ader being the "Company") was another pio-
neer firm. Mr. Cadwalader became a promi-
nent lawyer here. Both he and the senior
member of the firm died j^ears ago.
W. T. Grissim & Company (Snyder) have
both passed away.
Curry & Company and P. J. Brown & Com-
pany were both burned out in the great fire of
1852, but re-established themselves, finally go-
ing out of business in 1855.
The Lady Adams Company (to which
Mebius & Drescher are the successors) was
named after the ship that brought the mem-
bers of the company and their cargo of goods
to the Coast, and was one of the oldest firms in
Sacramento.
Stanford Brothers, three brothers of Leland
Stanford, were not burned out in the big fire
of 1852, although their building was not as fire-
proof as many others that were consumed.
.All of the other buildings in the block were
liurned.
Hermance & Burton were burned out in
1852 and never resumed business.
HISTORY OF SAC RAWENTO COUNTY
71
J. H. Trowbridge & Company and Carroll
& Stearin soon after the fire succeeded the old
house of Birdsall & Company, and took the
name of Scudder, Carroll & Company.
Taj-lor & Van Sickle had a large business
patronage before the fire, but after that Van
Sickle dropped out of the business.
Louis Sloss, who later became head of the
Alaska Fur Company, was a very successful
trader here up to 1854.
Chamberlain & Patrick, another successful
firm, engaged in business on the Plaza. Cham-
berlain afterwards entered the banking house
of D. O. Mills & Company, with which he
remained in active employment until nearly
ninety j^ears of age ; he died a number of years
ago. Dr. Patrick has been dead for many
years.
Wilcoxson & Company closed their business
in 1852 after a successful career, and became
large landholders in the valley. The members
of the firm have been dead for a number of
years.
Maddux & Company, who came here from
Arkansas in the early days, built the Maddux
block at Third and K Streets.-
Mills & Company (James and D. O. Mills)
were in the grocery business until about 1851,
when they retired. The latter established the
bank which bears his name, finally removed to
New York and there died.
Bushnell & Company was another of the few
lucky firms that were not burned out in the big
fire of 1852.
Sneath & Arnold in 1851 established the
business to which Adams, McNeill & Com-
pany succeeded and which in 1911 was bought
out by Mebius and Drescher. John Arnold
died in 1864. Sneath removed to San Francis-
co in the sixties and carried on a large dairy on
the San Bruno road until his death.
Fry, Hoopes & Company founded the house
that is now I/indley & Company (J. D. Fry
and Thomas Hoopes). Hoopes died years ago
and Fry removed to San Francisco.
Of Hopkins & Miller, the partners were
Mark Hopkins and Ed. Miller. Hopkins died
at Yuma, March 29, 1878. Miller was with the
Central Pacific Company for a number of
years.
Another large business firm was W. R. Mc-
Caull & Company (iMoore). Moore moved to
Louisville, Ky., and INIcCauU died here.
Smith & Booth were the predecessors of
Booth & Company. Charles Smith died in
New York. Newton Booth, the other partner,
was afterward senior member of the firm of
Booth & Company, and became governor of
California and United States senator. He died
in this city July 14, 1892.
Hull & Lohman, another of the successful
early firms, removed later to San Francisco
and died there.
Lindley, Booth & Company (T. M. Lindley
and L. A. Booth) began business in 1849.
Booth retired from the firm in 1850, and after
a while Lindley closed his business and went
elsewhere. He became a member of the firm
of Fr}', Hoopes & Compan}- Fel^ruary 1, 1853,
on the corner of Seventh and J Streets. The
firm name was changed to Lindley & Hoopes a
year later, and in 1855 Mr. Lindley was in
business alone. He took his son, D. A. Lind-
ley, into partnership a number of years ago,
under the present firm name. Mr. Lindley, Sr.,
has been dead for some time.
Besides these here named, there were a num-
ber of other grocery firms in the early days,
among them being Birdsall & Company ;
Ahrents & Tolger ; Meeker & Company (S. H.
and David Meeker); Burton & McCarty;
Wood & Kenyon ; Kramer & Quivey; Love-
land &: Company ; Kibbe, Almy & Company ;
Thomas Bannister ; Burton, Fish & Culver ;
and Peter Slater.
The following reminiscences relative to Tom
McConnell, a merchant of the early days,
were related to the writer by James G. Patter-
son, a pioneer of 1852, and the son of A. D.
Patterson, a pioneer of 1849:
''The other day Tom McConnell, of McCon-
nell Station, was in here to see me, and we
had a chat about the old days. McConnell
settled at Garden Valley, on the Georgetown
road near Greenwood and Johntown. He
started a store there and cultivated a garden,
from which the place took its name. He raised
potatoes and sold them to the miners for
thirty cents a pound. Such things were high
in those days. He came down to Sacramento
one day and stepped into a store where Charlie
Grimm was having an auction. A lot of cot-
ton shirts were being sold and he bought the
whole lot for five cents apiece and took them
home. It cost two bits in those days to get a
shirt washed. He told the miners he would
sell them the shirts for two bits, and they con-
cluded it was better to wear a shirt a couple of
weeks and throw it away than to pay for hav-
ing it washed, so he sold all his shirts and got
the reputation of being the cheapest storekeep-
er to buy of in that country.
"In the winter of 1852-1853, the rains were
very heavy and the bottom dropped out of
the roads, and a great many teams were laid
up along the road. Flour was selling at fifty
cents a pound. Some freighters got within
three miles of Garden Valley and got stalled.
McConnell went down and bought their flour
for thirty cents and sold it to the miners for
forty cents. T was lucky,' said he ; T just got
rid of it when it came down to twenty-five
cents.' For a time the price of all kinds of
merchandise was low except picks and shovels,
and McConnell said he never got more than
$5 apiece for picks and $10 for shovels."
/S.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Early Manufacturing Firms
In 1849 Peter Kadell established the Sacra-
mento Brewery, now owned by Philip Scheld.
In 1850 Zins'& Weber built a brewery at
Twenty-ninth and J Streets. In 1853 Louis
Keseberg built one at Twenty-eighth and M
Streets. In 1853 Philip Yager started a brew-
ery in Sam Brannan's old adobe store on K
Street, near Twenty-eighth, and another, the
Tiger Brewery, at Thirty-first and K Streets.
In 1860 the St. Louis Brewery was built at
Sixth and G Streets. Later the City Brewery
was erected at Twelfth and H Streets. In
1858 the Pacific Brewery was established at
Ninth and P Streets. In 1853 the Columbus
Brewery at Fifteenth and K Streets was estab-
lished, 'in 1861 the Sutterville Brewery was
built, and in 1869 the Capital Brewery was
opened. In 1878 the eight breweries running
made 530.200 gallons of beer.
The first boHer shop was started by Ander-
son & Corbett in 1853.
In 1854 H. Webster opened a broom factory,
and two years afterwards there were three.
In 1858 there were seyenty-nine wagon and
carriage shops in Sacramento, employing 340
men and turning out $750,000 worth of yehicles.
There were also five foundries.
The Sacramento Valley Beet Sugar Factory
Avas established on the j Street road in 1868,
but Avas a failure and closed in 1876, as did
the Capital Distillery, owned by the same com-
pany.
G. Miller & Sons established artificial stone
and cement works in 1876 at Tenth and L
Streets.
Flouring Mills
Although flour was necessarily an article of
daily diet among the miners in the days of '49
and later, the staple menu being flapjacks
and bacon, beans and coffee, with an occasion-
al addition of beef, venison or other game fa
menu which, by the way, has not been much
improved on for camp fare by the outing
parties of today), there were not many flour
mills in the early days. General Sutter built a
flour mill, but as far as is known, there is no
record of other mills being in operation dur-
ing the first years of the rush for gold.
The LamlDard Mill, built in the fifties at
Second and I Streets, ran a few years and
did a large business under the ownership of
General Redington.
In 1853 the Lambard Flouring Mills were
erected on the north side of I Street, at the
head of Second Street. For a coviple of years
they were run in connection with the Sacra-
mento Iron Works, the original building being
of brick and only 20 by 40 feet in size. In
1856 it was enlarged and supplied with a solid
foundation by James Kerr, a millwright from
Boston, who afterwards lost his life on the ill-
fated steamer "Central America" when she was
lost. Additions were made from time to time,
until the capacity was increased to run five
stones. It was finally abandoned as a flouring
mill and has been used for many years as a
storehouse for feed and other things. Some
years ago it was used as a storehouse for saw-
dust, which swelled and burst out from the
wall on I Street, se^-eral pedestrians narrowly
escaping death or serious injury.
In 1853 the brick building afterward oc-
cupied by the Sacramento Flouring Mills on
Front Street, between L and M, was erected
by Dr. Carpenter, a well-known and wealth}'
citizen, with the idea of haying it made the
State Capitol. The Capitol, however, was
never located there, and after the completion
of the structure its first floor was occupied by
C. H. Swift, Campbell & Sweeney, and other
grain stores, etc. In 1856-1857 it arrived at
the dignity of being used as the courthouse for
the county. The property later passed from
Dr. Carpenter to C. K. Garrison. In 1869
Charles and Byron McCreary purchased it and
turned it into the Sacramento Flouring Mills.
One of the brothers died a number of years
later, and the other closed the mill, it being
gathered in by the Sperry ]\lilling Company of
Stockton, which formed a combination with a
number of other mills in this county. Mc-
Crear}- passed away near the close of the last
century.
In 1854 R. D. Carey purchased what was
known as the Ice Hovtse on Front Street, near
what is known as "Jib-boom" Street, adjoining
the railroad shops. He converted the building
into the Pioneer Flour Mill. He afterward
failed in business, and the property was pur-
chased by E. P. Figg. Carey went to Philadel-
phia and afterward became quite wealthy, it is
said. In 1858 Seth Garfield and Aleck Dyer
purchased the mill from Figg and thoroughly
remodeled the plant. It was destroyed by fire
in October, 1863, the owners losing about
$10,000 over their insurance. At the time it
was burned it was running day and night, turn-
ing out 200 barrels of flour a day, the net profit
on which was $75. Y)jg.-: left the city after the
fire, and Garfield and A. C. Bidwell went into
partnership, rebuilt the mill which now stands
there, and had it in running order in four
months. Three days afterwards Bidwell sold
out to H. G. Smith, who, Avith Garfield, ran the
mill until the close of 1864. J. H. Carroll then
came in as a third partner, and the firm ex-
pended $70,000 in increasing the capacity of
the mill to 500 barrels a day. The three part-
ners conducted the business till 1869, when
Carroll and Garfield sold out their interest to
H. G. Smith and G. W. Mowe, who took the
name of the Pioneer Milling Company. It also
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
IZ
entered into the Sperry combination and the
old mill stands idle, the warehouse of the com-
pany having been removed to the northern
part of the city.
We are indebted to Mr. Ferdinand Kohler
for the following interesting sketch of the
business of manufacturing flour in Sacramento
County and the Sacramento Valle3^ Since the
day of the wheat barons has passed away,
wheat has ceased to be a staple product of the
valle)^ and only enough flour is manufactured
to supply the local and adjoining markets, the
export having passed to Oregon and Washing-
ton as their wheat-growing area increased, and
the land of the Sacramento Valley, impover-
ished for wheat-raising by continued sowing
of the same crop, rendered it unprofitable to
raise that cereal. Not until the owners of the
larger tracts of land in the valley were forced
by'conditions to recognize this fact did they let
go their grasp on the big ranches and suffer
them to be subdivided and put to other uses.
During the first years of the settlement by
whites in the Sacramento Valley the flour used
was made in the Eastern states and brought
around Cape Horn by sailing vessels. No one
thought at that time that California would
some day become the banner wheat state of
the Union. It was not long until wheat was
introduced in the Sacramento Valley and
yielded well, and the acreage increased from
year to }'ear.
About 1850 the first flour mill was built by
Seth Garfield in the American River canyon
about a mile above Folsom. The basement of
this mill was built of stone quarried on the
ground. The mill was run by water power and
ran for ten or twelve years ; it lay idle for two
years before it was burned in 1865, and was
never rebuilt. The ruins are still in evidence.
The Phoenix Mill was built in Sacramento
City at Thirteenth and J Streets in 1853, and
after many changes of ownership has done
business continuouslv excepting two years
(1879-1880) until this day. In 1881 George
Schroth, J. H. Arnold and F. Kohler, under the
name of George Schroth & Company, bought
the mill, wdaich had been lying idle two years,
and built an entirely new plant. The mill was
burned in 1885, but was immediately rebuilt.
It was changed in 1891 into a corporation,
called the Phoenix Milling Company. The
Phoenix Company sold out to the Globe Mill-
ing Compan}' early in 1920.
Garfield, who had sold his interest in the
Folsom Mill about 1853, built the Bay State
Mill at Second and N Streets in Sacramento.
This was destroyed through a boiler explosion,
and after that rebuilt at the mouth of the
American River, and later moved a little fur-
ther down the river to about where Jib-boom
Street is. Later it became the property of
Messrs. H. G. Smith, J. H. Carroll and Mowe.
Still later Lew Williams bought out Carroll
and Alowe, and the mill continued under this
management until taken over by the Sperry
Flour Compan}'- in 1892.
After wheat was introduced into the Sac-
ramento Valley and yielded so well the acre-
age was increased from year to year until in
1880 California raised the largest crop, and dur-
ing the following year exported over 2,000,000
tons, which at $30 per ton makes a total of
$60,000,000. It was then the banner wheat
state in the Union. At this time hundreds of
ships were engaged in carrying wheat from
California to Europe. Flour mills were run-
ning all over the state, their products being
shipped to adjoining states and to Central
America, the islands, China and Europe.
There were mills at Roseville, Wheatland,
Sheridan, Marvsville, Yuba Citv, Oroville,
Gridley, Chico', Tehama, Red Bluff', Ball's
Ferry, Williams, Colusa, Yolo, Woodland,
Knight's Landing, Dixon, Elk Grove, lone and
Stockton. Most of these are now extinct.
From 1881 the crop of wheat in California
began to decrease. The practice of raising
wheat year after year on the same land finally
wore out the soil, and the quantity diminished
until in 1908 there was but 220,000 tons raised.
The quality also declined, and California mill-
ers were forced to import hard wheat from
Utah, Kansas, Dakota and Washington to mix
with the home product. The flour produced
from this mixture proved a happy blend and
cannot be excelled an3'where in its baking
qualities.
The farmers were obliged to discontinue
wheat-raising and turn the land into pasture.
In the meantime new varieties of wheat were
introduced by the aid of the State University,
and with the re-cultivating of the land better
results have been obtained, and the production
of wheat is again increased. In 1909 the crop
was 280,000 tons and in 1910 390,000 tons.
In 1911, on account of unfavorable weather,
the yield again decreased, but the quality of
the grain improved wonderfully.
As above stated, with the decline of the
wheat crop the flouring mills shut down one
after another. The export trade was entirely
lost and the mills were confined to the home
trade alone. Sacramento City, which with its
flour mills at one time produced over 1,200 bar-
rels of flour daily, does not average over 300
barrels now. Stockton, with a capacity of
4,000 barrels a few years ago, manufactures
only about 1,000 barrels per day at this time.
In 1891, when it was plainly seen that the
export flour trade would be lost to Califor-
nia, and with the capacity of the flour mills of
the state four or five times larger than the local
demand justified, a movement was set on foot
to organize all the better mills into one large
concern in order to prevent disastrous com-
74
HISTORY OF SACRA:\IENT0 COUNTY
petition Avliich was sure to follow. The re-
sult was the incorporation of the Sperry Flour
Company in 1892. The Pioneer and the Sacra-
mento Alills of Sacramento, the Buckeye of
Marysville. the Chico Mill of Chico, the
Sperry and the Farmers' Union of Stockton,
the Central Milling Company, owning five
mills in the Santa Clara Valley, and the Golden
Gate of San Francisco were taken in. The
Phoenix of Sacramento and the Crown of
Stockton, however, could not be won over.
The latter, with a one-time daily capacity of
1,600 barrels, is not running any more, nor are
the Pioneer and the Sacramento Mills of Sac-
ramento in operation.
The prospect for the milling industr}' is in
some respects not very bright. Land is be-
coming too valuable for wheat-culture and is
diverted to fruit, dairying, beans, hops, etc.
The export flour trade is therefore a thing of
the past. The mills can look, however, for
such an increase of their business as is conse-
quent upon the increase of population, which
fortunately gives great promise.
The rice-milling industry here has succeeded
the flour business to a marked extent. Two
immense mills, with modern equipment, are in
operation in AVest Sacramento, just across the
river below M Street. The bulk of the annual
production of something like 3,000,000 bags of
rice is milled here.
Dramatic and Musical
The getting of gold and the pursuit of other
enterprises, Avhile absorbing the energies of
the immigrants, did not render them oblivious
to the call of pleasure. As before stated,
gambling was carried on openly and to a large
extent. Other amusements also were sought,
and on October 18, 1849, the Eagle Theater
gave its first performance, L. Hubbard & Com-
pany being the proprietors. The box tickets
were $5, and the pit $3. The first play was the
"Bandit Chief, or Forest Spectre," and the
actors were Messrs. Atwater, Price, Harris,
Ray, Daly and Mrs. Ray. Not less than
$80,000 was expended in the erection of the
theater. It Avas 30 by 65 feet, and the lumber
from which the frame was made cost from
$600 to $700 per thousand feet. It was com-
mon for the audience in the pit to engage in a
game of monte between the acts, using the
seats for tables. The flood of 1850 came, and
on the benefit night of J. H. McCabe, one of
the actors, the water invaded the theater, cov-
ering the tops of the parquette seats near the
orchestra. On January 4, the theater closed
and the company went to San Francisco. The
theater and the "Round Tent," in which Mr.
Hubbard had made a fortune, were sold at
auction for $4,500.
The Tehama Theater was built in 1850, on
Second Street, between I and J, and the open-
ing piece was the "Lady of Lyons," under the
direction of Mrs. Wingard, known theatrically
as Mrs. J. Hudson Kirby. June 14, 1851, she
married James Stark, and they conducted the
theater till August 13, when it was burned,
supposedly by an incendiary.
The Pacific Theater was opened by Petit &
Luce on M Street, near Front, with a grand
ball April 25, 1850. In 1851 Junius B. Booth
was a member of the company playing there.
During 1849 the Stockton Minstrels and the
California Minstrels had given performances,
and in 1851 Donnelly's Ethiopian Minstrels.
J. A. Rowe's Olympic Circus opened at the
"Pacific Theater May 2, 1849, with boxes sell-
ing at $5 ; parquette and dress circle, $3 ; and
second tier, $2. In October, 1850, Sam Bran-
nan built for the circus a large building on
Front Street.
In September, 1851, Dr. Volney Spalding
erected the American Theater on J Street.
The state legislature in one of its removals
held a session here. J. B. Booth was manager,
and Frank Chanfrau, Louis Mestayer and
others were in the compan}'. In August, 1854,
J. B. Booth, Sr., accompanied by his son, Ed-
win Booth, appeared in the "Iron Chest." The
theater was destroyed in the great fire of 1852.
The Sacramento Theater, on Third Street,
between I and J, was opened in March, 1853,
but did not pay and was run spasmodically.
Among those of fame who played there were
Ole Bull, Maurice Strakosch, Madam Anna
Bishop, the Robinson family, Barney Williams
and wife, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Judah, Edwin
Booth, and Walter L. Leman. It was run
successfully in 1855 by a stock company, of
which Edwin Booth Avas one. He was not at
first a favorite, but captured the public and the
critics in the "Marble Heart."
The Edwin Forrest Theater was opened
October 8, 1855, and McKean Buchanan
played through the month. It was a losing
investment, was turned into Sam Wells' Melo-
deon in 1860, and was burned, supposedly by
the act of an incendiary, September 26, 1861.
The National, afterwards the Metropolitan
Theater, on K Street, was built by Lee &
Marshall, circus proprietors, and opened by
them on August 11, 1856. The next month it
was turned into a theater. Mr. and Mrs. J,
W. Wallack appeared in it in 1858. In 1859 it
was remodeled, and the name was then
changed to the Metropolitan Theater. Many
of the famous actors of the day appeared dur-
ing its existence. It was burned about thirty
years ago.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
75
Theaters of More Recent Date
The Clunie Theater was erected in the
nineties and is still in existence. Many actors
and troupes of national fame having appeared
on its boards. Traveling- shows, including- the
leading dramatic and musical attractions of
the country, are booked at the Clunie, which
also is the home of the Orpheum Vaudeville
bills. Pete Wilson is the manager.
Sacramento has its quota of fine moving-
picture theaters, and plans for another to cost
half a million dollars have been approved for
K Street, or rather for a site between K and L,
with an opening on the former. The success-
ful picture-theaters, which have cost an enor-
mous sum to build and equip, include Godard's,
T & D, Loew's State, Liberty, Sequoia, and
Majestic. Loew's State formerly was known
as the Diepenbrock, Twelfth and J. Loew's
Hippodrome Theater, a vaudeville house, also
is located on K Street, between Tenth and
Eleventh. Thomas Wilkes operates a stock
theater, known as the Wilkes, on Seventh
Street between K and L, where a very strong
producing company presents high-class pro-
ductions. Lee Parvin is "the local manager.
In addition to the large number of theaters,
in some of which the best operatic talent ap-
pears, there are several musical and dramatic
organizations, foremost of which is the Mc-
Neil Club, composed of both male and female
voices of excellent tone and harmony. The
club originally was organized under the direc-
tion of H. J. McNeil, in 1855.
The First Ball
The following tale of a historic event by
"Forty-niner" relates the incidents surrounding
the first ball given in the county. The account
was published in the seventies in the "Record-
Union," and will prove of interest as depicting
the shifts to which those inclined to "shine in
societ}'"' in those days were reduced in order
to make items for the social column. The nar-
rator says :
"In my brief history of this place [Mormon
Island] as appeared in your issue of the 12th,
I neglected to give you a statement of the
manner we enjoyed ourselves in those good
and jolly old days of Forty-nine. We had our
social gathering once each month, after 'the
ball,' however. The first ball ever given in
Sacramento County was given here, and was
the most difficult to make a success and the
most amusing. It will be well remembered by
two of the residents of your city, and two of
San Francisco, when they refresh their mem-
ory. A full and true insight as to the man-
agement of such afl^airs at that early time will
be a treat to your readers, especially to those
who are 'high-toned' this present day, if they
had been present as spectators to witness
those hale and buxom maidens with short
dresses, gray woolen stockings, and brogans,
soles one-half inch thick. How they did laugh
and sing and grow fat under such innocent
and moral enjoyment.
"The second day after my arrival at the
Blue Drilling Hotel, I borrowed a yeast-pow-
der can, holding about half a gill. I started,
after my morning meal, for the bank of the
river. The sand was literally mixed with gold,
as I supposed. I sat me down, exposed to the
boiling sun, the thermometer claiming 117 de-
grees, and spent the entire day gathering with
the point of my knife the scale gold, as I
thought, and depositing the same in my minia-
ture tin safe. At sundown it was full, and I
thought that a few days of such work would
be all I cared for, and return home. I took the
result of my day's work to Markham's store
to have it weighed and get the coin for the
same, but to my astonishment it was nothing
more or less than mica. Feeling discouraged,
I thought that gold is only sought as a means
toward this end. Happiness is the concentra-
tion of all riches, and the most perfect happi-
ness in this world is simply to be content.
''My cash account growing short, I had to
resort to some strategy to make a raise, so I
suggested to the landlord that as winter was
fast approaching he ought to have a canvas
roof on his building, to protect the health of
his patrons. The roof that was on his house
would leak when it rained, and the interior of
the hotel was dry when it did not rain. Upon
my suggsetion, he concluded to make the nec-
essary repairs, and I to do the sewing at fifty
cents a yard, and when the work was done a
grand ball was to be given to pay for such an
extravagant expense. Two gentlemen, then
residents of this town (now one is a captain
of one of the Sacramento and San Francisco
boats, and the other a wealthy and prominent
member of the board of brokers of San Fran-
cisco), were called upon, and the promised
treat was discussed in all its parts. One of
these gentlemen suggested that a floor should
be laid so that it would be more pleasant for
the dancers. I and the landlord objected, he
on the ground of unnecessary expense, and I
for the reason that the cost would overbalance
the receipts ; the house would be bankrupt, and
I would whistle for my pay. 1 gained my
point by arguing that the ladies' brogans
would last longer on a dirt floor than on wood.
"Next in order was discussion as to the
proper arrangements to be made on such an
important occasion. Our friend, 'now on the
river,' suggested the programme, which was
concurred in by the committee. Large posters
written upon brown wrapping-paper, with a
blue pencil, were posted in every direction —
'Tickets, twenty dollars,' and the 25th of De-
76
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
cember, 1849 — for the first ball ever held in
the county of Sacramento.
"A few days before, quite a large immigra-
tion from the Western states arrived, and it
was suggested and proposed that the commit-
tee should wait on the female portion and
solicit their aid and services in preparing food
for the supper, 'as the cook at the hotel could
not be trusted, for he was one of those Yankee
fellows, and his extravagance in preparing the
food would surely bust the boss.' We waited
upon the ladies, and their excuse was that
having just arrived, their whole time would be
occupied in the wash tub, bath tub, and the
preparation of their outer garments. Our only
hope was to solicit the aid of the miners for
our supper, and we offered to pay them for
their food and premiums for the best meats,
bread, cakes and pies ; and your correspondent
was appointed a committee of one to make the
award" — which Avas half-price to the dance.
That was a smart trick of the landlord, for he
knew I would find some excuse for refusing
any premiums, as he had an eye for profit, and
I for my pay.
"Well, the 25th arrived ; the miners brought
in their several meats, cakes, pies, etc., each
one doing his best to excel the other. At 2
p. m. everything needed for the supper was
exhibited for inspection and awards in the
cabin of W. Jones. The first examination was
of two fine-appearing hams. Premiums were
refused in both cases — first, that the hams had
not been washed before boiling, and the skin
had not been taken off after boiling. The other
was a shoulder, but by a neat contrivance
about four inches of the leg of a ham had been
carefully sawed off and with a wooden peg
neatly placed in the shoulder, having the ap-
pearance of a genuine ham. Each was paid
for his ham at $1 per pound, and they paid for
their tickets $20 each. The next examination
was the corn beef, which proved to be a chunk
of 'salt horse' brought there some two weeks
before by a sailor. He was paid for his salt
horse and he paid for his ticket, as no premium
was awarded him.
"The bread was examined, and it was the
unanimous opinion of the committee, at my
suggestion, that it was dark. A person could
not tell whether he was eating bread or leath-
er. This report soon spread through the town,
and an old and venerable Jack Tar had his
trunk half full of ship biscuit, which he offered
as a substitute, and was accepted. The bread-
makers' premium was withheld, and the donor
of the biscuits received a pass to the dance at
half-price.
"Sausage meat came next, but as it had been
made of nothing but beef and tallow, it could
not be put on the table, as fishballs are pre-
pared for use, so the whole bunch was boiled
and served up cold, and a complimentary tick-
et given him. The cakes were in fine order,
sufficient grease having been used to make
them palatable. They were accepted, and an-
other $20 lost. Something had to be done to
avoid any further issue of free tickets for the
ball, so the committee, taking a wink from me,
agreed that the balance of the food should be
averaged with that that had been examined
except the pies, and they should be passed
upon at the table, during supper, when pie was
called for. The time did arrive. The first one
cut proved to contain dried apples, brought
from Boston, thoroughly eaten up with worms,
and the black seeds still sticking in them. The
crust was fair ; he was paid for his pies, but
received no pass.
"The second pie cut had the appearance of
being O. K. of the dried peach order. A strong
demand was made for peach pie. The first
person that took a bite happened to have a
false tooth in his head; instantly it fell from
his mouth. An inquiry was at once made as
to the cause of all this confusion, and the fault
lay in the crust of the pie. It was carefully
examined by those of the committee who had
sound teeth and found to excel India rubber
in toughness. The competitor was at once as-
sessed for the damage done, which was settled
by paying for the unfortunate gentleman's
ticket.
"Our work being done, the question arose as
to who should have the honor of presiding
over the floor at the dance. My old friend,
now of vSan Francisco, was appointed as boss
owing to his having a neat, white, fried shirt
to give tone to the occasion. Myself and my
Sacramento River friend Avere appointed as
jigger bosses, he having a swallow-tailed coat
with brass buttons, and I having a neat and
clean collar over my woolen shirt, and a neat
pair of boots, well greased, which made a good
appearance.
"The appearance of the ballroom was all
that could be desired except that the managers
were guilty of the grave oversight of neglect-
ing to provide benches around it for the com-
pany. Wheeling planks were soon on hand,
and, supported by drygoods boxes, made all
satisfied, and for the better accommodation
and comfort of the ladies the landlord kindly
allowed his two pairs of blankets to be used to
give them the appearance of stuffed benches.
The music stand was a shoe box and a three-
legged stool on top. The hall was handsomely
illuminated by twelve candles stuck in porter
bottles, and secured to the walls of the build-
ing with wires and handsomely decorated by
the rough but tasteful hands of the miners
with miniature flags and evergreens. All was
now ready ; the proprietor looked up and down
the streets for the coming of the dancers. One
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
77
fellow told the landlord that in California the
people never go to balls nntil the next day ;
that joke cost the landlord a cocktail and a
steerage cigar. The company began to ap-
pear, however, at rather a late hour. Every-
body had heard of the grand ball, and every-
bod}- wanted to see the crowd in attendance.
It was a most singular miscellany, and in some
cases the wonder was how the requisite $20
for a ticket was raised.
"If it were desirable, I could criticize the
ball pretty freely without being untruthful,
but I should lavish ink and exhaust rhetoric
in the vain effort to describe the entire success
of this iirst entertainment. I dare not do it in
print for the sake of my reptitation for veracity
nor undertake to say how many sighs were
lavished upon the managers, the languishing
glances that were leveled at them across the
hall, what eloquent rhymes were coined to
their praise, and how many gallant men risked
the perils of a duel for the honor of first at-
tempting to solicit the hand of the fair maidens
for a dance. Even the furniture — wheeling
planks — appeared to hold high carnival, the
sofas displaying their elasticity, the candles
winking, and the fiddlers sometimes bursting
out into such uproarious hilarity that the very
strings appeared as if they were struggling to
get out of their places.
"At 12, midnight, supper was called. Boards
in the center of the hall were placed in their
proper position, the old blue drilling roof was
used for a table cloth, tin plates and knives
and forks were in plenty, and soon the crowd
took their standing positions. Be it known
that the table was made high enough to com-
pel the hungrjr crowd to stand, for by such an
arrangement they soon got tired and would
leave the table with their bunch of fives full
of grub, to make room for the steerage pa-
trons. Shortly after eating commenced a col-
ored miner, who had been cook of a whaling
ship, entered and graciously donated a plum
duff, tapering regularly to a point from a cir-
cular base. The handsome donation was
thankfully received, but the outside of the duff
had the smell of something very much like
perspiration, and from its appearance must
have been boiled in the sleeve of a shirt. How-
ever, the outside was carefull}' scraped, and
not a speck was left for the second table.
Supper over, the tables were kicked out doors
and dancing renewed. A young maiden was
present, named 'The Infant,' fourteen years of
age, weight 189 pounds. I asked for the honor
of her hand for a polka ; her answer was 'You
bet.' The first turn I made, flop I went on the
dirt floor ; a clothes brush was in demand, but
as none could be found, she took a long-han-
dled broom and swept me off. After this was
done, she called aloud, 'Here, Jim, finish this
dance with me; this fellow can't swing under
my weight.' I surrendered, but before they
got well started a string on the fiddle broke.
The fiddler declared that he could not play any
fancy dances without four strings. The 'polka
had to be abandoned, at which I felt a calm
satisfaction.
"Well, the ball ran until four o'clock, and
only the bass string left. Thus ended the first
ball ever given in Sacramento County. I got
my pay for my work, and my name is vet
Forty-niner."
In the previous article alluded to, "Forty-
niner" told of customs at the Blue Drilling
Hotel. He says: "I took up my quarters at
the hotel made of blue drilling; the polite land-
lord, at present a resident of your city, bowed
me into my room, which consisted of ninety
pine poles covered with canvas, and would
accommodate forty persons, but contained
.only two pairs of blankets. As soon as one fell
asleep, the accommodating landlord would re-
move the blankets from him for the next cus-
tomer, and if they Avereslow to retire, a glass
of '49 Bourbon soon compelled them to. After
all were asleep, the landlord took the blankets
from his last patron and went to bed himself,
to dream of the many two dollars coming in
the next morning for lodging. Many inquiries
were made for the bedclothing, but the gentle-
manly proprietor settled the muss by another
cocktail and a steerage cigar (cabin cigars at
that time sold for fifty cents each), and all
was peace."
The Funded Debt
An act was passed in 1872 by the legislature
providing for a board of commissioners of the
funded debt sinking fund of the city. In 1858
the city and county government had been con-
solidated and the supervisors given authority
to fund all "legal debts and liabilities" against
the city and issue new six per cent bonds for
them. The general opinion held that much
of the debt was without authority of law and
could not be classed as legal obligations. In
1864 a law had been passed authorizing the
city trustees to levy a. special tax of one-half
per cent to raise a sinking fund for the pur-
chase of the bonds at a rate of not more than
thirty cents on the dollar, but the tax rate al-
ready was so high that no action was taken.
In 1872 a law was passed restraining the com-
missioners from paying more than thirty-five
cents on the dollar for the bonds. In 1880,
on the 1st of January, the debt was, in round
numbers, with accrued interest on the bonds,
$2,414,000. After much litigation a compro-
mise was made during the administration of
^^'illiam Land as mavor, and the debt was re-
funded for $1,500,000.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CHAPTER IX
THE DISCOVERY A ND MINING OF GOLD
Accounts of the Discovery of Gold
USUALLY we speak of the discovery of,
gold in California as having been made
bv James Marshall at Coloma, in Janu-
ary, 1848, "and while this is true in a practical
sense, resulting in the stampede that brought
adventurers from all over the world to this
state, there is no doubt that the existence of
gold had been known many years before.
The first mention of gold in California is
found in Hakluyt's account of the voyage of
Sir Francis Drake, who spent five or six weeks
in June and July, 1579, in some bay on the
coast of California, the locality of which has
never been settled as to whether it was San
Francisco Bay or one of those farther north.
Hakluyt wrote : "There is no part of the earth
here to be taken up wherein there is not a
reasonable amount of gold or silver." As nei-
ther gold nor silver has ever been found in the
vicinity of the point where Drake landed,
Hakluyt's story must be classed with other
tales of the earlj^ explorers and as mere con-
jecture regarding an unknown land.
However, other early explorers stated that
gold had been found long before the discovery
by Marshall and there is no doubt that the
opinion existed that gold was to be found in
California. The country had been explored by
Spanish, Russian and American parties since
the sixteenth century and was visited by Com-
modore Wilkes while on an exploring expedi-
tion in the service of the United States. Mem-
bers of his party ascended the Sacramento
River and visited Sutter at his fort, while oth-
ers made explorations by land. James D.
Dana, the author of several well-known works
on geology and mineralogy, was the mineral-
ogist of the expedition and journeyed by land
through the upper part of the state. He says
in one of his works that gold rock and veins of
quartz were observed by him in 1842 near the
Umpqua River, in southern Oregon ; also, that
he found gold in the Sierra Nevadas and on
the Sacramento River, also on the San Joaquin
River and between these rivers. In the report
of the Fremont exploring expedition also,
there is an intimation of the existence of gold.
A statement has been made also that a Mexi-
can was shot at Yerba Buena (now San Fran-
cisco) in October or November, 1845, on ac-
count of having a bag of gold dust, and that
when dying he pointed toward the north and
said, "Lejos ! Lejos!" (yonder), indicating
where he had found it.
Coming nearer home, into our own country,
we find a claim that is backed by strong prob-
ability that the Mormons who came to San
Francisco on the ship "Brooklyn," and settled
at Mormon Island, found gold before Marshall
did. It was a series of circumstances that
brought them to the Coast. ' Persecuted in the
East, where Joseph Smith, their founder,
claimed to have fovmd the plates that he trans-
lated into the "Book of Mormon," generally
spoken of as the Mormon Bible, his followers
had settled at Nauvoo, 111., where they believed
they would be free from further persecution.
But the people who had settled around them
became antagonistic to them and in the riots
that occurred, Smith was shot and killed by a
mob. They then determined to remove be-
yond the jurisdiction of the United States and
selected California as their future place of
abode. They divided into two parts, the land
expedition starting to cross the Rocky Moun-
tains, while the other party came around the
Horn on the ship "Brooklyn." Among the be-
lievers in their faith was Samuel Brannan, one
of their leading men, who afterwards became
prominent in the early history of Sacramento
and San Francisco. When the "Brooklyn" ar-
rived, the Mormons found that their hopes
were frustrated, California having passed into
the possession of the United States. Couriers
were sent overland to meet the other party,
and found them at the place where Salt Lake
City now is located. They determined to stay
there, although the country was sterile and
unpromising. Those who came on the "Brook-
lyn" scattered through the state, some of them
settling above Folsom at the place now known
as Mormon Island. It is claimed that they
had found gold long before it was found at Co-
loma, but had kept it a secret. Certain it is,
that mining was carried on by them about the
time of Marshall's discovery, and that the dig-
gings at Mormon Island were very profitable
On January 18, 1878, the Associated Pio-
neers of the territorial days of California gave
a banquet in New York City, at which Col. T.
B. Thorpe, a veteran of the Mexican War who
had been on General Taylor's staff, was pres-
ent. He stated that while he was employed as
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
79
a journalist in New Orleans several years he-
fore the discovery of gold at Coloma, a Swede,
evidently far gone in consumption, called on
him and stated that he was what was called
in Sweden a "King's orphan" ; that he had
been educated at an institution maintained by
the government, on condition that after he had
received his education he would travel in for-
eign countries, observe and record what he had
seen and transmit his records to the govern-
ment. He further stated that he had visited
California and remained several days at Sut-
ter's Fort, enjoying Sutter's hospitality ; that
while there he had closely examined the sur-
rounding country and became convinced that
it was rich in gold. General Sutter was pres-
ent at that banquet and Colonel Thorpe asked
him if he had any recollection of the Swedish
visitor. General Sutter replied that he did
recollect the visit, which occurred about thir-
ty-four years before, and that he also remem-
bered that the Swede spoke regarding the
presence of mineral wealth in the neighboring
hills, "but," added the General, "I was too
much occupied at the time Avith other concerns
to devote any time or attention to it. My
crops were ripe, and it was imperative that
they should be gathered as soon as possible,
but I do recollect the scientific Swedish gen-
tleman."
The report of the remarks at the banquet
was published, and in it is contained a copy of
the manuscript to which Colonel Thorpe re-
ferred, in which the "King's orphan" wrote :
"The Californias are rich in minerals. Gold,
silver, lead, oxide of iron, manganese and cop-
per ore are all met with throughout the covm-
try, the precious metals being the most abun-
dant."
Still another account of an early discovery
of gold was published in September, 1865, in
the "New Age," in San Francisco, the official
organ of the Odd Fellows. It purports to have
been an article written by the Paris corre-
spondent of the London "Star." He wrote
that while in Paris he visited a private mu-
seum, the owner of which exhibited to him a
gold nugget and stated that twenty-eight
years before a poor invalid had called on him,
and taking out of his tattered coat a block of
quartz, asked him if he would purchase it, as-
suring him that it was full of gold. He stated
that the stranger said : "I have come to you
to appl}' to the government to give me a vessel
and a crew of 100 men, and I will promise to
return with a cargo of gold." The proprietor
of the museum thought the man was mad, but
gave him a napoleon as a matte'r of charity,
retaining, however, a piece of the quartz.
Afterwards the quartz was analyzed and was
proved to contain pure gold. After a lapse of
fifteen years a letter and a parcel were left at
his door. The parcel was heavy and was
wrapped in a handkerchief and the letter was
worn and almost illegible. He deciphered it
and it proved to be the poor invalid's dying
statement, which the lodging-house keeper,
where he died after his interview with the
proprietor of the museum, had neglected to
deliver. The package contained a block of
quartz and the letter read as follows : "You
alone listened to me ; you alone stretched out
a helping hand to me. Alas, it was too late!
I am dying. I bequeath my secret to you.
The countr}'- from which I brought this gold
is called California."
Joseph Aram of New York, and Sarah A.
Aram of Vermont, his wife, were members of
a party of immigrants to California which, in
September, 1846, pitched their camp near the
mouth of a little stream emptying into the
south fork of the Yuba River where it was
crossed by the old overland trail, near where
the boundary line between Placer and Nevada
Counties has been established. It is related
that Mrs. Aram desired to wash some articles
of apparel and in scooping out an improvised
washtub in the bed of the brook noticed sev-
eral little yellow pieces in the fine gravel.
The}^ were examined by the members of the
party and pronounced to be gold. On the
same day, however, news of the declaration of
war against Mexico by the United States
reached the party, and they made all possible
haste in pushing on to gain the shelter of Sut-
ter's Fort instead of stopping to make any
further investigation of their discovery. In
the summer of 1848, after Marshall's discovery
had been published. Mr. Aram returned to his
old camping ground only to find the ground
already occupied by miners. Mr. Aram was a
member of the first constitutional convention,
1849, and a member of the assembly at the first
session of the legislature. He died at San
Jose. March 30, 1898. His son, Eugene Aram,
born at Monterey, January 14, 1848, was, it is
claimed, the first white child born in California
of American parents ; he was a state senator
from Sutter, Yolo and Yuba Counties during
the thirty-first and thirty-third legislative ses-
sions. For some years he has been a practic-
ing attorney in this city.
Marshall's Discovery
All these accounts and statements being
granted true, the credit for the practical dis-
covery of gold still belongs to Marshall. While
it is true that a gold mine in the lower part of
the state was worked in 1841, and that gold
from that mine had been sent to Philadelphia
for coinage as early as July, 1843, the mine
proved unprofitable and was abandoned. The
precise date of Marshall's discovery will prob-
ably never be settled. He was working for
80
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
General Sutter, in charge of a gang of men
erecting a sawmill at the present site of Col-
oma, Eldorado County. The raceway was
dug and the water turned in. As Marshall
was examining the race, his attention was at-
tracted by a piece of shining stuff and he
picked it up and took it to the house, where it
was boiled in lye, and thought to be gold. He
took it with other particles down to Sutter,
where it was submitted to crude tests and
declared to be gold. Afterward specimens
were sent to Monterey and exhibited to Gen-
eral Mason, the military governor, and W. T.
Sherman, afterwards one of the most famous
generals of the Civil War. It was proved to be
gold and the news went forth to the world that
caused immigration to pour into California
from every clime.
James W. Marshall was born in Hope
Township, Hunterdon County, N. J., October 8,
1810. When he reached manhood he removed
to Indiana and afterward to Illinois and Mis-
souri. He arrived in California in 1844 and
came to Sutter's Fort in 1845 and was em-
ployed by Captain Sutter. He took an active
part in the revolution of 1846. In considera-
tion of his discovery of gold the legislature al-
lowed him a pension for some years before
his death. He settled on a small piece of land
at Coloma, near where he discovered the gold,
and partly supported himself by farming. On
the 10th of August, 1885, he was found dead
in his cabin and was buried near the spot
where gold was first found by him. Marshall
never married. After his death the state erected
a fine monument to him, a statue in the early
miner's garb, with his finger pointing to the
place where the old mill-race stood in which
his discovery was made. The late John H.
Miller, for many years a well-known journalist
of this city, was appointed the first guardian of
the monument, which office he held for a num-
ber of years.
The discovery of gold gave a great impetus
to the growth of Sacramento City when the in-
flux of gold-seekers commenced, making it the
point of departure for the mines as well as
the depot for supplies. A part of the latter
business it lost when the Folsom and Placer-
ville Railroad was built, but its progress was
only delayed, as it still continued to be the
supply point for distribution to a vast terri-
tory, including a large portion of Nevada.
Seldom now are the; jingling bells of the mule
team heard on its streets and the "prairie
schooner" laden with freight has become a
memory of the past. Of late years the gold
dredge has taken the place of hydraulic mining,
since the latter was prohibited.
Mining the Metal
The discovery of gold at Coloma on the
South Fork of the American River was her-
alded to the world, and a cosmopolitan assem-
bly of people soon poured into California by
land and sea. In a frenzied race for the new-
found riches they overspread the land, peopling
the gulches and ravines that had never before
been trodden by the foot of white men. Rea-
soning logically that the gold on the river bars
had some source more or less distant, they ex-
plored every gull}^ and canyon above and be-
low Coloma, finding diggings in all of them,
which were often very rich. The country
around Folsom was dotted with rich placers,
and a large population soon centered there,
making it a lively mining camp, which at one
time cast considerably over 2,000 votes. The
iDars and banks on the American River for
miles above and below the town were very
rich in deposits, and were worked over by the
early miners and later by hydraulic process.
In the past few years gold dredging has be-
come prevalent in that territory as well as in
Butte County. While it is impossible to ob-
tain statistics of the amount of gold obtained
by dredging, the owners being secretive, it is
known that it runs into the millions. While
the amount is so large, it is regrettable that
the gold cannot be obtained except at the sacri-
fice of much of the best land in the state, which
is transformed by the dredgers from rich or-
chards and vineyards into unsightly heaps of
cobblestones, and practically removed for
many years from the assessment rolls of the
county as a revenue-producer for the public
benefit. Even the great Natoma vineyard, at
one time the largest in the world, was invaded
by the machines and left desolate, and prac-
tically wiped off the assessor's map. Much
damage, it is claimed, has been done to the
American River and other rivers by the "slick-
ens" from the dredges filling up the river beds
and fouling the water, and there are many who
advocate the passage of laws regulating, if not
restraining, the operation of dredger mining.
The village of Dredge grew up as the home of
the dredging company's employees. In recent
years the cobblestone piles have been crushed
for road material.
After hydraulic mining succeeded the pick,
shovel, rocker and long tom of the early
miners, and had continued for a number of
years, the shoaling of the river beds, and the
frequent floods and breaking of levees, that
covered the adjacent lands with sand and
debris, aroused the attention of the dwellers in
the valley and a bitter controversy arose be-
tween the hydraulic miners and the citizens of
the counties afifected. An association was
formed, denominated the "Anti-Debris Asso-
ciation," composed of citizens of the counties
along the Sacramento River. It was pointed
out that valuable orchards were being de-
stroyed along and below the entry of the tribu-
taries of the Sacramento which carried down
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
81
the detritus from the hydraulic mines; that the
bed of the Sacramento and its tributaries was
being raised by the deposits of the debris and
navigation was impeded, if not utterly de-
stroyed in the summer ; while the floods, the
result of the raising of the river plane, carried
destruction to the low lands and the towns
along their banks. Marysville was a great
sufiferer from broken levees and inundations,
and today the town lies below the level of the
bottom of the river on which it is situated,
while thousands of formerly fertile acres of ad-
jacent lands are a waste of gravel and sand
many feet deep. The association secured ap-
propriations for its support from the super-
visors of the counties in which its members
resided, and a long legal battle was begun with
the object of compelling the hydraulic miners
to cease their operations. At last the associa-
tion was successful in its contest, and an in-
junction was obtained, prohibiting hydraulic
mining unless the debris could be successfully
impounded to the satisfaction of the plaintiffs.
CHAPTER X
THE SQUATTER RIOT
Causes of the Riot
MANY of the immigrants arriving in 1849
were imbued with the idea that Sutter
possessed no valid title to the land
where the city stands, as his title was founded
on the grant by Governor Alvarado, and the
United States had subsequently conquered and
taken possession of the state. They consid-
ered the ground public land and subject to set-
tlement. Moreover, they claimed the boun-
daries of Sutter's Grant, as defined, did not
cover the site of the city, but ended some dis-
tance above it. Also that it could not embrace
the site of the city, as by its stipulations it
should not be subject to annual inundations,
and that by improving Hock Farm he had
overstepped the boundaries of his possession
under the grant either to the north or the
south ; his engineer's lines, when correctly
drawn, placed his southern boundary consider-
ably above the city. These claims were not
accorded much attention by those who had
purchased from Sutter.
But when the immigrants across the plains
arrived a few months later, things took on a
different appearance. Weary with the long
journey, and many of them without money or
homes, the idea that they could own the land
by simply taking possession of it was an allur-
ing one and the ranks of the "Squatters," as
they were called, increased rapidly. Lots were
staked off in various parts of the city and those
taking possession boldly declared the squatter
title was superior to that from Sutter.
An association was formed, and the first
meeting was called by John H. Keyser, and
held at the house of a man named Kelley, on
Front Street, above J. A number of meetings
were held there prior to the flood of the ensu-
ing winter. At first the members of the asso-
ciation were mostly ignorant and uneducated
men, but later men of tact and talent succeeded
them and their addresses began to be viewed
with anxiety by those holding Sutter titles.
Their speeches were incendiary, and in May a
talented engineer, Col. John Plumbe, joined
them and became their surveyor and recorder.
After the floods of January and March, their
organization was made more thorough and a
feeling of hostility grew up between them and
the holders of Sutter titles. The members of
the association began to demonstrate their
views by taking possession of lots in various
parts of the city. Contests ensued and re-
movals were made from time to time.
May 10, 1850, John P. Rodgers and Dewitt
J. Burnett began action in the recorder's court
against James J. ]\Iadden, B. F. Washington
presiding-. The lot settled upon and claimed
by Madden was on the southeast corner of
Second and N Streets. The defendant claimed
that the land was owned by the United States,
and therefore subject to a title by settlement
and improvement. The case was argued and
the recorder decided against defendant, fining
him $300 and costs, and ordering restitution.
The defendant appealed to the county court,
but Judge Willis sustained the lower court.
The defendant asked to appeal to the supreme
court, but there being no law then to sustain
the appeal, the motion was denied. Both
parties grew excited during the trial, and the
Squatters as a body declared against the res-
titution of the property pursuant to the judg-
ment of the courts. After the decision the
Squatters issued a poster, claiming that the
82
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
laws passed by the legislature were not recog-
nized by congress and not binding, and that
the settlers would resist and disregard all de-
cisions of the courts in land cases and also all
summonses or execution by the sherifif or other
officers, and resolved to appeal to arms on the
first show of violence to their persons or prop-
erty by the sheriff. The card caused great ex-
citement, and many who had hitherto passive!}'
approved of the Squatters enlisted against
them. On August 11, the Squatters held a
meeting on the levee and the proceedings were
reported in the "Transcript" the next morn-
ing. Dr. Robinson was the chairman and the
meeting was much excited, both sides of the
controversy being heatedl}'' debated. J. H.
McKune, who afterward became prominent in
county affairs, James McClatchy, afterward
editor and proprietor of the "Bee," and others
spoke in defense of the Squatters' action, while
Samuel Brannan and Col. E. J. C. Kewen de-
fended the Sutter titles. Captain Sutter
claimed the land within the city limits by vir-
tue of his grant from the Mexican government,
and through the guarantee of the treaty be-
tween the United States and Mexico. His
claim was sustained by the settlement at vSut-
ter's Fort, by improvements made, by occa-
sional occupation and use made of the site of
the city and by a map of the survey made for
him by an engineer whom he supposed to be a
competent one, locating him on the land.
As the meeting progressed. Dr. Robinson in
a speech defending the Squatters' resolutions,
said that, as for him, he meant at all hazards
to defend the property he had settled upon.
Madden retained the possession of the prop-
erty in litigation for some time, by the defense
of the members of the association, and the
house itself became a sort of garrison, contain-
ing a variety of w^eapons. In his endeavors to
execute the writ of restitution, the sheriff dis-
covered a number of persons whom he knew
among the party who were resisting his au-
thority. He reported the names of James Mc-
Clatchy, Charles Robinson and others to the
court and warrants for their arrest were is-
sued b}- Justice Sackett. McClatchy delivered
himself up and was confined in jail during
the subsequent conflicts. Madden was finally
ousted from the house, but recovered posses-
sion on August 14.
Contemporary Account of the Riot
The "Times" of August 15 gives an ac-
count of the fatal riot on the preceding day as
follows :
"At two o'clock a body of Squatters number-
ing about forty proceeded to the foot of I
Street, on the levee, and undertook to regain
possession of a piece of ground which had late-
ly been in the occupation of one of their party.
They were fully armed and a general under-
standing prevailed that their object included
the liberation of the two men committed the
day before to the prison ship, upon the charge
of being concerned in a riotous assemblage on
the morning of the 12th, for the purpose of
forcibly resisting the process of law. After
the displacement of some of the lumber on the
ground the party of Squatters were deterred
from proceeding further in their intent. The
mayor had meantime recjuested all good citi-
zens to aid in suppressing the threatened riot,
and very large numbers had gathered about
the spot; several citizens also, armed, pro-
ceeded to the prison ship, but no demonstra-
tion was made in that direction.
"The Squatters retreated in martial order,
and passed up I Street to Third, thence to J
and up to Fourth, followed by a crowd of per-
sons. They were here met by the mayor, who
ordered them to deliver up their arms and dis-
perse. This they refused to do, and several
shots were fired at him, four of which took
effect. He fell from his horse, and was car-
ried to his residence dangerously, if not mortal-
ly, wounded. J. W. Woodland, who, unarmed,
stood near the maj'or at the time, received a
shot in the groin, wdiich he survived but a few
minutes. A man named Jesse Morgan, said to
be from JMillerville, Ohio, lately arrived, and
who was seen to aim at the mayor, next fell
dead, from the effects of a ball which passed
through his neck. James Harper was very
severely, but not dangerously, wounded, in
supporting the sheriff. It is difficult to give
an exact detail of the terrible incidents which
followed in such rapid succession. It appeared
from an examination before the coroner, that
the party of Squatters drew up in regular or-
der, on arriving- at the corner of Fourth Street,
and that the sheriff was several times fired on
before he displayed any weapons. Testimony
was also given as to the person who was seen
to fire upon Mr. Woodland. The mounted
leader of the Squatters, an Irishman by the
name of Maloney, had his horse shot under
him : he endeavored to escape, but was pur-
sued a short distance up the alley and shot
through the head, falling dead. Dr. Robinson,
one of the armed party under his command,
was wounded in the lower part of the body.
Mr. Hale, of the firm of Crowell Hale & Com-
pany, was slightly wounded in the leg. A
young boy, son of Mr. Rogers, was also
wounded. AVe have heard of several others,
but are not assured of the correctness of the
reports. Upon the oath of several gentlemen,
that they saw Dr. Robinson deliberately aim at
the mayor, he was arrested and placed in con-
finement. An Irishman named Caulfield, ac-
cused of a similar act with regard to both the
mayor and Mr. Woodland, was arrested late in
the afternoon.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
"After these terrible scenes, which occupied
less time than we have employed to describe
them, had passed, a meeting of the council was
held, the proceedings of which appear in an-
other column. The citizens gathered at the
corner of Second and J Streets and other places
throughout the city, and proceeded to organize
parties to prevent further outrage. A body of
mounted men under command of the sheriff,
hearing the report that the Squatters were re-
inforcing at the Fort, proceeded thither. The
lawless mob were nowhere to be found ; scouts
were dispatched in all directions, but no trace
of them could be discovered. Meanwhile sev-
eral other parties had formed in rank and pro-
ceeded to different, parts of the city, establish-
ing rendezvous at different points. Brigadier-
General Winn issued a proclamation declaring
the city under martial law, and ordering all
law-abiding citizens to form themselves into
volunteer companies and report their organiza-
tion to headquarters as soon as possible. At
evening quiet was fully restored throughout
the city. Lieutenant Governor McDougal,
who left on the 'Senator,' and expects to meet
the 'Gold Hunter,' will bring up this morning
a detachment of troops from Benicia. An ex-
traordinar}^ police force of 500 was summoned
for duty during the night.".
Subsequent Events
The minutes of the council show that B. F.
AVashington was appointed marshal and Capt.
J. Sherwood assistant, to whom all persons de-
siring to make arrests were requested to apply
for aid and authority.
A letter in Dr. Robinson's handwriting was
found in his tent after the riot, detailing what
he had done and the plans of the Squatters for
resisting the law.
The next day brought other developments
that saddened the community and were de-^
tailed in the "Times" of the 16th. Sheriff Jo-
seph McKinney was shot down it was said by
a man named Allen, who kept a hotel at
Brighton. McKinney had gone out with a
party of about twenty to arrest some parties
said to have been concerned in the riots. Mr.
McDowell, of Mormon Island, who was well
known at the house, was sent to make ob-
servations and report, but the sheriff did not
wait for him to return. He rode up to the
door and demanded that Allen and others
should surrender, but they refused and several
shots were fired immediately, mortally wound-
ing McKinney. Several of the sheriff's party
entered the house, where about a dozen Squat-
ters were, and killed three of them. Allen,
though wounded, escaped, and a number of
prisoners were taken to the city.
When Governor Burnett heard of the
trouble, he telegraphed to Brig.-Gen. A. M.
Winn to proceed to Sacramento with his whole
force and aid the authorities to maintain order.
On the 17th two military companies, compos-
ing the 2nd Brigade, arrived on the "Senator"
and General Winn offered their services to the
maj'or and council, but was informed that the
citizens' organization under Washington was
thought to be able to sustain the law. The re-
ports that the Squatters had enlisted the aid
of the miners in the hills, who were coming to
Sacramento to aid them, were found to be
false, and quiet was soon restored. The fu-
nerals of Captain Woodland and Sheriff Mc-
Kinney were attended b}- almost the whole
city and such was the spirit shown by the citi-
zens that Squatterism never reared its head
again, although disputes over land titles con-
tinued for many years, making costly and an-
noying litigation for a long time.
As Mayor Biglow was severely, and possiblv
fatally, wounded Demas .Strong became the
acting mayor for the remainder of his term.
B. F. Washington was appointed marshal.
The death of Woodland, who was cit)^ assessor,
was due to his kindness of heart. He was
walking up the street with a friend and when
near the corner of Fourth and J, the Squatters
ranged themselves diagonally across Fourth
and J Streets, with their guns presented to-
ward the mayor and his party, who were ap-
proaching. AVoodland saw their threatening
attitude and exclaimed to his friend, "Oh! it
is too bad for these men to take such a stand,
for they will certainly be shot down. I will go
up and advise them." He went forward a few
steps to attempt to mediate, when a ball struck
him and killed him almost instantly.
Ben McCulloch succeeded McKinney as
sheriff and afterwards became quite a noted
man in the history of the nation. He was born
in Tennessee in 1814 and always evinced an
inclination for a roving and adventurous life.
He went with Davy Crockett to Texas, to take
part in the revolution that freed that state from
Mexican rule. In 1836 he joined the Texan
army under Gen. Sam Houston and was as-
signed to the artillery service. He served with
credit at the battle of San Jacinto and was em-
ployed afterwards on the frontier, in surveying
and locating lands in Texas. On the breaking
out of the Mexican War he raised a company
of Texan Rangers that became famous during
that struggle. It was accepted by General
Taylor and took a prominent part in the bat-
tles of Monterey and Buena Vista and assisted
in the capture of the city of Mexico. After the
war was over President Pierce appointed Mc-
Culloch United States marshal of Texas and
the present efficient force of Rangers in that
state is the outcome of his organization. The
Rangers of today are picked men, noted for
their iron nerve, and are the terror of evil-
doers, penetrating where the other officers of
84
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
the law cannot or dare not go to capture
criminals.
In 1857 McCulloch was appointed, with ex-
Governor Powell, a commissioner to Utah. It
was believed that at the time of the inaugura-
tion of President Lincoln he was in Washing-
ton for the purpose of taking possession of the
city at the head of a band of secessionists. If
so, the plan was abandoned, on account of the
precautions taken by General Scott. Later on,
he was commissioned brigadier-general in the
Confederate army and assigned to the com-
mand of the forces in Arkansas. He issued a
proclamation in June, 1861, to the people of
that state, calling on them to assemble at Fay-
etteville to defend the state from invasion. He
was in command at the battle of Wilson's
Creek, where General Lyon was killed, and it
is stated that he surrendered the command to
General Sterling Price, on account of some
misunderstanding with him. He led a corps
of troops from Louisiana and Texas at the bat-
tle of Pea Ridge, and fell on the second day of
the engagement, March 7, 1862.
Henry A. Caulfield, who was arrested and
charged with firing on the mayor and Wood-
land during the riot, led a stormy career in this
city afterward. He was a man of violent tem-
per and often became involved in trouble.
Born in Ireland, he came to the United States
and in 1844 was a member of the Emmet
Guards at Albany, N. Y. During the anti-rent
troubles in that state, his company was ordered
to Columbia County to assist the authorities in
repressing the disorder, the anti-renters having
killed an under-sheriff, tarred and feathered
other officers and committed other outrages.
He came to Sacramento in 1849, worked as a
carpenter and joiner and became active in
Democratic politics. He was arrested b}^ John
Cleal between here and Brighton as he was
fleeing after the riot, and brought to this citj^
strapped to a horse's back and confined on
board the prison brig. With a number of
others he was indicted by the next grand jury
on a charge of conspiracy and murder. They
were never punished, as Governor McDougal
had declared he would pardon them if they
were convicted, and a nolle prosequi was sub-
sequently entered in their case. He was after-
wards active in the Squatter troubles that fol-
lowed. He settled on a farm on the moimd
north of the American River about 1851 and
lived there till the flood of 1852, when he sold
the place to Patrick Bannon, and removed to
a ranch south of the R Street levee, out of
which arose most of the subsequent troubles.
George Wilson was a justice of the peace
and associate justice of the court of sessions
and had made some remark that gave offense
to one of the attorneys. June 19, 1851, the at-
torney came to the court room and demanded
a retraction. Wilson refused and when the at-
torney struck at him drew a sword cane and
stabbed him. Caulfield was entering the room
and fired several shots at Wilson, but did not
hit him. Wilson seized Caulfield round the
neck and was about to send a bullet through
his head when R. P. Jacobs, a policeman,
rushed in and saved Caulfield's life. At an-
other time Caulfield was shot several times by
Thomas O. Shelby over land matters and sev-
eral of the bullets he carried to his grave. On
that occasion he was unarmed and the assault
was unprovoked. As it was thought he would
die, a priest called to see him. "I am told you
have been a very bad man," said he. "It is a
dom lie and you are no doctor. Get out of
here," was the reply.
At another time, in 1856, he had a quarrel
with a man named Miller about politics and
some mules. It was at Miller's house and he
attempted to strike him with a flat iron, but
Miller broke a cane over his head and was
about to throw him out of the window. Mil-
ler's wife intervened and Miller let go and
Caulfield fell to the ground. Miller sent word
to the coroner that he had killed Caulfield, but
when the dead wagon arrived the supposed
corpse had walked to the county hospital. The
same year he was stabbed by a man named
Frank Nolan on Front Street, and wounded so
severely that for several days he breathed
through the knife wounds in his back. August
15, 1878, he had a dispute with WilHam G.
English, over a lot on R Street, and shot Eng-
lish, who died a couple of days later. For this
murder he was sent to the state's prison for six
years. Caulfield was short and heavy set, and
had lost an eye in one of his encounters, giv-
ing him a trucvilent appearance; he was much
feared by many citizens on account of the ugly
scrapes in which he engaged, nearly killing
some or being almost killed himself. July 2,
1888, while walking on the R Street track near
Fourth Street, he was struck by the evening
train from Folsom, evidently not having heard
the whistle, and was killed instantly.
Dr. Robinson, as will be seen elsewhere, be-
came shortly afterwards a member of the legis-
lature and subsequently governor of Kansas.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
85
CHAPTER XI
POLITICS IN THE EARLY DAYS
A Democratic Convention
IN 1854 the old Whig party was passing
away and the anti-slavery party was push-
ing its way to the front. The exciting strug-
gle in "bleeding" Kansas was attracting wide-
spread attention and becoming a lively politi-
cal issue and a fruitful subject for discussion.
On Tuesday, Jniy 18. a Democratic convention
met in the Fourth Street Baptist Church in
this city at 3 p. m. Disturbance was in the air
and long before the hour for opening the con-
vention, the doors of the church were sur-
rounded by people, a great many of whom
were not delegates. The church would hold
about 400, and as soon as the doors were
opened the people crowded in and filled it to
its utmost capacity.
D. C. Broderick was chairman of the state
central committee, and when he ascended the
platform he was received with continued
cheers. As soon as he called the convention
to order a number of delegates sprang to their
feet, in order to make nominations for tem-
porary chairman. He recognized T. L. Ver-
mule as having the floor, but before he could
make the announcement, John O'Meara nom-
inated ex-Governor John McDougal for tem-
porary chairman. Vermule nominated Ed-
ward McGowan for chairman pro tem., and
Broderick announced that he could not rec-
ognize O'Meara's nomination, and put the
question on McGowan's election and declared
him elected. McGowan mounted the platform
immediately, followed closely by McDougal,
whose friends insisted that he had been
elected, although his name had not been sub-
mitted to the convention in regular form.
The convention thus had two chairmen, who
took seats side by side and pandemonium
reigned for a time. Finally a semblance of
order was restored, and McDougal announced
the names of Maj. G. W. Hook and John Bid-
well as vice-presidents and McGowan an-
nounced J. T. Hall and A. L. Laird as ap-
pointed by him to those offices. A scene of
noise and confusion again followed, but the
gentlemen named took their seats with their
respective leaders. The appointment of two
sets of secretaries and committees followed
and reports were made to each side, recom-
mending that the temporary officers be made
the permanent ones. Motions were made to
adopt the respective reports, and were declared
carried, amid great excitement.
The convention transacted no other busi-
ness, but sat as a doubleheader until nine
o'clock that night, each side endeavoring to
outstay the other. One sickly tallow candle
in front of each president illuminated the
scene, or rather made darkness visible. The
situation lasted until the trustees of the church
notified the convention that they would no
longer tolerate the riotous assemblage in the
church, and the delegates departed without
attending- to the formality of an adjournment.
Pandemonium had reigned throughout the
session and soon after the organization was
completed a crowd made a mad rush for the
platform. One of the officers was seized and
just then a pistol exploded in the crowded
room. The direction of the rush was imme-
diately changed toward the doors and win-
dows, a number of the delegates jumping
through the latter to the ground, a distance
of about fifteen feet. This ended the exciting
events of the day.
The next morning the "chivalry," or South-
ern element of the party, the wing presided
over by McDougal, met at Musical Hall, while
the McGowan, or Tammany faction, repre-
senting the Northern element, met in Car-
penter's Building. The officers of the chivalry
wing tendered their resignations and Major
Hook was elected president and H. P. Barber,
AVilliam A. Mannerly, A. W. Taliafero, and
J. G. Downey were elected vice-presidents. The
other convention sent a message asking that
a committee on conference be appointed in
order to endeavor to settle the differences..
As the language of the communication was-
considered offensive, it was withdrawn for the
purpose of modifying the phraseolog}^ A sec-
ond note was afterward sent in, but as it was
quite similar to the first, it met with a flat re-
jection. The convention then nominated can-
didates for congress and for clerk of the su-
preme court : passed resouitions favoring the
construction of the Atlantic and Pacific Rail-
road under the auspices of congress, and en-
dorsing the Nebraska Bill, etc. It also elected
a state central committee and levied an assess-
ment of five dollars on each delegate, to pay
for the damage done to the church building.
The McGowan wing met at 9:30 on the
morning of the 19th, that gentleman continu-
86
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ing- to act as chairman. They appointed a
committee of seven to invite the McDougal
convention to attend their session and also
empowered the committee to heal the difficul-
ties. When the convention reassembled the
committee reported that they had sent a com-
munication to the McDougal convention, but
that the proposition embraced in it had been
rejected. The communication sent ^vas as
follows :
"John McDougal, Esq., Chairman of Demo-
cratic delegates convened at Musical Hall :
Sir — The undersigned have been this morning-
constituted a committee, with full powers, by
and on behalf of the Democratic state con-
vention at Carpenter's Hall, for a conference
with our fellow Democrats at Musical Hall,
for the purpose of harmonizing and uniting
the Democrats of California. You will be
pleased to announce this to your body ; and
any communication may be addressed to the
chairman of this committee at Jones' Hotel."
The report was accepted and the commit-
tee was discharged. The convention then pro-
ceeded to nominate a ticket entirely dififerent
from that nominated by the McDougal con-
vention. It also adopted a series of resolu-
tions alluding to the heterogeneous condition
of the party in the state, and to the differ-
ences of the convention in this city. The}'
urged the people of the state to accept their
ticket as most likeh' to effect conciliation.
They also appointed a state central commit-
tee and took up a collection of $400 to reim-
burse the Baptist Church for the damage done
to it, a committee having reported that the
injury to the building would amoun,t to that
sum. Several of 'the nominees withdrew from
the ticket after the convention adjourned, and
the Tammany wing, after the election, ascribed
its defeat to the withdrawal of Milton S.
Latham, who afterwards became governor,
from the congressional ticket.
Early Republican Gatherings
The time had arrived when a new party was
to spring up and enter the field of politics and
later to attain a dominating influence in the
state. The first mass meeting of Republicans
in California was held in Sacramento, April
19, 1856. E. B. Crocker was the leader of the
new party in Sacramento County, and opened
the meeting with an address that was listened
to attentively. George C. Bates was intro-
duced and attempted to make a speech, but
so much noise and confusion ensued in a dis-
turbance raised by Democrats and Americans
that his voice could not be heard. Henry S.
Foote, who had been governor of Mississippi,
begged the turbulent crowd to desist from dis-
turbing the meeting and allow it to proceed,
but no attention was paid to his protest. When
the Republican speakers again attempted to
proceed, the crowd made a rush for the stand,
overturned it and broke the meeting up.
April 30, 1856, the first state convention of
the Republicans was held in the Congrega-
tional Church in this city. E. B. Crocker pre-
sided as temporar}^ chairman. Only thirteen
counties were represented in the convention
and of the 125 delegates composing it, sixty-
five were from Sacramento and San Francisco.
Resolutions were adopted opposing the fur-
ther extension of slave territory and of slave
power ; welcoming honest and industrious im-
migrants ; deprecating- all attempts to preju-
dice immigrants against our free institutions ;
favoring the speedy construction of a trans-
continental railroad by aid from congress;
favoring the speedy settlement of land titles
in this state; and the election of only bona
fide permanent settlers to ofiice.
A public discussion was announced to take
place early in May in Sacramento, between
George C. Bates, Republican, and J. C. Zabris-
kie, Democrat, but when the time appointed
arrived, no location could be procured, on ac-
count of the anticipated disturbance. The
meeting- was therefore postponed until the
evening of the 10th of that month, and when
the time arrived the disturbance commenced.
Rotten eggs were thrown and firecrackers
were exploded to create a turmoil, but the
police made several arrests and restored order.
Outsiders took possessoin of the stand after
the meeting closed and a resolution was
adopted, declaring "that the people of this city
have been outraged by the discussion of trea-
sonable doctrines by a public felon ; and that
we will not submit to such an outrage in the
future."
Looking back at this day one naturally
wonders that such intolerance should be
shown in a free state, but "history repeats
itself," and there are many similar instances
of narrow-mindedness and intolerance in the
world's history, not only in political, but in
religious, scientific and other matters. But
for the evolution of new ideas and doctrines
there would be no progress in the world, and
today it would be hard to find one to contra-
dict Galileo's murmured protest, "but it does
move." The doctrines advocated in 1856 have
long ago worked out their own solution,
through much bloodshed and devastation, and
the whole fair domain of our great republic
acknowledges that the destruction of slavery
was a blessing to our country.
A few days after the meeting the Sacra-
mento "Tribune" (American), referring to the
meeting, said : "The fact that a public dis-
cussion was permitted to take place in a public
street in the heart of our city, in the presence
of a large concourse of our citizens, almost
HISTORY OF SACRAI\lENTO COUNTY
87
all of whom disapprove the doctrine advocated
b}' the speaker, and this, too, when it is the
firm conviction of a large majority of the per-
sons assembled that the agitation of the
slavery question as the basis of political or-
ganization is against the true interest of the
state and nation, speaks volumes in favor of
the public morals of Sacramento." The ex-
tract indicates the bitterness of feeling that
had already begun to grow up against the
agitation for the abolition of slavery, or its
restriction to limits where it already existed.
Ex-Governor H. S. Foote, referred to in re-
lation to the first Republican meeting, was
well-known on this coast. Born in Virginia
in 1800, he graduated at Washington College
in 1819, commenced the practice of law in
1822, edited a Democratic paper in Alabama,
1824-1832, and resided in Mississippi for a
number of years, being elected by the legisla-
ture of that state to the United States senate.
He resigned his senatorship and was elected
governor of the state in 1852. In 1854 he
came to California and joined the Native
American party and was its candidate for
United States senator in 1856, being defeated
by David C. Broderick. He returned to Mis-
sissippi in 1858 and took an active part in
politics. He represented Tennessee in the
Confederate congress. During his life he was
engaged in three duels and was wounded in
two of them. One of his daughters became
the wife of Senator W. M. Stewart, and the
other two married and reside in California,
while his two sons became practicing lawyers
on the Pacific Coast. Mr. Foote possessed
considerable ability as a writer. In 1866 he
published "The AVar of the Rebellion," and
"Scylla and Charybdis." In 1871 he published
a volume of reminiscences, and he was also
author of "Texas and the Texans," published
in 1847. He died near Nashville, at his resi-
dence, May 20, 1880.
The Spittoon Convention
A remarkable political clash took place July
25, 1865, at a county convention held in Sac-
ramento. Through dissension in the Union
party two factions had arisen. Gov. Frederick
F. Low was a candidate for the United States
senatorship, and was the choice of one wing
of the party, but there was strong opposition
to his nomination. The Uow and anti-Low
delegates in the convention were about equal
in numbers and the convention met in the
Assembly Chamber of what was then the State
Capitol, afterwards the Sacramento County
Courthouse until demolished, some years ago.
The desks which ordinarily occupied the
chamber had been removed, and replaced by
chairs to accommodate the convention of 106
delegates who were expected to be present.
It was a noticeable fact, that almost without
exception the Low delegates, dubbed the
short-hairs, occupied the seats on the speak-
er's right hand, while the anti-Lows, known
as the long-hairs, occupied the seats on his
left.
As soon as the convention had been called
to order, two persons were nominated for tem-
porary secretary, and voted for. The chairman
of the county central committee announced
that A\^ H. Barton, the long-hair candidate,
had been elected to the position by a viva-
voce vote. At once the convention was a
scene of confusion, and the Low delegates in-
sisted on a count of the vote. As Barton ad-
vanced from the left toward the secretary's
table, the delegates from the right made a
rush to the left side of the chamber.
So sudden was the outbreak that it is hard
to describe the terrible scene that followed
and that has never before or since been wit-
nessed in any political convention in this state.
Barton was intercepted by his opponents be-
fore he could reach the secretary's table and
was told that he should not serve in that
position. The delegates on the long-hair side
of the house hastened to his support, while
the Low men presented a solid front to bar his
way to the desk, and instantly the battle was
on. the opposing wings joining in a hand-to-
hand conflict. AVeapons for the combatants
appeared as if b}' magic, and solid hickory
canes, which appeared to be abundant on both
sides, were vigorously used. It was a repro-
duction of Donnybrook fair and the battle
waged hot and furious. Spittoons were nu-
merous and flew through the air like bomb-
shells. Inkstands supplied the place of can-
non balls and the artillery was in full action.
Pistols were drawn and used freely as clubs,
but no firearms were discharged or knives
used. The principal weapons of warfare in
use on both sides were the chairs, which had
not been furnished with the idea of their being
applied to the heads of the delegates, and
uhich were not very well adapted for that
purpose, but were swung in the air by vigor-
ous arms and used with telhng effect, being
broken over the heads of the contending par-
ties. In many instances they were broken up
in order that the legs might be used as clubs.
No Homer has as yet sung the doughty deeds
performed on that occasion and the names of
the heroes have passed into oblivion. The
battle, while furious, did not last over about
five minutes, and when the artillery fire had
ceased, the long-hairs, who had rallied to
Barton's support, had abandoned the field.
Some had jumped through the windows, and
others, who had been badly hurt, were assisted
from the scene. The greater number had
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
passed out into the ante-room and the main
hall, leaving the scene of conflict. Thus ended
this episode of what has passed into history
as the "Spittoon Convention."
The long-hairs retired in a body after the
battle was over, and organized in another hall,
while the short-hairs, as victors, occupied the
battlefield and proceeded with business. Each
convention nominated a full local ticket and
elected a set of delegates to the state conven-
tion. The long-hairs nominated Newton Booth
for state senator, while E. H. Heaton was the
nominee of the short-hairs. The shorts claimed
that the trouble in the convention was caused
by a partial ruling by the chairman of the
committee in favor of Barton, and by the
determination of the long-hairs to run the
convention, regardless of the rights or wishes
of their opponents. The short-hair convention
instructed its nominees for the legislature to
vote for Low for United States senator, but
he afterwards declined. The breach in the
party was not healed by his withdrawal, how-
ever, and the opposition lasted until August,
when the short-hairs gradually transferred
their support to John R. Felton for United
States senator. When the state convention
met, however, Cornelius Cole was elected,
December 16, as the agreed candidate of both
wings.
CHAPTER XII
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
SACRAMENTO County was formally or-
ganized in 1850, when the legislature
passed "An act subdividing the state into
counties and establishing the seats of justice
therein," February 18, 1850. Section 17 of that
act defined the boundaries of Sacramento
County as follows : "Beginning- at a point
ten miles due north of the mouth of the
American River, and running thence in an
easterly direction to the junction of the north
and south forks of said river ; thence up the
middle of the principal channel of the south
fork to a point one mile above the head of
Mormon Island, so as to include said island
in Sacramento County ; thence in a southerly
direction to a point on the Cosumnes River
eight miles above the house of William
Daylor; thence due south to Dry Creek;
thence down the middle of said creek to its
entrance into the Moquelumne River, or into
a large slough in the tule marsh ; thence down
the middle of said slough to its junction with
the San Joaquin River ; thence down the mid-
dle of said i-iver to the mouth of the Sacra-
mento River, at the head of Suisun Bay ;
thence up the middle of the Sacramento River
to the mouth of Merritt's Slough ; thence itp
the middle of said slough to its head; thence
up the middle of the Sacramento River to a
point due west of the place of beginning, and
then east to the place of beginning. The seat
of justice shall be Sacramento City."
In the "History of Sacramento," published
in 1853 by Dr. John I. Morse, who was the
earliest historian of the embryo city and
county, he alludes to what was probably the
first election held in what was then known
as Sacramento District, as follows : "In the
fall of 1848, an election was held at the fort
[Sutter's] for first and second alcaldes, and
resulted in the selection of Frank Bates and
John S. Fowler. Fowler resigned in the spring
following, and H. A. Schoolcraft was elected
to fill the vacancy. In the spring of 1849,
Brannan, Sn3rder, Slater, Hensley, King,
Cheever, McCarver, McDougal, Barton Lee,
Dr. Carpenter, Southard, and Fowler were
elected a board of commissioners to frame a
code of laws for the district. Pursuant to
the wish of this legislating committee, the
people convened under a broad-spreading oak
at the foot of I Street. The report, which
was then officially submitted and which was
duly accepted by the sovereigns assembled,
provided the following officers of a jurisdiction
extending from the Coast Range to the Sierra
Nevada, and throughout the length of the
Sacramento Valley, to wit: One alcalde and
one sheriff. H. A. Schoolcraft was then elected
alcalde, and A. M. Turner, sheriflf. This con-
stituted the judiciary of northern California
up to the time that those changes took place
in very rapid succession after the immigra-
tion of 1849 began to concentrate at Sacra-
mento."
In 1871 a history of Sacramento was pub-
lished in Crocker's directory, which was writ-
ten by D. J. Thomas, and alludes in part to
the same event, but as will be seen, the list
of the legislative committee differs somewhat,
and as to which is correct, there is no means
of deciding. Mr. Thomas savs :
COURT HOUSE
CITY HALL
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
89
'"The first attempt to establish a civil gov-
ernment under American ideas of government
was made on April 30, 1849, when a mass
meeting of the then residents of Sacramento
City and other portions of Sacramento dis-
trict was held at the Embarcadero to devise
a means for the government of the city and
district. At this meeting Henr)' A. School-
craft presided, Peter Slater was vice-president
and James King of AVilliam and E. J. Brooks
secretaries. Samuel Brannan explained the
object of the meeting, and it was resolved
that a legislature of eleven members should
be elected, with full powers to enact laws for
the government of the city and district. It
was also determined to hold the election forth-
with, and Henry Bates, M. D.. M. F. McClel-
lan, Mark Stewart, Ed. H. Von Pfister and
Eugene I. Gillespie were appointed judges. The
vote resulted in the election of John McDou-
gal. Peter Slater. Barton Lee, John S. Fowler,
J. S. Robb, AVilliam Pettit, Wilham M. Car-
penter, M. D., Charles D. Southard, M. M.
McCarver, James King of William and Sam-
uel Brannan, but upon the announcement of
the result, Robb declined to accept, and Henry
Cheever was chosen. The eleven were imme-
diately sworn in, and some time afterward
adopted a code that no laws were wanted,
and that all the officers necessary for the dis-
trict of Sacramento, bounded on the north and
west by the Sacramento River, on the east by
the Sierra Nevadas, and on the south by the
Cosumnes River, were one alcalde and one
sheriff. They then submitted the code to the
people for adoption or rejection, and asked
them at the same time to vote for officers.
The code was adopted.
"Nothing further toward adopting a local
government was attempted until after the
proclamation by General Riley (the military
governor) was issued at Monterey on June
3rd. In fact, nothing seemed necessary, if
theft was by common consent punished, as
the 'Times' says, 'by giving the offender thirt}'
or forty rawhide lashes, and then ordering
him off. not to return under penalty of death'."
The proclamation of General Rile}' called
for an election to be held August 1, 1849, to
■elect delegates to a general convention and
for filling necessary offices. A meeting was
held on July 5, and a committee was ap-
pointed to organize the district into precincts,
apportion the representation, and nominate
the candidates to be voted for. The commit-
tee consisted of R. B. Cornwall, C. E. Pickett,
William M. Carpenter, Samuel Brannan, John
IMcDougal, W. Blackl>urn, J. S. Robb, Samuel
J. Hensley, Mark Stewart," M. M. McCarver,
John S. Fowler and A. M. AVinn.
On the 14th the committee reported, rec-
ommending the places for polls, etc. At the
election the vote stood : For delegates to the
constitutional convention: Jacob R. Snyder,
469; John A. Sutter, 468; John Bidwell, 462;
AV. E. Shannon, 458: L. W. Hastings, 450;
AV. S. Sherwood, 446: M. M. McCarver, 296;
John S. Fowler, 289: John McDougal, 281;
Charles E. Pickett, 193; W. Blackburn, 192;
E. O. Crosby, 189; R. M. Jones, 179; AA''.
Lacey, 123; James Queen. 130.
For local offices : AA'^illiam Stout, Henr}^ E.
Robinson, R. B. Cornwall, Eugene I. Gillespie,
T. L. Chapman, Berrvman Jennings, John P.
Rodgers, A. M. AVinn, and M. F. McClellan
were elected as members of the city council
without opposition, by an average vote of 424.
James S. Thomas was elected first magistrate
by 393 votes, against twenty-two for S. S.
AVhite and five for J. S. Fowler. J. C. Zabris-
kie was elected second magistrate ; H. A.
Schoolcraft, recorder, and D. B. Hanner,
sheriff.
Under the call for the constitutional con-
vention the district was entitled to but four
delegates, and J. R. Snyder, AA''. E. Shannon,
AA^. S. Sherwood and John A. Sutter were cer-
tified by General Riley as elected representa-
tives. Afterwards the representation was in-
creased to fifteen, and in addition to the orig-
inal four, eleven others were appointed, as
follows : L. AV. Hastings, John Bidwell, John
S. Fowler, M. M. McCarver, John ]\IcDougal,
E. O. Crosb}', W. Blackburn, James Queen,
R. M. Jones, 'AA'. Lacey and C. E. Pickett.
The convention adjourned in October and
an election was called for November 12, 1849,
to vote on the constitution, for state officers,
and for representatives in the legislature. At
that election the vote of Sacramento district
was declared to be as follows : For the con-
stitution, 4,317; against the constitution, 643;
for governor, P. H. Burnett, 2,409: J. A.
Sutter, 856; AV. S. Sherwood, 1,929; Thomas
McDowell, 87; AVilliam M. Stewart, 448.
For state senators: Tohn Bidwell, 3,474;
Elisha O. Crosby, 2,610: Thomas J. Green,
2,516: Henrv E. Robinson, 2,328; Murrav
IMorrison, 2J71 ; Gilbert A. Grant, 1,687';
Hardin Biglow, 1.407; Charles E. Pickett, 905.
The first four were declared elected and at the
ensuing session the county boundaries were
fixed.
The first Monday of October was fixed in
the first election law as the day for the elec-
tion of state officers, denominated the general
election. The first Monday in April was des-
ignated as the day for the election of county
officers, which was called the county election.
The legislature of 1851 repealed the clause
fixing the time for the coimty election and
provided that it should be held at the same
time as the state election, and the time for
that election was changed to the first AVednes-
90
HISTORY OF SACRAiAIENTO COUNTY
day in September, where it remained for a
number of years. Originally, the terms of the
county officers commenced on the first ]Mon-
day in ]May, 1850. but the legislature of 1851
changed it so that the term commenced on
the first Monday in October following the
election. The legislature in 1863 changed it
again so that the official terms commenced on
the first Monday in March following the elec-
tion. The new constitution, adopted in 1879,
fixed the time for the commencement of the
terms of office of all state and county officers
on the first Alonda}- in January.
The first county officers, elected April 1.
1850, to serve until April, 1852, were as fol-
lows : County judge, E. J. Willis ; sheriff,
Joseph McKinney ; clerk. Presley Dunlap ;
recorder, L. A. Birdsall : district attorney.
William C. Wallace; county attorney, John
H. McKune ; treasurer, William Glaskin ;
assessor, David W. Thorpe ; surveyor, J. G.
Cleal; coroner, P. F. Ewer. J. S. Thomas was
elected district judge by the legislature of
1849-1850. and he resigned, January 1. 1851.
Tod Robinson was appointed January 2, 1851,
and served until the first part of August,
when Ferris Forman, who was secretary of
state during the administration of John B.
Weller. succeeded him on the 14th of August,
and presided one month. Lewis Aldrich be-
came district judge September 15, 1851. Joseph
McKinnev, sheriff:', was killed near Brighton,
on the evening of August 15, 1850, the day
after the Squatter riot, and Ben McCulloch
was elected at a special election to fill the
vacanc}', on the first Monday in September.
The office of county attorney was abolished
by the legislature of 1851, the duties of the
office being assigned to the district attorney.
Wallace resigned in the meantime, and was
succeeded Cictober 18, 1850, by Milton S.
Latham, afterward governor. William Glas-
kin resigned the office of treasurer August 22,
1850. and John W. Peyton was appointed to
fill the vacancy. He in turn resigned Novem-
ber 29, 1850, and Charles H. Swift was ap-.
pointed treasurer and collector by the court of
sessions, of which he was a member.
The court of sessions was composed of the
county judge and two associates and was the
court of criminal jurisdiction. The associates
were elected by a convention of justices of
the peace, held the first Monday in October
of each year, except the first convention,
which was held May 20, 1850, when Charles
H. Swift and C. C. Sackett were elected asso-
ciates. This court filled vacancies in office in
the county and attended to the financial affairs
of the county in early times. When Swift was
appointed treasurer he was succeeded by
James Brown as an associate, who assumed
his duties Februarv 7. 1851, and was succeeded
August 14 by D. D. Bullock.
County officers to serve from October, 1851,
to October 5, 1853, were elected September
3, 1851, as follows: County judge, E. J.
Willis; sheriff, A. D. Patterson; clerk, L. B.
Harris; recorder and auditor, W. S. Long;
district attorney, George H. Carter ; treasurer,
Cyrus Rowe ; assessor, A\'. A. Selkirk ; sur-
veyor. John G. Cleal ; coroner, S. J. i\Iay ;
public administrator. John T. Brown; asso-
ciate justices, George AVilson and James B.
Gates.
A board of supervisors in the several coun-
ties to transact the financial business in their
counties was provided for by the legislature
of 1852, and a special election was held on
June 14 of that year. John No3'es, Louis Z.
Hagen, James S. ]\Ieredith, James Martin, and
E. M. Pitcher were elected, Meredith being
elected chairman when the board was organ-
ized. At the general election held September,
1852, the following were elected: William
IMcNult}', Luther Curtis, John A. Watson,
H. H. Lewis and H. B. Waddilove. Watson
was elected chairman and the board conducted
the county business until May 16, 1853. After
that time the court of sessions assumed con-
trol of the civil business of the county.
At the election September 7, 1853, the fol-
lowing county officers were elected, and
served until October, 1855 : County judge,
John Heard ; sheriff, D. N. Hunt ; clerk, Abner
C. Hunter ; recorder and auditor, John L.
Craig: district attorney, James H. Hardy;
treasurer, J. Griswold ; assessor, H. J. Bidle-
nian ; surveyor, AV. L. DeWitt ; coroner,
Ephraim Smith ; public administrator. James
B. Mitchell.
The legislature passed another act in 1855,
relati^'e to boards of supervisors, and as the
supreme court had decided that it was con-
templated by the constitution that the busi-
ness interests of the various counties should
be managed bj' the boards, the court of ses-
sions was not eligible to act, and the counties
again elected boards of supervisors. The first
election under this act was held April 2, with
the result that J. L. Howard. L. P. Ormsb}^
and F. S. Munford constituted the board,
which commenced its sessions early in May.
In September. 1855, L. R. Bicklej-, Josiah
Johnson and S. R. Caldwell were elected to
the board and Johnson was chosen chairman.
September 5, 1855, county officers were
elected as follows, serving from October,
1855, to October 1, 1857: Countv judge, John
Heard ; sheriff, AA'. S. AAliite ; "clerk, C. H.
Bradford ; recorder and auditor, John L.
Brown; district attorne}'. Frank Hereford;
treasurer. David JMaddux; coroner, R. Bell;
public administrator, Gordon Backus ; super-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
91
intendent of common schools, F. W. Hatch
(the first school superintendent elected b}- the
people). Up to the time Mr. Hatch assumed
the office its duties were performed by the
county assessor; the board of 1856 was com-
posed of L. R. Beckley, A. Spinks and Julius
Wetzlar, and Beckley was chairman. In 1857
the members of the board were Jared Irwin.
C. C. Harrington and Frank Hastings, the lat-
ter being chairman.
September 2. 1857. the county officers elected
were: County judge, R. Robinson; sheriff,
W. S. Manlove ; clerk, J. B. Dayton ; recorder
and auditor, Jerome Madden ; district attor-
ney. Robert F. Morrison ; treasurer, Morgan
Miller ; assessor, E. Black Ryan ; surveyor,
John G. Cleal ; coroner, J. P. Counts ; public
administrator, L. R. Beckley ; school superin-
tendent, N. Slater. The legislature of 1858
passed a law consolidating the government of
the city and county and increased the board
of supervisors five members, making the pres-
ident of the board a separate office. A special
election was held in April, at which H. L.
Nichols was elected president and Mark Hop-
kins, J. A. Carroll, S. C. Fogus, E. Stockton
and W. K. Lindsay the new members. These,
with the old members, met May 8, 1858. In
September, 1858, a board was elected, consist-
ing of the following: E. Granger, John
Leavitt, Sylvester Marshall, H. T. Holmes,
I. N. Babcock, John B. Taylor, L. C. Good-
man and W. K. Lindsay, and the president
was continued another year. August 4, 1859,
B. H. Hereford was elected in place of Lind-
say, resigned.
The members in 1859 were: President,
William Shattuck ; members, E. Granger,
John Leavitt, R. L. Robertson, A. Henley,
I. N. Babcock, A. M. Green, L. C. Goodman
and Larkin Lamb. S. Marshall served until
October 11, when he was succeeded by Mr.
Robertson. Thomas Letson was clerk, being
the first elected under the consolidation act.
October 12, 1859, Thomas Hunt was elected,
vice Goodman, resigned.
County officers elected September, 1859, and
serving until October, 1861, were: Coimty
judge, Robert Robertson; sheriff, Sylvester
Marshall ; clerk and recorder, Jerome Madden ;
district attorney, Cornelius Cole ; treasurer,
C. L. Bird ; assessor, E. B. Ryan ; surveyor,
J. G. Cleal ; coroner, D. Murray ; public ad-
ministrator, Jared Irwin ; school superintend-
ent, F. W. Hatch ; clerk of board and auditor,
Thomas Letson. Len Harris was elected coun-
ty warden in 1861, but the office was abol-
ished. The board in 1860 was composed of
E. Granger, Thomas Hansbrow, P. H. Russell,
A. Henley, J. S. Woods, A. M. Green, S.
Waterman and Larkin Lamb. Shattuck, the
president, was continued. The members of
the board in 1861 were: President, William
Shattuck, E. Granger, Thomas Hansbrow,
P. H. Russell, S. Hite. J. S. Woods, Jacob
Dickerson, S. Waterman and John Hall. •
September 4, 1861, the election for county
officers resulted as follows: County judge,
Robert C. Clark ; sheriff, Benjamin N. Bugby ;
clerk and recorder, Jared Irwin ; district attor-
ney, W. W. Upton ; treasurer, C. L. Bird ;
assessor, E. B. Ryan; surveyor, G. AV. Colby;
coroner, J. W. Reeves ; public administrator,
F. McComber ; school superintendent, F. W.
Hatch ; clerk of board and auditor, Josiah
Howell. Bird absconded and James C. Mc-
Donough was appointed treasurer by the
board. The board in 1862 was composed of
E. Granger, N. L. Drew, Thomas Ross, S.
Hite, J. L. Graves, Jacob Dickerson, D. L.
W'illiams and J. Hall, with Shattuck as presi-
dent. They served until March 7, 1864. In
1863 the legislature divided the city and coun-
t_v government and reduced the board of super-
visors for the county to five members. The
new organization took place in the spring and
the following composed the board: A. C.
Bidwell, Thomas Ross, Joseph Hull, H. A.
Thompson and Dwight Hollister, Ross being
chairman.
At the election of September 2, 1863, the
following county officers were elected to serve
until March, 1866: County judge, R. C.
Clark ; sheriff, James McClatchy ; clerk and
recorder, A. C. Bidwell ; district attorney,
M. M. Estee ; treasurer, F. S. Lardner ; asses-
sor, P. R. Beckley ; surveyor, G. W. Colby ;
coroner, J. W. Reeves ; public administrator,
J. E. Miller ;, school superintendent, Sparrow
Smith ; clerk of the board of supervisors and
auditor, Josiah Howell. At the general elec-
tion in vSeptember, 1863, the members of the
board elected were as follows : D. W. Clark,
Thomas Ross, Joseph Hull, H. A. Thompson
and Dwight Hollister. Thompson failed to
qualify; and on November 16, Jesse Couch
was elected in his place. This board was
elected to serve two years and took their
seats the first Monday in October, 1863.
An election was held September 6, 1865,
and countv officers elected as follows to serve
from March 5, 1866, to March 5, 1868: County
judge, Robert C. Clark : sheriff. James Lan-
sing; clerk and recorder, E. D. Shirland ; dis-
trict attorney, James C. Goods ; treasurer,
Ezra Woolson ; assessor, E. Black Ryan ; sur-
vej'or, A. G. Winn ; coroner. Joseph A. Con-
boie ; public administrator, Findley R. Dray;
school superintendent, F. W. Hatch ; clerk of
board and auditor, W. A. Anderson ; members
of the board: D. W. Clark, M. McManus.
Joseph Hull, Jesse Couch, and William Beck-
man ; FIull was chairman.
92
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
An election was held September 4, 1867, and
the following persons were elected to the
county offices, serving from March, 1868, to
March, 1870: Sheriff, Edward F. White (con-
tested by Hugh M. LaRue) ; clerk, W. B. C.
Brown; district attorney, James C. Goods;
treasurer, A. Spinks ; assessor, F. R. Dray ;
surveyor, John Doherty ; coroner, J. P.
Counts; public administrator, William Shat-
tuck; school superintendent, Augustus Traf-
ton ; clerk of board and auditor, W. A. Mc-
Williams; board : John Domingos, C. I. Ross,
Benjamin Bailey, James S. Meredith and Will-
iam Beckman ; Meredith was president. These
members were elected for two years, and
under the provision of the statute which was
in force at the time of their election, their
terms would have expired in October, 1869,
but the legislature of 1867-1868 extended the
term of the members from the Third, Fourth
and Fifth districts (Bailey, Meredith, and
Beckman) to 1871, and they served four years.
Judge Clark ^vas successively re-elected each
time until the county judgeship was abolished
in 1879 by the new constitution.
At the election September 1, 1869, the fol-
lowing county officers were elected, and served
until March, 1872: Sheriff, J. S. Wood; clerk,
W. B. C. Brown ; treasurer, Alfred Spinks ;
recorder and ex-officio auditor, W. A. Mc-
Williams ; assessor, F. R. Dray ; district at-
torney, John K. Alexander ; surveyor, A. G.
Winn; coroner, J. P. Counts; school superin-
tendent, Augustus Trafton ; public administra-
tor, William Shattuck ; supervisors : John
Domingos, James H. Groth, Benjamin Bailey,
James S. Meredith and William Beckman.
At the general election of September 6, 1871,
the officers elected were as follows, to serve
until March, 1874 : Sheriff, Mike Bryte ; clerk,
Lauren Upson ; treasurer, John Bellmer ; re-
corder and auditor, Jesse A. Stewart; asses-
sor, F. R. Dray ; district attorney, Henry
Starr; surveyor, John Prentice; coroner, J. AV.
Wilson; school superintendent, S. H. Jack-
man ; public administrator, N. G. Feldheim ;
board of supervisors : John Domingos, James
H. Groth, James S. Meredith, S. B. Moore
and J. V. Sims. In September, 1873, Daniel
Brown, J. J; Bauer, L. Elkus and H. O. Sey-
mour were elected.
In September, 1873, the following were
elected county officers : Sheriff, Hugh LaRue ;
collector of taxes, Joseph W. Houston ; clerk.
Ham. C. Harrison ; theasurer, John Bellmer ;
district attorney, Charles T. Jones ; recorder,
Matthew darken; auditor, Jesse A. Stewart;
public administrator, H. S. Beals ; superintend-
ent of schools, George H. Kelly ; surveyor,
Ed. Murray; coroner, J. P. Counts; commis-
sioner of highways, S. D. Johnson. The
supervisors who served in 1874-1875 were:
James S. Meredith, S. B. Moore, Daniel
Brown, J. V. Sims, H. O. Seymour, L. Elkus,
and J. A. Mason, the legislature having in-
creased the number of districts to seven.
In September, 1875, the officers elected
were : Sheriff, M. M. Drew ; clerk, A. A. Wood ;
district attorney, C. T. Jones ; assessor, James
Lansing; treasurer, D. E. Callahan; auditor,
R. C. Lowell ; public administrator, G. F.
Bronner ; surveyor, A. G. Winn ; coroner, R.
K. Wick ; superintendent of schools, F. L.
Landes ; supervisors : S. B. Moore, Edward
Christy, P. R. Beckley, those holding over
being L. Elkus, Daniel Brown, H. O. Seymour,
J. A. Mason. A. S. Hopkins and F. R. Dray
served to fill the vacancies caused by the
deaths of Seymour and Mason.
The officers elected in September, 1877, were
as follows : Sheriff, M. M. Drew ; clerk,
Thomas H. Berkey; treasurer, D. E. Callahan;
auditor, W. E. Gerber; district attorney,
George A. Blanchard ; superintendent of
schools, F. L. Landes ; public administrator,
Troy Dye ; surveyor, John Prentice ; coroner,
A. J. Vermilya. The supervisors serving
from October, 1877, to October, 1878, were:
S. B. Moore, J. W. Wilson, J. J. Bauer, P. R.
Beckley, Samuel Blair, Daniel IBrown and Ed-
ward Christy. In 1878-1879, Benjamin Bailey
served in place of S. B. Moore.
The county officers elected in September,
1879, were : Sheriff, Adolph Heilbron ; clerk,
Thomas H. Berkey; assessor, Joseph W.
Houston ; auditor, William E. Gerber ; treas-
urer, Ezra Woolson ; public administrator,
George F. Bronner ; district attorney, Henry
L. Buckley; superintendent of schools, Charles
E. Bishop ; coroner, A. J. Vermilya ; surveyor,
James C. Pierson. Supervisors, 1880-1881:
J. W. Wilson, Benjamin Bailey, P. R. Beckley,
Edward Christy, Stephen AV. Butler, Samuel
Blair and John F. Dreman.
The legislature of 1822 changed the time of
elections to November, to correspond with the
election of President of the United States. In
November of that year the officers elected
were: Sheriff, A. H. Estill; clerk, C. M.
Coglan ; assessor, John T. Griffitts ; treasurer,
A. S. Greenlaw ; district attorney, John T.
Carey; auditor and recorder, AV. E. Gerber;
public administrator, George F. Bronner; su-
perintendent of schools, Charles E. Bishop ;
coroner, J. Frank Clark ; survej-or, J. C. Pier-
son ; supervisors : J. F. Dreman, J. W.
Wilson, Samuel Blair, S. AV. Butler, Edward
Christ}', P. R. Beckley and Benjamin Bailey.
At the election on November 4, 1884, the
county officers were elected as follows : Sheriff,
J. AV. AVilson ; clerk, AA^ B. Hamilton ; auditor
and recorder, J. Henry Miller ; district attorney,
Henry L. Buckle}' ; treasurer, George E.
Kuchler ; public administrator, F. H. Russell;
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
93
coroner, J. Frank Clark ; surveyor, J. C. Pier-
son ; supervisors : B. U. Steinman, George
O. Bates, George C. JMcMullen, S. J. Jackson
and L,. H. Fassett. The number of districts
had been changed from seven to five.
The following were elected November 2,
1886; County clerk, W. B. Hamilton; sheriff,
M. M. Drew ; assessor, A. L. Frost ; treasurer,
John L. Huntoon ; district attorney, Elwood
Bruner ; auditor arid recorder, J. H. Miller ;
superintendent of schools, Benjamin F. How-
ard ; public administrator, S. B. Smith ; coro-
ner, J. Frank Clark; surveyor, J. C. Pierson;
supervisors : H. C. Ross and F. F. Tebbets.
Steinman, Bates and McMullen held over.
During the year Miller resigned as auditor
and recorder, and Frank T. Johnson was
elected to succeed him. Mr. Howard held his
office for twenty years.
November 6, 1888, the following were
elected : Sheriff, George C. McMullen ; clerk,
W. B. Hamilton; auditor and recorder, Frank
T. Johnson ; district attornej', Elwood Bruner ;
treasurer, John L. Huntoon ; public adminis-
trator, G. W. Harlow ; coroner, J. Frank
Clark; surveyor, J. C. Boyd; supervisors:
Andrew Black, George O. Bates, and Erskine
Greer. Ross and Tebbets held over.
In 1890 the officers elected were: Sheriff and
tax collector, Thomas W. O'Neil ; clerk, W. B.
Hamilton ; treasurer, Edward Lyon ; auditor
and recorder. F. T. Johnson ; district attorney,
Frank D. Ryan; assessor, R. D. Irvine; coro-
ner, George H. Clark; public administrator
George F. Bronner ; surveyor, A. M. Winn
supervisors: M. Miller, George O. Bates
Andrew Black, Erskine Greer and Thomas
Jenkins. In 1892 the supervisors were J. M.
Morrison, J. W. Todd, M. Miller, AVilliam
Curtis and Thomas Jenkins.
County officers in 1894 were as follows :
Sheriff and tax collector, Frank T. Johnson ;
clerk, W. B. Hamilton; treasurer, E. Eyon ;
auditor and recorder, R. T. Cohn ; district at-
torney, Frank D. Ryan ; assessor, Thomas
H. Berkey; coroner, George H. Clark; public
administrator, W. B. ]Miller ; surveyor, J. C.
Boyd ; supervisors : John F. Dreman, J. W.
Todd, J. M. Morrison, William Curtis and
Thomas Jenkins. In 1896 the board was :
J. F. Dreman, J. M. Morrison, William Mc-
Laughlin. Thomas Jenkins and William
Curtis. Treasurer Lyon died during his term
of office, and A. S. Greenlaw, his deputy, was
elected by the supervisors to fill the vacancy.
Public Administrator Aliller also died.
In 1898 the officers elected were : Sheriff,
Frank T. Johnson ; clerk, W. B. Hamilton ;
license and tax collector, B. N. Bugbey ; treas-
urer, A. S. Greenlaw; auditor and recorder,
R. T. Cohn; district attorney, C. W. Baker;
assessor, T. H. Berkey ; coroner, G. C. Mc-
Mullen ; public administrator, S. B. Smith ;
surveyor, J. C. Boyd ; supervisors : Dugald
Gillis, William McLaughlin, J. M. Morrison,
William Curtis and Thomas Jenkins. In 1900
the board was : D. Gillis, William McLaugh-
lin, M. J. Dillman, Morris Brooke and Thomas
Jenkins.
The legislature had previously separated the
offices of sheriff and tax collector, and Bugbey
took advantage of the fact that the convention
had neglected to nominate a tax collector. He
announced himself as a candidate for the
office, and as Johnson neglected to announce
himself, Bugbey was elected. Sheriff John-
son died during his term and the supervisors
appointed David Reese to fill the vacancy.
In 1902 the officers elected were: Clerk,
W. B. Hamilton; sheriff, David Reese; license
and tax collector, Charles E. Trainor ; treas-
urer, A. S. Greenlaw ; auditor, L. P. Williams ;
recorder, R. T. Cohn ; district attorney, A. M.
Seymour; assessor, T. H. Berkey; coroner,
W. F. Gormley; public administrator, S. B.
Smith ; surveyor, J. C. Boyd ; supervisors :
E. A. Meister, William McLaughlin, M. J.
Dillman, Morris Brooke and T. Jenkins. In
1904 the board was: C. W. McKillip, James
H. Donnelly, H. K. Johnson, E. A. Meister
and Gillis Dot3^
Treasurer Greenlaw died during his incum-
bency, and D. W. Carmichael was elected by
the supervisors to fill the vacancy. Mr. Car-
michael appointed M. J. Curtis as his deputy,
the legislature having provided for a deputy
at the previous session.
The officers elected for 1906 were as fol-
lows: Clerk, W. B. Hamilton; sheriff', D.
Reese; license and tax collector, Charles E.
Trainor ; district attorney, E. S. Wachhorst ;
coroner, W. F. Gormley ; public administrator,
D. McDougall ; superintendent of schools,
Mrs. Minnie R. O'Neil; surveyor, C. M. Phin-
ney; recorder, C. A. Root; supervisors: How-
ard K. Johnson, David Ahern, Charles W.
McKillip, J. H. Donnelly and L. C. Thisby.
In 1908 the board was : Robert Callahan,
J. H. Donnelly, L. C. Thisby, C. W. McKillip
and David Ahern.
Sheriff' Reese died during his term of office,
and the board of supervisors elected his son,
Edward E. Reese, to fill the unexpired term.
Assessor Berkey also died and the supervisors
elected E. J. Kay, his deputy, to the position.
The officers elected for 1910 were : Clerk,
W. B. Hamilton ; sheriff, David Ahern ; license
and tax collector, Charles E. Trainor ; auditor,
L. P. AVilliams; recorder, C. A. Root; assessor,
Ed J. Kay ; superintendent of schools, Mrs.
Minnie R. O'Neil ; treasurer, M. J. Curtis ; dis-
trict attorney, E. S. Wachhorst; coroner,
W. F. Gormley; public administrator, D. Mc-
94
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Doiigall ; sitrvevor, Frank C. Miller; supervis-
ors: J. H. Donnelly, Charles H. McKillip.
Robert E. Callahan, James P. Kelly and
Thomas Jenkins.
County Clerk Hamilton died in the spring
of 1911, and the board of supervisors ap-
pointed Ed F. Pfund, who for many years had
been his deputy, as his successor. Pfund died
in office during 1914, and Frank Gregory, dep-
uty, was appointed to fill the unexpired term.
Treasurer M. J. Curtis also died in office, in
1911, and M. R. Beard was appointed to fill
out the unexpired term. Beard also died after
serving a part of his term of office, and was
succeeded by George AVittenbrock, deputy.
The officers elected in 1914 were: Clerk,
Ed F. Pfund ; sheriff, AV. F. Gormley ; assessor,
Ed J. Kay; auditor, L. P. AVilliams ; superin-
tendent of schools, Carolyne M. AVebb ; coro-
ner, A. D. Fenton ; district attorney, Hugh B.
Bradford ; tax collector, C. E. Trainor ; pro-
bation officer, C. E. AA'^ilson; purchasing agent,
George A'^ice ; surveyor, Drurv Butler ; treas-
urer, Frank P. Christophel ; public administra-
tor, D. McDougall ; recorder, C. A. Root.
The election in 1918 resulted as follows:
Clerk, Harry W. Hall; sheriff, Ellis Jones;
assessor, Ed J. Kay ; auditor, L. P. AVilliams ;
superintendent of schools, Carolyne M. AVebb;
coroner, John T. Skelton ; district attorney,
Hugh B. Bradford; tax collector, Ed T. Ryan;
probation officer, C. E. AA-^ilson ; purchasing
agent, George Vice ; surveyor, Drury Butler ;
treasurer, Frank P. Christophel; public admin-
istrator, D. McDougall; horticultural commis-
sioner, Fred C. Brosius ; recorder, C. A. Root.
The officers chosen in 1922 were : Clerk,
Harry AV. Hall ; sheriff, Ellis Jones ; assessor,
B. C. Erwin ; auditor, L. P. AVilliams ; superin-
tendent of schools, Carol3me M. AVebb ; coro-
ner, John T. Skelton ; district attorney, Hugh
B. Bradford ; tax collector, Ed T. Ryan ; engi-
neer, Drury Butler; treasurer, Frank P. Chris-
tophel ; public administrator, D. McDougall ;
horticultural commissioner, A. E. Morrison ;
recorder, C. A. Root.
CHAPTER XIII
CITY AND COUNTY ELECTIONS
JUST sevent3--one 3'ears after holding its
first city election under the charter on
April 1, 1850, Sacramento elected its city
council by the proportional-representation
system, being the first municipality in Cali-
fornia to adopt this method of voting, which
differs from the majority plan.
At the first municipal election in Sacra-
mento almost three-quarters of a century ago,
there were three tickets in the field. The can-
vassing had been spirited, and the campaign
was in full swing for several weeks prior to
settling the issues at the polls. Early chroni-
clings of those eventful days show that the
voting continued well into the evening, and
some lively times were witnessed around the
polls. AA'hiskey flowed freely, but there was
no rioting. In those days the future inland
metropolis of the AA-'est was merely a trading-
post on the Sacramento River, and at this
election the citizens mustered 2,493 votes. The
balloting resulted in the election of Hardin
Biglow, the people's candidate, who had a ma-
jority of 323 votes over the others in the race.
The following officers were elected on the
combined city and county ticket, with votes
as given :
Mayor, Hardin Biglow, 1.521; city recorder,
B. F. AVashington, 885; city marshal, N. C.
Cunningham, 1,323; city attorney, J. Neely
Johnson, 1,697; city assessor, J. AV. AVoodland,
792; city treasurer, Barton Lee, 2,310; council-
men: C. A. Tweed, 1,629; V. Spalding, 1,621;
Demas Strong, 1,420: T. McDowell, 1,462; J.
McKenzie, 1,182; C. H. Miller, 887; J. R. Har-
denbergh, 862 ; Jesse Moore, 869 ; A. P. Petit,
804; county treasurer, AVilliam Glaskin, 1,104;
district attorney, AA'illiam C. Wallace, 2,011;
county attorne3^ J. H. McKune, 2,021 ; county
Judge, E. J. AA^illis, 1,818; county clerk, Pres-
ley Dunlap, 1,567; count3' recorder, L. A.
Birdsall, 714; county sheriff, J. H. McKinney,
619: county surve3^or, J. G. Cleal, 1,152;
county assessor, D. AV. Thorpe, 1,224; count3^
coroner, P. F. Ewer, 569 : clerk of the supreme
court, E. H. Thorpe, 1,313.
On the morning of April 4, a meeting of the
council-elect was held at the courthouse and
on motion of Jesse Moore, C. A. Tweed was
called to the chair, as president pro tern. On
motion of Volney Spalding, Charles H. Miller
was requested to act as secretary pro tem.
The council proceeded to the election of a
president and Demas Strong was declared
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
95
elected. A committee was also appointed to
wait upon the mayor-elect, Hon. Hardin Big-
low, and inform him that the council was duly
organized and ready to receive any communi-
cation he might desire to make. He appeared
before the council and delivered a short and
pertinent address, and the council adjourned.
It met the next morning pursuant to adjourn-
ment and a message from the mayor was read,
accepted and referred to the select committee.
The regular meetings of the board were or-
dered to be held on each Tuesday evening at
the courthouse.
Mayor Biglow in his message urged the
immediate raising of a levee to protect the citj'
from future inundations, suggesting the build-
ing of a cheap railway track along the bank
of the river, so that material for the levee
could be hauled from a distance and the natu-
ral bank of the river be left undisturbed ; that
an election be called to vote the necessary
amount as estimated by the city engineer for
the levee ; that the three small lakes be in-
cluded in the limits of the city and the whole
of the present corporation be included within
the levee, and levee regulations be adopted,
similar to those at New Orleans. Other rec-
ommendations were relative to the storing of
powder, establishment of fire companies, a city-
hospital, a city prison and provision for the
removal of garbage. Also that every aid pos-
sible be given to public schools.
The election of Mayor Biglow is attributed
by Dr. IMorse in his interesting historical arti-
cle published in Colville's Directory in 1853-
1854, to his foresight and energy in saving the
city from a second flood in March, 1850. Fears
had been expressed that the city might again
be inundated, but there seemed to be an aver-
sion to raising a levee for protection and the
idea was unpopular. Says Mr. Morse : "In
the month of March following, heavy rains oc-
curred, which with the action of the sun upon
the snow}^ summits, caused another flood. The
rivers rose with great rapidity, the sloughs
filled up to overflowing, and the city must
have been nearly as severely flooded as in
January, but for the masterly and herculean
efforts of one Hardin Biglow. This man had
declared from the first the practicability of
defending the city by a levee. Having thus
committed himself to the proposition, he was
determined to demonstrate his theory in this
second flood. With the moiety of means and
handful of men, he commenced damming up
the intruding waters at every low point, and
finally extended his temporary levee almost
to its present limits. Night and day he was
in his saddle, going from one point to another,
and stimulating his men to an almost super-
human action. For a few davs this man met
tide and torrent, mud and darkness, and croak-
ing discouragement that few men in the world
would have endured, and to the utter astonish-
ment of all, he saved the town from a severe
inundation. J, Front, Second, I and a portion
of K Streets, he kept open for the uninter-
rupted transaction of business. As a natural
consequence everybody praised him, and on
the first Monday of April succeeding, at an
election pursuant to the new legislative char-
ter, adopted February 27, 1850, he was elected
by a most cordial vote as the chief magistrate
of this city."
In a few weeks after the abatement of the
waters of the second inundation everything
seemed almost transformed into business and
money-making. The council busied itself with
the subject of a levee and surveys were made,
the tents gave way to large and commodious
buildings, built of good material and embel-
lished with ornamental architecture. Business
began to be reduced to a system, and devel-
oped some of the most substantial mercantile
houses and manufacturing firms and some of
the strongest banking houses in the country.
Disease abated and everything pointed to
prosperity.
The assessor's report on the value of prop-
erty— real and personal — gave an aggregate of
$7,968,985 that summer, an important feature
in the light of the pecuniary revulsion that
followed. The real estate of the city was
assessed at $5,586,000, probably $5,000,000
over its real value. Hence, following the finan-
cial reaction in the fall of 1850, some of the
shrewdest men in the city found themselves
embarrassed by immense losses on loans on
real estate, which on foreclosure often brought
not more than one-fourth to one-eighth of the
loans. The three largest banks and many
of the prominent merchants were swept sud-
denly into bankruptcy in the fall and a gen-
eral prostration of business was the result.
The city had survived the struggle with Sut-
terville, the distress and poverty of immigra-
tion in 1849, the floods of 1850; and now, in
the midst of this financial storm, a new calam-
ity befell her— the Squatter riot of August 15,
1850.
On February 27, 1850, the first legislature
passed an act to incorporate Sacramento City,
and defined its boundaries as follows :
"All that tract of land lying within the fol-
lowing boundaries : Beginning at the junction
of the American Fork and the Sacramento
River to Y Street, as designated on the map
or plan of Sacramento City on file in the
recorder's office in said city ; thence along said
Y Street east to the point where said Y Street
intersects Thirty-first Street as designated on
said map : thence along the said Thirty-first
96
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Street till the same intersects the American
Fork ; thence along the American Fork to the
place of beginning, the said boundaries ex-
tending to the middle of Sacramento River
and American Fork."
The act further provided that there should
be a mayor, a recorder, and a council of nine
members for the government of the city, and
that one of the members of the, council should
be elected president. It provided further that
on the thirtieth day after the passage of the
act a city election should be held for the elec-
tion of the first officers, to wit: A mayor,
recorder, nine councilmen, city marshal, city
attorney, assessor and treasurer. After the
first election the officers mentioned were to
be elected on the first Monday in May in each
year, and in case of a vacancy a special elec-
tion should be ordered by the council to fill
the same. The mayor was clothed with com-
plete executive power. The recorder per-
formed the duties now imposed on the police
judge, and the marshal those belonging now
to the chief of police and the collector. The
common council was empowered to create the
offices of cit}^ collector, harbor-master, and
such other offices as might become necessary.
An amendatory act was passed by the same
legislature, March 13, 1850, providing that, on
the first Monday of April following, a city
election should be held to fill the offices cre-
ated by the charter, making it fall on the same
day as the first county election. The officers
chosen at that election were to hold office
till the first Monday of May, 1851. This
amendment affected the first election only.
April 10, 1850, an act was passed providing
for the appointment by the governor of a port
warden for the port of Sacramento.
The second legislature passed a new charter
for Sacramento City, and it became a law
March 26, 1851, by operation of time, and
without the approval of the governor. Gov-
ernor McDougal said concerning it: "The
within bill is regarded as oppressive and ex-
traordinary in many of its features ; but not re-
garding it as infringing on any particular
principle of the constitution, and as it is the
act of the representatives of Sacramento
County, and presuming it to be the wish of
the people of Sacramento City, I permit it to
become a law, by the operation of time, with-
out approving it, or returning it to the body
in which it originated."
The act in question provided that the then
existing government should continue in office
until the election of the officers provided for
by the new charter. The council was to divide
the city into three wards, from each of which
, three councilmen were to be elected. Vacan-
cies were to be filled by special election, unless
one should occur within sixty days of a regu-
lar annual election, when it was to be filled by
the council. The first election under the act
was to take place on the first Monday of Maj^
following, for officers to hold office until the
first Monday of April, 1852. All city elections
after that were to be held on the first Monday
of April in each year. The fixing of salaries
was left to the council, but they were not per-
mitted to fix the salary of any officer at over
$3,000, except the mayor or recorder, the limit
of whose salary was fixed at $5,000.
The legislature enacted a law April 26, 1853,
providing for a special tax of one-fourth of
one per cent, for the support of the free com-
mon schools, to be expended under the direc-
tion of a board of trustees, consisting of one
from each ward, to be annually appointed by
the council.
March 31, 1855, a law was enacted striking
the harbor-master from the list of the elective
officers. It fixed the salaries as follows :
Mayor, $2,000; recorder, $4,000; marshal,
$3,000; deputy city marshal, $1,500; city at-
torney, $2,000; treasurer, $1,500; superintend-
ent of the water-works. $2,000 ; assessor,
$1,500; recorder's clerk, $1,500; each police-
man, $125 per month. In case of death, sick-
ness or leave of absence of the recorder, the
mayor was to attend to the duties of that office
also. It was further provided that at the
subsequent election there should be chosen a
superintendent of common schools and two
school commisisoners from each ward, who,
with the superintendent of schools, should
constitute the school board.
April 2, 1856, the legislature enacted an act
to regulate the fire department. It provided
for the election of officers and the regulation
of the department in general.
Consolidation of City and County
On April 24, 1858, a law was passed which
consolidated the government of the city and
county and gave to the board of supervisors
the authority which had heretofore rested in
the common council. On the first Monday of
May following, fii'e supervisors were to be
elected, to hold office until October 5, 1858.
There was also to be elected at the same time
a president of the board, to continue in office
until the general election of 1859, the term of
office thereafter to be two years. After the
first Monday of October, 1858, the board was
to consist of a president and eight members,
and the members were to be elected at the
general election in that year, four to hold office
for two years, and four for one year. After
the first election the term was to be two years.
At the general election in 1859, and every two
vears thereafter, there were to be elected the
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
97
other officers, who were to perform their
duties for both city and county. The president
of the board was to be ex-officio mayor of the
city, and superintendent of the streets and the
water-works. The then county officers were
required to perform such city duties as might
be allotted to them by the board, and the
board was given power to create and fill by
appointment the minor city offices. Some
changes were also made in the fire and school
departments.
Reorganization and New Charter
The consolidation act was repealed April 23,
1863, and a new charter adopted. It provided
that the government of the city should be
vested in a board of trustees, to consist of
three. The first trustee was to be ex-officio
maj-or ; the second, street commissioner, and
the third, superintendent of the water-works.
There would also be an auditor, an assessor,
a collector, a police judge, and such other
officers as might be appointed by the board.
The trustees' term of office was fixed at three
years, and that of the other officers at two.
It was further provided that on the tenth day
after the passage of the act a city election
should be held, at which the offices above des-
ignated should be filled, and that annually
thereafter, on the second Tuesday in March,
city elections should be held. At the election
in 1864, a third trustee should be elected ; in
1865, a second trustee, assessor, auditor, col-
lector, and judge, and in 1866, a first trustee,
each to hold for the time indicated. Any va-
cancy in the board was to be filled by a spe-
cial election, and a vacancy in any other office
was to be filled bj' appointment by board.
Provision was also made for the school and
fire departments.
A slight change was made in the boundaries
of the city, and a change in the time of elect-
ing officers other than members of the board
during the life of this charter. In 1872 a bill
was enacted creating a paid fire department,
another to provide a new system of water-
works, and a third for the reorganization of
the police force.
Mayors, Commissioners, and Councilmen
As has been stated elsewhere, Hardin
Biglow was elected the first mayor of Sacra-
mento. He was badly wounded in the Squat-
ter riot, and before he had recovered, was
seized with cholera and died in San Francisco,
November 27, 1850, at the age of forty-one.
Born in Michigan, he was a man of great cour-
age and fine executive ability. After his death
the president of the council acted as mayor.
A special election was held December 14,
1850, for the purpose of choosing a mayor.
Although there was no excitement in the
morning, later it became intense, in spite of a
heavy rainfall. Bands of music paraded and
both parties struggled hard to elect their can-
didates. Horace Smith (Whig) was elected
by a vote of 933. Other votes were : J. R.
Hardenbergh (Democrat), 865; James Mc-
Clatchy, 183 : Wesley Merritt, 25 ; and Joseph
Grant, 19. The last three were Independents.
May 5, 1851, J. R. Hardenbergh (Democrat)
secured 1,264 votes for mayor, against 1,224
for Joseph H. Nevett (Whig). A great con-
flagration in San Francisco on the day of elec-
tion destroyed $7,000,000 worth of property,
and the reception of the news rather damp-
ened the ardor of the voters.
April 5, 1852, C. I. Hutchinson (Whig) de-
feated Hardenbergh, his vote being 1,450 to
1,234. It was a particularly exciting election,
mass meetings being held at different points in
the cit)% and there was much mud-throwing.
Hardenbergh turned the tables, however,
April 4, 1853, defeating W. H. McGrew, his
Whig opponent, by a vote of 2,046 to 1,382.
Dr. Volney Spalding had been nominated by
the Whig convention March 28, but he de-
clined, and on the 30th McGrew received the
nomination.
April 3, 1854, R. P. Johnson (Whig) was
elected by a vote of 1,798 to 1,693 over his op-
ponent, Col. John P. Hall (Dem.).
April 2, 1855, James L,- English (American)
defeated Hiram Arents (Anti-American) by a
vote of 1,523 to 504, R. P. Johnson (Whig)
getting 78 votes. The latter had published a
card of withdrawal a few days before.
April 7, 1856, B. B. Redding (Dem.) was
elected mayor over L. B. Harris (American)
by a vote of 1,743 to 1,654.
April 6, 1857, J. P. Dyer (Dem.) defeated
Dr. R. B. Ellis (People's Independent) by a
vote of 1,955 to 788. George Rowland (Rep.)
received 501 votes. Dyer held office until un-
der the consolidation act he was succeeded by
the president of the board of supervisors.
May 3, 1858, Dr. H. L. Nichols (People's
Independent) was elected president of the
board of supervisors, defeating J. E- Craig
(Dem.) by 3,584 to 1,877.
September 7, 1859, William Shattuck (Le-
compton Dem.) was elected president by a
vote of 3,233 to 2,802, over B. B. Redding
(Dem.), and 5 for George Rowland (Rep.).
September 4, 1861, Shattuck was re-elected
on the Douglas Democratic and Settlers' tick-
et over C. H. Grimm (Rep.) by a vote of 3,633
to 3,258, E. P. Figg (Breckenridge Dem.) get-
ting 14 votes.
After the repeal of the Consolidation Act
mayors were elected under the charter adopted
at that time, as follows:
98
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
May 5, 1863, Charles H. Swift (Union) over
William Shattuck (Dem.) by a vote of 1.640
to 742.
March 13. 1866. Charles H. Swift (Union)
over William F. Knox (Dem.) 1,321 to 915.
March 9, 1869, Charles H. Swift (Rep.) by a
vote of 1.232 to 749 over Archibald Henley
(Ind.) and 71 for P. H. Russell (Dem.). The
latter withdrew on the morning of the election
in favor of Henley.
March 12, 1872, Christopher Green (Rep.)
over John Q. Brown (Dem.) by a vote of 1,629
to 1,245.
March 9, 1875, Christopher Green over John
Q. Brown (Dem. and Ind.) bv a vote of 1,815
to 1,271.
March 12, 1878, Jabez Turner (Working-
man) by a vote of 1,203 to 1,063 for James I.
Felter (Rep.), 1,056 for Hugh M. La Rue
(Dem.) and 726 for Ezra Pearson (Working-
man).
March 8, 1881, John Q. Brown (Dem.) over
Christopher Green (Rep:) by a vote of 1,925
to 1,704.
March 11, 1884, John Q. Brown (Dem.) over
Joseph Steffens (Rep.) by a vote of 1,912 to
1,875. Dr. A. B. Nixon (Prohibition) re-
ceived 344 votes.
March 8, 1887, Eugene J. Gregory (Rep.)
over John Q. Brown (Dem.) by a vote of 3,202
to 1,283, and 39 for F. H. L. Weber (Pro.).
March 17, 1890, W. D. Comstock (Dem.)
over Eugene J. Gregory (Rep.) by a vote of
2.415 to 2,374.
March 14, 1893, B. U. Steinman (Rep.) over
John Weil (Citizens' and Dem.) by a vote of
2,505 to 2,328, and 279 for C. M. Harrison
(Rep.. Dem. and People's).
The new charter went into effect in 1893 and
on the 7th of November of that year B. U.
Steinman (Reorganized Dem.) defeated W. F.
Knox (Rep., Dem. and Citizens') by a vote of
3,203 to 2,052, with Dittmar (People's) 250.
November 5, 1895, the vote was: C. H.
Hubbard (Citizens'), 2,526; J. W. Wilson
(Rep.), 2,280: B. U. Steinman (Ind.), 1,487;
and W. D. Lawton (Dem.), 209.
November 2, 1897: William Land (Rep.),
3,190; C. H. Hubbard (Citizens'), 2,106; R. D.
Stephens (Ind.), 801; C. E. Leonard (Dem.).
145.
November 7. 1899: George H. Clark (Rep.).
4,012; R. D. Stephens (Dem.), 2,193.
November 5, 1901 : George H. Clark (Ind.),
3,018; WilHam Land (Rep.), 1,755; J. H. De-
vine (Dem.) 879; Llewellyn Tozer (Ind.), 315;
Mr. Alderman (Soc), 181.
November 3, 1903: W. J. Hassett (Dem.),
3,076; Albert Elkus (Rep.), 2,522; W. J. Mc-
Dowell (Soc), 263; D. J. Simmons (Ind.), 14.
November 7, 1905: M. R. Beard (Dem.),
2.435; Albert Elkus (Rep.), 2,200; Henry E.
Wright (Soc), 781; E. I. Woodman (Ind.),
145.
November 5. 1907: Clinton L. White (Rep.),
2,835; M. R. Beard (Dem.), 2,702.
November 2, 1909: M. R. Beard (Dem.),
3,522; John E. Sullivan (Rep.), 2,965; H. E.
Wright (Soc), 163.
November 7, 1911: M. R. Beard (Dem.),
3,966; Allen W. Stuart (Soc), 2,649; Frank B.
Sutliff (Rep.), 2,367.
In 1911 the new charter was adopted, pro-
viding for city government by a commission,
with five commissioners, as follows : M. J.
Burke, president, five years ; J. A. Filcher, four
years; C. A. Bliss, three years; Dr. E. M.
Wilder, two years ; and Mrs. Luella B. John-
ston, one year.
The results of the succeeding annual elec-
tions were as follows :
1912: M. J. Burke, president; C. A. Bliss,
J. A. Filcher, Mrs. Luella Johnston, and Dr. E.
M. Wilder.
1913: M. J. Burke, president; C. A. Bliss,
Edward J. Carragher, George W. Lorenz. and
Dr. E. M. Wilder.
1914: M. J. Burke, president; C. A. Bliss,
William J. Carragher, F. E. Shaw, and Thom-
as E. Coulter.
1915: Dr. G. C. Simmons, president; M. J.
Burke, William J. Carragher, Thomas E. Coul-
ter, and Gus S. Turner.
1916: Dr. G. C. Simmons, president; M. J.
Burke, William J. Carragher, Thomas E. Coul-
ter, and Gus S. Turner.
1917: D. W. Carmichael, president; Thom-
as E. Coulter, Edward Haynes, Dr. G. C. Sim-
mons, and Gus S. Turner.
1918: D. W. Carmichael, president; Thom-
as E. Coulter, Edward Haj-nes, Dr. G. C. Sim-
mons, and Gus S. Turner.
1919: John Q. Brown, president; D. W.
Carmichael, Edward Haynes, Dr. G. C. Sim-
mons, and Gus S. Turner.
1920: C. A. Bliss, president; John Q.
Brown, D. W. Carmichael, Edward Haynes,
and Gus S. Turner.
At an election held on May 20, 1920, a board
of freeholders was elected for the purpose of
drafting a new city charter for Sacramento.
Work on the charter was completed and filed
with City Clerk M. J. Desmond on September
13, of the same year. The freeholders were :
Lewis C. Hunter, president; Mrs. J. L. Rich-
ards, secretary ; Mertie D. Adams, A. B. At-
kinson, W. E. J. Baughman, William C. Eddy,
C. A. Elliott. C. W. Frazier, Gilbert Johann-
sen, E. G. Johnson, Chris R. Jones, W. J. Lef-
lar. A. W. Norris, and Dr. J. H. Parkinson.
The charter was ratified by a vote of the
people, and afterward by the forty-fourth ses-
sion of the California legislature.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
99
The first election was held on May 3, 1921,
for the selection of nine members of the new
city council, who on July 1 following succeed-
ed the five commissioners, thus displacing the
commission form of municipal government
which had been in vogue since 1912.
Twenty-six candidates were in the race, and
in view of the change in the form of city gov-
ernment as well as in the method of voting, a
great deal of interest was aroused and the vote
was heavy. The candidates seeking office
were: Charles W. Anderson, C. H. S. Bidwell,
J. Grant Black, Edward S. Brown, John S.
Cummins, James H. Devine, Albert Elkus, H.
W. Funke, James F. Gafifney, T. Allen Har-
vey (colored), Ed L. Head, W. A. Hicks, Har-
old S. Kiernan, Mrs. Mary B. Lindley, Dr.
William K. Lindsay, P. J. O'Brien, Mrs. Agnes
W. Purnell, Michael J. Silva, Mrs. Marv E.
Smith, D. D. Sullivan, W. E. Truesdale,' Dr.
E. C. Turner, Martin I. Welsh, Jay Wheeler,
Herbert E. White, and Dr. E. M. Wilder.
Wilder and Elkus, both of whom previously
had served on the city board, led the ticket,
and were declared elected by first-choice votes,
as provided under the new system of voting.
Those elected to serve with them were : An-
derson, Bidwell, Brown, Funke, Kiernan, Mrs.
Lindley, and Sullivan. The total vote cast was
12,300, and the minimum requirement for any
candidate was 1,231, under the proportional
system.
Five days after the election, as provided un-
der the new charter, the members of the coun-
cil-elect met in the City Hall for the purpose
of organizing. Albert Elkus was elected per-
manent chairman of the council, and mayor.
With that matter disposed of, Clyde L. Sea-
vey, member of the state board of control, was
unanimously selected as the city manager, a
new departure in the handling of the municipal
affairs of the capital city. Seavey, whose se-
lection was given universal approval, immedi-
ately presented his resignation as a state offi-
cial to Governor Stephens, and set about pre-
paring to assume his new duties on July 1.
Under the new charter, the city manager is
the administrative head of the government.
His salary, as fixed by the city council at the
time of his selection, is $10,000 a year, and his
term of office indefinite. He is responsible to
the council for the efficient administration of
all the affairs of the municipality ; is vmder
obligation to see that all the laws and ordi-
nances are enforced ; to exercise supervision
and control over all departments and divi-
sions ; to recommend to the council such meas-
ures and ordinances as may be deemed neces-
sary ; to make all purchases on behalf of the
city involving an expenditure of less than $500,
except as may be otherwise provided in the
charter ; to prepare and submit to the council
the annual budget ; to keep the body informed
at all times of the financial needs and condi-
tions of the city : and perform such other du-
ties as may be officially prescribed.
As Sacramento was the first city in Califor-
nia, and one of the largest in the United States,
to adopt the system of proportional represen-
tation in preference to the old majority-plan
of voting in the election of municipal or other
officials, the eye of the nation was centered
upon the capital city during the inception of
the new system of balloting, and the city is
being most carefully watched to see the out-
come of the managerial form of government
in a municipality of so large size.
Briefly, the proportional system of balloting
provides that the full names of all regularly
nominated candidates shall be printed on the
ballot in alphabetical order. To express the
first choice for any candidate on the ballot, the
voter places the numeral "1" with pencil in the
square opposite the name. If it is desired to
express a second, third, fourth and other
choices, even up to the number of candidates
on the ballot, the order of preference is indi-
cated in the same way. The more choices so
indicated, the surer the voter is that the ballot
so marked will count in favor of some candi-
date of his choice. The ballot will not be
counted for the second choice unless it is found
that it cannot help the first choice, nor will it
be counted for the third choice unless it is
found that it cannot help either the first or sec-
ond choices. In a general way, the system is
one of elimination, the strongest candidates
finally emerging victorious, but with the addi-
tional advantage of a more representative
vote; for the strong argument in favor of the
system, and against the old majority plan, is
that if the candidate you vote for with but one
expression loses, your vote is thrown away ;
but on the other hand, if you have expressed a
second and third choice, your vote in all prob-
ability will count for someone, thus giving
3'ou effective representation in the final result,
although vour first choice mav not be elected.
100
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CHAPTER XIV
CITY OFFICERS
A LIST of the officers of the city of Sacra-
mento from 1849 follows:
1849: A. M. Winn, mayor; the al-
calde was recorder ; N. C. Cunningham, mar-
shal ; William Glaskin, city clerk and auditor ;
J. A. Tutt, assessor ; S. C. Hastings, treasurer ;
B. Brown, collector; Murray Morrison, city
attorney ; R. J. Watson, harbor master.
1850: Hardin Biglow, mayor (died in of-
fice) ; Horace Smith, mayor (to fill vacancy) ;
B. F. Washington, recorder ; N. C. Cunning-
ham, marshal ; J. B. Mitchell, city clerk and
auditor ; J. W. Woodland, assessor ; Barton
Lee, treasurer; E. B. Pratt, collector; J. Neely
Johnson, city attorney ; George W. Hammers-
ley, harbor master.
Hardin Biglow, the mayor, was severely
wounded in the Squatter riot, and died in San
Francisco of cholera before recovering from
his wounds. Horace Smith was elected to suc-
ceed him. J. W. Woodland, the assessor, was
also killed in the Squatter riot, but his place
does not seem to have been filled, the elections
at that time being for only one year.
1851: James R. Hardenbergh, mayor; W.
H. McGrew, recorder; W. S. White, marshal;
L. Curtis, clerk and auditor ; Samuel McKee,
assessor; W. R. McCracken, treasurer; W. S.
White, collector ; J. Neely Johnson, city attor-
ney ; John Requa, harbor master.
1852: C. I. Hutchinson, mayor; W. H. Mc-
Grew, recorder ; David McDowell, marshal ;
Washington Meeks, city clerk and auditor ;
William Lewis, assessor ; R. Chenery, treas-
urer; D. McDowell, collector; John G. Ayer,
city attorney ; John Requa, harbor master ; W.
A. Selkirk, superintendent of schools.
1853 : J. R. Hardenbergh, mayor ; N.
Greene Curtis, recorder ; W. S. White, mar-
shal; John A. Fowler, city clerk and auditor;
Samuel T. Clymer, assessor ; C. J. Torbert,
treasurer ; W. S. White, collector ; L. Landus,
Jr., city attorney ; Gordon Backus, harbor
master; H. J. Bidleman, superintendent of
schools.
1854: R. P. Johnson, mayor; N. Greene
Curtis, recorder; W. S. White, marshal; T. A.
Thomas, city clerk and auditor ; E. C. Winch-
ell, assessor ; W. E. Chamberlain, treasurer ;
N. A. H. Ball, collector; W. Cyrus Wallace,
city attorney ; Frank Harney, harbor master ;
H. W. Harkness, superintendent of schools.
1855 : James Lawrence English, mayor ; N.
Greene Curtis, recorder ; James W. Haines,
marshal ; W. E. Chamberlain, city clerk and
auditor ; Prescott Robinson, assessor ; John C.
Barr, treasurer ; J. T. Knox, collector ; Horace
Smith, city attorney ; James W. Haines, har-
bor master ; Frank Tukey, superintendent of
schools (resigned) ; F. W. Hatch (to fill va-
cancy).
1856: B. B. Redding, mayor; W. W. Price,
recorder ; Thomas McAlpin, marshal ; John F.
Madden, city clerk and auditor; W. C. Felch,
assessor; W. M. Brainerd, treasurer; John H.
Houseman, collector; Henry Starr, city attor-
ney ; George C. Haswell, harbor master ; F.
AV. Hatch, superintendent of schools.
1857 : J. P. Dyer, mayor ; Presley Dunlap,
recorder; James Lansing, marshal; John F.
Madden, city clerk and auditor ; Alex Mont-
gomery, assessor ; James H. Sullivan, treas-
urer ; John H. Houseman, collector ; George
R. Moore, city attorney ; George C. Haswell,
harbor master ; J. G. Lawton, superintendent
of schools.
1858: H. L. Nichols, president of the board,
justice of the peace, police judge; J. P. Hardy,
marshal; J. B. Dayton, city clerk and auditor;
E. B. Ryan, assessor ; Morgan Miller, treas-
urer; W. T. Manlove, collector; R. F. Morri-
son, city attorney ; Daniel H. Whepley, harbor
master ; G. L. Simmons, superintendent of
schools.
1859: W. Shattuck, president of the board,
justice of the peace, police judge; J. J. Wat-
son, marshal ; J. B. Dayton, city clerk and au-
ditor; E. B. Ryan, assessor: Morgan Miller,
treasurer ; W. S. Manlove, collector ; R. F.
Morrison, city attorney; G. L. Simmons, su-
perintendent of schools. From 1858 to 1862
the city and county were consolidated and
managed by a board of supervisors, one of
whom was president of the board. During
this period the three city justices of the peace
were, in rotation of a week each, police judge.
1860: W. Shattuck, president of the board,
justice of the peace, police judge; J. J. Wat-
son, marshal ; Thomas Letson, city clerk and
auditor; E. B. Ryan, assessor; C. L. Bird,
treasurer ; Sylvester Marshall, collector ; Cor-
nelius Cole, city attorney ; F. W. Hatch, su-
perintendent of schools.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
101
1861 : W. Shattuck, president of the board,
justice of the peace, police judge; J. J. Wat-
son, marshal ; Thomas Letson, city clerk and
auditor; E. B. Ryan, assessor; C. L. Bird,
treasurer ; Sylvester Marshall, collector ; Cor-
nelius Cole, city attorney ; G. Taylor, superin-
tendent of schools.
1862 : W. Shattuck, president of the board ;
Thomas W. Gilmer, police judge ; J. J. Wat-
son, marshal ; Josiah Howell, city clerk and
auditor; E. B. Ryan, assessor; C. L. Bird,
treasurer ; James McDonald, treasurer (ap-
pointed to fill vacancy) ; B. N. Bugbey, col-
lector; Samuel Smith, collector (appointed to
fill vacancy) ; W. W. Upton, city attorney ; G.
Taylor, superintendent of schools.
The city government was changed April 25,
1863 ; the new board met and held its first ses-
sion May 1, 1863, and after that the city was
governed by three trustees until January 8,
1894, the first trustee being the president of
the board and mayor ; the second trustee,
street commissioner ; and the third trustee, su-
perintendent of the water-works.
1863 : C. H. Swift, first trustee and mayor ;
H. T. Holmes, second trustee ; Josiah Johnson,
third trustee; S. S. Holl, police judge; J. T.
Clark, chief of police (removed October 7,
1863, and D. H. Lowry appointed) ; Benjamin
Peart, city auditor and clerk ; James E. Smith,
assessor ; W. E. Chamberlain, treasurer ;
James E. Smith, collector; E. H. Heacock, city
attorney; N. A. Kidder, harbor master; G.
Taylor, superintendent of schools.
1864: C. H. Swift, first trustee and mayor;
H. T. Holmes, second trustee ; Josiah Johnson,
third trustee ; S. S. Holl, police judge ; F. T.
Burke, chief of police ; Benjamin Peart, city
auditor and clerk ; James E. Smith, assessor ;
A'V. E. Chamberlain, treasurer ; James E.
Smith, collector ; E. H. Heacock, city attorney ;
N. A. Kidder, harbor master ; W. H. Hill,
superintendent of schools.
1865 : C. H. Swift, first trustee and mayor ;
S. D. Smith, second trustee ; Josiah Johnson,
third trustee; S. S. Holl, police judge; F. T.
Burke, chief of police; C. C. Jenks, city auditor
and clerk; John C. Halley, assessor; Harvey
Caswell, treasurer ; D. A. DeMerritt, collector ;
E. H. Heacock, citj- attorney; S. C. Hall, har-
bor master; W. H. Hill, superintendent of
schools.
1866: C. H. Swift, first trustee and mayor;
S. D. Smith, second trustee; Josiah Johnson,
third trustee; L. H. Foote, police judge; F. T.
Burke, chief of police ; C. C. Jenks, city auditor
and clerk ; John C. Halley, assessor ; Harvey
Caswell, treasurer ; D. A. DeMerritt, collector ;
E. H. Heacock, city attorney; N. A. Kidder,
harbor master; W. H. Hill, superintendent of
schools.
1867 : C. H. Swift, first trustee and mayor ;
S. D. Smith, second trustee ; David Kendall,
third trustee; L. H. Foote, police judge; F. T.
Burke, chief of police ; John McClintock, city
auditor and clerk; E. R. Hamilton, assessor;
W. E. Chamberlain, treasurer ; D. A. DeMer-
ritt, collector; M. C. Tilden, city attorney; W.
H. Hill, superintendent of schools.
1868 : C. H. Swift, first trustee and mayor ;
John Rider, second trustee ; David Kendall,
third trustee; L. H. Foote, police judge; B.
W. Martz, chief of police ; John McClintock,
city auditor and clerk; E. R. Hamilton, asses-
sor ; W. E. Chamberlain, treasurer ; D. A. De-
Merritt, collector; M. C. Tilden, city attorney;
W. H. Hill, superintendent of schools.
1869 : C. H. Swift, first trustee and mayor ;
John Rider, second trustee ; David Kendall,
third trustee (died in office) ; L. H. Foote,
police judge; B. W. Martz, chief of police;
John McClintock, city auditor and clerk; W.
T. Crowell, assessor; W. E. Chamberlain,
treasurer ; A. Leonard, collector ; S. S. Holl,
city attorney ; W. H. Hill, superintendent of
schools.
1870 : C. H. Swift, first trustee and mayor ;
John Rider, second trustee ; James McCleery,
third trustee; A. Henley, police judge;
George Smith, chief of police; John McClin-
tock, city auditor and clerk ; W. T. Crowell,
assessor; W. E. Chamberlain, treasurer; A.
Leonard, collector ; J. K. Alexander, city at-
torne}' ; W. H. Hill, superintendent of schools.
1871 : C. H. Swift, first trustee and mayor ;
John Rider, second trustee ; James McCleery,
third trustee; A. Henley, police judge; George
Smith, chief of police ; John McClintock, city
auditor and clerk; S. S. Greenwood, assessor;
W. E. Chamberlain, treasurer ; H. Montfort,
collector ; Charles T. Jones, city attorney ; W.
H. Hill, superintendent of schools.
1872 : Christopher Green, first trustee and
mayor ; John Rider, second trustee ; James Mc-
Cleery, third trustee ; T. W. Gilmer, police
judge; Matt Karcher, chief of police; E. M.
Stevens, police captain : John McClintock, city
auditor and clerk; S. S. Greenwood, assessor;
W. E. Chamberlain, treasurer; H. Montfort,
collector; M. C. Tilden, city attorney; S. C.
Denson, superintendent of schools.
1873 : Christopher Green, first trustee and
mayor ; John Rider, second trustee ; Horace
Adams, third trustee ; T. W. Gilmer, police
judge; Matt Karcher, chief of police; E. M.
Stevens, police captain ; John McClintock, city
auditor and clerk; Fred A. Shepherd, assessor;
\\'. T. Crowell, collector ; Samuel Poorman,
treasurer ; M. C. Tilden, city attorney ; S. C.
Denson, superintendent of schools.
1874: Christopher Green, first trustee and
mayor; W. F. Knox, second trustee; Horace
Adams, third trustee ; W. R. Cantwell, police
102
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
judge; Matt Karcher, chief of police; E. M.
Stevens, police captain ; John McClintock, city
auditor and clerk ; Fred A. Shepherd, assessor ;
W. T. Crowell, collector ; Samuel Poorman,
treastirer ; W. R. Hinkson, city attorney; Add
C. Hinkson, superintendent of schools.
1875 : Christopher Green, first trustee and
mayor ; W'. F. Knox, second trustee ; James
McCleery, third trustee ; M. S. Horan, police
judge; E. M. Stevens, chief of police; P. L.
Hickman, city auditor and clerk; Fred A.
Shepherd, assessor ; W. T. Crowell, collector ;
Samuel Poorman, treasurer ; W. A. Anderson,
city attorney ; A. C. Hinkson, superintendent
of schools.
1876: Christopher Green, first trustee and
mayor ; W. F. Knox, second trustee ; James
McCleery, third trustee ; M. S. Horan, police
judge; E. M. Stevens, chief of police; P. L.
Hickman, city auditor and clerk; Fred A.
Shepherd, assessor ; W. T. Crowell, collector ;
J. N. Porter, treasurer ; W. A. Anderson, city
attorney; A. C. Hinkson, superintendent of
schools.
1877 : Christopher Green, first trustee and
mayor ; W. F. Knox, second trustee ; James
McCleery, third trustee; Thomas Conger, po-
lice judge; E. M. Stevens, chief of police; E.
H. McKee, city auditor and clerk ; Fred A.
Shepherd, assessor ; G. A. Putnam, collector ;
J. N. Porter, treasurer ; W. A. Anderson, city
attorney ; A. C. Hinkson, superintendent of
schools.
1878 : Jal^ez Turner, first trustee and may-
or; W. F. Knox, second trustee; James Mc-
Cleery, third trustee ; Thomas Conger, police
judge; E. M. Stevens, chief of police; E. H.
McKee. city auditor and clerk ; Fred A. Shep-
herd, assessor; G. A. Putnam, collector; J. N.
Porter, treasurer ; H. L. Buckley, city attor-
ney, A. C. Hinkson, superintendent of schools.
1879: Jabez Turner, first trustee and may-
or; W. F. Knox, second trustee; Josiah John-
son, third trustee; W. A. Henry, police judge ;
E. M. Stevens, chief of police; E. H. McKee,
city auditor and clerk ; Fred A. Shepherd, as-
sessor ; George A. Putnam, collector ; J. N.
Porter, treasurer; H. L. Buckley, city attor-
ney ; F. L. Eandes, superintendent of schools.
1880 : Jabez Turner, first trustee and may-
or ; Jerome C. Davis, second trustee; Josiah
Johnson, third trustee ; W. A. Henry, police
judge ; Matt Karcher, chief of police ; E. H.
McKee, city auditor and clerk; Fred A. Shep-
herd, assessor; George A. Putnam, collector;
W. E. Chamberlain, treasurer ; W. A. Ander-
son, city attorney ; F. L. Landes, superintend-
ent of schools.
1881 : John Q. Brown, first trustee and
mayor ; Jerome C. Davis, second trustee (died
October 5, 1881, before expiration of his
term); Josiah Johnson, third trustee; W. A.
Henry, police judge ; Matt Karcher, chief of
police; E. H. McKee, city auditor and clerk;
Fred A. Shepherd, assessor; George A. Put-
nam, collector ; W. E. Chamberlain, treasurer ;
W. A. Anderson, city attorney ; F. L. Landes,
superintendent of schools.
1882: John Q. Brown, first trustee and
mayor; John Ryan, second trustee; William
Gutenberger, third trustee ; W. A. Henry, po-
lice judge ; Matt Karcher, chief of police ; E. H.
McKee. city auditor and clerk ; Fred A. Shep-
herd, assessor; George A. Putnam, collector;
W. E. Chamberlain, treasurer ; W. A. Ander-
son, city attorney ; J. R. Lane, superintendent
of schools.
1883 : John Q. Brown, first trustee and
mayor; John Ryan, second trustee; William
Gutenberger, third trustee ; W. A. Henry,
police judge; Matt Karcher, chief of police;
E. H. ]\IcKee, city auditor and clerk; Fred A.
Shepherd, assessor; George A. Putnam, col-
lector ; W. A. Anderson, city attorney ; [. R.
Lane, superintendent of schools.
1884: John Q. Brown, first trustee and
mayor; FI. B. Neilson, second trustee; William
Gutenberger, third trustee ; W. A. Henry, po-
lice judge; Matt Karcher, chief of police; W.
E. Chamberlain, treasurer ; E. H. McKee, city
auditor and clerk ; Fred A. Shepherd, assessor ;
George A. Putnam, collector ; AV. A. Ander-
son, city attorney ; J. R. Lane, superintendent
of schools.
1885 : John Q. Brown, first trustee and
mayor; H. B. Neilson, second trustee; Will-
iam Gutenberger, third trustee ; E. H. McKee,
city auditor and clerk ; J. J. Buckley, assessor ;
George A. Putnam, collector ; W. A. Henry,
police judge ; O. C. Jackson, chief of police ; J.
N. Porter, treasurer ; W. A. Anderson, city at-
torney ; J. R. Lane, superintendent of schools.
1886: John Q. Brown, first trustee and
mayor ; H. B. Neilson, second trustee ; W. R.
Jones, third trustee ; E. H. McKee, city auditor
and clerk ; J. J. Buckley, assessor ; J. N. Porter,
treasurer ; George A. Putnam, collector ; W. A.
Henry, police judge; H. F. Dillman, chief of
police; E. C. Hart, city attorney; M. R. Beard,
superintendent of schools.
1887: Eugene J. Gregory, first trustee and
mayor : John Ryan, second trustee ; W. R.
Jones, third trustee; E. H. McKee, city auditor
and clerk; J. J. Buckley, assessor; George A.
Putnam, collector ; Henry L. Buckley, police
judge ; H. F. Dillman, chief of police ; E. C.
Hart, city attorney; W. E. Gerber, treasurer;
M. R. Beard, superintendent of schools.
1888: Eugene J. Gregory, first trustee and
mayor; John Ryan, second trustee; H. C.
Wolf, third trustee ; E. H. McKee, city auditor
and clerk; J. J. Buckley, assessor; George A.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
103
Putnam, collector; Henry L. Buckley, police
judge; Timothy Lee, chief of police; E. C.
Hart, city attorney ; M. R. Beard, superin-
tendent of schools.
1889: Eugene J. Gregory, first trustee and
mayor; William McLaughlin, second trustee;
H. "C. Wolf, third trustee; E. H. McKee, city
auditor and clerk; J. J. Buckley, assessor;
George A. Putnam, collector ; Henry L. Buck-
ley, police judge ; Timothy Lee, chief of police ;
W. S. Church, city attorney ; W. E. Gerber,
treasurer; M. R. Beard, superintendent of
schools.
1890: AV. D. Comstock, first trustee and
mayor; William McLaughlin, second trustee;
H. C. Wolf, third trustee ; E. H. McKee, city
auditor ; George A. Putnam, collector ; J. J.
Buckley, assessor; W. E. Gerber, treasurer;
Henry L. Buckley, police judge; Warren F.
Drew, chief of police; E. C. Hart, city attor-
ney ; Albert Hart, superintendent of schools.
1891 : W. D. Comstock, first trustee and
mayor; William McLaughlin, second trustee;
Alonzo Conklin, third trustee ; J. D^ Young,
auditor; George A. Putnam, collector; J. J.
Buckley, assessor ; W. E. Gerber, treasurer ; R.
O. Cravens, police judge; W. F. Drew, chief
of police ; E. C. Hart, city attorney ; Albert
Hart, superintendent of schools.
1892: W. D. Comstock, first trustee and
mayor; E. H. Green, second trustee; Alonzo
Conklin, third trustee; J. D. Young, auditor;
George A. Putnam, collector; W. E. Gerber,
treasurer ; J. J. Buckley, assessor ; R. O. Cra-
vens, police, judge; John B. Rodgers, chief of
police; E. C. Hart, city attorney; Albert Hart,
superintendent of schools.
1893 : B. U. Steinman, first trustee and
mayor ; E. H. Green, second trustee ; Alonzo
Conklin, third trustee ; J. D. Young, auditor ;
George A. Putnam, collector ; W. E. Gerber,
treasurer; J. J. Buckley, assessor; H. L. Buck-
ley, police judge; John B. Rodgers, chief of
police ; C. N. Post, city attorney ; Albert Hart,
superintendent of schools.
A new charter for the city went into force
January 8, 1894, by which the number of trus-
tees was increased from three to nine, the
mayor being elected separate from the board,
and the trustees being elected to severally rep-
resent the nine wards of the city.
1894-95: B. U. Steinman, mayor; W. D.
Lawton, president of board of trustees ; trus-
tees: H. Wachhorst, Robert E. Kent, J. G.
Davis, W. H. Bragg, L. Tozer, J. H. Devine,
C. E. Leonard, T. J. Pennish, W. D. Lawton ;
J. D. Young, auditor and assessor ; J. N. Por-
ter, treasurer ; E. H. McKee, collector ; J.
Frank Brown, city attorney; M. M. Drew,
chief of police; O. S. Flint, city clerk; Albert
Hart, superintendent of schools.
1896-97: C. H. Hubbard, mayor; C. E.
Leonard, president of board of trustees ; trus-
tees: H. Wachhorst, R. E. Kent, James G.
Davis, D. W. McKay, L. Tozer, J. H. Devine,
C. E. Leonard, T. J. Pennish, C. H. Bentley ;
J. D. Young, auditor and assessor ; D. W.
Carmichael, treasurer ; C. C. Robertson, col-
lector ; J. Frank Brown, city attorney ; M. J.
Desmond, city clerk ; O. W. Erlewine, super-
intendent of schools.
1898-99: Mayor, William Land; collector,
C. C. Robertson; treasurer, A. L. Frost; audi-
tor and assessor, J. D. Young; trustees: F. F.
Tebbets, R. E. Kent, C. W. Paine, D. McKay,
Philip Douglas, J. H. Devine; clerk, M. J. Des-
mond ; chief of police, Thomas Dwyer (died
in ofifice, 1899) ; superintendent of schools, O.
W. Erlewine. Mr. Erlewine was regularly re-
elected to the ofifice, and was the incumbent
until his resignation under the incumbency of
the commissioners.
1900-01: Mayor, George H. Clark; collec-
tor, C. C. Robertson ; auditor and assessor, J.
D. Young; trustees: F. F. Tebbets, R. E.
Kent, C. W. Paine, John C. Ing, Jr., Philip
Douglas, James H. Devine, Henry P. Brown,
M. R. Beard, J. H. Dolan; clerk, M. J. Des-
mond ; chief of police, John C. Sullivan.
1902-03: Mayor, George H. Clark; collec-
tor, C. C. Robertson ; auditor and assessor, J.
D. Young; treasurer, C. M. Prodger ; trustees:
F. F. Tebbets, R. E. Kent, J. G.- Black, John
C. Ing, Jr., S. H. Farley, J. H. Devine, Albert
Elkus, M. R. Beard, E. J. Carragher ; clerk,
M. J. Desmond.
1904-05: Mayor, W. J. Hassett; collector,
J. E. Govan ; auditor and assessor, W. D. Com-
stock ; treasurer, C. M. Prodger ; trustees : F.
F. Tebbets (died 1904, George F. Rider ap-
pointed), Ed. McEwen, J. G. Black, John C.
Ing, Jr., S. H. Farley, R. E. Callahan, Albert
Elkus, James Popert, E. J. Carragher ; clerk
M. J. Desmond ; chief of police, Martin Coffey,
1906-07: Mayor, M. R. Beard; collector
L. H. Spaulding; auditor and assessor, Fred
W. Carey ; treasurer, C. M. Prodger ; trustees
George F. Rider, Ed. McEwen (died 1906, J
H. Schacht appointed), John C. Ing, Jr., M. J
Burke, R. E. Callahan, Harry A. Nauman
James Popert, E. J. Carragher ; clerk, M. J
Desmond ; chief of police, John Denny.
1908-09 : Mayor, Clinton L. White ; collec-
tor, L. H. Spaulding; auditor and assessor,
Fred W. Carey; treasurer, C. M. Prodger;
trustees : George F. Rider, J. H. Schacht, J.
T. Murphy, E. P. Hammond, M. J. Burke, B.
F. Catlett, Harry A. Nauman, O. G. Hopkins,
E. J. Carragher ; clerk, M. J. Desmond ; chief
of police, John E. Sullivan.
1910-11 : Mayor, M. R. Beard; collector, L.
H. Spaulding; auditor and assessor, Fred W.
104
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Carey (died in 1910, Edward Haynes appoint-
ed) ; treasurer, C. M. Prodger (died in 1911,
W. C. Hendricks appointed) ; city attorney, J-
V. Hart; trustees: George F. Rider, J- H.
Schacht, J. T. Murphy, E. P. Hammond, "M. J.
Burke, B. F. Catlett, H. Hoffman (died in
1911, C. W. Mier appointed), O. G. Hopkins,
E. J. Carragher ; clerk, M. J. Desmond ; super-
intendent of streets, R. C. Irvine ; chief of
police, William M. Ahern.
1912 (First half): Mayor, M. R. Beard;
auditor and assessor, Edward Haynes ; collec-
tor, L. H. Spaulding; city attorney, J. V. Hart ;
treasurer, D. McDougall ; trustees : George
Rider, John W. Crone, J. B. Hicks, E. P. Ham-
mond, M. J. Burke, G. C. Simmons, C. W.
Mier, James Mangan, E. J. Carragher ; clerk,
M. J. Desmond ; superintendent of streets, R.
C. Irvine; chief of police, William M. Ahern.
William Johnson was appointed chief of police
by the commissioners December 3, 1912.
1912-13 : President of the commission, M.
J. Burke ; commissioners : J. A. Filcher, Euel-
la B. Johnston, E. M. Wilder, C. A. .BHss ;
clerk, M. J. Desmond ; collector, L. H. Spauld-
ing, succeeded by W. H. Prouty; city attorney,
R. T. McKissick ; assessor, Edward Ha3mes ;
auditor, Charles Cunningham ; treasurer, F.
W. Biewener, Jr. ; chief of police, William
Johnson.
1913-14: President of the commission, M.
J. Burke; c.ommissioners : C. A, Bliss, E. J.
Carragher, George W. Lorenz, E. M. Wilder ;
clerk, M. J. Desmond ; collector, AV. H.
Prouty : city attorney, R. T. ]\IcKissick ; as-
sessor, Edward Haynes ; auditor, Charles Cun-
ningham ; treasurer, F. W. Biewener, Jr. ; chief
of police, William Johnson.
1914-15: President of the commission, M.
J. Burke; commissioners: C. A. Bliss, E. J.
Carragher, Thomas J. Coulter, F. E. Shaw
(died in office); clerk, M. J. Desmond; col-
lector, Ed T. R3'an ; city attorney, Archibald
Yell; assessor, Edward Haynes; auditor, E. D.
Adams ; treasurer, F. W. Biewener, Jr. ; chief
of police, William Johnson.
1915-16: President of the commission, G. C.
Simmons ; commissioners : M. J. Burke, E. J.
Carragher, Thomas J. Coulter, Gus S. Turner ;
clerk, M. J. Desmond; collector, Ed T. Ryan;
city attorney, Archibald Yell ; assessor, Ed-
ward Haynes ; auditor, E. D. Adams ; treas-
urer, F. W. Biewener, Jr. ; chief of police, Ira
M. Conran.
1916-17: President of the commission, G.
C. Simmons; commissioners: Thomas J.
Coulter, E. J. Carragher (died in office), M. J.
Burke, Gus S. Turner; clerk, M. J. Desmond;
collector, Ed T. Ryan ; city attorney, Archibald
Yell ; assessor, Edward Haynes (resigned,
succeeded by C. W. Mier) ; auditor, E. D.
Adams ; treasurer, F. W. Biewener, Jr. ; chief
of police, Ira M. Conran.
1917-18: President of the commission, D.
W. Carmichael ; commissioners : Edward
Haynes, Thomas J. Coulter, G. C. Simmons,
Gus S. Turner; clerk, M. J. Desmond: col-
lector, Ed T. Ryan ; city attorney, Archibald
Yell; assessor, C. W. Mier; auditor, E. D.
Adams ; treasurer, F. W. Biewener, Jr. ; chief
of police, Ira M. Conran.
1918-19: President of the commission, D.
W. Carmichael ; commissioners : Thomas J.
Coulter, EdAvard Haynes, G. C. Simmons, Gus
S. Turner; clerk, M. J. Desmond; collector,
Ed T. Ryan ; city attorney, Archibald Yell ;
assessor, C. W. Mier; auditor, E. D. Adams;
treasurer, F. W. Biewener, Jr. ; chief of police,
Ira M. Conran.
1919-20: President of the commission,
John Q. Brown ; commissioners : D. W. Car-
michael, Edward Haynes, G. C. Simmons, Gus
S. Turner; clerk, M. J. Desmond; collector, L.
W. Nickell (Ryan resigns to become county
tax collector) ; city attorney, Archibald Yell ;
assessor, C. W. Mier; auditor, E. D. Adams;
treasurer, AV. E. Holmes ; chief of police, Ira
M. Conran.
1920-21 : President of the commission, C.
A. Bliss ; commissioners : D. W. Carmichael,
Edward Haynes, John Q. Brown, Gus S. Tur-
ner; clerk, M. J. Desmond; collector, L. W.
Nickell; city attorney, Robert L. Shinn; asses-
sor, C. W. Mier ; auditor, E. D. Adams ; chief
of police, Hugh H. Sydenham.
1921-22: City manager, Clyde L. Seavey;
ma3ror, Albert Elkus ; councilmen : Albert
Elkus, Charles W. Anderson, C. H. S. Bidwell.
Edward S. Brown, Henry AV. Funke, Harold
S. Kiernan, Mary B. Lindley, Daniel D. Sulli-
van, E. M. Wilder; engineer, Albert Given;
controller, H. C. Bottorff; city attorney, Rob-
ert L. Shinn ; assessor, C. W. Mier ; auditor,
E. D. Adams ; purchasing agent, J. J. Haley,
Jr.; chief of police, Barney McShane; police
judge, O. W. Anderson ; treasurer, Fred L.
Martin ; chief of the fire department, M. J.
Dunphy.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
105
CHAPTER XV
SACRAMENTO COUNTY SENATORS
SACRAMENTO County has furnished a
long hst of legislators to the history of
the state and many of them finished their
career begun in the state legislature by being
promoted to high office.
At the first session of the legislature the
members represented Sacramento district,
which was the northern part of the state, there
being at that time no county subdivisions. It
was provided in the constitution of 1849 that
until the legislature should divide the state
into counties, and into senatorial and assembly
districts, Sacramento district should be enti-
tled to four senators and nine assemblymen.
The list of the first legislature shows twelve
assemblymen, but this was caused by the res-
ignation of three of those originally elected.
Cornwall resigned January 28, 1850, and was
succeeded on March 4, by Deal. White re-
signed February 9, 1850, and was succeeded
on March 15, by Henley. Dickerson's seat
was declared vacant December 18, 1849, and
Bigler was seated in his place.
The first legislature inade Sacramento Coun-
ty the twelfth senatorial district, April 4, 1850,
and provided for its representation by one sen-
ator and three assemblymen. May 1, 1851,
the county was made the eleventh senatorial
district, to be represented by two senators and
four assemblymen. There was a reapportion-
ment of the state, May 18, 1861, and the county
was constituted the sixteenth senatorial dis-
trict, to be represented by two senators and
five assemblymen. The Political Code adopt-
ed March 2, 1872, retained this apportionment,
but May 16, 1874, the legislature fixed the ap-
portionment at two senators and three assem-
blymen and renamed the county the eighteenth
senatorial district. March 8, 1883, there was
another reapportionment and the county was
changed to the thirteenth senatorial district,
with one senator. By the act of March 13,
1883, the first and third wards of the city were
made the eighteenth assembly district, the sec-
ond and fourth wards the nineteenth assembly
district and the remainder of the county the
twentieth district, each being entitled to one
assemblyman.
The senators from the county have been as
follows: 1849-1850, John Bidwell, Elisha O.
Crosby, Thomas J. Green and Henry E. Rob-
inson. Bidwell was a man who became promi-
nent in the history of the state. He was one
of the earliest pioneers, arriving here in 1841
by the overland route, after a journey of six
months. He was given charge of Forts Bo-
dega and Ross and also of General Sutter's
Feather River property. During the war with
Mexico he saw service in the army and rose
to the rank of major. He was the first man to
find gold on the Feather River. Elected from
the Sacramento district to the constitutional
convention in 1849, he did not serve as a dele-
gate. He was a delegate to the Charleston
national Democratic convention in 1860, and
was elected to congress from the old third dis-
trict in 1864. He was defeated by George Gor-
ham for the nomination for governor in the
Republican convention of 1867, and Gorham
was beaten at the election by Henry H.
Haight. In 1875 Bidwell was nominated for
governor, but was defeated by William Irwin,
the Democratic nominee ; he was nominated
again for governor on the Prohibition ticket in
1890, and on the same ticket for president in
1892. For many years he made his home at
Chico and there he died, April 4, 1900.
Arriving in California in 1848, Elisha O.
Crosby was a member of the first constitution-
al convention and lived at Alameda for a num-
ber of years. Green was elected a major-gen-
eral by the legislature in 1850. He left
California a few years afterwards and died in
Warren County, N. C, December 13, 1863.
Robinson, a lawyer by education, but engaged
in mercantile pursuits, arrived in San Fran-
cisco in March, 1849, on the "California," the
first steamer that ever entered that port. In
his will he left $40,000 to be used by the board
of supervisors of San Francisco for the benefit
of the poor of that city. Robinson was a mem-
ber of the first council of Sacramento and one
of the early postmasters. He amassed a large
fortune in Alameda County and died at Nor-
walk. Conn., January 9, 1880.
1851, Henry E. Robinson; 1852, Henry E.
Robinson and James H. Ralston. Ralston was
for a number of years one of the leading law-
yers in Sacramento, but went to Washoe dur-
ing the mining excitement in that district and
afterwards settled at Austin. Nev. While
prospecting in search of mineral ledges in Ma)',
1864, he lost his way and perished of starvation
after many days of wandering. An Indian
106
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
discovered and buried his body, which was
afterwards disinterred and buried at Austin.
1853, James H. Ralston and A. P. Catlin;
1854, A. P. Catlin and Gilbert W. Colby. The
latter was a pioneer who in the early days ran
a ferry across the upper Sacramento at Col-
by's Landing. He was surveyor of Sacramento
County two terms, from 1862 to 1866. For
a number of years afterwards he made his
home at Nord, but later located at Martinez
and became interested in banking. He died in
San Francisco, August 20, 1881. A. P. Catlin
was born in New York and came to California
in July, 1849. He was instrumental in getting
the capital located in Sacramento, was promi-
nent in politics and as a lawyer. He died on
November 5, 1900.
1855, G. W. Colby and A. S. Gove. The
latter, who was a merchant, returned to Ver-
mont and died there. At the time he was
elected to the senate he was a member of the
city council.
1856, A. S. Gove and W. I. Ferguson. The
latter was a native of Illinois and was shot in
a duel with George Pen Johnston, dying in
San Francisco from the effect of his wound,
September 14, 1858. His body was interred in
the state plat of the Sacramento City Ceme-
tery. Ferguson was a lawyer of much ability.
Johnston died in San Francisco, March 4, 1884.
1857, W. I. Ferguson and Josiah Johnson.
Johnson was at one time a member of the
board of supervisors and afterwards a city
trustee. He died in Sacramento, December lO,
1888.
1858, W. I. Ferguson and Josiah Johnson ;
1859, J. M. McDonald and Dr. Johnson Price.
McDonald removed to San Francisco some
years after and became prominent as a capital-
ist and mining man. Price was a Kentuckian
and was elected at a special election to fill the
vacancy caused by Ferguson's death. He had
been an officer during the Mexican War and a
member of the convention to revise the consti-
tution of his own state. He came to California
in 1849 and practiced medicine in Sacramento.
He was appointed secretary of state January
10, 1860, by Governor Latham, and held the
office until the expiration of Governor Dow-
ney's term. Afterwards he was a stock-broker
in San Francisco and died there of consump-
tion, February 8, 1868.
1860, J. M. McDonald and Robert C. Clark.
The latter, a son of James Clark, an early con-
gressman, supreme judge and governor of
Kentucky, arrived in this state in 1853 and
began practice of the law in Sacramento. He
was elected county judge in 1861, and was
continuously re-elected to that office until it
was abolished by the new constitution in 1879,
when he was elected superior judge of this
county, filling that office until his death, which
occurred January 27, 1883.
1861, R. C. Clark and E. H. Heacock. Hea-
cock practiced law in this city for a number
of years, and was city attorney from 1863 to
1867. He moved from here to Santa Cruz and
served as county judge there for a number of
years. Later he removed to Santa Barbara
and was appointed superior judge of that
count}^ b}' Governor Perkins, to succeed Eu-
gene Faucett, deceased. Faucett will be recol-
lected as the judge who tried Sprague for
the killing of Moore. Heacock represented San
Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura
Counties in the state senate several terms.
1862, E. H. Heacock and Dr. A. B. Nixon.
Dr. Nixon practiced medicine in Sacramento
for many years and was in charge of the Rail-
road hospital here. He was one of the first in
the county who espoused Republican princi-
ples. Later he became identified with the Pro-
hibition movement and ran for mayor in 1884
on the Prohibition ticket against John Q.
Brown. He also ran as a St. John elector in
1884. He died in this city, November 2, 1889.
1863, Dr. A. B. Nixon and Newton Booth.
1864, J. E. Benton and E. H. Heacock. At
the time of his election Mr. Benton was a min-
ister at Folsom. Benton built the first church
erected in Folsom. Aftervv-ard he became post-
master of Oakland, and died there, February
18, 1858.
1865-66, J. E. Benton and E. H. Heacock.
1867-68, E. H. Heacock and N. Greene Cur-
tis. Curtis arrived in California in May, 1850,
and was recorder or police judge of this city
from 1853 to 1855. For many years he prac-
ticed law here and was regarded as the best
among the criminal lawyers of the state. Soon
after his arrival in Sacramento he was ap-
pointed deputy postmaster and shortly after-
wards Jonathan Tittle, the postmaster, having
gone East on business, left Curtis in charge of
the office. While Tittle was absent, Richard
Eads appeared and claimed that he had been
appointed to the office. Curtis refused to sur-
render the office until Eads presented his com-
mission and filed his bond, and he retained the
office for some months, until Eads had com^
plied with these formalities. When Eads came
in he retained Curtis as his deputy until the
latter was elected recorder. Curtis was a Dem-
ocrat, and was elected to the senate three times
and the assembly once. He was a regent of
the state university from 1880 to 1883, and
was grand master of Masons of California
from 1857 to 1860. He died at Sacramento,
July 27, 1897.
1869-70, N. Greene Curtis and A. Comte, Jr.
Comte was a lawyer and afterwards went to
San Francisco. He graduated from the public
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
107
schools of this city and from Harvard College,
and received his legal training and was admit-
ted to the bar from our local law offices. He
also served in the assembly from Sacramento.
1871-72, A. Comte, Jr., and James A. Duffy.
The latter resided in San Francisco for several
years. For a long time he was chief clerk of
the old California Steam Navigation Company
here, and for a time was clerk in the office of
the secretary of state under Melone. He died
in Lake County, in September, 1889.
1873-74, James A. Duffy and Henry Edger-
ton. A native of Vermont and a distinguished
lawyer, Edgerton served several terms as dis-
trict attorney of Napa County. As such, he
conducted the prosecution of Edward Mc-
Gowan for his connection with the killing of
James King of William (the editor of the San
Francisco "Bulletin"), which led to the form-
ing of the vigilance committee of 1856, and
the purification of San Francisco. He was sen-
ator from Napa County in 1860 and 1861, and
ran unsuccessfully for congress in 1861 and
1862. He was also a member of the last con-
stitutional convention and was the only Re-
publican Presidential elector elected in 1880,
and was re-elected in 1884. He died in San
Francisco, November 4, 1887.
1875-76, Henr}' Edgerton and Creed Hay-
mond. Haymond was a brilliant lawyer, with
a national reputation. He came from Virginia
to California in 1852, and locating in Plumas
County, practiced law there for a number of
years, removing thence to Sacramento. In
1870 he was appointed one of the commission-
ers to draft a code of laws for the state. He
was a delegate to three national Republican
conventions and held a prominent position in
the law department of the Central and South-
ern Pacific Railroads at San Francisco until his
death there, January 13, 1893.
1877-78, Creed Haymond and N. Greene
Curtis.
1880, Grove L. Johnson and William John-
ston. In 1849 Johnston came from Pennsyl-
vania to this state and engaged in mining, but
afterward bought a place near Richland, in
this county, where he passed the rest of his
life, dying at his home, November 15, 1905.
He was a member of the senate for two terms
and of the assembly one term. He was master
of the State Grange two terms and twice a
delegate to the National Grange, and was
grand master of Masons of California. In 1883
he was a member of the state board of equali-
zation by appointment of Governor Perkins,
served as a delegate to the national Republican
convention in 1880, and in 1886 was a promi-
nent candidate for the Republican nomination
for lieutenant-governor.
1881, Grove L. Johnson and William John-
ston.
1883, Frederick Cox and Joseph Routier.
Routier was born in France and came to Cali-
fornia in 1853. He planted one of the first
orchards near Folsom and settled ten miles
from Sacramento, becoming a successful fruit-
raiser. In 1877 he was a member of the as-
sembly, and in 1886 he was appointed by Gov-
ernor Bartlett as a member of the board of
fish commissioners. He died at his home at
Routier's, February 6, 1898. Frederick Cox
came to this state in 1850. He was president
of the State Agricultural Society for several
years. With C. W. Clarke he engaged in rais-
ing cattle for many years, on a large scale.
1885, Frederick Cox and Joseph Routier.
1887, Findley R. Dray. As a boy of seven-
teen, Mr. Dray came to California with his
father in 1850. He mined and farmed for sev-
eral years in different parts of the state, and
finally settled here in 1863, being appointed a
deputy by Sheriff James McClatchy. After
the close of McClatchy's term Mr. Dray was
elected public administrator, and then asses-
sor, for eight years. Judge Clark then ap-
pointed him a supervisor, to fill out the term
of H. O. Seymour, deceased. He engaged in
real estate and insurance and later became
connected with the Sacramento Savings Bank.
He died in this city, November 30, 1901.
1889-91, Findley R. Dray.
1893-95, Elijah C. Hart. Judge Hart is well
known throughout the state, and for many
years has been a resident of Sacramento. He
was a member of the assembly in 1889-1891,
served as superior judge of this county from
1897 until 1906, and was elected in 1907 a jus-
tice of the third district court of appeals, which
office he has filled most creditably. Judge
Hart possesses a host of friends.
1897-99, Gillis Doty. Mr. Doty was one of
the sturdy farmers of the county, respected by
all for his high character and incorruptible in-
tegrity. He was a member of the assembly
for the twenty-fifth and twenty-ninth sessions,
and from 1897 to 1902 was a member of the
auditing board to the commissioner of public
works. In addition he served two terms as a
member of the board of supervisors of this
count3\ He died at his residence in Elk
Grove, July 23, 1909.
1901-03, R. T. Devlin. Mr. Devlin was born
in this city and resided here all his life until
recently, being a member of the law firm of
Devlin and Devlin ever since its formation
many years ago. In 1884 he was appointed a
state prison director. In 1885 he was appoint-
ed penology commissioner and continued as a
member of the board of prison directors until
1905, when he was appointed United States
108
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
district attorney for the northern district of
CaHfornia. He is considered one of the sound-
est and most capable lawyers in the state.
1905-07, J. A. McKee. For a generation Mr.
McKee has been a successful practicing physi-
cian in this county and resides in this city,
still practicing his profession.
1909-11, Charles B^. Bills. Mr. Bills is a
successful business man of this city and form-
erly was the head of the Pioneer Fruit Com-
pany. He now is associated with the Sacra-
mento-San Joaquin Bank.
1913-15, P. C. Cohn, fruit grower and capi-
talist. He now is engaged in the mercantile
business at Folsom.
1917-19, J. M. Inman, leading attorney ot
Sacramento, and active in development, civic
and other matters. Senator Inman led the
fight in the legislature for the enactment of
laws restricting the land-leasing liberties given
the Japanese and other Orientals, although the
measures were not enacted until the forty-
fourth session, in 1921.
1921-23, J. M. Inman.
CHAPTER XVI
SACRAMENTO COUNTY ASSEMBLYMEN
THE first assemblymen, members of the
legislature of 1849-1850, were H. C.
Cardwell, P. B. Cornwall, Rev. W.
Grove Deal, W. B. Dickerson, T. J. Henley,
E. W. McKinstry, John Bigler, George B. Tin-
gley, Madison Walthal, Dr. Thomas John
White, John T. Hughes and John F. Williams.
Sacramento district was entitled at that time
to nine assemblymen, as it comprised all of
the northern part of the state, but Cornwall
resigned and was replaced by Deal ; White
resigned and was replaced by Henley, and
Bigler took the place of Dickerson, whose seat
was declared vacant. Cardwell died at Eos
Angeles, July 4, 1859.
Cornwall arrived in Sacramento in August,
1848, and was a member of the first city coun-
cil. He, with Sam Brannan, foresaw that a
great city would soon spring up on the Sacra-
mento River at the head of navigation, so they
came up from San Francisco to investigate.
Seemingly unimportant events often bring
about great changes. They decided that Sut-
terville would be the most eligible spot for the
city, on account of the high ground there. Ac-
cordingly, they endeavored to make satisfac-
tory arrangements with E. W. Hastings, who
owned the land there, for going into business.
They were unable to do so, and having on
their wa}' up passed two launches loaded with
supplies for the mines, they returned and met
them and persuaded them to go farther up and
unload their cargoes on the Sutter Embarca-
dero at Sacramento. Through this little cir-
cumstance their trading post was established
at this place, and soon a small city sprang up.
Had Hastings agreed with them, the citj'
would have been located at Sutterville. Corn-
wall afterwards went to San Francisco and
engaged in business and died there September
5, 1904. He was a member of the first consti-
tutional convention and of the board of re-
gents of the University of California.
Henley was the father of ex-Congressman
Barclay Henley, and was a native of Indiana.
In that state he served several terms in the as-
sembly, being once speaker. He was a con-
gressman from Indiana three terms, serving
with President Lincoln. He arrived in Cali-
fornia in 1849 and engaged in banking in Sac-
ramento. In 1852 he was a Presidential elec-
tor ; was chosen postmaster in San Francisco
in 1853 ; appointed superintendent of Indian
affairs in 1854; and defeated for Presidential
elector in 1868. He died at his farm in Round
Valley, Mendocino County, May 1, 1875.
McKinstry was a native of Michigan, and
arrived in California in March, 1849. He was
elected judge of the seventh district, Novem-
ber 2, 1852; re-elected September 1, 1858;
elected judge of the twelfth district (San
Francisco) October 30, 1873, but resigned in
the latter part of 1873, having been elected a
justice of the supreme court October 15, 1873.
He was reelected supreme justice September
3, 1879, and resigned October 1, 1888. He died
at San Jose, November 1, 1901.
Bigler was a Pennsylvanian, and was a jour-
nalist and lawyer. He arrived in Sacramento
in 1849, and became an auctioneer and also a
woodchopper. For a time he was speaker of
the first assembly ; he was elected governor
September 3, 1851; re-elected September 7,
1853; defeated for that office in 1855. He
served as United States minister to Chile from
1857 to 1861 ; was defeated for congress in
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
109
1863 : served as a delegate to the Democratic
national conventions of 1864 and 1868 : Avas
appointed assessor of internal revenue for this
district in 1866 and edited the "State Capital
Reporter" from January, 1868, until his death,
November 29, 1871. His body was interred in
the City Cemetery.
Tingley was a native of Ohio and was a bril-
liant lawyer. He removed to Indiana and
there served in the legislature with T. J. Hen-
ley and Vice-president-elect T. A. Hendricks.
He was an unsuccessful candidate for the
United States senate, being defeated for con-
o-ress in 1851. He died at San Francisco,
August 3, 1862.
\Vhite served as speaker till February, 1850,
when he resigned the office and was succeeded
by Henley. He was at one time city council-
man, and died at Tos Angeles in December,
1861.
Deal, a Methodist minister, was elected to
succeed Cornwall (resigned) and he qualified
March 4, 1850. He died in Indiana in June,
1892.
1851, John Bigler. D. J. Lisle and Dr.
Charles Robinson. Lisle built the Twelfth
Street bridge across the American River. At
a special election he was chosen to fill the va-
cancy caused by the death of L. Dunlap, who
had been elected, but died of cholera before the
meeting of the legislature. He went to San
Francisco and died there February 8, 1855.
Robinson came here from Massachusetts.
He was prominently identified with the squat-
ter element in 1850 and was second in com-
mand of the forces of that party in the riot
which took place in August of that year. He
was wounded in the fight and was arrested on
the oath of several citizens that he had been
seen to aim deliberately at the mayor, who was
shot four times during the fight. He was con-
fined in the prison brig when he was elected
to the assembly. In 1854 he, with S. C. Rom-
ero}', led one of the parties of Free State men
into Kansas, and was prominently connected
with the Free State party in the slavery agita-
tion in that commonwealth. He was elected
governor by the Free State men under the To-
peka constitution January 15, 1856, and was
indicted in May by the grand jury for treason,
with the other officers who had been elected.
Some of them fled from the territory, but Rob-
inson was arrested and confined for four
months. While in prison his residence was
burned in the sacking of Lawrence. He was
elected the first governor of the state after the
adoption of the constitution in 1859, and died
at Lawrence, August 17, 1894.
1852, Gilbert W. Colby, Alpheus Kip, G. N.
McConaha and Dr. Joseph C. Tucker. Colby
was also senator one term. McConaha was a
lawyer and was drowned by the upsetting of
a boat at Seattle, May 4, 1854. Kip lived on
the farm near Brighton where Sheriff McKin-
ney was killed by Allen, its then owner (1850).
The farm was owned later by John Rooney.
Kip left this country many years ago. Tucker
went to live in San Francisco and died in Oak-
land, December 22, 1891.
1853, J. W. Harrison, J. Neely Johnson, Rob-
ert Robinson and J. H. Estep. Robinson was
afterward county judge, and was for many
years connected with the law department of
the Central Pacific Railroad Company. He
was adjutant-general in 1865-1866 and died at
San Francisco, September 26, 1894. Estep re-
moved from Sacramento and died at Lakeport
January 11, 1876. Harrison left Sacramento
in the fifties. Johnson was elected district at-
torney of Sacramento in 1850 and in 1855 he
was elected governor on the Know Nothing
ticket. After his term as governor he removed
to Nevada, where he served as a member of
the constitutional convention and as supreme
justice. He died from the effects of a sun-
stroke at Salt Lake City, August 31, 1872.
1854, J. M. McBrayer, Dr. F. A. Park, T. R.
Davidson and J. W. Park. F. A. Park was a
dentist and at one time was deputy sheriff. He
died at San Francisco, November 13, 1870.
The others removed from Sacramento some
years after they served.
1855, John G. Brewton, Philip L. Edwards,
H. B. Meredith and James H. Vineyard. Ed-
wards was a native of Kentucky. He visited
San Francisco with a party of traders in 1836
and returned to the East. He was admitted
to the bar, elected to the Missouri legislature
in 1843, chosen a delegate to the Whig na-
tional convention in 1844, removed to Sacra-
mento in 1850, defeated as the Whig candidate
for congress in 1852, and ran unsuccessfully
for LTnited States senator in 1855. He died
here May 1, 1869. Vineyard was a member
of the city council at the time of his election
to the assembly. He died at Los Angeles,
August 30, 1863. Meredith, a brother of ex-
Supervisor James H. Meredith, of Folsom,
practiced law while living in Sacramento
County. In 1864 he removed to New York,
where he carried on business as a broker, and
where he died. Brewton went to San Fran-
cisco and died there.
1856, George H. Cartter, George Cone.
George W. Leihy and Dr. J. W. Pugh. Cone
was for many years justice of the peace in
Center Township and was an unsuccessful
nominee for county treasurer on the Demo-
cratic ticket. He was a brother of ex-Railroad
Commissioner Cone, and died at Red Bluff,
November 12, 1883. Leihy, a farmer and miner,
was murdered by Indians in Arizona Novem-
no
HISTORY OF SACRAAEENTO COUNTY
ber 18, 1866. Cartter was district attorney in
1852 and 1853. He left this state many years
ago and went to Oregon, where he died at
Portland February 24, 1862. Pugh removed
from the county many years ago, and died at
Stockton, January 24, 1896.
1857, A. P. Catlin, Robert C. Clark, L. W.
Farris and John H. McKune. Catlin and
Clark were also senators. Farris was in busi-
ness here for a number of years, but removed
to another part of the state, and died at Alta-
ville, Tuolumne County, in April, 1878.
1858, R. D. Ferguson, Charles S. Howell,
James E. Sheridan and Moses Stout. For many
years Ferguson conducted a horse market here
and then went to Nevada and in 1868 was a
member of the legislature of that state. Later
he went to Arizona. Sheridan was a farmer
near Georgetown (now known as Franklin)
and died on his farm there, October 12, 1872.
Howell was a farmer living near Walnut
Grove and was killed by the explosion of the
steamboat "J. A. McClelland," near Knight's
Landing, August 25, 1861. Stout died on his
farm in this county, December 20, 1879.
1859, Dr. R. B. Ellis, A. R. Jackson, James
E. Sheridan and Dr. Charles Duncombe. Jack-
son, a well-known school teacher, died in San
Francisco, August 30, 1876. Ellis practiced
medicine here at the time of his election. He
removed to Nevada in 1861 and died at Car-
son, that state, January 12, 1873. Duncombe
was once a member of the city council. His
election gave rise to a novel contest in the
assembly and one that is often cited in the leg-
islature in contested election cases. He was
born in Connecticut and about 1817 removed
to Canada. A couple of months afterwards he
was elected to the colonial parliament and
took an oath of allegiance to the then English
king. He was denounced as a rebel and fled
to the United States in 1837, but was never
naturalized. His seat in the assembly was
contested on the ground that he was not a citi-
zen and January 22, 1859, the house declared
his seat vacant. A special election was called
and on Februar}^ 19 he was elected again by a
large majorit3^ On the 14th he had been ad-
mitted to citizenship under the act of 1795. His
seat was again contested on the ground that
he had not been a citizen for the constitutional
period at the time of his election, and the
house again declared his seat vacant. Sacra-
mento County therefore lost part of its repre-
sentation at this session. Duncombe died at
Hicksville, October 1, 1867.
1860, Dr. R. B. Ellis, L. C. Goodman, Henry
Starr and D. W. Welty. Goodman was at one
time a supervisor and afterward removed from
the county. Starr was a practicing attorney
and died in this city about thirteen years ago.
Welty removed to Nevada, then returned to
Sacramento and practiced law. He removed
to Oregon and died at Chehalis, Wash., March
24, 1891.
1861, Amos Adams, Charles Crocker, N.
Greene Curtis and Dr. Joseph Powell. Adams,
at that time a farmer, afterward became prom-
inent as a member of the Grange. He re-
moved to San Francisco and died at San Jose,
March 18, 1896. Crocker was then a dry-
goods merchant and afterwards acquired na-
tional reputation as one of the builders of the
Central Pacific Railroad. He was at one time
a city councilman. He died at Monterey, Au-
gust 14. 1888. Powell practiced medicine at
Folsom, where he died November 27, 1869.
1862, W. H. Barton, John E. Benton, James
B. Saul, James H. AVarwick and R. D. Fergu-
son. Barton v\'as president of the New Liver-
pool Salt Company in San Francisco for many
years. Benton served also as a senator. Saul
removed to Yolo County, where he managed
a large fruit ranch. He died at Davisville,
October 30, 1881. Warwick, an actor of abil-
ity and a fine orator, removed from here many
years ago.
1863, Amos Adams, W. H. Barton, M. M.
Estee, James H. Warwick and Dr. Charles
Duncombe. Estee served the county as dis-
trict attorney in 1864-1865. In 1882 he ran for
governor and was defeated by Stoneman. He
was chairman of the national Republican con-
vention; a Presidential elector in 1876; nomi-
nee for governor in 1894; United States dis-
trict judge of the Hawaiian Territory, ap-
pointed June 5, 1900. He lived for a number
of vears at his home in Napa, and died at Hon-
olulu, October 27, 1903.
1863-1864, Alexander Badlam, AVilliam B.
Hunt, John P. Rhodes, Francis Tukey and J.
R. Watson. Badlam, in partnership with M.
M. Estee, John Simpson, H. C. Bidwell and
others, published a paper called the "Evening
Star" for about three months from May 25,
1864. He removed to San Francisco and was
elected assessor. He ran for re-election in
1882 and when his friends expressed fear that
he might not win, he said that "it would be a
cold da}^ when he got left." The daj' after
the election some of his friends sent him a ton
of coal and a cord of wood, with a note saying
that it might serve to keep him warm during
the cold day. He was port warden at San
Francisco, 1890-1891, and died in that city,
January 25, 1898. Hunt kept the French Hotel
on Second Street for many years. He was an
old New York fireman in the days of the vol-
unteer companies and was chief engineer of
our fire department. He was known as the
"Sacramento Statesman" when he was assem-
blyman ; was an assemblyman from San Fran-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
111
cisco in 1885. and died there November 13,
1889. Rhodes was a farmer on the Cosumnes.
and died there on his farm, December 20, 1866.
Tukey was marshal of Boston at the time of
the Webster-Parkman murder. He was city
superintendent of schools in 1855 and died on
his farm near this city, November 23, 1867.
For many years Watson was purchasing agent
for the Central Pacific Railroad Company, and
superintendent of the hospital. He died in
this city, September 11, 1889.
1865-1866, Thomas Hansbrow, Dwight Hol-
lister, Peter J. Hopper, William B. Hunt
and J. B. Maholmb. Hansbrow was in busi-
ness in Sacramento for some years. He was
at one time a supervisor, and died August 31,
1868. Hollister was a farmer and fruit-grower
near Courtland. He was once a supervisor
and served in the assembly a second time, in
the twenty-sixth session. He died on his
ranch at Courtland, September 7, 1904. Hopper
was a lawyer and newspaper publisher at
Folsom and afterward moved to Sacramento.
He died July 22, 1883. Maholmb was a farmer
on the Cosumnes, but afterward moved to San
Francisco.
1867-1868, Marion Biggs, Paschal Coggins,
A. Comte, Jr., Bruce B. L,ee and Charles Wol-
leb. Marion Biggs removed to Butte County,
where he lived until his death. He was a
member of the second constitutional conven-
tion and a member of congress from 1887 till
1891. Coggins was for some time local editor
of the "Union," and was a member of the
board of education, but left here, shot himself
in the head in San Francisco and died from
the effects of the wound, November 18, 1883
Comte was also a senator. Bruce B. Lee was
a son of Barton Lee, one of the pioneer mer-
chants and bankers, whose deeds of charity in
the early days of Sacramento are worthy of
remembrance. He was subsequently harbor
commisisoner and later removed to Red Bluff
and engaged in the real estate and insurance
business. A prominent Mason, he was chosen
grand commander of the Knights Templar of
California. He died at Red Bluff, October 30,
1890. Wolleb was secretary of the Germania
Building and Loan Association for years. He
died at Fruitvale, Alameda Countv, December
21, 1883.
1869-1870, Tames A. DuftV, Isaac F. Free-
man, M. S. Horan, John A.'Odell and R. D.
Stephens. Duffy v.'as also a senator. Freeman
was a farmer near Elk Grove. Born in Ohio,
he came to this state in 1852, driving a herd
of cattle across the plains and walking all the
way. After staying a year he returned East,
but came back in 1859, settled near Elk Grove
and carried on a farm there for many years.
He was highly respected by his neighbors, by
whom he was familiarly known as "Uncle
Isaac." He died at his home. December 7,
1892. Horan was afterwards a police judge
and practiced law in San Francisco and died
there, December 10, 1892, three days later than
Freeman, his colleague. Odell died at Folsom,
May 29, 1881. Stephens was born in Illinois
and came overland to California in 1849 with
his father. They located near Mayhews,
where the son developed a very valuable vine-
yard and orchard. He was long one of the
foremost fruit-growers in the county, and he
did much to build up the fruit interests of
the state. He was elected constable in 1859.
to the legislature in 1869, served as warrant
clerk in the controller's office from 1875 to
1880, and was a candidate for controller in
1882 in the Democratic convention. He took
an active part in the constitutional convention
of 1879, and in 1885 was appointed by Presi-
dent Cleveland postmaster of Sacramento. He
was state library trustee, 1889-1894 ; member
of the state board of viticultural commission-
ers, 1890. and the state board of horticulture
from 1896 to 1903. He lived in Sacramento for
^^ears, carrying on his horticultural interests,
but is now deceased.
1871-1872, C. G. W. French, Dr. Obed
Harvey, Peter J. Hopper, ^^'illiam Johnston
and E. B. Mott, Jr. French practiced law at
Folsom and in this, city for many years. He
was appointed chief justice of Arizona by
President Hayes in 1877; was trustee of the
state library from 1866 to 1870, and died in
San Francisco, August 13, 1891. Dr. Harvey
came from Illinois to California in 1850. In
1859 he was a delegate to the first railroad
convention held in the state. In 1869 he located
near Gait and acquired large land holdings.
He served in the state senate and was a direc-
tor of the insane asylum at Stockton for many
years. He died at Gait, January 16, 1894.
Johnston was also a senator. Mott was for
many years a member of the firm of Gillig,
Mott & Company, and was afterward con-
nected with the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance
Company. He was trustee of the state library,
1872-1878, and died here August 4, 1882.
1873-1874, James N. Barton, W. E. Bryan,
Paschal Coggins, Reuben Kercheval and P. H.
Russell. Barton removed to Humboldt Coun-
ty, but later returned. He was a member of
the second constitutional convention. He is
now deceased. W. E. Bryan was a farmer re-
siding in this countJ^ Kercheval was a fruit
farmer with large holdings on Grand Island
and died there, May 9, 1881. Russell was form-
erly a prominent grocer in this city. He re-
moved to San Francisco and died there, Feb-
ruary 12, 1906.
1875-1876, Marion Biggs, Jr., Thomas J.
Clunie and A. D. Patterson. Biggs, the son
of Marion Biggs, Sr., was a farmer near
112
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Franklin, but afterwards moved to Butte
County. He died in Sacramento, January 19,
1903. Clunie practiced law for many years in
this city and afterwards removed to San Fran-
cisco, being sent to congress from that city
and also representing it in the state senate.
In 1884 he was a delegate to the Democratic
national convention. He died in San Fran-
cisco, June v30, 1903. Patterson was a native
of Pennsylvania. He came to California in
1849 and soon afterwards located at Routier's,
his family coming out here in 1852. He was
postmaster at Routier's for fifteen years. In
1851 he was elected sheriff and the first three
men executed by the authorities were hung
during his term. He died at Routier's, Decem-
ber 4, 1884. What is known as Routier's for
years was called Patterson's, until the name
of the postofifice was changed.
1877-1878, Grove L. Johnson, father of the
present United States Senator Hiram W.
Johnson, Reuben Kercheval and Joseph Rou-
tier. Johnson and Routier were also senators.
1880, Ehvood Bruner, Seymour Carr and
John N. Young. Bruner and Young were both
members of the city board of education. The
former was a grand master of the order of
Odd Fellows of California, and was elected
district attorney in 1886 and 1888. He went
to Alaska and is deceased. Young was an
attorney here for a number of years and finally
removed to San Francisco, where he still prac-
tices law. Carr was a farmer near Clay Sta-
tion, where he died in 1918.
1881, John E. Baker, W. C. Van Fleet and
J. N. Young. Baker was a soldier during the
Civil War, and was a farmer down the Sac-
ramento River. He died in this city, May 2,
1881. Judge Van Fleet was born in Ohio and
came to California in 1869, and studied law
with Beatty and Denson. He was admitted
to the bar in 1873 and practiced in Nevada,
returning here in 1876; was appointed a state
prison director in 1883 ; elected to the superior
court in 1885-1892; justice of the supreme
court, 1894-1899; trustee state library, 1899;
code commissioner, 1899-1903; judge of the
United States district court, northern district,
in 1907, which ofUce he still holds.
1883, Gillis Doty, Hugh M. LaRue and
Frank D. Ryan. Doty was for many years a
farmer near Elk Grove and enjoyed the con-
fidence of the community. He was supervisor
several times and was also a state senator for
two terms. He was a member of the auditing
board for the commissioner of public works
from 1897 to 1902. He died at Elk Grove,
July 22i, 1909. LaRue was born in Kentucky
and came to California in 1849, locating at
Fiddletown (now called Oleta), but came to
Sacramento in 1850. In 1857 he was elected
sheriff by a few votes, but lost the office on
a contest. He was elected again in 1873, and
in 1879 was a member of the second constitu-
tional convention. In 1863-1864 he was a mem-
ber of the assembly, being speaker for both
terms. He was a delegate to the national
Detnocratic convention in 1884; was president
of the State Agricultural Society for several
years and an ex-officio regent of the state uni-
versity, and served as railroad commissioner
from '1895 to 1899. He died at Sacramento,
December 12, 1906. Ryan was born in Sac-
ramento, was admitted to the bar in 1880; was
grand president of the Native Sons in 1889 ;
trustee of the state library, 1898-1902; trustee
Chico Normal School, 1899-1901 ; trustee Sut-
ter's Fort, 1891-1903; commisisoner of public
works. 1899-1907; died near Pleasant Grove,
February 9, 1908.
1885, Winfield J. Davis, Charles T. Jones
and Dwight Hollister. Davis was a valuable
man in the history of this county. Having a
taste for literature and history, he preserved
many of the early incidents and records, and
in 1890 published a history of the county, col-
lected with much care and to which the writer
of this history is much indebted for valuable
matter, both then and subsequently. He died
at Marysville, August 3, 1909. Jones served
the county several terms as district attorney.
He was chosen an alternate elector in 1888.
He died in April, 1921.
1887, H. W. Carroll, L. S. Taylor and Sey-
mour Carr. Carroll was born in Sacramento,
was a University of California graduate, and
engaged in various kinds of business here.
He was a prominent Mason and was engineer
officer, brigade inspector, lieutenant-colonel
and aide-de-camp on the staff of Governors
Stoneman and Bartlett. Later he removed to
Seattle, where he held the office of city con-
troller. Ta3'lor was a native of Ohio and
came to this state in 1850. He spent some
time in the mines and later went to Solano,
holding for a year the position of deputy dis-
trict attorney. For some years he practiced
law in this city and was a county commis-
sioner. He was a past grand master of Odd
Fellows, and died in this city, Februarv 6,
1895.
1889, E. C. Hart, AV. M. Petrie and L. H.
Fassett. Judge Hart was a member of the
senate in 1893-1895. Mr. Petrie for over
fift}' years was a resident of this city and a
successful merchant. He served a number of
terms as a member of the city board of edu-
cation, of which he was a member until the
new city charter abolished the board, having
been reelected term after term. He died in the
fall of 1919. ]Mr. Fassett was a farmer and
died at his home near Freeport, December 16,
1889. He served one term as supervisor.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
113
1891. Elwood Bruner, Judson C. Brusie and
Gillis Doty. Mr. Bruner was for many years
a resident of Sacramento, but went to Alaska
during the gold excitement some years ago
and has since died. He was also a mem-
ber of the assembly in 1880 and was district
attorney of this count)' for a time. Judson C.
Brusie, a practicing attorney of this city and
previously an assemblyman from Amador
County, was secretary of the railroad com-
missioners from 1903 to 1908. He died in Los
Angeles, June 10, 1908. In addition to being
an attorney and public man, he was a very
versatile writer and the author of a successful
play.
1893, H. C. Chipman, W. A. Anderson and
Eben B. Owen. Mr. Chipman was a resident
of this city for man)' years and died here. May
26, 1899. Judge Anderson was an old-timer,
having come to this county with his father at
four years of age, in 1849. He was elected
city auditor and took the office four days after
attaining his majority ; was admitted to the
bar of the supreme court while yet a minor.
In 1868 he entered the practice of the law
and was for many years one of the best-known
and most successful attorneys in the state.
He filled the office of city attorney during
several terms, and also that of city justice.
From 1867 to 1875 he was assistant adjutant-
general of the 4th Brigade, N. G. C, with the
rank of major. He died June 24, 1919. Mr.
Owen was a farmer living near McConnell's
on the Cosumnes, where he has a large ranch.
1895, h. T. Hatfield, John E. Butler and
Judson C. Brusie. Mr. Hatfield, an attorney,
was for a number of years legal adviser of the
Sacramento Electric Gas and Railway Com-
pany of this city. Mr. Butler was a farmer
who lived above Folsom. He died some years
ago at his home in Oak Park.
1897, Scott F. Ennis, L. M. Landsborough
and William M. Sims. Mr. Ennis is a prom-
inent citizen of Sacramento, in the wholesale
produce and commission business. Mr. Lands-
borough was a fruit-raiser of Florin and is
now a successful business man in that town.
Mr. Sims was for a number of years a prac-
ticing attorney here, but removed to San Fran-
cisco, where he practiced his profession. He
died in the spring of 1921.
1899, W. D. Knights, Grove L. Johnson and
Morris Brooke. Mr. Knights was for a num-
ber of years engaged in business here, but has
for some years past been a resident of San
Francisco. Mr. Brooke was a fruit-raiser for
some years, but is at present the head of a
large and successful real estate firm.
1901, Louis F. Reeber, W. W. Greer and
Grove L. Johnson. Mr. Reeber was a well-
known citizen of Sacramento. He was elected
as a Democrat and was backed by the labor
organizations of the city. Mr. Greer was a
farmer and prominent in Grange circles. He
is at present prohibition officer in Sacramento.
1903, Grove L. Johnson, W. W. Greer and
J. M. Higgins. Mr. Higgins has been for a
number of years foreman of the bindery in the
state printing office and is very popular among
the labor unions. He was city purchasing
agent up to July 1, 1921.
1905, Frank j. O'Brien, Edward F. Lynch
and C. O. Busick. Mr. O'Brien and Mr.
Busick are both practicing lawyers of this city.
Mr. Lynch is a farmer living near Mills Sta-
tion on the Folsom and Placerville Railway.
Mr. Busick is now superior judge.
1907, Grove L. Johnson, Frank J. O'Brien
and Edward F. L3'nch.
1909, E. L. Hawk, W. W. Greer and Grove
L. Johnson. Mr. Hawk has been for many
years a prominent real estate dealer of this
city, and is very prominent in Grand Army
circles, having been department commander
in 1910.
1911, John C. March, Charles A. Bliss and
E. F. Lynch. Mr. March is well known in
this city, and was city justice for two terms.
Mr. Bliss, a practicing attorney here, was
elected one of the city commissioners at the
election in 1911 under the new charter. He
was again elected for two years, ending his
service as president of the commission with
the advent of the new city council, July 1,
1921.
1913, Hugh B. Bradford and J. M. Inman.
Mr. Bradford has been a very successful dis-
trict attorney, and still holds that position.
Mr. Inman has two terms in the upper branch
of the legislature to his credit.
1915, Lee Gebhardt and Walter W. Cheno-
weth. Mr. Gebhardt and Mr. Chenowetli were
practicing attorneys. Mr. Gebhardt is still
actively engaged in his profession, but Mr.
Chenoweth died several years ago.
1917, Lee Gebhardt and John W. Johnston.
Mr. lohnston, like Mr. Gebhardt. is a practic-
ing attorney of Sacramento.
1919, Lee Gebhardt and John A\'. Johnston.
1921, John W. Johnston and Percy G. West.
Mr. West was formerly a deputy under Sheriff
Ellis Jones. He is a rising young attorney
and a very active member of the Native Sons
of the Golden West and other organizations.
114
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CHAPTER XVII
TOWNSHIPS AND TOWNS
Alabama Township
ALABAMA Township was estabhshed on
October 20, 1856, a prior division of the
county having been made February 24,
1851, by the court of sessions, by which eight
townships (known as Sacramento, Sutter, San
Joaquin, Cosumnes, Brighton, Center, Missis-
sippi and Natoma) were estabhshed. It was
bounded on the north by Lee and Cosumnes
Townships, on the west by Dry Creek Town-
ship, and on the south and east by the county
line. It was originally part of Cosumnes
Township and included township six north,
ranges seven and eight east, which lie north
of Dry Creek, and also a strip from the west
side of townships five and six north, range
nine east, nearly a mile wide, in this county.
John Southerland came into this township
in 1850 and engaged in stock-raising, and
Roberts and Chaplin, who were the first ones
to raise barley in the township, settled on a
ranch near hiin the same year, and Joshua and
William Hewald, adjoining them, also raised
grain and hay. In 1851 Ed Thompson, an old
sea captain, settled with his family in the
township, but afterwards sold his farm to the
Goodwin brothers. Soon after selling he had a
dispute with a laborer, and calling him out of
the house, shot and killed him, then left the
country and was never found. Dr. George
Elliott settled in 1851 at the crossing of the
Stockton road and Dry Creek, and kept a stage
station and hotel, owning the stage line. The
place was known as Elliott's Station and a
postoffice was established there in 1852, Elliott
being appointed postmaster. He sold out in
1858, a Mr. Mitchell being appointed to suc-
ceed him, until the office was discontinued,
when Martin Scott purchased the hotel and
moved it across the creek into San Joaquin
County. James M. Short and W. Lords came
to the township in 1852 ; and other early set-
tlers who came previous to 1855 were S. B.
Lemon, James Crocker, Thomas H. Fowler,
William Mitchell (a large sheep-raiser),
Richard White, William H. Young, William
Gallon, John Bowen and Joshua Bailey. In
1858 Thomas Steele settled at what is now
known as Clay Station, and a postoffice was
established there in 1878, Steele being post-
master, storekeeper and blacksmith. The Sac-
ramento and Stockton stages ran through the
township and by the station and hotel kept
by Dr. Elliott. The Forest Line Stage Com-
pany began running in June, 1869, and ceased
m 1876, running from Gait to Mokelumne Hill.
George Brusie kept a station and hotel. S. B.
Lemon opened a hotel in 1854, which was
closed > in 1861 or 1862, and Calvin Bates
opened one in 1863, on the Michigan Bar or
Laguna road, which closed in 1866.
The first school in the township was a pri-
vate one, kept by George H. Stringfield, in
1857, which lasted one term, and in 1858 a
public schoolhouse was built by private par-
ties. Miss Mary McConnell being the first
teacher.
The soil of the bottom lands is a black
loam. The upland is gravelly, mixed with
adobe, and considerable red loam and sandy
soil. The chief industry was stock-raising
until the passage of the "no-fence" law, since
which time the land is more profitable for
farming than grazing. Thompson and James
brought several herds of cattle into the town-
ship in 1853. and until 1860 "Uncle Billy"
Hicks, of Hicksville, also had many cattle. In
1858 sheep-raising obtained a hold and has
ever since proved profitable. After 1877 bar-
ley, wheat and hay began to be raised profit-
ably. Very little fruit has hitherto been raised
in this township, but of late the large ranches
have been purchased and are being cut up into
small tracts, with the idea of colonizing them
for the purpose of intensive farming and
planting vineyards. Dry Creek is a torrential
stream coming down from Amador County,
which carries water only in the winter and
spring. The Lagoon, as it is known, carries
a great deal of water in winter, sometimes
overflowing its banks, half a mile wide. It
ran nearly through the center of the township.
American Township
On July 30, 1851, the court of sessions cut
ofl' from Sacramento Township all of the land
north of the American River, creating it into
a township to be known as American Town-
ship. On the 20th of October, 1856, the board
of supervisors established the boundaries of
the townships as they existed up to the recent
rearrangement, all but Riverside Township,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
115
which was carved out of Sutter Township in
1909. In 1874 the supervisors changed the
boundaries of Sacramento City, throwing all
the land north of A and North B Streets into
American Township. At present almost all
the land in the township is swamp and over-
flowed land, comprised in Old Swamp Land
District No. 1. The Natomas Consolidated
Company, however, has obtained ownership
of most of tlie overflowed land, and has begun
the work of reclaiming many thousands of
acres, at a cost of several million dollars, and
the area embraced in the township is already
the site of hundreds of small holdings of
alluvial land of great fertility and will make
a thickly settled section tributary to the city
of Sacramento. The township contains about
fourteen thousand acres of the Norris Grant,
or Rancho del Paso. This also is being sub-
divided, and many settlers are making im-
provements on it. The Southern Pacific sta-
tion at Arcade is situated near the southeast
corner of the township.
The Six-mile House on the old Marysville
road was built by Mr. Holmes in 1852 or 1853,
but sold in 1857 under foreclosure to H. C.
Harvey, who was interested in a stage line
from Sacramento to Marysville, and who kept
it as a hotel and farm-house. It was later the
headquarters of a game club. The Arcade
House was about two miles from the Ameri-
can River bridge. The Star Hotel was on the
Nevada road on the Norris Grant. It was a
favorite stopping place for teamsters and was
owned by a Mr. Pitcher in 1857. The Twelve-
mile House was a stage station on the Nevada
road. The land, being sedimentary deposit,
is very rich on the bottoms, and much sedi-
ment was deposited on it by the flood of 1862,
which nearly ruined the farms overflowed,
carrying away barns, houses, tools, etc., and
the indications are that at some time previous
to the American River occupation the water
was much higher than in 1862.
This township was the scene of one of the
early duels — that between Philip W. Thomas,
district attorney of Placer County, and Dr.
Dickson, one of the physicians of the State
Marine Hospital of San Francisco. Thomas
had made some remarks derogatory to the
character of J. P. Rutland, one of the clerks
in the office of State Treasurer McMeans, and
Rutland sent a challenge, which Thomas de-
clined, saying he did not regard the challenger
as a gentleman. Dr. Dickson appropriated the
insult to himself, and sent a challenge to
Thomas in his own name, which was accepted,
and a hostile meeting was arranged for four
a. m., March 9, 1854. The parties left the city
at two-thirty a. m., but found they were pur-
sued by the sherifif and his deputies, and it
was arranged that a mock duel should take
place between two of their friends, H. O.
Ryerson and Hamilton Bowie. They took
position and exchanged shots, and Ryerson
was immediately arrested and taken to the
city, where he gave bonds. The principals
proceeded to the ground, about two hundred
yards from the residence of H. M. LaRue,
where Bowie acted as second for Thomas and
Judge McGowan as second for Dickson. The
distance had been fixed at ten paces, but was
changed to fifteen, in hopes of saving their
lives. The weapons used were dueling pistols,
and both fired promptly at the word, Thomas
being a Httle the quicker of the two, which
probably saved his life, as Dickson's bullet
struck the ground at Thomas' feet. Dickson
fell and was brought to the city, where he died
at midnight. James H. Hardy was then dis-
trict attorney, and the other participants were
indicted, but through the exertions of Col.
P. L. Edwards, their counsel, the indictments
were quashed. Thomas was later twice re-
elected district attorney of Placer County, and
in 1860 was elected to the state senate, but
resigned before the expiration of his term.
He died in Auburn in 1874 or 1875.
Brighton Township
Brighton Township, as originally estab-
lished by the court of sessions, February 4,
1851, was described as follows: Beginning at
the southeast corner of Sacramento Township,
thence along the eastern line of said township
to the county line of Sutter County ; thence
easterly along said line for three miles ; thence
in a southeasterly direction to Murray's Ranch
and including the same ; thence in the same
direction to the intersection of San Joaquin,
Sutter and Cosumnes Townships ; thence
along the northern line of Sutter Township
to the place of beginning. This included part
of what was later known as Center Township.
In 1856 the board of supervisors changed the
boundaries.
The town of Brighton was started in 1849
by a party of Sacramento speculators, the
town plat made, lots staked off, a race track
and the Pavilion Hotel built by the originators
of the enterprise. It was located on the bank
of the American River, nearly a mile north of
the location of what is now known as Brigh-
ton. In 1849-1851 it was a lively place. The
Pavilion Hotel burned down in 1851, and
another hotel, the Five-mile House, with John
and George Berry as proprietors, was started,
but closed in 1856. There were two stores
and several dwellings in the town, but in 1852
it was abandoned, on account of land troubles,
defective title and other reasons.
The station and postoffice now known as
Perkins was called Brighton until the early
eighties, when the name was changed. At one
116
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
time the postoffice at Brighton was moved to
what is now called Brighton Junction, remain-
ing there for four years, and then going back
to its present location. T. C. Perkins built
the first store and was the first postmaster
there in 1861, and his son, C. C. Perkins, suc-
ceeded him. S. H. Pugh built the AA^ash-
ington Hotel and the first blacksmith shop in
1874.
Hoboken, or Norristown, was laid off by
Samuel Norris in 1850 on the south bank of
the American River. Very little was heard of
it till the flood of 1852, when Sacramento was
cut off by water, and Sacramento merchants
had to move to the high ground in order to
reach their customers. The town was re-
christened Hoboken, and grew quickly. Janu-
ary 10, 1853, there were from thirty to fifty
houses and tents. Prominent business houses
of Sacramento swelled the population to sev-
eral hundred. In January of 1853 the vote for
the election of mayor of the town stood, after
an exciting campaign: E. L. Brown, 613;
Samuel Norris, 546; J. B. Starr, 598. Mayor
Brown made a speech to the voters, promising
faithfully to perform the duties of his office,
"provided I am paid for it." When the waters
subsided Hoboken was deserted and became
farm land.
Routier postofiice, named in honor of Joseph
Routier, is on the Placerville railroad. Rou-
tier settled there in June, 1853, as the agent of
Captain Folsom, occupying the house built by
Leidesdorfif in 1846. He bought part of the
property and lived there until his death in
1898. The first railroad station in this vicinity
was at the American Fork House, or Patter-
son's. A few years later the station was moved
to Mayhews. In 1871 Mr. Patterson lost his
new house by fire, and rebuilt at Routier's.
In 1872 Mrs. Mayhew, postmistress at May-
hews, resigned, and the ofiice was moved to
Routier's and Patterson was appointed post-
master.
A. D. Patterson came to this country in 1849
and started the American Fork or Ten-mile
House on the Coloma Road, remaining there
until 1871. The house was constructed prin-
cipally of cloth, and was about ten miles from
Sacramento. It became popular, and flour-
ished so that in 1850 he built a wooden house
costing, it was said, about $40,000, owing to
the cholera season in that year. On Christ-
mas Eve, 1850, a ball was held that realized
$1,500, of which Patterson paid $250 to Loth-
ian's band for music. In 1853 the "Plank
Road," built on the continuation of J Street,
reached Patterson's Hotel, which was its east-
ern terminus. The house immediately became
a great place of resort, and flourished till he
sold it in 1872.
The Magnolia, also known as the Five-mile
House, was built originally in 1849, on the
old Placerville and Jackson stage road, and
was well known in its day. It was burned
twice in 1863, and rebuilt the second time. The
Twelve-mile House was built in 1853 by a man
named Caldwell, and was known as the Ante-
lope Ranch. The Fourteen-mile House was
built on the old Coloma Road in 1850, and
sold to John Taylor in 1854.
Among the early settlers in the township
we have gathered the following: N. J. Stevens
settled near Patterson in 1850. Charles Malby
settled here in 1849, and kept the Nine-mile
House on the Coloma Road. James T. Day
came in 1849. Israel Luce came in 1850. James
Allen came with his family to the American
River, and was driven out in the Squatter riot,
the sherifif having been killed at his house, as
heretofore narrated, and an adopted son of his
having also been killed. He returned, and sold
his place in 1861. AA^ B. AAHiitesides settled
in the township in 1850, on what is known as
the Rooney place. A. B. Hawkins came in
1849. A. Cerytes came in 1850, but moved
away later. A. Kipp and Charles Petit set-
tled on the Allen place in 1851, but when he
returned they gave it up to him. John Rooney
came in 1851. AA''. S. INIanlove and Dr. Kellogg
settled there in 1849.
Mills Station, formerly known as Hangtown
Crossing, has a store owned by John Studarus,
and formerly a gristmill from which it took
its name.
AA'alsh's Station is situated on the Jackson
road about nine miles from Sacramento, and a
postoffice was established there in 1873, J.
Walsh, who kept the store, being postmaster.
Enterprise Grange Hall was built there the
same year by a business association connected
with the Grange.
Center Township
Center Township was established by the
court of sessions in 1851, and comprised part
of the present township, as well as parts of
Brighton, Granite and Lee Townships. The
supervisors in 1853 changed the boundaries
of Brighton and Center Townships, making
the portions of both lying north of the Ameri-
can River, Center Township. In 1856 new
boundaries were established. The township is
almost entirely composed of Spanish grants.
About 30,000 acres of the Norris Grant, known
now as the Rancho del Paso, are in the town-
ship ; also about 8,000 acres of the old San
Juan Grant, the latter having been subdivided
and sold in smaller parcels. Some years ago
the Rancho del Paso was sold by J. B. Haggin
to Eastern capitalists, and has been rapidly cut
up and sold in small farms to settlers. The
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
117
price paid for it is stated to have been about
$1,500,000. For fifty years its 44.000 acres
stood like a stone wall in the way of the city's
expansion on the north, as Mr. Haggin refused
to sell it, except as a whole. The proprietors
of the Norris Grant made three separate at-
tempts to reach artesian water or to find a
flowing well, but were unsuccessful, and the
last of the three wells was abandoned in 1879.
The depth of these wells was, respectively,
900 feet, 640 feet, and 2,147 feet.
The Auburn road runs diagonally through
the township, and in the early days houses of
refreshment were located along it at short in-
tervals, the most prominent of them being the
Oak Grove Hovise, about seven miles from
Sacramento, which was a popular resort in
1851-1852. It was kept by D. B. Groat, and
was the one at which the parties of the
Denver-Gilbert duel took breakfast on the
morning of the tragedy, the ground being
only a few yards away. The house disap-
peared long ago. This was one of the most
noted duels in the early history of the state,
and had its origin in a newspaper controversy
in 1852. Denver was at the! time in charge of
the supplies for overland immigration, and
Gilbert attacked him editorially, charging
members of the expedition with dishonesty.
He finally sent Denver a challenge, which was
accepted, Denver, as the challenged party,
choosing rifles, and the distance thirty paces.
At sunrise August 2, 1852, the combatants met
on the ground, and in the toss for choice of
position Denver won, and placed his back
toward the rising sun. Ex-Mayor Tesche-
macher was Gilbert's second and V. E. Geiger
was Denver's, while Dr. Wake Briarly was
surgeon. The first fire resulted in the bullets
of each striking the ground in front of the
other. At the second shot Gilbert was shot
in the bowels and fell into the arms of his
friend, dying without a struggle. His body
was carried to the Oak Grove House. Gilbert
was born in Troy, N. Y., and worked himself
up from the printer's case to a seat in con-
gress. He came to California with Stevenson's
regiment in 1847, having previously been as-
sociate editor on the Albany "Argus," though
at the time of his death he was only thirty
years of age. Early in 1849 he combined the
California "Star" and the old "Californian,"
from which sprung the "Alta California." He
was a delegate to the first constitutional con-
vention, and the first man from the Pacific
Coast to take a seat in congress. His body
was taken to the residence of J. H. Nevett in
Sacramento, and impressive funeral services
held by Rev. O. C. Wheeler at the First Bap-
tist Church, the procession being headed by a
company of cavalry under command of Cap-
tain Fry. The body was taken to San Fran-
cisco, and final services held at Rev. T.
Dwight Hunt's church, every newspaper edi-
tor and reporter in San Francisco attending
the funeral.
Antelope is a village on the Southern Pacific
Railway. In 1876 a large brick warehouse
was built by J. F. Cross, costing $3,000. The
first store was started in 1877 by the Antelope
Business Association, and the second by R.
Astile in 1879 in the hotel building. The post-
office was established in 1877, Joel Gardner
being postmaster. For many years it has been
a shipping place for hay and grain into the
mountains, and of late fruit- and almond-
raising is increasing in that section. Arcade
is a way station on the Southern Pacific.
Within recent years the Western Pacific Rail-
Avay and the Northern Electric Railwa}' have
been built through the township and have
established some way stations.
Cosumnes Township
Cosumnes Township originally embraced
parts of Dry Creek and San Joaquin Town-
ships. The township boundaries were estab-
lished by the board of supervisors in 1856,
and the villages of Cosumnes, Michigan Bar,
Sebastopol, Live Oak and Buckeye were with-
in its limits.
Michigan Bar was so named because the
first settlers were from Michigan. Much gold
mining was done in Cosumnes Township,
gold having been discovered there in 1849, and
it was probably discovered by the two Michi-
gan men who founded the place. This was
the largest mining camp in the district, and
the first claims were only allowed to be six-
teen feet. AVhen hydraulic mining began the
miners made their own rules. In the fall of
1851 the miners began working the gulches,
hauling the dirt in carts to the river. This
was the first dry mining done in this locality.
In the summer most of the mining was done
on the river and bars. The Knightsomer
ditch in 1851 (the first built), and the David-
son ditch, built in 1854, were both on the
north side of the river. In 1858 hydraulic
mining began, and some 200 to 300 acres were
washed of? to the depth, sometimes, of twenty
feet, the district being one of the best for
placer mining in California. At one time
Michigan Bar had from 1,000 to 1,500 popula-
tion, some estimating it as high as 2.000, and
in the fifties it polled as high as 500 votes.
A toll bridge, built in 1853 by Samuel Put-
nam, was bought by the county in 1879 and
made free. A new iron bridge, 362 feet in
length and costing $3,300, was built in 1887.
The Michigan Bar Pottery Works were built
in 1859 by J. W. Orr, who discovered what
was thought to be the best bank of clay for
pottery in the state.
118
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
A man named Prothero was the first set-
tler, and brought his family of four sons and
two daughters with him. Larkin Lamb and
wife settled there in 1851.
Gold was discovered at Cook's Bar (named
after a man named Dennis Cook, who settled
there in 1849) about the same time as at
Michigan Bar, and quite a large town, with a
large hotel, stores and saloons and 500 popu-
lation sprang u]), but practically ceased to
exist in 1860.
Sebastopol. a mining town, sprang up in
1854. The place was so named by the miners,
the Crimean War then being in progress.
During the lively times 300 to 400 ounces of
gold dust were sold here weekly, but the town
dwindled down to four houses by 1859. Kates-
ville, another mining town, was established
in 1854 and deserted in 1862.
Live Oak was also established in 1854, and
for several years gold to the amount of $2,000
to $3,000 was sold there weekly. AVells Fargo
& Company had an office there from 1858 to
1861, and the Hamilton line of stages ran
through Live Oak on their way from Moke-
lumne Hill to Sacramento. There were three
stores, two hotels and other business houses,
but the place went down in 1861. Among the
early settlers were B. R. Robinson, Henry
Lancaster, W. S. Crayton, Thomas Olive, J. C.
Dunn, Patrick Gafifney, John Gaflfney, George
Freeman, R. D. Reed, Alfred Ball and V.
Perry. George McKinstry came to the state
in 1847, and opened a store and trading post
on the Cosumnes River in 1849. He owned a
part of what was known as Sacayac Grant,
later called the Pratt Grant, on the Cosumnes
River, and sold the ranch and store to Eman-
uel Pratt, who ran it till 1855, when he closed
out the business. J. O. Sherwood settled on
the south side of the Cosumnes in 1850. Jacob
A. Hutchinson, Sr., crossed the plains in 1846,
and settled on the Cosumnes River in 1849.
He soon started on a prospecting trip to the
northern mines, and was never heard of again.
James Pollock came to the state in 1846 with
his family, and settled on the Cosumnes in
1853. He claimed that his daughter, Mary,
was the first white child born in the state, but
the claim is disputed.
Jared Sheldon, the owner of the Sheldon
Grant, in 1851 bought a piece of land half a
mile above where McCabe's bridge was after-
wards built. He built a costly dam and dug a
race three-quarters of a mile long, the dam
being built of square timbers, tied together
with oak ties, and filled in with rocks, six-
teen feet high. The miners learned of his in-
tention and protested, on the ground that it
would overflow their claims, but he disre-
garded their protest, and completed the dam.
When the water began to reach the claims
several meetings were held, both sides being
represented. Sheldon built a fort on a point
of rocks which commanded the dam, placed
a cannon upon it, and employed a number of
men to defend it. July 12, 1851, however, the
fort was surprised and taken, Sheldon being
absent. He was sent for to come and let the
water ofif, and arrived soon after with a dozen
men, but refused to let the water off^, and the
miners made an ineffectual attempt to blow
up the dam. When it failed, one of the miners,
of whom there were about a hundred present,
seized an ax, and calling on the others to pro-
tect him, walked to the edge of the dam and
began chopping. There is a dispute as to who
fired the first shot, one account stating that
Sheldon ordered one of his men to shoot the
miner who was chopping the dam, and that
this man and another fired at him, whereupon
the miners fired at the Sheldon party, killing
Sheldon, and Johnson and Cody, the two men
who fired. The only man injured on the min-
ers' side was the man on the dam, who was
slightly wounded. The dam was opened and
the water let out, and it was entirely swept
away by the high water of 1851-1852.
Jordan H. Lowry settled at Michigan Bar
in 1854, and lived there for many years. There
were plenty of hotels in the township between
1850 and 1862. The Public House, built at
Coats' Ferry, closed in 1858, and another hotel,
built by Coats, on the other side of the river,
was closed in 1857. The Hamilton House, on
the Sacramento and Dry Town road, near the
river, was burned in 1853, and never rebuilt.
The Gold Spring House, on the Gold Spring
Ranch, was built in 1849 and closed in 1853.
The Mountain House was built in 1850 by
James Gordon, whose wife gave birth to twins
the same year, the first twins born in the
township. The Wilbur Hotel, built by Y. S.
Wilbur in 1850, and sold to Larkin Lamb in
1851, was closed by him in 1858. The Ohio
House, built by a company from Ohio, was
sold in 1856 or 1857 to James Cummings, who
changed its name to the Cummings House.
It was located at Sebastopol and burned down
in 1864 and was never rebuilt. The Hamilton
Hotel was opened at Sebastopol by J. H.
Hamilton in 1857. The Prairie Cottage, about
a mile and a half above Sebastopol. on the
lone Road, was built in 1851 and closed in
1864. The Blue Tent House, on the Buckeye
Ranch, built in 1849 bj- Sage & Company,
closed as a hotel in 1870. The Niagara House
was opened in 1849 on Willow Springs Creek
by Moore & Ball, and closed in 1856. Cook's
Bar House, opened by Chenault & Hall, in
1854, did a good business for several years,
but closed in 1870.
While there is some good agricultural land
in what was Cosumnes Township, and some
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
119
hopyards along the river, most of the land is
classed as mineral and is but little worked,
being- largely devoted to grazing. The march
of progress and the new methods of treating
the land will probably result in turning it to
fruit-raising.
The first school in the township was opened
in 1853, the whole township being included
in the district.
Dry Creek Township
Dry Creek Township was originally in-
cluded in San Joaquin Township, but was set
off by itself in August, 1853, all the land
southeast of the Cosumnes River being set off.
The boundaries were modified and established
by the board of supervisors, October 20, 1856.
It was mostl}' included in the boundary line of
the San Jon de los Moquelumnes, or ChaboIIa
Grant. Dr. W. L. Mclntyre came into this
count)' in 1849, with his family, settling in
Dry Creek Township in 1851. He built the
first frame house in the township in April,
1851, near Gait. Mrs. Rosanna Mclntyre died
at the residence of Ephraim Ray in Gait, Feb-
ruary 20, 1889, in her seventy-ninth year.
Calvin T. Briggs and John Burroughs had
large herds of cattle on both sides of the river
as early as 1850, and Burroughs returned to
the East in 1857. Briggs built the second
frame house in the township in 1851, they
having previously lived in an adobe house.
Rev. N. Slater and family came in 1851 and
engaged in stock-raising. He sold his 500-
acre farm in the Chabolla Grant in 1869 and
moved into Sacramento in 1876.
Grant I. Taggart and the Ringgold broth-
ers took up a claim in 1852, but stayed only a
few months. Taggart was afterwards clerk
of the supreme court. Willis Wright pur-
chased part of their claim in 1853. Thomas
Armstrong came into possession of part of
the Ringgold place in 1852, and engaged in
the dairy business. Dr. Russell came in 1850,
engaging in the cattle business about four
miles from Gait, until his death in 1861. Wil-
liam H. Young was among the early settlers.
S. Fugitt and family settled on Dry Creek in
1852 and kept a hotel for some years. Hiram
Chase came in 1852. George Gray settled in
the township in 1850, James Short in 1853,
Andrew Whitaker in 1852 and John McFar-
land in 1851. Evan Evans came in 1851,
Henry D. Cantrell in 1853. Thomas McCon-
nell in 1855, Thomas Lorin in 1851, George
Need in 1852, Peter Planalp in 1852, H. Put-
ney in 1853, Peter Williamson in 1852, David
Davis in 1853, P. Green and wife in 1852 or
1853, Peter Riley in 1852, Samuel Wriston and
Ephraim Ray in 1852.
The first death in the township occurred
February 14, 1851, and was that of a Mrs.
Jackson, who was with her husband, visiting
at Dr. Russell's house. There was only one
white womna, Mrs. Mclntyre, present at the
funeral, and most of those who attended it
were Indians. At the grave the Indians squat-
ted around on the ground, making a strange
picture. In 1853 a Fourth of July celebration
was held at Mclntyre's house. The settlers
came from all over the county and many from
San Joaquin County. A flag was made by four
of the ladies, the red stripes from a red window
curtain and the blue field from a blue shawl.
The stock interests later gave way to grain,
and much wheat was raised for years. There
was little, if any, mineral in the township.
The town of Gait was laid out by Obed
Harvey and the Western Pacific Railroad
Company in 1869, and the Gait House, an old
hotel erected by S. Fugitt, was moved to the
town. It was discontinued in 1872.
Whitaker & Ray started their store in Gait
in 1859, and amassed a fortune. The post-
office was established the same year, with
John Brewster as the first postmaster.
The First Congregational Church of Gait
was established October 13, 1877, Rev. Wil-
liam C. Stewart being pastor, and the first
officers were James Ferguson and E. C. Morse,
but religious services had been held in the
schoolhouse at irregular times by various de-
nominations since 1869. In 1884 the church
erected a fine building through the energy of
Dr. Harvey and John McFarland. The Meth-
odists in 1879 took a schoolhouse built in 1872
and converted it into a church. The Christian
Church was organized in 1887 or 1888. The
Catholics laid the corner-stone of their church
October 12, 1885, and it being the 393rd an-
niversary of the discovery of America by
Columbus, the church was named St. Christo-
pher's Church in commemoration of that event.
Rt. Rev. P. W. Riordan, Archbishop of San
Francisco, officiated.
Phoeni.x Lodge No. 259, I. O. O. F., was
instituted in Gait December 29, 1875, by
Grand IMaster D. W. Welty. Gait Encamp-
ment No. 65, I. O. O. F., was organized May
13, 1881. Rei Rebekah Lodge, No. 132, was
organized March 20, 1888, with forty-eight
charter members. There are 110 members en-
rolled at present. Gait Lodge, F. & A. M., was
organized in the fall of 1882 with fifteen char-
ter members and S. W. Palin as master. The
Knights of Pythias were organized February
12, 1883. Gait Lodge No. 113, A. O. U. W.,
was instituted June 21, 1879. Other organiza-
tions have been instituted from time to time.
The Order of Chosen Friends was instituted
in 1882: the Golden Shore Lodge in May,
1889; the Grand Army Post July 12, 1888, and
the Order of the Iron Hall, an incorporated
order, in 1889.
120
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Hicksville was named after "Uncle Billy"
Hicks, one of the oldest settlers in the town-
ship, who came in 1847 and began stock-rais-
ing. The postoffice was established at his
place in 1854 and was transferred to the pres-
ent site of Hicksville in 1857. There is now
a postoffice at .Arno on the Valensin place,
at Arno Station, the Hicksville postoffice
which was off the railroad having Jaeen dis-
continued a number of years ago. At present
there are a number of subdivisions being
carved out of the large farms in the township,
the principal ones of which are the Valensin
Colony and Herald. The Central California
electric road runs through what was Dr}'
Creek Township, and the new colonies are
located on its line.
Franklin Township
Franklin Township was formed out of the
original Sutter Township by the board of
super\-isors October 20, 1856. It lay between
the Sacramento River, the Cosumnes and
Mokelumne Rivers, and Sutter Township.
The lands in this township are all either agri-
cultural or marsh lands, the latter, where re-
claimed, being very valuable for fruit-, grain-
or vegetable-raising, and much alfalfa is also
produced on them. The agricultural lands
have been mostly used for grain-raising, being
much of them adobe, with some sections of
the red plains loam. There are also some
vineyards upon them. There is a chain of
lakes running through the western part of the
township and connecting with Snodgrass
Slough. Along the river are some of the finest
orchards to be found in the state, producing
all kinds of fruit, berries, vegetables and al-
falfa, which are carried to San Francisco and
to Sacramento for shipment to the East.
Almost every orchard has its river landing,
where numerous fruit and produce boats ply
daily through the fruit season. The titles were
all procured from the United States, there be-
ing no Mexican or Spanish Grants in the town-
ship. The largest business enterprise in the
township was the brickyard on the river.
Joseph Sims came to the state in 1847, with
Stevenson's regiment, and for some years be-
fore his death was the oldest living member
of the Sacramento Society of Pioneers. He set-
tled in Franklin Township in 1849, J. B. Greene
came in 1850, J. C. Beach in 1850, William H.
Fry in 1852, Joseph Green in 1851, Truman N.
Fassett in 1852, George W. Hack in 1855, R.
Kercheval in 1850, David T. Lufkin in 1850,
Jacob Miller in 1853, John Reith in 1855,
Solomon Runyon in 1850, Myron Smith in
1853, Adam Warner in 1853. Union House
was established in 1852 by Amos Butler, and
had a postoffice. The Six-Mile House was built
by a man named Prewitt in 1853-1854. The
Twelve-mile House was built in 1850 by a
man named Hesser.
Freeport, eight miles from Sacramento on
the river, was the place from which the Free-
port Railroad Company projected its road in
1862-1863 to connect with the Sacramento
Valley Road, and enjoyed quite a shipping
trade to the mines for several years. A. J.
Bump built the first store in 1863, and the first
hotel was started by E. Greer the same year.
There was a population of from 300 to 400
people at that time, but now only a few people
remain. It had a postoffice. Freeport Lodge
No. 26, I. O. G. T., was instituted in January,
1884, and built a lodge building. The order
went down some years ago.
Franklin, for many years known as George-
town, has a postoffice, stores, hotel and a num-
ber of residences, and was settled in 1856 by
Gen. Andrew George. The schoolhouse was
erected and used two years as a high school,
but was abandoned as such on account of the
expense. Franklin Grange, P. of H., was in-
stituted January 9, 1874.
Richland was started in 1860 as a landing,
and had a large warehouse, a school, a Meth-
odist church and a few residences.
Courtland is a landing for all the steamers,
and was established in 1870 by James V. Sims.
It has a postoffice, telegraph and Wells Fargo
office, and a store. In December, 1879, a fire
destroyed the part of it known as Chinatown,
which was rebuilt.
Onisbo, named after a chief of the Digger
Indians there, was settled by A. Runyon in
1849. A postoffice was established in 1853,
but was moved to Courtland in 1857. The
schoolhouse, with the lodge room of Franklin
Lodge No. 143, F. & A. M., overhead, was
erected in 1860 at a cost of $2,200. Franklin
Lodge was instituted in 1861, with George
A. Blakeslee as master.
Georgiana Township
Georgiana Township joined Franklin Town-
ship on the south, and was set off from Sutter
Township, of which it was originally a part,
by the court of sessions, August 14, 1854, com-
mencing at a point about opposite to Steam-
boat Slough. On October 20, 1856, the board
of supervisors established Merritt Slough as
the northeast corner. The township was com-
posed almost entirely of what are generally
known as the River Islands, including part of
Sutter Island, almost all of Grand Island, and
all of Andrus, Tyler, Twitchell, Brannan,
Sherman and Wood Islands, and having about
one hundred miles of levee. No richer land
is to be found than that in this township, and
the lands along the river and sloughs, when
reclaimed, yield prodigiously. The orchards
of all kinds of fruit keep a number of boats
HISTORY OF SACRA:\1ENT0 COUNTY
12]
busy during- the fruit season, and ship pota-
toes and vegetables to San Francisco and
Sacramento all the year round. The land is
being devoted extensively to the raising of
asparagus and celery of late, yielding great
profits. The stretch of land on the river from
Freeport down, with its thirty-five miles of
orchards, has been famous for years, and the
nine miles of river front on the Pearson Recla-
mation District has excited much comment
from press and public. It includes about 9,000
acres, and a splendid levee was constructed
around it in 1878. The old levee gave way
and it was flooded, many of the owners being
ruined, and about 4,000 acres fell into the
hands of the San Francisco Savings Union,
which proceeded to reclaim it under the man-
agement of P. J. Von Loben Sels. Over
$300,000 was spent in levees, pumping plant
and other improvements. The land reclaimed
has proved of marvelous productiveness for
grain, potatoes, beans and other vegetables.
Brannan Island has about 8,000 acres, nearly
all under cultivation. The leeves and the resi-
dents have suft'ered greatly from floods in the
years since the settlement in 1852, but the land
is now protected by levees more scientifically
constructed, and is very productive.
Sherman Island is the southernmost point
of Sacramento County, and was first settled by
Robert P. Beaslej^ in 1855. It was all re-
claimed in 1873, and the land increased in
value rapidly, the crops being good and every-
thing prospering. The high water of 1878,
however, dispelled the rosy anticipations of
the owners and brought disaster to them, de-
stroying the levees and making a swamp of
the island. At various times since then the
levees have been rebuilt Avith the same result.
Within the last few years, however, the levees
have been raised and strengthened by huge
dredgers, and are considered secure at present.
A great drawback to the reclamation of the
islands lies in the fact that they are of peat
formation, and at various times the weight of
the sand placed on them too close to the river
has caused the levee to slide down into the
river. Of late the levees have been set further
back with a long slope on the side next to the
river, and as a result all the islands will be
ultimately reclaimed. There are two wharves
on the island, and Emmaton is a small place
on the Sacramento River.
Twitchell and Tyler Islands have been great
suflFerers from floods, the former having been
purchased by the Tide Land Reclamation
Company in 1869 and reclaimed in 1870, only
to be overwhelmed by the water.
Andrus Island was settled in 1852 by George
Andrus, at the upper end. It contains about
7,000 acres and is all reclaimed. Isleton, forty-
one miles from Sacramento, is at the lower
end of this island. It was established by
Josiah Pool in 1874, and has enjoyed prosper-
ity for many years. The wharf was built in
1875. Formerly the principal industry was
the raising of sugar beets, but it was finally
discontinued. For some years a lodge of Good
Templars and a Grange of Patrons of Hus-
bandry flourished here.
Sutter Island has been under process of
reclamation for many years, and is now large-
ly under cultivation. Walnut Grove was set-
tled by John W. Sharp in the fall of 1851, and
there has been a postofiice there since 1855 or
1856. It is situated at the junction of Georgi-
ana Slough with the Sacramento River. It
has a wharf at which the steamers stop going
both ways, also a store, schoolhouse, a hotel
and a hall. It is a point from which much
produce is shipped. The growing of asparagus
and celery has expanded very fast within the
past ten or fifteen years, and a large area of
the splendid alluvial soil near the river is being
devoted to it.
Lee Township
Lee Township was formed October 20, 1856,
by the board of supervisors and was bounded
on the north by Granite Township, on the east
by Natoma and Cosumnes, on the south by
Alabama and on the west by San Joaquin and
Brighton Townships. Of the original town-
ships it contains part of what was San Joaquin
Township and a large portion of the original
Cosumnes Township. South of the Cosumnes
River it includes part of the Hartnell Grant ;
north of the Cosumnes and parallel to it is
the Sheldon Grant. About 3,800 acres of the
Leidesdorfl^ Grant is in the northern part of
the township. Along the Cosumnes River
and Deer Creek is the rich alluvial land, pro-
ducing alfalfa and fruits. Back from the river
is the red soil known as plains or agricultural
land. On the high land much of it is gravel
and used principally for grazing.
Approaching the Cosumnes River on the old
Jackson road, as one reaches the brow of the
hill, a beautiful green valley strikes the eye,
and winds toward the south with the river.
In the summer, when the hills are brown, it
gives one beholding it for the first time a
pleasurable surprise. One summer evening
in 1840 William Daylor, who was in the em-
ploy of Captain Sutter, while on a cattle hunt,
rode to the top of the hill which overlooks the
valley of the Cosumnes. The valley at that
time was thickly populated with Indians and
as Daylor did not care to make too close an
acquaintance with them, he did not descend
into the valle)-. but went back to the fort.
He reported what he had discovered to his
friend, Jared Sheldon, who was at the time
employed by Sutter as a carpenter. Sheldon,
122
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
who was a naturalized citizen of Mexico, had
certain claims against the Mexican govern-
ment for services in building the custom house
at Monterey, saw his opportunity, and made
an arrangement with Daylor, by which he
(Sheldon), through his friend. E. P. Hartnell,
who was then secretary of state and govern-
ment interpreter for California under the Mex-
ican government, should obtain a grant of the
valley discovered by Daylor, in liquidation of
his unsettled claim. Daylor was to settle with
two or three companions on the grant, while
Sheldon was to stock the ranch with cattle,
and the two were to become equal partners in
the land and cattle.
Sheldon took the preliminary steps for se-
curing the grant, and then purchased 300 head
of cattle of Dr. Marsh, of Marsh's Landing
(now Antioch), for which he was to pay in
carpenter work, which he entered upon imme-
diately, sending the cattle through the un-
known country from Dr. Marsh's to the
Cosumnes. They reached their destination
safely, and the drovers found a corral for the
cattle and a tent for the men, which had been
provided by Daylor, assisted by Ned Robin-
son and a force of Indians. These Indians
had been found to be docile, friendly, and will-
ing to do anything for the whites in consider-
ation of a yard of "manta" (unbleached mus-
lin) and the game, deer, elk and antelope,
which the latter provided, and which com-
pensated the Indians for a week's work. With
their aid a field of one hundred acres was in-
closed with a ditch and planted with wheat,
which was procured from Captain Sutter.
During the first year the diet of the settlers
was confined to venison, but after the crop
was gathered boiled wheat was added to their
menu, which was unvaried until 1847.
In the meantime Sheldon and Daylor had
found a fine site for a mill just below where
McCracken's bridge was afterwards built, and
in 1847 they constructed a dam and built a
grist-mill, which continued in successful oper-
ation until the stampede of 1848 that caused
nearly everyone to forsake work and rush to
the mines. After the discovery of gold in 1848
Sheldon, Daylor and McCoon, taking a num-
ber of the Indians, established a mining camp
at a point where Placerville road now crosses
Weber Creek, and remaining there until the
autumn rains set in, they found the result of
the summer's work gave to each partner the
neat sum of $20,000.
Daylor was married in the autumn of 1846
and Sheldon married in the spring of 1847,
their wives being the daughters of Thomas
Rhoads of San Joaquin County. Sheldon, de-
siring to add to his possessions, bought a piece
of land about four miles above his mill, and
becoming involved in a quarrel with the min-
ers above it, was killed, as narrated elsewhere,
July 10, 1851. He was a native of Underhill,
Vt., and came to California overland from
New Mexico in 1832.
William Daylor, a native of London, Eng-
land, came to Sutter's Fort in 1840. He died
of cholera at Daylor's ranch October 30, 1850.
Sebastian Kayser, born in the Austrian Ty-
rol, and for many years a trapper in the Rocky
Mountains, was half-owner of the Johnson
ranch at Johnson's Crossing on Bear Creek,
and was drowned in the Cosumnes River in
January, 1850.
Perry McCoon came to California about
1843 and was killed by a fall from his horse
near Cook's Bar in January, 1851.
W. R. Grimshaw, a native of New York
City, was a seafaring man, and arrived at Mon-
terey in June. 1848, in a coasting vessel. He
came to Sutter's Fort in October, 1848, and
November 15, 1849, he opened a store and In-
dian trading post in partnership with William
Daylor at Daylor's ranch. He died many
years ago.
W. D. Wilson came to this state in 1848,
and settled on the Cosumnes River, opposite
Daylor's ranch, and died in Santa Clara Coun-
ty in 1875.
John R. T. Mahone was a soldier in Doni-
phan's regiment during the Mexican War. He
married the widow of Jared Sheldon and set-
tled at the Slough House in 1852. He died a
number of years ago.
Wilson's Exchange Hotel was built in 1850
by W. D. Wilson on the south side of the
Cosumnes River. In 1851 he built a bridge
across the Cosumnes at the same point, but it
was swept away by the high water in 1852 ;
he rebuilt it the same year, but it was again
swept away in 1862, and was not rebuilt. The
Slough House was built by Jared Sheldon in
1850, and he and his family occupied it as a
residence until his death. The Slough House
bridge across Deer Creek was built by John
Mahone in 1850. It was washed away in 1863,
and rebuilt. In 1862 J. C. Austin built a wire
bridge across the Cosumnes, located on half
of division thirteen of the Hartnell Grant. In
1868 Austin sold it to James D. McCracken,
ex-Governor Booth and Colonel James. It
was generally known as "the Wire Bridge,"
and in the later eighties became unsafe and the
county replaced it with one that was longer
and higher.
In the spring of 1850 the justice of the peace
at the Daylor ranch was an old fellow known
as "Uncle Ben," but he did not hold the office
long. A half-witted fellow had been caught
driving ofif some tame American oxen and was
brought before Uncle Ben for trial. The fel-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
123
low was almost paralyzed with fear and de-
clared loudly that he was innocent of any in-
tent to steal, and that he had been hired to
drive the oxen to Sacramento. When all was
ready for the trial, the prisoner was missing
and a party went in search of him. He was
found a couple of hundred yards from the
house, up to his neck in water and with his
head under a bush, and was brought back,
more frightened than ever. Being asked how
he got away, he said that he had given the
justice his purse with the gold dust in it and
had been allowed to slip out the back way.
The justice denied his story, but the prisoner
described the purse and its contents, and on
searching the justice the purse and contents
were found as described. It was given to him
and he was allowed to go, but the judge was
tied up to one of the columns that supported
the porch and given twenty-five lashes on his
bare back with a lasso for a "cat-o'-nine-tails,"
an Indian officiating. He was then let loose
and ordered to leave at once. He left.
In 1850-1851, the settlers in Cosumnes and
San Joaquin Townships, which at that time in-
cluded Lee, had been greatly annoyed by
horse and cattle thieves, until they determined
to take the matter into their OAvn hands and
administer summary justice to offenders. A
man named Orville Hamilton was accused in
the early part of 1851 of being accessory to
horse-stealing and a number of citizens assem-
bled at his place and organized a court and
proceeded to try him on the charge. Among
the members of the court were Jared Sheldon,
William Hicks, Charles Lewis, W. D. Wilson,
S. P. Gage, Atwood, Tryce and Allmond. The
prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to
hang and a committee was appointed to carry
out the sentence, but when they proceeded to
carry out their instructions they found that
the prisoner had disappeared. This was com-
municated to the crowd and created great ex-
citement, which was increased when they dis-
covered a man wearing Hamilton's hat. He
proved to be a merchant of Sacramento named
Sage, an intimate friend and old schoolmate
of Hamilton's in Connecticut. It was proposed
to hang him in Hamilton's place, but cooler
counsel prevailed, and he was ordered tied up
and whipped. No one appeared willing to un-
dertake the job, until Sheldon exclaimed,
"Some one has got to see to this thing," and
he tied Sage to a tree and an Indian adminis-
tered several lashes on his bare back with a
lasso. He returned to Sacramento and em-
ployed C. A. Tweed to begin suit against Shel-
don, Hicks and others, but was non-suited.
By the time all the incidents related had ta-
ken place, it was dark and the settlers re-
turned to their homes. Gage and Allmond
lived in a cabin about a mile and a half below
the Daylor ranch, on the south side of the
river, where they were herding horses. When
they returned home they were informed by a
teamster, who had stopped at their cabin, that
two men were endeavoring to drive a herd of
horses across a ford about half a mile below
the cabin. As this was an unusual proceeding
at that time of night, the three men went to
the bank overlooking the ford and discovered
that two thieves were endeavoring to drive off
the horses Gage and Allmond were herding.
They would have been successful, undoubt-
edl_y, if the horses had not been unwilling to
leave their range after dark. The three men
jumped down the bank, pulled the thieves off
their horses, disarmed them and made them
return to the cabin, where they gave them
their supper. After supper. Gage left his com-
panions to guard the prisoners, while he start-
ed out to summon the neighbors to assemble
and trj' the prisoners the next day. Hicks,
Sheldon and Grimshaw were in bed when he
arrived, and while he went to summon others,
they decided to attend to the matter at once.
Accordingly, when Gage returned with some
other neighbors, they all agreed on the sub-
ject. When they reached the cabin they found
there waiting for them John T. Rhoads, Wil-
liam B. Rhoads, John Parker and a Mr. Ford,
and it was decided to proceed to the trial at
once. Sheldon was appointed to preside over
the court, when it was found that there were
not enough men present to form a regular jury.
One of the party, however, spoke on the futil-
ity of regular trials in stopping the evil of
horse-stealing and said it was necessary to
make an example. He offered to be one of a
party to pull on the rope to hang the prison-
ers and the others agreed. The horses, which
had run into the corral, were examined to
make sure there was no mistake, and the pris-
oners were led out to a tree, lassos placed
around their necks and they were informed
that they had only half an hour to live. When
the time elapsed, they were drawn up, left
there all night and buried by the Indians in the
morning. This summary dispensing of justice
put an effectual stop to horse-stealing in the
township.
One of the earliest mob executions in the
count}' outside of the city took place May 14,
1855, when William Lomax was hung by a
mob for the murder of Frederick Bohle, who
was killed on the 7th. Bohle was a stock-
raiser and lived in a cabin about a mile above
the old Daylor ranch. Some parties who went
there to purchase cattle found him dead. He
had been cut with a knife and chopped with
an ax, the indications pointing to a desperate
struggle. The alarm was given at Grimshaw's
124
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
house, and Grimshaw and C)liver Saunders
went out and brought in the body. Lomax had
been seen about the premises and he was ar-
rested in Sacramento and taken out to the
scene of the murder. He asked that the trial
be postponed until he could produce a man
named Van Trees, with whom he said he had
passed the night ])revious to the murder at a
ranch on the American River. The people of
Michigan Bar and Cook's Bar took possession
of him, promising that they would bring him
back when Van Trees came, which they did.
Van Trees corroborated the story of Lomax
that he had been at his place, but added that
when he departed he had stolen a mule. Lo-
max was convicted and hung on a tree in front
of Grimshaw's place.
Mississippi Township
Mississippi Township, as it was originally
established by the court of sessions, February
24, 1851, included not only nearly all the later
township, but also the whole of what was
Granite Township. Very few changes were
made until the south line was established Oc-
tober 20, 1856, being made by the supervisors
the Coloma road. The later boundary began
at the northeast corner of Center Township ;
ran easterly along the northern boundary
o'f the county to the American River ; thence
southerly and westerly along the American
River to the eastern boundary of Center
Township ; thence north along the eastern
boundary of Center Township to the point of
beginning. A large part of the land in the
township was mineral; the better part of the
mining land has been worked out and the resi-
dents have turned their attention to agricul-
ture and in later years to fruit. The North
Fork Company's ditch runs through the town-
ship, affording facilities for irrigation through-
out the year. The San Juan Grant includes
the greater part of the township, there being
only about 5,000 acres outside of its lines. The
largest landholders thirty-five years ago were
Cox & Clark and S. C. Hastings.
About thirty-five years ago the first subdi-
vision of this grant was made and named Or-
angevale. It was cut up into ten-acre tracts
and cjuickly sold, a water right going with the
land. About twenty-five years ago the second
subdivision was made and named Fairoaks.
More recently the Carmichael colony was pur-
chased, it being the last portion of the Cox &
Clark land, adjoining Fairoaks on the east and
the Haggin Grant on the west. It was pur-
chased by D. W. Carmichael, piped for irriga-
tion and sold in ten-acre tracts. The three
tracts, with the San Juanita and Landis tracts,
are piped for water, and the water right goes
with the land. The Orangevale and Fair-
oaks colonies ha\e been largely planted to
oranges and other citrus fruits and have
]3roved as well adapted to their culture as the
most favored sections of southern California.
In fact they are more favored, as, while in the
south the orange crop is sometimes frozen, the
oranges here have never yet suffered from
frost, owing partly to the fact that they ripen
and are marketed a month to six weeks earlier
than in the south. The Carmichael colony
land, which joins Fairoaks, is especially
adapted to the growing of oranges and olives.
Other tracts to the north are also being sub-
divided, and in a few years there will be devel-
oped here one of the most productive citrus
fruit centers in the state.
Gold was discovered in Mississippi Town-
ship, along the banks of the American River,
in 1849, about the same time as at Mormon
Island and Negro Bar. Mining was prose-
cuted actively along the river for some years,
until the bars were mined out. As gold was
found also on the higher benches in paying
quantities, a company was formed to bring
water in a ditch from the north fork of the
American River near Auburn. This company
brought water through a ditch twenty miles
long, in 1855, and from that time till 1870
mining was prosecuted. Since then but little
has been done, except b}^ Portuguese and Chi-
nese. The Alabama Bar was situated in the
northeast corner of the township, in the mid-
dle of the American River, and was located in
1850.
In 1852 a company named the Alabama Bar
Mining Company (from the fact that most of
the company were Alabamans), was formed.
It was composed of twelve men, with John
Smith as president, and Alfred Spinks, super-
intendent. They located the bar and began to
work it, but were notified of the prior location.
They retained possession, however, and
bought out the prior claimants, wherever they
could find them. The gold gave out in 1856,
and the bar was abandoned. The company
employed about sixty men during the sum-
mer, and it is estimated that they took out
about $75,000.
The Slate Bar was located just below the
site of the state prison, on the opposite side
of the river, but was never a large mining
camp, as the mining, being what is known as
crevice mining, did not offer the advantages
that the other bars did. In 1850 James Smith
started the first store at Slate Bar.
The American River Ditch Company was
incorporated November 27, 1854. They com-
menced work on the ditch in September, 1854,
and it was completed to Big Gulch, near Ash-
land, the end of the main ditch, January 1,
1857. The first dam was built at Tamaroo
Bar, twentj-four miles from Big Gulch. The
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
125
portion from Big Gulch to Mississippi Bar
runs through Orangevale. The first dam
was taken out by flood in ]\Iarch, 1855 ; the
second dam, costing $5,000, in 1857; the third
dam, costing $12,000, was destroyed by the
flood of 1862, and the cost of rebuilding it was
$29,000. It was taken out in 1871, rebuilt and
washed out in 1872, and the present one com-
pleted in January, 1876. The water is used
now mostly for irrigation. The Orangevale
Colonization Company has 3,200 acres of land
irrigated by it.
The California Central Railroad Company
built its road through the township, and an-
other road was started, to run to Auburn, but
never got farther than Wildwood station, ten
miles out. The Central Pacific subsequently
acquired both roads and took up the tracks.
Ashland's original name was Big Gulch, and
in 1857 it was changed to Russville, in honor
of Colonel Russ. It was also called Bowles-
ville, sometimes, after an old resident named
Bowles, who had, or claimed to have, a title to
the land. It was christened Ashland in 1860.
In early times there were a large number of
cabins and a few saloons, but no hotels. Colo-
nel Russ was for a time the central figure
around which affairs in Ashland revolved.
The following extract from the Folsom "Tel-
egraph" of August 12, 1864, will perhaps prove
interesting: "In 1857 or 1858 the name of the
village was changed from Big Gulch to Russ-
ville, in honor of Colonel Russ, whose advent
was an era in the history of this quiet place.
The Colonel was a man of remarkable traits
in more respects than one. Being a specula-
tive genius, he induced a number of San Fran-
cisco capitalists to form a company for the
purpose of mining the quartz rock for the gold
it never had contained, and granite for build-
ing, and for these purposes a splendid and
costly mill was erected. Machinery for dress-
ing the granite was imported from the East.
For some time the Colonel endeavored to
plane granite, but his machine failed to reduce
the obdurate rock to the necessary form and
shape and it was cast aside. Then tons of
quartz were crushed, but unfortunately for
the Colonel and the stockholders, the mill
failed to produce the 'color,' for the very good
reason that the color was not in the quartz.
During this period the Colonel erected a neat
cottage on the summit of the highest hill in
the neighborhood, which was crowned with a
flagstaff.
"The Colonel, turning his attention to poli-
tics, was elected justice of the peace of Miss-
issippi Township. Whenever a case was to be
tried, up went the 'Stars and Stripes' on the
flagstaff, and the Colonel mounted the seat of
justice, which was about six feet high. There
the Colonel sat, invested himself with the maj-
esty of the law, and dispensed justice accord-
ing to a code of his own ; the statutes were of
no use to him. From his court there was no
appeal, and any one mentioning an appeal in
that court was liable to be immediately fined
for conteinpt. The Colonel's term expired, the
quartz company exploded, and granite would
not work, the Colonel's cash ran out, and he
departed from Russville. Shortly after the
village was christened Ashland, and the only
monument now remaining near Ashland of the
Colonel's genius and enterprise is a mining
shaft 250 feet deep, sunk to find the bed rock,
which some of those interested in the com-
pany succeeded in doing, though not in the
shaft."
The first mill run by water power in the
county of Sacramento was built by James
Smith, a native of Denmark, in 1851, and was
a sawmill. In 1852 he built a small grist-mill,
being his ov^m carpenter and millwright, and
when the mill was completed he became his
own miller. In 1854 Edward Stockton of Sac-
ramento, observing the great possibilities of
water power, purchased a half interest in the
mill and power. The mill was enlarged to
three run of stone, with a capacity of 100 bar-
rels a day, which established a profitable busi-
ness, and in 1861 the mill, then owned by
Coover & Stockton, was enlarged to nine run
of stone, the tail-race being 500 feet long,
equal in effect to 4,000 horse-power. The
floods in December, 1861, damaged the mill
and power to the extent of $12,000, and the
third flood, in January, 1862, carried away the
three buildings comprising the mill. Stockton
afterwards entered into partnership with Car-
roll & Mowe of Sacramento, and a mill was
erected fifteen feet higher and 250 feet farther
from the river. It was sixty by eighty, four
stories high, and contained nine run of stone,
with a capacity of 700 barrels of flour daily.
It was built of granite and cost $140,000.
Stockton built a spur track to the mills, but in
1867 they were destroyed by fire and never
rebuilt. The ruins remain to this day.
Quarries of a very superior quality of gran-
ite have been operated successfully since 1856.
The pioneer in this industry was Griffith Grif-
fiths. The blue granite for the earlier build-
ings in Sacramento was from Folsom. at the
state prison quarry, while the lighter-colored
granite was from Rocklin.
Natoma Township
Natoma was one of the eight original to\\'n-
ships established by the court of sessions,
Februar}-- 24, 1851. It included all the later
township and a part of the later township
of Cosumnes. In August, 1853, the court of
126
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
sessions divided the township into two parts,
all that portion south of the Coloma road be-
ing called Prairie Township. The later
boundaries were established by the board of
supervisors October 20. 1856, beginning at the
southeast corner of Granite Township and
running along its eastern line to the northern
boundary of the county; thence along the
northern and eastern boundaries of the county
to the center line of township 8 north, of range
8 east, from Mt. Diablo base and meridian ;
thence west on the center line of said town-
ship, to the eastern boundarj^ of Lee Town-
ship, and thence north and along the line of
that township to the place of beginning. The
land is mainly devoted to agriculture and
dairying, though there are still a few mining
claims that are worked to some extent. The
southern part is devoted to dairying and grain-
growing, wheat and barley being the principal
grains. The northern part raises hay, grain
and fruit.
The first prominent settlement, outside of
Mormon Island, began in 1852. Before that
time there were settlers located along the pub-
lic roads, Avho kept public houses. Among the
first settlers who began farming were Jacob
Broder, who came in 1852 ; his brother, Os-
wald ; Samuel Ricker and family ; Charles
Shead, John McComber, Charles Bishop and
George Peacock, all of whom settled in the
vicinity of Mormon Island. AVilliam Jarvis
and family opened the Valley House in the fall
of 1852, on the Coloma and Sacramento road.
Peter Houston settled on a ranch on the Co-
loma road in 1852, and his brother joined him
in 1854. Peter returned to the East in 1857.
E. B. Townsend settled near Mormon Island
in 1852, and engaged in dairying and butcher-
ing. R. K. Berry settled in the northwest part
of the township in 1852, and died in 1859. Dr.
jMorse settled in 1852 on the ranch afterwards
owned by Charles W. Porter. H. E. Barton
and brother came about the same time. Jo-
seph Woodward settled in the township in
1853 on the Illinois Ranch, now known as the
Gould farm. John Wielde settled near Mor-
mon Island in 1851 ; W. H. AVilliams on sec-
tion five in 1852; Joseph Wall in 1850. Wall
subsequently located Wall Diggings. Joseph
Wilson came in 1853. Others were Van Triece,
Ingersoll, J. Caples, J. D. Duval, W. J. Mil-
gate, G. K. Nye, William Sales. Charles Saul.
A. W. Topper, A. H. Thomason and Mrs.
Elizabeth Wilson. A. J. Lester came in 1850
and his brother George settled in the southern
part of the township in 1852. A. G. Kinsey
came in 1849, as did A. P. Catlin, who resided
there till 1856.
In the spring of 1852 two Mormons, one of
whom was Wilford Woodruflf, when on their
way from Sutter's mill to the fort, found
themselves, near sunset, at the spot known as
Willow Springs, in this county. Concluding
to camp, they shot a deer and went to the
nearest point on the American River where
they could procure water and feed for their
horses. They descended the blufif to a flat
covered with underbrush, and cooked and ate
their supper. As it was not yet dark, one of
them said : "They are taking out gold above
us on the river. Let us see if we can find
some here." They took a tin pan, scraped off
some of the top soil, and panning out the dirt,
obtained a fine prospect. They went to the
fort the next day and informed Sam Brannan,
of the firm of C. C. Smith & Company, who
traded goods for hides, tallow and wheat at
their trading post. Brannan was at that time
the spiritual guide and director of the Mor-
mons of the New Helvetia and other districts
of the state. He went to where they found
the gold, set up a preemption claim, and de-
manded one-third of all the gold taken from
the bar. So long as the Mormons were largely
in the majority among the miners, this royalty
was e.xacted religiously, but as unbelievers
flocked in they resisted Brannan's claim and
he was compelled to give up the collection of
royalty. He had, however, accumulated sev-
eral thousand dollars, with which he formed a
partnership with Melius, Howard & Company,
of San Francisco, and this laid the foundation
for his large fortune. The place was named
Mormon Island. As the news of the discovery
spread, miners flocked in from all quarters,
till, in 1853, the town had a population of
about 2,500 people, 900 of whom were voters.
The first hotel Avas called the Blue Tent, and
was opened by S. R. Caldwell soon after the
island began to be populated ; was moved to
another part of the town and christened the
Caldwell House in 1852, and was discontinued
in 1854. Sam Brannan opened the first store
in 1848, sold to James Queen, he to Captain
Pool, and he in turn to Dewitt C. Stanford (a
brother of Governor Stanford), who died in
Australia while on a business trip. J. P.
Markham opened a hotel and store in 1850,
and closed it in 1854.
Two stage lines running to Mormon Island
were established in 1850, one being from Sac-
ramento to Coloma, and the other from Sacra-
mento to the island. They were both taken
off in 1856, and at the same time a line was
started from Folsom to Coloma, running
through Mormon Island. The postoffice was
opened in 1851, with J. AV. Shaw as postmas-
ter. Dallas & Kneass opened the Miner's Ho-
tel in 1851, and it was burned in 1856 and
never rebuilt. The Mansion House was kept
by Thomas Stephenson from 1853 to 1856,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
127
and then closed. In 1856 a fire destroyed the
southwest portion of the town, which was
never rebuilt. At one time there were four
hotels, three dr3--goods and five general stores,
Adams & Company's Express office, carpenter
shop, butcher shop, bakery, livery stable and
seven saloons in Mormon Island. A school
was opened in 1851, and there is now a good
school building there.
The principal bridge within the old town-
ship lines is the Mormon Island bridge. The
first on^ was built by J. W. Shaw in 1851. It
was a wooden bridge and was washed away
by high water in 1854. He built a wire sus-
pension bi;idge the next summer, which was
washed away in the flood of 1862, and was re-
built by Shaw. Some years ago this was re-
placed by a higher and more costly one by the
supervisors of this and Eldorado Counties.
The first ball in the county was given at Mor-
mon Island in the "jolly old days of 1849,"
and a humorous account of it was given in the
"Record-Union" of June 21, 1873. Many pub-
lic houses existed in the township, regarding
which no data have been secured. The Smith
Exchange was built on the Sacramento and
Coloma road near Mormon Island, by a man
of that name, in 1853, and was the largest pub-
lic house in the township at that time. He sold
out in the fall of 1855 to Cox & Hamilton, who
sold to William Jarvis in 1858. He sold to a
man named L,ee. It was discontinued for a
year, when Freeman McComber bought it and
fitted it up, and it was finally closed in 1864.
The Union Tavern was probably opened as
early as 1850, by Mr. Turle, and closed in 1855.
The Half-way House was built by Briggs &
Hoffman in 1852, sold in a year to one Martin,
who sold in turn to John E. Butler.
San Joaquin Township
San Joaquin was one of the original town-
ships and included Dry Creek and parts of
Alabama, Franklin, Brighton and Lee Town-
ships. Dry Creek Township was set off in
1853, and October 20, 1856, the supervisors
established the boundaries of San Joaquin as
follows: It joined Brighton Township on the
north, ran eastward to the range line be-
tween ranges 6 and 7 east of Mt. Diablo meri-
dian, south to the Cosumnes River, west to the
eastern boundary of Franklin Township, then
along the eastern boundary of Franklin to the
point of beginning. With the exception of
the land in the southern portion included in
the Hartnell Grant, amounting to about 10,000
acres, the title to land in the township was
from the United States, and all the land is
agricultural. There was considerable timber
in the township when it was first settled, but
it has been cut off, the old Graham grove.
now used as a picnic ground, being about the
only timber of any amount remaining.
The earliest settler in the township was
Martin IMurphy, Jr., who settled with his wife
on the Cosumnes in 1844. The farm is now
owned by Thomas McConnell, whose house
stands within a few rods of where Murphy
lived. Murphy died in 1854, and his wife re-
turned to Ireland. Edward Perrin and family
settled on part of the McConnell place in 1849.
The Wilder brothers, Asa, Benjamin and
John, came to the township in 1849, and en-
gaged in stockraising. Asa and John died in
the sixties, and Benjamin died a number of
years ago. He married one of the Donner
girls, a member of the ill-fated Donner party,
who survived him. T. Keno, one of the Don-
ner relief party, came to the state in 1846, and
afterwards took up a claim on the Cosumnes
River, removing to Stockton many years later.
Gabriel Gunn settled in 1850 on the ranch
since owned by Abram Woodward ; John
Wliittick settled in the township in 1850; Da-
vid P. Crook in 1851; P. Hull and family in
1851; Enoch Madder settled on the Wilder
ranch, about three miles northwest of Elk
Grove ; Jacob Marshall and family came in
1852, and located on the river, and Jacob Swi-
gert and family settled on the adjoining place
in 1853. Albin Clark settled on the upper
Stockton road, near old Elk Grove, in 1850,
and was one of the first men to raise grain in
the township. He also engaged in stock-
raising, principally horses and hogs. Johnson
Little came in 1852 and settled near him. Rob-
ert Parrott opened a hotel in 1852 on a farm
adjoining old Elk Grove, ran it for five or six
years and then went to the mines. Norman I.
Stewart came in 1852, and settled in 1854 near
Elk Grove. He died a few years ago. G.
Harvey Kerr settled near Elk Grove station
in January, 1854, and became a prominent
fruit-grower and manufacturer. He reported
that very little land was cultivated at that
time, for the most part along the Cosumnes
River. It was supposed that wheat could not
be successfully grown, but time proved that
theory to be an error. Mr. Kerr died a num-
ber of years ago.
The site of old Elk Grove was originally on
the Graham place, but it was later moved
to the Buckner ranch, about a mile north.
James Hall and family came to California in
1850, and opened a hotel on the original site
of old Elk Grove, and gave it its name, having
lived in Missouri in a town of the same name.
He died in Vallejo in 1876. Major James B.
Buckner built a hotel in 1850, called the Buck-
ner Hotel. He sold it to Phineas Woodward,
who ran it for some time and sold it to Mrs.
Erwin, widow of Jared Erwin. She kept it
128
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
for three years and sold it to Nicholas Chris-
tophel. The original old Elk Grove Hotel
Ijurned down in 1857. Buckner and Wood-
ward both returned East. This was the first
postoffice established in the township, James
Buckner being postmaster. James Hall was
the first justice of the peace.
Elk Grove is a thriving town of 800 or 900
inhabitants, on the line of the Southern Pa-
cific Railroad, and in the midst of a rich coun-
try, sixteen miles from Sacramento. In 1876
Julius Everson conceived the idea that it
would make a good business center. Through
his efforts the Elk Grove Building Company
was incorporated and put up a store building,
w'hich was occupied in August of that year by
Chittenden & Everson, with a large stock of
merchandise. They reported their sales for
the first sixteen months at $52,000. There are
two hotels, the Railroad Hotel, built b)' Mor-
row H. Davis in 1876. now the Toronto Ho-
tel, and the Elk Grove Hotel, erected the same
year by the Building Company. J. N. An-
drews had the first store, which was in the
depot building, he being the agent of the Cen-
tral Pacific Railroad. H. S. Hill built the Elk
Grove Flouring Mills in 1876. A hardware
and tin store was opened by A. J. Longe-
necker in 1877, and a meat market, a furniture
factory, two drug stores, a harness shop, a
warehouse and other businesses followed in
the course of time.
The Elk Grove District Methodist Episcopal
Church was erected in 1876, the church having
been organized in 1858 or 1859 by A. M. Hurl-
burt.
The Elk Grove Presbyterian Church was
organized February 12, 1876, but services had
been held in 1856 in the schoolhouse near old
Elk Grove by Rev. J. C. Herron, and in the
present Elk Grove schoolhouse in 1875 and
1876 by Rev. J. S. McDonald. The church cost
$2,750, and Rev. William H. Talmage was the
first pastor, from 1874 to 1879, George H. Kerr
being the first ruling elder.
Elk Grove Lodge No. 173, F. & A. M., was
instituted at old Elk Grove, August 6, 1864,
the first meetings being held at the house of
O. S. Freeman. The charter members were :
A. S. Ferris, James B. Hogle, A. J. Painter,
O. S. Freeman, G. W. Chaplin, Thomas Mc-
Connell, B. F. Weathers and W. B. Sullivan.
About 1878 the lodge built a fine brick struc-
ture at Elk Grove, the lower story being used
for a store. Elk Grove Lodge No. 274, I. O.
O. F., was organized May 2, 1878, with Henry
Hill, noble grand. Elk Grove Rebekah Lodge
No. 136, I. O. O. F., was instituted May 2,
1888, with fifty-nine charter members. It has
now 122 members. Elk Grove Lodge No.
110, A. O. U. W., was established Tune 16,
1879, but was discontinued. Elk Grove Lodge
No. 449, I. O. G. T., was organized November
9, 1872. The lodge was suffered to lapse many
years ago. Elk Grove Parlor No. 41, N. S. G.
W., was organized in September, 1884, with
W. J. Elder as president.
Florin is a small town on the Southern Pa-
cific Railroad, about eight miles from Sacra-
mento, on the dividing line between old
Brighton and San Joaquin Townships. The
name was given to the locality in 1864, by
Judge E. B. Crocker, on account of the great
number of wild flowers which grew in the
vicinity, and Avas given to the town when it
was founded in 1875, the railroad station and
postoffice being built there in that year. F.
Sugden was the first postmaster and Johnson
& Sugden opened the first store in 1875, being
succeeded b)^ Fred Sugden in October, 1879.
The schoolhouse was built in 1877, and the
only hotel opened by Leonard Goddard in
1875. There is a Methodist and a Presbyte-
rian church in the town. The soil around
Florin for several miles in length and width
overlies a hardpan, necessitating irrigation,
and it is one of the great strawberry-growing
centers of the state. There are also many
vine3'ards of table grapes, the Tokay and other
varieties alwaj^s bringing top prices in the
East.
Florin Lodge No. 364, I. O. O. F., was insti-
tuted July 12, 1890, with the following officers
and six charter members : Jasper H. Cooley,
P. G. ; David Reese, N. G. ; Charles L. Buell,
V. G. ; Charles S. Patton, Con. ; James Tootell,
Warden; E. F. French, Chaplain; L. M.
Landsborough, Sec. ; George H. Jones, Treas.
Florin Rebekah Lodge No. 20, I. O. O. F.,
was instituted Februar}' 14, 1895, with fifty-
three charter members. There are now 145
members.
Florin Grange No. 130, P. of H., was estab-
lished December 17, 1874, with Caleb Arnold,
master.
Sheldon never existed as a town, a black-
smith shop, saloon, and two or three houses
being its extent in its palmy days. It was a
"deserted village" for many years, but since
the Central California Traction electric road
runs near it, a colony has been started close
to it.
McConnell Station is on the Southern Pa-
cific road, four miles below Elk Grove, there
being only a depot for passengers there.
The first school district in San Joaquin
Township was established in 1883, and in-
cluded nearly all of Dry Creek Township, as
well as San Joaquin, it being all known at
that time as San Joaquin Township. The first
teacher for the term of 1853 and 1854 was a
Mr. Sullivan, and Harrv Kerr taught the sec-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
129
ond term, in 1854-1855. The first school in Sac-
ramento County, outside of the city, was
taught b}- a Mr. O'Brien, at the house of Mar-
tin Murphy.
Sutter Township
The original boundaries of Sutter Township
as established in 1851 included a large portion
of the county, being as follows : Beginning
at the southwest corner of Sacramento City,
and thence running east along the southern
line of said city to the southeast corner there-
of; thence easterly to the road from Brighton
to Baylor's ranch ; thence along said road in
a southeasterly direction three miles ; thence
in a southerly and southeasterly direction to
the intersection of the Cosumnes and San
Joaquin Rivers, excluding all ranches and set-
tlements on the Cosumnes River ; thence down
the San Joaquin River to its junction with the
Sacramento River ; thence along said river or
western boundary of the county to the place
of beginning.
As the Cosumnes empties into the Mokel-
umne, and not into the San Joaquin, it is to
be supposed that at that early day it was
thought that the lower part of the Mokel-
umne was the Cosumnes, and was therefore
so called.
August 14, 1854, Georgiana Township was
set off from the southern portion, and October
20, 1856, the supervisors established new
boundaries for Sutter Township, making the
boundary south of the city the Sacramento
River as far as the line between townships 7
and 8 north, thence along said line to the
southeast corner of section 33, and southeast
corner of section 34, in township 8 north,
range 5 east, and thence north and through
the center of township 8 north, range 5 east,
to the American River, and down the Ameri-
can River to the city limits, and thence to the
place of beginning.
In 1909 the supervisors carved Riverside
Township out of the portion of Sutter Town-
ship joining the citj^ on its southern boundar3^
The two townships were situated so directly
around the city that their history is interwoven
with its history and a part of it. The history
of Sutterville in the early days has already
been given, and its decay depicted. The sub-
urban district more recentl}^ annexed to Sac-
ramento City, comprising Oak Park, High-
land Park, a good-sized slice from Riverside
Township, East Sacramento and a large area
of land running nearly to Brighton, great-
ly curtailed the area of Sutter Township and
left it practically composed of farms, without
any towns or villages within its limits. A
large portion of it is in reclamation districts
and the remainder is what is known as plains
land. The value of land holdings has greatly
increased within the past ten years.
Riverside Township
Riverside Township was carved out of the
portion of Sutter Township adjoining the city
on the south, and the slice taken from it by
annexation left it a very unimportant unit in
the township system of the county.
Various interesting spots in the vicinity of
Sacramento in the earlj- da3's have fallen into
decay, and have either vanished or are only
remnants of their former splendor. Smith's
Gardens is one of these. In December, 1849,
A. P. Smith purchased from John A. Sutter
fifty acres of land on the south bank of the
American River, about three miles from Sac-
ramento. He immediately began to improve
it. At the time of its purchase the ground was
considered high, and the only timber on it was
the oaks and cottonwoods on the bank of the
American. He commenced by raising vegeta-
bles, and at the same time planted such trees
and seeds as he could procure. As fast as he
was able, he imported choice varieties of fruit
and shade trees, ornamental shrubbery and
plants. He laid out the grounds with two
miles of walks, and filled in the entire length
of them with shells brought from San Fran-
cisco. By digging down through the debris
on the place a few feet, these shells can still
be found.
He laid out four acres in a flower garden,
planting it with rare plants and flowers, and
planted the rest of the place with all sorts of
fruit trees, and it is stated that at the height
of its glory, there were' over 1,000 varieties
growing on the place. There was a drive
through and about the grounds ; and a winding
avenue, nearly a mile in length, and shaded by
trees on each side, ran up to his residence.
Having discovered that irrigation was neces-
sary, Mr. Smith imported a Worthington
pump that would throw three hundred gallons
a minute, and was capable of irrigating a place
of three times the size. He laid down pipes
and put in hydrants all over the place, at such
intervals that it could all be watered by at-
taching a hose.
But he was doomed to loss and disappoint-
ment. The flood of 1861 and 1862 flooded the
place. The American River cut into the south-
ern bank, washed away 500 feet of the gardens,
swept away the family residence, and covered
the place with a deposit of sand and sediment
from one to six feet deep. Smith estimated
that his loss by the destruction of his beauti-
ful place was $100,000. In 1862, when the new
system for construction of levees was adopted,
he made strenuous efforts to get his place in-
cluded in the system, but failed to do so, and
130
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
repeated floods have completed the destruction
of the gardens since then.
The Tivoli House was situated near where
the Southern Pacific crosses the American
River and was in its day a great place of re-
sort. It was a pioneer place, where the Helve-
tia Rifle Club, the Turners, the Sharpshooters,
and others used to hold their shoots and festi-
vals, but its glory departed long since, and it
has fallen into decay.
East Park, now known as McKinley Park,
and owned by the city of Sacramento and used
as a children's playground, was prior to that
owned by private parties. It contains about
thirty acres and is a popular place. Until the
annexation of the suburbs, it was just outside
of the cit}'.
The Riverside Hotel and Turnpike Com-
pany procured the passage of an act by the
legislature in 1872, making a toll road from
the southern limits of the city to their hotel,
about four miles below. The franchise ex-
pired many years ago, and the Riverside road
became a very popular place for driving.
Granite Township
This township was created by the board of
supervisors on October 20, 1856. It was at
first included within the boundaries of Missis-
sippi Township, from which it lay southeast.
Nearly all the land in the township was in-
cluded in the Ueidesdorff Grant, which was
given to Leidesdorff by Governor Michelto-
rena in 1844. James I. Folsom bought the
interest of the heirs of Leidesdorff, and
through his executors secured the confirma-
tion of the grant in 1855. The grant runs
from the Sutter Grant up the American River,
which is its northern boundary, the southern
boundary running nearly parallel with the
river at four or five miles distance. The land
in the grant was mostly taken up by squatters,
who were later compelled to buy the title to
their possessions, or else vacate the land.
The land in the township is mostly mineral
and the placers along the river and in the
vicinity of Folsom were among the richest in
the state, many millions being taken from
them in the early days, both by prospectors
and by hydraulic mining. For some years past
the dredge has operated in the township, ex-
tracting the gold from the bars and banks of
the river, and the big corporations have pur-
chased thousands of acres of the land adjacent
to the river, and are changing it from fertile
vineyards and orchards to vast heaps of cob-
blestones. The Natoma Water and Mining
Company early acquired water rights on the
American River some distance above Folsom,
and acquired a large amount of land, some of
which they leased for mining, and the rest of
which they planted to vines and trees. The
great Natoma vineyard, at one time the larg-
est in the world, with 2,000 acres of vines in
one body, shipped many carloads of grapes
annually, and manufactured a large amount of
wine and brandy. The property has been pur-
chased by the dredging company and has been
transformed rapidly into rock piles. This
vineyard was irrigated by a canal sixteen miles
long, dug in 1851 from the south fork of the
American, above Salmon Falls.
Negro Bar is properly included in the his-
tory of Folsom, being the scene of mining be-
fore the latter place was started, and there was
a large mining camp at the Bar previously. A
most interesting account of its early settle-
ment was written some ten years ago by the
Hon. W. A. Anderson, who resided at Folsom
in the early days. Mr. Anderson wrote as
follows :
"A few memories of the town of Folsom
might interest the present generation. The
first settlement of that locality was at Negro
Bar, which was between the present site of
Folsom and the American River. In 1849
some negroes began to mine there, and from
that circumstance the Bar took its name.
Their success at mining caused a flocking of
miners from all quarters, and in 1851 there
were over 700 people there. Large quantities
of gold have been taken out of the Bar. Ex-
Supervisor James L. Meredith opened the first
hotel and store, both in the same building, at
the Bar, in April. 1850. William A. Davidson
opened the second store, but shortly afterward
sold out to A. A. Durfee and brother. A few
months later Rowley & Richardson opened
the third store, and these were the principal
business houses until Folsom was located.
The site of Negro Bar has been buried under
sixty feet of cobbles and debris. At that time
the American River was sixty feet beneath the
present flow of the river.
"Folsom was laid out in 1855 by Theodore
D. Judah, R. Chenery and Samuel C. Bruce,
for Capt. Joseph L. Folsom. Town lots were
sold January 17, 1856, at public auction in Sac-
ramento by Col. J. B. Starr, auctioneer. All
of the lots were disposed of at that sale, and
the town grew rapidly. February 22, 1856,
the Sacramento Valley Railroad, the pioneer
road of this state, was completed to Folsom
and opened, and free excursion trains were run
there from Sacramento. At the opening of
the road there were about 1,000 people present
at Folsom, including Governor J. Neely John-
son, Supreme Justices Murray and Terry,
Henry S. Foote (ex-governor of Mississippi),
and many other prominent men ; also Mrs. T.
D. Judah, Mrs. E. N. Robinson, Mrs. L. L.
Robinson and the wives of the other visitors.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
131
The guests were wined and dined, and
speeches were made by State Senator Wilson
Flint. Col. J. C. Zabriskie, Governors Foote
and Johnston, Capt. (later General) William
T. Sherman — one of the central characters of
the Civil War — and C. K. Garrison, president
of the railroad company. A great ball W"as
given in the evening, in a building erected ex-
pressly for that purpose, of dimensions thirty
feet wide by nearlj- one hundred long. The
floor managers were Judge A. C. Monson, H.
P. AVakelee, Ferris Forman and George T.
Bromley. The Sacramento guests started
home on a special train at five o'clock in the
morning. George T. Bromley was the first
conductor on the road. Hartford Anderson
was the contractor who constructed the rail-
road from Alder Creek to Folsom.
"In 1857 a road was projected to run from
Folsom to Marysville, by a company called
the California Central, and of which Col.
Charles L. AVilson, now of Nord. was the own-
er. In 1861 trains ran from Folsom to Lin-
coln. Afterwards the road was absorbed by
the Central Pacific Company, and the track
between Folsom and Roseville was torn up.
That portion of the road from Roseville to
Lincoln is now a part of the California and
Oregon overland road.
"During the mining era, Folsom was one of
the most prosperous towns in the state, and
was the distrilDuting point for all the mining
towns, including Washoe and Virginia City.
After the decadence of mining, the town had
a severe relapse, and a few years ago was vis-
ited by a very destructive fire. The burned
district has, however, been rebuilt, and sub-
stantial bricks have taken the place of the
former wooden structures. Of late j^ears the
town and surrounding country has entered on
an era of substantial prosperity. In the line
of fruit- and grape-raising the lands about Fol-
som are equal to any in the state, and near
there is one of the most extensive vineyards in
the world. Colonel Folsom, the projector of
the town, died at the Mission San Jose, in
Alameda County, July 19, 1855.
"When Folsom was located, in addition to
the first named, several other large stores
opened, Bradley & Seymour, J. & J. Spruance,
S. Hanak, D. Woldenberg, M. Levy. A. D.
Patterson opened the early hotel, a fashionable
resort, known as Patterson's Hotel. Patterson
was one of the early sheriffs of the county.
Daniel Wellington, the proprietor of the stage
line over the mountains, also established a
large hotel called the Central Hotel. Chris
Ecklon conducted the first meat market. The
'Granite Journal,' a lively newspaper, was the
first paper, published by Dr. L. Bradley, and
Sam Seabough was its editor. Later came
'Mooney's Express,' and the 'Folsom Tele-
graph,' P. J. Hopper, editor. The 'Tele-
graph' still survives.
"A. A. Durfee built the first theater, called
'Durfee's Theater,' and some of the earliest
actors held the boards. The famous Artemus
Ward (Charles F. Browne) delivered the first
lecture in this part of the state, in Durfee's
Theater, "The Babes in the Wood' being his
subject.
"J. H. Burnham, Alfred Spinks, M. M.
Drew, sheriff, L^nited States marshal and
member of the board of equalization. Hart-
ford Anderson, John darken, P. J. O'Neil, P.
J. Hopper, editor and assemblyman, B. N.
Bugbe^', later sheriff and tax collector, B. C.
Ouigle)-, John Shaw, A. G. Kinsey, H. A.
Thompson. W. W. Dresser, William Timson,
Charles Jolly, Jesse Crouch, supervisor, Mrs.
Foster, mother of James Donnelly, our present
supervisor, and many others were early resi-
dents of the old town of Folsom. Among some
of the most prominent citizens of Folsom in
its earl}' history were A. P. Catlin, who was
honored as assemblyman, state senator and
superior judge; Dr. A. C. Donaldson. C. T. H.
Palmer, banker and agent for the Wells, Fargo
Company : E. R. Sill, the famous poet, and
later one of the professors of the University
of California, who was at that time the cashier
for Palmer's bank; Edward Stockton, who
built the great flour mill which was swept
away in the flood of 1861; C. G. W. French,
later assemblyman and chief justice of Ari-
zona ; S. S. Montague, later chief engineer of
the Central Pacific Railroad Company ; Free-
man McComber, public administrator, and H.
B. AVaddilove, agent of the Sacramento Valley
Railroad Company ; John McComber : Francis
Clark, a wealthy mining man ; W. A. Ander-
son, county auditor, assemblyman, assistant
adjutant-general, supervisor of census, city at-
torney and police judge ; Dr. B. F. Bates ; E.
R. Levy, merchant ; E. D. Shirland. county
clerk: Benjamin Welch; C. J. Turner; Dr.
Joseph Powell, later assemblyman ; John and
Joseph Kinney, agents Sacramento Valley
Railroad Company ; John E. Benton, assem-
blyman and state senator ; W. C. Crossett, J.
C. Kinkead, who first tried the experiment of
raising tobacco at the town of Folsom. The
late Jacob Hyman was a dry-goods clerk in
those days ; later he became a wealthy mer-
chant.
"In the late fifties there was the Folsom
Institute, a large brick structure on the hill
above the town, noted as one of the first edu-
cational colleges in the state, and which was
patronized by students from all parts of the
coast. Rev. S. V. Blakesley was the principal.
132
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Many of the students from this institute be-
came famous in the state.
"In the halcyon days of Folsom it was not
uncommon for twent}' or thirty eight- or ten-
mule teams to leave daily with freight, des-
tined for over the mountains. Six or eight
stages daily left the depot in the morning with
passengers for the Virginia and Washoe
mines. The famous Pony Express started over
the continent from Folsom in the early war
times. D. H. Taft had a beautiful garden just
below the town, where the first strawberries
were grown ; also some of the finest peaches,
grapes and other fruits were produced. Noth-
ing now remains of this plot but a mass of
mining debris.
"Just above Folsom is Robbers' Ravine,
which was the rendezvous of the desperate
gang known as Tom Bell's gang, and the Bill
Scott gang. They were the terror of northern
California. Ben Bugbey, then a constable,
and officer Dan Gay of Sacramento, encoun-
tered this band, and after a fierce brattle, cap-
tured Bill Scott and several others. They
were convicted and died in prison. Ben Bug-
bey is with us yet to recount the story. In
later years the branch state prison was estab-
lished here ; also the great electric plant. This
can scarcely be called early history.
"It was a novel sight in the early days to
see the miners coming into town with their
sacks of gold each Saturday afternoon, and
going to the banking house of C. T. H. Palmer
& Company, to exchange their dust for coin.
Those sturdy miners were not of the class
sometimes pictured by romance writers, and
drunkenness or riotous conduct was exceed-
ingly rare. They would make their purchase
of 'grub' and then return to their cabins ready
for the next week's clean-up.
"One of the first wide suspension bridges
constructed in this state was by A. G. Kinsey
and H. A. Thompson across the American
River just above the town, to enable traffic to
be held with the mining towns and camps
north and east.
"At the commencement of the Rebellion in
1861, one of the first companies was organized
in the town of Folsom, by M. M. Drew and
P. H. Sibley ; it was enrolled with E. D. Shir-
land as captain, and enlisted into the United
States service for duty on the southern border,
and did service in Arizona and New Mexico as
the First California Cavalry. All the mem-
bers were Folsomites, and Folsom was in-
tensely loyal to the Union.
"Upon the completion of the Sacramento
Valley Railroad in 1856, the machine shops of
the road were established at Folsom, and a
full force of mechanics employed, including
our old-time friends, G. J. Turner and Benja-
min Welch, both foremen."
The Folsom Water Power Company suc-
ceeded the Natoma Water and Mining Com-
pany. The latter had made two contracts with
the state to build a dam across the American
where the Folsom state prison now stands,
the company agreeing to build the dam, the
state to furnish convict labor to do the work,
in return for land deeded to the state, and for
a part of the water power, for use at the pris-
on. Some disagreements arose, and after liti-
gation, the company abandoned the work,
leaving the state without power to compel the
company to complete the dam. The property
and water rights were then transferred to the
Folsom Water Power Company. The first
work on the dam was done in the fall of 1866,
but it was discontinued when the dam was
completed to low water mark in the river, and
was not resumed again until 1888, when Cap-
tain Aull, warden of the prison, induced Gov-
ernor AVaterman to take it up again, and it was
finished about two years afterwards, as well as
the canal leading down by the prison to the
power-house at present owned by the Pacific
Gas and Electric Company. In the meantime
the state had received under its contract with
the Folsom Water Company 483 acres of land
on which the state prison, farm and the state
game farm now stand, at a cost of 11,000 days'
work of convict labor. The dam when finished
was ninety feet high from the bed of the river
and recently an efficient fish ladder has been
constructed at the side of it, the former one
having proved useless. The canal leads the
water to the power-house, the water power
generating all the electric and other power
used for lighting the grounds and for other
purposes.
Goner's flouring mill was built in 1866 on
the corner of Wool Street, and closed in two
years, B. N. Bugbey purchasing it for a wine
cellar and renting the upper floor to the socie-
ties of Folsom. It was burned in 1871. The
Natoma Mills were built by Edward Stockton
in June, 1866, and discontinued later. The first
brewery in Folsom was built by Chris Heiler
in 1857, and destroyed by fire in 1868. In
1872 Peter Yager erected a brewery on the
foundation of a large store destroyed by the
destructive fire of 1870. It was burned in the
fire of 1886.
The railroad bridge across the American
River was built in 1858 on the line of the Cal-
ifornia Central Railroad. It was ninety-two
feet above the water, with a span of 216 feet
and cost $100,000. It was the only bridge left
on the American River after the flood of 1862,
its superior height saving it. It was con-
demned in 1866, having sunk in the center and
become unsafe. In 1854 a wooden bridge was
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
133
built across the American, but was washed
away by high water a few years later.
Thompson & Kinsey obtained a charter in
1861 for building a bridge across the American
River at Folsom. It was a wire suspension
bridge, but the flood of 1862 carried it away
on January 10, and the rebuilding of it was
begun in March. C. L. Ecklon purchased the
bridge and franchise in 1871. It was con-
demned and another was constructed in 1893.
Folsom suffered greatly from fires at various
times. May 8, 1866, a fire burned "Whiskey
Row" and a number of buildings on Sutter
and Decatur Streets, including the office of the
"Folsom Telegraph." The Hotel de France
and other buildings were burned August 31,
1866. The Folsom Theater was burned June
27, 1871, and in the same year fire destroyed
Patterson's Hotel, all of Chinatown and a part
of Addison's lumber yard. May 6, 1872, a fire
which broke out in Smith, Campbell & Jolly's
store, destroyed all the block except the "Fol-
som Telegraph" office, the loss being about
$130,000. August 13, 1886, a fire broke out,
destroying all the business property except
three buildings, a loss of about $150,000.
The Folsom Hook and Ladder Company
was organized March 3, 1857. The first offi-
cers were: H. B. Waddilove, foreman;
Charles Plannet, first assistant foreman;
Frank Wheeler, second assistant ; J. M. Ar-
buckle, secretary; H. D. Rowley, treasurer.
The company owns its own hall. Young-
America, No. 1, was organized in September,
1861, and bought a hand engine costing $1,800,
but the enthusiasm died out, and it disbanded
in 1863.
The first public school in Folsom was es-
tablished in 1857, the first teacher being I. M.
Sibley. The first trustees were: E. P. Wil-
lard, Dr. S. Palmer and J. S. Meredith. A
school had, however, previously been taught
at Prairie City.
Natoma Lodge No. 64, F. & A. M., was or-
ganized in October, 1854, at Mormon Island.
It was chartered in 1855, and removed to Fol-
som. The first officers were: M. Wallace,
W. M. ; L. Bates, S. W. ; A. O. Carr, J. W. The
other charter members were : A. Spinks, G.
W. Corey, S. Logan, H. A. Holcomb, D. Mc-
Call, B. H. Conroy, T- H. Berry, W. Sheldon,
C. S. Bogar, W. K. Spencer, D. M. K. Camp-
bell, J. Clark and M. Hatch. The records of
the lodge were destroyed by the fire of 1871.
Granite Lodge No. 62, I. O. O. F., was organ-
ized September 19, 1856, at the residence of
Eli Nicholls, by David Kendall, D. D. G. M.,
assisted by C. C. Hayden, Samuel Cross, W. B.
H. Dodson, George I. N. Monell, G. K. Van
Heusen and George Nelson. The first officers
were : J. E. Clark, N. G. ; A. Mears, V. G. ; W.
A. McClure, Rec. Sec. ; H. A. H:ill. Treas. The
other charter members were : S. F. Marquis.
A. W. Beals, B. Kosminsky, L. Sampson, J.
Crumberger, G. B. Hornish and E. A. Turner.
Folsom Encampment No. 24. I. O. O. F., was
organized June 28, 1864. Fedora Rebekah
Lodge, I. O. O. F., was established February
16, 1891, with fifty-five charter members, and
the number of members at present is 143.
Excelsior Council, O. C. F., was organized
February 20, 1882. Folsom Lodge No. 109,
A. O. U. W., was established June 6, 1879.
Granite Parlor No. 83, N. S. G. W., was organ-
ized April 9, 1886. Social Lodge No. 54, Or-
der of the Golden Shore, was established Feb-
ruary 18, 1889. The Young Men's Institute
No. 69 was instituted in January, 1888.
The first church services held in Folsom
were held in Hook and Ladder Company's hall
in 1856, by the Rev. Dr. Hatch, an Episcopal
minister of Sacramento. About this time
Father Quinn, of the Catholic Church, held
services at the house of P. J. O'Neil, about
two miles from Folsom. St. John's Church
(Catholic) was organized in 1856, and the
church structure was erected in 1857, the
church society in the meantime holding its
ineetings in the darken College, Rev. Father
Quinn, pastor. Trinity Church (Episcopal)
was organized July 18, 1862, and the church
building was erected the same year at the cost
of about $4,000 for a fine frame structure. The
Congregational Church was organized in 1860,
and erected a brick building the same year.
J. E. Benton was its first pastor. It ceased to
exist many years ago.
Prairie City was located about two miles
south of Folsom, on Alder Creek, and mining
began there in 1853, on the completion of the
Natoma water ditch. The miners flocked in,
stores, hotels and residences were built, and it
became the business town for a number of the
surrounding mining camps. Early in 1854, the
town numbered over 1,000 persons, and the
miners were making from $5 to $20 a day. The
town began to die out in I860, and all traces
of it have long since vanished.
Willow Springs Hill diggings were mined as
early as 1851, and it is said that millions were
taken out from these diggings. Texas Hill,
Rhodes' Diggings, Beam's Bar, and other
camps 3'ielded well for a time.
The state prison is about a mile and a half
east of Folsom on the American River. The
site was selected in preference to Rocklin, in
1868, on account of the water power available.
Through delays of the contractors it was not
finished ready for occupancy until 1880. It is
built entirely of granite, as are the officers'
houses and all other buildings, the rock being
quarried on the grounds. There is a rock
134
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
crusher on the grounds, where the granite is
crushed for road material, which is supplied for
macadamizing the county roads and the
streets of Sacramento. The prison was built
to accommodate 650 prisoners, but additions
have been built and there are now over 2,000
prisoners confined there. The sanitary condi-
tions are excellent.
Origin of Names
Elk Grove was so named because of a num-
ber of elk horns found in a grove of timber,
near which in 1850 James Hall established his
hotel and painted on its sign an elk's head.
The name of Florin was given to that locality
by the late Judge E. B. Crocker about 1864.
The choice of that name was due to the great
quantity of wild iJowers to be seen in the
fields. When the town was started in 1875, it
received the same name. Folsom was named
for J. L. Folsom, who died July 19, 1855.
There is some romance connected with the
naming of Forest City in Sierra County, and
it may not be amiss to mention in this connec-
tion the history of the name. The first store
at the forks of Oregon Creek was built by
Samuel Hammond and was called Yomana
store, from the bluff above the town, which
was called by that name, meaning "Sacred
Hill." In 1853 a meeting was held by the citi-
zens for the purpose of selecting a name for
the village. There was a tie vote for Forks
of Oregon and Yomana. The matter was com-
promised by agreeing to call the town after
the first woman settler. The first lad}- resi-
dent was Mary Davis, wife of a baker. After
her advent the town was called indiscrimi-
nately Forks of Oregon and Marietta. Davis
soon sold out to a man named Captain Moon-
ey, whose wife's name was Forest. Mrs.
Mooney was a woman of education and con-
tributed several articles to the Marysville pa-
per. The articles were dated from Forest City.
The editor did not know the location of that
place, but published the correspondence as it
was sent in and thus the name was used for
the first time. Mrs. Mooney afterwards called
into consultation several of the leading citi-
zens and succeeded in having the place form-
ally named in her honor.
The name of Gait was suggested for that
town when it was laid out. John McFarland,
who suggested the name to Judge E. B.
Crocker, and who had come from Canada, de-
sired to name the place after the town of Gait
in Upper Canada, where he had served his
apprenticeship. The Canadian village had been
named in honor of a Mr. Gait. The valley oi
lone was named before the town was started
and owes its title to Thomas Brown, a lover
of books, who selected the name after one of
the characters in the "Last Days of Pompeii"
by Bulwer-Lytton. The town was first called
Bedbug, then Freezeout and finally lone.
Natoma is an Indian name signifying Clear
Water. The name was given in 1850 to the
Mormon Island postoffice on the suggestion
of the late Judge A. P. Catlin. Afterwards
the township was given the same name. Sut-
terville was named after Gen. John A. Sutter.
.A.ndrus Island was named after George An-
drus, who died there in 1852. Rancho del
Paso means Ranch of the Pass and is often
alluded to as the Norris Grant, Samuel Norris
having formerly owned the land. The Ameri-
can River was given that name by a compan}^
of western trappers who lived near its banks
for a number of years between 1822 and 1830.
Hicksville was named after AVilliam Hicks, an
early settler. The Mokelumne River derives
its name from a powerful tribe of Indians, the
Mokelhos, who inhabited its lower banks and
the adjacent territory. The Spaniards called
it Rio de los Moquelumnes. The Consumnes
River was named from the Cosumnes tribe.
Mormon Island was named from the Mormons
who settled there. Routier was named after
Hon. Joseph Routier. The Sacramento River
was first named Jesus Maria by Lieutenant
Moraga, and the Feather was named by him
the Sacramento, but later the names were
changed to their present form.
Townships Reduced and Renamed
By an act recently passed by the state legis-
lature, the number of townships is reduced
from fifteen to eight, named as follows : Amer-
ican, Brighton, Center, Georgiana, Granite,
Lee, Sacrarnento, and San Joaquin. The su-
pervisors were authorized to make the new
boundary lines and rearrange the townships so
as to distribute them about equally over the
county outside of the corporate limits of Sac-
ramento City. The bill was introduced by As-
semblyman Percy G. AVest, and was framed
along the lines of the recently proposed re-
apportionment of the senate and assembly dis-
tricts of California.
J STREET, SACRAMENTO. IN FLOOD OF 1862
nT6
'"'"'-"'.A'.-
SHlPPiNG RICE AND GRAIN ON SACRAMENTO RIVER
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
135
CHAPTER XVIII
NOTABLE FLOODS IN SACRAMENTO COUNTY
THE FLOOD of 1850, heretofore men-
tioned as among- the early disasters to
the city, was only one of a series that
devastated the city and county till later years,
and some of which were far more widespread
and destructive. Seasons of heavy rainfall
have brought down from the mountains that
bound the great Sacramento Valley on both
sides torrents of rushing waters that have
spread out over the lowlands along the Sacra-
mento River or overtopped the levees con-
structed to preserve the alluvial lands and
swept away the banks erected as barriers, re-
minding man that his puny efforts to restrain
and control the forces of nature are futile at
such times. Today the banks of the river in
most places are crowned with substantial
levees, many of them eighty to one hundred
feet across the top, and holding back success-
fully the angry waters that surge and beat
against them. But in many places these huge
mounds have proved ineffectual in time of
great floods, and the reclamation of the river
lands and islands has been a costly and dis-
couraging undertaking. The labor of months
and years, costing many thousands of dollars,
has often been swept away in a day and fertile
fields, often covered with a valuable crop, in-
undated and covered with several feet of sand
and detritus.
Long before the white man settled in the
valley did these floods occur at different per-
iods. The Indian mounds of past generations,
the remains of which frequently appear on the
low lands along the rivers, bear mute testimony
to the rise of raging water and the necessity
forced upon the aborigines of providing for
the safety of themselves and their families from
the devouring waters. Their traditions give
an account of various floods before the white
man invaded the valley. The great flood of
1805 forms an epoch in their history from
which they still reckon in speaking of subse-
quent events. That of 1825-1826 was often re-
ferred to by the older members of the tribes
who camped along the river in the early days
of the state. The floods of 1846-1847 and of
1850 were familiar to the earliest pioneers and
still remain vividly in the memories of the
survivors of those days. The former did but
little damage, for the reason that there was
very little property subject to damage in those
days. The latter, which has been referred to
earlier in this volume, did an immense amount
of damage to the infant city and occasioned
much suffering'.
On the evening of January 8, 1850, a terrible
southeast storm set in, swelling the Sacra-
mento River to such an extent that the slough
on I Street, between Second and Third, began
to run over. Before night on Wednesday the
water was running under the zinc building of
Montgomery and Warbass, and torrents were
rushing down Second and Third Streets. On
Thursday morning the whole city for a mile
from the Embarcadero, except some high
places on Tenth Street, was under water. The
next day buildings were carried from their
foundations. Very few buildings escaped hav-
ing their lower floors flooded. The damage
was immense, great quantities of provisions
and goods being swept away. Dr. John F.
Morse, in writing of the flood, says, among
other things :
"At 10 o'clock on the evening of the flood,
when the back waters of the sloughs and the
waters that came in from the banks of the Sac-
ramento were rushing into the city, tearing up
sidewalks and dislodging merchandise, sweep-
ing away tents and upsetting houses — at this
very time, and throughout the inundation, the
city seemed almost mad with boisterous frolic,
with the most irresistible disposition to revel
in all the drinking, talking, swearing, dancing
and shouting that -were ever patronized by the
wine-drinking son of Jupiter and Semele.
"All the shipping and two-story houses be-
came crowded with the unwebbed bipeds of
hilarity and merriment. When hundreds of
thousands of dollars in merchandise Avere be-
ing wrested from the merchants and traders by
the sweeping currents that were running
through the streets, in some places with irre-
sistible force, no one could have found among
the losers of the property a single dejected face
or dejected spirit. There were no gloomy con-
sultations, no longing looks cast upon the ab-
sconding produce, no animosities excited. A
man who would purposely roll into the water
that he might share in the general laugh that
was entailed upon one who had accidentally
fallen in, would not wet the sole of his foot to
136
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
save a barrel of pork that was being carried off
by the current.
"In the early part of this great flood small
boats would bring almost any price on sale
or hire. A common-sized whale-boat would
bring $30 an hour, and sell readily for $1,000;
but in an incredibly short time every particle
of lumber that would answer for boat- or raft-
making was appropriated, and in a few daj's
the people were enabled to emigrate to the
adjacent hills, where settlements were made,
similar to the Hoboken of 1853. It would be
impossible to estimate the amount of property
destroyed b}' this terrible visitation."
Teamsters lost from forty to fifty yoke of
oxen and a large number of horses and mules
were drowned, write the historians. On the
18th the water so far subsided as to leave some
dry spots on the Embarcadero and most of
Second Street. The great number of cattle
drowned created much discomfort to the
people.
Another flood occurred in March, in which
the city was saved from a second disaster by
the energetic efforts of Hardin Biglow, who
had built a levee across the sloughs at his own
expense. This was the inception of the pres-
ent system of levees which so effectually pro-
tects our city and renders it practically im-
pregnable to the waters.
Two years later came another devastating
flood. For some days prior to Sunday, March
7, 1852, both the Sacramento and American
Rivers had taken on a threatening form, heav)^
rains in the foot-hills and a very heavy snow-
fall in the mountains having failed them bank
full. About 1 a. m. Sunday the citizens were
aroused from their slumbers by the clanging of
the alarm bell, warning them of impending
danger. Excited men soon thronged the
streets, anxious to ascertain the cause. On in-
vestigation it was found that, owing to a sud-
den rise in the American River, the levee near
its mouth had given away and the water was
rushing fast through a breach in its crumbling
banks. The mayor, chief engineer and many
citizens were soon on the ground, making every
effort to avert disaster. Timber, hay, sacks of
barley, dirt and other things were cast into the
breach, but to no avail. The earth on which
the timbers of the sluice gate rested became
loosened and about two o'clock the bridge gave
way and was swept away by the current into
the slough. Brooks' store-house, on the levee,
followed the bridge ; and as the opening wid-
ened the rush of waters increased and trees,
houses, scows and tents were swept into the
vortex and coming with tremendous force
against the bridge across Third Street snapped
it like a pipe-stem and it too was swept away,
cutting off all communication with the penin-
sula and imperiling the safety of residents.
Boats were quickly procured and after great
exertions all were rescued and conveyed to a
place of safety. By four o'clock the water had
reached the level of I Street and was running
up Second to J Street. The mayor issued a
proclamation, calling on all to help stem the
tide. A temporary embankment stopped the
water at I Street, but it soon found its way
around to Seventh and submerged I Street
again. The embankment was continued to
Seventh, where the groimd was higher, but
soon the water was pouring into J Street
through the slough. The Sacramento River at
this time was two feet lower than in the flood
of 1850, and lacked twenty inches of overtop-
ping the levee, and the sloughs below the city
contained less water than at the former flood.
But the American was higher and was rising,
while the Sacramento was stationary. The
levee was crumbling and the water was
trickling through and it appeared certain that
the levee must yield to the rising waters. Mtich
property had been destroyed already. Cattle,
pigs and poultry floated by on the flood and
the water stood from a few inches to two feet
deep on the lower floors on I Street. By six
o'clock the city was almost wholly submerged,
the buildings rising like so many pyramids on
the desert over the face of the waters, only
Sutter's Fort and the Ridge being above the
flood.
By this time the American River, which had
overflowed its banks, had crept insidiously
around the cit}^ and a torrent rushed in on the
opposite side. The east levee had broken and
the water poured violently in. The stores on
K Street were nearly all flooded several inches
deep, but J Street, being higher, was still above
the flood. The entire cit}' was wild with ex-
citement. Every one who possessed goods or
furniture was removing them to higher apart-
ments or ground. Houses on the outskirts
were almost deserted and the residents took
refuge on scows. Carpenters became boat-
builders, but there was not half enough ma-
terial or labor on hand to supply the demand.
The water still rose and by Monday morning
scarcely a foot of land was visible in the city.
Then a cold southeast wind rose and the water
receded four inches by noon, but still stood
two feet deep on K Street and also covered J,
but not so deeph\ From the commencement
communication with the outside had been cut
off. Stages for Auburn and Nevada leaving
on the 6th were forced to turn back. On the
following day one was wrecked while trying
to cross a slough at Sutter's race, and the
horses were saved with difficulty. Little's
bridge at Coloma, the bridge at Uniontown,
the two covered bridges at Salmon Falls and
all the bridges on the south and middle forks
of the American River were carried away.
I\Ianv horses and mules were drowned while
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
137
trying to swim a deep slough near Brighton.
Most of the losses sustained, however, were in
the suburbs, or outside of the city. The mer-
chants had, as a rule, profited by their experi-
ence in 1850, and removed their goods in time
to escape damage.
But with all the damage and danger, not to
say discomfort, the elastic spirits of the
pioneers were undaunted. Many enjoyable
experiences were not lacking and pleasure ex-
cursions took place over the submerged coun-
try outside. The Sacramento "Daily Union" of
March 9, 1852, had the following to say:
"J Street, up town, proved to be the center
of attraction yesterday, and presented many
enlivening and animating scenes through the
day. Its bosom was covered with unique
water craft of every conceivable description,
and the ingenuity displayed in their construc-
tion was only equalled by the tact and skill
with which they were managed. The greater
number consisted of skiffs, and these con-
stituted a regular line of ferry boats, plying
from block to block. There were also freight
boats laden with hay, barley, provisions, etc.,
which articles were transported in accordance
with established rates. Then came the fancy
sail boat of the man of leisure, shooting swift-
ly past the meaner craft and stretching upward
for more sea room ! We noticed one of these
far out on the prairie, close-hauled to a south-
east wind and apparently bound for Stockton.
Among other craft, the omnibus boat was con-
spicuous. They are made by fastening two or
three empty boxes together. These appeared
to be the favorite conveyance of 'the people,'
although scarcely a trip was successfully per-
formed, owing to the pilots getting off their
course, throwing their craft on their ends, and
spilling their passengers overboard. Then, by
hoisting signals of distress, these attracted the
attention of some other catamaran, which bore
down to their relief. One cute chap built a
big box with wheels attached, and after getting
'steam up' threaded his way through K Street.
Besides these, there were, metallic boats, dug-
outs, hide boats and canoes — all filled with
people, out on business or pleasure — all, too,
joyous and happy. It was, in fact, an aquatic
carnival, and the town was afloat on a frolic."
The high land at the head of I Street, near
the plaza, was densely crowded during the
flood with human beings, wagons, tents, cat-
tle and horses. As in the flood of 1850, the
dwellers near the sloughs on the south side of
the city and all those on lower ground escaped
from the water and made this their camping
ground. On J Street a number of Mexicans
and boys improved the opportunity given them
by free water, of washing the surface ground in
front of the different banking houses, in some
instances with considerable success. The wild
animals also sought refuge and fifteen rabbits
were caught at one time in a dwelling near
the slough, which proved a treacherous refuge
for them. A large number of rats took up their
abode on a big stump on Sixth Street, where
they were soon slaughtered by men and boys,
much to the disgust of a crowd of Chinamen
who deprecated the destruction of so much
good food.
The flood lasted four days before it began
to subside. Before this, those who had urged
the necessity of a substantial levee on the river
front to keep out the flood waters had been
largely in the minority and their arguments
had been scornfully rejected and they often
subjected to public denunciation for advocat-
ing the incurring of such a needless expense.
It was claimed and believed by many that even
if a levee were built, the water would perco-
late through and undermine it. But public
opinion now underwent a radical change. The
last flood had demonstrated the fact that it
might become an annual occurrence and men
thought it wise to heed the warning, and ar-
rangements were made at once to construct
more efficient levees.
December 19, 1852, a break occurred in the
levee on the American River, between Stuart's
and the Ridge. By the morning following
the business portion of the city was submerged
to a depth of several inches, but the water
soon subsided, but little damage being done
by it.
The city was again completely flooded Janu-
ary 1, 1853. The water of the Sacramento
River was twenty-two feet above low-water
mark and two feet higher than during the great
flood of 1850. Boats were again in great de-
mand and New Year's calls were made in them.
But the trade, although profitable, was brief,
many of the boats being stranded by the quick-
ly receding waters. AVhile but little damage
was done in the city, the county and those ad-
joining it suffered considerable destruction of
property and the incidental discomfort and suf-
fering. The city now passed an ordinance for
the improvement of the river levees.
For nearly eight years after this Sacramento
escaped the floods and her prosperity increased.
She was fast growing into a large city. She
had passed through fire and flood and all the
privations and misfortunes incident to the his-
tory of a pioneer city, and far more than the
average of them. Her people had met all these
discouragements and misfortunes with a smil-
ing face and an undaunted courage. It seemed
as if they had surmounted all their trials and
their career henceforth was to be one of con-
tinued prosperity. But the end was not yet.
Fate had not yet shot all her arrows of mis-
138
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
fortune ; and one more, the most destructive of
all, was yet to strike the city.
The precursor of the great misfortune was a
flood on March 28, 1861, when the American
again rose, quickly reaching a point twenty
feet above low-water mark. It swept away the
wing-dam at Rabel's tannery and damaged the
levee at that point greatly. The water from
Sutter's Lake overflowed its bounds and cut a
channel through First Street to the American
River ; Swift's bridge, and Lisle's bridge across
the American were both destroyed. Norris'
bridge became impassable and ferries had to
be established, there being no other means of
crossing the American between Folsom and
Sacramento.
About 8 o'clock on the morning of Decem-
ber 9, 1861, the announcement was made that
the levee on the eastern boundary of the city
had given way and that the waters of the
American River were sweeping down on the
devoted city with uncontrollable fury. On
they came with irresistible force. Well was it
for Sacramento in that hour of trial that the
break in the levee had not occurred in the
night. Had it done so the loss of life would
have been heavy. As it was, a number of per-
sons were drowned and the property destroyed
far exceeded in quantity and value that of any
preceding flood. Bursting through the eastern
levee, the water poured down along Thirty-
first Street till it struck the R Street levee,
which was swept away like an eggshell by the
tremendous force of the current and the city
was at the mercy of the flood. The other
levees surrounding the city instead of proving
a protection, now constituted a source of dan-
ger and damage, confining the waters and forc-
ing them to rise to a higher level than they
might otherwise have attained.
Within an hour of the first alarm many per-
sons on Eleventh Street found themselves sur-
rounded by water and unable to escape. Their
appeals for help were heartrending. Stock-
owners began to bestir themselves, and great
numbers of horses, mules, cattle, hogs and
sheep were driven across the Yolo bridge and
down to Sutterville. By eleven o'clock the
water had risen to such a depth at Fifth and
Sixth Streets that many houses were over-
turned and set afloat. Women and children
clung to the doors and windows of these and
cried out for assistance. There was a scarcity
of boats, and for a time many persons seemed
doomed to perish inevitably. Many families
were driven from their homes in the vicinity
of the Pavilion, on the corner of Sixth and M
Streets. The upper doors of the Pavilion be-
ing locked, they were burst open and many
sought refuge in the building.
The Howard Benevolent Society made its
headquarters here, and, having four boats at
its disposal, furnished soup and blankets to all
who came through the da}-. In turn M, L, K
and J Streets were flooded by the water back-
ing up from the R Street levee. Inmates of
one-story buildings deserted them, while those
living in two-stor}' structures carried their
bedding and furniture upstairs. Cellars were
flooded and large quantities of merchandise of
all descriptions destroyed. Boats and all im-
aginable kinds of craft were employed in sav-
ing life and property, and moved back and
forth laden with passengers and various
things. Many were upset, and many a foot
passenger plunged into a deep hole, suffering
temporary submergement.
Finally, the chain gang cut a hole through
the R Street levee and the water poured out
of it in a torrent. The force of the water here
drew many houses afloat in the vicinity — some
of them two-story edifices — into the break,
where they were torn to pieces. It was im-
possible to obtain any data as to the number
of persons who perished. A teamster was
drowned near Sutter's Fort. A man was
drowned with his team at the corner of Ninth
and M Streets through falling into an open
cistern, and a child in the wagon was saved
with great difficulty. It was generally sup-
posed that many women and children were
drowned in one-story houses, on account of
their inability to escape to the roofs of their
dwellings.
The only dry portions of the city were I
Street, the river front, the R Street levee and
Poverty Ridge, now known as Sutter Terrace.
I Street and the levee were crowded with stock
taken there for refuge. Many boats were em-
ployed in the evening in taking passengers to
and from the hotels and restaurants for meals,
the fires in many of which had been extin-
guished by the waters.
The steamer "Swallow," coming from
Marysville, was dashed against the bridge pier,
injuring two of her passengers. The train for
Folsom went only to Poverty Ridge, passen-
gers being carried thence in boats for half a
mile and put on another train and carried to
their destination. In many places the railroad
track was destroyed. Early in the day the city
gauge showed the water had risen to twenty-
one feet, and at sundown it had risen six to
eight inches higher, while the Yolo side was
but slightly overflowed. During the night
several houses floated down the river and
female voices within them were heard shriek-
ing vainly for help. Two sections of Lisle's
bridge across the American were swept away,
but lodged against the Sacramento bridge and
were secured there.
The next morning was clear and the waters
had subsided several feet, leaving L Street a
bed of mud and those north of it likewise.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
139
Planks of sidewalks and crossings, stranded
boats and scows used the day before, were
scattered all around. The city south of L
Street was still under water, having first felt
the fury of the flood, and here boats were still
in use. The area was crowded with capsized
houses, merchandise and other things, and the
loss of property here was great.
Many acts of humanity were performed, but
avarice and callousness were also found dur-
ing these perils. Some men borrowed boats
on the levee under pretense of rescuing suf-
ferers, but instead turned them into a means
of extortion. One man had placed his wife
on the roof of a house about to fall, and was
obliged to pay one of these scoundrels $75 to
carry her to a place of safety. A man stand-
ing inside of a house, up to his chin in water,
begged to be taken into a boat. The boatman
demanded $15 fare, but he said he had no
money. "Then I'll leave you to drown," was
the unfeeling reply. Fortunately another boat
came along and rescued him. Such things
were common, and near midnight two women
were saved who had been on the roof of a
house on Eleventh Street, near L, for seven
hours, unable to find a boatman who would
take them off. The loss of property was esti-
mated at $1,500,000. How many lives were
lost will never be known. By December 11
the water had subsided and traffic was re-
sumed.
Scarcel)- had this flood passed away, how-
ever, when it was succeeded by another. On
December 23, while men were still employed
in building up and strengthening the levee on
Burns' Slough, the American River rose again
so rapidly that it carried away a portion of
the new embankment and that portion of the
city lying south of Tenth and L Streets was
inundated the second time to a maximum
depth of about four and a half feet. The water
soon subsided and the levees were so far re-
paired and strengthened that, although the
Sacramento River five days later stood twen-
ty-two feet and seven inches above the low-
water mark, the highest yet recorded, the city
was quite free from water in its business
portion.
The rains still continued and as the lowlands
could not clear themselves of flood water, a
still greater calamity hung over the devoted
city and would have been the climax of dis-
aster had not the previous floods warned the
inhabitants to be prepared for anything. That
there was less loss of life and property is large-
ly due to this fact, as the flood came suddenly.
On Thursday, January 9, 1862, in consequence
of the continued rains and the melting of the
snows in the Sierras, the American River over-
flowed the levee at Rabel's tannery and speed-
ily covered the entire area lying east of the
Thirty-first Street levee, and before ten o'clock
that night the water had covered the lower
part of the cit}' a foot deep.
The levee commissioners after the flood of
December, 1861, had established a camp of
about thirty men in the vicinity of Burns'
Slough, under Charles Farley. The flood of
January 9 came on them without warning,
swept away the house and compelled its in-
mates to take shelter upon the roof of the
barn, which, being banked up by sand and
sediment, withstood the flood.
About four o'clock Burns heard their cries
and came in a whale-boat with an old sailor,
to succor them. Farley, seeing his men pre-
paring to jump into the boat, threatened to
shoot the first one who did so without his or-
ders, telling them that such a move would re-
sult in the loss of all their lives. As a result,
only five men were taken off at this time, and
it then being too late to do more, the remain-
ing twenty-five spent the night on the roof.
During the night Mrs. Burns prepared soup
and food for them and in the morning the
whale-boat brought them a large milk-can
filled with the hot soup. Burns, the old sailor
and S. D. Carkhuff toiled all day and all were
safely landed by night, Farley, the overseer,
being the last man to leave the roof.
At daybreak on the 10th the southern part
of the city was under two and a half feet of
water, while the eastern part, north of J Street,
was also flooded, and by one o'clock J and K
Streets were flooded to Ninth and during the
afternoon the flood attained the same height
as the highest rise of December 8, 1861.
The scene in the afternoon was an animated
one. IMerchants erected platforms for their
goods above the line of supposed danger and
stock-owners were driving their horses, mules
and cattle to the I Street and Front Street
levees. Women and children moved to the
upper stories or to the higher streets and hun-
dreds of boats were afloat on the streets, carry-
ing passengers. Many of them contained peo-
ple apparently bent on pleasure excursions.
There was much less danger than on former
occasions and fear and anxiety were also less.
The balconies were crowded with spectators
and there was plenty of mirth and hilarity. In
the southern and eastern parts of the city,
however, many were forced to leave their
homes without knowing where to go. All the
hotels were soon overcrowded and the Pavilion
again came into requisition as the headquar-
ters of the Howard Benevolent Society, many
persons being lodged and fed there.
The committee of safety had some time
previous to this flood constructed a new levee
at Rabel's tannery, leaving the old one stand-
ing to protect it as a breakwater, letting the
water in gradually to form a basin of still
140
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
water and thus protect the new embankment.
A person cut the old levee without authority
and let the current flow against the new one,
and only by the most strenuous exertions and
the liberal use of gunny sacks, was the danger
averted. A subsequent report of the engineers
to the state board of swamp-land commis-
sioners states that at this point the river makes
an acute angle to the northwest, the effect be-
ing to throw up a .wall of water there, two feet
higher than at any other point in the channel,
and the water flowed over the levee, causing
a crevice through which the flood poured at
the rate of 60,000 cubic feet per second, with a
torrent velocit}'- due to the fall in the river of
3,000 feet in seventy-five miles.
During this inundation four deaths from
drowning were reported and the destruction
of property was considerable. About three-
quarters of a mile of the Folsom railroad track
was washed away. Many small buildings were
carried through the R Street levee and de-
stroyed. One thousand feet of the wall sur-
rounding Agricultural Park, which was twen-
ty feet high and fourteen inches thick, fell
to the ground. The river rose five inches
higher than on any previous occasion. The
fires in the "Daily Union" office were extin-
guished, stopping the press while it was run-
ning off its weekly edition. The steamer "Gem"
of the California Navigation Company was
swept by the current through the break at
Rabel's tannery, and stranded at Twenty-third
and Z Streets in a peach orchard, whence she
was launched with much difficulty in the fol-
lowing February. Two dead bodies were
found floating on the American River and two
milkmen on Eighteenth Street, -near R, lost
seventy head of milch cows. The new levee at
Rabel's tannery was only saved by using all
the raw hides in the tannery to spread over its
weak points.
The legislature was then in session and on
January 11a resolution was adopted by the
senate, by a vote of twenty to thirteen, to ad-
journ to San Francisco for the remainder of
the session. The resolution was defeated in
the assembly after a long discussion, by a vote
of forty to thirty-six, but a further flood ap-
pearing, the assembly agreed to the measure
and on January 23 the legislature, with its
attaches and furniture, removed to San Fran-
cisco.
On January 12, the steamer "Defiance" went
up the river to Patterson's, twelve miles above
the city and seven miles higher than any
steamboat had hitherto reached, and for some
time after she made daily trips to that point.
On the same day Wilson's bridge over the
Cosumnes was overturned by the flood. From
this time on the flood began to subside and
navigation of the streets soon became impos-
sible, the only means of traversing them be-
ing to wade through the mud with its accumu-
lated filth and carcases of dead animals. The
half-drowned and starving cattle along the
rivers gave employment to all the steamboats
and other craft in rescuing them. The flood
was equally destructive throughout the county.
At this time the only mining that had been
done was mostly of a primitive sort. No
levees, except in the case of the city, had been
erected to repel the flood waters, as hydraulic
mining had not yet raised the bed of the river.
The water had full sweep over the valley, al-
most to the foothills of the Coast Range on
one side and to the rolling lands west of Fol-
som on the other. This fact may give some
idea of the immense volume of water poured
into the valley b}^ the continued rains. As one
pioneer expressed himself to the writer: "We
had six weeks' rain in January." An equal
amount of rainfall now, in so limited a time,
would do incalculable damage to the dwellers
of the lowlands.
The "Daily Union" of Monday, January 13,
1862, has the following;
"Upon Friday night the American River
rose sixty feet above low-water mark, and de-
stroyed a large amount of property. The old
flour mill of Stockton and Coover, built some
seven or eight years ago, and the new one built
by them last summer in conjunction with Car-
roll & Moore of this city, were both carried
away, and in their course took off the wire sus-
pension bridge of Kinsey & Thompson. The
new mill was designed to run nine pair of
burrs, and is reported to have cost between
$20,000 and $30,000. A large quantity of wheat
therein stored was also lost. The wire bridge
was built in the summer of 1856, and cost
about $18,000. A wooden bridge some ten feet
lower had been previously destroyed. The
railroad bridge belonging to the California
Central Railroad Company, some fifteen feet
higher than the wire bridge, and of a single
span, is still standing. So far as we have re-
ceived information from various parts of the
county, we are convinced that the late flood
spread over a much greater area of territory
and was far more destructive than any which
has occurred since the county was settled.
"The waters from the American did great
injury at Brighton ; those from the Sacra-
mento, a great deal in the townships border-
ing on that river, and those from the Sacra-
mento and Mokelumne produced a corre-
sponding result in the southern part of the
county. We are informed that families were
taken from the tops of houses in boats, their
buildings were carried away, and most of their
stock destroyed. A large amount of stock on
the lower Stockton road has been lost. Nor-
ris' bridge, on the American River, some four
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
HI
miles from its mouth, which withstood the
flood of December 9th, gave way on Saturda}'
afternoon (January 11th) to the still stronger
torrent. At about half past four o'clock two
sections of the structure were carried off, and
lodged on the north bank of the river, a short
distance away. There is now no bridge stand-
ing on the American River, that we are aware
of, excepting only the railroad bridge at Fol-
som."
While the elements were dealing death and
destruction to itiankind, animals and propert}^
human philanthropy was not idle. Steamboats
were dispatched daily from San Francisco,
laden with cooked food for the sufferers. An
aid society was organized at Folsom, and a
deputation sent to Sacramento to invite the
suflfering and distressed to partake of the hos-
pitality of that town. The work of the How-
ard Society of Sacramento should never pass
into forgetfulness. It will always live in the
memory of those who were its beneficiaries
and should never be forgotten by their chil-
dren or descendants.
But the troubles of the city from flood were
not yet ended. January 23, 1862, the new levee
at Rabel's tanner}^ broke and a crevice of 150
feet wide Avas opened, which speedily increased
to 800 feet, flooding the business portion of
the city. While it lasted only a short time, it
was followed by the flood of February 24,
which poured in through a break in the same
place. The water encroached on the following
day to such an extent that the great railroad
scales on R Street, sixty feet in length, had to
be removed. The railroad soon after being
repaired, communication with Folsom Avas
once more established.
The cit}^ w-as by this time aroused to the
necessity for better protection and the authori-
ties began to take active steps in the matter,
and moved energetically to that end. Between
the recession of the flood and January 1, 1863,
more than $200,000 was spent in elevating the
streets and otherwise improving them and in
strengthening the levees. Since that time
many hundred thousands of dollars have been
spent in raising and strengthening the levees.
After the flood of 1862 it became evident to
the business men of the city that it was unsafe
to depend entirely on the levees. A movement
was put on foot for raising J and K, the prin-
cipal business streets. It was an arduous job,
but men were found to contract to do the work,
and the buildings were raised, the streets filled
in from six to eighteen feet and the city began
to take on a more solid and permanent appear-
ance. The flood of 1862 was the last one to do
any damage to the business portion of the city,
and it was not till sixteen years afterwards that
the water invaded the city limits.
On the morning of February 1, 1878, it was
reported that a break had occurred in the levee
below the city, near the Lovdal ranch. The
gophers had honeycombed the levee and in a
very short time the crevice, at first about
twelve feet wide, had grown much larger and
by the next morning was 300 feet wide and
very deep. The roar of the waters pouring
through the break could be heard for a great
distance. The lowlands were soon flooded
and the road to the city cemetery was soon
covered and impassable. Attention was im-
mediately turned to closing the openings on
the streets passing under the R Street levee,
which at that time was the city's only protec-
tion on the south. By nightfall these were
rendered secure, but the seepage water came
up as far as Sixth and N Streets before the
flood subsided.
On February 14 it was found necessary to
cut the R Street levee at Eighteenth Street, to
allow the accumulation of water from Burns'
Slough to pass away. On the 20th the river
rose to twenty-five feet ten inches above low-
water mark and a strong gale forced the flood
up against the levee, endangering it, but the
citizens turned out at the alarm and made it
secure. Steps were taken to close the break at
the Lovdal place and by April 10 the city was
once more safe.
The last flood of any consequence was in
1904, and is known as the "Edwards break."
It occurred on February 26, of that year, at a
place in the levee about three miles below the
city. It was said at the time that it was caused
by water seeping through gopher holes in the
levee, and that it was discovered by a Portu-
guese in the vicinity just after it had begun to
trickle through, and could have been stopped
at the time by stuffing a bale of hay or straw
into the hole, but that the man valued the
straw too highly to use it in that way. By
night the crevasse had increased to 150 feet
wide, and later it widened to 300 feet. About
15,000 acres were flooded, the water running
down until it emptied into Snodgrass Slough.
A number of residents had narrow escapes
from drowning, but no lives were lost. Much
sand was carried down b}^ the current, badly
damaging a number of farms. So strong was
the current that man}- attempts to close the
break by driving piles and filling in were un-
successful, and not until some months after-
wards, when the river fell, was it possible to
repair the levee. At present the levee below
the city is high and strong, the Southern Pa-
cific having built one on which to run the
Sacramento Southern Railroad trains.
The Levees
Previous to the flood of 1850 there had been
no attempt at protecting the city by levees,
owing to a wide divergence of opinion among
142
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
the citizens, many of whom, coming from
the East, had had no experience with floods
and could not be convinced of the danger.
But the flood of 1850 effected a sudden con-
version in many of these and they became
ardent supporters of a levee plan. Surveyors
^vere employed as the waters receded, to sur-
vey lines and locate a levee. On the morning
of January 29, 1850, a meeting of citizens was
called at the office of Priest, Lee & Company,
to provide means to protect the city. Barton
Lee was appointed chairman and J. L. L. F.
Warren, secretary. Committees were ap-
pointed to lay out the work, and at a second
meeting, on February 2, estimates were pre-
sented and the city council instructed the city
engineer to prepare plans and estimates for
the work. Four commissioners, Barton Lee
and H. Biglow from the city and T. A. War-
ren and Colonel Smith from the council, were
appointed to act with the engineer in locating
the levee. The engineer made an estimate of
161,000 cubic yards of earthwork, but the
levee was not located on the lines laid out by
him. On April 29, the citizens voted to raise
by tax $250,000 for constructing a levee, only
fifteen voting against it. The levee was built
during the year from the high ground near
Sutterville west to the east bank of the Sac-
ramento, thence northerly along the bank of
the river to the mouth of the American and
then easterly along that river to high ground,
about two and one-half miles. It was three
feet high, six feet on top and twelve feet wide
at the base, being much wider directly in front
of the city.
But this was found entirely inadequate for
protection in 1852. It was severely criticized
by the "Union" of March 8, and on the 10th
the mayor recommended to the council the
building of a levee on I Street to Sixth, thence
along the high ground to abreast of Sutter's
Fort, and thence to the "Ridge." This was
done, and the people felt secure once more.
But on the night of December 19, 1852, a break
occurred between Stewart's house on the
American, and the Ridge. It widened to
eighty feet and the city was once more inun-
dated. The water again entered the city Jan-
uary 2, 1853, but did little damage. July 29,
1853, an ordinance was passed appropriating
$50,000 for raising and strengthening the
levee, the work to be paid for in "levee scrip,"
bearing interest at two per cent per month.
This levee ran "from the intersection of the
levee on the Sacramento River and I Street;
thence following the line of levee as built,
down I Street to Sixth ; thence north along
Sixth to the bank of the slough ; thence along
the slough northeasterly to A Street ; thence
easterly along A Street to Thirty-first ; thence
southerly, inside of the slough (Burns') to R
Street; thence along R Street to the river;
thence along Front Street to the begin-
ning." No provision was made in the $50,000
appropriation for the levee down R Street and
along Burns' Slough, this being voted after-
wards by the citizens as a loan. Up to Janu-
ary 1, 1854, the sum expended for the levee
was about $600,000.
In November, 1860, the levee at Rabel's tan-
nery was strengthened by building a new piece
of levee and a wing dam to turn the current
away, but all precautions proved to be useless,
for in March, 1861, the American River rose
suddenly, carried away the wing dam, and
seriously damaged the levee, but did not enter
the city. December 9, 1861, the Thirty-first
Street levee broke near Burns' Slough, and
broke again two weeks later, but was rebuilt.
January 9, 1862, the American rose again,
piling up the water at Rabel's tannery two
feet higher than at any other part of the chan-
nel. It overflowed the levee and caused a
large crevasse. A subscription of $50,000 was
raised to close the break, and a new levee was
built inside the old one. But this gave way on
February 22, a crevasse 800 feet wide being
washed out. This was repaired and in the
spring and summer of 1862 the whole system
of levees was strengthened, raised and put in
good condition.
The project of turning the American River
so that it would flow into the Sacramento Riv-
er some miles below the city, as proposed by
Mr. Zueblin and Mr. Robinson and brought
into notice again lately, is not a new one, hav-
ing been advanced by engineers in 1862.
In 1861, owing to the previous floods which
had devastated the city, the matter of provid-
ing levees for its protection became a live
issue, and the state board of swamp-land com-
missioners was formed, the City of Sacramen-
to being included within the limits of Swamp
Land District No. 2. B. F. Leet was appointed
by the board as engineer of the district. He
made a report recommending that the levee
for the protecting of his district should com-
mence at Brighton on the American River,
following the river down to the Sacramento
City levee, and following the line of the levee
down the Sacramento to Y Street and thence
down the east bank of the river. All of this
levee above the city and in it was certified to
the city levee commission, and C. C. Tracy
was appointed the engineer to finish the job.
From data secured by them on the flood of Jan-
uary 10, 1862, the engineers arrived at the con-
clusion that, as the reclamation of the valleys
progressed, thus contracting the area through
which the water brought down by the two
rivers must flow, it would be necessary to
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
143
raise the levees each year, and that eventually
Sacramento -would find itself in the same posi-
tion in which Marysville is today — that of dis-
charging the flood waters on a level with the
tops of the houses. An alternative proposi-
tion was presented, the cutting of a large canal
from the bend of the American River at
Brighton to the low ground in the vicinity of
Freeport, turning the American into the canal,
and thus relieving Sacramento from the con-
tinual menace of the flood waters. This solu-
tion of the question has never been attempted,
but has been seriously discussed.
April 9, 1862, the legislature created a board
of city levee commissioners, to consist of five
members, and pending the regular election,
named H. T. Holmes, Charles Crocker, Wil-
liam F. Knox, Charles H. Swift and Francis
Tukey to act until the election should be held.
In 1878 the citizens voted to build a levee from
Front and Y Streets, along the old line of the
American River to the northern boundary of
the city and thence to Brighton, on the line
of the Central Pacific, to the embankment of
the Sacramento Valley road. The cross levee
of the railroad on R Street was the only pro-
tection of the city on the south until the
Y Street levee was built in December of that
year. As all the breaks of the levees in the
early years except one had been from flood
waters of the American River, this danger was
minimized by turning the course of the Amer-
ican River. This was done in 1868, by cutting
a canal from a point just below the railroad
bridge over the American, through a point
of land, by which the channel of the river was
changed and the stream was made to empty
into the Sacramento about a mile north of its
old mouth. The current was thus thrown away
from the levee, and the intervening ground
has grown up to willows, thus rendering the
north levee secure. The sharp bend which
flung the river current against the levee at
Twenty-eighth Street, at Rabel's tannery', and
which the engineers reported in the floods of
1861 and 1862, piled the water up two feet
higher than it was below the bend ; the bend
has been filled in with sand and detritus, a spur
levee having been built by property-owners to
deflect the current.
,Some 3-ears ago the Southern Pacific Com-
pany proposed to the city trustees that, if
given the privilege of storing their extra cars
on the levee north of the city, they would
widen it and keep it in repair, and the offer
was accepted. Since that time the levee has
been greatly widened and strengthened, and
is considered almost, if not quite, impregna-
ble to the waters. This levee has been repeat-
edly raised since 1867, when the American
River rose to the greatest height known till
that time, and might have inundated the city
again, if the railroad embankment to the
bridge, which at that time Avas solid, and ob-
structed the free course of the water, had not
given way, and relieved the situation. A num-
ber of years ago the Y Street levee was raised
several feet and widened, after the Lovdal
break had convinced the city authorities that
the safety of the city would be conserved
thereby.
For many years the levees have been consid-
ered as securing the absolute safety of the
city, as in times of flood the levees on the Yolo
side generally gave way or else the levees be-
low the city yielded, as in the case of the Lov-
dal break and the Edwards break. But some
ten years ago the levee on the Yolo side above
the city w-as greatly raised and strengthened
by the Vallejo Northern Electric Company,
while the reclamation work being done by the
Natomas Consolidated Company will still fur-
ther contract the carrying capacity of the
American and Sacramento Rivers in flood
times. This increases the danger to the city
levees from a great and sudden rise of the
rivers in an unusual rainy season. In view of
this fact, the idea of the engineers in 1862 has
been revived and is being seriously discussed,
as a means of relieving the situation, and var-
ious plans are proposed. Perhaps the most
feasible and permanent solution of the ques-
tion would be that suggested in the report of
the United States reclamation and irrigation
surveys, that a series of immense storage res-
ervoirs could be constructed on the torrential
streams tributary to the Sacramento River,
impounding the flood waters and conserving
them for summer use in irrigating the valley
lands, instead of allowing them to run to waste
to the sea, inflicting sometimes immense dam-
age to the dwellers of the lowlands.
144
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CHAPTER XIX
LOCAL JUDICIARY AND ATTORNEYS
By Judge W. A. Anderson (Deceased)
THERE could be nothing more instructive
and interesting than the origin and de-
velopment of the judicial system and the
aids thereto by the bar of Sacramento City.
In fact the history of the bench and bar of
this great state had its inception in Sacra-
mento, where the great legal minds were
located in the early history of the state.
The southern part of the state was gov-
erned chiefly by the old system of Mexico ;
but in Sacramento the common law was at
once established, and common sense was at
all times interwoven into the decrees and judg-
ments, in the start somewhat crude in their
construction, but very soon developed into a
splendid system with the aid of the bright
genius of the early members of the bar. In
this sketch it will be our endeavor to make
brief reference to many of those brilliant men
who have long since crossed the Dark River,
and who in their time labored in the local
field for the betterment of the law and the
administration of justice.
Under Mexican rule the government of
California was conducted under the laws of
March 20 and May 23, 1837, and those laws
were observed on the acquisition of the coun-
try by the United States, until the organiza-
tion of the state government. They provided
for the selection of alcaldes, whose duties were
to care for good order and public tranquillity,
to see that police regulations, laws and decrees
were enforced, to provide for the apprehension
of criminals, and in some cases to impose fines
and imprisonment upon malefactors. There
were also justices of the peace, who served as
municipal and judicial officers. There was in
the territory a superior tribunal, consisting
of four judges and an attorney-general, which
had the general review of cases tried before
inferior courts. There were also courts of
'■first instance," in which cases both criminal
and civil were originally brought.
The first legislature, by an act passed March
16, 1850, divided the state into nine judicial
districts and constituted the counties of Sac-
ramento and Eldorado the sixth judicial dis-
trict. Afterwards the counties of Sacramento
and Yolo composed that district, and it so
existed until the taking effect of the constitu-
tion of 1879, which abolished that court.
The same legislature, by an act passed April
13, 1850, created a county court in each coun-
ty, and by an act approved on the 11th day
of that month, the court of sessions was cre-
ated, to be composed of the county judge and
two justices of the peace, who were to serve
as associate justices. The latter were chosen
by the justices of the peace of the county.
That court had jurisdiction in cases of misde-
meanor, and also exercised functions now per-
formed by the board of supervisors, such as
the supervision of claims against the county,
and management of roads, etc. Subsequently
the court of sessions was abolished and its
jurisdiction vested in the county court. Its
legislative and supervisorial powers were
transferred to the board of supervisors. The
present state constitution abolished all of
these courts and provided for the organiza-
tion of a superior court in the count)^ with
two departments and two judges, with civil
and criminal jurisdiction.
Local Judiciary
In the latter part of August, 1849, General
B. Riley, acting military governor of Califor-
nia, appointed James S. Thomas judge of the
court of first instance, with criminal jurisdic-
tion. On the 2nd of September, 1849, Thomas
entered upon the duties of his office. A suit
was instituted for the recovery of money. A
summons was made returnable the same day
at four o'clock, at which time judgment was
entered and execution ordered. This gives
some idea of the rapidity with which business,
even of a judicial character, was transacted at
that early period of Sacramento's history. On
the 3rd of September, Judge Thomas ap-
pointed J. P. Rogers clerk of his court. The
latter gentleman served in that capacity until
the 19th of November following, and resigned,
whereupon James R. Lawrence was appointed.
He continued until the 27th of December, at
which time Presley Dunlap was appointed to
the position.
Judge Shannon opened his court for crimi-
nal business in September, 1849. R. A.
Wilson was appointed clerk, and S. C. Hast-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
145
ings, afterwards chief justice of the supreme
court of the state and subsequently attorney-
general, also the founder of Hastings Law
College, acted as prosecuting attorney. D. B.
Hanner, who had been elected sheriff by the
people in their primary capacity, attended
both civil and criminal courts. The first case
before Judge Shannon was a prosecution
against a party for stealing a cow from Sam-
uel Norris. During the trial defendant's coun-
sel objected to the proceedings because they
were not in conformity with the constitutional
provision guaranteeing to every party accused
of high crime, that before he could be put
upon trial he must have been indicted by a
grand jury. The court held that inasmuch as
the defendant had not raised the question in
the beginning of the case, he was deemed as
waiving his right, and that the trial must pro-
ceed. The defendant was found guilty and
fined $200 and costs, which amounted to $515 ;
rather costly beef !
About December 1, 1849, R. A. Wilson suc-
ceeded to the bench, vice Shannon, deceased.
On January 11, 1850, he appointed A. J. Mc-
Call clerk of his court for Sacramento, and on
January 26 he appointed Stephen J. Field
clerk of his court, to reside at Marysville.
Mr. Field was afterwards supreme justice of
the State of California, and associate justice
of the Supreme Court of the United States.
During the time Sacramento was flooded that
winter, Wilson held his court at Marysville.
The two courts alluded to did the judicial
business of the district, both civil and crim-
inal, until the organization of the judiciary
under the state constitution. May 30, 1850.
The first district judges were elected by the
legislature March 30, 1850, and James S.
Thomas, was elected judge of the sixth judi-
cial district. He resigned November 9 fol-
lowing. Tod Robinson was appointed by the
governor to succeed Judge Thomas, January
2, 1851, and assumed office upon the eighth
day of the same month. Ferris Forman suc-
ceeded Robinson by appointment on August
13, 1851 ; and in September of the same year,
Lewis Aldrich assumed the office. He re-
signed November 19, 1852, and A. C. Monson
was appointed by Governor Bigler on Novem-
ber 26, 1852. Judge Monson took office on
the 1st of December of that year. Monson
had been elected at the general election on
November 2, 1852. He resigned August 17,
1857, and Governor Johnson, on the 3rd of
September. 1857, appointed Charles T. Botts
to succeed him. At the general election held
September 1, 1858, John H. McKune was
elected, and was reelected October 21, 1863.
On October 20, 1869, Lewis Ramage was
elected, and on October 20, 1875, Samuel C.
Denson was elected. . Judge Denson served
until the new constitution, abolishing the
office, took effect.
Judge Thomas, after his resignation, re-
turned to the East, and died at St. Louis, in
1857 or 1858. Robinson, who was a promi-
nent member of the bar and belonged to a
family of distinguished lawyers, died in San
Mateo County, October 27', 1870. Forman
was afterwards secretary of state. Judge
Aldrich died at San Francisco, May 18, 1885.
Judge Monson moved East, and died there.
Judge Botts was a brother of John Minor
Botts. He had been a member of the first
constitutional convention of the state and was
afterwards state printer. He died in San Fran-
cisco, October 4, 1884. Judge Ramage re-
moved to Kansas City, and died there, Febru-
ary 14, 1879. Judge Denson was afterwards
elected superior judge of Sacramento County,
resigned that office, and then engaged in
the active practice of the law in San Francisco.
As has been stated, the court of sessions
was composed of the county judge and two
associates. The latter were elected by a con-
vention of the justices of the peace, held on
the first Monday of October of each year
except the first convention, which was held
May 20, 1850. C. C. Sackett and Charles H.
Swift were then elected associates. The asso-
ciates held office for two years. On Novem-
ber 27, 1850, the county treasurer resigned,
and Swift was appointed to fill the vacancy.
James Brown was elected associate in his
stead, and assumed the duties of his office
February 7, 1851. On August 14 following,
D. D. Bullock succeeded Brown. The last
meeting of the court of sessions was held
July 6, 1862. The following is a list of the
subsequent judges of the court from October,
1851, to October, 1862:
1851. — E. J. Willis, judge; George Wilson
and James R. Gates, associates.
1852-53.^E. J. Willis, judge; he resigned
November 18, and John Heard was appointed.
James R. Gates and J. T. Day were associates.
1853-54. — John Heard, judge; H. Lockwood
and B. D. Fry, associates.
1855-56.— John Heard, judge; S. N. Baker
and C. C. Jenks, associates.
1856-57.— Same.
1858-59. — Robert Robinson, judge; James
Coggins and W. B. Whitesides, associates.
1859-60. — Robert Robinson, judge; James
Coggins and Hodgkins, associates.
1860-61.— Robert C. Clark, judge.
1861-62.— Robert C. Clark, judge; James
Coggins and George Cone, associates.
After the abolishment of the court of ses-
sions Judge Clark continued county judge,
was successively elected to that office and oc-
146
HISTORY OF SACRA^IENTO COUNTY
cupied -it until the abolishment of the count}'
court by the operation of the new constitu-
tion. The county court also exercised func-
tions of a probate court.
Judge AVillis left Sacramento and returned
to the East in early days. Wilson died in one
of the northern counties of this state a num-
ber of years ago. Judges Day and Heard are
dead. Judge Jenks removed to Oakland and
held public office there. Judge Coggins died
a number of years ago. Judge Cone was aft-
erwards a member of the state legislature
from this county, and is now dead. Judge
Clark had been a senator and an assembly-
man, and after the abolishment of the county
court he was elected, with Judge Denson, a
judge of the superior court and held office
until the time of his death.
At the first election held under the new
constitution, September 3, 1879, Samuel C.
Denson and Robert W. Clark were elected
judges of the superior court of the county
of Sacramento, judge Denson resigned De-
cember 16, 1882, and on the 18th day of the
same month. Governor Perkins appointed
Thomas B. McFarland to fill the vacancy.
The latter was elected by the people to suc-
ceed himself at the general election held
November 4, 1884; and at the general election
held November 2, 1886, Judge McFarland was
elected one of the justices of the state supreme
court. He resigned the office of superior
judge, and Governor Stoneman, on December
31, 1886, appointed John AV. Armstrong to the
office. At the general election held November
6, 1888, Armstrong was elected to succeed
himself. He has been dead for some years.
Judge Clark died January 27, 1883, and
Governor Stoneman appointed John W. Arm-
strong to succeed him. At the general elec-
tion held November 4, 1884, W. C. Van Fleet
was elected for the full term. In 1890 A. P.
Catlin and W. C. Van Fleet became judges
of the superior court. Then came Catlin and
Matt F. Johnson, Judge Van Fleet having
become a member of the supreme court. In
1895 a third court was created by the legis-
lature, and Governor James H. Budd ap-
pointed Add C. Hinkson as the judge thereof.
Judge Hinkson died in this city in July, 1911.
At the next election, J. W. Hughes and E. C.
Hart, with Judge Matt F. Johnson, were
elected. Judge Johnson died during his term,
and Governor Budd appointed Peter J. Shields
in his place. The bench then consisted of
Hughes, Hart and Shields. Judge Hart be-
came a member of the appellate court, third
district, and Governor Pardee appointed C. N.
Post to the vacancy thus created. At the
succeeding election, in 1908, Judges Post,
Shields and Hughes were elected, to serve for
six years. Judge Hughes died, and Malcolm
C. Glenn was appointed on April 13, 1914, to
serve the unexpired term. Herbert E. White
and Martin I. Welch were elected to serve a
short term, of a few months, in 1914; and in
the fall of that year Charles O. Busick, Mal-
colm Glenn, and Peter Shields were elected,
and took office on January 6, 1915. They are
still serving.
Courts in the early days were very crude
affairs in their manner of adjudicating the
rights of litigants. Justices' courts are pro-
verbial at times for the quaint way of admin-
istering justice. It was before one of these
august tribunals, we recall, that a case was
tried at Mormon Island in this county in
1851, in which A. P. Catlin perpetrated a
great trick upon S. W. Sanderson, a young
attorney of Coloma, Eldorado County. It
seemed that Sanderson's clients were working
on an old river bed, and constructing a dam
for that purpose. Catlin desired to stop this
work, and conceived the idea of hoodwinking
the old justice of the peace to grant an in-
junction to stop the work. Acting upon the
thought, he gravely proceeded to secure an
injunction and had it served and enforced.
Sanderson was sent for, and came before the
justice armed with books and authorities and
tried to convince him that he had no jurisdic-
tion of such cases, and appealed to Catlin not
to impose on the court. Catlin looked wise
and spoke approvingly of the court's procedure,
which made the old justice obdurate, and he
stuck to his injunction. Sanderson left for
the county seat in a towering rage to secure
proper relief, but before he could secure the
same the object Catlin had in view had been
accomplished by the justice's injunction.
It may not be generally known that in the
early history of California other crimes than
murder were, by statute, made punishable by
death, but such is the fact. On the 14th day
of April, 1852, George Tanner was tried in
the court of sessions of Yuba County for the
crime of grand larceny, in having stolen flour,
potatoes, etc., of the value of $400. The ver-
dict of the jury was "guilty of grand larceny,
punishable with death." The defendant ap-
pealed to the supreme court, which affirmed
the judgment, and the prisoner was executed
July 13, 1852. Chief Justice Murray deliv-
ered the opinion of the court and evidently
did not concur with the principles of law, for
after setting forth the statute, he used the
following language: "It is not our purpose
to discuss the policy of this law, although
we regret that our legislature has considered
it necessary to thus retrograde, and in the
face of the wisdom and experience of the pres-
ent day, resort to a punishment for a less
crime than murder, which is alike disgusting
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
147
and abhorrent to the common sense of every
enhghtened people."
The following novel civil case is quoted
from the "New York Graphic": "A remark-
able case of mistaken identity was recently
related by Attorney Paschal H. Coggins be-
fore the Medical Jurisprudence Society in
Philadelphia, as having come under his per-
sonal observation. Two men — John A.
Mason, of Boston, and John A. Mason, of
Illinois — left their respective homes and went
to California in search of health and wealth.
They were both wagon-makers. One left a
wife and two sons in Boston, and the other
a wife and two daughters in Illinois. The
Boston wife heard nothing of her husband
after three years' absence, and twenty years
later heard of the death of John A. Mason, a
wagon-maker. She brought suit for his prop-
erty, his photograph was identified by twenty
witnesses, but at the last moment the Illi-
nois wife turned up and proved that the man
was her husband, and the later developments
showed that the Boston pioneer died alone
and friendless."
Upon this the "Themis" comments as fol-
lows : "The Coggins referred to was a resi-
dent of this city, and at one time a law part-
ner of Creed Haymond. He was also a jus-
tice of the peace here, married a daughter of
one of our pioneer citizens, and afterward re-
moved to Philadelphia, where he has since re-
sided. He is a son of Paschal Coggins, at one
time one of the editors of the Sacramento
'Union,' and who represented this county
two terms in the assembly. Coggins, Sr., ran
for congress against H. F. Page in 1872, on
the Independent ticket. The case referred to
was that of Supervisor John A. Mason, of this
city. It was certainly one of the most remark-
able cases that ever came up in court, but
the statement in the 'Graphic' is not strictly
correct. The case was tried before the late
Judge Clark. In the contest Haymond and
Coggins appeared for the lady contestant,
and the late George Cadwalader and W. A.
Anderson for the will. It was developed that
there were two John A. Masons ; that they
followed the same trade — carriage-making;
and that they came to California about the
same time ; one, however, by steamer, and
the other overland. By a strange coincidence
the Mr. Coggins referred to was a passenger
on the same steamer with the Mason who
came by sea, and he was referred to in the
printed passenger list as an 'infant.' It fur-
ther developed that the two Masons worked
at their trades in the same block in Sacra-
mento City — Third Street between I and J.
After the death of Supervisor Mason, his sons,
grown men, applied for letters on his estate ;
their issuance was contested by a lady and
two grown daughters, who claimed to be the
wife and offspring of Mason. There is no
doubt that the contest was in good faith and
that the lady believed that the deceased was
her husband. The testimony, however, de-
veloped that there must have been two John
A. Masons, and that the husband of the lady
contestant had, like many other of the Cali-
fornia Argonauts, disappeared long years ago.
It was strange that the photographs of Super-
visor Mason were identified by his mother and
other relatives in Massachusetts, and that the
same pictures were identified by prominent
citizens of Illinois as being the other Mason.
Judge Clark held against the contestants, but
said that there was no doubt of the good faith
of their contest."
The County's Lawyers
If we should eliminate from our histor}^ the
lawyer and what he has done, we would rob
it of the greater part of its glory. Remove
from our society of today the lawyer, with
the work he accomplishes, and you will leave
that society disorganized politically, morally
and economically. The lawyer is needed in
the legislature, in congress ; every business
man needs him ; in fact, he is a necessary ad-
junct to every department of human life. In
the following paragraphs are mentioned some
of the men who have worthily represented the'
bar in Sacramento County.
While Newton Booth never engaged in the
active practice of the law, he was a member
of the bar. He became governor of the state,
and United States senator.
Milton S. Latham was governor and United
States senator.
J. Neely Johnson was governor.
T. B. McFarland was judge of the supreme
court.
Robert F. Morrison was chief justice of the
supreme court.
H. O. Beatty was judge of the supreme
court of Nevada.
E. B. Crocker was supreme court justice,
and the founder of the Crocker Art Gallery,
which was donated by his widow to the city
and is now one of the chief public attractions.
C. G. W. French was chief justice of the
supreme court of Arizona.
Hiram W. Johnson removed his practice to
San Francisco, and became governor of this
state for two terms, resigning when elected to
the United States senate.
Creed Haymond was code commissioner and
framed our present codes ; also was state sen-
ator and afterward chief counsel for the South-
ern Pacific Company, and died in San Fran-
cisco many years ago. He was one of the
brilliant minds of the state.
148
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
W. H. Beatty formerly was chief justice
of the supreine court of California.
W. C. Van Fleet is United States district
judge at San Francisco.
Robert T. Devlin was United States district
attorney and was at one time state senator
from Sacramento.
Cornelius Cole was congressman and United
States setiator.
Col. E. D. Baker was United States senator
from Oregon and was killed at Ball's Bluff
as brigadier-general during the Rebellion.
H. W. Halleck was during the Civil War
the commander-in-chief of the Union armies
under President Lincoln.
Col. George W. Bowie, the law partner of
A. P. Catlin, was, during the Civil War, a
brigadier-general of volunteers and served on
the border of Texas, Mexico and Arizona.
E. J. C. Kewen was one of the pioneer at-
torneys and an orator of distinction. He was
a Southern man by birth, and had all the fire
and vim of that clime. Colonel Kewen was
an intimate friend of William Walker, who
attempted to form a republic at Nicaragua,
and was Walker's financial agent. He finally
located at Los Angeles, and died there, No-
. , vember 25, 1879.
J. C. Zabriskie was the first city attorney
of this city. He arrived in Sacramento in
1849 and later on was alcalde. In 1861 he
removed to San Francisco, where he died,
July 10, 1883.
John T. Carey was a district attorney of Sac-
j ramento County, and was appointed United
States district attorney by President Cleve-
land. Later he continued the practice of law
in San Francisco.
E. H. Heacock is now a resident of San
Francisco, and was for many years master in
chancery of the United States courts.
S. W. Sanderson was judge of the supreme
court and resigned to accept the position of
chief counsel for the Central Pacific Railway
Company.
Thomas J. Clunie was state senator and
member of congress. He removed to San
Francisco and continued the practice of law
until the time of his death.
John K. Alexander was district attorne}-,
and removed to Monterey and was for many
years superior judge of that county.
James C. Goods was district attorney for
two terms, and was considered one of the
best criminal lawyers in the state.
Judge Henry Hare Hartley was one of the
leading lawyers of the state, and a man of
the most polished manners.
George A. Blanchard, district attorney, aft-
erwards superior judge of Colusa County, died
on the threshold of a useful life; he was one
of the bright minds of the profession, and a
scholar and a courteous gentleman.
Frank D. Ryan, a native son and twice dis-
trict attorney, also one of the board of com-
missioners of public works, and assemblyman,
was one of Sacramento's finest products. No
man held a higher place in the estimation of
the public. It seemed like the cruelty of Fate
to take him from earth at such an early time
in his life, as he had but reached his prime
when he died, in 1908.
S. Solon Holl, who died in July, 1913, was
considered the dean of the Sacramento bar.
His life was full of great incidents.
Grove L. Johnson, assemblyman, senator
and member of congress, and for years among
the active practitioners at the bar of the state,
has lost nothing of his vigor and persistence,
and is as ready for a forensic encounter as he
was wont to be in his younger days. No man
has a higher standing at the bar than Hon.
Grove L. Johnson. Mr. Johnson can be con-
sidered the Nestor of the bar. He recently
was appointed to the Federal Land Office here.
Clinton L. White can also be recorded as
one of the old leaders at the bar. Once our
mayor, and a good one at that, he prides
himself upon his devotion to the practice of
the honorable profession. His firm, White,
Miller, Needham & Harber, stands foremost
among the practitioners in this state.
Gen. A. L. l^art, at one time attorney-
general of the state, was considered one of the
best nisi prius lawyers on the Coast. His un-
timely death was a shock to the profession.
No man held a higher place in the hearts of
the members of the bar and the public.
Judge Add C. Hinkson, who for many years
was city superintendent of schools, and supe-
rior judge, in 1912 answered the final roll-call.
Tod Robinson, H. O. Beatty and J. B. Hag-
gin were law partners in 1853, in this city.
This partnership lasted about three years.
Judge Beatty went to Nevada and was elected
chief justice of the state. J. B. Haggin, one
of the owners of the Haggin Grant, resided
in New York. Tod Robinson located at San
Francisco.
George Cadwalader, a pioneer and in early
days a merchant, in 1855 entered the law
office of Col. Philip L. Edwards as a student
of law. Mr. Cadwalader had a splendid prac-
tice and never sought any political office, al-
though he took active part in party politics
on some occasions. He also wrote some ele-
gant verses. He removed to San Francisco
in 1884, and lived but about one year there-
after. The supreme court reports contain the
name of George Cadwalader in a multitude of
actions. Robert T. Devlin and Clinton L.
White were students under Mr. Cadwalader.
During his student career, Clinton L. White
I
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
149
wrote one of the ablest briefs in the matter
of the estate of Thurston, involving some of
the most intricate questions of law. The line
of argument in the brief was adopted by the
supreme court. Judge W. A. Anderson, since
deceased, was an associate of George Cadwal-
ader in the practice of the law for over thir-
teen years.
A. C. Freeman long enjoyed a national rep-
utation as an author of law books. His ad-
vent into the practice of law was as deputy
district attorney under James C. Goods. His
first book was "A Treatise on Judgments" ;
later he published a work on "Executions."
He was the editor of the Bancroft-Whitney
publications and editor of "American Deci-
sions." The career of A. C. Freeman was a
great success. He located in San Francisco,
and a few years ago crossed the "Great
Divide."
J. N. Young practiced law in this city for
many years and then located in San Francisco,
where he also engaged in active practice.
Paschal H. Coggins commenced his career
as an attorney-at-law in this city, served one
term as township justice, and then located in
Philadelphia, where he is now engaged in the
practice of his profession.
D. A. Hamburger practiced in Sacramento
for a few years after his admission to the
bar and then located in Los Angeles, where
he abandoned the practice of the law and
engaged in mercantile business.
Frank Powers was admitted to the bar from
the city of Sacramento, but established his
law practice later at San Francisco. He was
a member of the assembly from that city.
Charles T. Jones, twice district attorney
of Sacramento County, and once an assembly-
man from this district, died recently, honored
by the bar and community in general. During
recent years he held the position of chief dep-
uty district attorney. During his career, he
was on one side or other of most of the im-
portant criminal cases tried in the local courts,
and was looked upon as one of the ablest crim-
inal lawyers of the state.
Dan E. Alexander removed to San Fran-
cisco, where he is now engaged in the prac-
tice of his profession.
Charles H. Oatman is also a practitioner in
San Francisco.
Elwood Bruner, ex-assemblyman and ex-
district attorney, located at Nome, Alaska, as
did also his brother, J. Allison Bruner. El-
wood Bruner is now deceased, but his brother
is still living in Alaska.
W. B. Harlow practiced only a short time
after his admission to the bar, then went
to Arizona and later to New York, where he
died a few years ago.
Judson C. Brusie was assemblyman and
secretary to the California Railroad Commis-
sion. He died, a few years ago at Los An-
geles. He devoted his time chiefly to politics
and dramatic writing.
Peter H. Burnett was a lawyer, but never
practiced in this city : only acted as land agent
for John A. Sutter. He was the first governor
of California. In 1857 he was appointed by
Governor J. .Neely Johnson a judge of the
supreme court. He died in San Francisco,
May 17, 1895, at the age of eighty-seven years.
Judge S. C. Denson, now dead, was a resi-
dent of San Francisco and Sacramento. For
many years, in addition to his judicial career,
he enjoyed a splendid practice in this city.
At various times a inember of the firm of
Beatty & Denson, then Beatty, Denson &
Beatty, and Beatty, Denson & (Datman, he al-
ways enjoyed a very lucrative business. It
was during his term as judge that the famous
cases of Troy Dye and Edward Anderson for
the murder of Aaron Tullis were tried and the
two men convicted and hanged. Hon. Creed
Haymond defended these men. When Judge
Denson removed to San Francisco, he formed
a copartnership with Judge J. J. De Haven,
which continued until Judge De Haven was
appointed United States district judge.
In Albert M. Johnson, both genius and tal-
ent were united in one person. His was an
impressive genius, brighter than the sword
of the conqueror. His thoughts and ideas bore
the rays of immortality, which cast a living,
lasting halo around his very being. With him,
genius was not a shadow — it was a substance,
it was light ; it was matter that never dies. In
all his legal existence he seemed like a Theseus
led by the golden thread of Ariadne. His logic
was like the touch of Ithuriel's spear, his
reason like the swell of the ocean. A master
of language, which flowed from his lips like
a splendid stream, again in torrents as moved
by inspiration, at the bar and on the rostrum
his flow of language was the most fluent and
logical. Its effect was magical, and carried
inspiration with every word and thought ex-
pressed. Albert M.- Johnson was never obse-
quious to wealth or power. The later years
of his life were devoted, in addition to his pro-
fession, to the solution of social problems and
to the betterment of the condition of the
masses. A truly great attorney, in his com-
paratively brief career he tasted fortune more
than did any other lawyer. He died in Oak-
land, in 1907, at the age of forty-six years.
Judge A. P. Catlin was a pioneer lawyer,
and had many parts in the formation of the
government for this state. In 1850 he and
John Currey (afterwards superior judge),
formed a copartnership in the practice of the
law. At that time the leaders of the bar were
150
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Murray Johnson, E. J. C Kewen, Col. J- C.
Zabriskie, Joseph W. Winans, J. Neely John-
son, John B. Weller, M. S. Latham, John H.
McKune, and Col. Philip L. Edwards. This
partnership lasted only a short time, and Mr.
Catlin then returned to his former home at
Mormon Island in this county, and engaged
in mining. It was he who was the author of
the name "Natoma" for Natoma Township in
this county. In 1853-1854 he was a member
of the senate which met at Benicia, and it
was due to his efforts that Sacramento secured
the location of the State Capitol and was made
the permanent seat of state government. Judge
Catlin was an eye-witness to the great trag-
edy of the Squatter riots on August 14, 1850,
at which City Assessor Woodland was killed.
Mayor Biglow fatally wounded and many
others killed. Judge Catlin took part in every
great political battle of this state. In 1857 he
was a member of the assembly and a partici-
pant in the great Broderick-Gwin senatorial
contest. In March, 1872, he was appointed one
of the state board of equalization. During all
the years he was engaged in active practice.
In 1890 he was elected judge of the superior
court of the cotmty of Sacramento, and served
a full six-year term. He was a man of sound
judgment and untiring industry, one of the
safest counsellors and faithful to his clients ;
very slow to anger, but a lion when aroused.
While he seemed morose in his disposition,
still there was a vein of genuine humor in
his composition. No man had a greater knowl-
edge of the incidents of history of this state,
and his "scrap books," if they are still in ex-
istence, would be a revelation to the future
historian.
John C. Catlin and Harry Catlin, the sons
of Judge Catlin, were admitted to the bar and
engaged in the practice of the law in San
Francisco.
J. W. Winans (firm Winans & Hyer) was
for many years a prominent attorney in this
city. He was a member of the constitutional
convention. Mr. Winans devoted much time
to literature, and was an elegant writer. For
many years he was a regent of the state uni-
versity. In 1861 he took up his practice in
San Francisco and continued until his death,
March 3, 1887.
W. B. C. Brown, after having served as
county clerk and state controller, became a
member of the bar and continued in the prac-
tice of the law until his death, April 12, 1882.
W. S. Church was city attorne}^ for one
term, then went to San Francisco. He is the
author of "Church on Habeas Corpus," and
some other law works.
James B. Devine, a bright young lawyer,
was called to his final rest, just at the time
the people began to recognize his abilities.
Judge J. W. Armstrong came to Sacramento
from Amador Count}' in 1868. He was for-
merly the law partner of the late United States
Senator James T. Farley, of Amador County.
He established the law firm of Armstrong &
Hinkson. Judge Armstrong was appointed
judge of the superior court of Sacramento
County by Governor Stoneman. At the suc-
ceeding election he was chosen for a full term
on the bench. Judge Armstrong was a man
of great force of character, and somewhat ag-
gressive in his disposition, yet broad-minded,
tender-hearted and generous. He died March
21, 1896.
Judge Lewis Ramage was district judge of
the old sixth judicial district. It was during
his term that the noted "Tip" McLaughlin case
was tried, McLaughlin being charged with the
murder of Charles Lundholm. At the first
trial the jury disagreed, and "Tip" was tried
a second time, at which trial he was convicted
of murder. By some unaccountable oversight
no order was made by the court to take the
defendant into custody, he being at liberty
under bonds. "Tip" walked out of the court
and never was captured. Judge Ramage was
a very kind-hearted man, and had a great rev-
erence for the decisions of the court of his
native state, Missouri. It was often remarked
by attorneys, that if counsel could produce a
decision from Missouri, or something from
"Smith's Leading Cases," his case would be
safe. Judge Ramage, after his term as dis-
trict judge was completed, returned to St.
Louis, where he died a number of years ago.
John B. Weller, a pioneer lawyer, was gov-
ernor and United States senator. Governor
Weller was a very eloquent orator and a man
of pleasing and polished manner.
Judge Robert C. Clark was state senator and
afterwards county and superior judge for
twenty-four years, up to the time of his death,
January 27, 1883. Judge Clark was a model
judge, and everybody was his friend. No man
held a higher place in the hearts of the people
than Judge Clark. The pleasing incidents and
anecdotes during his career on the bench
would fill a large volume.
D. Lee Donelly was corporation counsel
under Mayor Hassett, and at one time law
partner of A. M. Seymour. He died about 1911
after a lingering sickness.
John Currey was one of the earliest pioneer
law3'ers of this city. At one time the law
partner of A. P. Catlin, Judge Currey per-
formed a prominent part in the history of this
state. He was for many years judge of the
supreme court, and chief justice of that court.
Judge Currey was born in 1814, and died in
1912, at ninety-eight years of age. He always
was a man of great intellectual powers, and
even in his last years retained his remarkable
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
151
memory and wrote some able articles for the
law journals upon great legal topics.
Judge E. W. McKinstry was in the law
practice in this city in 1850. He was one of
the first representatives in the legislature from
Sacramento Count}*. In 1858 he went to Napa
and \vas elected district judge for Napa and
adjoining counties. He then removed to San
Francisco and was elected county judge. Later
he was chosen district judge for the twelfth
judicial district of San Francisco. Afterwards
he was elected justice of the supreme court of
California. He resigned from the supreme
bench to become professor of municipal law
in the Hastings Law College. Judge McKin-
stry died at San Jose, November 1, 1901.
Cornelius Cole was district attorney for
Sacramento County, afterAvards congressman,
and in 1865-1866 was elected by the legislature
to the United States senate. At the close of
his senatorial term he located at Los Angeles,
where he now resides, hale and hearty, though
over a hundred years old.
Morris M. Estee Avas a member of the legis-
lature from Sacramento in the session of 1863-
1864, and in 1864 was elected district attorney
of Sacramento County. At the expiration of
his term of office he located in San Francisco
in the pursuit of his profession and was re-
tained in many very important cases. Mr.
Estee was a leading member of the last con-
stitutional convention which framed the pres-
ent state constitution. Mr. Estee was at all
times a dignified and sincere man. On the an-
nexation of the Hawaiian Islands, creating a
United States district judgeship for that juris-
diction, in 1900 he was appointed to the office,
which he held until his death, October 27,
1903.
Judge T. B. McFarland. prior to locating at
Sacramento, was district judge of the four-
teenth judicial district, comprising Nevada
and Placer Counties. At the expiration of
his term as judge he came to Sacramento and
formed a copartnership with Judge A. P.
Catlin, under the firm name of Catlin and
McFarland. He was registrar of the United
States land office, and in 1882 was appointed
by Governor Perkins superior judge of this
county. Prior to that he was also a member
of the last constitutional convention. In 1884
Judge McFarland was elected superior judge
for Sacramento County ; in 1886 was elected
justice of the supreme court, re-elected in
1898, and remained on the supreme bench until
the time of his death, some years ago. Judge
McFarland was a man of fine literary attain-
ments and of most fascinating social qualities.
To know him was ever after to be his friend.
Attorneys Now Practicing in Sacramento
Adams & Adams, O. W. Anderson, H. P.
-\ndrews. Aram & Carragher, C. W. Baker,
John ]. Bauer, G. W. Bedeau, C. H. S. Bid-
well, C. A. Bliss, Hugh B. Bradford, W. A.
Brandenburger, H. E. Brown, John Q. Brown,
John Q. Brown, Jr., Mark I. Burns, J. W. S.
"Butler, R. E. Cannell, J. W. Caldwell, J. B.
Christian, T. H. Christiansen, J. R. Connelly,
Raymond T. Coughlin, R. J. Coulter, Coulter
& Spencer, William V. Cowan, Cyril A. Coyle,
Charles H. Crocker, S. W. Cross, J. S. Daly,
Donald D. DeFoe, DeLigne & Jones. DevHn &
Devlin, Herbert N. DeWolfe, Sheridan Dow-
ney, Stephen Downey, Driver & Driver, Dunn
& Brand, Elliott & Atkinson, F. G. Eby, Ralph
W. Eckhardt, Thomas A. Farrell, George E.
Foote, H. W. Funke, C. F. Gannon, Gebhardt
& McGeorge, George, Hinsdale «Sz Pigott,
Irving D. Gibson, B. E. Gaddis, Gilmore &
Gilmore, Frank L. Gafney, James F. Gafney>-
Donald R. Green, Charles B. Harris. Fred J.
Harris, J. V. Hart, A. L. Hart, S. R. Hart,
Charles J. Hasman, Hatfield & Hatfield, Wil-
liam H. Hatfield. J. J. Henderson, J. L. Henry,
Roy Hibbitt, H. T. Hiatt, S. C. Hill, O. G.
Hopkins, S. Luke Howe, William S. Howe,
Evan J. Hughes, Hughes, Bradford & Cross,
J. M. Inman, P. H. Johnson, J. Fontaine John-
son, Grove L. Johnson, J. W. Johnston, M.
Johnston, William E. Kleinsorge, J. L.
Knowles, W. A. Latta, Thomas B. Leeper,
Del M. Lemon, R. H. Lewis, Roy Lewis,
Lewis & Gaddis, John C. Marsh, Neil R.
McAllister, A. H. McCurdy, W. J. McCurdy,
George McCutchen, John A. McGilvray, V. A.
McGeorge, Donald " McKissick, C. P. Mc-
Laughlin, C. E. McLaughlin, O. F. Meldon,
Joseph W. Mento, Meredith. Landis & Ches-
ter, James D. Meredith, C. F. Metteer, H. N.
Mitchell, W. A. Newcomb, F. J. O'Brien, Oats
& French, Mrs. V. E. Parkinson, E. Phillips,
Jr., W. T. Phipps, J. O. Prewett, George L.
Popert, Price & Price, J. E. Pipher, R. Plat-
nauer, Frank A. Prior, J. F. Pullen, G. J.
Ravmond, W. F. Renfro, A. B. Reynolds,
Wi'lliam Rigby, Clifford A. Russell, Robert
H. Schwab, Ralph W. Smith, L. H. Shelly,
M. F. Shelly, R. L. Shinn, Shinn & Shinn,
William A. Sitton, Arthur L. Slee, Albert D.
Smith, Ralph H. Smith, E. G. Soule. H. G.
Soule, Merlin W. Stewart, C. A. Swisler, C. E.
Swezy, A. R. Tabor, Frank Tade, R. P. Tal-
bott, S. Pearle Tinsler, B. F. Van Dyke, E. R.
Vaughan, Wachhorst & Wachhorst, M. S.
Wahrhaftig, Ray C. Waring, Robert A.
Waring, Martin I. Welsh, Percy G. West,
White, Miller, Needham & Harber, Peter J.
Wilkie, F. B. Wood, George A. Work, Archi-
bald Yell, H. W. Zagoren.
152
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Attorneys Now Deceased
Gen. H. W. Halleck, A. C. Peachy, Atty.
Billings, Humphrey Griffith, E. B. Crocker,
William S. Long, John Hereford, Al. Here-
ford, E. J. C. Kewen, John H. Hardy, Hal
Clayton, B. F. Ankeny, James H. Ralston,
F. S. Mumford, Col. E. D. Baker, Henry Mere-
dith, Judge Silas W. Sanderson, Col. J. C.
Zabriskie, P. W. S. Rayle, John R. McConnell,
Daniel J. Thomas, Judge A. C. Monson, Greg-
ory Yale, John C. Burch, Judge Charles T.
Botts, D. R. Sample, Theron Reed, Judge
Lewis Aldrich, George H. Cartter, Tod Rob-
inson, Robert Robinson, J. B. Harmon, R. H.
Stanley, William H. Weeks, Thomas Sunder-
land, Milton S. Latham, Frank McConnell,
Edward Sanders, Judge W. C. Wallace, Judge
W. T. Wallace, Morris M. Estee, Judge Rob-
ert F. Morrison, Murray Morrison, Col. L.
Sanders, George W. Bowie, William L Fer-
guson (killed in a duel by George Pen John-
ston), J. Neely Johnson (once governor), Wil-
liam Neely Johnson, John G. Hyer, Ferris
Forman, Horace Smith, Philip C. Edwards (a
pioneer of 1836), Thomas C. Edwards, Henry
Hare Hartley, George R. Moore, D. W.
Weltv, Harris C. Harrison, James E. Smith,
Judge Lewis Ramage, Joseph S. Wallis, F. H.
Moore, Henrj' K. Snow, Henry C. McCreery,
Judge Robert C. Clark, Judge John Heard,
M. C. Tilden, Henry Edgerton, W. B. C.
Brown, James C. Goods, Presley Dunlap,
James W. Coffroth, George Cadwalader, J. G.
Severance, George A. Blanchard, J. C. Tubbs,
Ed. F. Taylor, Joseph W. Winans, Samuel
Cross, Judge H. O. Beatty, G. W. Spaulding,
S. L. Rogers, N. Greene Curtis, W. T. Hink-
son, W. P. Harlow, W. B. G. Keller, Judge
Matt F. Johnson, Judge A. P. CatHn, Judge
John H. McKune, James L. English, Charles
A. Waring, Peter J. Hopper, Judge C. G. W.
French, Thomas Conger, Thomas W. Gilmer,
Peter Hannon, L S. Brown, W. R. Cantwell,
Thomas J. Clunie, Henry Starr, Judge Add C.
Hinkson, George G. Davis, A. C. Freeman,
Henry C. Ross, Jay R. Brown, Judge Thomas
B. McFarland, Albert M. Johnson, Edward
Dwyer, Alvin J. Bruner, Creed Haymond,
A. L. Hart, L. S. Taylor, F. D. Ryan, Jud C.
Brusie, J. P. Counts, James B. Devine, Isaac
Joseph, W. S. Mesick, Ed. M. Martin, Henry
L. Buckley, W. A. Anderson, J. W. Adams,
Charles W. Beckwith, J. Frank Brown. R. M.
Clarken, W. A. Gett, W. C. Holl, S. S. Holl,
C. G. Shinn, C. W^ Thomas.
CHAPTER XX
CRIMINAL RECORDS
IN THE earliest days of the county's his-
tory, when there was practically no law
to restrain the criminal element, and when
the pioneer environment and training of those
coming here were such as to make them value
human life lightly, it was to be expected that
crimes would be committed. During the
period when the community was a law unto
itself, it was naturally to be expected that
crime would become rampant. As a matter of
fact, in spite of the lack of legal restraint, the
community at first was more free from crime
than many older ones that were under the pro-
tection of the law.
In 1850, however, when the rush to the land
of gold had assumed greater proportions,
bringing with the other immigration a per-
centage of the criminal element, robbery and
murder became more frequent and the opera-
tion of the law that had taken the place of self-
government was so slow that people became
exasperated by its delays and arose to correct
the existing evils and took the execution of
justice into their own hands.
Early L3mchings
The first victim of the aroused sentiment
was a professional gambler named Frederick
J. Roe. A quarrel arose at a monte table in
the Mansion House, at the corner of Front and
J Streets, and he engaged in a fight with an
unknown man. They were separated several
times by the bystanders, but as often renewed
the conflict. At length Charles Humphrey
Myers, a peaceable and industrious man and a
partner in the blacksmithing establishment of
Joseph Prader & Company, again parted them
and was fatally shot by Roe, the ball, which
entered his head, not killing him immediately.
He was carried into the shop, where the sur-
geons announced that his wound was neces-
sarily fatal. A crowd gathered and the excite-
ment became intense. Dr. McKenzie, who was
a member of the city council, mounted a wagon
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
153
and made a vehement address, saying that
crime had run rampant long enough and that
the courts and officers did not seem able to
prevent it. It must be stopped somehow, or
honest and respectable people would have to
leave the city; that the people had the remed}'
in their own hands, and they owed it to society
that they should exercise it. David B. Milne
and Ross and Taplin spoke to the same effect.
A meeting was organized and Ross was chosen
president. It was ascertained that Roe had
been taken into custody and was in the station
house, at the corner of Second and J Streets,
and the meeting determined to bring him out.
A man named Everard addressed it, saying
that if the}' ever intended to rid the city of the
scoundrels infesting it, now was the time. He
advocated the appointment of a committee to
determine what should be done, and James
Queen urged the selection of a jury to try the
prisoner. The crowd frequently interrupted
them with cheers and shouts of "Hang him."
City Marshal N. C. Cunningham addressed
the crowd, saj'ing that he had the prisoner in
custody and that he could not escape, and
asked them in the name of God and of Sacra-
mento to let him be tried by the proper tri-
bunal, the courts of the country. He was in-
terrupted by the cries of "No, no ; they have
proved useless to prevent crime and punish
murder." "If he don't get justice in the
courts," said he, "I will help you to get it. I
pledge my honor I'll resign m}' office and help
you ; but I am an officer of the law and cannot
let you have him." His voice was drowned in
cries of "Let the people have a jury." Queen
spoke again, sajnng that he was in favor of
having laws and supporting them, but that
they had proved inoperative, concluding, "Let
us have a people's jury as San Francisco did."
C. A. Tweed was called to the chair and said
he believed the prisoner was a great scoundrel
and ought to be hanged, but he wanted it done
according to law. He was hustled out of the
chair and a man named Scranton replaced him.
Justice of the Peace Bullock pleaded for law
and order, but his voice was smothered by
cries for a jury. A jury was chosen and all
accepted except F. C. Ewer, who said he was
a newspaper man and must report the pro-
ceedings impartially and Dr. J. V. Spalding
was appointed in his place. The jury retired
to the Orleans Hotel on Second Street, and
Levi Hermance was appointed foreman and
George G. AA'right secretary. A committee
was appointed to guard the prisoner and see
that the officers did not remove him. The mar-
shal and other officers pleaded, but it had no
eflfect.
The privilege of a lawyer for the prisoner
was proposed and was voted down. Commit-
tees were sent to the jury room to ask them
to hurry up, as they were too deliberate to suit
the crowd of 2,500 people determined on lynch-
ing. The committee reported that the jury
was acting fairly, but needed the protection of
the people to keep the lawyers out, as they
could elicit the testimony themselves. The
lawyers were ordered out — and stayed out.
Tweed undertook to make the point that
Myers was not yet dead, but the crowd would
have none of it, and one man shouted that it
was a deliberate murder that had made a
widow and four orphans. "Blood for blood.
He must die. All those in favor of hanging
say 'aye'." He was answered by a storm of
"ayes." Dr. Taylor wanted men to go with
him and take the prisoner, saying that if they
had him thej would know where he was. A
large number stepped forward, but were
stopped by a cry that the jury had agreed.
The verdict was read from the balcony of the
Orleans and was listened to in silence. It was
as follows :
"We, the committee of investigation ap-
pointed by our fellow citizens to investigate
the circumstances of the unfortunate occur-
rence that took place this afternoon, report
that after a full and impartial examination of
the evidence we find that at about two o'clock
p. m. this day, Frederick J. Roe and some other
person, whose name is unknown, were en-
gaged in an altercation which originated in the
Mansion House, and that after said parties had
proceeded to the street, and where they were
fighting, Charles H. Myers, who was passing
in the street, interfered with words requesting
them to desist fighting or show fair play; and
that immediately thereupon the said Roe
called out, 'What the devil have you to say?'
and drew his pistol and without further provo-
cation shot said Myers through the head.
"John H. Scranton, W. F. Prettyman, J. B.
Stai-r, H. H. Langley, George G. Wright, Har-
rison Olmstead, John T. Bailey, Edward
Cronan, D. O. Mills, F. B. Cornwall, A. M.
Winn, L. Hermance."
These signers composed the entire jury ex-
cept Dr. Spalding, who participated for some
time, but withdrew in consequence of what he
considered the undue influence of the people's
committee sent to the jur}'. As soon as the ver-
dict was read, there was a stampede for the
station house. Dr. Taylor, who had from the
first urged immediate action, stated that he
had conversed Avith the prisoner and found him
penitent ; that he thought the murder was
without malice or deliberation and he hoped
a committee would be appointed to guard the
prisoner till next day, when a course of action
might be determined. He was hooted down
b}' the crowd. A. D. Rightmyer said the ver-
dict had been murder, and he considered it the
duty of all good citizens to see it carried out;
154
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
he was ready, on his part. The assembly
elected him marshal by acclamation.
About nine o'clock awning posts were pulled
up and made into battering- rams, under the
blows from which the doors of the station
house soon gave way. Deputy SherifT Harris
stood in the doorway with a small posse and
by remonstrance and threats to fire kept the
mob at bay for a short time, but they soon
crowded in and took him and his posse pris-
oners. Roe was found chained in an inner cell
and it was found difficult to get his shackles
off. As soon as that was done he was informed
that he was to be hanged forthwith on one of
the large oak trees that stood on Sixth Street,
between K and L Streets. Arriving at the spot
where a staging had been placed for the pur-
pose, he was placed on the stage, his hands
and feet tied, and Rev. M. C. Briggs was sent
for. Through him Roe said that he had shot
Myers in a fit of passion and had nothing more
to say in self-defense, that he was an English-
man by birth, was twenty years old and had a
mother and sister living in England. After
the minister ha,d concluded his duties, a noose
was placed around the prisoner's neck, the
rope being thrown over one of the big limbs
of a tree, and many strong hands drew him up
to his fate in the presence of 5,000 people.
Myers was not yet dead at the time of Roe's
execution.
Thus ended the first lynching in the history
of Sacramento. There was another one the
following year, when a convicted prisoner was
reprieved by the governor.
July 9, 1851, William H. Robinson, James
Gibson and John Thompson knocked down
and robbed James AVilson in broad daylight.
on L Street between Fourth and Fifth. More
than a thousand people assembled around the
jail and violent speeches were made, but it was
finally decided, after a jury had been appointed
and could not agree, that the parties should be
indicted and tried the following Monday when
a special term of court would meet. They were
tried and convicted and sentenced to death, the
law at that time making robbery and grand
larceny punishable with death, at the discre-
tion of the jury. Judge Willis sentenced them
to be hanged August 22, and Gibson and
Thompson were executed on that day on an
old sycamore tree at Sixth and O Streets ; but
Robinson was first reprieved by the governor
and afterward hanged at the same place by the
people.
Early Crimes and Hangings
On the night of February 20, 1853, John
Carroll, alias "Bootjack," one of a gang of
thieves, was killed on the levee near Tenth
and B Streets by his associates, who suspected
him of being a traitor. One of the gang, Wil-
liam Durham, turned state's evidence when ar-
rested, and Jack Thompson, Barney Acker-
man and Charles Stewart were sentenced to
hang. A gallows was erected near Sutter's
Fort on the open plain : and on April 29, 1853.
they were hanged on it in presence of a large
concourse. Thompson was twenty-five years
old, Stewart twenty, and Ackerman nineteen.
Ah Chung, a Chinaman, was hanged be-
tween J and K Streets, just below Sutter's
Fort, May 9, 1856, for the murder of Ah Let,
whom he claimed was his wife, and unfaithful
to him. His execution was public and was
witnessed by a large number.
Samuel Garrett was hanged near Sutter's
Fort, June 27 , 1856, for the murder of Amiel
Brickell at the Golden Eagle Hotel, April 26,
1855. Brickell had a difficulty with Garrett,
relative to the daughter of the former, whom
he claimed Garrett had seduced. The quarrel
ended by Garrett's shooting Brickell. He was
tried before Judge Monson, convicted and sen-
tenced to hang January 9, 1856, but took an
appeal to the supreme court, which affirmed
the judgment, and he was again sentenced and
was executed. He was married to Harriet L.
Brickell, the daughter of the murdered man.
by Justice C. C. Jenks, on the prison brig, the
Sunday before the execution, in the presence
of a large concourse. She attempted suicide
by taking poison a day or two before he was
hanged.
William S. Kelly was executed at the same
time for the murder of Daniel C. Howe at
Long Valley, Eldorado County. Mickey Free,
George Wilson and Kelly went to the cabin
of Howe and Ruggles, traders, on the night of
July 10, 1855, for the purpose of robbery. Free
shot Howe dead and Wilson shot Ruggles with
a rifle, but did not kill him. Ruggles turned
his side to them after being shot and asked
them to kill him. Free said he would accom-
modate him, and stabbed him several times
with a bowie knife. .After Ruggles was dead,
Wilson said Kelly must have a hand in the
deed also, and compelled him to cut the mur-
dered man's throat. Free was executed at
Coloma, October 26, 1855, and in his confes-
sion corroborated Kell3-'s statement. Wilson
was the principal witness against Kelly and
declared that Kelly cut Ruggle's throat before
he was dead. Kelly got a change of venue in
November, 1855, to this county, and was tried
and convicted before Judge Monson, Decem-
ber 20, 1855. He appealed to the supreme
court, but the judgment was affirmed.
Peter Lundberg was executed April 30, 1860,
at the water-works building, for the murder of
John Peter Ritz. They worked for a man
named Palm, and Ritz had a dispute over
money with his employer. Lundberg con-
fessed that he was induced to commit the mur-
der and Mrs. Palm was arrested and tried, but
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
155
acquitted. One dark night Ritz called on a
friend above the old gas-works, and when re-
turning, was shot dead. The police suspected
that Palm was the murderer, and Officer Burke
went to his house, finding Mrs. Palm alone
there. Burke turned down the light and waited
and in a short time Lundberg appeared and the
muddy condition of his clothes led the officer
to suspect him and he was arrested.
The Case of William Wells
The case of William Wells, in 1860, is still
talked of among old-timers, on account of the
singular circumstances connected with it, and
the mystery connected with his fate. Some
time during that year an old man named
Matthias Wetzel was murdered and robbed of
a large amount of jewelry and precious stones.
Wells had been arrested at Virginia City for
the murder, some of the property being found
in his possession. He was on his way down
from Virginia City to Sacramento, in the
custody of Deputy Sheriff Wharton of Sut-
ter County and George Armstrong, a moun-
taineer of Virginia City. They left Marysville
on Jul}' 25, for this city. They reached Nico-
laus safely, but at that place Wharton went
to the stage driver and told him that Whitney,
the driver of the up-stage, had informed him
that the morning stage from Marysville had
been met on the Lisle bridge by a party of men
who looked like a rescuing mob. Whipple
drove into the town without his passengers and
reported to the officers, saying that Wharton
expected assistance and would wait until they
came. Officer Deal and Whipple returned to
Nicolaus and there learned that Wharton had
engaged a wagon, and a man named W. C.
Stoddard, to go with them, and that they had
left Nicolaus by the river road to avoid the
supposed mob. At about 1 : 30 a. m. the party
arrived at a point about half a mile from
Swift's bridge over the American River. Stod-
dard was driving, and Wharton sitting on the
seat beside him. Behind them, on the bottom
of the wagon box, sat Wells, Armstrong being
stretched out on the bottom of the wagon, fast
asleep. Stoddard said to Wharton, "We are
near to Sacramento. You would better wake
Armstrong up." As Wharton turned. Wells
shot him in his right side, knocking him off
his seat, upon the horses. Then Stoddard was
shot and killed instantly, and a third shot dis-
abled Armstrong. By this time Wharton had
disentangled himself from the horses and fired
at Wells, who was escaping, and who returned
the fire, striking AVharton in the thigh. Wells
appeared to have felt perfectly safe, as he
started towards Sacramento, then went down
to the river and took a row-boat, rowed back
to the scene of the murder and robbed Arm-
strong of the money and jewelry stolen from
Wetzel. He had evidently taken the key to his
handcuffs from Armstrong's pocket as he lay
asleep, unlocked the handcuffs and then taken
Armstrong's revolver from his belt and used
it with such fatal effect. Armstrong died that
day. and Wharton the next.
For several years Wells was reported as hav-
ing been seen, first in one state, and then in
another. In March, 1866, the officers brought
to Sacramento a man whom they had arrested
in Idaho under the idea that they had cap-
tured Wells. He proved to be Donald Mc-
Donald, and was freed and later was presented
with $600 by vote of the legislature, to com-
pensate him for loss of time and damage to
his reputation. The last heard of Wells was a
letter received by the '"Union" from a man in
Idaho, stating that Wells was killed in Wash-
ington Territory in 1864, by one of a party
with whom he was traveling. The theorjr gen-
erally accepted among the officers of Sacra-
mento, however, was that he did not free him-
self from the irons and was drowned while
attempting to cross the Sacramento River.
He had been known as a man of low charac-
ter and a lounger at Wetzel's saloon, and fre-
quently had been arrested for petty larceny.
Other Murders and Executions
The next execution was that of Louis Kahl,
at the water-works building. November 29,
1861, for the murder of Catherine Gerken. The
woman was found strangled in her room on L
Street, about midnight on January 4, preced-
ing, and the deed had evidently been for the
purpose of robbery. Officer Frank Hardy, as-
sisted by a convict called "Jimmy from town,"
arrested Kahl the following afternoon at the
Father Rhine house, on J Street, opposite the
plaza, and the murdered woman's watch was
found on his person. He could give no satis-
factory reason for having it, and was tried,
convicted and sentenced to hang. His case
Avas appealed to the supreme court and sent
back to the district court with directions to
carrj' out the sentence. Kahl was a native of
Germany, twenty-three years of age.
May 20., 1864, William Williams was hung
in the outskirts of Washington, about a quar-
ter of a mile from the river, for the murder of
A. Blanchard. He came to California from
AVales in 1854, settling in San Joaquin Town-
ship, in partnership with Blanchard. The}'
had quarreled and dissolved partnership, but
had ranched as neighbors and could not agree.
A dispute about a horse resulted in Blanch-
ard's favor. A half-witted Englishman named
Joe Blake was in Williams' employ, and as
Blanchard was returning home from Sacra-
mento on the night of August 3, 1860, Wil-
liams and Blake lay in wait for him in a ditch,
Williams having a pick handle and Blake a
wagon spoke. Blanchard was found dead next
dav, with his head terribly mutilated. Wil-
156
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
liams was arrested and convicted of the
murder.
B. F. Russell was murdered near Benson's
ferry on the night of July 11. 1860, and George
Nelson S^'monds was hanged in the old water-
works building on December 4, 1863, for the
murder. Symonds and Monroe Crozier had
been arrested for robbery committed in Placer
County, immediately after the murder, but be-
fore it was known that the murder had been
committed. On July 12 they crossed the ferry
with four horses saddled and bridled and their
clothing was wet a,nd their actions suspicious.
When they were arrested for the robbery they
had a valise containing some bloody clothes.
a stencil plate with the name of B. F. Russell
on it and other articles belonging to the mur-
dered man. In October, 1860, Symonds turned
state's evidence in the robTjery case, and short-
ly afterwards Crozier escaped.
In October two bodies were found in the
slough near the ferry, which had evidently
been sunk there several months before, and
Avere discovered when the water dried up.
They proved to be Russell and a man named
Selizer, who had started early in the season
for the mines at Coso. Symonds was brought
down from Placer when the bodies were found,
and tried before Judge McKune March 9, 1861,
convicted and sentenced to hang May 10.
The supreme court granted him a new trial,
which was begun June 2, 1862, and on the
6th he was sentenced to be executed July 25.
He again appealed to the supreme court, which
affirmed the judgment of the district court and
he was sentenced for the third time and
executed.
Frank Hudson, a corporal in Company I,
Second Cavalry, was executed at Camp Union
Agricultural Park, June 16, 1865, for the mur-
der of Lieut. Webster Levergood, at Camp
Bidwell, Butte County, on April 14. Hudson
had been ordered on the double quick by Lieu-
tenant Levergood for drunkenness in the after-
noon, and in the evening Levergood was shot
and died in two days. He v^^as certain that
Hudson shot him, and as the latter deserted at
once there was a strong case against him. He
was captured, tried by court martial, brought
here and hanged.
The case of "Tip" McLaughlin, who shot
and killed a man named Charles Lundholm, a
barkeeper in the Railroad Exchange saloon,
on the evening of June 17, 1870, excited much
attention and criticism. It was alleged that
Lundholm had written some slanderous stories
about a relative of McLaughlin, which were
published in a disreputable sheet called the
"Mazeppa." McLaughlin was indicted for the
murder, and the regular venire of jurors be-
ing exhausted, a special venire was summoned,
which singularly was composed of the pris-
oner's friends. The prosecution exhausted all
their peremptory challenges and were forced
to go to trial. The jury disagreed after being
out three days, and the prisoner's counsel ap-
plied for bail, which Judge Ramage refused.
A writ of habeas corpus was issued by the su-
preme court, fixing bail at $10,000, the court
holding that the fact of the jury's disagreement
indicated a grave doubt as to the crime being
murder in the first degree. The second trial
was held in October and the jury brought in
a verdict of murder in the first degree, and
McLaughlin's attorney gave notice of a mo-
tion for a new trial. The judge adjourned
court till next morning at nine o'clock. Mc-
Laughlin was not given into the custody of the
sheriff and walked quietly out of the court-
room. He was seen at various places around
the city that night, but when court commenced
next morning he was nowhere to be found,
and a number of years ago he died in South
America. Judge Ramage held that the order
of the supreme court admitted the prisoner to
bail and the bail bond provided for his appear-
ance for judgment and the execution thereof,
and that by ordering him into the custody of
the sheriff he would have been placed in con-
tempt of court.
Charles Mortimer was executed in the yard
of the Sacramento County jail. May 15, 1878,
for the murder of Mary Gibson. His name
was Charles J. Flinn, and his brother William
J. Flinn came on from Massachusetts to rescue
him, and was killed by Deputy Sheriff Cross
on the night of April 16, a month before Morti-
mer's execution. The woman, who lived on
"Jib-boom" Street, was found murdered on the
morning of September 20, 1872. Her face was
lacerated by a blow from a broken glass, and
strychnine was found in a glass of beer. Po-
lice detectives Len Harris and Nick Dole went
to investigate and were accompanied by E. B.
Willis, then a reporter. Willis noticed some
hairs from a man's whiskers grasped in the
dead woman's hand and called their attention
to it. The officers suspected Mortimer and
when he was arrested it was found that he had
shaved and that an abrasion showed some of
his whiskers had been torn out. Carrie Spen-
cer, his companion, was also arrested and in
their room some of Mrs. Gibson's property was
found. A paper of strychnine was also found
in Mortimer's pocket. After his conviction he
made a confession, which was published, and
stated that he had killed Caroline Prenell in
San Francisco the May previous. As stated,
his brother tried to rescue him, ringing the bell
of the jail about half past one in the morning.
The night jailer going out into the yard was
confronted by a masked man, with his coat
turned wrong side out and a revolver in his
hand. He fired twice and killed the man.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
157
whom Mortimer acknowledged to be his
brother. Mortimer feigned insanity during the
trial, but was hanged in the presence of about
150 persons.
John Cruse, a sailor, was murdered for his
money on the night of April 7, 1874, by Domin-
go Estrada and Filomena Cotta, and so ener-
getic was Chief of Pohce Karcher that the
murderers were arrested and confessed before
dark next day. Their case was appealed and
great efforts were made by prominent men to
induce Governor Booth to commute their sen-
tence, but without avail, and they were hanged
February 19, 1875. At the time of the execu-
tion the housetops and trees in the vicinity of
the jail were crowded with spectators.
David Turley, a sheep-herder, attended a
horse race near Roseville, April 1, 1875. He
had been drinking and was on horseback. A
farm hand named W. H. Shaw, intoxicated
and on foot, applied an epithet to Turley, who
drew a pistol and shot him dead. He then
rode to Roseville and surrendered himself and
was brought to Sacramento and tried. Creed
Haymond defended him and took the ground
that Turley was so much intoxicated that he
was not responsible. The law, however,
recognizes no such excuse, and Turley was
convicted and hanged, February 25, 1876.
A murder that for many years remained a
mystery was that of Joseph Scott, a policeman,
who was shot on the night of December 7,
1878, about eight o'clock in the evening, on
Seventeenth Street, between I and J Streets.
A citizen heard the shot and saw four men
running from the spot, one of whom wore a
long white coat. Several years after, James
Ivey, a convict in San Ouentin, informed the
authorities that he had heard three men con-
fined in the prison detail the particulars of the
murder, and that thej' had committed it. They
were brought to Sacramento on the expiration
of their terms and confessed that they were ex-
convicts and had stolen a ride from Marysville,
in company with another ex-convict named
Edwards. Jumping off as the train slowed up
near Twentieth Street, they started down town
with the purpose of robbing the first man they
met. There had been a fire at the Orphan Asy-
lum at Nineteenth and L Streets that evening
and Officer Scott had been detailed to watch
the ruins. The men met him on Seventeenth
Street, attempted to rob him, and when he
resisted, Edwards shot him and they all ran
away without searching him and caught a
t^rain to Stockton. Three of them went to
Sonoma County, robbed the house of Judge
W. C. Wallace and were apprehended and con-
victed. When their terms expired, they were
brought to Sacramento and tried. They
pleaded guilty, with the understanding that
their punishment would be life imprisonment.
In the meantime Edwards had gone East and
was confined in a state prison there.
One of the most remarkable murders in the
records of crime was that of a rancher on
Grand Island named A. M. Tullis, who was
killed August 1, 1878, and was found dead in
his orchard. He was a bachelor living alone
on his ranch, and no motive could be found for
the murder, as he was not known to have any
enemies and no property was taken. Some
little time afterwards some pieces of lumber,
evidently part of a duck boat, were found in
the tules on the opposite side of the river,
further down, and on one of them was a cal-
culation of lumber surface. The board was
taken to the variovis lumber yards in this city
and finally identified by a salesman as made
by himself. The lumber had been purchased
by a Swede named Edward Anderson, who was
curious about the method of figuring, and the
salesman had explained to him and repeated
the figures on one of the boards purchased.
The drayman who delivered the lumber stated
that he delivered it at the house of Troy Dye,
at that time public administrator. The neigh-
bors stated that a boat was made in the base-
ment of the house and an expressman took the
boat to the river. Parties had seen two men
passing down the river in an unpainted boat,
and described them. Dye and Anderson were
arrested and confined in separate cells, and
both confessed fully. Dye had agreed with
Anderson and a gambler named Tom Lawton
to kill a number of wealthy persons in the
county who had no relatives in the state, in
order that he might make commissions by ad-
ministering their estates, and divide them with
those who killed them. Tullis was selected as
the first victim, and Anderson and Lawton
went to his ranch in the duck boat. They met
him in his orchard and while in conversation
with him, Anderson struck him with a sand
bag and Lawton shot him. They then rowed
across the river and started up the road, where
D3'e met them by appointment in a buggy, the
agreed signal being that he should whistle
"The Sweet Bye and Bye." They returned to
Sacramento and on the same night Anderson
returned to his work on a threshing machine
in Sutter County. It was agreed that in case
of danger a letter should be Avritten to him,
signed with a fictitious name, underscored once
or more, to indicate the degree of danger. On
August 8 a letter was sent to Anderson with
the signature double-underscored, as follows :
"John A. Parker, Esq. :
"Your child is very sick. You must come
home at once. It would be well to come down
in the night. It would be so much cooler for
you. Call at the Doctor's new house. I will
be there.
"Yours in haste,
"Charles Parker."
158
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Anderson came down and was arrested by
the officers, who were watching for him. Law-
ton got wind of danger and was never cap-
tured. Dye and Anderson were convicted and
execnted'in the jail yard March 28, 1879. The
defense of Dye was on the ground that sev-
eral years before he had received an injury
which had caused a lesion of his brain and con-
sequent insanity, and there was a division of
opinion among medical witnesses on the sub-
ject. After his conviction a sheriff's jury de-
clared him sane.
On the afternoon of April 10, 1882, a tragedy
occurred that would have caused a lynching if
the militia had not been called out to protect
the jail. Simon Raten, a Siberian, had been
beaten in a quarrel with a man and had ap-
plied for a warrant and been refused. He pro-
cured a revolver and meeting the man on K
Street, near Fourth, took a shot at him and ran
away, followed by a number of people. While
passing up an alley between K and L, Third
and Fourth Streets, James Lansing, proprietor
of the International Hotel, ran out and tried to
stop him. Raten shot him in the stomach and
he died that evening in great agony. Lansing
had been sheriff' and assessor, and had a host
of friends. Excitement ran high, and several
thousand people surrounded the city prison,
threatening summary vengeance on Raten.
The mayor addressed the crowd, urging them
to let the law take its course, but to no avail.
The militia were summoned and drove the
crowd away, and a gatling gun was placed in
the prison door, ready for action. Raten was
placed on trial a month later and convicted.
At the same time Joseph Hurtado shot and
killed a man named Estuardo at Front and I
Streets and was convicted and sentenced to
hang. The attorneys for Raten and Hurtado
appealed their cases to the state supreme court,
but to no avail. They then carried them to the
supreme court of the United States, on the
ground that any information filed by a district
attorney under the provisions of the state con-
stitution was void, and that no man could be
put on trial for a felony until after he had been
indicted by a grand jury. It was further
claimed that the state constitution contra-
vened the federal constitution, but the United
States supreme court in an elaborate opinion
held the point was not well taken and the men
were resentenced to death. Raten meanwhile
gave indications of insanity and was sent to
Stockton. He was kept there in the asylum
for a number of years, but was discharged
some years ago as cured. On his way to
Sacramerito he met some Japanese and with-
out provocation killed one of them near Hicks-
ville. He was tried, and was recommitted at
Stockton, where we believe he died. Hurtado
died of consumption in the county jail before
the day set for his execution.
In March, 1888, John Lowell went from his
ranch near Brighton to his other ranch in El-
dorado County, about seven miles from Fol-
som. Not returning, search was made for him
and his body was found buried under his
Eldorado cabin on June 2. Three men, John
Henry Myers, John Olson and William
Drager, brought some horses, a buggy and
harness of Lowell's to this city and sold them
openly. They were arrested, made a full con-
fession that they had gone to Lowell's ranch
ostensibly to cut wood, and that while they
were going out to look at the wood, one of
them had shot Lowell with a shotgun, their
motive being robbery. They were taken to
Placerville, convicted and hung. Lowell some
j-ears before had trouble with some parties
near Brighton, in which he shot and killed a
man named Joseph Bowers, but was tried and
acquitted.
On the morning of December 30, 1894, the
community was horrified to learn that F. H.
Weber, a grocer living on L Street near Thir-
teenth, had been brutally murdered, together
with his wife. They lived over the grocery
store and were found lying on the floor, their
skulls cloven with a sharp instrument, and a
bloody hatchet near by told the tale. Robbery
was evidently the object, as the house had
been ransacked. No clue was to be found by
the officers, who worked assiduously, and it
bade fair to be one of those mysterious affairs
that are never solved. The theory was ad-
vanced by a man who had traveled in Europe
and Asia, that the method of murder indicated
it was probably done b}- a Russian or a Finn,
the ax being a favorite weapon with those na-
tionalities. But as time rolled on the mystery
did not clear up, and it began to be classed as
one of the cases that would always remain un-
solved. The various clues that had been fol-
lowed up proved false. But the old saying
that "murder will out" was once more verified,
although it was nearly six months before the
discovery came through the drunken statement
of the murderer. Ivan Kovalev was one of
ten Russian convicts who escaped from the
Siberian penal colony at Saghalien and were
picked up at sea in a pitiable condition and
brought to San Francisco bj' the whaling bark
"Cape Horn Pigeon" in the winter of 1893.
They claimed to be Nihilists and excited wide-
spread sympathy by a recital of their terrible
treatment. Later developments proved that
some of them, at least, were sent to Siberia
for crimes committed. Kovalev's companions
were Kharlampi Nitikin and Mathiew Stcher-
bakov. Kovalev was arrested in San Fran-
cisco June 25, 1895, from information given to
the police by a carpenter named Zakrewski,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
159
who said that Kovalev, while drunk, in the
preceding February, had confessed to him a
murder. He said that Kovalev told him that
he and Stcherbakov had been watching the
Weber store for three days and went around
to the back of the store on the night of the
murder ; that he went up on the back porch,
where he found a hatchet, and when Weber
came out with a candle in his hand, he (Ko-
valev) struck him on the head with the
hatchet. As he did so, AVeber cried out, "I'm
murdered! I'm killed!" The two men then
went into the house, found Mrs. Weber, de-
manded money and then killed her. They
took some money and jewelry arid left the city.
Kovalev buried a little box about seven inches
square, three miles from Sacramento.
In March, 1895, Zakrewski accompanied
Kovalev, Nitikin and Stcherbakov to San Jose,
and while there they tried to rob a little gro-
cer, but he wielded his pocketknife so effective-
ly that one of the robbers, supposed to be
Stcherbakov, was found dead near by the next
morning. When Kovalev was arrested he was
identified by Mr. Weber's son Frank, as a man
he had seen loafing about the store just pre-
ceding the murder. He identified the trousers
Kovalev wore as belonging to his father, and
the suspenders Kovalev wore as made by his
sister for his father. The trial began Decem-
ber 5, 1895, and lasted till the 21st, when the
jury, after fifteen minutes absence from the
courtroom, brought in a verdict of guilty of
murder in the first degree. He had feigned in-
sanity and had been tried for insanity by a
jury and declared sane, after the trial began.
He was sentenced on the 29th, just one year
after the murder, to be hanged February 21,
1896, and the sentence was carried out at the
state prison at Folsom.
Chin Hane was hanged at Folsom prison on
December 13, 1895, for the murder of Lee
Gong in 1893. The murder was the result of
a tong war. At that time the street cars ran
on Third Street to I. Lee Gong lived on the
west side of the street, between I and J, and
the tong headquarters were on the opposite
side of the street. Suddenly a fusillade began
from the tong headquarters and Lee Gong was
shot down at his door. A street car contain-
ing passengers was passing at the time, and
the shooting endangered the safety of the pas-
sengers. Much excitement ensued, and there
were threats of "cleaning out" Chinatown, but
as no white people were hurt, they soon calmed
down.
While there have been a number of other
executions at Folsom since, most of them were
of persons from other counties. Among those
sentenced from this county and hanged since
the execution of Kovalev are: George Puttman,
November 19, 1900; Kochichi Hidaka, Tune
10, 1904; Charles Lawrence, October 7, 1904;
Sing Yow, January 6, 1905, and three men
who were condemned for participating in the
break at Folsom prison July 27, 1903. They
were Joseph Murphy, Harry Eldridge and W.
M. Gray.
Joseph Piraino was brutally murdered on
March 3, 1908, on the Yolo side of the river a
little above the town of Washington, his body
being almost severed and disemboweled, leav-
ing only the backbone and a strip of the abdo-
men to hold it together. He was then thrown
into the river by the murderers, but his im-
mense vitality enabled him to reach the shore,
where he was found. He told the officers
that he had befriended a fellow countryman, a
Sicilian named Antonio Cippolo, who enticed
him to go with him and two others to get
some fish from a fisherman opposite the second
Barnum's Slough ; that they attacked him in
the brush, demanding the $120 he carried in
his money belt, and stabbed him repeatedly
and flung him into the river. Detective Max
P. Fisher searched untiringly for Cippolo un-
til he cornered him in the lodging house where
he and Piraino had lived, and the dying man
identified him as the murderer. Part of the
money was found in his shoe, and Fisher so
skillfully wove a web of evidence around him
that he was convicted, and was hanged on
April 28, 1909, refusing to the last to reveal
the names of his accomplices.
The Jail-break at Folsom Prison
July 27, 1903, thirteen desperate convicts in
Folsom prison assailed the guards, captured
the prison armory and escaped, carrying with
them Warden Wilkinson and Capt. R. J. Mur-
phy. They had armed themseh^es with "file"
knives and razors. Two of them turned on
W. A. Chalmers, the outer gatekeeper, and
stabbed him in the arm, while the others
rushed into the captain's office, captured the
warden, captain and other officials and taking
them as shields, demanded that the armory be
opened to them, or they would slaughter all
the officials. The armory was opened and they
supplied themselves with rifles, revolvers and
ammunition, and still holding their prisoners
as shields, demanded that the main gate be
opened, under the same threat, and it was done.
To the honor of two prisoners be it said,
Joseph Casey, a life termer, slammed the inner
door, preventing a general escape, and O. C.
Clark, another convict, doing twenty years for
forgery, dropped down in the office and going
to the warden's office gave the alarm, which
was telephoned to Folsom, and the big siren
was sounded. The warden and officers were
released and returned to the prison, their
captors having exchanged clothes with them.
Chief Turnkey Joseph Cochrane had been bad-
160
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ly stal)bed, and Guard William Cotter was
dead and others wounded. At Pilot Hill the
convicts were overtaken by posses and J. J.
Allison, a convict, was killed. On August 1
as a militia company from Placerville was
trailing the convicts on a hill near that place,
they were fired on from ambush and two of
them, Festus Rutherford and Charles Jones,
were killed and William Gill wounded. The
convicts split into 'two bands, and posses
hunted the foothills and mountains for them.
Roberts was captured in a grain field near
Davisville on August 5 by Deputy Sherifif John
J. Hinters of this county. Roberts and How-
ard had come to Sacramento and passed the
night at Agricultural Park, separating after-
wards. Seavis, the negro convict, was cap-
tured on August 6, at Auburn, by Sheriff
Keene and Deputy Coan. Fahey had a battle
on the night of August 7, with Detective Max
Fisher and Deputy SheriflF Wittenbrock. but
got away in the dark. On August 23 Mur-
phy was captured by officers at Reno, and
Woods was captured in the same city the next
day. Roy Fahey, "Red Shirt" Gordon and
some of the others have never been captured.
December 30. 1904, a desperate attempt was
made by seven convicts engaged on the rock-
crushing plant in the prison grounds, to dupli-
cate the break of 1903, but it was a disastrous
failure. Warden Yell, anticipating that such
an attempt was contemplated, had given strict
orders to the guards to fire on the convicts,
no matter who might be killed, if such an at-
tempt should be made. The convicts were
aware of the order, but did not believe it would
be carried out. Thej^ stopped the machinery
by throwing a sledge hammer into the rock
crusher, and when Captain Murphy went to
see what was the matter they seized him and
Charles Jolly, a guard, using them as shields.
The convicts had cached a number of knives
made from pieces of steel, with which they
threatened to kill their prisoners. The con-
victs were Charles Carson, W. J. Finley and
F. Quijada, life-termers ; and D. Kelly, W.
Morales, J. Quinlan and H. C. Hill. The
guards began firing and in less time than it
takes to tell it. Morales, Quinlan and Hill were
lying dead, and the others badly wounded.
Captain Murph}^ and Jolly, whom they had
used as shields, were both wounded by bullets.
Finley and Carson, being life-termers, were
convicted after their recovery from their
wounds, and sentenced to hang. By appeal
to the United States supreme court they man-
aged to delay their fate, but were later re-
sentenced.
CHAPTER XXI
GOVERNMENT OFFICES
THE Sacramento Postoffice was estab-
lished in the early days of the city's his-
tory, and has been the barometer of the
growth and development of the municipality
and the territory it serves. The facilities of
the postoffice have been enlarged repeatedly
in order to care for the ever growing busi-
ness. The rapid extension of the city's cor-
porate lines and the annexation of additional
suburban territory, together with the estab-
lishing of a network of rural routes, have
served to make the central office at Sacra-
mento an institution of great importance to
the community.
The present postmaster is Harold T- Mc-
Curry, who assumed his duties in 1922. The
total receipts of the office in 1913 were $345,-
263.26. The tremendous growth since then is
apparent when this total is compared with that
for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 1923. dur-
ing which the receipts were $715,039.74. At the
present time the office force consists of sev-
enty-five carriers and eighty-seven clerks, and
these are none too many for the service de-
manded. It is estimated that close to 90.000
are now receiving delivery service, including
residents of Highland Park, Oak Park, Curtis
Oaks and East Sacramento. The adjacent ter-
ritory, within a radius of about nine miles, is
served by seven rural carriers. In addition to
the main office on Seventh and K Streets, there
are nine substations Avhere mail is collected
and through which business is carried on.
George M. Treichler is assistant postmaster.
At the present time, enlargements of not
only the postoffice quarters, but also the
United States District Court rooms. Weather
Bureau, and other offices in the Federal Build-
ing, are being made at a cost exceeding $60,000.
More room is provided for the Money Order
Department and other offices in the institution.
The building houses the Postoffice, Internal
Revenue Office, United States Land Office,
AVeather Bureau, United States Court, United
POSTOFFICE AND SCENE ON K STREET. SACRAMENTO
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
161
States Geological Survey, and the office of the
post inspectors for this district.
The Federal Land Office dates back to the
early history of California, after its admission.
Formerly there were three Land Offices, lo-
cated at Marysville, Stockton and Sacramento.
The consolidation, however, was made some
fifteen years ago, and in Sacramento has since
been the office through which that line of work
and research has been carried on. Congress
recently confirmed the appointment of John
C. Ing as registrar of the Land Office, and
Grove L. Johnson, the receiver. Ing was the
receiver up to the year 1912.
George E. Church is the United States dep-
uty revenue collector in charge of the Sacra-
mento office. The collector of the district,
which includes the capital city, has his office
in San Francisco.
The United States Weather Bureau station
in Sacramento was established July 1, 1877, by
Sergeant B. B. Watkins of the Signal Corps,
U. S. A. The office was located on the fourth
floor of the St. George building, on the corner
of Fourth and J Streets. November 28, 1879,
the office was moved to the Fratt building, cor-
ner of Second and K Streets ; and June 1, 1882,
it was again moved to the Arcade building,
on Second Street, between J and K. February
1, 1884, it was moved to the Lj'on & Curtis
building, on J Street, between Front and Sec-
ond ; and April 30, 1894, it was removed to the
postoffice building, at Seventh and K Streets,
where it now is. The station was in charge of
Sergeant Watkins until April IS, 1879, when
he was relieved b}' Sergeant M. M. Sickler,
who was relieved loy Sergeant James A. Bar-
wick, March 15, 1881. Sergeant Barwick re-
mained in charge of the station, except as tem-
porarily relieved on account of sickness or
other causes, until August 18, 1901, when he
was relieved by James H. Scarr and trans-
ferred to Denver, his health having failed. Mr.
Scarr was relieved May 3, 1908, by T. A. Blair,
who had temporary charge until relieved bv
N. R. Taylor, May 8, 1908. By his uniform
courtesy and personal qualities Mr. Taylor has
made many friends in the community, and dur-
ing his incumbency has instituted great im-
provements in the service.
During his incumbency of twenty years
Sergeant Barwick made great strides in the
efficiency of the service, and is held in most
kindly regard by older residents of the city.
Formerly the data concerning the stages of the
river, and the forecasts in winter concerning it,
were published in the San Francisco office ;
but on May 1, 1905, the data concerning the
river were transferred to Sacramento. Here
the river-observation service was reorganized
by Observer Scarr, who made great improve-
ments in it, bringing it to a high state of effi-
ciency, and these have been continued and
expanded by Observer Taylor. Today all the
flood stages of the Sacramento River and its
tributaries are accurately forecast by him from
data gathered from the stations in his district.
This station now has the collection of data
from the San Joaquin watershed below the
mouth of the Mokelumne, embracing the terri-
tory drained by the Mokelumne, Cosumnes,
Stanislaus, and Calaveras Rivers, and Mor-
mon Slough. Observer Taylor several years
ago established a number of stations for the
observation and recording of the snowfall
in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This has
proved of exceptional value during recent
years, because of the increasing demands made
upon the Sacramento River and other streams
for water for irrigation, necessitating closer ob-
servation and tabulation of the snowpack in
the watersheds upon which the vast valleys be-
low must depend for water during the irriga-
tion season of the summer months.
162
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CHAPTER XXII
CALIFORNIA STATE LIBRARY
THE State Library was established by act
of the state legislature in the year 1851,
and originally was intended only as a
legislative reference collection.
In 1850 the legislature took the first step
toward securing a state library by enacting a
law directing that the scattered books which
were the property of the state he gathered to-
gether and placed in the custody of the secre-
tary of state, who should also serve as state
librarian. This was done, but no considerable
addition was made to the number of volumes
so collected until 1856, when 3,500 standard
law books were bought, at a cost of about
$17,000, and placed in the library, which soon
began to grow, and in 1860 comprised about
20,000 volumes ; in 1870 it had increased to
25,000; in 1880 to 50,000; in 1890 to about
70,000. At the present time the collection
consists of about 225,00 volumes in Sacramen-
to and another 100,000 in San Francisco at the
Sutro Branch. The books in this branch were
given to the State Library by the heirs of the
late Adolph Sutro, who made the collection,
which was first made available to the public
in January, 1917.
The annual income now is approximately
$130,000. Nearly every stranger in Sacramen-
to visits the California State Library, which is
housed in the Capitol building, occupying the
largest part of the east wing and extending
from the basement to the top floor. The pres-
ent location, however, has been outgrown by
the constantly growing shelves of valuable
books and documents, with the result that a
new library building is planned as a unit of
the Capitol Extension buildings, which are to
cost $3,400,000. The new library will be to it-
self, at least it will occupy the main part of the
structure, and ample facilities will be pro-
vided for taking care of the immense number
of volumes already accumulated, and likewise
for the future growth of this important state
institution.
In 1899 the right to appoint a state librarian
passed from the legislature to the governor,
thus removing the office from political influ-
ences incident to changes in the legislature.
Soon after, the State Library was greatly
strengthened, and the foundation was laid for
its future great work, when J. L. Gillis was
named as state librarian. His executive ability
and foresight in evolving the county library
system, which in recent years has grown to
large proportions and won the public favor,
gained for him wide recognition, not only in
this state, but in other sections of the country
as well. Mr. Gillis died, while at the zenith of
his work, on July 27, 1917. His death came
as a shock to his fellow citizens in Sacramento,
and to men and women generally throughout
the state. Milton J. Ferguson, who had been
his assistant for nearly ten years, was named
as his successor, and has very successfully car-
ried on the work as planned by Mr. Gillis.
The work of the institution is carried on
through various departments, briefly summar-
ized as Order and Accessories, Catalogue, Law,
Reference, Documents, California, Shipping,
Department for the Blind, and the County
Library Organization. The most original work
is conducted in the last three departments
named. The department devoted to Califor-
nia includes, in addition to all books written
about the state, or by California authors, a
splendid file of pioneer records, arranged in
card catalogue form, and containing invaluable
and priceless information concerning the social
and political history of the state, written first-
hand by the actual observers of the events that
make up the annals of early California, and
in which there is a richness of romance no-
where else to be found.
A similarly complete record is kept of the
state's authors, musicians, actors and artists,
together with files containing the reproduc-
tions of the canvases of California's painters,
and photographs of the interesting persons
connected with any part of the state's history,
or any political, social, civic or other organiza-
tion or society. An index to California's news-
papers and magazine literature is maintained in
this department.
Books for the blind are sent out over the
state upon request to over 1,600 readers with
sightless eyes. The resources on hand for this
branch of the work now include 13,258 books
in different kinds of raised type, and all of the
leading magazines for the blind. To these are
constantly being added additional works, writ-
ing appliances, games and new puzzles.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
163
In no particulai- is the influence of the State
Library more helpful than in its organization
of the county libraries, of which there are now
forty-two in operation, and which promise
to spread throughout all the counties of the
state. These county libraries, with headquar-
ters of each maintained in the respective coun-
ty seats, and branches in all the communities
and school districts, build up their own collec-
tion of the books in most general demand.
Books of rare or technical nature, and those in-
frequently needed in a county, are loaned by
the State Library, which supplements in this
way all the other libraries of the state. The
state librarian calls and conducts a yearly
County Librarians' Convention, frequently
with the various libraries, and acts as chair-
man of the Board of Library' Extensions,
which conducts examinations for the certifica-
tion of county libraries.
California was among the first of all the
states to recognize the great value of a strong
central library, supplementing and fostering
the smaller county organizations, and natural-
ly the people of the state are proud of the good
work accomplished, which will be further
strengthened and augmented when finally the
department is installed in its new modern
home.
CHAPTER XXIII
CITY FREE LIBRARY
ALONG in the middle fifties the need for a
public Ii1:)rar3' began to be recognized,
■ and in 1857 the Sacramento Library
Association was organized and a good library
collected, which, in spite of loss by fire, stead-
ily increased. In 1872 the former building on
I Street, between Seventh and Eighth, was
erected and furnished at a total cost of $17,000.
Of this amount $11,000 was raised by a gift
enterprise, and a mortgage for $6,000 was
given. The Library opened under favorable
auspices, but its existence was not as prosper-
ous as had been expected or as was desirable.
In 1879, therefore, the directors ofifered to
donate the property to the city, to be main-
tained as a free library, if the city would as-
sume the debt. When the question was sub-
mitted to the voters of the city at the election
in March following, the offer was accepted.
Ever since, the Library has been supported by
public tax. It was decided in that early day
to rearrange and recatalogue the l^ooks and
periodicals, which was done, and on June 15
the City Free Library was thrown open to the
public with 6,067 volumes on its shelves.
The City Library has enjoyed a steady
growth in size and usefulness. Besides a large
collection of books and periodicals it carries
the leading newspapers on its files, which,
since the erection of the new building in 1918,
at the corner of Ninth and I Streets, are kept
in its spacious reading rooms. Among those
who have directed the affairs of the Library
are: Judge S. C. Denson, William H. Mills,
William C. Fitch, Samuel Howard Gerrish,
Add C. Hinkson, Mrs. G. W. Hancock, Miss
Georgiana Brewster, Albert Hart, Kirke W.
Brier, Francis Le Noir, A. S. Hopkins, L. E.
Smith, E. B. Willis, Lauren W. Ripley, and
Susan T. Smith.
In 1908 the library, under an agreement with
the board of supervisors of the county, ex-
tended its privileges to all residents of the
county, being the first institution of the kind
to do so. Branch libraries were established in
various communities. In the year 1919, the
supervisors established a free county library
service under Section 2 of the Library Act,
and the contract with the City Library was
discontinued.
The Library now contains appro.ximately
75,000 volumes, serves 16,193 card holders, and
circulates 125,000 books a year. Until 1921
the Library was under the control of a board
of trustees, appointed by the mayor of the
city. On July 1, 1912, under the then new city
charter, the commission form of government
was given supervision over the librarian, who
was made subject to the commissioner of edu-
cation. Again in 1921 a new city charter was
adopted and the city-manager plan of muni-
cipal government was inaugurated. Through
the new charter, the Library is placed directly
under the supervision of the city manager.
Susan T. Smith, for a number of years refer-
ence librarian of the California State Library,
was appointed to succeed Lauren W. Ripley,
who had held the position of librarian over a
long period of years and had practically grown
up with the institution.
It is planned under the new administration
to extend to all parts of the city the usefulness
164
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
of the Library through the establishing of
branches, designed to increase the circulation
of books and the reference service. Transients
may borrow books while sojourning in the city
by paying a deposit. Many avail themselves
of the opportunity thus offered. A large staff
is maintained in the main library.
The magnificent new Library building at
Ninth and I Streets was dedicated on October
17, 1918. The new structure is of brick and
terra cotta and is three stories in height. The
cost was $130,000. of which the Carnegie Cor-
poration donated $100,000 through the activ-
ities of the Knights of Pythias, and the balance
of the amount was raised by the city commis-
sion, chiefly through the efforts of the late
E. J. Carragher, commissioner of education.
CHAPTER XXIV
E. B. CROCKER ART GALLERY, AND MUSEUM ASSOCIATION
SACRAMENTO is the proud possessor of
one of the finest collections of paintings
and works of art to be found anywhere in
the United States, a collection reputed by
leading authorities and connoisseurs to be sur-
passed by only two other exhibitions in this
country, one at the Metropolitan Museum of
Art of New York, and the other at the Art
Institute of Chicago.
During the years 1870 and 1873. while trav-
eling in Europe, Judge E. B. Crocker and
Mrs. Margaret E. Crocker gathered most of
the 700 paintings and a great number of the
drawings, etchings, etc., which formed the
foundation for the wonderful exhibit which
now hangs upon the walls of the original gal-
lery and the residence annex, thrown open to
the public in 1920, with practically twice the
former space for the display of the almost
priceless paintings and other works of art.
The collection was made during the Franco-
Prussian War, when the question of price in
the field of art was of less concern on the
Continent, so that it was possible to obtain
many exceptionalh^ fine paintings and draw-
ings that under ordinary circumstances never
would have been permitted to leave the art
galleries and private collections of Europe.
During these years the E. B. Crocker Art Gal-
lery was erected and made ready to receive
the collection. In 1885, the collection, for
which about $400,000 had been spent, and the
fireproof gallery, which cost close to $235,000,
were turned over by a deed of trust to the City
of Sacramento by Mrs. Crocker, Judge Crocker
having passed away.
The magnificent fireproof building is of the
most pleasing architecture and design, and is
situated in a beautiful spot at Third and O
Streets, surrounded by trees and by rare flow-
ers and plants. The original building was 122
feet long and 62 feet wide. It has three floors.
the basement having originally been intended
for use as a recreation hall, in which many pub-
lic functions and receptions were held, at-
tended by many leading characters in state
and national life. On the lower floor is dis-
played the state's mineral cabinet.
During 1920 the city commission, through
appropriations approximating $40,000, fitted
up the old residence section and made it a part
of the gallery through connecting walls and
two wide openings. Into the new space, which
practically doubled the facilities for taking care
of the paintings, a large number of works of
art that had of necessity been stored in the
basement of the gallery were brought into the
sunlight once more, and their beauty and
grandeur now form a part of the great collec-
tion that is viewed by the thousands who visit
the halls.
The second story, of both the old gallery
and the annex, contains many of the art
treasures of the world, including many pro-
ductions by old masters of the Flemish,
Dutch and Italian schools, as well as paint-
ings by many eminent California artists whom
Judge Crocker liberally patronized. One of the
most striking of these confronts the visitor as
he enters the big hall. It is an immense paint-
ing of the Yosemite Valley by Hill, and is con-
sidered the masterpiece of the artist, ranking,
according to the best judges, with Bierstadt's
"Heart of the Andes." There also are striking
canvases by Nahl, the glowing colors revealing
his individuality and portraying most vividly
the early days of California.
The second and third floors are elaborately
frescoed ; all the woodwork is heavy, richly
carved, and French-polished, while the glass is
all cut and delicately etched. The floors in the
old gallery are laid in Roman tiling. Mrs.
Crocker subsequently had the floors of the
museum section laid in fancy woods of orna-
mental design. The main art gallery consists
of a vestibule, a main hall, and the west and
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
165
south walls. To these have been added the
eastern halls, which constitute the annex.
The works of art in the galler}- include famous
paintings by Van Dyck, Guido, Tintoretto and
others of note. Aside from the wide assort-
ment of pictorial wealth revealed in the pas-
toral and topical canvases, there are numerous
portraits of celebrated Californians, done in oil.
The studios of over 3,000 eminent artists were
visited in assembling the vast collection on dis-
play here, which also includes the best exam-
ples of the engraver's and lithographer's art.
Gift of the Art Gallery to the City
The incidents connected with the gift of the
E. B. Crocker Art Gallery to Sacramento City
form a story of pleasing interest. The Califor-
nia ^Museum Association had been organized,
as the outcome of a meeting held on December
5, 1884, by a number of gentlemen desirous of
forming a scientific association. Its purpose
was to foster art, science, mechanics, literature,
the development of the state, and the encour-
agement of social intercourse among the mem-
bers, and also to establish a repository for the
collection and exhibition of natural curiosities,
scientific objects, antiquities, etc. The asso-
ciation started with about twenty members,
holding private meetings for some weeks at
which papers were read. In January it had
grown courageous, and resolved to erect a
building for its own and public uses. Mrs.
Crocker was foremost in all good works and
charities in the city and was known as "Sac-
ramento's Lady Bountiful" through her con-
tributions to the churches and charitable ob-
jects. Learning that the association had re-
solved to give an art loan exhibit to secure a
nucleus for its building, and had called a
meeting of ladies to aid in the undertaking,
IMrs. Crocker sent word that, if the association
desired, the E. B. Crocker Art Gallery was at
its disposal for the purpose of holding the ex-
hibition. Her offer was accepted gladly ; and
in March, 1885, a strange collection of the
greatest variety of curiosities of the pioneer
era, of art, science, antiquity, and discovery,
and of handiwork of various descriptions, con-
tributed by the citizens of Sacramento and
San Francisco, was throv^^n open to the public.
Contributions from the latter city were made
by the Alaska Fur Company, Irving M. Scott,
Alexander Badlam, and a number of ladies.
The exhibition was open for more than two
weeks, and the fame of it went abroad through
the land, bringing many visitors to Sacra-
mento to see the collection. It was both a
social and financial success.
During the continuance of the exhibit. Mrs.
Crocker informed the president of the associa-
tion, David Lubin, that it was her desire to
present the gallery, with its collection of paint-
ings, furniture, etc., to the association. The
announcement was made to the public and was
received with the most cordial expressions of
appreciation and high regard for the generous
donor. The association, however, after de-
liberation on the magnificent offer, decided
that it was wise to accept it only under a con-
dition, self-imposed, that the citizens of Sacra-
mento should raise a fund of $100,000, to be
permanently invested for the maintenance of
the galler)' and buildings, being sensible that
otherwise the burden would in time become
too onerous for a private association. But the
accumulation of so large a fund was found to
be difficult in so small a community, however
liberal individuals might be in making con-
tributions. The association therefore proposed
to Mrs. Crocker that if she would transfer the
property to the city, making the association a
co-tenant with the city, the raising of $100,000
would not be necessary. She kindly acceded
to the plan, the proposition was placed before
the people, and met with immediate favor.
Finding that the city was willing to accept the
trust, thereupon the association incorporated,
on March 20, 1885, and Mrs. Crocker executed
to the cit}- a deed of all the valuable property
involved, stipulating that it should always be
managed and controlled by a joint board of
trustees from the association and the city, the
mayor to represent the city and the board of
directors to represent the association, each cor-
poration having only one vote. The deed of
trust provided that the association might for-
ever use the property for the purposes of its
work as heretofore outlined.
The citizens were not slow in showing their
appreciation of the munificence of the gift, and
the unselfish spirit of the donor. They held
in rememljrance, also, Mrs. Crocker's gener-
ous endowment and gift of the Old Ladies'
Home. Their appreciation took the form of a
grand floral festival, in May. 1885, at which
3,000 school children made bountiful floral of-
ferings to Mrs. Crocker. The lower floor. of
the great pavilion of the State Agricultural
Society — the largest building in the state — was
almost filled with the beautiful floral offerings.
Nor was it Sacramento alone that testified to
the high regard in which the benefactress was
held. The offerings ranged from modest
bouquets to spacious churches and towns, and
great allegorical designs, all constructed en-
tirely of flowers. They came from all parts
of the state, from Los Angeles in the south and
from Shasta in the north. People of all
churches and denominations, the rich and the
poor, of all clans and creeds, assembled to d(i
honor to her. The lowest estimate of the num-
ber of people who thronged the spacious build-
ing on the night of the festival, and witnessed
the ceremony of delivering the keys of the gal-
lery to the trustees and their acceptance of the
166
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
trust, placed the number assembled at 15,000.
It was a spontaneous outpouring of heartfelt
gratitude and regard such as has never, before
or since, been accorded to a female citizen of
the United States.
On the evening of this festival, after the
keys of the art gallery had been transferred to
the mayor, the citizens of Sacramento pre-
sented to Mrs. Crocker a splendid oaken casket,
which had been made from some of the timber
taken from the old historic Sutter's Fort. It
contained two volumes, one of which was
bound in velvet and gold and the other in sil-
ver and. velvet, both being marvels of artistic
taste. The first book contained a number of
pages giving a history of her benefactions, of
the gift of the art gallery, and of the floral
festival, displayed in the highest form of the
typographical art. In addition to this each
page was adorned l)y hand decoration in water
colors. In the second volume was an account
of all the steps leading up to the event, to-
gether with copies and extracts from expres-
sions by the press, in journals all the way from
New York to Sacramento. The gifts were not
less unique than beautiful, and Mrs. Crocker
voiced her appreciation of them with deep
eiTiotion.
The Museum Association lost no time in en-
tering upon its work in the art gallery and i:Ti-
proving the opportunity afforded by this mag-
nificent gift. The first step taken by it was to
organize the School of Design, and for that
purpose Messrs. Weinstock and L,ubin con-
tributed $1,000 toward the purchase of the
necessary casts and paraphernalia for the
school. It was opened in January, 1886, and
was continued for a number of years. It de-
veloped in this city and the surrounding coun-
ties an aesthetic taste and a cultivation of artis-
tic talent that eventually produced notable re-
sults, and many of the students afterwards
earned names that stand high among the art-
ists of California. The Ladies' Museum Asso-
ciation founded a number of scholarships for
those who showed artistic talent but could not
afford the expense of developing it under ordi-
nary circumstances, and the opportunity was
eagerly embraced by a number who in later
days did credit to the institution.
During the loan exhibition the Museum
Association had secured a large number of life
members in this city, and a larger number
subsequently in San Francisco among former
Sacramentans who had not forgotten their at-
tachment for their old home. AVith the rev-
enue from these, from a small number of mem-
bers who paid regular dues, and from admis-
sion fees to the gallery on such days as it was
open to admission, together with voluntary
contributions from generous citizens, the
school became self-sustaining, and the good it
did lives after it.
In 1887 the association, in conjunction with
the board of trustees of the city, applied to the
legislature for the custody of the state's min-
eral cabinet, which had up to that time been
kept in the State Capitol. The legislature
passed a law empowering the governor to ap-
point three trustees to take charge of the cabi-
net and locate it in the E. B. Crocker Art Gal-
lery, without expense to the state, so that it
might be more readily viewed by the people.
In accordance with this act, Governor Bartlett
appointed three of the directors of the Mu-
seum Association for that purpose, and the
cal)inet was removed and placed on the lower
floor of the gMery. Mr. Irelan, the state
mineralogist, consented to allow his assistant.
Dr. Schneider, to be detailed to reclassify the
cabinet ; and when he had done so the trustees,
through Dr. Pyburn, the secretary, began ar-
ranging it in cases, the work being completed
on December 26, 1888. It was thrown open to
the inspection of the public on the following
day. The state retained its title to the prop-
erty ; but its custody being as explained, it is
rendered a very valuable addition to the gal-
lery. Later on, a valuable collection of min-
erals and natural-history exhibits and curiosi-
ties of an earlier association, which was known
as the Agassiz Institute, was presented to the
association.
In September, 1888, David Lubin presented
to the association five exquisite pieces of statu-
ary purchased by him in Italy. In October,
1888, the association, which had never called
on the citizens of Sacramento for contributions
to its support, except for the loan exhibit of
1885, determined to hold a second loan exhibi-
tion. The ladies of the cit}' resolved to aid it,
prominent among them being the wives and
daughters of members of the association. They
organized and were known as the Ladies' Mu-
seum Association of Sacramento, with Mrs.
Mayor Gregory as president : Mrs. William
Ingram, Jr., secretary, and Mrs. Albert Bonn-
heim, treasurer. In two months they had a
membership' of 138, and offered to take charge
of the loan exhibition, which they did, and
made it a success fully equal to the first one.
For man)' years, in fact almost from the
time of transfer of the mineral cabinet to the
art gallery, the trustees of the cabinet were
H. Weinstock, J. A. Woodson, and Dr. Py-
burn. The law of 1887, establishing separate
trustees for the cabinet, was repealed in 1921,
and there are now no trustees.
W. F. Jackson is the curator of the E. B.
Crocker Art Gallery, and has been its cus-
todian since the gift was made to the city.
During the continuance of the School of Art.
held under the auspices of the gallery, Mr.
Jackson, who is rated among the foremost of
California's artists, was the instructor.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
167
CHAPTER XXV
EDUCATIONAL MATTERS
IT IS an accepted fact among the educators
throughout the country that Sacramento
has always kept abreast of the times in mat-
ters educational : and events of the past few
years have emphasized the fact. One of the
first things noted in the history of the city in
the days of the first rush of immigrants to the
land of gold, was the establishment of a school
in the summer of 1849, when the fevered quest
for the 3^ellow metal pervaded all men's minds
to almost the total exclusion of all other senti-
ments. And Sacramento has fully kept pace
^vith progress along educational lines ever
since, the action of the city in recently voting
bonds to the amount of $3,064,000 for new
schools for her children being a patent evi-
dence that her people are keenly alive to the
importance of directing the rising generations
into the pathway leading to intelligence and
good citizenship. Destroyed several times
by fire, grown decrepit by age, stunted by
cramped quarters and needing more room for
the constantly increasing number of children
seeking knowledge, the school buildings have
time after time risen like the Phoenix from
their ashes, or given place to more modern
and commodious ones. Manual training, do-
mestic science and gymnastic training have
usurped in late years the time and attention
former]}' given to fossilized studies and ideas
and the watchword of "Progress" has shoul-
dered out of the way the old and obsolete fea-
tures that had retarded advancement. Our
boys are today being fitted for the battle of life
by the employment of their minds, eyes and
hands in a practical way, instead of turning
them out upon their struggle for a livelihood
with their heads crammed with a mass of
knowledge that can be utilized only in certain
directions and in a very limited field. Our
girls are being trained in the arts that pertain
to the home a,nd its comforts and conveniences.
The arts of cooking and sewing, which have
become almost lost arts in the feminine part
of the community, and on which the comfort
and harmony of the household so greatly de-
pend, have been resuscitated and given their
proper place in the economy of our daily lives.
and the growing generation of womanhood is
being better fitted for wifehood and mother-
hood.
The influence for good these things will
exert on the next generation can hardly be
calculated and must result in a great better-
ment of future economic conditions. The
struggle for existence is becoming yearly more
arduous and our children must be so trained
as to be better fitted to encounter its future
difficulties. Practical education, then, is neces-
sarily taking the place of that which in the
past was largely theoretical and impractical.
The first school recorded in the history of
our city was opened in August, 1849, by C. T.
H. Palmer. Rev. J. A. Benton, who was the
first pastor of the Congregational Church in
Sacramento, has given an interesting account
of the first educational ventures in Sacramento,
as follows : "C. T. H. Palmer, formerly of Fol-
som. taught the first school, so far as I know,
that was ever taught in Sacramento. He
taught during the month of August, 1849, and
then abandoned the business. I do not know
how many pupils he had, but the number could
not have exceeded ten. I purchased from him
in September the benches and furniture he had
used, and opened the same school again Octo-
ber 15, 1849, at the same place in which he
kept it. The place was on I Street, in a build-
ing owned by Prof. F. Shepherd. The struc-
ture was a one-story house about 14 by 28 feet,
covered at the ends with rough clapboards,
and the roof and sides were covered with old
sails from some craft tied up at the bank of
the river. Some 'shakes" and 'pickets' were
nailed over the places not covered by the sails,
close to the ground. The doorway was cov-
ered by a piece of canvas fastened at the top
and dropping before the opening. There was
no floor but the ground, and that was by no
means level. The schoolhouse stood on the
brink of the slough, or 'Lake Sutter,' near the
northeast corner of Third and I Streets. It
was about sixty feet east of the east side of
Third Street and the southern side of it en-
croached a few feet on I Street. I Street was
not then passable for wagons. The remains
of a coal-pit were located in the middle of I
Street, a few yards eastward from the build-
ing. A small and crooked oak tree stood at the
eastern end of the schoolhouse, close to it and
near the door. A sycamore tree and some
shrubs of ash and elder grew out of the bank
on the northern side and close to the building.
168
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
The filling up of I Street and the advent of
the Chinese now obliterate every trace of the
building and its exact site. My school opened
with four pupils, and increased to six. then to
eight or nine. I do not think it ever exceeded
twelve. By stress of weather and other cir-
cumstances I was compelled to close the school
the 1st of December, 1849. That was the end
of my endeavors in the way of school teach-
ing. It is mj' impression that Crowell opened
a school in the spring of 1850, but it might
have been during the following autumn. In
the spring there were enough families to make
school-teaching desirable, and the weather and
other circumstances were such as to make it
practicable. I know of no other schools in
1849 than Palmer's and mine."
Up to 1854 the public schools had been
merged into those of the county, and were un-
der the supervision of the county assessor, by
virtue of his ofifice. The state school law pro-
vided for a supervising school committee in
each city, town and incorporated village. The
attempt made in Sacramento to establish a
common school under that law failed and in
1852 the legislature repealed that law and
passed a new one, which gave to cities and in-
corporated towns the control of the common
schools within their limits, with a provision
that if the municipal authorities did not exer-
cise that power the county assessor should
have charge of them and be ex-ofificio county
superintendent. This act was amended April
26, 1853, and in that year the county assessor,
H. J. Bidleman, appointed under the law as
amended a board of school commissioners for
the city consisting of Dr. H. W. Harkness, G.
J. Phelan and George Wiggins.
Judging from the articles in the newspapers
of that day, frequently demanding that the
commissioners do their duty and open a public
school, they must have been very dilatory in
establishing the schools. At last, in February,
1854, the following advertisement appeared :
"Public School. The citizens of Sacramento
are hereby notified that the school commis-
sioners for this city will open a public school
on the southeast corner of Fifth and K Streets,
on Monday morning, February 20, 1854, at 9
o'clock. G. H. Peck will have charge of the
male department, and Miss Griswold of the
female department. By order of the Commis-
sioners of Common Schools."
The school was opened on the day desig-
nated and was the first public school opened
in this city. The day of coeducation had not
then arrived, and two rooms were occupied,
one by the boys and the other by the girls.
The school opened on the first day with fifty
boys and forty girls in attendance. Most of
them were between seven and nine years old
and the greater portion had never attended
school before. The attendance increased
rapidly and on the fourth day there were
ninety boys and seventy girls in attendance.
It was found that the school was growing so
fast that there was not room for the accom-
modation of the pupils and soon there were
200 on the roll. The building not being large
enough to accommodate all, another school
was opened in an old building known as the
Indiana House on I Street, near Tenth, and the
l)oard appointed A. R. Jackson as teacher.
This school in turn became too crowded, and
another building was leased, on the corner of
Tenth and G Streets. The girls of the I Street
school were removed to this place and placed
in charge of M. E. Corby. On June 19 a
school for girls and boys was opened near the
corner of Seventh and K Strets, W. A. Mur-
ray being placed in charge. The attendance
still increasing, a primary school was opened
in the rear of the Fifth Street school, in a
building formerly occupied as a mechanic's
shop, and the care' of the pupils was confided
to Miss A. E. Roberts.
And still the movement grew. In July, 1854,
it is stated that there were 261 pupils attend-
ing the public schools, and 250 in private
schools. The day of the children had come,
and the city was becoming a city of homes in-
stead of men only. From this time on the ad-
vance in the cause of education was rapid.
October 2, 1854, the city council passed an
ordinance which had been drafted by N. A. H.
Ball, and which provided for the election of a
city superintendent of schools and a board of
education. The board was to assume the con-
trol of the city schools, which had heretofore
been controlled by the county assessor.
The council elected Dr. H. W. Harkness
superintendent, and N. A. H. Ball, George
AViggins and Dr. T. A. Thomas trustees or
members of the board, which organized on the
1st of the following month, Harkness occupy-
ing the chair and Ball being secretary. At
this meeting the board estimated the school
income and expenses necessary for the ensu-
ing year at $22,000. A controversy arose be-
tween the county superintendent and the
board, the former declining to surrender con-
trol of the schools on the ground that it would
deprive him of his $1,000 salary. The matter
was finally adjusted and on December 7 the
county commissioners and Superintendent
Bidleman formally surrendered all the public
schools in the city, the city board agreeing
to liquidate all indebtedness. On the 11th the
count}- superintendent and commissioners re-
signed their offices and the city board assumed
full control of the schools.
In November 25, 1854, the following teachers
were elected by the new board : For the Second
Ward female grammar school. Miss Anderson ;
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
169
Second Ward female primar)- school, Miss
Frost ; Second Ward male grammar school.
G. H. Peck ; Third Ward male grammar school,
A. R. Jackson. The first common schoolhouse
was erected on the corner of Tenth and H
Streets, upon land tendered free by John H.
Gass. A. B. Asper contracting to build it in
fifteen days for $1,487. It was dedicated with
appropriate ceremonies, January 20, 1855.
February 5, 1855, a primary school was estab-
lished at Eleventh and I Streets, with Mrs.
Eliza A. Wright as teacher. The board ap-
portioned scholars to the different schools, to
the number of 574. The teachers were to
register the applicants and if the pupil ab-
sented himself for more than a week without
good cause the board and the parents were to
be notified, his name dropped and the next ap-
plicant on the list admitted. Dr. Harkness in
his first report showed accommodations for
only 414 pupils — 157 boys, 157 girls and 100
primary scholars. Five hundred seventy-eight
pupils had made application to enter, and the
accommodations were insufficient, there being
an average attendance of 463.
In March, 1855, the authority to elect the
board was taken from the council and given to
the people by legislative act, the number of
commissioners being increased to six. At the
first election in April, 1855, Francis Tukey was
elected superintendent, and R. P. Johnson, H.
Houghton, F. A. Hatch, J. F. Morse, George
W. Wooley and George W'iggins commis-
sioners. The new board organized April 11,
the total salaries of teachers Ijeing at that time
$1,350 monthly. On the 15th Lee & Marshall's
circus gave a benefit to the schools, netting
$321, and subsecjuently gave other benefits.
The schools grew rapidly and on May 5 the
new board elected teachers, there being ten
principals and two assistants. In February,
1856, Tukey resigned as superintendent and
F. W. Hatch was elected in his place, William
E. Chamberlain being elected commissioner in
place of Hatch. The report of Superintendent
Hatch on March 18 showed that in the six
grammar schools there were 199 boys and 267
girls, a total of 466; average attendance 254.
In the five primary schools there were 270
boys and 234 girls ; total 504, average attend-
ance 250. Twelve of the pupils were born in
California and one in China. From Illinois
came 93. Early this year came W. H. Watson,
who succeeded Mr. Wooley as a member of
the board.
A superintendent and board of commis-
sioners were elected in April, 1856, and met
on the 11th. It consisted of F. W. Hatch, re-
elected superintendent ; Dr. C. Burrell, David
Maddux, John F. Dreman, J. F. Thompson,
A. Montgomery and C. H. Bradford. On May
12 the board apportioned $25 a month for
the colored school, which was to be taught by
J. B. Anderson. This was the first aid the
colored school had received. In November
J. B. Harmon succeeded Burrell. The report
of Superintendent Hatch showed studies pur-
sued in the various schools as follows : Gram-
mar, 312; arithmetic, 612; reading, 821; spell-
ing, 843 ; writing, 538; geography, 372; history,
103; algebra, 63; Latin, 28; chemistry, 39;
geometrv, 4; composition, 227; declamation,
151.
A new board consisting of J. G. Lawton,
superintendent; Samuel Cross, R. A. Pearis,
David Murray, H. J. Bidleman, P. W. S.
Rayles and J. G. Simmons, commissioners,
took their places. In the latter part of 1857
the building of the Franklin Grammar School,
at Sixth and L Streets, now known as the old
Armory, was begun. December 22 the cor-
ner-stone was laid in the presence of a large
assemblage, under the auspices of the Masons.
The lot cost $4,500 and the building $7,500.
May 4, 1858, the school directors, composed
of the board of education appointed under the
Consolidation Act, held their first meeting and
elected Samuel Cross president and Dr. Sim-
mons secretary. Daniel J. Thomas was ap-
pointed a director by the board of supervisors
in place of Dr. R. A. Pearis, but the board of
education declared the appointment illegal
The board of education organized October 4,
1858, consisted of G. J. Phelan, A. G. Richard-
son, H, J. Bidleman, T. M. Morton, H. B. Os-
borne, G. I. N. Monell, John Hatch and G. L.
Simmons ; Phelan, president. Hatch did not
qualify and the board of supervisors elected
David Meeker to fill his place. Dr. Simmons
resigned in January, 1859, and was succeeded
by C. A. Hill. Early in 1859 a school building
was erected at a cost of $3,800, at Thirteenth
and G Streets and named the AVashington
schoolhouse. Secretary Bidleman was removed
Ma}' 9, and was succeeded by Monell.
A new board met October 3, 1859, consisting
of Cyril Hawkins, H. J. Bidleman, J. M. Frev,
G. L. Simmons, J. J. Murphy, G. I. N. Monell.
D. y. Thomas and Henry McCreary. Dr. Frey
was president and Monell secretary. An un-
successful attempt was made to establish a
Normal School, to be taught two days in the
week. At the close of the year there were one
high, four grammar, two primary and interme-
diate, and six primary schools in the city.
Scholars enrolled, 1,031, with an average at-
tendance of 790. Fifteen teachers were em-
ployed, one assistant and ten monitors, salaries
amounting to $1,850 a month, the board be-
lieving the monitorial system less expensive,
while at the same time it gave more teachers
The board of education for 1860 met Decem-
ber 3, with G. Tavlor, J. F. Crawford, H.
Miller, J. M. Frey, j' M. Milliken, A. C. Sweet-
170
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ser. S. M. Mouser and J. Bithell members;
Miller president and Sweetser secretary. It
discharged all the teachers and monitors,
graded the schools, decided that male teachers
should be employed as principals of the high
school and of the first grade of the grammar
school. J. W. Anderson was elected principal
of the Franklin grammar school and Miss
Doyle his assistant. June 7, 1861, Anderson
was elected principal of tlie high school, and
Mr. Templeton to fill his place in the Frank-
lin school.
January 6, 1862, the board organized was
composed of J. F. Dreman, D. J. Thomas, W.
Bidwell, H. Miller, W. H. Hill, J. M. Milliken,
S. M. Mouser and Edward Collins ; Hill presi-
dent. In March Mrs. Folger was elected
teacher of the colored school, the board voting
to pay her salar}-' whenever the building and
furniture should be furnished by the parents
interested. On the 3rd of March the schools,
which had been considerably damaged by the
flood, reopened, except the one at Sixteenth
and N Streets, which was still surrounded by
water. Mouser resigned and his place was
filled by J. T. Peck. The schoolhouse at Tenth
and P Streets was erected, at a cost of $2,500.
The board elected in January, 1863, com-
prised Edward Collins, John F. Dreman, W.
H. Hill, H. H. Hartley, Paul Morrill, D. J.
Thomas, W. Bidwell and H. J. Bidleman. Hill
was president. At the close of the year 1,093
pupils were enrolled, average attendance, 795.
The graduating class numbered 215. Pupils in
the colored school, 32, average attendance, 27.
A building for the colored school was erected
at Fifth and O Streets, but was set on fire by
an incendiary and consumed with its contents.
Total disbursements for the eleven schools,
$24,483.57.
In January, 1864, W. Bidwell, M. C. Briggs,
J. H. Carroll, J. F. Crawford, Henry H. Hart-
ley, Paul Morrill, O. D. Lambard and H. J.
Bidleman composed the board, which elected
Briggs president. When the year closed the
number of schools had increased to thirteen —
six primary, three intermediate, one high, one
grammar, one ungraded and one colored, with
1,202 pupils in attendance, 919 of whom were
born in the state. The intermediate school at
Thirteenth and G Streets was opened, as also
an ungraded one at Twenty-ninth and J
Streets. The board, in compliance with a peti-
tion from the colored people, placed their
school on the same footing as the white
schools, except as to grade. The expenses for
the year were $28,660.08 ; receipts, $27,276.86.
The board of 1865 organized in January,
with M. C. Briggs, W. E. Chamberlain, O. D.
Lambard, Eugene Soule, J. W. Avery, J. H.
Carroll, J. W. Crawford and Paul Morrill.
Briggs was reelected president. The Union
schoolhouse at Seventh and G Streets was
completed and accepted February 7. J. L.
Fogg was chosen principal of the grammar
school, Mr. Templeton being made principal of
the high school. The total number of pupils
had increased to 1,458, of whom 870 were born
in the state. The first story of the Union High
School was completed May 1, and two schools
moved in. Cost, $15,786.56. Receipts, $3 1,489.-
35. Expenses, $34,459.68.
In January, 1866, the new board organized,
with J. W. Avery, W. E. Chamberlain, Paschal
H. Coggins, John F. Dreman, G. R. Moore,
O. D. Lambard, Paul Morrill and Eugene
Soule, directors ; president, AV. E. Chamberlain.
The close of the year showed 1,524 pupils en-
rolled, 1,010 born in the state. There were
now fourteen schools in the city. H. H. Howe
was elected principal of the grammar school,
Fogg having resigned. A schoolhouse for
colored children was erected costing $700, and
a frame schoolhouse at Ninth and M Streets,
costing $3,946, and school was opened there
August 1. Receipts for the year, $34,443.31;
expenditures, $32,136.43, receipts for the first
time exceeding expenses.
The board of 1867 was composed of the same
members, Paul Morrill being president. At
the close of the year 1,736 children were on
the rolls, 1,227 born in California and 457 else-
where. Early in the year the Lincoln school
building was erected, the cost being $8,049.69.
In March $200 was set aside from the state ap-
portionment for a school library. About 250
volumes were purchased and the number has
increased yearly since. Lambard resigned and
was replaced by John F. Crawford, and Soule
resigning, David S. Ross was elected in his
place. Receipts, $33,639 ; expenditures, $44,207.
In 1868 the board was : J. F. Crawford,
Joseph Davis, J. W. Avery, Henry Miller, D. S.
Ross, F. A. Gibbs, Paschal H. Coggins and
Horace Adams. Miller was president. The
year closed with 1,727 names enrolled, 920
boys and 807 girls, with an average attendance
of 1,142. Born in the state 1,241. Receipts,
$43,194.68; expenses, $48,362.
In February, 1869, the board was : J. F.
Crawford, J. W. Avery, B. B. Redding, Henry
Miller, David S. Ross, F. A. Gibbs, W. L.
Campbell and Henry McCreary; Miller, presi-
dent. The year closed with 2,200 pupils en-
rolled— 1,128 bo3'S and 1,072 girls; average at-
tendance, 1,584. A wooden addition was made
to the school building at Thirteenth and G
Streets, but within a fortnight it was destroyed
bv an incendiary fire, together with the old
building, and the school had to be continued in
other quarters until the new two-story brick
building for the school could be completed. It
cost $13,720, and was known as the Washing-
ton School. A wooden addition was also made
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
171
to the Franklin schoolhouse. In November 400
German citizens petitioned the board to intro-
duce the German language into the schools,
which was done, Arnold Dulon being elected
teacher, with fifteen pupils in the high school
and 190 in the grammar school. At the close
of the ye'ar there were seventeen schools in the
city — one hrgh, one grammar with four grades,
four intermediate, nine primaries, one un-
graded and one colored. Receipts, $78,000.94;
expenditures, $77,840.44.
In 1870 the board was composed of John H.
Dreman, J. W. Avery, Henry Miller, David S.
Ross, F. A. Gibbs, Daniel Brown, J. F. Mont-
gomery and B. B. Redding, with Miller as
president. H. H. Howe resigned the principal-
ship of the grammar school and A. H. McDon-
ald was elected to the position, two new de-
partments being added. A two-story brick
schoolhouse was erected at Sixteenth and N
Streets, at a cost of $9,000, but a few days after
its completion it was set on fire and destroyed.
The board immediately erected another, Avhich
was completed the following year. The yearly
roll showed 1,219 boys and 1,137 girls; total,
2,356. Receipts, $81,115.51. Expenditures,
$80,770.47.
The next board organized January 26, 1871,
was composed of W. C. Stratton, J. W. Avery.
E. T. Taylor, D. S. Ross, Henry Miller, Daniel
Brown, J. F. Montgomery and Henry C. Kirk,
Montgomery being president. The pupils in-
creased in number to 2,458, 1,249 boys and
1,209 girls. There were now twenty schools
in the city and receipts for the year were
$72,810 and expenses, $71,351.
In 1872 the board was : Henry C. Kirk, W.
C. Stratton, Henry Miller, E. T. Taylor, E. I.
Robinson, John F. Dreman, C. H. Cummings
and H. K. Snow ; Miller, president. Judge E.
B. Crocker acquired the ground on which the
schoolhouse at Second and P Streets stood,
and the school was removed to Fourth and O
Streets. The city donated the pul^lic square
between I and J, Fifteenth and Sixteenth
Streets, and the present commodious brick
building, known as the Sacramento Grammar
School, was erected at a cost of $60,000, to
accommodate the other grammar schools.
George Rowland was elected a member of the
board, vice Stratton, resigned. Underwood
resigned as principal of the grammar school
and A. H. McDonald succeeded him. The
board decided to open a night school in the
two lower rooms of the Franklin Grammar
School, at Sixth and K Streets.
In 1873 the board consisted of C. H. Cum-
mings, J. F. Dreman, James I. Felter, E. I.
Robinson, H. K. Snow, George Rowland,
Felix Tracy and B. B. Redding; Cummings
presiding. The census showed 3,389 children
between five and fifteen years of age, with
3,053 enrolled; average attendance, 1,810.
Receipts, $73,952; expenses, $67,300.
The board as organized in 1874 consisted of
C. H. Cummings, D. W. Welty, J. F. Dreman,
J. I. Felter, George Rowland, Felix Tracy,
George Waite and W. F. Knox ; Tracy presid-
ing. A new course of study gave two grades
in the primary schools, instead of three. In-
termediate School No. 5 and Primary School
No. 10 were organized and an additional as-
sistant was employed at the grammar school.
The high school opened with a new corps of
teachers and 118 pupils. A truant officer was
employed in September with good results. Mr.
Straube resigned as German teacher and A. H.
Unger was elected. The receipts were $95,041 ;
disbursements, $122,249, and the deficit of $27,-
208 was met with borrowed money.
January, 1875, the new board as organized
consisted of C. H. Cummings, J. F. Dreman,
Albert Hart, W. F. Knox, T. M. Lindley, J. F.
Montgomery, Felix Tracy and George S.
Waite ; Tracy presiding. Superintendent
Hinkson reported the receipts as $68,946.05
and the expenditures, $57,579.72. Total num-
ber enrolled, 2,633; average attendance, 2,143;
born in California, 2,134. The cost for each
pupil was estimated at $21.86. The Union and
Lincoln and other schoolhouses were repaired
during the year. The superintendent's report
showed the schools to compare favorably with
those of the other states, and the system of
weekly and monthly examinations was in-
stituted with satisfactory results.
In 1876 the board was composed of John F.
Dreman, Albert Hart, F. M. Lindley, T. B.
McFarland, J. F. Montgomery, A. T. Nelson,
J. F. Richardson, Felix Tracy, and Secretary
Hinkson. School Census Marshal's report
showed an increase of 355 children during the
past year. Total number of children attending
school, 2,850; average attendance, 1,982; born
in California, 1,843; number enrolled for the
German class, 191. Expenses, $64,894.35.
The superintendent reported against making
any change in text-books.
The board for 1877 organized with J. F. Dre-
man, J. I. Felter, FI. H. Linnell, T. B. McFar-
land. John Stevens and J. N. Young. Felter
presided. The superintendent's report showed
that there were in the city 4,011 white and 71
colored children between five and seventeen
years of age. Of these 2,458 were attending
pul^lic schools. There were fifty-five public
school classes in the city and the high school
was maintained for ten months during the
year. There were in all, twelve school build-
ings; boys enrolled, 1,627; girls, 1,496; average
attendance, eighty per cent. The high school
erected this year was a fine structure with four
class rooms, library room, laljoratory, etc.
The board of 1878 organized with J. F. Dre-
17.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
man. J. I. Fclter. E. Greer, Matt F. Johnson.
H. H. Linnell. John Stevens and J. N. Young
as directors ; Felter presiding. Sixty-eight
teachers were employed, including one of
French and German. Several new school
rooms were rendered necessary this year by
the accession of pupils. The number of pupils
enrolled was 3,148. Current expenses were
$69,872. The superintendent recommended
that school books be furnished to all children
under restrictions that would prevent abuses.
Ei.ght additional teachers were employed and
two nev.' classes estal^lished in the grammar
grades.
In 1879 the board organized with Director S.
W. Butler, E. Greer, Matt F. Johnson, ]. F.
Dreman, John T. Griffitts, F. A. Hornblower,
James McClatchy and T. B. McFarland. The
latter presided. The superintendent reported
the value of school property at $198,000. Num-
ber of pupils enrolled, 3,539. Receipts. $78,-
947.26; expenditures, $74,082.94. He recom-
mended the erection of an additional school
building in the southern part of the city, the
grading of teacher's salaries, and free supply
of books t(j the pupils; of the sixty-three class
rooms one had been abandoned on account of
its unhealthy location. Seventy-three teachers
were employed, with an average salarv of
$72.83. Prof. Albert H. Unger, principal o'f the
German classes, died this year. The night
school had 100 pupils enrolled, under Professor
Brier, and was reported as in a high state of
efifiiciency.
The board of 1880 organized with Directors
S. W. Butler, J. T. Griffitts. F. A. Hornblower,
W. R. Knights, J. D. Lord, James McClatchy,
\V. D. Stalker and K. F. Wiemeyer. Griffitts
l^resided.
Knights resigned and Felix Tracy was
elected to the vacancy. F. L. Landes suc-
ceeded A. C. Hinkson as superintendent. The
latter reported receipts for the previous vear
as $82,380.32; disbursements. $81,014.95 ;' one
new schoolhouse, a fine ten-class primary
.school on Q Street, between Ninth and Tenth,
costing $9,413, and other buildings amounting
in all to $10,733 and furniture to the amount
of $1,852 were among the items, giving ample
accommodations for pupils. The sale of the
Franklin Grammar School, at Sixth and L
Streets, occupied only as a night school, was
recommended. Total number of pupils en-
rolled, 3,489; teachers employed, 79, two of
them being in the evening school. The prin-
cipal of the high school was O. M. Adams;
vice-principal. Kirk W. Brier, who afterwards
became principal. A. H. McDonald was prin-
cipal of the Sacramento Grammar School and
Joseph W. Johnson, principal of the Capital
Grammar ; W. J. Hyde, principal of the night
school.
Up to this time there had been four super-
intendents— W. H. Hill. S. C. Denson, A. C.
Hinkson and F. L. Landes.
Since 1880 the boards have been as follows:
1881— K. F. Wiemeyer, W. D. Stalker, J. D.
Lord. L. K. Hammer, S. A\\ Butler, Felix
Tracy, Philip Herzog and \Y. S. Mesick.
Mesick resigned and C. H. Stevens -was elected
to succeed him.
1882— lohn F. Slater. Philip Herzog, C. H.
Stevens. W. D. Stalker, S. W. Butler, Felix
Tracy, Mathew C. Cooke, L. K. Hammer;
G. W. Hancock succeeded Hammer, resiened.
188,3— John F. Slater, C. H. Stevens, Mathew
C. Cooke, W. D. Stalker. O. P. Goodhue,
Feli.x Tracy, George W. Hancock and S. W.
Butler. Goodhue died and Elwood Bruner
was elected to the vacancv.
1884 — John F. Slater', C. H. Stevens,
Mathew C. Cooke. J. L. Chadderdon, ' Rich-
mond Davis, D. Johnson. Elwood Bruner,
Frank Averv.
18S5— \\'.' M. Petrie, John F. Slater, A.
Conklin, J. L. Chadderdon, Richmond Davis,
Frank Avery, C. H. Stevens, E. K. Alsip.
1886— A. Conklin, C. H. Stevens, J. W.
Todd, W. M. Petrie, Richmond Davis, O, W.
Eriewine, John F. Slater, E. K. Alsip. Stevens
resigned and B. F. Howard was elected to fill
the vacancv.
1887— A.' Conklin, W. M. Petrie, J. AV.
Todd, Richmond Davis, John F. Slater, A. S.
Hopkins, H. C. Chipman and O. W. Eriewine.
• 1888— Richmond Davis, W. M. Petrie, E. M.
Martin, A. Conklin, J. W. Todd, A. S. Hop-
kins, H. C. Chipman, John Skelton.
1889—1. AV. Todd, A." T- Senatz, E. I. Mar-
tin. Joseph Hopley, R. Davis, A. C. Tufts,
H. C. Chipman, John Skelton.
1890— H. C. Chipman, W. H. Sherburn,
A. C. Tufts, A. J. Senatz, Joseph Hopley. J. N.
Payne, O. W. Eriewine, Win J. Davis.
1891-0. W. Eriewine, M. Gardner. W. H.
Sherburn, C. M. Harrison, J. N. Payne, R
Davis, A. C. Tufts. H. C. Chipman.
1892— A. C. Tufts, AV. H. Sherburn, C. M.
Harrison, Eugene A. Crouch, H. J. Davis,
O. AV. Eriewine, H. C. Chipman, M. Gardner.
1893 — No election. Same board held office.
Sherburn, president.
1894-1895— AVin J. Davis. AV. H. Sherburn,
E. A. Crouch, J. H. Dolan, A. N. Buchanan,
T. AV. Huntington, D. D. AVhitbeck, M. J.
Dillman, P. S. Driver.
1896-1897— AVin J. Davis, E. A. Crouch,
J. H. Dolan. T. AV. Huntington, D. D. Whit-
beck, M. J. Dillman, P. S. DViver, W. H. Sher-
burn. A. N. Buchanan.
1898-1899— P. S. Driver, W. H. Sherburn,
George B. Stack, C. A. Elliott, F. L. Atkin-
son, C. C. Perkins, H. K. Johnson, H. S. Ran-
son, E. E. Panabaker.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
173
1900-1901— P. S. Driver, Ed. J. Kay, George
B. Stack. J. A. Green. F. L. Atkinson, Herman
Mier. H. "K. Johnson, H. S. Ranson, E. E.
Panabaker.
1902-1903— P. S. Driver. Ed. J. Kay. J. A.
Green, Herman Mier. H. S. Ranson. Edward
AtcEwen. ^V. M. Petrie. Howard K. Johnson,
Robert IMartvr.
1904-1905— Howard K. Johnson, B. M. Hod-
son, Daniel Flvnn, J. A. Green, W. M. Petrie.
John T. Skelton. L. G. Shepard. Robert IMar-
tvr. ^^'i^iam Lampert.
' 1906-1907— J. A. Green, B. M. Hodson.
Daniel Flynn. AV. I\I. Petrie, AVilliam Lam-
pert, T- ^f- Henderson, Jr., John T. Skelton,
W. F" Jackson. L. G. Sliepafd.
iq08-"lQ09— AV. J. Tavlor. R. L. AA'ait. D.
Flvnn. J. A. Green". AY. M. Petrie. T. D. Little-
fieid. T.'M. Henderson. AA'. F. Jackson, AA^ G.
McAlillin.
1910-1911— J. A. Green, R. L. AA'ait. J. R.
Garlick, AA'. M. Petrie. T. D. Littlefield. "S. A.
Smith. AA^ J. Tavlor, Thomas Coulter. AY. G.
McMillin.
The superintendents since 1880 have been :
Dr. T- R- Lane. January, 1882. to Januarv,
1886: M. R. Beard", 1886 to 1890; Albert Hart,
1890 to 1894: O. AV. Erlewine, elected under
the new charter. February 3. 1894, Avas subse-
quently reelected and served continuously as
superintendent under the commission until he
resigned, being succeeded by C. C. Hughes,
who still holds that position.
Lender the new charter adopted in 1911.
changing the government of the city to the
commission form, the commissioners consti-
tuted the city board of education, Mrs. Luella
B. Johnston being the commissioner of educa-
tion for the ensuing year, and being succeeded
b}- E. J. Carragher.
The new city board of education, appointed
under the 1921 council, consists of the follow-
ing members: James Giffen. chairman: AVil-
liam A. IMeyer. new buildings: J. E. Lynn and
Mrs. George B. Lorenz, finance, and ^liss
Edith AA'hite, supplies and equipment.
The High School
The embrj-o of the high school was created
May 22. 1855, when it was proposed by Dr.
F. AA'. Hatch that AA'illson's History, astron-
omv. bookkeeping, Latin. French and Spanish
be added to the course of study. An order
to add these studies to the course was adopted
at that time, but was not put in force till the
following year, when the classes in these
studies were taught in the schoolhouse on M
Street, between Eighth and Ninth, by J. M.
Howe. Eighteen girls and twenty-one boys
were enrolled the first year and the remark-
ably high average attendance of 36.8 out of 39
was attained to May 8, 1857. Howe declined
to be examined in Greek and was succeeded
by C. A. Hill. Hill resigned in August follow-
ing and was succeeded by A. R. Jackson, and
early in 1858 the school was removed to Fifth
and K Streets, and J. P. Carleton was elected
to teach French and Spanish.
May 20. 1858. Charles A. Swift was elected
principal, with a salary of $200 a month, and
Professor Lefebre was chosen to teach French
and Spanish in place of Carleton. x-As soon as
the Franklin Grammar School was completed,
the high school was removed to it. In June.
1859, Professor Lefebre left the state and" was
succeeded by Professor Jofre. In November,
1859, the natural sciences were added to the
course b}- the board, and A. R. Jackson was
elected to teach them. The next October Swift
showed evidences of insanity and a vacancy
in the principalship was declared and Jackson
was appointed to the position, but refused the
following April to serve longer as principal,
declaring the salary insufficient, and J. AA'.
Anderson was appointed in his place. Ander-
son was succeeded September 18, 1862. by
R. K. Marriner and the latter resigned March
27, 1865. and was succeeded by J. L. Fogg,
who served till April 29 following and was
succeeded by Milo L. Templeton as principal.
The school Avas remove-d to Seventh and G
Streets July 25, 1865. and in November Alex-
ander Goddard was elected teacher of French
and in April. 1871, Jourdon AV. Roper was ap-
pointed principal. He resigned in April, 1872,
and was succeeded by H. H. Howe, and early
in the year Edward P. Howe was appointed
to take his brother's place. He was followed
by Oliver M. Adams, who resigned in June.
1884. AA\ A\'. Anderson was principal from
that date until the close of the school year in
June, 1888, when James H. Pond was elected
principal. Pond resigned in 1901 to take the
principalship in the Oakland High School and
was succeeded b}' Frank Tade. who continued
as principal until the close of the school year
in June. 1910, when he resigned to take the
principalship of the night high school and
was succeeded by H. O. AVilliams. H. O.
AA'illiams was granted one year's leave of ab-
sence to engage in war work. A^'ice-Principal
E. F. Berringer acting as principal ; and on
September 2, 1920. John F. Dale was ap-
pointed principal, which position he still holds.
The high school building at the corner of
Ninth and M Streets was completed Septem-
ber 2, 1876, at a cost of $10,687. and the school
was opened in it January 1, 1877. An addition
was made to it in 1904, nearly doubling its
size, and in 1909 it was burned." In 1907-1908
a new high-school Ijuilding was erected on
the block between K and L. Eighteenth and
Nineteenth Streets, which had been purchased
for the purpose by the board of education from
174
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
the directors of the Protestant Orphan Asy-
lum. The building is a fine one, the lower
story being of cement, and the remainder of
brick. It is four stories in height, with thirty-
five class rooms, and cost in round numbers a
little over $254,500. It is strictly up-to-date,
has ample apparatus for the scientific classes,
and a gymnasium for the boys in the lower
story. It was calculated to furnish accommo-
dations for about eight hundred pupils, and
was intended to be ample for all the needs of
the school for ten years, but the growth of
the city was so rapid that it was soon over-
crowded. The bond issue of $800,000 for the
schools, sanctioned by the people in 1911, pro-
vided for many additions to the high-school
facilities.
An elegant new high school is at present
being constructed in the center of a thirty-
five-acre tract on Thirty-fourth Street, U and
W, which will cost approximately $700,000
furnished. The work was started in July, and
when finished it will be one of the most mod-
ern and up-to-date educational buildings of
the class in the country. Not only will the
regular high-school courses be taught, but
also various branches of agriculture, voca-
tional training, domestic science and other
studies and educational activities will be in-
cluded in its curriculum. When the new high
school is ready for the opening, it is the
plan to use the present high-school building
at Eighteenth and K Streets for a Junior
College.
Under the recent $3,064,000 bond issue, an
extensive school-building program is at pres-
ent under way. Three of the schools were
ready for use when the fall term opened in
1921, and others have since been completed.
Colored Pupils
In 1873 a colored pupil applied for admis-
sion to the night school and two colored girls
applied for admission to the grammar school.
The question arose as to whether under the
statute prohibiting the attendance of colored
children at the white schools they could be
admitted without endangering the receipt of
the state and county moneys for the support
of the schools. The board granted the re-
quests, pending the decision of the supreme
court on the constitutionality of the law.
January 7, 1874, Superintendent Hinkson
served on Principal McDonald of the grammar
school the following notice :
"You are hereby instructed to admit no
children of African descent or Indian children
into your school, and if any make application
for admission, direct them to the superintend-
ent, who will issue permits for their admis-
sion into the schools provided for them by
law."
The admission of colored children to white
schools had been made an issue in the elec-
tion of December, 1873, and Hinkson had
been elected superintendent, with W. F. Knox
and George S. Wait, Democrats. J. F. Dre-
man, Republican, had previously voted against
admitting colored children.
The notice called attention to the statute
on the subject. The principal refused to obey
the order and was suspended by the superin-
tendent, and a special meeting was called, the
principal stating that the orders of the super-
intendent were in conflict with the resolution
adopted by the board, and asked which he
should obey.
Director Welty ofi^ered the following resolu-
tion : "That the teachers are instructed that
the paramount source of power rests with the
board, in reference to the subject-matter em-
braced in the communication from the prin-
cipal of the grammar school." The resolution
was adopted by a vote of five to three, and
the principal was reinstated. Director Dre-
man ofifered a resolution as follows, which
was lost by a vote of three to five :
"That it is the duty of Superintendent Hink-
son to redeem his pledge to the people of Sac-
ramento City by using all legal means to pre-
vent the admission of colored children into
the white schools."
Director Knox ofifered the following reso-
lution :
"That the resolution of December 29, 1873,
by the board of education, admitting certain
colored children into the white grammar
school, is a palpable violation of the statute
of the state."
Director Welty ofifered this in addition :
"But is in strict harmony with the consti-
tution and laws of the United States."
The resolution as amended was adopted.
The supreme court soon after declared the
statute constitutional and a plan was discussed
for establishing separate schools, but was
deemed impracticable and colored pupils were
admitted to the grammar and high schools.
Other Matters
In 1882 a resolution was adopted by the
board that thereafter, when high school exer-
cises were held, a premium of $20 would be
oft'ered to the young lady pupil who would
attend in the least expensive and most appro-
priate dress. It seems, therefore, that the evil
of expensive dressing on such occasions was
even then prevalent.
In 1881 the Fremont Primary School at
Twent3'-fourth and N Streets was erected.
In 1882 a two-room frame building, the
Marshall Primary, was erected at Twenty-
seventh and J Streets and afterwards enlarged.
It stood on one of the city blocks reserved
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
175
for plazas by General Sutter ; and when the
city resolved to make a park there, the school
was removed and a new one erected on G
Street.
In 1884 it was proposed to purchase the
Perry Seminary building for a high school and
$9,000 was ofifered for it, but Mrs. Perry
asked $10,000. It was finally purchased for
$9,620 and used for years for the night school,
but was afterwards converted into a manual
training school. In February, 1890, the board
of trustees asked that the Perry Seminary
property be deeded to the city, but the board
of education declined, saying it had no power
to cede it. In 1891 a similar request was made
and again denied.
In 1885 the Harkness Grammar School at
Tenth and P Streets was erected at a cost
of $14,992, and the building at Tenth and L
Streets, erected in 1879, named the Capital
Grammar School and at first used as a gram-
mar school, was named the Capital Primary
School. In 1889 the Sutter Grammar School
at Twent3'-first and L Streets was erected, at
a cost of $15,444. In that year, also, the busi-
ness men of the city presented twelve Ameri-
can flags to the board of education, with the
request that they be displa3'ed on all legal
holidays, on the first day of each term and
on other occasions, as the board might deem
proper. Today Old Glory floats over every
schoolhouse in the city and county wdiile the
schools are in session.
In this connection it ma}' be stated that the
first flag over a schoolhouse in the county
outside of the city was raised in the Capital
school district, on the old schoolhouse that
stood on the upper Stockton road at Swiss
Station, a short distance south of the county
hospital, W. L. Willis being the teacher, and
the school children and trustees contributing
money for the flag and flagstaff. On the same
day, but. several hours later, a flag was raised
on the American River district schoolhouse.
Miss Agnes Burns, teacher. Neither district
knew that the other contemplated such action,
and the raising of the first two flags in the
county was a remarkable coincidence. Both
schoolhouses have since been demolished, and
more commodious ones built on other sites
to accommodate the growing needs of the
districts.
In 1904 the first Chinese school was opened
in the Perry Seminary building.
In the spring of 1911 the Capital Primary
School, on L Street, between Ninth and Tenth,
was burned, the work, it is generally l^elieved,
of an incendiary. The Lincoln Primary School,
at Fourth and Q Streets, has been twice
burned within the past twenty years, both fires
being supposedly incendiary.
School Districts
There now are seventy-nine school districts
in Sacramento County, several having been re-
cently consolidated. They are : Alabama,
Alder Creek, American Basin, Arcade, Arden,
Arno, Bates Union (combining Courtland,
Onisbo, Grand Island, Vorden and Richland),
Beaver Union (combining AValker and Good
Hope), Brighton, Brown, Buckeye, Carmich-
ael, Carroll, Carson Creek Joint, Center Joint,
Colon}', Courtland Union High, Davis, Del
Paso Heights, Dillard, Dry Creek Joint, Elder
Creek, Elk Grove Union (combining Jackson
and Victor}'), Elk Grove Union High, Enter-
prise, Excelsior, Fair Oaks, Florin, Franklin
Union (combining Goethe and Prairie), Free-
port, Fremont, Fruit Ridge, Gait, Gait Joint
Union High, Granite, Howard, Hutson Joint,
Isleton Union (combining Andrus Island,
Brannan and Georgiana). Jefiferson, Junction,
Kinney, Laguna, Lee, Lincoln, Lisbon, Mich-
igan Bar, Mokelumne, Natoma Joint, Ney,
North Sacramento, Orangevale, Oulton, Pa-
cific, Pleasant Grove, Point Pleasant, Reese,
Rhoads, Rio Linda (combining with Fruit-
vale), Rio Vista Joint, Rio Vista Joint Union
(combining with Solano County), Riverside,
Roberts, Robla, San Juan Union High, San
Joacjuin, Sherman Island, Sierra, Stonehouse,
Sutter, Sylvan, Twin Cities, Union, Walnut
Gro^•e, AVilson, Washington, and in Sacra-
mento : East Sacramento, Goldberg, Highland
Park, and Sacramento City.
Sacramento Business College
When Agesilaus, King of Sparta, gave utter-
ance to the precept, "Teach your boys that
which they will practice when they become
men," he sounded the keynote of practical
education and stamped the pattern for the
commercial training of the present generation.
This terse and epigrammatic injunction is the
motto of one of the oldest and most firmly
established educational institutions on the
Pacific Coast. Founded February 28, 1873, by
Edmund Clement Atkinson, one of the pioneer
business educators of the state, it has for near-
ly fifty years inculcated sound business princi-
ples in the minds of the young men and young
women of California, and maintained first rank
among the institutions of learning of the com-
munity.
For the first twenty years of its existence,
the college occupied the upper floor of the old
city library building on I Street, between
Seventh and Eighth, and afterwards the third
floor of the Hale block at Ninth and K Streets,
where it was for sixteen years one of the
prominent features of the city's life. In 1909
it was moved to a commodious and well-
lighted building at the northeast corner of
Thirteenth and J Streets, where it continued
176
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
to expound the sound principles of business,
impressing them upon the receptive minds of
its students along the strongly characteristic
lines laid down by its eminent founder. It is
the policy of the college on completion of the
course of instruction, to install its graduates
in responsible positions in the commercial
world. In fidelity to its announcements, it
"puts thousands into business."
The college celebrated its twentv-fifth anni-
versary in 1898 by incorporating under the
laws of California. Since the death of its
founder, and for a short time previous thereto.
it had been under the direct control of its
president and manager, William E. Cogswell,
for eighteen years connected with the institu-
tion in various capacities. Its present location
is at 1121 Ninth Street. Since 1914 it has been
consolidated with Heald's Business College,
under which name it is now conducted.
CHAPTER XXVI
PRESS OF THE COUNTY
o
NE OF the earliest accompaniments
of civilization is the newspaper. The
savage communicates with his fellows
by breaking twigs on the trail or by smoke
and other signals in the hills and on the plains.
Civilized man uses more universal and wide-
spread devices for disseminating the news. In
the days of '49 the people were no less eager
to hear the news than are we of the present
day, who must devour the news from the daily
paper while we eat our breakfast. News from
the mines was no less eagerly sought by the
dweller in the city than was the news from the
city and the East by the miner at his claim.
It was a foregone conclusion, therefore, that
as soon as society was organized, the journal-
ist should open his office and begin to supply
the demand.
The "Monterey Californian" was the first
newspaper issued in California and was pub-
lished and edited by Rev. Walter Colton, a
chaplain in the United States navy, and Dr.
Robert vSemple. The type was principally long
primer, an old Spanish font, badly worn and
battered. As there is no "w" in the Spanish
language, two "v's" were substituted in words
containing "w." The press was an old Ramage,
which had been used by the Mexican authori-
ties for printing their edicts and other papers.
The first issue of the "Californian" was printed
on an inferior quality of paper used for tobac-
co wrappers, and was issued in the summer
of 1846. John R. Gould, of Baltimore, after-
wards secretary of the Maryland Association
of Veterans of the Mexican War, assisted by
a boy, set the type, worked ofif the paper and
kept the books of the office. B. P. Kooser, a
corporal in the United States army, was com-
positor and pressman on the "Californian" in
1847, and subsequently published the "Santa
Cruz Sentinel" and was a commissioner from
the state at the Centennial Exposition.
The second paper published in this state was
the "California Star," the first number being
issued in San Francisco January 9, 1847. It
was a weekly a little larger than the "Cali-
fornian" and was published by Sam Brannan
and edited by E. P. Jones. The press was a
tolerably good one and the "Sonora Herald"
afterwards used it. On the 17th of April, 1848,
Mr. Jones resigned and E. C. Kemble suc-
ceeded him as editor. The last number of
the first volume was issued January 1, 1848.
The first number of the second volume ap-
peared January 8, 1848, in enlarged form and
its publication was continued regularly till
May 26, when the printers went to the mines
and its publication was discontinued. The
"Californian" having been discontinued for the
same reason, California was without a news-
paper from the last of May till the latter part
of June, 1848.
About July 1, 1848, a few printers returned
disgusted from the mines and commenced the
publication of the third volume of the "Cali-
fornian," and published it irregularly until
August, when it recommenced its regular
weekly issues under the editorial management
of H. I. Sheldon. In September Mr. Kemble,
who had returned from the mines, purchased
the "Californian," as Avell as the interests of his j
partners in the "Star," and united the two I
under the title of the "Star and Californian"
and recommenced where the Star had left off —
Volume III, No. 24. It was the only paper
then published in California and was issued
weekly till the last of December, 1848, when
it was discontinued. January 1, 1849, Mr.
Kemble took into partnership Messrs. Gilbert
and Hubbard, and began publishing the "Alta
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
177
California." They published it weekly until
November 10, 1849, when it was issued tri-
weekly, and after January 23, 1850, it was pub-
lished daily, simultaneously with the "Journal
of Commerce," published by W. Bartlett.
March 4, 1849, the 'Tacific News" also ap-
peared daily. The fourth paper started in Cali-
fornia and the second published in 1849 was the
"Placer Times," at New Helvetia, Sutter's
Fort, April 28, 1849, published by E. Gilbert
& Company, in Sacramento, and edited by
Jesse Giles. It was a weekly sheet and a small
one. It was printed on sheets of foolscap size.
Printing paper was very scarce in California,
but the market was overstocked with unruled
foolscap, which was made a substitute. The
"Pacific News" was the third newspaper pub-
lished in the state, at this time, and was the
first tri-weekly. It was published in San Fran-
cisco on foolscap paper, the lack of size being
compensated for Jjy supplementary sheets.
During the winter of 1849-1850, George
Kenyon Fitch came by the Isthmus route,
bringing with him a hand and a card press,
ink, type and about thirty reams of printing
paper. He proposed to five attaches of the
"Pacific News" — F. C. Ewer, H. S. Warren,
J. M. Julian, Theodore Russell and S. C.
Upham — the formation of a company to pub-
lish a newspaper at Sacramento, and the prop-
osition was accepted. They rented the second
floor of a frame building on Second Street,
betAveen J and K Streets, and April 1, 1850,
the initial number of the tri-weekly paper was
issued, which was christened the "Sacramento
Transcript." It was published on a folio sheet,
in brevier and nonpareil type. A steamer edi-
tion, for circulation in the Atlantic States, was
printed once a month, selling at fifty cents a
copy, while the tri-weekly sold at twelve and
one-half cents and advertisements were in-
serted for $4 a square, each insertion. The
six copartners accepted positions on the papers
as follows: G. K. Fitch, heavy and fighting-
editor; F. C. Ewer, literary editor; H. S.
Warren, foreman ; J. M. Julian, compositor ;
Theodore Russell, pressman ; and S. C.
Upham, local reporter, business manager,
printer's devil, "dead head," etc.
In its salutatory the "Transcript" uttered
a sentiment that it would be well for the
papers of the present day to adopt. It said
in part : "The opening of a new paper is like
the planting of a tree. ... Its shade
should be free to all. It should reach forth
its branches to shield the innocent from the
pelting storm, and, conscious of its fearless
might, men should come to it for protection,
and find refreshment in its shade. It should
be nurtured by no unhealthy influences ; it
should be propped up by no interested mo-
tives; its growth should be free and unre-
strained. Perchance it may wither in its youth,
and no longer be the home of healthy influ-
ences. Perhaps it may be stricken in its man-
' hood by the storms of adversity. Perchance it
may flourish through the years and grow
green ; but of all dangers that assail it from
without, the insidious influence of those who
may cluster round it for their own private
ends is the most withering and the most to
be feared. A newspaper should never be
'used.' It is too tremendous a lever to be
brought to bear for any purpose, save for the
good of the public."
The day of publication of its first number
was, besides being "All Fools' Day," the first
election day under the new charter. There
were three tickets in the field — the Democratic,
the ranchers' and the citizens' ticket. The
total number of votes cast was 2,943, and Har-
din Biglow. the people's candidate, received a
majority of 323 over all the others. The
"Transcript" was the fifth newspaper pub-
lished on the Pacific Coast and the first daily
outside of San Francisco published in Cali-
fornia. Ten days later the "Placer Times"
came out daily.
The "Transcript" was a financial success,
but Mr. Julian retired within two months and
Mr. Upliam a month later sold his interest to
G. C. Weld, California correspondent of the
New York "Journal of Commerce." Mr. Weld
was a model business man and a fine writer,
but died within six weeks of the time he be-
came one of the proprietors. The paper begin-
ning to run down, it was consolidated with
the "Placer Times." A year later, the "Times
and Transcript" removed to San Francisco and
took a leading position as a Democratic organ,
under Pickering and Fitch. It died in 1856 of
a Democratic controversy.
When the "Placer Times" was started the
office was not equipped with a modern plant
equal to those nowadays. A lot of old type
was picked up out of the "Alta" office, an old
Ramage press was repaired, a lot of Spanish
foolscap was secured in San Francisco, and
the whole was shipped to Sacramento on a
vessel named the "Dice me Nana" ("says my
mamma"), the first craft to carry type and
press to the interior of California, and which
made the trip in eight days. An office was built
for the paper about six hundred feet from the
northeast corner of the bastion of Sutter's
Fort, and near what is now the corner of
Twenty-eighth and K Streets. The structure
was a queer mixture of wood, adobe, and cot-
ton cloth, Ijut it answered the purpose. The
paper was 13 by 18 inches in size, and the title
was cut from wood with a pocket-knife. All
sorts of expedients were resorted to in cutting
178
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
off and piecing out letters to round out a com-
]3leiTient of "sorts" for tlie cases. The press
had a wooden platen, which needed constant
planing to keep it level, and the rollers were
not a most brilliant success. The plant, like
its owners, was a pioneer in that line, but with
all its defects, it "filled a long felt want," and
the merchants of the city rallied around the
])ioneer publisher and subscribed liberally to
secure him from loss. It has been said that
in this country the newspaper is the herald of
progress, and the truth of the saying is well
exemplified in the early history of Sacramento.
When the "Times and Transcript" were
combined under the double head in June, 1851,
the new paper was enlarged. The "Transcipt"
had been started as an independent paper, but
in 1850 it came out for the Democratic party,
thus being the first interior Democratic paper.
The "Times" had also originally been neutral,
but had also in 1850 leaned toward Democ-
racy. When the Squatter riot excitement
arose, it had been valiant in defense of the
real estate owners, but under its new manage-
ment it became less partisan. At the time of
the consolidation G. K. Fitch had become state
printer and Lorin Pickering had the city print-
ing. This formed an advantageous basis for
the fusion. Fitch retaining a half interest in
the printing and Pickering and Lawrence the
other half. The three were the editors. The
"State Journal" became an active rival to the
new paper ; and in June, 1852, the "Times-
Transcript" abandoned the field to its rival
and removed to San Francisco, where it was
published by the old firm, which was after-
wards succeeded by George Kerr & Company,
composed of George Kerr, B. F. Washington,
J. E. Lawrence and J. C. Haswell. From them
it passed to Edwin Bell and later to Vincent
E. Geiger & Company. In the meantime Fitch
& Company had acquired the "Alta Califor-
nia," and December 17, 1854, they repurchased
the old "Times-Transcript" and absorbed it
into the "Alta."
October 30, 1850, the Squatter Association
started a paper, styling it the "Settlers' and
Miners' Tribune." Dr. Charles Robinson, who
had become noted for the part he took in the
Squatter riots and who subsequently became
the Free-State governor of Kansas, was the
editor ; James McClatchy and L. M. Booth
were the associate editors. The type was
brought from Maine by Cyrus Rowe. Except
for Sundays, it was a daily for a month, but
then declined into a weekly, and after another
month it died quietly and took its place in the
journalistic bonej-ard.
Tlie "Sacramento Index" was started De-
cember 23, 1850, by Lynch, Davidson & Rolfe,
practical printers, with J. W. Winans, since a
prominent San Francisco lawyer, as editor,
and H. B. Livingstone as associate. It was
of good size, typographically neat and a paper
of rare literary ability. It was the first even-
ing paper in Sacramento and was printed in
the "Times" office. Having taken ground
against the action of a vigilance committee in
hanging a gambler, it lost influence. After a
career of three months it died March 17, 1851,
and joined the Squatters' paper in the bone-
3'ard.
Before the union of the "Times" and "Tran-
script," the competition between them became
so fierce that the prices of advertising declined
until they fell below the price of composition.
At last the printers in both offices rebelled
and the greater number of them quit. They
held a meeting in a building adjoining the
"Transcript'' office, which thereby acquired
the name of "Sedition Hall," and resolved to
start a new paper, for which they secured as
editor Dr. J. F. Morse. Buying their stock in
San Francisco, they launched the "Sacramento
Daily Union" at No. 21 J Street, March 19,
1851, renting rooms for it in the Langley brick
building. The fate of several of the proprietors
was tragic. Alexander Clark went to the
Society Islands and was never heard from aft-
erwards ; AV. J. Keating died a few years after-
wards in an insane asylum ; Joe Court was
burned to death at the Western Hotel fire in
this city, in the fall of 1874. The others were
Alexander C. Cook, E. G. Jeffries, Charles L.
Hansecker, J. H. Harmon, W. A. Davidson
and Samuel H. Dosh. The latter subsequent-
ly became editor of the "Shasta Courier" and
died prior to 1875.
It was nearly a year, however, before type
could be procured. A lot had been ordered,
but failed to arrive. J. W. Simonton having
made an appearance with a full-fledged print-
ing office, with the intention of starting a
Whig paper, was persuaded to sell and his
stock was purchased by the "Union" men.
The daily edition of the "Union" started
with 500 copies and was rapidly increased.
The paper was 23 by 24 inches, with twenty-
four columns, thirteen of which were filled
with advertisements. It was an independent,
outspoken paper and ably edited. The edition
printed March 29, 1851, was entitled the
"Steamer Union," and was designed for read-
ing in the Eastern states. April 29, 1851, the
"Union" hoisted the Whig flag, at the same
time declining to be ranked as a subservient
partisan. S. H. Dosh soon sold out for $600,
and in June Harmon sold out for a like sum.
On April 23 the paper was enlarged to the
size it has since averaged, and appeared in the
new type at first ordered. H. B. Livingstone
became associate editor in January, 1852, and
Hansecker sold out for $2,000, the firm then
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
179
becoming E. G. Jeffries & Company. Thev
next sold out to W. W. Kurtz for $2,100. The
first "Weekly Union" was issued January 10,
1852. Febru'ary 13. Cook sold out to H. W.
Larkin, and April 3, Davidson sold to Paul
Morrill. In May Dr. ^lorse retired as editor,
being succeeded by A. C. Russell, who re-
mained until August. Lauren Upson suc-
ceeded him as editor, retiring for a time in
1853, when John A. Collins filled the place.
November 2, 1852, the "Union" was burned
out in the great fire. A small press and a little
type were saved and the second morning after
the fire the paper came out foolscap size, but
soon resumed its former dimensions. A brick
building was erected for it on J Street, near
Second. May 16, 1853, Jeflfries & Kurtz sold
to the other partners and to James Anthony.
who had been in the business department of
the paper since November, 1851. The firm be-
came James Anthony & Company. Keating
sold to Morrill, Anthony. Clark and Larkin.
and in December Clark's interest passed to the
firm. A steam engine was installed June 20,
1853, to run the press.
In May, 1858, Morrill sold his interest to J.
Gray, and went to New Hampshire, remaining
between one and two years, when he returned
and bought back Gray's interest. In Febru-
ary, 1875, the firm sold out to the Sacramento
Publishing Company, which also purchased
the "Sacramento Daily" and "Weekly Record"
and the two papers assumed the title of the
"Sacramento Daily Record Union." Besides
the daily issue, the semi-weekly feature of the
"Record" was maintained, being issued on
W^ednesdays and Saturdays. Since that time,
the daily has been issued on each day of the
week except Sunday, which day was added
in 1893, with a double or eight-page edition
on Saturdays and a mammoth sheet on each
New Year's Day.
Mr. Upson remained chief editor of the
"Union" about twelve years. He was suc-
ceeded by H. C. AVatson, who served until his
death in June, 1867, and was succeeded by
Samuel Seabough, who served until the merg-
ing of the "Union" with the "Record." George
Frederick Parsons, editor - in - chief of the
"Record," then became editor-in-chief of the
"Record-Union," and continued as such until
his removal to New York in 1883, when J. A.
Woodson became the editorial writer. When
the "Record" was consolidated with the
"Union," W. H. Mills, one of the proprietors
of the "Record," became the manager and re-
mained in charge until he removed to San
Francisco in January, 1883, and C. E. Carring-
ton was appointed local managing editor, with
T. W. Sheehan business manager. April 1.
1889, Mr. Carrington retired and E. B. Willis
and T, W. Sheehan were appointed general
managers of the paper, the former assuming
the duties of managing editor and the latter
remaining in immediate charge of the business
department. Mr. AVillis continued as manag-
ing editor for seventeen years, the longest
term of anyone who held that position, resign-
ing to accept the secretaryship of the state
commission to the St. Louis Exposition. Mr.
Sheehan remained as business manager until
after the paper changed hands in June, 1904,
Alfred Holman becoming publisher. Mr. Hol-
man remained as publisher until the paper
was purchased by Col. E. A. Forbes in Decem-
ber, 1906. In February, 1908, the paper again
changed hands, the Calkins Syndicate pur-
chasing it, but becoming involved in financial
difficulties caused by broadening out and as-
suming the proprietorship of several other
papers in the state, the control passed from the
hands of the syndicate. In 1910 the paper was
purchased by Lewey E. Bontz, who had been
superintending it for the creditors, and had
been business manager from Holman's time.
C. M. Wooster, formerly owner of the San
Jose "Mercury" and "Herald," bought the
"Union" from L. E. Bontz and Lynn Simp-
son on June 12, 1918, and after running it
less than a year sold out to Ben S. Allen,
present owner and editor, and John S. Craig,
a banker of Woodland. Craig retired a few
months afterward, Allen having taken over
his interest in the paper. Allen is a Stanford
University graduate, and first gained his news-
paper experience on San Francisco dailies. He
then was sent to London as the representative
of the Associated Press, and afterward was
Herbert Hoover's publicity representative dur-
ing the war. John A. Henshall is the manag-
ing editor and Lester F. Adams, city editor.
May 19, 1889, the publication of the "Sunday
Union" was begun and it was mailed to all the
subscribers for the "Weeklj' Union." the semi-
weekly having been discontinued. The fine
three-story building which was built for the
"Union" in 1861. on the east side of Third
Street, is now occupied by the "Union," the
name of the paper having been changed from
the "Record-Union" to the "Union" by Mr.
Holman during his proprietorship. The build-
ing was remodeled by the Calkins Syndicate
during their ownership and a splendid new
press put in, besides other expensive changes.
Among the earliest of the defunct journals
comes the "Democratic State Journal," the
initial number appearing February 5, 1852. It
was a morning paper, about the size of the
"Record-Union." V. E. Geiger & Company
were the publishers and Geiger and B. F.
Washington were the editors. It battled val-
iantly for the Democratic party, supporting
John Bigler in his political aspirations, while
180
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
its contemporary, the "Times and Transcript,"
supported William M. Gwin. Early in 1853
Washington retired, and was emploj'ed on the
"Times and Transcript," and B. B. Redding,
after\\'ards land agent of the Central Pacific
Company, became editor. The destruction of
the office by the great fire of 1852 greatly
impeded the paper, and in June, 1853, a new
firm was composed, consisting of B. B. Red-
ding, P. C. Johnson, S. J. May and James
McClatchy. In April, 1854, Johnson sold to
Colonel Snowden, and in June, Mr. May sold
to Redding and Snowden. All of these pioneer
newspaper owners have been dead for many
years.
In the fall of 1854 William Walker, who
afterward became known as General Walker,
of Nicaragua filibuster fame, the "gray-eyed
man of destiny," became editor. Mr. Mc-
Clatchy sold out to D. J. Thomas in October,
1854. Walker retired in February, 1855, and
McClatchy became editor, being succeeded in
a month by John AVhite. In 1856 Snowden
sold out to Redding and Thomas and in June,
1857, the party having failed to give adequate
support to it, the paper was sold under at-
tachment and bought in by the printers in the
oflice. It resumed publication in about four
weeks, with Henr}^ Shipley & Company as
publishers, and after various vicissitudes
yielded up the ghost June 24, 1858. At one
time it ran a column in French and was the
only Sacramento paper that had a department
in a foreign tongue.
In August, 1852, T. Alter began the publi-
cation of a weekly Baptist paper, with O. C.
Wheeler and E. J. Willis as editors. It had
its office in the courthouse and lived about a
year, losing $3,000 to its publishers.
November 17, 1852, E. Williamson & Com-
pany, with James McClatchy and D. J. Thom-
as as editors, started a settler Democratic
daily paper, super-royal in size, and in April,
1853, S. J. May bought a fourth interest and
became editor. It was burned out and started
again in an old deserted kitchen bought from
the county for that purpose. On July 30 it was
fused with the "State Journal."
The "California Statesman," a morning pa-
per published by J. W. Gish & Company
and edited by Henry Meredith, started No-
vember 13, 1854. It was Democratic and sup-
ported William M. Gwin for United States
senator against Broderick. March 1, 1855, Gish
& Woodward, the publishers, sued Gwin and
Hardenbergh' on a claim that they had agreed
to pay $2,500 for the support of Gwin by the
paper, 'they alleged that Gwin also agreed
to give the paper the public printing. They
placed their damages at $20,000, but were
thrown out of court on the ground that the
agreement was contrary to public policy,
Hardenbergh then sued for possession and
the "Statesman" died.
The "California Farmer and Journal of Use-
ful Science," which had been published in San
Francisco, appeared in Sacramento in May,
1855, as a weekly paper, published by Warren
& Son, and J. K. Phillips & Company. In 1856
it moved l^ack to San Francisco.
In March, 1854, Dr. Morse and S. Colville
issued the first and only number of a month-
ly magazine called "Illustrated Historical
Sketches of California," with a minute history
of the Sacramento Valle}'. It was a good
number, but the business department was
poorly managed and the second number never
appeared.
The "Pacific Recorder" appeared July 15,
1854, edited by E. J. Willis and issued as the
organ of the Baptist Church. It was a neat
semi-monthly, and in July, 1855, it became a
weekly, but in March following it was dis-
continued.
June 8, 1855, the "State Tribune," a daily
paper, appeared, edited and published by Par-
ker H. French and S. J. May. It was pro-
fessedly independent of politics, but had Dem-
ocratic proclivities. In September French sold
out to May and left with the Nicaragua expe-
dition. J. N. Estill became editor August 1,
and opposed John Bigler and the Democracy
so vigorously that it soon became prominent
as an opposition journal. French returned to
the state and bought into it again, but some
of the arrangements for payment were left
in such form that difficulty ensued. He sold
to George W. Gift, who had assigned to Mon-
son and Valentine, who attached the paper.
S. J. May and his three remaining partners
set out these things in a card and issued a new
"Tribune," so that on October 16, 1855, two
"Tribunes" appeared, each claiming to be the
genuine one. May & Company's issue was
from the material of the defunct "Statesinan."
The other "Tribune" was published by Far-
well & Company. Both papers were ardent
American or Know-Nothing sheets, and each
was very bitter against the other. The war
lasted two weeks, when Farwell & Company's
"Tribune" gave up and the "Tribune" came
out with James Allen & Company as publish-
ers, still advocating Know-Nothingism. It lived
till June 1, 1856. A new paper sprang up the
next day from its ashes, called the "California
American," and was as radical in its Know-
Nothingism as its predecessor. James Allen,
J. R. Ridge and S. J. May were the propri-
etors. Allen at the time was state printer and
was said to have sunk $15,000 on the paper,
which never was a success. He died in Feb-
ruary, 1856.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
181
The '"Water Fount and Home Journal," a
weekly paper, was issued December 15. 1855,
by Alexander Montgomery & Company, with
Montgomery as editor. It was the official
organ of the Sons of Temperance and lived
only nine months.
December 6, 1855, George H. Baker and
J. A. Mitchell started an independent evening
paper called the "Spirit of the Age." In June.
1856. it changed its name to the "Sacramento
Age." and was enlarged, with A. A. Appleton
& Company as publishers. In the summer of
1856 it was sold to the Know-Nothings and
made their fight till the election was over,
dying in 1857.
December 24, 1855, A. Badlam & Company
started the "Daily Evening Times." a gratui-
tous advertising sheet 10 by 18 inches and
worked on a wooden press made by the pub-
lishers. It died of inanition in March, 1856.
December 11. 1856. C. Babb and W. H.
Harvey, with Paschal Cogg'ins as editor,
started the publication of a daily morning
independent paper of small size, called the
"City Item." It lived seven months.
Cornelius Cole & Company commenced the
publication. August 15, 1856, of the "Daily
Times," a morning paper. Republican in poli-
tics. It was very lively in the canvass for
Fremont, and was edited with ability. It be-
came an evening paper in November and is-
sued a weekly, but became so weakly that it
succumbed January 24, 1857. Mr. Cole, the
editor, afterwards became United States sen-
ator.
The "Chinese News," which began publica-
tion in December, 1856, lasted for a couple of
years, first being a daily, then a tri-weekly,
next a weekly and finally a monthly. It was
printed in the Chinese language, Ze Too
Yune, alias Hung Tai, being editor and pub-
lisher.
The "Temperance ^Mirror." a quarto month-
ly, issued one number in January, 1857, O. B.
Turrell, publisher, and W. B. Taylor, editor.
It removed to San Francisco, where it died
in March.
The "Daily Morning Bee" was born Febru-
ary 3, 1857, as an independent in politics.
J. R. Ridge and S. J. May were the editors,
and the proprietors were L. C. Chandler, L. P.
Davis, John Church and W. H. Tobey. It was
much smaller than the present "Bee," having
but five columns to the page. April 6. 1857,
it became an evening paper, and in the fol-
lowing summer Ridge retired and James Mc-
Clatchy succeeded him. The firm changed in
1858 to F. S. Thompson. L. P. Davis and
W. H. Tobey and the paper changed its size
to seven columns. April 8. 1860. Thompson's
interest was purchased by J. O'Leary and the
firm name changed to L. P. Davis & Com-
pany. December 28, 1863, C. H. Winterburn
bought out Tobey; he sold his interest to
James McClatchy, February 12. 1866. Mc-
Clatchy bought the interest of Davis June 26.
1872. and the firm name became James Mc-
Clatchy & Company. August 1, 1872, J. F.
Sheehan purchased a one-third interest "from
McClatch}^ Since that time the paper has
been further enlarged and is today one of the
most prosperous and profitable journals in the
history of Sacramento. James jMcClatchv ad-
mitted his son, Charles K. McClatchy, to a
partnership in the business and the firm mem-
bers were then ]. F. Sheehan, James Mc-
Clatchy and C. K. McClatchy. On October
23. 1882. James McClatchy died at Paraiso
Springs, leaving his title and interest in the
paper to his wife and two sons. January 29,
1884. J. F. Sheehan sold his interest in the
paper, it being purchased by the members of
the McClatchy family, the firm name remain-
ing James McClatchy & Company. From then
until more recent years the paper was con-
ducted by the two sons. C. K. McClatch}' as
managing editor and V. S. McClatchy as busi-
ness manager.
At date of writing, C. K. McClatchy is the
editor ; V. S. McClatchy. the publisher ; Carlos
McClatchy, son of C. K. McClatchy, assistant
to the editor : J. Earl Langdon. managing
editor, and H. R. iMcLaughlin. city editor.
The paper enjoys prestige and a large cir-
culation, has the full Associated Press day
report and special service, and is regarded
generally as being one of the leading and most
influential papers published on the Coast. It
was the first evening newspaper in California
to install a fast stereotyping plant. Its equip-
ment now includes a big battery of Linotypes
and other labor-saving machinery. In the
pressroom a monster press, with a capacity
for printing and folding sixtj^-four pages at
one time, is in daily operation.
In July, 1857, the "Star of the Pacific," a
religious journal. Rev. A. C. Edmonds, a
Universalist minister, editor and proprietor,
removed from Marysville to this city. In De-
cember. 1857, it suspended animation, revived
in May, 1858, and passed away that fall.
The "Daily State Sentinel," a Republican
paper, was issued in small size July 27, 1857,
by J. R. Atkins & Company, as a morning
paper. In October C. D. Hossach & Company
took hold of it and C. A. Sumner became its
editor. It had bright prospects for a while,
but followed to the charnel-house in 1858.
C. A. Sumner. August 22. 1857, began the
publication of a sheet called the "Eye Glass,"
but only one number appeared.
The "Covenant and Odd Fellows' Magazine,
a monthly of thirt\'-two pages, started August
182
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
31, 1857. with J. D. Tilson publisher and A. C.
Edmonds, editor, but gave up the ghost with
the tenth number, in 1858.
The "Temperance Register." H. Davidson
& Company, began as a monthly September,
1857, changed to a semi-monthly in October,
and on December 12 became a monthly again
and then died.
A Sunday paper, the "Herald of the Morn-
ing," appeared in December, 1857, with J. C.
McDonald & Company, publishers, and Cal-
vin McDonald, literary editor. It was a spir-
itualistic paper and passed to the spirit land
in four weeks.
The "Phoenix," afterwards the "Ubiqui-
tous," was a scurrilous sheet, fathered by E.
McGowan. issued as an occasional in the fall
of 1857, and as a weekly during the following
winter. The hot summer weather killed it.
The "Watch Dog," a similar publication,
issued January 1, 1858, died in the following-
March."
During the same March, the "Sacramento
Visitor," by Brown, Ingham & Company, J.
Coggins, editor, a daily evening paper of mod-
erate size and lively and independent in tone,
began publication, but ceased to exist June 1,
1858.
The "Sacramento Mercury," a straight-out
Democratic newspaper, began publication
March 28, 1858, with H. Foushie, publisher,
and W. S. Long, editor. It was about half
the size of the "Record-Union" and in the
summer A. Montgomery became its editor, but
it died October 12, 1858.
The second "California Statesman" took the
place of the old one in May, 1858, with S. W.
Ravely, publisher, and A. C. Russell, editor,
as a Democratic daily. It succumbed June
24, the same year.
The "Californian," second of that name, a
neutral daily of small size, was edited by D. J.
Thomas. It was born July 9, 1858, but lived
only one week, departing July 15.
The "Baptist Circular," the third effort of
the Baptists to start a paper in Sacramento,
commenced in August, 1858, with Rev. J. L.
Shuck as editorial manager, but only survived
until the next spring.
In 1858 and 1859 the Democracy became
split into two factions — the Lecompton and
the anti-Lecompton. The contest between
them became so hot that the anti-Lecompton-
ites, goaded by the assavilts of Charles T. Botts
from the Lecompton side, started a paper
called the "Daily Register" and issued every
morning except Monday. It was about the
size of the "Bee." Dr. Houghton furnished
most of the money and the firm was Harvey,
Houghton & Company. The editors were
J. C. Zabriskie and William Bausman, who
held small interests. It was vigorous, but
too scholarly and not lively enough for the
times and Bausman soon left it. The "Regis-
ter" ofhce was at the corner of Fifth and J
Streets and the outfit and dress of the paper
were good. Houghton sunk a large amount
of money in it, but the second day before the
general election that fall, it died a peaceful
death.
The "Register's" rival, the "Daily Demo-
cratic Standard," a better paper from a purely
journalistic point of view, was born February
26, 1859. J. R. Hardenbergh was its pub-
lisher and Charles T. Botts its editor. It was
a morning paper, about the size of the "Rec-
ord-Union" and was a vigorous exponent of
the doctrine of the Lecompton faction. In
July, 1859, Botts became its proprietor. Its
office was on Third Street, between I and J.
June 2, 1860, it ceased its daily issues, and
for some months appeared weekly, with M. G.
Upton and Hon. G. Gorham as editors, but
soon after the fall election in 1869 it became
defunct after draining the pockets of its
owners.
In June. 1860, Henry Bidleman & Company
started the "Daily Democrat," issued from the
"Standard" office, with M. G. Upton as editor.
It made a lively campaign, but died with the
election.
June 24, 1860, F. R. Folger & Company put
forth the "Daily Morning News," a Douglas
Democratic newspaper, and the Folgers were
its first editors. Later, George C. Gorham and
Albert S. Evans were its editors. It continued
about nine months.
The "Evening Post," published b}^ R. W.
Lewis &: Company in October, 1860, as an
independent paper, subsequently became Re-
publican in politics. Small in size at first, it
was enlarged, and when it was five months
old W. S. Johnson & Company took hold of
it. Various writers became its editors and it
was discontinued in September. 1861.
The Independent Order of Good Templars
began the publication of its organ. "The
Rescue," in San Francisco, in 1862, removing
shortly to Stockton and then to Sacramento.
Its first editor was Edwin H. Bishop. He was
followed by W. H. Mills, 1864 to 1871. Then
came Albert D. Wood, of Vallejo, who con-
ducted it till 1876 and was succeeded by Rev.
George Morris of Dixon. It was removed suc-
cessively to San Francisco, Los Angeles and
San Francisco again. In October, 1855, it
was brought back to this city and George B.
Katzenstein became its editor. The editors of
the paper were elected by the grand lodge of
the order or its executive committee. It has
been remo\-ed from this city since.
The "Evening Star" was started as a daily
by J. J. Beebe, Alexander Badlam, G. I. Fos-
ter, J." Simpson, M. M. Estee and H. C. Bid-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
183
well. May 25, 1864. In was an independent
journal. It sunk under financial difficulties in
about three months.
The "California Republican," a Democratic
paper of the hard-shell variety, began publica-
tion January -I-, 1863, and died a natural death
that fall. The publishers were Conley, Patrick
& Company, and the editor Beriah Brown, aft-
erwards of the "Free Press" of San Francisco,
which was destroyed by a mob in the early
part of 1863.
The "Golden Gate," a spiritualistic weekly
started by Ingham & McDonald in the spring
of 1864, died soon after its birth, surviving only
a few weeks.
Judd & McDonald started a gratuitous sheet
called the "Advertiser," in 1860, but it lived
only a few weeks.
December 23, 1866, Alexander Montgomery
removed the "California Express," a Demo-
cratic journal he had been publishing at
Marysville, to this city, expecting patronage
from the then dominant party. He did not
receive it, however, and the paper, which was
issued as a morning daily, died in July, 1867.
The "Sacramento Daily Record," published
by an association of printers composed of
J. J. Keegan, John L. Sickler, J. R. Dray and
R. E. Draper, first appeared as an independent
evening paper February 9, 1867. Its first edi-
tor was Draper, who was succeeded in about
a month by W. S. Johnson. He remained
about a year and was succeeded by J. B. Mc-
Quillan, who gave way in a few months to
R. A. Bird. The paper was subsequently sold
to William H. Mills and A. D. Wood. Mr.
Wood was afterwards manager of the "Rec-
ord-Union." A portion of the then and sub-
sequent "Record" editorial stafif, as also a
portion of the "Sacramento Union's" then
and subsequent stafif, afterwards composed
the "Record-Union" stafif. Among these was
E. B. Willis, w,ho had been a member
of the "Union" staff, and also of the "Rec-
ord" stafif. The "Record" became a morn-
ing paper December 2, 1867. At first it was
a small five-column sheet, but after being en-
larged several times finally attained the pres-
ent size of the "Record-Union." During the
winter of 1871 and 1872 the "Record" distin-
guished itself by the fullest and most elab-
orate stenographic reports of legislative pro-
ceedings ever published in the United States,
frequently printing morning after morning
nineteen columns of solid nonpareil of the
proceedings of the Senate and House. For
several years the "Union" had published an-
nual New Year's statistical sheets. The "Rec-
ord" entered the same field January 1, 1873,
and eclipsed its rival by publishing the largest
and fullest holiday statistical sheet ever pub-
lished in the United States up to that time.
Each year afterwards until 1906 it and its
successor issued. a similar mammoth paper. It
was the first daily paper here to publish and
maintain a semi-weeklj- edition. The contest
for patronage and public favor was very warm
between the "Record" and the "Union" for
years, and until they were consolidated in
February, 1875. Thereafter the consolidation
was known as the "Record-Union."
The "Expositor," published by C. D. Semple,
as a daily and old-line Democratic paper, ap-
peared July 23, 1867, and died the 9th of Sep-
tember.
February 24, 1864, Richard Bowden pub-
lished a juvenile paper, "The Young Ameri-
can," as a weekly. It ceased publication eleven
weeks after, on the death of Mr. Bowden, who
was accidentally killed.
Several other weekly papers, of a local char-
acter, were published about this time, viz. :
"My Paper," "Pioneer," Blusterer," "The
Anti-Office Seeker," a lot of State Fair papers,
the "Sunday Times," "Hesperian," "Students'
Repository," and others.
Charles De Young, afterwards of the "San
Francisco Chronicle," began the publication
in the winter of 1864, of the "Dramatic Chron-
icle," a gratuitous daily advertising sheet of
small dimensions. He removed it to San Fran-
cisco about nine months later, enlarged it and
published it until the "Daily San Francisco
Chronicle" grew up from it, the old "Dramatic
Chronicle" being swallowed up by the "Fi-
garo" of San Francisco, published by J. P.
Bogardus.
The "Traveler's Guide" was published as
an advertising sheet weekly by L. Samuels
and N. Towns in 1865. T. W. Stanwell began
in the same year the monthly "Railroad
Gazetteer," published by H. S. Crocker &
Company.
The "State Capital Reporter," a daily Demo-
cratic paper, appeared January 12, 1868, with
a glowing announcement of its plans, and nom-
inated H. H. Haight for President of the
United States. By legislative enactment it
became the litigant paper, in which all sum-
monses had to be published. While this gave
it a good income, it rendered it obnoxious to
the entire press of the state and made it un-
popular with the people. The act of Febru-
ary 21. 1872, repealed the litigant act and de-
prived the "Reporter" of its fat job. It ceased
to appear as a daily, sending out its last daily
issue May 7. 1872, when the law took effect.
Thereafter it issued a half sheet once a week,
to run out the legal advertisements on hand
and July 30, 1872, it gave up the ghost quietly.
It was published by a joint-stock company and
lost money for every one who touched it. At
first it was controlled by John Bigler, and its
first editor was Henry George, afterward of
184
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
the "San Francisco Post," who became widely
known to the world as the author of "Progress
and Poverty," and the chief apostle of the land
theory of single tax. The paper was edited
with much ability and for a long time was a
vigorous periodical. J. F. Linthicum, an old
editor who passed away in 1915, succeeded Mr.
George, and kept up the able tone of the paper.
John Bigler, ex-governor of California, who
about this time had returned from Chile,
where he had filled the post of minister, was
editor of the "Reporter" some months before
it died and conducted it with vigor and dig-
nity. O. T. Shuck was its last editor.
The "Sacramento Democrat" was a small
daily born August 3, 1871 ; died September 5,
1871, just after the election. It was started
under the auspices of a publishing company,
with Cameron H. King as editor, and its office
was at the corner of Third and J Streets.
The "Locomotive" was a six-column weekly
advertiser and local paper which was excellent
in its way and did a prosperous business for
some months with R. L. Lawrence as the man-
ager in the spring of 1873. Its office was on
J Street between Second and Third Streets.
T. F. Case bought a half interest and subse-
quently the whole interest, selling half of it to
Dr. A. P. Truesdell, who became editor. The
name of the paper was changed, becoming the
"People's Champion," but in the summer of
1874 it threw up the sponge and was counted
among the dead ones.
The only foreign paper, with one exception,
published in Sacramento prior to 1885, was the
semi-weekl)' "Sacramento Journal" (German)
published by K. F. Wiemeyer & Company,
and edited by Mr. Wiemeyer. Its first num-
ber came out June 6, 1868, and it had a suc-
cessful career for many years. The Sacramento
office was at 314 J Street; and about 1890
Wiemeyer & Company established an office in
Oakland, publishing the paper at both places
simultaneously. It was Republican in tone
and independent in its utterances.
H. B. Eddy early in 1873 started a small
weekly paper called the "Valley World." It
aimed at literary excellence, and was neatly
printed and critical. Mr. Eddy died that fall,
and the paper was continued for a few weeks,
being ably edited by Rev. J. H. C. Bonte,
rector of Grace Church and afterwards secre-
tary of the University of California, since de-
ceased.
The "Evening News," a daily, Sundays ex-
cepted, and neutral, was first published March
26, 1869, by B. F. Huntley & Company. Vin-
cent Ryan, a member of the firm, did most of
the writing, with Frank Folger and W. S.
Johnson in the other departments. The paper
died in three months.
The "Sunday Free Press" was started in
February, 1873, by Beers & Company, but its
initial appearance was also its last, although
it was a lively number, local and jolly, and its
proprietors mourned its loss for grave finan-
cial reasons.
In February, 1874, the "Sacramento Valley
Agriculturist" began its existence as a month-
ly, with Davis and Stockton as editors and
publishers. In June. 1874, it changed to a
weekly and the next month it bought up the
old "Champion" material and was enlarged
considerably. April 15, 1875, Davis sold his
interest to W. T. Crowell. The paper was
devoted entirely to agricultural matters, with
a city edition on Sunday mornings, and some
local news. It ceased publication many years
ago.
The "Occidental Star," a weekly of four
pages, devoted to the interest of the return of
the Jews to Palestine, began in January, 1873,
and ran for about five months, with Mrs. L.
I. L. Adams as proprietor.
The "Winning Way" was a weekly paper
edited and published by Mrs. Clark and Mrs.
Potter and devoted to the cause of woman and
sociability. It was started in September, 1873,
and went the wav of manv others in February,
1874.
"Common Sense" was published as a weekly
of four pages by Dr. A. P. Truesdell in Janu-
ary, 1873, and discontinued in March, 1874, but
was afterwards revived and published in San
Francisco.
The "Mercantile Globe" was an advertising
sheet published by Byron & Company, Aug-
ust, 1872, and changed to the Sacramento
"Globe" October 18, and published by Kelly
& Farland. It ran for several months, sus-
pended, and was again started by Raye &
Ford, December 5, continuing weekly until
April 17, 1875, being afterwards published at
intervals by B. V. R. Raye.
The "California Teacher" was started by the
State Board of Education about 1877, being
purchased from the San Francisco Teachers'
Association. It has had a checkered existence
since, with various publishers, as a state jour-
nal, under various titles.
The "State Fair Gazette" has been pub-
lished by H. S. Crocker & Company for a num-
ber of years at the annual State Fair, as an
advertising sheet distributed gratuitously.
The "Evening Herald" was started March 8,
1875, as a small evening paper, independent in
policy. The publishers were Gardner, Larkin,
Fellows and Major E. A. Rockwell, a well-
known journalist of wide experience, as editor.
He had formerly occupied a posiiton on the
"Morning Call" of San Francisco and had
served a time in the legislature creditably.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
185
The "Enterprise" was started as a Sunday
morning paper, by Crites. Davis and Alexan-
der, August 29, 1875. It was well conducted
and vigorous, but the proprietors were handi-
capped by not finding a business manager to
suit them and ceased publication with the
ninth isue. It was printed from the old "Re-
porter" type.
The "Seminary Budget," an occasional pub-
lication by the young ladies of the Sacramento
Seminary, was issued for some years, attain-
ing some literary excellence and doing credit
to its student editors.
The "Business College Journal" was issued
occasionally for a number of years by E. C.
Atkinson, now deceased.
The "Sunda}^ Leader" appeared in October,
1875, issued by J. N. Larkin, who retained his
connection with it as "editor and proprietor
until his decease in May, 1911, since which
time his son, W. H. Larkin, who had been
associated with him for some years, under the
firm name of J. N. Larkin & Son, continues its
publication. In 1884-1885 it was the official
paper of the county. In politics it has always
been straight Republican. Mr. Larkin was a
veteran of the Civil AVar, straightforward and
uncompromising, and had a host of warm
friends who regretted his passing away. The
"Leader" is a neat sheet, and presents a cred-
itable appearance. John L. Davis is the man-
aging editor.
The "Daily Sun" was started as a working-
man's organ immediately after the adjourn-
ment of the legislature of 1879, w'hich provided
for a constitutional convention. It was pub-
lished by a company of stockholders, with
William Halley as manager. When the dele-
gates to the convention were elected and he
was defeated, he withdrew from the manage-
ment. A new company was formed and J. F.
Clark continued as editor for a few months,
when the paper ceased publication.
The "Sunday Capital" was started in 1883
by J. L. Robinette and C. C. Goode. It was
a four-page folio, independent in politics and
devoted to news and literature. After about a
year Robinette disposed of his interest to Wil-
liam Ellery Briggs, but six months later it was
discontinued.
The "Sacramento Medical Times," after-
wards changed to the "Occidental Medical
Times," was started as a large octavo monthly
in March, 1887, by five physicians and has
been a successful publication. J. H. Parkin-
son, M. D., has been its editor-in-chief for
many years and among his associates have
been W. A. Briggs, William Ellery Briggs,
W. R. Cluness, Thomas A. Huntington and
G. L. Simmons of Sacramento ; J. F. Morse,
W. H. Mays, Albert Abrams, W. Watt Kerr
and D. W. Montgomerj' of San Francisco, and
J. W. Robinson of Napa. Of late years Drs.
Cluness and Huntington have been residents
of San Francisco. Dr. Simmons died in 1911.
The "Dailv Evening Journal" was begun
July 4. 1888,' by H. A. Weaver and ran until
October 1 following. It was devoted to gen-
eral news and literature.
Charles Schmitt issued the first number of
the "Nord-California Herold," a German pa-
per, September 5, 1885, and it has taken front
rank among the German papers of the state.
Mr. Schmitt came to this state in 1865, and
after mining several years, became one of the
founders of the Abend Post, the second Ger-
man daily published in San Francisco. In May,
1868, he came to Sacramento and founded the
"Sacramento Journal" (German) and contin-
ued with it till 1881. Mr. Schmitt is a ready
writer of wide experience and intelligence and
his paper has a powerful influence in the field
it occupies.
"Themis" was an able eight-page quarto
Sunday paper, published in the interest of
Sacramento and devoted to dramatic and gov-
ernmental criticism and miscellany. It was
printed with large type and on the finest pa-
per. It was started in February, 1889, by
Winfield J. Davis, W. A. Anderson and George
A. Blanchard. The editors were among the
early residents of the city and county, thor-
oughly conversant with its history in all re-
spects, and eminently fitted for the task they
had undertaken. The paper enjoyed a repu-
tation for exceptional literary ability, and the
cessation of its publication in 1894 on account
of a division of opinion between its proprietors
as to the polic}^ of the paper during the great
railroad strike of that year, was regretted by
a wide circle of citizens, who had enjoyed the
perusal of its columns.
In the earljf part of 1856 Dr. Bradley estab-
lished the "Granite Journal" at Folsom, Gran-
ite being at that time the name of what is now
known as Folsom. He conducted the paper
for several years and it became one of the most
widely known papers in the state in that day
of only a few newspapers. W^hen the name
of the town was changed from Granite to Fol-
som, the "Journal" changed its name to the
"Folsom Telegraph." The paper also changed
hands about the same time, William Penry,
afterwards treasurer of Amador County, be-
coming the editor and proprietor, being suc-
ceeded several years later by William Aveling.
When Mr. Aveling died, his widow conducted
the paper for a time, btit soon sold it to Peter
J. Hopper. About 1872 John F. Howe pur-
chased the paper and from his death ten years
later until July 19, 1884, Mrs. Howe held own-
ership. It then passed into the hands of Wes-
ton P. Truesdell, and he published it alone
until August 1, 1888, when I. Fiel joined him.
186
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
They conducted the paper until March 16,
1889, when Mr. Fie! purchased the entire in-
terest and soon after sold out to Thad Mc-
Farland. Since the death of Mr. McFarland,
May 4, 1894, his widow has been the owner.
The paper was ably conducted by their son,
R. D. McFarland, as editor and manager, and
was enlarged from six columns to seven. Since
the death of the son, a few years ago. Miss
M. F. McFarland has edited the "Telegraph."
The "Fairoaks Citizen" and the "Elk Grove
Citizen" are more recent additions to the
Sacramento country weekly newspaper list.
The "Gait Gazette" has been in existence for
a number of years and has a fair circulation
in the southern end of the county.
The "Daily Evening News" was started in
1890, by John Dormer, a well-known news-
paper man of Nevada, and Wells Drury, also
a journalist from the same state. Under their
management the paper was published for two
years. It was then purchased by John A.
Sheehan and June B. Harris, who had been
for many years attached to the editorial staff
of the "Daily Evening Bee." Sheehan and
Harris were very capable newspaper-men and
the "Daily News" prospered under their man-
agement. Their financial backers became inter-
ested in a plan to have the city water-works
pass into the hands of private interests, and
as part of the bargain for the support of other
newspapers, the "Daily News" was suspended
immediatel}' after an election at which the
people voted to substitute well water for that
supplied from the river by their own works.
The plan was blocked and ultimately fell
through.
Soon after the suspension of the "Daily
Evening News," in 1893, the "Sunday News"
Avas started by Messrs. Sheehan and Harris,
and was a pronounced success from the date
of the first issue. About two years later
Harris died, and his interest in the publication
was purchased by Winfield J. Davis. In May,
1897, the "Sunday News" was sold to the
News Publishing Company. Its size was en-
larged and a large modern publishing plant
was equipped for its issuance and for the
printing of other important publications. Mr.
Sheehan continued as its editor until his de-
cease in 1910. He was succeeded by Emmet
Phillips, his former partner and editorial as-
sociate. Phillips died in 1918, and was suc-
ceeded by John H. Miller, formerly of the
"Bee" staff. George G. Radcliff, former state
superintendent of the Capitol and grounds,
bought an interest in the News Publishing
Company, and is now president of the concern.
The "Sunday News." because of the high cost
of news stock and labor, was suspended in
1920. The company does a thriving publish-
ing and printing business.
The "Sacramento Star" was started Novem-
ber 21, 1904, being furnished by the Scripps-
McRae telegraphic service, the Associated
Press franchise for the city being owned ex-
clusively by the "Union" and the "Bee." It
is under the management of E. W. Scripps,
who is the owner of a large number of papers
on the Coast and in the West. It started as a
four-page, seven-column paper, printed on a
flat press and increased successively to eight,
ten and twelve pages of eight columns, in
June, 1907, and subsequently. Henry White
formerly was editor and E. H. Carpenter gen-
eral manager. Philip J. Sinnott at present is
editor and publisher of the "Star" and L. H.
Larash is general manager. The paper has
grown steadily in prosperity and importance.
There are several papers printed in foreign
languages in Sacramento. ,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
187
CHAPTER XXVII
CHURCHES OF SACRAMENTO
THE FIRST church organization in Sacra-
mento was Grace Protestant Episcopal
Church, of which the present St. Paul's
Church is the successor. During the first rush
of the gold-seekers to the Coast the worship of
Mammon was predominant. It seemed as if
the lust for the yellow metal had taken prece-
dence of all the early training of the men who
had joined in the mad scramble for wealth.
Church-goers and members, deacons, and even
in some cases ministers, turned aside from the
straight path and threw off all the restraints
that religion had imposed on them. It is re-
corded by Dr. Morse that one preacher de-
scended to dealing monte in one of the early
gambling tents, and another to playing faro.
But many still remained faithful to their early
training, and needed only the opportunity to
avow their allegiance to the religion of Christ.
The opportunity came about the middle of
August, 1849, when Rev. Flavel S. Mines, of
San Francisco, visited Sacramento, and for the
first time a church gathering was had, and the
beautiful service of the Protestant Episcopal
Church was heard in the city. The place in
which this and others of the earliest religious
services were held, and which acquired there-
by a historical reputation, was the blacksmith
shop between J and K, on Third Street.
On the day following the parish was organ-
ized under the name of "Grace Church, Sac-
ramento," at the store of Eugene F. Gillespie,
by the election of officers as follows: A. M.
Winn, senior warden (Mr. Winn was at the
time mayor of the city and presided at the
meeting) ; F. W. Moore, junior warden ; Eu-
gene F. Gillespie, Henry E. Robinson, E. T-
Barren, P. B. Cornwall, J. M. McKenzie,
William Prettiman and J. F. Morse, vestry-
men. In the early part of September, Rev.
R. F. Burnham of New Jersey visited the city
and preached, and was called to the rectorship
of the parish. His health, however, became
impaired, and he died in April, 1850. Rev.
Samuel P. Morehouse was then placed in
charge of the parish, and held occasional serv-
ices until about the 1st of October, 1850, when
Rev. Orlando Harriman of New York became
the rector, but as he was attacked by typhoid
fever shortly after and was left in a debilitated
condition, he was able to officiate a few times
only. During his sickness Rev. Mr. Pinnell
and Rev. Augustus Fitch, of New York, offi-
ciated several times. Mr. Harriman left the
city and returned to his home in the East in
March, 1851, and an interregnum followed
lasting until 1854, during which Rev. Orange
Clark, Rev. John Reynolds, Chaplain, U. S. A.,
and Rev. John Gungan officiated occasionally,
the causes being the great fire of 1852, which
destroyed the church records, and later the
flood which inundated the city for several
months.
In February, 1854, however. Right Rev.
Bishop William Ingraham Kipp paid his first
visit to Sacramento. He preached in the edi-
fice of the Methodist Episcopal Church South,
and confirmed six persons. This infused new
energy into the parish. July 29, 1854, the
parish was legally incorporated under the
name of "Grace Protestant Episcopal Church
of Sacramento." A call was sent to Rev. H.
E. E. Pratt, of Perth Amboy, N. J., who ac-
cepted it at a salary of $250 a month, and held
services for the first time on Monday, the
19th day of November. Bishop Kipp preached
again in the same Methodist church on the
morning and evening of September 24, 1854,
and administered the Holy Communion to
twenty-one communicants, it being the second
time that sacrament had been administered by
him in this city. Just previous to Rev. Pratt's
coming, Hamilton Hall, on K Street, between
Fourth and Fifth, had been rented by the ves-
try and furnished as a temporary place of wor-
ship. Services were held in this place for
about a year, when a change was made to Pio-
neer Hall, on J Street, between Front and
Second, and while still using that place, Mr.
Pratt resigned, in the spring of 1856. Rev.
W. H. Hill, at that time rector at Nevada City,
Cal., accepted the call to succeed him. His
connection with the parish began in May,
1856, and continued until June 1, 1870.
A brick structure was erected on the lot on
the corner of Eighth and I Streets during the
summer of 1856. It was capable of seating
three hundred people and cost about $15,000.
Rev. Mr. Hill preached the opening services
September 7, 1856. Mr. Hill tendered his
resignation in 1870, and in May Rev. J. H. C.
Bonte accepted the call. The walls of the
188
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
church built in 1856 having settled, the build-
ing was abandoned after the first Sunday in
March, 1871, and April 18, 1871, Bishop Kipp
laid the cornerstone of a new church on Eighth
Street between I and J. A mortgage to aid
in building the New Grace Church was placed
on the propert)- at the time of its erection.
The church cost $26,000, exclusive of the lot,
and was mortgaged to the Odd Fellows' bank
for a loan of $10,000. For several years the
interest on the loan was paid regularly, and
during that time $1,000 of the principal was
also paid. In 1874, however, owing to the re-
moval from the city of some of the wealthiest
parishioners and the closing of the church for
several months on account of the absence of
the rector, the revenues of the church were
lessened. The interest being unpaid, the debt
began to increase, and in 1877 the parish had
become bankrupt. The mortgage was fore-
closed, and all of the property of the church
was sold to satisfy creditors, and the name of
the church and its organization were extin-
guished.
Realizing the crisis that had arisen, a num-
ber of the prominent laymen collected enough
money to purchase the church from the bank,
and the new parish of St. Paul's was organ-
ized March 23, 1877, and in May following
Rev. E. H. Ward, of Marysville, was invited
to take charge. He was succeeded January 1,
1882, by Rev. Carroll M. Davis, and he in turn
was followed by Rev. John F. von Herrlich.
Under his charge improvements amounting to
over $2,000 were made, and later two fine
stained-glass' memorial windows of beautiful
design were placed in the church. The one in
the chancel was the gift of Mrs. Charles
Crocker, in memory of Mrs. Col. Fred Crocker,
and a large side window was put in as a memo-
rial for Mrs. Creed Haymond. These windows
cost over $1,000 each. Later Governor and
Mrs. Stanford ]5laced a memorial window for
their son, Leland Stanford, Jr., who died in
Rome during their visit in that city.
Rev. G. A. Ottman succeeded Mr. von Herr-
lich, and was in turn succeeded by Rev. C. L.
Miel. Mr. Miel was very energetic and ag-
gressive, and the work was extended under
his rectorship. The church on Eighth Street,
having been racked by a severe storm, was
condemned. The lot was sold, and a lot pur-
chased at Fifteenth and J Streets, on which a
parish house was erected for temporary use.
Later a stone church was erected on the cor-
ner of J Street, of which the present rector
is Rev. William Hermitage. It is one of the
few stone churches in the state, and one of
the finest ecclesiastical edifices in the northern
part of California. In March, 1897, Mr. Miel
started a mission church at Twenty-third and
K Streets, which was known as St. Andrew's,
and a few months later Rev. Mr. Johnson was
put in charge by Bishop Graves. Later Bishop
Moreland purchased a lot on M Street, and
St. Andrew's was moved upon it and it became
known as Trinity, Rev. George Swan being
placed in charge. In 1909 Trinity Pro-Cathe-
dral, a fine stone edifice, was erected on the
rear of the lot by Bishop Moreland. The Good
Samaritan Mission, on Seventh Street, be-
tween N and O, was opened, but was closed
about a year afterwards. St. Paul's Japanese
Mission was established at No. 502 M Street
and was afterwards moved to Fifth Street,
Bishop Moreland having purchased property
there for it.
Christ Church, Episcopal, of Oak Park, is
the third church for Sacramento of the juris-
diction of Bishop Moreland. Early in Febru-
ary, 1908, Rev. Harry Perks, the church's rec-
tor, conducted the first service of the church
in Red Men's Hall, Magnolia Avenue. Inter-
est continued, and in May of the same year
the church was organized as "Christ Church,
Episcopal." In September the new congrega-
tion was accepted by the Diocese of Sacra-
mento. In July, 1910, the foundation was laid
for the new church. The building has a Pack-
ard organ and is furnished with modern pews
and kneelers. It was opened for worship
September 4, 1910, being part of a plan which,
when complete, was to include a larger church,
parish house, social hall and rectory.
St. Rose's Church : Rev. Augustine P. An-
derson, O. S. D., a native of New Jersey, ar-
rived in this city August 7, 1850. He at once
began the organization of the Roman Catho-
lics, procuring a building on L Street, between
Fifth and Sixth, which answered as a tempo-
rary chapel until the church could be erected
at the corner of Seventh and K Streets. Octo-
ber 28, 1850, ex-Governor- Peter H. Burnett
executed a deed to Anthony Langlois, in trust
for the Roman Catholic Bishop of California,
for lot 8, in the block between Seventh and
Eighth, and J and K Streets, and August 17,
1867, Governor Burnett deeded lot 7 in the
same block to Bishop Alemany. During the
terrible epidemic of cholera Father Anderson
labored unceasingly, visiting the cholera hos-
pital several times daily and seeking out the
poor and afflicted in their tents, adminis-
tering all the consolation and aid in his power
and procuring medical assistance for those un-
able to pay for it. His unceasing ardor in his
work weakened his system and in his ex-
hausted condition, having contracted typhoid
fever, he succumbed to it, a victim to his self-
sacrificing zeal, dying November 26, 1850. By
this time the frame of the new church had
been erected and the roof partially completed,
but a severe gale arising, the building was
blown down and many of the timbers shat-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
189
tered. Rev. Anderson was succeeded by Rev.
John Ingoldsby. who completed the church,
but it was destroyed in the great fire of No-
vember 2, 1852, after which a frame building
on Seventh Street and Oak Avenue was used
for a church until the completion of the brick
basement story of the new church. Rev. John
Ouinn succeeded Rev. Ingoldsby in April,
1853.
October 18, 1854, the corner-stone of the
brick church was laid by Archbishop Alemany,
and service was held in the basement on
Christmas following. The church was 60 by
100 feet; the basement, nine and one-half feet
in the clear, cost $10,500, and the church,
which was completed in 1861, cost nearly
$50,000. The bell, which was placed in the
tower, arrived on July 13, 1859, and weighed
2,079 pounds. The earthquake which shook
the state in the winter of 1871-1872 rocked
the tower so that the great bell rang. It is
now in the tower of St. Francis' Church. In
1861 Rev. Eugene O'Connell was placed in
charge of the northern part of the state. He
resided in Marysville, as Sacramento was in
the San Francisco bishop's jurisdiction.
During the charge of Rev. James S. Cotter
in 1866, some improvements were made to the
building, amounting to over $15,000. He was
assisted first by Rev. M. McGrath and after-
wards, in 1868, by Rev. Patrick Scanlan. Fa-
ther Cotter, who was a great favorite with all
classes, died in this city June 18, 1868. Rev.
Thomas Crimmin, another priest here, died
also in this city January 20, 1867, a few hours
after being stricken with paralysis. Rev. James
Cassin was pastor in 1861-1862, assisted by
Rev. N. Gallagher. Rev. Thomas Gibney was
pastor in 1868-1870. After that time Rev.
Patrick Scanlan was rector, assisted by Rev.
J. McSweeney, until July, 1881. when he went
to San Francisco, being succeeded by Rev.
Thomas Grace from Marysville, who was as-
sisted by Rev. William Walshe until 1886, and
afterwards by Father Leonard Haupts. Fa-
ther Grace in 1886 was appointed rector of St.
Rose's Pro-Cathedral by Bishop Patrick Man-
ogue, the seat of the diocese having in that
year been transferred from Marysville to Sac-
ramento. When Bishop Manogue came to
build the splendid Cathedral of the Blessed
Sacrament in this city, he found that Father
Grace had, during his ministry, made a host
of friends who became zealous assistants in
the work.
The Cathedral, begun in 1886 and dedicated
in 1889, is a stately and imposing structure in
the later Italian style of architecture. Its dome,
rising to a height of 175 feet, its arches, and
arched ceiling set in frames of varied frescoes,
the harmony of due proportion in dimensions,
the storied windows, rare paintings, and the
statues it contains, endear both the structure
and its venerable builder to Sacramento citi-
zens of all classes. Its delicate spire, sur-
mounted by a golden cross, that rises to a
height of 216 feet, meets one's eye for miles
outside the city. Its tower clock and massive
dials, with its sonorous chimes, mark the
hours as they pass. The building is cruciform,
and is 208 feet in length by 114 feet in width,
being by far the most spacious church in Cali-
fornia, as well as the most elaborate and
ornate in design. Bishop Manogue had the
consolation of seeing it and his residence com-
pleted and financed before he passed away.
A year after his death he was succeeded by
Father Grace, who was consecrated bishop of
this diocese. Bishop Grace was born in Wex-
ford, Ireland, in 1841, of Norman lineage,
being a descendant of Raymond le Gros, of the
twelfth century. His death occurred on De-
cember 27, 1921 ; and on March 17, 1922, the
Rt. Rev. P. J. Keane was made bishop of the
diocese of Sacramento.
Opposite the episcopal residence at Twelfth
and K Streets is the Christian Brothers' Col-
lege. The brothers were induced to locate the
school here by Father Scanlan in 1876, and
many thousands of boys have since passed
through their school. Father Scanlan, who
died some years ago in San Francisco, was in
charge there for many years and had a host
of friends in this city.
St. Joseph's Academy, on G Street, con-
ducted by the Sisters of Mercy, was estab-
lished first in 1857, in a building connected
with St. Rose's Church. There is an interest-
ing incident connected with the coming of the
little band of seven sisters, who came to San
Francisco in 1854, with Mother Mary Baptist
Russell as Superior, at the invitation of Arch-
bishop Alemany. They had made arrange-
ments to come on the ill-fated steamer "Arc-
tic" of the Collins line, but on their arrival in
Liverpool they found, to their great disap-
pointment, that there was no room for them,
and they were forced to wait for two weeks.
Their disappointment was turned to rejoicing
later, when the news arrived of the loss of
the "Arctic," that they were not on board.
They taught school in this city, visited the
sick and prisoners, and when the cholera broke
out, they nursed the sick fearlessly and loving-
ly. They hold a warm place in the hearts of
the pioneers for their gentle ministrations, and
their deeds should never be forgotten. The
convent and school was soon moved from
Seventh and K Streets to its present location,
the whole block being purchased. The orphan-
age carried on for several years by the Sisters
was moved to Grass Valley in 1870, and the
large and commodious school as carried on at
present was erected and incorporated as St.
190
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Joseph's Academy in 1875, graduates of which
are living all over the state, and the reputation
of which ranks high among educational insti-
tutions.
Under the guidance of the Sisters of Mercy
the church took up the care of homeless chil-
dren in 1904. at the Stanford mansion on N
and Eighth Streets, which was a gift for that
purpose b}- the late Mrs. Jane Stanford. A
school for the inmates is carried on in connec-
tion with the home. There are now several
Catholic schools in Sacramento, the Sisters
of St. Francis carrying on the work of teach-
ing in some of them.
When Bishop Manogue was in charge of the
diocese he extended an invitation to the Pro-
vincial Council of the Sacred Heart Province
of St. Louis to establish a parish of the Order
of St. Francis of Assisi in this city. Accord-
ingly, Rev. Augustine McGlory, O. F. M., was
sent here to establish the parish and arrived in
Sacramento October 16, 1894. By agreement
the new parish was to accommodate both the
English- and German-speaking members by
preaching in both languages. The northern
iialf-block between K and L, Twenty-fifth and
Twentj'-si.xth Streets, was acquired as a site
for the several buildings of the new parish,
and a small cottage was remodeled for the
Fathers. The first services were held in Union
Hall. Twentieth and O Streets, and on Febru-
ary 7, 1895, the work on the church, school
and monastery was begun.
On Palm Sunday, April 7. 1895, the first
services were held in the new St. Francis
Church, and in the autumn of the same year,
on November 5, the St. Francis parochial
school was opened by the Sisters of Mercy.
The corner-stone of the present church of St.
Francis of Assisi was laid by Right Reverend
Bishop Grace October 17, 1908. The church,
which is a very handsome specimen of the
California mission style, was dedicated on
Sunday, October 23, 1910, by Bishop Grace.
It has a seating capacity of 900. and contains
forty-six stained-glass art windows from Inns-
bruck, Austria. Rev. Godfrey Hoelters, O. F.
M., afterward was rector. At present (1923),
the new St. Francis School, a fully reinforced
concrete building, is under process of con-
struction.
The First Church of Christ in Sacramento
(Congregational) was organized in 1849, the
first preliminary meeting being held on Sep-
tember 16 of that year in the original school-
house which stood near the northeast corner
of Third and I Streets. The chairman was
Rev. J. A. Benton, and Rev. S. V. Blakeslee
was secretary. A number of those present at
the meeting were Presbyterians, which fact
gave rise to a discussion. The question of
organizing a Presbyterian church was raised,
but Air. Benton announced that as he was not
a Presbyterian, he had no authority to organ-
ize a church of that denomination. They
therefore organized a church under the title
of the First Christian Church of Sacramento,
omitting purposely the word "Congregational"
in order to preserve harmony and cooperation.
As this absorbed about all the Presbyterian
membership in the city, the Presbyterians did
not organize a church until 1856.
A confession of faith and a covenant were
adopted Septeml)er 23, 1849, and temporary
officers were elected. A manual was adopted
early in the following year, and January 6,
1851, the permanent officers of the church
were chosen as follows ; Rev. J. A. Benton,
pastor : James Gallup, J. W. Hinks, John Mc-
Kee, Z. W. Davidson, A. C. Sweetser, deacons ;
W. C. Waters, treasurer ; J. C. Zabriskie, clerk.
May 5. 1850, an "ecclesiastical society" was
formed in connection with the church, when
they became able to build a church on the
west side of Sixth Street, between I and J.
A frame building was erected there and was
dedicated on the 6th of October following. It
is claimed that the laying of the corner-stone,
on September 4, was the first public ceremo-
nial of the kind ever held in the state. But
the structure erected then was swept away in
the great fire of July 13. 1854. The congrega-
tion sold the lot for $1,300, and the society
proceeded to erect a brick church directly op-
posite. The church and society were so pop-
ular that they received very substantial aid
from the public, both in building the structure
and caring for it afterwards. The property was
sold for a good price some years ago, and Mrs.
Cornelia Fratt, relict of C. E. Fratt, donated
to the church a valuable lot, 80 by 80 feet, on
the northeast corner of Fifteenth and P Street,
where a fine church was erected.
It is a fact worthy of mention that from
the organization of this church until 1890, only
three pastors were in its service. Revs. J. A.
Benton, I. E. Dwinell and W. C. Merrill. Since
that time the pastors have been : T- B. Silcox,
1890-1892: J. B. Koehne, 1892-1894: Henrv N.
Hoyt, 1894-1898: j. B. Silcox, 1898-1900; C. A.
Dickinson, 1900-1902: J. A. Chamberlain, 1903-
1904: Henrv K. Booth, 1904-1907: William H.
G. Temple, '1907-1910: Arthur B. Patton, 1910-
1917: Harvey Miller, 1917-1922: Harley H.
Gill, 1923 to the present time.
The Sunday school of the church was or-
ganized August 26, 1849, thus being the first
Sunday school established in this city. The
Golden Jubilee of the church was celebrated
with impressive services on the 22nd and 23rd
of September, 1899. A resolution to incorpo-
rate having been adopted, the church was in-
corporated on June 20, 1899, under the name
of the First Congregational Church of the
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
191
City of Sacramento, with William Geary, S. E.
Carrington, L. Tozer, C. T. Noyes, D. W.
Carmichael, P. R. Watts and A. H. Hawley,
trustees. At present the trustees are : Dr.
E. H. Pitts, A. R. Tabor, J. J. Jennings, E. F.
Peterson, C. H. Cromer, C. H. Bills, and Mrs.
Karl Zahn.
Westminster Presbyterian Church : The
Presbyterians were the first to hold religious
worship in Sacramento, Revs. J. W. Douglas,
A. Williams and S. Woodbridge having
preached here as early as March and April,
1849. The Presbyterians united at first with
the Congregationalists, and no Presbyterian
church was organized until 1865. The organ-
ization was named the First Presbyterian
Church of Sacramento. The church failed to
raise the necessary funds for the purchase of
Philharmonic Hall for a place of worship, dur-
ing the years from 1860 to 1863, and dis-
banded. The Sunday school, however, was
kept alive by the zealous and energetic efforts
of W. S. Hunt. The present church was or-
ganized January 21, 1866, under the name
Westminster Presbyterian Church, and has
since that time enjoyed a period of steady
growth. It has a large Sunday school, a
Chinese mission school, young people's society
and other organizations.
Since its organization the pastors have been ;
Revs. William E. Baker, P. V. Veeder, A.
Fairbairn, N. B. Clink, Joshua Phelps, J. S.
McDonald, 1866-1869; Frank L. Nash, 1869-
1872; Charles Schiehng, 1872-1874; James S.
McKay, 1874-1875; Henry H. Rice, 1875-1886;
J. E. Wheeler, 1886-1890; R. M. Stevenson,
1890-1897; R. J. Johnston, 1897-1901; H. C.
Shoemaker, 1901-1904; J. T. Wills, D. D.,
1904-1914; William E. Harrison, D. D., 1914 to
the present time. For many years the church
edifice was at Sixth and L Streets, being built
in 1866 at a cost of $18,000, and dedicated
March 24, 1867. The building was sold some
years ago to the Roman Catholic denomina-
tion, and was known as Serra Hall. A new
edifice was erected at Fourteenth and K
Streets. The church now has a membership
of 1,200.
During the various pastorates since 1886, in
addition to the Sunday school, various organ-
izations have been added to the church, as fol-
lows: Chinese Sunday School, Ladies' Mis'-
sionary Society, Gleaners, Ladies' Mite So-
ciety, Christian Endeavor Society, Boys' Bri-
gade. Junior Christian Endeavor, Bethel Mis-
sion Sunday School, Young Men's Conserva-
tory, Loyal Sons, Loyal Daughters, and Home
Department. In 1911 Charles M. Campbell,
who had loyally given his services as Sunday
school superintendent for twenty-three years,
removed from the city, and was succeeded by
Jrihn Stein. The succeeding superintendents
of the Sunday school have been A. B. Cheney,
George McDougall, Byron W. Painter, and
J. W. Woollett, who is now in charge.
Fremont Park Presbyterian Church : The
Westminster Church organized a Sunday
school in July, 1868, and maintained it under
the name of the Bethel Sunday School. It was
on Fourteenth Street, between O and P, and
in March, 1882, it grew into a church, becom-
ing self-sustaining and free from debt in a few
years. The church was instituted by Rev.
Dr. Thomas Eraser of San Francisco, assisted
by Revs. H. H. Rice and Nelson Slater, and
Andrew Aitken of Sacramento. Rev. A. H.
Croco acted as pastor until July, 1883, when
he resigned, and Rev. George R. Bird was
called. Mr. Bird had been pastor of the Ham-
ilton Square Presbyterian Church in San Fran-
cisco, having previous to that had charge of
the First Presbyterian Church in Seattle,
Wash. Until some fifteen years ago the church
was known as the Fourteenth Street Presby-
terian Church, as it was located on that street.
About twelve years ago a new church edifice
was erected at Fifteenth and O Streets, and
it is now known as the Fremont Park Presby-
terian Church.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church :
This church was familiarly known as the
"Sixth Street Methodist Church." It was first
organized under another local name October
28, 1848, at Dr. Miller's store, by Rev. Isaac
Owen, and seventy-two persons enrolled their
names. Mr. Owen was familiarly known as
"Father Owen," and was the first missionary
sent by his church to California. He and his
wife and baby suffered many hardships in
crossing the plains, and he was nearly
drowned by the carelessness of a drunken
crew in capsizing a schooner in Suisun Bay.
He managed to escape with the clothes he
wore, which were rusty from crossing the
plains, and came to Sacramento, preaching
here October 23. 1849, under an oak at the
corner of Third and L Streets, and organized
a church. A man of great energy, he had
great plans for upbuilding the church in the
state. One of his dreams was a university,
and it was largely through his aid and energy
that the University of the Pacific was after-
wards built, being the first of its kind char-
tered in California. As material for a church
24 by 36 feet in size had been shipped for him
from Baltimore by the conference, and had
come by way of the Horn, the church was soon
finished and ready for use. It was plain, but
as it was the first church building erected in
this city, it was looked on as an elegant house
of worship. Erected on a fine lot presented
by General Sutter, at the southeast corner of
Seventh and L Streets, fronting on Seventh
192
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Slrctl. il was kiKiwn as tlic SeveiUh Street
Methodist Cinircli. and tlie society took the
same name. Mr. C~)wcn soon had a comfort-
able parsonaffc. In the flood of 1850 his
church was carried from its foundations and
his house rendered untentantahle, so he re-
moved to San Francisco.
Later in tlie Near he was succeeded liy Rev.
M. C. Brigjj;s, who enlars^ed the church to ac-
commodate the rapidly i^rowinsj congresjation.
It was known as the F.altimore California
Chapel. Mr. Hriijgs served this church three
terms, heinsj the only pastor who did so.
The corner-stone of a new brick edifice. 50
by 80 feet, which cost $18,000, was laid June
22, 1852, Rev. S. D. Simonds making the ad-
dress. Revs. J. A. Benton, Congregationalist ;
(). C. Wheeler, Baptist; and W. R. Gober,
M. E. Church South, participated. It was to
have been dedicated on Sunday, November 3,
but a terrible fire broke out in the city on
Saturday, destroying $5,000,000 worth of prop-
erty, and the new church was swept awa}'
with the rest. The society was undaunted,
however, and hurriedly erected a cheap build-
ing, in which they worshiped until they could
erect a frame church on the site of the Balti-
more House. This was sold to the Jewish
congregation in January, 1859, for about
$.3,500. The society worshiped for a \\-hile in
the hall over the old postoffice, until they
erected the present church on Sixth Street. It
is 52 by 100 feet and cost about $25,000. It
was finished in 1874, when it was raised to a
higher grade, and the tower and steeple built,
at a cost of about $15,000.
The ])astors of this church were: Isaac
Owen, 1849-1850: Royal B. Stratton, 1851-
1853; Warren Oliver and Elijah Merchant,
1853-1855; N. P. Heath, 1855: George S. Phil-
lips. 1855-1857: T. W. Ross, 1857-1859: J. D.
Rlain, 1859-1861: Jesse T. Peck, 1861-1863;
M. C. P.riggs, 186,S-1S65: T- W. Ross. 1865-
1868: [. H. Wythe, 1868-1870: H. B. Heacock,
1870-1873; A. M. Hough, 1873-1875; M. C.
Briggs. 1875-1878; R. Bentley, 1878-1881 : T. S.
Dunn, 1881-1884; E. R. Dille, 1884-1887; Ar-
nold T. Needham, 1887-1891; T. C. George
1891-1893; C. V. Anthonv, 1894; M. D. Buck!
1894-1897; J. S. Carroll, 1897-1901; W. K.
Beans, 1901-1903; W. W. Case. 1903-1906;
J. H, N. Williams, 1906-1907; Frank Kline
Baker, 1907-1913; Irving B. Bristol, 1913-1917;
Fred A. Keast, 1917-1918. In 1918 the con-
gregation was consolidated with that of the
Central Methodist Episcopal Church, with
Carl M. Warner, D. D., as pastor. The build-
ing was still used un<ler his pastorate until
1920, when it ])assed into control of the I-atin-
.^merican Mission of the Methodist Church
and Rev. Ralph Rader, the present pastor,
took charge.
The church is nt>w an All-Nations Church,
having been turned over for such worship and
religious work, under the guiding hand of
Methodism. Under the name "American Cen-
ter," the church is campaign headquarters for
much practical work among the needy of all
classes throughout the city. The work is car-
ried on by a general committee of pastors and
la\men, and a campaign committee under the
direction of a chairman. Judge Charles O.
Busick, and two division leaders, Harry Mad-
do.K and William V. Cowan, assisted by twelve
captains. The American Center is a church of
practical Christianity, in the down-town neigh-
bcjrhood of Sacramento, that endeavors to
meet the needs of the down-town section of
the city. It is under the direction of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, but is interdenomina-
tional in its work. The American Center
])reaches the gospel, feeds the hungry, clothes
the naked, teaches the English language to
foreigners, conducts Americanization classes,
secures positions for men and women, fur-
nishes free hot shower baths, preaches the
gospel on the street, cares for destitute fam-
ilies, conducts a Sunday school, takes care of
the unem]iloyed during the winter months,
allowing men to sleep at the church, and dur-
ing the winter is open twenty-four hours a
day, and seven days a week. During the past
two years the American Center has provided
40,000 meals for hungry men, provided sleep-
ing accommodations for 35,000 men, provided
10,000 garments of wearing apparel for men,
women and children, secured jobs for 300 iiien
and women, free of charge, and given Christ-
mas dinners to 2,200 men. During this time
200 men have been converted, and religious
services have been conducted in five languages.
Religious services are conducted regularly in
English and Spanish. A Day Nursery was
maintained during the summer, in which
thirty-eight children were cared for. while their
mothers worked.
The American Center has no creed but
Christ, and draws no color line. Men of all
colors, classes, nationalities and beliefs are
welcome, and every one is accorded the same
treatment, regardless of his religious beliefs
or affiliations.
Central Methodist Episcopal Church ; This
society was organized with seven members as
the H Street Methodist Episcopal Church, De-
cember 9, 1855, by Rev. N. R. Peck and Rev.
N. P. Heath, presiding elder. Martin Grier,
J. L. Thompson, A. Fowler, H. Kronkite, L.
I'elton and R. Ward composed the first official
board. A church edifice was erected and paid
for during the first vear of its existence, at a
cost of $2,000. It was dedicated June 29, 1856,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
193
by Bishop Kavanaugh of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church South. Rev. N. R. Peck was the
pastor until 1857, being succeeded by Rev.
David Deal, who was pastor for two years, and
afterwards served a second term. During- his
pastorate a parsonage costing $1,500 was
erected, and prosperity attended the church.
Rev. H. Baker succeeded Mr. Deal and was in
turn succeeded by Rev. W. S. Urmy. During
the pastorate of the latter the great floods of
1861-1862 occurred, and the water rose eighteen
inches above the pews of the church, and Mr.
Urmy and his family were rescued from the
parsonage in boats. No service could be held
for several weeks until the water subsided.
The church suffered at this time from the
business depression following the flood, and
the exodus of many people from the city.
At the conference of 1863 the proposition
was made to unite the two congregations, but
it was not approved, and Rev. N. R. Peck was
returned as pastor, and reported an increase
of eighteen members during the following
year. Rev. J. A. Bruner was appointed to the
charge next, and served one year. During the
years 1865 and 1866, both the H Street and
Sixth Street churches were under one pastor-
ate. Rev. J. W. Ross being the pastor. This
arrangement was disastrous to the H Street
church, nearly destroying its identity and deci-
mating its membership, but in 1867 the old
status was restored. Rev. J. M. Hinman be-
ing appointed pastor, and the church took on
renewed prosperity. May 12, 1869, some mis-
creant attempted to burn the church by setting
a fire in the bookcase and in the pulpit.
Rev. George Newton was appointed in 1869
to this charge, and kept it for three years, dur-
ing which time some radical changes took
place. Early in his pastorate a success was
realized that seemed to justify a change, and
the old church lot on H Street was sold, as
well as the parsonage. The old church build-
ing was moved to a lot on the corner of Elev-
enth and I Streets, the present church site be-
ing a part of the lot. The building was cut in
two and fitted up for dwellings. An old build-
ing which stood on the lot was fitted up for
a parsonage, and plans were made for the
erection of a large church building, to be a
"memorial church" for Bishop Kingsley, who
had died during the year at Beyrout in Syria.
The plans included the erection of a chapel
first ; this was done and it was called ''Kings-
ley Chapel." But the church had been too
ambitious. By the close of Mr. Newton's
pastorate the debt had increased to about
$8,500. and the property had become so much
involved that further prosecution of the plans
was impossible.
The years that followed were years of varied
success and depression, and their record tells
a tale of heroic sacrifices on the part of the
members in striving to uphold the church and
liquidate the indebtedness. It was discourag-
ing work, but they persevered in spite of the
increasing indebtedness and a decreasing
membership. A revival under Mrs. Van Cott
encouraged them by increasing the member-
ship during the pastorate of Rev. J. L. Trefren,
but most of these afterwards went to other
churches. Revs. A. J. Wells, J. E. Wickes and
David Deal succeeded to the pastorate in turn,
and during the dark hours of the society they
labored devotedly and made great sacrifices.
At length, in 1882, Rev. McKelvey was ap-
pointed pastor. By his indomitable energy
during his pastorate he succeeded in wiping
out the debt, by the sacrifice of all the prop-
erty except the church and the lot it stands on.
He also remodeled and improved the church
building at a cost of $3,500, most of which was
raised by Mrs. McKelvey outside of the mem-
bership ; and the name was changed from
Kingsley Chapel to the Central Methodist
Church. Thus when it was reopened b)^ Bish-
op Fowler the congregation had a neat church,
free from debt. Rev. Mr. McKelvey was re-
moved by limitation before an opportunity
was afforded him of enjoying the fruits of his
labor, and was succeeded by Rev. Thomas
Filben. After four years' service Mr. Filben
was succeeded by Rev. C. H. Beechgood, who
gave way in 1892 to Rev. E. E. Dodge. In
1894 Rev. J. L. Trefren was returned to his
former charge for three years, and then Rev.
J. B. Chynoweth came, and remained for six
years, the time limit having been removed.
Rev. Richard Rodda succeeded him. and in
1912 was succeeded in turn by Rev. James
Whitaker, who served until 1918. In October,
1918. the First Methodist Episcopal Church
of Sacramento and Central Methodist Episco-
pal Church consolidated and took the name of
Grace Methodist Episcopal Churchy of Sacra-
mento. Since that time, or since September,
1918, Rev.Carl M. Warner has been pastor of
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church.
A German Methodist Church was organized
in this city in 1856, but debts finally accumu-
lated until in 1866-1867 the burden became so
heavy that the church was broken up.
St. Andrew's Church, African Methodist
Episcopal, was organized in 1850 by Rev.
Isaac Owen, at the house of "Uncle Daniel
Blue," on I Street, between Fourth and Fifth.
A church building was erected on the site on
Seventh Street, between G and H, where the
present brick church is located. The first
pastor was James Fitzgerald, who served in
1851-1852.
194
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
The Mctliodist Episcopal Church South was
organized in April, 1850, by Rev. W. D. Pol-
lock, who was also the principal factor in the
building- of a frame church on the site of the
brick church which succeeded it, on Seventh
Street lietween J and K. The latter edifice
was dedicated by Bishop Pierce July 10, 1859.
The first building- was burned in the fire of
November 2, 1852, and the second cost $4,000.
Mr. Pollock was forced by ill health in the
fall of 1850 to return to Alabama, where he
died the following year. He was succeeded
by Rev. Mr. Penman, who shortly afterwards
abandoned the ministry and engaged in other
pursuits. Since that time the pastors have
been as follows: W. R. Gober, 1851-1852;
John Matthews, from August, 1852, to April,
1853; B. F. Crouch, appointed by Bishop
Soule, 1853, to April, 1855; A. Graham, 1855-
1856; W. R. Gober, 1856-1858; Morris Evans,
1858-1860: T- C. Simmons, 1861-1862; S.
Brown, 1862-1863; George Sim, 1863-1865;
E. K. Miller, 1865-1866; T. H. B. Anderson,
1866-1868; George Sim, 1868-1869; W, R.
Gober, 1869-1872; T. L. Moody, 1872-1873; C.
Chamberlain, 1873-1875; B. F. Page, 1875, to
fill out Mr. Chamberlain's time; R. Pratt,
1875-1876; M. C. Fields, 1876-1878; C. Y. Ran-
kin, 1878-1879; T. H. B. Anderson, 1879-1882;
F. Walter Featherstone, 1882-1883; H. C.
Christian, 1883-1887; George B. Winton, 1887-
1888; A. C. Bane, 1888-1890; H. Singleton,
1891-1893; T. A. Atkinson, 1893-1897; W. E.
Vaughn, 1897-1901; P. T. Ramsey, 1901-1904;
C. C. Thompson. 1904-1905; W. A. Ott, 1905-
1906; C. T. Clark, 1906-1910. L. S. Jones suc-
ceeded to the pastorate in 1910, and served for
several years ; and since the close of his min-
istry the pastors have been the Revs. H. V.
Moore, O. h. Hodgson, R. U. Waldraven,
W. J. Tenton, E. H. Mowre, and E. E. Wall,
the present pastor. The congregation now
occupy a commodious modern edifice on the
northwest corner of Fifteenth and J Streets.
German Evangelical Lutheran Church : In
1865-1867, Rev. Mr. Buchler, of San Francisco,
and Rev. Mr. Elbert preached in this city a
few times and endeavored to organize a
church, but without success. Rev. Matthias
Goethe, formerly of Au.stralia, later began
work in Sacramento, organized the church
December 1, 1867, with twenty-three charter
members, and purchased the old German
Methodist Church on the corner of Ninth and
K Streets (now Hale's) for $2,400. F. Klotz,
H. Winters, H. W. Schacht, F. Hopie and A.
Grafmiller were elected trustees. The build-
ing was afterwards sold and the later church
on the corner of Twelfth and K Streets was
erected in 1872 at a cost, including the three
bells, of about $15,000.
Mr. Goethe was succeeded in 1875 by Rev.
T. Langebecker; Dr. C. Taubner, 1877-1888,
and Adolf Jatho, 1887-1890. In 1890 Rev.
Charles F. Oehler succeeded to the pastorate,
and continued the work with splendid success,
building up the church to a large and prosper-
ous membership. Soon after his arrival the
debts were paid off and a parsonage erected.
A new pipe organ was installed and many
members were added to the church and Sun-
day school. Services were held in German
and English. Mr. Oehler conceived the idea
of establishing a building fund, to be used
when the time arrived for the erection of a
larger and more beautiful edifice. The fund
was started by an Easter offering in 1905, Mr.
Oehler having sent out a letter asking for an
offering of $1,000 and receiving $600. The
pastor, trustees, and women and other mem-
bers of the church labored faithfully and in-
creased it to $16,000, and in 1911 a fine lot,
120 by 160 feet, was purchased on the corner
of Seventeenth and L Streets, the sale of the
old church property at Twelfth and K Streets
netting a large sum,, and then the new edifice
was planned and completed. The style of the
church is German Gothic and the material a
fine white artificial stone. Four of the large
windows are memorial windows, and the
church seats more than 500 people, and has
galleries in the rear and the transept. The
corner-stone was laid December 10, 1911,
Mayor Beard, the local Lutheran clergy and
several visiting ministers participating. The
German Evangelical Lutheran Church is the
second oldest Luthern church in the state of
California, Rev. J. M. Buchler having begun
as early as 1864 to make preparations for
establishing it, but it was not organized until
1867, by Rev. Matthias Goethe.
First Church of Christ, Scientist: The first
public Christian Science services held in Sac-
ramento were held in Granger's Building,
Tenth and K Streets, in 1890. The First
Church of Christ, Scientist, here was organ-
ized in 1899, and granted a state charter in
1901. The historic church building on Four-
teenth and K, known as the United Brethren
Church, was purchased in 1904. Later this
property was sold and a lot purchased on
Twenty-third Street, between K and L. The
beautiful structure erected there was finished
in 1910, at a cost, including the site, of about
$35,000. The exterior is of Medusa cement,
with mahogany interior finish. The four-square
domed auditorium is seated with opera chairs
on a sloping floor. Three large art windows
and a fine crystal electrolier make it one of the
best-lighted auditoriums in the United States.
This was the tenth church of the denomina-
tion in California.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
195
Christian Church, or Disciples of Christ :
October 13, 1855. Elders J. N. Pendegast and
Thomas Thompson conducted the first serv-
ices held by this denomination in Sacramento.
The}' met in the Methodist brick church which
until a few years ago stood on Seventh Street,
between J and K. John O. Garrett and R. B.
Ellis were appointed elders, and Rufus Rigdon
and A. M. C. Depue, deacons. A nice chapel
was erected on Eighth Street, between N and
O, in 1877, the cost, including the lot, being
$4,500, and the church was very largely in-
debted to the enterprise of Elder J. N. Pende-
gast for the building.
In 1896, during the pastorate of Rev. J. E.
Denton, the old church became too small, and
was removed to the corner of Sixteenth and
L Streets, and made the basis for the erection
of a new edifice, the enlargement and finishing
costing about $6,000, a debt being incurred
that has since been wiped out. On the even-
ing of July 4, 1910, the church took fire, sup-
posedly from a rocket which fell on the roof
during the celebration, and the building was
burned and almost the entire contents were
destroyed. A new site at Twenty-seventh and
N Streets was selected, and a new edifice was
erected, containing two auditoriums with a
combined seating capacity of nearly 900. Rev.
H. O. Breedon conducted the dedication serv-
ices, which were held on December 17, 1911.
The structure also contains eighteen rooms
for classes and departments.
Calvary Baptist Church was first organized
October 17, 1869, by Rev. Frederick Charlton,
pastor of the First Church. The organization
took the form of a mission Sunday school
superintended by R. H. Withington and held
in a schoolhouse situated on Thirteenth and
G Streets. When it became necessary to have
more suitable accommodations a building, 40
by 160 feet, costing $1,000, was erected on I
Street between Twelfth and Thirteenth. An-
other building, 38 by 65 feet, was erected in
1870 at a cost of $2,000. In 1871 a new church
was organized to accommodate members of
the parent church living in that part of the
city. The first deacons of this church were
W. R. Strong, A. J. Barnes and R. H. With-
ington. The clerk was A. A. Bynon. The
pastors have been as follows : J. P. Ludlow,
R. F. Parshall, William Hildreth, C. F. Forbes,
H. W. Read, George L. Lewis, S. B. Gregory,
J. O. A. Henry, 1881-1884: S. A. McKay. 1884;
A.t. Herrick, December, 1884. to 1891; J. H.
Reider, 1892 to 1896; F. M. Mitchell. 1896-
1899: S. G. Adams. 1899-1904; D. M. McPhail,
1908-1912; C. H. Hobart, 1912-1920; A. W.
Brown, 1920 to the present time. During Rev.
McPhail's pastorate the church was destroyed
by fire. A new lot was then purchased at the
northwest corner of Si.Kteenth and I Streets,
where the present building was erected, at a
cost of about $13,000. Soon after the retire-
ment of Mr. ?vIcPhail the proposition of con-
solidating with Emanuel Baptist Church was
taken up, with Rev. A. J. Sturtevant to act as
pastor of both churches. The proposed union
did not materialize and in 1912 Rev. C. H.
Hobart took charge of the work, which pros-
pered under his leadership.
The First Baptist Church was the pioneer
Baptist organization in Sacramento. As early
as 1849 Rev. J. Cook, who kept a boarding-
house on I Street, preached a number of times
in the grove. Rev. O. C. Wheeler came up
from San Francisco September 9, 1850, and
while the state was being admitted to the
Union he was busy organizing the First Bap-
tist Church at the residence of Judge E. J.
Willis on H Street between Sixth and Sev-
enth. He was probably assisted in the work
by Mr. Cook. Judge Willis and John A.
Wadsworth were elected deacons ; Madison
AValthall, treasurer ; Leonard Loomis, clerk ;
and Rev. J. W. Capen, pastor. The first public
services were held the following day in the
court-house on I Street. A church costing
$4,000 was built in the spring of 1851 on the
corner of Seventh and L Streets, and was con-
sumed in the fire of November 2, 1852. What
was claimed to be the finest church building
in the state was erected in 1854 on the west
side of Fourth Street, between K and L. While
costing only $8,000, it was a very fine edifice
for the price and had a main auditorium 35
by 85 feet, with a vestry 15 by 32 feet in the
rear. In the great fire of July 12, 1854, it was
only saved from destruction by the most stren-
uous exertions of the citizens. During 1877
it was sold for $3,000 and was afterwards re-
moved to the corner of Fourteenth and K
Streets, where it was used for a number of
years by the United Brethren in Christ. The
present building on Ninth Street between L
and M was erected in 1877-1878 at a cost, in-
cluding the lot, of $18,230.48. The corner-stone
of the edifice was laid with Masonic ceremo-
nies August 20, 1877, and opening services
were held March 10. 1878. Ah Mooey, a China-
man, was admitted into the church September
2, 1855, and subsequently was licensed to
preach, his baptism being supposed to have
been the first one of that nationality in Cali-
fornia. His conversion occurred during the
pastorate of Rev. J. L. Shuck, who was then
an accredited missionary to the Chinese of
Sacramento and later went to South Carolina,
where he died in 1863. Rev. Bryant Wilson,
chaplain in the World War overseas, is the
present pastor.
The Siloam Baptist Church (colored) was
196
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
organized in 1856 and existed until late in the
eighties.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church of Sac-
ramento was organized February 6, 1885, with
ten members, by Elder E. A. Briggs, then a
resident of Oakland. The congregation had
been first established at Pleasant Grove, Sut-
ter County, and had borne the name of that
town, but in October of 1887 the place name
was changed to Sacramento. The members of
this denomination observe Saturday as the
Sabbath.
In March of 1872 an Advent Church was
organized in Sacramento by Elder Miles Grant
with about thirty members, but the organiza-
tion existed only about four j'ears. That con-
gregation also observed Saturday as the Sab-
bath.
The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints was established in Sacra-
mento in 1865, and met at first in the Chinese
chapel on Sixth Street between H and I, next
in Graham's Hall, later in the lower hall of
the Masonic Building. Finally, in 1884, the
society erected a frame building, 34 by 44
feet, on the corner of Twenty-fourth and K
Streets, costing $2,100. This society has
worked faithfully for the wiping out of polyg-
amy. Among the elders who have served in
the church are E. H. Webb, G. W. Harlow
and J. H. Parr. The denomination also has a
church on Fifth Avenue, Oak Park.
A small society of Brighamite (polygamous)
Mormons were in existence in Sacramento in
1872, and for a few years afterwards.
The first Unitarian sermon preached in Sac-
ramento was delivered by Rev. Mr. Brown,
December 29, 1867, in the Metropolitan The-
ater. During the spring of the following year
the First Unitarian Church of Sacramento was
organized, and the congregation increased
rapidly for a time. It went down in 1873, but
was revived in 1887 and worshiped in Pioneer
Hall. A lot on Sixteenth Street between K
and L was purchased, on which to erect an
edifice. For some years Rev. C. P. Massey
(now deceased) preached occasionally. For
nearly seventeen years, with the exception of
the occasional sermons of Mr. Massey, the
church was without a pastor; and then, in
1911, Rev. Franklin Baker assumed the pas-
torate and resumed the work.
Congregation B'nai Israel was formed in
1852. Previous to that there had been another
organization, which met at the residence of
M. Hyman, a jeweler on Front Street. Rev.
Mr. Wolf officiated. The first synagogue
owned by the society in this city was a small
frame building on Fifth Street between N and
O. This was sold afterward to the colored
Baptists, who worshiped there until the build-
ing was destroyed by fire in 1861. The frame
house on Seventh Street near L was purchased
from the Methodist Episcopal Church for
$3,500 and was converted into a synagogue.
This building also was destroyed by fire in
October, 1861, and in the early part of 1864
the congregation purchased the building on
Sixth Street between J and K, previously used
b}' the First Presbyterian Church. The build-
ing was remodeled and then used for some
time, but eventually was sold. The congrega-
tion now worships in a fine synagogue which
thev erected on Fifteenth Street between N
and' O.
Ebenezer Church, Evangelical Association
(German), was organized in 1881, and the fol-
lowing year the present edifice was erected.
It stands on Tenth Street between O and P.
The old building, which was owned by Trinity
Church, Evangelical Association, was sold in
1887, and that society disbanded many years
ago. The church is now known as "The Evan-
gelical Church."
The United Brethren in Christ have been
represented in Sacramento for many years.
During 1875-1876 Rev. Alexander Musselman
took the first steps toward organizing a church
of this denomination here. A series of meet-
ings were held in the Calvary Baptist Church
in 1876 by Rev. J. H. Becker and Rev. J. L.
Field. In the fall of that year the present or-
ganization was formed. The old building
known as the Fourth Street Baptist Church
was purchased for $3,000. The closing of the
sale was delayed for some reason, and the
society did not obtain possession of the build-
ing until November, 1877. In September,
1878, they removed it to the corner of Four-
teenth and K Streets, raised the building six
feet, and repaired, repainted and refurnished
it, the total cost of the work being $2,800. In
1884 a parsonage was erected on the lot ad-
joining on the west. The pastors have been
as follows: J. H. Becker, 1877-1878; D. D.
Hart, who became pastor in 1878 and died in
the pulpit in 1881 ; J. H. Becker, for various
periods; Revs. Field and Demondrum to 1883;
Francis Fisher, two years; T. J. Bander, to
September, 1888; J. W. Baumgardner, 1888-
1890; M. S. Bovez, 1890-1892; Harvey Bell.
1892-1894; Olin Lowe, 1894-1895; Daniel
Shuck, 1895-1899; T. J. Bander, 1899-1900;
William Thompson, 1900-1903 ; Homer Galla-
her, 1903-1906; T. J. Bander, 1906-1907; L.
Harter, 1907-1912; G. H. Smith, 1912-1913;
J. T. Black, 1914-1917; J. [. Canoles, 1918;
H. H. Haller, 1919-1920; O. P. Harnish, 1921
til the present time.
Almost every denomination is represented
in Sacramento.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
197
CHAPTER XXVIIl
FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS
Inception of Masonry in California
THE HISTORY of Masonry in California
is so inextricably interwoven with the
history of Masonry in Sacramento City,
that we may be pardoned if we give a some-
what extended mention of its inception. The
first meeting- of lodges that resulted in the
formation of the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the
State of California took place in the city of
Sacramento. For the early history of Masonry
in the state we are indebted to the deep and
tireless research of old records by Edwin A.
Sherman (thirty- third degree), the venerable
grand secretary of the Masonic Veteran Asso-
ciation of the Pacific Coast, as set forth in his
"Fifty Years of Masonry in California."
Even with the first explorers of the wilds
west of the Rocky Mountains, came Masons
as trappers, hunters and traders. Few, if any,
such parties did not embrace within their
ranks at least one or more Masons, fearless,
energetic men, who carried in their bosoms
the doctrines and secret ceremonies of the
Mystic Tie, men of moral courage as well as
physical, of stern integrity and fidelity to their
Masonic obligations. Many a tale could be
told of the devotion of these daring spirits to
their distressed or imperiled brethren, and also
to their comrades not bound to them by the
ties of Masonry.
The first Masonic missionary, for he might
well be classed as a missionary, who came to
California, and returned to Missouri to bring
from the grand lodge of that state the first
charter for a Masonic lodge, was Peter Lassen.
Long before the discovery of gold, he came
here, brave, hardy and determined, and was
untiring in his resolve to found a Masonic
lodge here, while the country was still under
the Mexican rule. Lassen was born in Copen-
hagen, Denmark. August 7, 1800, and there
learned his trade of blacksmith. At twenty-
nine years of age he crossed the ocean to Bos-
ton, and a few years after removed to Mis-
souri. In 1839, with a party of others, he
came to Oregon, and after spending the winter
there, sailed in an English ship to Fort Bode-
ga, then occupied by the Russians. The Mexi-
can comandante sent a party of soldiers to
prevent their landing, but the Russian gov-
ernor ordered the Mexican soldiers to leave
or be shot down, and they retired. Lassen
and his comrades were stranded and unable
to get away, and appealed to the American
consul at Rlonterey, stating that they had
been denied passports and were without funds,
that the}^ wanted to proceed to the settlements
or to obtain a pass to return to their own
country. The appeal wound up with the
characteristic statement : "Should we receive
no relief, we will take up our arms and travel,
consider ourselves in an enemy's country and
defend ourselves with our guns."
After remaining at Bodega fifteen days,
however, they managed to reach Yerba Buena
and later Lassen went to San Jose, bought
some land- in 1841 at Santa Cruz and set up
a sawmill. In 1843 John Bidwell, Lassen and
James Burheim pursued a party bound for
Oregon as far as Red Bluff and recovered
some stolen animals. Bidwell made a map
of the valley and named the streams, and on
his return Lassen applied to Governor Michel-
torena for a grant of land, based on Bidwell's
map. He received it and selected Deer Creek,
in Tehama Count}-, proceeding there the next
spring and making the first settlement north
of Cordua at Marysville. He laid out a town
which he named Benton City, where he pro-
posed to start a Masonic lodge. He laid out
the Lassen road for immigrants and named
Lassen Peak. This was before the discovery
of gold, and in 1847 he went back to Missouri
to get a charter for a lodge, several other
Masons having joined liim at Benton City.
He obtained a charter for Western Star Lodge
No. 98, May 10, 1848, naming Saschel W\)ods,
master; L. E. Stewart, senior warden: and
Lassen, junior warden. He returned with the
charter and an immigrant train of twelve
wagons, being joined at Pitt River by a party
of Oregonians who had heard of the discovery
of gold, of which he had not heard until they
joined him. He did not learn that a Masonic
lodge had been institulcd at Oregon City, Sep-
tcmlDcr 11, 1S48, under authorit)- of the grand
lodge of Missouri, or that Joseph Hull, the
master, and several other Masons of that lodge
were with the Oregon train. Neither party
learned till long afterwards that any of the
others were Masons, or that Lassen had a
198
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
charter for a lodge. He afterwards went to
Plumas County, and in 1853 met his death at
the hands of the Piute Indians. His body was
recovered by citizens and buried at Honey
Lake on his ranch, and a stone monument
erected to his memory, while the county of
Lassen was named after him.
November 9, 1848, Samuel York Atlee, Wil-
liam Van Voorhies and Bedney F. McDonald
received a charter for California Lodge No. 13,
from the District of Columbia, and located it
at San Francisco. Connecticut Lodge No. 75
was granted a charter by the grand lodge of
Connecticut. January 31. 1849. Pacific Lodge,
U. D., was granted a traveling charter by the
grand lodge of Louisiana, June 5, 1849^^ and
located at Benicia, subsequently becoming
Benicia Lodge. The same grand lodge also
granted a dispensation to Davy Crockett
Lodge at San Francisco. Illinois granted a
dispensation to a traveling lodge which located
at Marysville, and Wisconsin granted one to
Lafayette Lodge at Nevada City. The rec-
ords of Western Star Lodge were destroyed
by fire, so that, although it was the oldest
lodge in the state, the records of California
Lodge No. 13 are the oldest extant.
Connecticut Lodge No. 75, the first one in
Sacramento, is now known as Tehama Lodge
No. 3, F. & A. M. In the story of its inception,
as related by R. H. McDonald and Past Grand
Master John A. Tutt, now deceased, long the
la.st living Mason who helped organize the
grand lodge of California, we find some inter-
esting data. In 1849 Dr. McDonald opened an
office on K Street near Sixth, and a friend of
his, who was going to the mines, came to his
office and said : "Doctor, when I was coming
across the plains and along the Humboldt Val-
ley in Nevada, I saw piled up on the sand bv
the side of the road, a lot of books, and on a
card fastened on a stick, this notice: 'Help
yourself.' There were a good many fine books
in the heap, and among them this large red
morocco-covered Bible with gilt edges. As I
could not pack more than one book along with
me, I took this Bible, and brought it through.
As I am going to the mines, and cannot take
it with me, and as you are a kind of religious
cuss, I'll give it to you." Dr. McDonald ac-
cepted it.
Shortly after, in September, 1849, several
written notices were found posted up around
the horse-market, on the trees, calling a meet-
ing of all Master Masons in good standing, to
meet in the upper part of a building on the
north side of K Street. When the meeting
convened, the little garret was packed with
brethren who were nearly all strangers to one
another. The meeting was called to order by
John A. Tutt, and someone made a motion
that Dr. R. H. McDonald take the chair. Dr.
McDonald was surprised, as he did not know
a single person present, but he approached the
box that was used as a chair, and was con-
fronted by a tall stranger, who also stepped
forward to take it. It was an amusing scene,
as they stood looking each other in the face.
"Are you Dr. R. H. McDonald, and have you
a monopoly of the name of McDonald?" asked
R. H. "I am Dr. R. H. McDaniel," was the
reply, "but am known as Dr. McDonald
through a mistake in calling my name."
Mutual explanations followed, and as the
stranger proved to be the one nominated, he
took the chair and opened the meeting. When
it became necessary to ascertain who were
Masons, it was discovered that there was no
Bible present, and it could not be dispensed
with. "Wait a minute, and I will get one,"
said Dr. McDonald. He went out and brought
in the pioneer Bible which his friend had given
him. An association was then and there
formed for the relief of the sick and distressed
brethren who were constantly arriving.
Soon afterwards the discovery was made
that there was in existence a charter for a
Masonic lodge in the hands of one of the
brethren, issued to Connecticut Lodge No. 75.
Upon this the association was dissolved, and on
January 8, 1850, it organized under the name
of Connecticut Lodge No. 75, and Dr. R. H.
McDonald presented his Bible to the lodge.
Today it belongs to Tehama Lodge No. 3,
the successor of Connecticut Lodge. The lodge
secured the upper part of the Red House, on
the southeast corner of Fifth and J Streets,
which was the building best suited to its pur-
poses, at that time, but as the owner shortly
afterwards rented the lower story fpr immoral
purposes, the lodge removed with its furniture
to the attic over the old market house on M
Street near Second. Previous to this, how-
ever, the grand lodge of California was organ-
ized in the building first occupied, on April
19, 1850. Tehama Lodge No. 3 was chartered
by the grand lodge of California. The Bible
used in organizing the grand lodge of Cali-
fornia was the same one Dr. McDonald pre-
sented to Connecticut Lodge.
The deputy grand master of New Jersey
issued a dispensation March 1, 1849, to open
a lodge in the territory of California, which
seems to have been a sort of roving commis-
sion, with power for the master and brethren
to appoint his successors in office until the
next annual meeting of the grand lodge of
New Jersey. It seemed to exigt continuously
and to assume the functions and privileges' of
an independent chartered lodge. The dispen-
sation from the grand lodge of New Jersey
authorized Thomas Youngs, Moses W. Per-
sonett, John B. Clark and others to open the
lodge, and named Youngs as master. He con-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
199
veyed authority to John E. Crockett and cer-
tified that fact on the back of the dispensation.
Crockett, so authorized, opened New Jersej^
Lodge in this city December 4, 1849, and it
was in active and successful operation by
April 17, 1850, and chose its representatives
to the convention of that date. The delegates,
however, could take no part in the organiza-
tion of the grand lodge, it not being- an inde-
pendent chartered lodge, but onlj^ a temporary
creation of the deputy grand master of New
Jersey. Immediately after the organization of
the grand lodge of California, this lodge ap-
plied and received a charter as Berryman
Lodge No. 3, which was changed shortl)' aft-
erwards to Jennings Lodge No. 4.
There are very few who are aware that there
were two grand lodges of California instituted
for the government of the order, but such was
the fact. The records of the first grand lodge
were undoubtedly destroyed. There was no
opportunity to examine the records of Con-
necticut Lodge and Western Star Lodge,
which were destroyed by fire, nor of New
Jersey Lodge, U. D., which is extinct, nor of
Benicia Lodge, U. D., of Benicia, which pre-
sented no records to the convention. Califor-
nia, Lodge No. 13, of San Francisco, was a
regularly chartered lodge, but it was not noti-
fied of the action contemplated for the organ-
ization of a grand lodge, and as the Masonic
law and custom provide that there must be
present representatives from three regularly
chartered lodges, the organization of the first
grand lodge was irregular and illegal.
California Lodge No. 13, being notified of
the action organizing a grand lodge at Sacra-
mento, appointed a committee to investigate,
and finding the state of affairs, notified the
Sacramento brethren of the irregularity of
their action, suggesting that the matter be
begun over again. The brethren at Sacramen-
to, finding their error, abandoned voluntarily
their grand lodge, the officers of which are
unknown, and joined with California Lodge
for the formation of a legally constituted
grand lodge. Notices were sent out to the
regular lodges of A. Y. Masons of the state,
for a convention to be held at Sacramento
April 17, 1850, for the formation of a grand
lodge.
The convention met on the 17th in this city,
and Most Worshipful Master Charles Oilman
of San Francisco, past grand master of Mary-
land, was called to the chair, and Benjamin
D. Hyam of Benicia, afterwards grand master
of California, was chosen secretary. Repre-
sentatives of the following lodges presented
their credentials to W. N. Doughty and John
A. Tutt of Sacramento and John H. Gihon of
San Francisco, the committee on credentials:
California Lodge No. 13, San Francisco; Con-
necticut Lodge No. 75, Sacramento; Western
Star Lodge No. 98, Benton City; New Jersey
Lodge, U. D., Sacramento ; Benicia Lodge,
U. D., Benicia. The committee reported the
first three as regularly chartered, and New-
Jersey Lodge as regularly under dispensation,
but that Benicia Lodge had presented neither
a charter nor a dispensation. The three char-
tered lodges were pronounced by the conven-
tion entitled to form a grand lodge. The con-
stitution of the grand lodge was adopted on
April 19, and the following grand officers
elected : Jonathan D. Stevenson, R. W. grand
master; John A. Tutt, R. W. deputy grand
master; Caleb Fenner, R. W. senior grand
warden; Saschel Woods, R. W. junior grand
warden ; John H. Gihon, R. W. grand secre-
tary.
New Jerse}' Lodge was granted a charter,
and at the first annual meeting of the grand
lodge in this city. May 7, 1850, Benicia Lodge
received its charter. A dispensation had been
granted to Sutter Lodge in Sacramento, and
it was granted a charter. The lodges belong-
ing to the grand lodge were given numbers
as follows : California Lodge, No. 1 ; Western
Star Lodge, No. 2; Tehama Lodge, No. 3;
Berryman Lodge (Sacramento), No. 4; Beni-
cia Lodge, No. 5; Sutter Lodge (Sacramento),
No. 6. The name of Berryman Lodge was
changed to Jennings Lodge No. 4. By this
formation of the grand lodge, Sacramento se-
cured in the election the deputy grand master,
junior grand warden, and eight of the appoint-
ive officers, to which she was entitled, being
the great distributing point for Masonic
charity.
The semi-annual meeting of the grand lodge
was held at Sacramento in November, 1850,
during the last days of the cholera epidemic,
and in its proceedings it developed that those
attending taxed themselves voluntarily for
charity, '$17,010.70, an average (if $205 each,
and assumed a debt of $14,425.44. an average
of $174, making a contribution of $379 for
eyery Master Mason in Sacramento contribut-
ing to the Masonic Hospital inside of ten
months, besides answering other demands for
charity of all descriptions. Those were the
days when Masons' hearts and purses were
opened wide at the call of distress. Fortunate-
ly for Sacramento, she has never since been
so strenuously called on for relief, althou.gh
even now her board of relief, composed of the
masters of the lodges, is called upon to con-
tribute large sums yearly. Never, jierhajis, in
the history of the world has there been an
exhibition of such great sacrifice, such unself-
ish charity, and such devoted service to the
cause of humanity as the records of the early
200
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
days of Sacramento show to have been carried
out by the Masonic pioneers of the city and
state, in conjunction with the offspring of
Masonry— the Order of Odd Fellows — during
the terrible seasons of disease and epidemic
in 1849-1850.
The Masonic Temple
In 1864 the initial steps were taken for the
erection of a Masonic Temple. The first meet-
ing of the Masonic Hall Association was held
July 1, 1864. The board of directors chosen
from the five lodges were A. T. Nelson, Leon-
ard Goss, W. F. Knox, H. T. Holmes, Richard
Dale, S. D. Smith, Thomas Ross, P. S. Law-
son and John W. Rock, all of whom have since
passed away. The association incorporated on
September 17, 1864, with a capital of $30,000,
divided into 1,200 shares of twenty-five dol-
lars each. November 1, 1864, they bought of
R. D. Ferguson the old "Horse Market" at the
southwest corner of Sixth and K Streets, ou
the trees of which, in 1849, the notices for the
first meeting of Masons in Sacramento had
been posted. June 24, 1865, the corner-stone
of the building was laid by Grand Master Wil-
liam Caldwell Belcher. An excursion to Clip-
per Gap, where an oration was delivered by
A. A. Sargent, netted $18,000, and the hall,
which was added to and remodeled in 1875,
at a cost of many thousands, was long one of
the finest and most valuable Masonic proper-
ties in the state. Some years ago the directors
of the association purchased a site at Twelfth
and J Streets. A magnificent new home has
been erected on the site at a cost in excess of
$500,000, including the rich furnishings. Here
all the Blue Lodges of the city and the Eastern
Star are housed. The Scottish Rite order also
have their temple — a very beautiful building —
located at Twenty-eighth and L Streets.
Masonic Lodges
The earl}- history of Tehama Lodge No. 3,
which was first chartered as Connecticut
Lodge No. 75, and rechartered by the grand
lodge under its present name January 8, 1850,
has been delineated. The charter was granted
to Caleb Fenner, W. M. ; James W. Goodrich,
S. W., and Elizur Hubbell, J. W. John A.
Tutt, one of its charter members, was after-
wards grand master. Two of California's early
governors, John Bigler and J. Neely Johnson,
were among its members on the first roll sent
to the grand lodge in November, 1850; also
Gen. A. M. Winn. After the lodge removed
from the Red House it located in the hall over
the market house at Second and M Streets,
moving thence to the upper story of Stanford's
building on K Street, and going, in 1854, to
the third story of Bennett's building on J
Street, between Front and Second. Since the
erection of the Temple, it holds its meetings
there. It is a prosperous lodge, its present
membership being 275.
Jennings Lodge No. 4, acting under dispen-
sation as New Jersey Lodge, and chartered
by the grand lodge of California May 7, 1850,
as Berryman Lodge No. 4, of which the name
was changed the same day to Jennings Lodge
No. 4, resolved February 14, 1853, to surrender
its charter to the grand lodge, and did so,
passing out of existence. Hon. H. C. Hastings,
afterwards a justice of the supreme court of
California, E. J. C. Kewen, and other promi-
nent men were members of it.
Sutter Lodge No. 6 was granted a dispensa-
tion by Deputy Grand Master Tutt April 19,
1850, with Edward J. Willis, W. M. ; C. E.
Thorn. S. D., and Addison Martin, J. D., as
officers, and was granted a charter by the
grand lodge on May 7 following. The lodge,
having lost its furniture and jewels by fire,
surrendered its charter, and was declared ex-
tinct by the grand lodge. May 6, 1853. E. J.
Willis vi^as county judge of Sacramento, and
E. W. McKinstry, another member, was after-
wards a justice of the supreme court of Cali-
fornia.
Washington Lodge No. 20 was organized
February 19, 1852, granted a dispensation two
days afterwards, with Charles Dunscombe,
W. M. ; Jesse Morrill, S. W. ; J. L. Thompson,
J. W., and a charter was granted to it May
5, 1852. Its first master, N. Greene Curtis,
served four terms as grand master, and it has
on its membership rolls the name of Hiram
Warren Johnson, besides two governors who
afterwards received foreign appointments —
John Bigler, United States minister to Chili,
and Romualdo Pacheco, United States minis-
ter to Guatemala, and who was the second na-
tive Spanish Californian. as far as is known,
to receive the degree of Masonry. There were
a number of other members who became
prominent in the state's history.
Sacramento Lodge No. 40 was granted a
dispensation July 20, 1853, and May 3, 1854,
obtained its charter, when its officers were :
James Lawrence English, W. M. : John A.
Tutt, S. W. ; John H. Gass, J. W. ; W. J. Kohl-
man, treasurer; W. G. Borneman, secretary;
B. F. Crouch, chaplain ; W. W. Stovall, S. D. ;
H. Greenbaum, J. D. Edwin Sherman, author
of "Fifty Years of Masonry in California," was
a member of this lodge. John A. Tutt, Wil-
liam Lawrence English and E. C. Atkinson
were all grand masters. W. M. Petrie, for
more than thirty years treasurer of the lodge,
W. L. English, Isaac Davis and W. F. Knox
have been grand high priests of the grand
chapter, and grand commanders of the grand
commanderv of California. Davis and English
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
201
were also grand masters of the grand council.
Union Lodge No. 58 was granted a dispen-
sation June 5, 1854, with James Ralston,
W. M. ; Gabriel Haines, S. W. ; and Sol Kohl-
man, J. W., pro tem. ; May 4, 1855, its charter
was granted, with the same master and senior
warden, W. A. Walters, as junior warden,
taking Kohlman's place. The last surviving
charter member was Col. Abraham Andrews of
San Francisco, who died in that city on Decem-
ber 14, 1913. Samuel C. Denson, a former judge
of the superior court, was a grand master from
this lodge, and George T. Bromley, known
all over the Coast for his amiable and genial
qualities, was a member. He was conductor
of the first train on the first railroad built in
California. Benjamin Welch, another mem-
ber, was a thirty-third degree member of the
A. & A. S. R.
Concord Lodge No. 117 never received a
dispensation. Its petition for a charter was
received by the grand lodge May 14, 1857, and
its charter was granted the next morning,
naming John L. Thompson, W. M.; Thomas
Johnson, S. W. ; and Charles S. White, J. W.
William H. Hevener, a past master and long
the oldest member of this lodge, was given his
degrees in 1S59. At the time of his death he
had been secretary of the lodge for several
decades. The late S. H. Gerrish, who died in
August, 1912, for many years secretary of the
Sacramento Free Library, was a member of
this lodge.
Masons from all parts of northern California
gathered in Sacramento on October 16, 1921,
and organized Capital City Lodge No. 499.
The officers of the new lodge were designated
as follows :
Dr. Samuel J. Wells, master; Mark H.
Raynsford, senior warden ; Oliver A. Hartwell,
junior warden; Dr. Alexander Orr, treasurer;
J. C. Sawyer, secretary ; Rev. W. C. Whitaker,
chaplain; Albert P. Johnson, senior deacon;
George W. Holmes, junior deacon; George M.
Pottle, marshal; R. R. Wortz, senior steward;
George S. Bolles, junior steward, and Harry
E. Salt, tyler.
Royal Arch Masons
Sacramento Chapter No. 3, R. A. M., was
instituted October 5, 1852, with the following
officers and charter members : Isaac Davis,
H. P.; J. H. Bullard, K.; Joel Noah, S.; T. A.
Thomas, C. of H. ; Charles Duncombe, P. S. ;
J. Ball, R. A. C; J. P. Gouch, M. Third V.;
G. Haines, M. Second V.; J. Wilcoxson, M.
First V. The other charter members were :
A. B. Hoy, T. W. Thayer, John L. Thompson,
Jesse Morrill, Wilham Reynolds, I. N. Brice-
land, A. Hullub, Cyrus Rowe. The chapter
at present numbers 374 members.
Sacramento Council No. 1, Royal and Select
Masters, was instituted April 10, 1858, with
the following officers and charter members :
Isaac Davis, T. I. M. ; John A. Tutt, D. I. M. ;
George I. N. Monell, P. C. of W. : G. E. Mont-
gomery, R. ; N. Greene Curtis, treasurer. Other
charter members were: Jesse Morrill, T. A.
Thomas, G. Haines, H. H. Hartley, O. H.
Dibble, A. G. Richardson and J. Wilcoxson.
It has at present 287 members.
Sacramento Commandery No. 2, K. T., was
instituted July 5, 1853, with the following
charter members and officers : Isaac Davis,
E. C. ; Jesse Morrill, G. ; T. A. Thomas, C. G. ;
C. I. Hutchinson, A. B. Hoy, John L. Thomp-
son, Charles Duncombe, J. P. Gouch and
James M. Stockley. It numbers over 270
members.
In 1869 the Scottish Rite branch of Mason-
ry was introduced in Sacramento, Jacques de
Molay Council No. 2, Knights Kadosh, being
instituted on May 13 of that year. Palestine
Lodge of Perfection No. 3 and Alpha Chap-
ter No. 1, Rose Croix, were also instituted
about the same time; but the interest in the
Rite dying down, they were discontinued in
1873. Interest was revived again April 3, 1895,
by the institution of Isaac Davis Lodge of
Perfection No. 4 and Palestine Chapter Rose
Croix No. 6, October 25, 1901 ; and Sacramento
Council No. 5, Knights Kadosh, instituted on
the same date, followed. Sacramento Con-
sistory No. 7 was instituted March 17, 1905.
The order is in a most prosperous condition.
It belongs to the southern jurisdiction of the
United States of America. In the late eighties,
or early nineties, a spurious order of Scottish
Rite endeavored to obtain a foothold in Sacra-
mento, but was short-lived.
Women's Orders of Free Masonry
Naomi Chapter No. 36, Order of the Eastern
Star, was instituted May 3, 1879, the member-
ship increasing within a few weeks to forty.
It is the senior chapter in the city, and boasts
of the largest membership. The officers and
charter members were: Mrs. E. M. Frost,
W. M. ; J. N. Young, W. P. ; Mrs. M. J. Crav-
ens, A. M. ; E. C. Atkinson, secretary ; W. H.
Hevener, treasurer; Mrs. A. J. Atkinson,
chaplain ; Miss H. A. Palmer, C. ; Miss M. A.
Stanton, A. C. ; Mrs. A. Coghlan, Adah ; Mrs.
G. Van V'oorhies, Ruth ; Mrs. M. E. Parsons,
Esther; Mrs. E. M. Hartley, Martha; Mrs.
C. P. Huntoon, Electa; Mrs.'M. F. McLaugh-
lin, W. ; J. T. Griffitts, sentinel.
Columbus Chapter No. 117, O. E. S., was
instituted August 8, 1892, with eighty-three
charter members.
Sacramento Chapter No. 190, O. E. S., was
instituted March 7. 1901, with seventy-one
charter members.
202
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Adah Chapter No. 301, O. E. S., was insti-
tuted in 1911.
Jewel Court, U. D., of the Royal and Ex-
alted Degree of Amaranth, was instituted
August 27, 1910, the grand officers of the or-
der conducting the installation. The first offi-
cers were : Royal matron, Eliza Higgins ;
royal patron, Frank Kleinsorge ; associate
royal matron. Lulu E. Adams ; honored sec-
retary, Estella Eabadie ; honored treasurer,
Frances Just; honored conductress, Addie De
Coe ; honored associate conductress, Ellen
Bowden ; honored herald, Frankie Carlaw ;
honored marshal in the East, Mary N. Martin;
honored marshal in the West, Alice E. Teal ;
honored prelate, James T. Martin ; Lady
Truth, Bertha Peart; Lady Faith, Elsie Lind-
green ; Lady Wisdom, Elsie Kleinsorge ; Lady
Charity, Margaret Z. Kelly ; honored warder,
Agnes Hummell ; honored sentinel, Henry
Lindgreen. The court received its charter
April 12, 1911.
Freemasonry Among the Colored
The colored people have what they claim
are lodges of Freemasonry, working under
charters obtained from other jurisdictions, but
not recognized by the white Masons as being
regular.
Philomathean Lodge No. 2, F. & A. M. (Col-
ored), worked under a charter obtained from
England. It was organized November 6, 1853,
and secured quite a large membership.
St. John Chapter, R. A. M. (Colored), was
organized in 1873.
Adah Chapter No. 2, O. E. S. (Colored), was
instituted in 1871 with twenty-nine members.
Dr. R. J. Fletcher was the leading spirit in
Colored Masonry among the colored people,
and was instrumental in establishing the
Grand Chapter O. E. S. (Colored), which was
instituted in this city December 27, 1882.
Chinese have a sign stating that they have
a Masonic lodge on Third Street, and are said
to use some of the symbols of the order, but
whether they have any of the esoteric work is
not known. It is known, however, that there
are Masonic lodges in China.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows
General A. M. Winn has the credit of intro-
ducing Odd Fellowship into Sacramento as
early as August, 1849. There were a nvimber
of Odd Fellows in the city at that time, and
General Winn effected an informal organiza-
tion among them for the purpose of affording
relief to the sick members of the order, as well
as to others. Their noble deeds should never
be forgotten, for they spared neither time,
work, nor money in relieving the distress and
sickness that were so prevalent at that time.
The Masons joined with them in the work and
erected a joint hospital. The complete organ-
ization of the first Odd Fellows lodge, how-
ever, did not take place until January 28, 1851,
when Sacramento Lodge No. 2, I. O. O. F.,
was instituted, with Horatio E. Roberts,
N. G. ; G. H. Peterson, V. G. ; George G.
Wright, secretary; and Lucius A. Booth, treas-
urer. The other charter members were Sam-
uel Deal, M. Kaliski, Robert Robinson, N. C.
Cunningham, M. C. Collins and William
Childs. The meetings were held at first in the
rooms of the Freemasons. The lodge numbers
about 200 members.
Eureka Lodge No. 4, I. O. O. F., was organ-
ized January 7, 1852, with the following offi-
cers and charter members : George I. N. Mon-
nell, N. G. ; Thomas Sunderland, V. G. ; A. P.
Andrews, secretary ; William Watson, treas-
urer; John Turner, R. S. N. G. ; R. Porter,
L. S. N. G. ; W. H. Tilley, R. S. V. G. ; W. H.
Hall, L S. V. G. ; Thomas M. Davis. Warden;
A. J. Lucas, conductor ; also David Hall and
Jesse Morrill.
El Dorado Lodge No. 8, I. O. O. F., was or-
ganized September 24, 1852, with officers and
charter members as follows : J. F. Cloutman,
N. G.; J. L. Polhemus, V. G. ; L. D. Kelly,
R. S. ; George W. Chedie, treasurer ; A. B.
Armstrong, L. Korn, James Levi, Thomas B.
Moore, Joseph S. Korn, James S. Scott and
W. Prosser.
Capital Lodge No. 87, I. O. O. F., was insti-
tuted June 10, 1859, by District Deputy Grand
Master Samuel Cross, with the following first
officers and charter members : E. F. White,
N. G. ; C. M. Mason, V. G. ; John McClintock,
secretary; and Amos Woods, treasurer; the
other charter members were : E. M., Heuston,
G. A. Basler, C. B. Steane, Lewis Shuck,
Thomas B. Byrne, James Bowstead, M. M.
Estee and F. K.Krauth.
Schiller Lodge No. 105, I. O. O. F., was or-
ganized on June 26, 1862, with officers and
charter members as follows : S. J. Nathan,
N. G.; Joseph Schwab, V. G. ; Charles
Schwartz, secretary; Charles Dohn, P. S. ;
L. C. Mendelson, treasurer; Lewis Korn, H.
Theilbahr, Anton Wagner, A. Meier, George
Ochs, F. Gotthold, Jacob Klippell, Louis
Greenbaum, Peter Kunz and George Guth.
Industrial Lodge No. 157, I. O. O. F., was
organized April 24, 1869. The officers and
charter members were as follows : G. W. Car-
roll, N. G.; T. M. Ripley, V. G. ; T- A. Sea-
mon, R. S. ; G. A. Stoddard. P. S. ; John Rip-
pon, treasurer. Other charter members were
G. B. Dean, T. P. Ford. I. C. Shaw, Charles
Noyes, C. C. Ault, H. C. Wolf, J. M. Anderson,
M. Phelan, B. F. Huntley, S. H. Gerrish.
Royal Preston, W. F. Emerson, R. McRae,
J. L. Gerrish, P. Bolger, G. F. Pattison, W. D.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
203
Hammond, J. S. Philbrick. George Landon,
M. Favero, E. E. Masters, W. C/Cent, John
Thomas, Add Crandall, J. C. Carroll and F.
Woodward.
Pacific Encampment No. 2, I. O. O. F., was
organized July 29, 1853, with eight charter
members: Matthew Parden, P. C. P.; C. C.
Hayden, P. C. P. ; Thomas W. Davis, P. H. P. ;
W. H. Watson, P. H. P. ; John F. Morse, P.
Robinson, A. J. Lucas and Walter Prosser.
Occidental Encampment No. 42, I. O. O. F.,
was organized November 14, 1871. S. S. Nixon,
P. L. Hickman, J. F. Clark, F. H. McCormick,
R. Davis, Nelson Wilcox and W. M. Ruse
were the charter members.
Grand Canton Sacramento No. 1, Patriarchs
Militant, I. O. O. F. : June 14, 1875, fifty Odd
Fellows organized Sacramento Battalion,
Company A. The first officers were : A. H.
Powers, commander; H. A. Burnett, first lieu-
tenant ; A. Menke, second lieutenant ; J. A.
Hutchings, secretary ; G. M. Mott, treasurer ;
F. Hogeboom, first sergeant ; James S. Scott,
second sergeant ; J. H. Miller, standard bearer ;
P. E. Piatt and J. H. Stebbins, color bearers.
The Sovereign Grand Lodge, at a regular
session in September, 1882. made a provision
for the uniformed bodies of Odd Fellows and
passed laws and regulations for them, to be
known as Degree Camp of Uniformed Patri-
archs. January 30, 1883, Sacramento Degree
Camp No. 1, Uniformed Patriarchs, was or-
ganized with forty-three members and elected
the following officers : Ed. M. Martin, com-
mander ; Frank Hogaboom, vice-commander ;
William A. Stephenson, secretary; Nelson
Wilcox, treasurer; H. A. Burnett, officer of the
guard ; W. E. Piatt, picket ; F. P. Lowell, ban-
ner ; Charles Cooley, guard of tent. The first
two initiates in the state were W. F. Norcross
and J. Carlaw.
In September, 1885, the Sovereign Grand
Lodge, I. O. O. F., reorganized the militarj-
branch and changed its name to "Cantons of
Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F." It also adopt-
ed a complete set of laws, with a complete list
of military officers, to be under the Sovereign
Grand Lodge. In accordance with this change,
March 8, 1886, Grand Canton Sacramento, No.
1, Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F., was organ-
ized by Gen. C. W. Breyfogle, with eighty
members. It elected officers as follows: W. N.
Sherburn, commander; Elwood Bruner, lieu-
tenant; S. A. Wolfe, ensign for Canton No.
18, both cantons to compose Grand Canton
No. 1, which elected W. A. Stephenson, clerk,
and Nelson ^^'ilcox, accountant.
Rising Star Lodge No. 8, Rebekah Degree,
I. O. O. F., was organized December 22, 1871,
with seventy-one members. Its first officers
were: William S. Hunt (P. G.), N. G. ; Mrs.
Ellen Gilman, V. G. ; Martha A. Hunt, R. S. ;
Mrs. W. Roth, P. S. ; Julia Patterson, T.
Germania Lodge No. 38. Rebekah Degree,
I. O. O. F., was organized April 27, 1876, with
charter officers as follows : A. Heilbron
(P. G.), N. G.; Mrs. Anna C. Greisel, V. G. ;
Zilrs. Julie Fisher, R. S. ; Mrs. Fredericke Neu-
man, F. S. ; Mrs. Amilie Meckfessel, T. ; also,
C. F. G. Salle, P. G. ; F. Fisher, S. Morris,
P. G. ; Mrs. Dora Morris, John Bolze, P. G.
Capital City Rebekah Lodge No. 160, I. O.
O. F., was instituted September 3, 1890, by
Grand Master John Glasson, with eighty char-
ter members. The membership at present is
507. The first officers were : Delia Pettit,
N. G. : Alice Seadler, V. G. ; Mary Murray,
recording secretarj' ; Mary Moore, financial
secretary : Annie McCaw, treasurer.
Sacramento Rebekah Lodge No. 232, I. O.
O. F., was instituted March 29, 1898, with
twenty-six charter members, and the member-
ship at present is 264. The first officers were :
Laura Label, P. N. G. ; Rose E. Schmitt, N. G. ;
Rose E. Futterer, V. G. ; Lavinia Broughton.
recording secretary; Emma E. Reinernian.
financial secretary; Katherine Futterer, treas-
urer. The appointed officers were : Annie M.
Schmidt, Ward. ; Carrie Gruhler, Cond. ; Gus-
tave Kortstein, O. G. ; Josie Reinerman, I. G. ;
I\Iarv A. Mayhen. R. S. N. G. ; Amelia Meck-
fessel, L. S. N. G. : Carrie Popert, R. S. V. G. :
Josephine Lakin, L. S. V. G. : Ida .\. Olmstead,
chaplain.
Oak Park Lodge No. 5, I. O. O. F., was
instituted April 29, 1905, by District Deputy
Grand Master David F. Fox, with Weeden G.
Conklin, P. G. ; James McDougal, P. G. ; Frank
L. :McGrew; William H. Dymond ; W. A.
Bird; William E. Cole, P. G. ; Alexander Orr ;
and ISl. A. Jenkins, charter members. The first
officers were : James ^tlcDougal, A. P. G. ;
WiUiam E. Cole, N. G. ; William H. Dymond,
V. G. ; W. G. Conklin, secretary ; Alexander
Orr, treasurer. Twenty-four candidates were
initiated on the night of its institution. The
membership at present is 193.
Union Degree Lodge, No. 3. I. O. O. F..
was organized October 7, 1853, with a num-
ber of members, but was discontinued some
time during the eighties.
The Veteran Odd Fellows Association of
Sacramento was organized in 1873 by a call
of several veteran Odd Fellows in this city.
In order to be eligible for membership one
must have been an Odd Fellow for twenty
years and be a member of some lodge, in
good standing. The Odd Fellows' General
Relief Committee consists of three members
from each lodge, to attend to the wants of
transient members of the order who may be
in need. The Odd Fellows' Temple Associa-
204
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
tion was preceded by the "Hall Association,"
which was incorporated June 25, 1862, with
a capital stock of $60,000, afterwards in-
creased to $80,000, and purchased the St.
George Hotel building at the corner of Fourth
and J Streets, fitted it up, and kept it for sev-
eral years as an Odd Fellows lodge and busi-
ness block. July 26, 1869, the trustees of the
lodges and encampment met and organized
the present Temple Association and purchased
a lot for the erection of a temple. The result
was the erection of the fine four-story building
at Ninth and K Streets, which was at that
time the finest structure in the city, with the
exception of the Capitol. The association also
owns a fine plat in the City Cemetery, adjoin-
ing the Masonic Cemetery plat.
Sacramento Lodge No. 2189, G. U. O. of
O. F. (Colored), was organized on July 14,
1881, with thirty-one members. The first offi-
cers were : F. T. Bowers, P. N. F. ; E. Brown,
N. F. ; D. A. Johnson, P. N. G. ; B. A. Johnson,
N. G. ; R. J. Fletcher, V. G. ; H. H. Williams,
E. S. ; R. H. Small, P. H. ; O. H. Guinn, W. T. ;
R. C. Ferguson, W. C. The executive authority
for this order was derived from the national
body, under a subcommittee of management
located at Philadelphia and acting in harmony
with the order in England.
Knights of Pythias
The Knights of Pythias erected a fine hall
at the northwest corner of Ninth and I Streets,
which was dedicated July 4, 1889. It is 40 by
90 feet, four stories high, and fitted up for the
lodge, drill and lecture rooms, and a banquet
hall.
Sacramento Division No. 7, Uniform Rank,
Knights of Pythias, was instituted in October,
1882, with fifty-four charter members. The
first officers were: James A. Davis, com-
mander; John W. Guthrie, lieutenant com-
mander ; Theodore Schumacher, herald ; Frank
H. Kiefer, recorder; George H. Smith, treas-
urer; George B. Katzenstein, sentinel; Joseph
T. Keepers, guard ; Charles E. Leonard, stand-
ard bearer.
Sacramento Lodge No. 11, K. of P., was
organized December 2, 1869, with a large
membership, the following being the officers ;
G. W. Wallace, C. C. ; J. H. Sullivan, V. C. ;
S. Pearl, prelate; Frank W. Marvin, K. of R.
and S. ; R. W. Jackson, M. of F. ; J. E. Goods,
M. of E.
Columbia Lodge No. 42. K. of P., was organ-
ized April 21, 1877, with J. W. Guthrie, P. C. ;
A. J. Vermilya. C. C. ; P. J. Spacher, V. C. ;
S. A. Wolfe, P. ; John McFetrish, K. of R. and
S.; O. H. P. Sheets, Jr., M. of F. ; Robert
Pettit, M. of E.; W. E. Lugg, I. G. ; W. E.
Oughton, O. G. ; also, J. Stubbs, M. Odell, J.
Goddard, William Neidhart and W. Kay.
Confidence Lodge No. 78, K. of P., was or-
ganized August 28, 1882, with officers as fol-
lows : J. F. Lucas, P. C. ; J. A. Baker, C. C. ;
A. V. Boyne, V. C. ; F. H. Kiefer, prelate;
A. J. Plant, M. at A. ; W. B. Rodgers, K. of R.
and S.; J. H. Smith, M. of E.
Three of the Sisters having heard that Mrs.
C. L. C. Lawrence, S. M. of R. and C, would
pass through Sacramento on her way to Los
Angeles, where she was to institute the first
temple of Pythian Sisters, conceived the idea
that as long as Sacramento was the capital of
the state, they should have the first temple
of Pythian Sisters there. A committee met
Mrs. Lawrence at the train and persuaded her
to stop over and institute this temple. This
was on the morning of December 17, 1889. On
the evening of the same day, the first temple
of Pythian Sisters in the state of California
was instituted in this city, in Castle Hall, cor-
ner of Ninth and I Streets. California Temple
No. 1 had a charter membership of fifteen Sis-
ters and eight Knights. Georgia Guthrie, who
died July 22, 1909, was the first M. E. C. of the
temple and was also the first grand chief of
the order in this state. Of those who signed
the charter at the institution of the temple the
following are still members : Sallie Wolf,
Mary Alvord Fitzgerald. Alice Brissell, and
Mrs. Josephine Hogan. California Temple has
the honor of having had si.x Sisters elected to
the highest office in the state, that of grand
chief. They were as follows : Georgia Guthrie,
Sallie Wolf, Wessie Katzenstein, Mary Alvord
Fitzgerald, Maude Berry Sheehan, and Mrs.
Anna Barrett.
Independent Order of Red Men
Cosumnes Tribe No. 14. I. O. R. M., was
organized October 19, 1867.
Red Jacket Tribe No. 28, I. O. R. M., was
organized October 7, 1869, with officers as fol-
lows: S. Pearl, sachem; M. T. Brum, Sen.
Sag. ; F. Gushing, Jun. Sag. ; W. T. Crowell, C.
of R. ; George A. Putnam, K. of W.
Owosso Tribe No. 39, I. O. R. M., was or-
ganized March 25, 1871, with sixty-six charter
members. The first officers were : Matthew
E. Johnson, sachem ; Ed. M. Martin, Sen. Sag. ;
A. C. Freeman, Jun. Sag.; Will J. Beatty, C.
of R. ; Daniel E. Alexander, K. of W. ; George
Y. Yount, financial secretary; George A.
White, prophet.
Red Cloud Tribe No. 41, I. O. R. M., was
instituted November 13 and 18, 1871, with
over seventy names on the charter list. The
first officers were : Thomas Sullivan, sachem ;
R. A. Renwick, Sen. Sag. ; W. Harper, Jun.
Sag.; J. J. Carter, C. of R. ; William Huller,
K. of W. ; W. A. McNaughton, F. C.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
205
Wenonah Council No. 2, Degree of Poca-
hontas, I. O. R. M., was organized in October.
1887, with forty-one members.
Juniata Council No. 5, Degree of Poca-
hontas, I. O. R. M., was organized July 9.
1888, with twenty-nine members.
Sacramento Stamm No. 124, U. O. R. M.,
was organized October 18, 1888, with charter
members and officers as follows : K. F. Wie-
meyer, O. Ch. ; F. Engehardt, U. Ch. ; C.
Schmidt, B. Ch. ; R. Nobel, secretary ; J. Su-
verkrupp, treasurer ; George W. Derman. W.
Kuhnle, Charles Sold, George Schmeiser,
Charles Boettcher, and W. Braun.
Ancient Order of United Workmen
Union Lodge No. 21, A. O. U. \V., was or-
ganized February 9, 1878, with thirty-eight
charter members, and the first officers were:
M. T. Brewer, P. M.W.; C. B. Kellogg, M.
W. ; T. W. Sheehan, F. ; George T. Bush, O. ;
E. J. Gregory, R. ; Felix Tracy, receiver ; John
F. Farnsworth, Fin. ; Robert Frazer, guard.
Sacramento Lodge No. 80, A. O. U. W., was
instituted February 8, 1879, with a large list
of charter members. The first officers were
John F. Farnsworth, P. M. W. ; James M
Henderson. M.W. ; Edward L Robinson, O.
George B. Katzenstein, R. ; M. R. Beard, Fin.
C. H. Stevens, receiver ; John W. Guthrie. G. ;
W. H. H. Willey, L W. ; W. L Wallace, O. W.
Lily of the Valley Lodge No. 11, Degree of
Honor, A. O. U. W., was organized in 1882,
with thirty-three charter members.
United Ancient Order of Druids
AValhalla Grove No. 6. U. A. O. D., was or-
ganized August 10, 1866, and incorporated
June 13, 1874. The charter members and offi-
cers were : Anton Menke, N. A. ; C. H. Krebs,
V. A. ; Theodore Even, secretary ; Jacob Kee-
ber, treasurer; C. C. Hayden, M. Kestler and
J. Acker.
Union Grove No. 6, U. A. O. D., was organ-
ized in 1885. Capital City Grove No. 66, U.
A. O. D., wa:s organized April 14, 1887. with
thirty-six members. Fidelity Grove No. 31,
U. A. O. D., organized in 1878, was consoli-
dated with Walhalla Grove, May 1, 1888. Sac-
ramento Druidic Circle No. I, was a society
for women, instituted April 7, 1872, but was
soon permitted to dissolve.
Native Sons and Native Daughters of the
Golden West
The Native Sons of the Golden West is an
order originated by Gen. A. M. Winn in San
Francisco in 1875. He had thought, while
acting as marshal of a procession July 4, 1869,
that a company of young Californians would
make an interesting part of the procession.
The idea was in harmony with the times, as
the rapid growth of the order soon proved. It
soon became an influential fraternal and bene-
ficial societ}'. The designation of each local
organization is "parlor," indicating its refined
and social character. The order celebrates an-
nually the anniversary of California's admis-
sion into the Union. Its founder was the first
mayor of Sacramento, and his body was buried
in the Pioneers' plat in the City Cemeterj',
where a monument to his memory was un-
veiled on Thanksgiving Day. 1887.
Sacramento Parlor No. 3, N. S. G. W.. is one
of the oldest parlors in the state, having been
organized March 22, 1878. with the following
officers and charter members: Benjamin
O'Neil, president; John C. Luce, first vice-
president ; Edward B. Carson, second vice-
president; James P. McGinnis, third vice-pres-
ident ; Edward R. Knox, R. S. ; William Rider.
F. S. ; Clarence E. Parker, treasurer; David M.
Maddux, marshal ; Henry Steinmiller. Thomas
W. O'Neil, and Martin Cofifey, executive com-
mittee. Other charter members were: H. C.
Chipman, Joseph Maddux, George Steinmiller,
Thomas O'Brien, William O'Brien, Joseph J.
Maguire, Fred Kidder, George Adams, and
John Feeney.
Sunset Parlor No. 26, N. S. G. W., was insti-
tuted January 21, 1884, with forty members.
Both Sacramento and Sunset Parlors are now
large and prosperous.
Calafia Parlor No. 22, N. D. G. W., was or-
ganized in November, 1887, with 109 members
and now has a large membership.
La Bandera Parlor No. 112 and Sutter Par-
lor No. 117 were instituted in 1900.
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks
The Elks have a strong lodge in Sacra-
mento, with an elegantly equipped home on J
Street between Eighth and Ninth. Recently
the hall was remodeled at a considerable ex-
pense. The lodge is in a very prosperous con-
dition.
Other Orders
California Lodge No. 1580, K. of H.. was
organized April 22, 1879, by Harmon Gregg,
with forty charter members, the following
being the first officers elected : Grove L.
Johnson. P. D. ; Edward F. Aiken. D. ; Norman
S. Nichols, V. D. ; John N. Larkin, A. D. :
Israel Luce, C.
Unity Lodge No. 2088. K. of H., was insti-
tuted March 1, 1880, with thirty-nine charter
members.
Harmony Lodge No. 399, K. and L. of H. :
Equity Lodge No, 1219, K. and L. of H., and
Olive Branch Lodge, K. and L. of H. were or-
ganized later.
Pioneer Council No. 54. American Legion
of Honor, the first council in the state, was
206
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
instituted December 18, 1879, with thirty-
eight charter members. J. M. Henderson was
the first commander and Mrs. N. S. Butter-
field, vice-commander.
Court Capital No. 6742, A. O. F., was or-
ganized January 17, 1881, with forty-three
charter members, Henry Longton, C. V. Court
Sacramento No. 6861, A. O. F., was organized
June 30, 1882. Court Sutter No. 7246, A. O. F.,
was instituted later. The Foresters of Sacra-
mento were the first in the state to erect a
building of their own. It is located on I
Street between Seventh and Eighth.
Friendship Council No. 65, O. C. F., was or-
ganized February 21, 1882, with twenty-five
members. Sacramento Council No. 96, O. C.
F., was organized September 4, 1884, with
about fifty charter members.
Division No. 1, Ancient Order of Hiber-
nians, was organized January 31, 1870, P. A.
Murphy, priest. It was re-organized later.
Division No. 2, Ancient Order of Hibernians,
was organized in the eighties, but was soon
discontinued.
The Young Men's Institute, Branch No. 11,
one of the first to organize in the state, was
started August 8, 1885, at old St. Rose's Hall,
where the present postoffice building stands.
There were fifty charter members, which' soon
increased to 100. D. J. Long was president,
R. E. Murray first vice-president, Joseph Mc-
Guire second vice-president, T. T. Wiseman
recording secretary, Benjamin Neary financial
secretary, and James O'Reilly, treasurer.
Branch No. 27, Young Men's Institute, was
organized in their hall May 7, 1886, with
thirty-one charter members and T. W. O'Neil
president. Young Ladies' Institute No. 17 has
a large membership.
Etham Lodge No. 37, I. O. B. B., was or-
ganized June 23, 1859, by Grand Lodge Dep-
uty Jacob Vogelsdorfi:, with Joseph Davis as
president.
The first organization of the Hebrew Be-
nevolent Association was in December of 1851
and the society was incorporated in February,
1854.
Governor Leland Stanford Camp No. 11,
Sons of Veterans, was organized July 11, 1887,
with eighteen members. Among the first offi-
cers were P. H. Dodge, captain; William Kel-
logg, first lieutenant ; and William H. Lar-
kin, second lieutenant.
The Veterans of the Mexican War were or-
ganized at the Orleans House June 5, 1876.
The first officers elected were as follows : John
Domingos, president; Fred Chamberlain, vice-
president; Peter McGraw, treasurer; and Jos-
eph Sims, secretary. Joseph Sims was the
last surviving charter member, so far as the
writer knows. He is now deceased.
The Sacramento Turnverein was organized
June 2, 1854, with Theodore Steudeman, pres-
ident ; George Meyer, vice-president ; J. W.
Lehmann, secretary; Phil Kitz, treasurer; H.
Lux, first turn leader ; J. Knauth, second turn
leader ; R. Nobel, steward ; and twenty-three
other members. In 1859 the society erected a
brick building on K Street between Ninth and
Tenth, costing $14,000 and known as Turner
Hall. This was sold in 1919 and a new hall
was rented at Thirteenth and K Streets.
Benbow Lodge No. 229, Sons of St. George,
organized in March, 1887, was designed to
take the place of the British Mutual Benefit
and Social Society, which had been organized
in 1877, but had gone out of existence. The
society admitted to membership Englishmen
and the sons and grandsons of Englishmen.
It was discontinued, as was Victoria Lodge
No. 1, Daughters of St. George. They have
been replaced by Victoria Lodge, which is
prosperous.
The Robert Burns Scottish Benevolent As-
sociation was organized in November, 1871, to
relieve the natives of Scotland who might be
in need. It was succeeded by the Caledonian
Society of Sacramento, incorporated in No-
vember, 1888, and which admits as members
Scotchmen and the sons and grandsons of
Scotchmen.
The Independent Order of Good Templars
found its way to California in 1855, a lodge
being organized in Santa Cruz on the 22nd
of February of that year. Sylvan Lodge No.
2 was instituted in Sacramento September 16,
1856, and in 1860 a convention was called here
for the purpose of forming a grand lodge. It
was instituted May 29, of that year. The
order grew rapidly throughout the state and
for many years the headquarters of the grand
lodge was in Sacramento. The "Rescue," the
official paper of the order, was published here.
Sylvan Lodge is now the oldest on the Coast.
Capitol Lodge No. 51, I. O. G. T., was organ-
ized December 12, 1861, became extinct in
1876, but April 2, 1879, an entirely new organi-
zation with a new charter was formed, which
assumed the same name and number. The I. O.
G. T. Bands of Hope (juvenile organizations)
were formed in this city and known as Sacra-
mento No. 56, Capitol No. 91, and California
No. 163. Several divisions of the Sons of
Temperance and a Father Mathew Total Ab-
stinence Society also were organized here and
flourished for some years, but were finally ab-
sorbed by other temperance organizations.
Sacramento Grange No. 12, Patrons of Hus-
bandry, was organized December 4, 1867, with
the following officers and members : W. S.
Manlove, worthy master; I. N. Hoag, worthy
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
207
overseer; E. F. Aiken, worthy lecturer; J. Flora; Mrs. J. Holland, lady assistant stew-
Holland, steward ; G. F. Rich, assistant stew- ard. The other charter members were : Amos
ard; R. Williamson, chaplain; A. S. Greenlaw. Adams and wife. T. K. Stewart, William Ken-
treasurer; William Haynie, secretary; R. S. dall, and A. P. Smith. Sacramento Pomona
Lockett. G. K. ; Mrs. W. S. Manlove, Ceres; Grange was instituted about thirty-five years
Mrs. I. N. Hoag, Pomona; Mrs. E. F. Aiken, ago.
CHAPTER XXIX
ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS
Sacramento Pioneers
THE PIONEERS of Sacramento early rec-
ognized the desirabilit}- of an association
of the first comers to the Coast. January.
25, 1854, about seventy persons met at Jones'
Hotel on J Street, between Front and Second,
for the purpose of organizing a pioneer asso-
ciation in Sacramento. Joseph W. Winans was
elected chairman, and Samuel Colville, secre-
tary, of the meeting. A committee was ap-
pointed, consisting of R. P. Johnson, Samuel
Colville, J. W. Winans and R. M. Folger,
which reported on the 27th: of January a con-
stitution. It was adopted and, with some
alterations made later, is the law which now
governs the body. The association met Feb-
ruary 6, 1854, for the purpose of electing
officers, to serve until September 9. 1854. The
following were elected : Joseph W. Winans,
president; J. B. Starr, J. N. Nevett, D. J. Lisle,
Richard Rust, J. B. Mitchell and WiUiam M.
Carpenter, vice-presidents ; Samuel Colville,
recording secretary; N. A. H. Ball, correspond-
ing secretary ; B. F. Hastings, treasurer ; H. E.
Robinson, Volney Spalding, C. C. Sackett.
R. P. Johnson, W. C. Waters, James Haworth,
and George Rowland, directors.
The charter members of the association were
as follows, although a number of those at the
first meeting signed their names later in the
year, but too late to be charter members, the
roll having closed in January :
James Anthony, James Alexander, H. B.
Bonnell, E. J. BarroU, Frank Bush, Jr., Gor-
don Backus, J. B. Blanchard, Charles H. Brad-
ford, M. D. Corse, George Cadwalader, Ed-
ward Crowell, John H. Carroll, Samuel Col-
ville, William Chesley, James H. Culver, John
L. Craig, George Chedwick, Robert M. Folger.
Gilbert Griswold, Justin Gates, Jr., John G.
Hyer, James Haworth, J. L. Howard, C. W.
Hoyt, W. P. Henry, H. W. Harkness, C. C.
Hayden, James C. Hedenburg, Thomas H.
Jackson, E. B. Kenyon, W. F. Kennedy, Ed-
ward McCarty, C. Morrill, James B. Mitchell,
Jesse Moore, G. W. Mann, M. K. Murphy.
Samuel J. May, David Oliver, H. H. O'Calla-
han, Gregory J. Phelan, Henry E. Robinson.
S. B. Robbins, George Rowland, Charles
Smith, Jacob S. Shaber. A. C. Sweetser.
Charles S. Sackett, Charles H. Shaw, James B.
Starr, John Tingman, Joseph W. Winans, Wil-
liam Wolfersburger, John Wood, Jonathan
Williams, J. C. Za'briskie, R. P. Johnson, N. A,
H. Ball, B. F. Hastings. Volnev Spalding.
J. N. Nevett, D. J. Lisle. Richard 'Rust. J. H.
Culver, A. C. Latson, A. C. Morse, J. F. Morse,
Charles A. Swift.
The present officers of the association are :
George Putnam, president ; and J. G. Patter-
son, vice-president and secretary.
In order to explain this list, it will be neces-
sary to recite the series of events which led
to the adoption of a new constitution and the
admission of a younger set of members. The
original constitution had been amended a num-
ber of times, so that confusion as to its pro-
visions arose. In the meantime the roll had
been steadily growing less, as the member.s
passed away. An association known as the
Sons and Daughters of the Sacramento Soci-
ety of California Pioneers had been formed in
1891, the first officers being: William M. Sims,
president ; Leila J. Lindley, vice-president ;
Annie Luther, secretary ; Matie Johnston,
treasurer; P. C. Farnsworth. marshal; direc-
tors, Gussie Carroll, Minnie Richardson, Leila
J. Lindley, Florence McKune, W. E. C)sborn,
William M. Sims, C. E. Mack, Jr., W. A. Gett,
Jr., and H. M. LaRue, Jr. The societj' incor-
porated July 28, 1891.
At this time the roll of the Pioneers was
steadily growing smaller, and by the end of
the century the disposition to be made of the
valuable property belonging to the associa-
tion became an important question, and one
involving much thought. The Sons and
208
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Daughters of Pioneers signified their willing-
ness to make an arrangement through which
they would ultimately take over the property
when the last Pioneer had passed away. The
idea met with favor in the eyes of some of the
Pioneers, while others opposed it. Finally,
January 30, 1909, when only ten of the Pio-
neers remained, they agreed to form a new or-
ganization, with a new constitution, and the
present one was adopted. It provides for two
classes, the first to consist of those whom the
original society had declared eligible to be-
come members, and the second to consist of the
sons, daughters and lineal descendants of the
members of the Association of Pioneers in
good standing. Under this constitution the
Sons and Daughters became members of the
Association of Pioneers April 25, 1909.
The Pioneers' membership has dwindled to
two: Col. Dan Burns, now living in San
Francisco, who came to Sacramento in 1849
when a baby ; and Cornelius Cole, now a resi-
dent of lyos Angeles. Ex-Senator Cole is
over a hundred years old now, but is still
active.
Following is a complete list of the presi-
dents of the society, with the respective dates
of their terms of service : Joseph W. Wi-
nans, 1854-1856; A. C. Monson, 1856-1857;
John F. Morse, 1857-1859; James Queen, 1859-
1860; A. C. Monson, 1860-1861; John H. Car-
roll, 1861-1862; N. L. Drew, 1862-1863; Greg-
ory J. Phelan, 1863-1864; R. H. McDonald,
1864-1865; Justin Gates, 1865-1866; William
F. Knox, 1866-1867; Isaac N. Hoag, 1867-1868;
James McClatchy, 1868-1870; Charles N. Ross,
1870-1871; Isaac Eohman, 1871-1872; Albert
Leonard, 1872-1873; Edward F. Aiken, 1873-
1874; Asa P. Andrews, 1874-1875; G. K. Van
Heusen, 1875-1876; N. D. Goodell, 1876-1877;
Homer P. Osborn, 1877-1878; George A. Put-
nam, 1878-1879; John S. Miller, 1879-1880;
W. C. Felch, 1880-1881 ; James McGuire, 1881-
1882; A. H. Powers, 1882-1883; J. H. McKune,
1883-1884; George W. Chesley, 1884-1887;
Powell S. Lawson, 1887-1890; H. M. LaRue,
1890-1891 ; William Johnston, 1891-1892; J. M.
Stephenson, 1892-1894; W. W. Light, 1894-
1895; William Turton, 1895-1896; Joseph
Sims, 1896-1897; W. C. Farnsworth, 1897-
1898; E. Twitchell, 1898-1899; A. C. Sweetser,
1899-1900; Felix Tracy, 1900-1901; D. Me-
gowan, 1901-1902; F. Hotchkiss, 1902-1903;
W. R. Strong, 1903-1904; H. M. LaRue, 1904-
1907; D. Megowan, 1907-1908; Joseph Sims,
1908-1912; George Putnam, 1912 to present
time.
The Association meets in Pioneer Hall,
which building was erected by it in 1868, on
Seventh Street, between J and K; and later
it purchased a building adjoining it on the
south and fitted it up with a banquet hall and
parlor. It also collected a museum of relics of
the early days, containing many interesting
objects.
The Sutter Club
The Sutter Club is the leading organization
of its kind in Sacramento, comprising among
its members the most prominent business and
professional men of the city. The first presi-
dent of the organization was Newton Booth,
who prior to his selection had served as the
governor of California and also had been a
United States senator. The club was incor-
porated February 2, 1889, having as its purpose
the promotion of social and business inter-
course among its members. It has elegant
and commodious quarters on the second and
third floors of the California National Bank
building. Fourth and J Streets.
The club takes a leading part in all civic
and other matters appertaining to the best
interests of the city, and is in a flourishing con-
dition. The officers and directors at present
are: Emery Oliver, president; H. E. Hard-
le}', vice-president ; J. T. Pigott, secretary ;
Dr. Gustave Wilson, Geo. W. Peltier, J. S.
Chambers, Dr. W. J. Taylor, C. F. Prentiss,
F. B. McKevitt, Geo. B. Sanford, R. T. Burtis,
and H. J. McClatchy, directors. W. H. Devlin
was the president of the club for a number of
years, and was succeeded by Fred W. Kiesel,
who recently retired as the head of the organ-
ization.
The Tuesday Club
The Tuesday Club is one of the prominent
organizations of Sacramento, and, being offi-
cered and directed by some of the most intel-
lectual women of the city, it has exerted a
strong and beneficial influence on the progress
of the city. It was organized in 1896, and Mrs.
William Beckman was elected its first presi-
dent by the seventeen charter members. The
launching of the club was enthusiastically re-
ceived, and within two months the member-
ship had increased to over fifty, making it
necessary to procure a hall for the meetings,
which, in the beginning, had been held in Mrs.
Beckman's parlors. From this nucleus the
club of today has developed, numbering, at
the present tiine (August, 1923), 531 members.
For four years the club had social reunions,
musical programs, and series of lectures on
miscellaneous subjects. In addition to this
program it then began its public work by
sending to the board of city trustees a peti-
tion requesting it to pass an ordinance prohibi-
ting the granting of any more saloon licenses
in the residence portion of the city. The board
passed the ordinance, which remained in effect.
The membership increased rapidly, and the
club became recognized as a center of social
and mental culture, whose purpose is to en-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
209
courage all movements for the betterment of
society at large, to further the education of
women, and foster a broad public spirit in the
community. It was deemed advisable to di-
vide the club into small departments in order
to facilitate study along different lines, to suit
the diverse tastes of its members.
In the fifth year, work of a philanthropic
nature was taken up and proved in every re-
spect a success. The club made an enthusias-
tic campaign which resulted in carrying the
bonding of the city for the new high school,
and in completing the club's work, already
begun, for the introduction of manual train-
ing in the schools. Through the energy of the
club, also, domestic science is taught in the
city schools. It gives liberally to the Trav-
elers' Aid Society, and is foremost in helping
financially all objects of a charitable nature.
From its infancy the members began to devise
methods for the improvement of the city, and
a recommendation came from the club's de-
partment for the formation of an improvement
club. The suggestion was approved, with the
result that, in combination with other women's
organizations, the Women's Council was or-
ganized, which now numbers more than 11,000
earnest, active women, who work for the bet-
terment of the city and county. The Women's
Council now includes the membership of
thirty-four associated clubs.
In 1900 a committee from the club requested
the purchase by the trustees of a park known
as East Park, as a playground for the children
and for the use of the citizens. The plan met
with opposition from many, but by energy,
persistence and persuasion the result sought
was accomplished. The park was purchased
for $12,500, rechristened McKinley Park, and
is now valued at $200,000, a good investment
for the city, not only from the standpoint of
the children's welfare, but also financially. In
1892 the club established three traveling li-
braries, being the second in the state to dis-
tribute to the dwellers in remote districts this
means of knowledge and culture. In 1903 the
club, with the idea of owning its own club-
house, formed a corporation among its mem-
bers, calling it the Tuesday Club House Asso-
ciation, to which the club donated $300 as a
nucleus for a building-fund. Thereafter the
energy of the association was bent toward
securing sufficient funds for the purpose, and
with such success that the club has for some
years been housed in its beautiful $30,000
building on Twenty-eighth Street, opposite
Sutter's Fort.
Mrs. Nell Siddons Hall is now tlie club's
president.
14
The Saturday Club
No list of representative institutions of Sac-
ramento would be complete unless it contained
a history of the inception and progress of a
club that, by its enterprise and executive man-
agement, has made its name and that of Sacra-
mento known to the whole United States and
to many lovers of music in Europe.
The musical life of Sacramento is repre-
sented by the Saturday Club, a magnificent
organization of women, formed for the stimu-
lation of musical interest in the community.
From a charter membership of sixty it has
swelled to a membershij) of 1.600. and its fur-
ther rapid growth has been limited only by the
present accommodations for its recitals. It is
said to be one of the best-managed women's
clubs in the United States. The club was or-
ganized through the efforts of Mrs. Irving
Bentley, now of San Francisco, and Miss
Emily Thompson, now the wife of Dr. James
Pond of Oakland. A charter membership of
forty active and twenty associate members
was enrolled, with Mrs. Frank Miller as presi-
dent; Mrs. Charles McCreary, vice-president:
and Miss Emily Thompson, secretary and
treasurer. These officers, with Mesdames
George E. Pratt, R. I. Bentley, B. F. Howard,
and Charles Neale, and Miss Minnie Clarke,
composed the first executive board. Of the
sixty charter members, only two, Mrs. Albert
Elkus and Mrs. Robert Hawley, have retained
their active membership during the thirty
years of the club's existence. Mrs. Robert
Hawley is the present president of the club.
The social side dominated during the first
two years of the club's life, the associate mem-
bership being limited, and the meetings being-
held at the homes of the members. The first
meeting was held at Mrs. McCreary's on De-
cember 9, 1893. At the beginning of the third
year, the by-laws were changed, and the meet-
ings were held in public halls, a more demo-
cratic spirit supplanting the exclusiveness
that had formerly prevailed. Membership
tickets were made transferable and people of
all callings were made eligible to enjoy the
programs. Since then the club has been stead-
ily increasing in strength, broadening its field
of work and widening its influence. It has
outgrown every available meeting place in the
city, so that it has several times been forced
to close its membershi|) roll.
The memliership of the club consisted orig-
inally of two classes, active and associate:
but four years after its organization a student
class was added, limited to fift)-, who must he
studying with a teacher of good repute. The
standard set for these pupils is very high, and
the club has educated several hundred girls in
210
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
this way. The list is always full, and often
there are as many as forty waiting to get in at
the end of the season.
The club is purely an organization of
women, and for fourteen years no names of
men appeared on the prospectus except as par-
ticipants in the programs. A limited number
of men have since been admitted to associate
membership, and a Men's Auxiliary was also
formed, made up of local musicians who had
given and were still giving valuable assistance
to the club. During the first six years of its
existence, the programs were given almost en-
tirel}' by its active members ; but since that
time a series of artists' recitals have been given
each season. As many as twelve artists' re-
citals are often given, which, with the nine
Home Days given by members of the club,
make an interesting season. It is the only
club in the United States that gives its mem-
bers the privilege of hearing the great artists
without assessments. In the Saturday Club
the membership tickets admit to all recitals.
The club has also a study course for its mem-
bers, conducted by prominent musicians of
this Coast. In 1911, Albert I. Elkus gave a
course of twelve lectures on music, with musi-
cal illustrations.
Among the most famous artists of the world
who have appeared under the patronage of the
club are: Moriz Rosenthal, Mme. Bloomfield-
Zeisler, Camilla Urso, Katherine Ruth Hey-
man (a Sacramentan), Edward McDowell,
Mile, de Eussan, Madame Schumann-Heink,
Josef Hofmann, Wilhelm Heinrich, Nordica
and the Russ Orchestra, David Bispham, the
Kneisel Quartette, Mary Louise Clary, Denis
O'Sullivan, the Westminister Choir, Jan Ku-
belik, Claude Cunningham, Ossip Gabrilo-
witsch, Johanna Gadski, Herbert Wither-
spoon, Bruce Gordon Kingsley, Teresa Careno,
Fritz Kreisler, Emilio de Gorgoza, Josef Lhe-
vinne, Antonio de Grassi, the Flonzaley Quar-
tette, Antonio Scotti, Jaroslav Kocian, Rhein-
hold Von Warlich, the Russian Symphony,
Tettrazzini. Arthur Hackett, Alice Gentle,
Sophie Braslau, Albert Spaulding, the San
Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Henri Scott,
May Peterson, Chamber Music Society of San
Francisco, Mabel Garrison, Efrem Zimbalist,
Leopold Godowsky, Harold Bauer, Evan AVil-
liams, Alma Gluck, Zoellner Quartet, Olga
Steeb, Barrere Ensemble, Maud Powell.
Frances Alda, Florence Macbeth, Percy Grain-
ger, Frances Ingram, Minneapolis Symphony
Orchestra, Caroline Lazzari, Alfred Cortot,
Salzedo Harp Ensemble, Anna Case, Mary
Jordan, Mischa Levitzki, Philharmonic Orches-
tra of Los Angeles, Leo Ornstein, and Freida
Hempel. The program for 1923-1924, the most
ambitious offered l)y the club during its exist-
ence, includes the names of Amelita Galli-
Curci, Tita Schipa, Queena j\Iario, Ferenc
Vescey, Josef Schwarz, Ethel Leginska, and
Horace Britt, and the London String Quartet.
The Artist Recitals are always looked for-
ward to with great anticipation by the entire
membership, being both delightful and profit-
able, and an incentive to the active and student
membership ; but it is the Home Days that
keep the club spirit alive. The program on
Home Days is given by the active member-
ship, each member appearing twice during the
season ; and a program analysis is given by
one of the literary members. The club has
always paid the artist talent all that the treas-
ury would allow, and when a famous Califor-
nian revisits the Coast, he or she is invited to
make application for a date. Through its
activities, the club has undoubtedly done more
for the musical life of Sacramento than any
other influence. It is difficult to appreciate the
musical apathy that prevailed in the city be-
fore its inception. Famous artists came here
a few times, and met with disappointment.
Two years before the club was organized, De
Pachmann played to an audience of thirty
people.
The club is recognized throughout the
United States as one of the leading musical
organizations of the country. It is conducted
on the highest artistic plane, and numbers
many able musicians in its membership. By
a writer in the Philadelphia "Etude," its con-
stitution and by-laws have been recommended
"to every club about to organize or desirous
of being more successful than it is."
Among workers who have given long and
active service are : Mrs. Albert Elkus, for
many years a member of the board and presi-
dent for some years, who was paid the cour-
tesy of election as honorary president. She
is the mother of the composer-pianist, Albert
Elkus, and is a pianist of great ability, having
played with the Scheel Orchestra in 1895.
Mrs. Frank Miller was the club's first presi-
dent, and was re-elected three times. Mrs.
William Ellery Briggs was president for three
terms. Miss Maud Blue, now Mrs. Eugene
Pitts, was the club's youngest president, and
held office for two years. Mrs. J. A. Moynihan
presided over the club for three years. Mrs.
Francis Moeller was secretary for five years,
and was one of the vice-presidents when she
passed away in February of 1912. Mrs. Louise
Gavigan was the president from 1910 to 1913 ;
Airs. Edward H. Norman, 1913-1916; Airs.
Charles Mering, 1916-1918; Mrs. Robert H.
Hawley, 1918 to the present time. These, as
well as many members not named, have been
faithful workers for the welfare of the club.
HISTORY OF SACRAilEXTO COUNTY
211
Young Men's Christian Association
The Young Men's Christian Association was
organized on October 3, 1866, and elected offi-
cers as follows: N. N. Denton, president; H.
B. Eddy, secretary ; and I\I. L. Templeton,
treasurer. Twenty-six names were enrolled at
the time of organization. At a subsequent
meeting on October 22, 1866, at the Congre-
gational Church, the organization was com-
pleted by electing other officers, as follows :
Sparrow Smith, corresponding secretary ;
George Wick, librarian ; H. AV. Earl, registrar ;
G. W. Bruflf, Seth Babson, A. Aitken, J. M.
Ripley, G. W. Bonner, board of managers ;
and the following vice-presidents : Frank
Miller (Congregational Church), G. R. For-
shee (Sixth Street Methodist Church), A.
Aitken (Presbyterian Church), C. Emery
(Baptist Church), and Henry Garrett (Chris-
tian Church).
The association died down in 1877 and 1878,
but was soon after revived. Its headquarters
were at No. 309 K Street, the St. George
Building, and on the west side of Sixth Street,
between K and L.
A splendid new building costing $200,000
was erected by the association in 1912, on the
northeast corner of Fifth and J Streets, where
all its departments are conducted. The asso-
ciation has a strong and growing membership,
and its influence is widely felt. Charles M.
Brownell is the general secretary.
Young Women's Christian Association
In 1891 nine women of Sacramento met at
the suggestion of Mrs. G. A. Stoddard for the
purpose of organizing a branch of the Young
Women's Christian Association. It was the
first organization of its kind in California ; and
the first year more than 200 members were
enrolled. The first officers were ; Mrs. Mary J.
Mayhew, president ; i\Irs. G. A. Stoddard, vice-
president ; Miss Marie Carrington, secretary:
and Miss Minnie Bashley. treasurer.
At the present time the officers of the asso-
ciation are: Mrs. F. B. Gillett, president; Mrs.
W\ F. Sperry, vice-president ; Aliss G. Louise
Flaa, secretary; Mrs. C. B. Bills, treasurer.
The officers, together with the following
ladies, constitute the board of directors : Mrs.
H. W. Funke, Mrs. A. B. Tavlor. Mrs. George
Yoerk. Mrs. S. F. JNIcAnear, Mrs. J. Thebaut,
Mrs. Jack Leam, Mrs. Frederick Evans, Mrs.
Frank Belhouse, Mrs. Mary Ball, :Mrs. Tucker,
Miss Anita Nathanson, Mrs. C. E. Jarvis, and
Mrs. Weida.
During its thirty-two years of service in
Sacramento, the association has ministered to
many girls through its various departments.
Perhaps its most important service has been
given through the boarding-homes for girls,
which have been maintained steadily through
the years. Other departments of the work,
which have varied from time to time, are the
cafeteria, educational programs, gymnasium,
travelers' aid, girls' clubs and religious work.
The association management maintains a
home for young women at 1517 M Street. The
residence accommodates twenty-two girls, and
seldom is a room vacant. As the housing facil-
ities are entirely inadequate to the demand, a
large room registry file is kept, which serves
a double purpose. It accommodates the house-
wife with one or two rooms to let, and it
accommodates the girl who comes to the asso-
ciation looking for a room. At present 200
rooms are listed. Every room has been
inspected by a worker, and can I)e intelligently
recommended.
On the rear of the lot at 1517 M Street the
board of directors have recently had erected a
bungalow club house. Here meetings of many
kinds are held, the most frequent being those
of the grade- and high-school girls' clubs of
the Girl Reserves.
The board of directors employ a staft' of six
secretaries: a General Secretary, Business Sec-
retary, Travelers' Aid and Alembership Secre-
tary, Activities and Room Registry Secretary,
Girl Reserve Secretary and House Secretary.
These paid workers promote the work of the
various departments and committees. In addi-
tion to the Boarding-Home and Girl Reserves,
alread)' mentioned, one of the most outstand-
ing pieces of work undertaken is that carried
on in the travelers' aid and emergency depart-
ment. Telegrams are received and sent north,
south, east and west in regard to travelers whi_)
are met on trains here in Sacramento and
assisted to their various destinations. In this
work ever}' age, nationality and human condi-
tion are met and assisted.
The property at 1517 M Street is being pur-
chased by the board of directors ; and it is
their earnest hope and expectation that before
many months have passed they will be able to
so enlarge their plant that they can oft'er the
3-oung women of Sacramento adequate hous-
ing facilities, club rooms, dining-rooms, gym-
nasium, swimming-pool, and all other reason-
able advantages so necessary in the busy lives
of girls toda}'.
California State Fair
The California State Agricultural Society
goes back to the year 1854, when Sacramento
held its first annual state fair. During the
month of Septeml^er. 1922, the sixty-eighth
successful exjjosition was held in the capital
city.
The California State Fair has grown until
it is declared by officials who have made a
study of such annual events to hold second
place in the entire United States, both in size
and in \alue of the products exhibited, iieing
212
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
surpassed onh' by the Minnesota State Fair,
which excels by reason of greater state appro-
priations for adequate buildings and space for
exhibitions. At an expenditure of over $300,-
000 several years ago, the State Fair Grounds
were considerably enhanced by the erection of
a magnificent fireproof Horticultural Building,
in which each year are shown the products
from the leading producing counties of Cali-
fornia, including the rich horticultural, agri-
cultural, and dairy exhibits, and displays of
minerals and other specimens. The fruit dis-
play in 1921 was declared by the leading
authorities of the country to be the best ever
assembled in any country on the globe. The
livestock exhibit, with animals worth approxi-
mately $2,000,000, also was a big feature of the
sixty-seventh annual exposition. Each suc-
ceeding year the quality of the exhibits is im-
proved and a larger number of entries in all
classes are made.
In 1854, a bill was introduced into the legis-
lature incorporating the society. At that time
mining was the leading and almost the only
industry in the state, and W. S. Letcher said,
in reporting favorably on the bill, "It is a
measure the provisions of which will act upon
every interest, affect all classes of our citizens,
and touch with electric power every branch
of industry throughout the state." The bill
was approved May 13, 1854, and the sum of
$5,000 a year for five years was appropriated
for the support of the society. The first fair
was held at San Francisco October 4, 1854,
and the amount of premiums given was $4,000.
A convention was called and met at Sacra-
mento April 25, 1855, being attended by the
foremost agriculturists throughout the state,
and addressed by distinguished citizens. The
second state fair was held at Sacramento and
$6,550 was paid in premiums. It was held in
the assembly chamber of the State Capitol,
and all the exhibits were displayed on two
tables, each fifty feet long, and two oval tables
for the cereals. The Sacramento "Daily
Union" stated, while speaking of the exhibits
at the fair, that a Durham bull had arrived
from Sutter County. Two apples from San
Jose and two seedling peaches from Coloma
were also mentioned. General Hutchinson in
his address proudly asserted that 2,000,000
bushels of various grains had been produced
in the Sacramento Valley.
At the fair in 1854, horses, cattle, swine,
sheep and poultry were in the animal show
opened at the Mission. At the second fair in
Sacramento the cattle show was at the Louisi-
ana Race-track, a place afterwards widely
known and now well remembered by old Sac-
ramentans. The three succeeding fairs were
held respectively at San Jose, Stockton and
Marysville. In 1859, the fair was again held
at Sacramento, the cattle show being on the
blocks between O and L, Eleventh and
Twelfth Streets. An evidence of the early de-
termination of stock-breeders to procure the
best and highest-bred strains is shown in that
at this fair Mr. Peterson of Alameda sold a
French merino ram for $1,500, and a ram,
"Crystal Palace," that took first prize at the
World's Exposition in Paris, for $1,500. Be-
sides these, he sold thirty French merino rams
and ewes for $12,000, a total of $15,000 for
thirty-two head of sheep. In 1860 the state
fair was permanently located at this city.
Up to this year the society possessed no
stock grounds, but in 1861 six blocks of land
were purchased by Sacramento citizens and
presented to the society. The streets were
closed and a high brick wall enclosed about
twenty acres. Stalls and stables for about 400
animals were constructed, and a half-mile
track laid out. In 1862 the people of Sacra-
mento raised enough money to purchase six
more blocks for the society. The streets were
closed and a five-mile track constructed. It
became the favorite drive with owners of fine
horses, and Governor Stanford, among others,
was led into racing and breeding fine stock.
This track was on a level at the time when
Governor Stanford's horse "Occident" made
his famous time of 2:16^, and he suggested
that the outer side of the track be raised in
order to keep up the momentum of speed while
the horses were turning curves. The society
had no money for the work, so Governor Stan-
ford ordered it done at an expense of $2,000,
refusing" reimbursement. He asked, however,
that the society annually oflfer an "Occident
Stake," which has been done since, this race
for colts being one of the features of the fair.
In 1859 the citizens of Sacramento by an al-
most unanimous vote taxed themselves one-
quarter of a cent and purchased the quarter of
a block on the northeast corner of Sixth and
M streets, for building a pavilion for the so-
ciety. On July 1 the corner-stone was laid, and
the building, which still stands, was accepted
on September 1. It was used as an agricul-
tural pavilion till the second one was built in
1884. The second pavilion was built on Fif-
teenth Street, between M and N, in the Capitol
Park, and was in use until it was condemned,
about fifteen years ago, and torn down. The
old race-track was sold about eighteen years
ago, and is now covered with fine residences.
The new grounds of the society were pur-
chased beyond the county hospital and build-
ings erected there. The pavilion on Fifteenth
Street was in the shape of a Greek cross, each
part being 400 feet long, and cost $80,000, Sac-
ramento city donating half the amount. To
the earnest and inteUigent work done by the
society, California owes a great share of its
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
213
improvement in stock, and in fruit-raising,
grain-raising and other branches of agricul-
ture, which have brought it to a front rank
among the states of the Union.
The officers of the State Agricuhural Societv
at present are : H. A. Jastro, Bakersfield,
president ; T. H. Ramsay, Red Bluff, vice-
president ; Charles W. Paine, Sacramento, sec-
retary ; Fred W. Links. Sacramento, assistant
secretarv. Directors: I. L,. Borden. San Fran-
cisco; Ralph W. Bull. Areata: T. H. Dudley,
Santa Monica; Ellis Franklin, Colfax; Fred H.
Harvey, Gait ; H. A. Jastro, Bakersfield ; E.
Forest Mitchell, Belvedere; John M. Perry,
Stockton; George W. Pierce, Davis; T. H.
Ramsay, Red Bluff; and George C. Roeding,
Fresno.
Sacramento Valley Development Association
The Sacramento Valley Development Asso-
ciation was formally organized at a meeting
held at Woodland, Yolo County, January 15
and 16. 1900. The suggestion of such an or-
ganization for the valley was evidently made
by C. W. Thomas, an attorney of Woodland.
He passed the suggestion on to Gen. Will S.
Green with the request that the Colusa County
board of trade call a meeting of delegates from
the various counties and municipalities of the
valley for the purpose of discussing the cre-
ation of such an organization. General Green,
realizing the need, prevailed upon the Colusa
County board of trade to issue such a call, and
the meeting at Woodland was the result. The
records show that six counties (Colusa, Yuba,
Sacramento, Sutter, Glenn and Yolo) were
represented by delegates at that meeting. The
meeting was called to order by C. W. Thomas,
and D. H. Arnold of Colusa and George Clark
of AVoodland were elected temporary chair-
man and temporary secretary. Among those
who took a prominent part in this first meet-
ing were : C. W. Thomas, Gen. Will S. Green,
Robert T. Devlin, George V. Martin, Marshall
Diggs, Dr. D. P. Durst of Woodland, Frank
Miller of Sacramento, Hon. F. D. Ryan of Sac-
ramento, James M. O'Brien of Marysville,
Hon. George W. Pierce of Davis, J. O: Cole-
man and Col. E. A. Forbes of Marysville. At
this meeting Gen. Will S. Green of Colusa was
elected president, and acted in that capacity
until his death July 3, 1905. Soon after this
meeting at Woodland the office of the associa-
tion was moved to Colusa, and F. E. AVright
of that place was elected secretary.
The call for the first meeting held in Wood-
land invited delegates to attend the meeting of
the Sacramento Valley Irrigation Convention.
The second meeting was held at Oroville.
where permanent organization was finally per-
fected and the name changed to the Sacra-
mento Valley Development Association.
The greatest difiiculty confronting the or-
ganization in its early days existed in the rais-
ing of funds for its support. General Green
personally visited the counties of the Sacra-
mento Valley and appealed to the several
Ijoards of supervisors for an appropriation of
fifty dollars each. The delegates from each
county paid their own expenses for several
j'ears. and the lack of funds made it practically
impossible for the association to accomplish
any work which required the expenditure of
any sums of money. Its moral influence,
however, was great, and its first efforts were
directed towards an educational campaign in
the Sacramento Valley so that those already
living here might know the opportunities and
advantages that this district possessed in com-
parison with other sections of the world. One
of the first undertakings of the association was
to confer with the owners of the Glenn ranch
in Glenn County and induce its subdivision
into small farm tracts. Eff'orts were directed
to securing reports from the United States De-
partment of Agriculture upon the various
lands of the valley and the possibilities for
irrigating the same. The Geological Survey
was induced to send experts here for the pur-
pose of mapping the sites for storage reser-
voirs, and thus was started the study of the
water-control problems of the Sacramento
Valley.
As the organization grew the need of addi-
tional funds was apparent, and a custom was
inaugurated which exists at the present time,
that each county should contribute to the sup-
port of the organization a fund equivalent to
one-half cent on each one hundred dollars of
assessed valuation.
In 1909 the need of extensively advertising
the Sacramento Valley was evident, and the
association undertook to raise an advertising
fund of $50,000 a year for five years, or a total
of $250,000. This fund was raised for three
years, a magazine was estal)Iished and pub-
lished for six years, and $95,000 was spent in
this way. The organization has grown to be
recognized as one of the largest factors of pub-
lic improvement on the Pacific Coast. Its
work is extensive, consisting of the installation
and maintenance of exhibits at various points
throughout the American continent, issu-
ance of literature, advertising in publications
throughout the United States and various
other lines of activity.
Soon after the death of General Green. Hon.
Marshall Diggs. who had been closely identi-
fied with the enterprise since its inception, was
elected president, and still holds that office. In
."August, 1903, the office was moved to Sacra-
mento, where a building especially built for
the purpose near the Southern Pacific depot
is occupied. W. A. Beard of Oroville was
214
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
selected as the secretary-manager, and still
fills that position. The officers of the associa-
tion at present are: Marshall Diggs, presi-
dent; Newton Cleveland, E. Franklin, C. H.
Dunton, Ernest Weyand and W. A. Beard,
vice-presidents ; W. A. Beard, general man-
ager; C. F. Dillman, treasurer; Miss M. Sex-
ton, secretary. Directors: Morris Brooke,
Sacramento ; Newton Cleveland, San Fran-
cisco; A. L. Conard, Red Bluff; Marshall
Diggs, Sacramento ; C. H. Dunton, Sacra-
mento ; H. C. Flournoy, Quincy ; E. Frank-
lin, Colfax; Floyd Forbes, Marysville ; I. J.
Proulx. Willows ; B. F. Rush, Suisun ; Louis
Tarke, West Butte ; Ernest Weyand, Colusa ;
and W. A. Beard. Marysville. The organiza-
tion embraces the counties in the Sacramento
Valley watershed and is representative of the
valley's commercial organizations.
Chamber of Commerce
The Sacramento Chamber of Commerce has
grown into a live, throbbing, influential com-
mercial organization that is generally consid-
ered by the leading boost bodies over the
country to be the most ably conducted of any
in the West, and surpassed by few in the
United States. The growth of the Chamber
was accelerated and its greatest activities were
launched during the administration of Harry
S. Maddox, secretary-manager, who was in
office during the memorable campaigns of 1919
for clear water and more schools, two big
factors in the city's constructive program.
The success of these campaigns is largely to
be credited to the organization, so ably led
by Secretary Maddox, with the assistance of
President Charles E. Virden and the wide-
awake board of directors.
During 1920 Arthur S. Dudley, who had
been the assistant secretary and active man-
ager of the Los Angeles Chamber of Com-
merce, succeeded Mr. Maddox, who resigned
to take up other work which soon led to his
selection by Governor Stephens as the state
market director. Mr. Dudley has made good
from the start. Through his live methods he
has awakened the public spirit of Sacramento,
which for years had lain dormant as regards
many community activities, and has forged
together the most progressive men and women
of the city into a full-fledged fighting-force for
the building of a greater Sacramento. He
almost immediately set at work to erect a new
home on the lot owned and kept up at contin-
ual expense through the payment of taxes and
interest, without deriving any material good
in return except in the increased value of the
property; and in December, 1921, the hopes
of the officers, directors, and members of the
Chamber were realized, when the organization
moved into the new $85,000 home on Seventh
Street, adjoining the "Sacramento Bee" build-
ing. The new home is elegantly furnished and
has every facility for carrying on the various
activities of the boost body. When the build-
ing was occupied, it was free from debt, and
the lot was also paid for.
The following were the officers and directors
in office during 1921, prior to the advent of
the new board during the fall of that year :
Charles E. Virden, president; Mitchell W.
Nathan, vice-president: Charles B. Bills, treas-
urer ; and Arthur S. Dudley, secretary-mana-
ger. Directors: C. B. Bills, L. F. Breuner,
F. E. Conner, Herman Davis, C. F. Dillman,
Albert Elkus, J. C. Havely, Fontaine Johnson,
J. C. Hobrecht, Chris R. Jones, Carl A. La-
mus, J. E. Lynn, M. W. Nathan, Charles E.
Virden, H. E. Yardley, Wilson D. Bennett,
Fred W. Dawson, W. E. Hibbitt, H. G.
Krebs, Ben Leonard, Royal Miller, A. W. Nor-
ris. Dr. J. H. Parkinson, Fred C. Weil, and
Clinton Harber.
The present (1922) officers of the Chamber
are : C. E. Virden, president ; L. F. Breuner,
vice-president; C. B. Bills, treasurer; A. S.
Dudley, secretary-manager : and Irvin Engler,
assistant secretary. Directors : Ben Leonard,
H. E. Diggles, Milton J. Ferguson, George D.
Hudnutt, Alex Kaiser, H. J. McCurry, Mrs. J.
D. Meredith, John H. Miller, S. W. Russell,
L. S. Upson, H. G. Krebs, J. H. Parkinson,
Clinton Harber, E. S. Carpenter, F. A. S.
Foale, E. A. Gammon, Fred J. Johns, J. E.
Lynn, C. B. Bills, L. F. Breuner, W. A. Hicks,
W. F. Purnell, Herman Davis, W. E. Hibbitt.
F. E. Conner, C. E. Virden, A. M. Bullock,
W. I. Elliott, H. E. Yardley, J. H. Stephens.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
215
CHAPTER XXX
HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS
IN AN earlier chapter reference was made
to the suffering in 1849 and 1850 of the
inhabitants of Sacramento and the immi-
grants who came across the plains or around
the Horn in search of gold. Some of them had
lost their stores of provisions or exhausted
them. Some had started without calculating
on the conditions they would find here. Some
had been despoiled by the attacks of Indians,
and, losing their horses or cattle, had been
obliged to abandon part of their wagons and
stores. And some of those coming by both
of the routes had been attacked by scurvy on
account of the scarcity of vegetables, and were
in wretched condition when they arrived here.
The generosity of General Sutter afforded the
impoverished strangers temporary relief, but
more than temporary relief was needed where
there were so many destitute and suffering.
The situation in Sacramento was graphically
set forth by Dr. Morse in his history. He
says : "At this time Sacramento was a nu-
cleus of attraction to the world. It was the
great starting point to the vast and glittering
gold fields of California, with the tales of
which the whole universe became astounded,
and which men of every clime and nation
sought to reach, without a moment's reflection
upon the cost or hazard of such an adventure.
The only consideration upon the part of 100,-
000 gold-seekers who were preparing for emi-
gration to California was dispatch. Time
wasted on prudential outfits, upon the acquire-
ment of means bej^ond the passage fee to San
Francisco, and peradventure a little spending
money to dissipate the impatience of delay.
was as well wasted in any other way. What
were a few dollars that required months to
accumulate in the Atlantic states, to the gold-
gleaming oimces that California gave weekly
as compensation to the simplest labor?
"All that men seemed to wish for was the
means of setting foot on California soil ; few
were sufficiently provident in their calcula-
tions to provide, anything beyond the mere
landing at San Francisco. Out of the thou-
sands who landed at the above place in the
interval referred to, not one in 100 arrived
in the country with money enough to buy
him a decent outfit for the mines. Such was
the heedlessness with which people immi-
grated to this country during the incipient
progress of the gold-seeking fever. In all
parts of the world vessels of every size and
condition were put up for the great El Dorado,
and as soon as put up were filled to overflow-
ing with men who had not the remotest con-
ception of the terrible sufferings they were
to encounter. Along the entire coast of the
American continent, in every prominent port
in Europe, in nearly every maritime port in
Asia, and in nearly all the islands in the world,
were men struggling with reckless determina-
tion for the means of coming to California.
The savings of years were instantly appropri-
ated, goods and chattels sold at ruinous sac-
rifices, homesteads mortgaged for loans ob-
tained upon destructive rates of interest, and
jewelry, keepsakes and pension fees pledged
for the reimbursement of a beggarly steerage
passage for thousands of miles to the town of
,San Francisco.
"These are facts with which the world is
now familiar, and this being the manner in
which people embarked for the Eureka state,
it can be easily imagined how those landed
who survived the untold and unutterable suf-
fering endured from port to port. From the
1st of August, 1849, the deluging tides of
immigration began to roll into the city of San
Francisco their hundreds and thousands daily ;
not men robust and hearty by a pleasant sea
voyage, but poor miserable beings, so fam-
ished and filthy, so saturated with scorbutic
diseases, or so depressed in spirits as to make
them an easy prey of disease and death, where
they had expected naught but health and for-
tune.
"Thus did mining adventurers pour into
San Francisco, nine-tenths of whom, for a few
months, took passage to Sacramento. How-
ever debilitated they might be, however pen-
niless and destitute, still this, the great focus
of mining news, the nearest trading point for
miners situated on a navigable stream, was
the only place that men could think of stop-
ping at for recuperative purposes. Hence,
from Cape Horn, from all the Isthmus routes,
from Asiatic seaports, and from the islands of
the Pacific, men in the most impoverisiied
health were converging at Sacramento. Rut
these were not the only sources of difficulty
216
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
to Sacramento in 1849 ; for at the same time
that the scurvy-ridden subjects of the ocean
began to concentrate among us, there was an-
other more terrible train of scorbutic sufiferers
coming in from the overland roads, so ex-
hausted in strength and so vi'orn out with the
calamities of the journey as to be but barely
able to reach this, the Valley City.
"From these sources Sacramento became a
perfect lazar-house of disease, suflfering and
death, months before anything like an effective
city government was organized. It must be
remembered that in proportion as these scenes
began to accumulate, men seemed to grow
indifferent to the appeals of suffering, and to
the dictates of benevolence. The more urgent
and importunate the cries and beseeching mis-
eries of the sick and destitute, the more obdu-
rate, despotic and terrible became the reign
of cupidity.
"In the month of July, 1849, these subjects
of distress and the appeals of misery became
so common that men could not escape them ;
and if there had been the utmost attention
paid to the exercise of charity and protection,
it would have been impossible to have met the
demands of the destitute, sick and dying as a
commensurate sympathy would have dictated.
Such was the difficulty with which facilities
for the care of the sick could be procured,
that even the few who had money could not
purchase those comforts which even the poor-
est in the Atlantic states can enjoy. Dr. Crai-
gan's hospital at the Fort was the most com-
fortable place, but such were the necessary
demands for boarding and nursing that men
could not avail themselves of such care. Soon
after the establishment of this hospital, Drs.
Deal and Martin opened another hospital in
one of the bastions of the old Fort. This led
to a reduction of the cost of hospital board
and attendance, but still it was too dear a com-
fort to be purchased by more than one in five
of the accumulating invalids of the town. The
sick of the city were in consequence thrown
upon the exclusive attention of a society which
had become so mammon-ridden as to be al-
most insensible to the voice of want. Not
only were the victims of scurvy evolving a
general distress, but also those who supposed
themselves acclimated were beginning to feel
the sweeping miasmatic fevers which were
peculiarly severe during this first season."
Early Hospitals
The first organized efforts to relieve the suf-
fering were made by the fraternity of Odd
Fellows, individual members of which formed
an informal organization. Gen. A. M. Winn
was elected president, Mr. McLaren, secretary,
and Captain Gallup, treasurer. They devoted
themselves untiringly to the sick and suffer-
ing, and an immense amount of relief was
dispensed. Still men sickened and died and
often were not even wrapped in a blanket for
burial. Coffins were from $60 to $150 apiece
and could not always be procured, but the as-
sociation spent thousands of dollars for them.
The cholera made its appearance on the 20th
of October, 1850, and raged for nearly a
month, the death roll of which can never be
known. The stricken city was nearly depop-
ulated for a time. In April, 1850, the Free-
masons and Odd Fellows together built a hos-
pital, the board of trustees being elected by
both orders.
Dr. Dow had a "Thompsonian Hospital and
Botanic Medicine Store" on K Street, between
Second and Third. The price of admission per
day was from five to twenty-five dollars, "ac-
cording to trouble and expense."
Drs. T. J. White and C. D. Cleveland had
a large hospital at the corner of Ninth and L
Streets that would accommodate 100 patients,
and Drs. James S. Martin and B. R. Carman
conducted the "Sutter's Fort Hospital" inside
of the Fort. Drs. Morse and Stillman also had
a hospital at the corner of Third and K
Streets.
Besides these, there were several physicians,
first at Sutter's Fort and afterwards in the
city, who received boarding patients, but very
few sick persons had the means with which
to pay the prices asked.
County Hospital
It became necessary, therefore, at an early
date, to establish a public hospital, at which
all cases could be taken in and cared for. This
was done, the first one being opened in the
business part of the city, Drs. J. F. Montgom-
ery, Johnson Price, George W. Williams and
Proctor being among the first physicians con-
nected with it. The city directory of 1853
contains the announcement, "Drs. Johnson
Price and George W. Williams, Physicians to
the County Hospital, corner of I and Seventh
Streets." About that time Proctor and Price
established a hospital on Second Street, be-
tween I and J, with seventy-five or eighty
beds, and entered into a contract with the
county for keeping the poor, numbering about
fifty, and charging very high prices. Three
of four years afterwards the county, having
meanwhile built itself a hospital on the corner
of Tenth and L Streets, endeavored to break
the contract, but Price and Proctor sued and
obtained judgment against it. This county
hospital was erected on the northeast corner
of the present Capitol Park. It was torn down
and removed shortly after it was vacated, soon
after the Civil War.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
217
Dr. Montgomery was the county physician
again in 1857; 1858-1859, Dr. G. L. Simmons:
1859-1860, Dr. Montgomery; 1861, from No-
vember, Dr. G. J. Phelan; 1869, from Septem-
ber, Dr. Montgomery; 1870, Dr. A. C. Don-
aldson, with Dr. G. A. White as assistant.
The county then purchased some land from
James Lansing, about sixty acres on the up-
per Stockton road, a mile south of the citA'
limits, paying about $11,000 for it. Here the
county erected a fine building and removed
to it about seventy-five patients from the old
one. This hospital was burned October 5.
1878, and the patients were removed to the
"Old Pavilion," on the corner of Sixth and M
Streets, and cared for temporarily, until the
new one was built, in 1879, which was more
commodious and better arranged than the first
one. It was built on the "pavilion" plan, with
four wings radiating from the central struc-
ture, and cost about $65,000. The farm pro-
vides fruit, vegetables, milk and various other
things for the use of the inmates. Recent ex-
tensive improvements have been made, in-
cluding a new fire-proof concrete building and
home for nurses. The old building is now
used as an administration building, and the
elderly people are also housed there.
Dr. G. A. White became county physician
in 1872, and continued as such until 1904. with
the exception that in the spring of 1879, the
homeopathists were put in charge of the hos-
pital, Dr. George Pyburn serving for three
months, and Dr. George M. Dixon the suc-
ceeding four. Dr. Laine, regular, finished out
the unexpired term. Dr. White stood in the
front rank of the surgeons of the state, and
brought the hospital up to a high state of effi-
ciency. In the year 1904, he was succeeded
by his son, Dr. John L. White, who met with
a tragic automobile accident at Twenty-first
and M Streets on the night of March 31, 1917.
which resulted in his instant death. In a very
few years he had amassed considerable wealth
from his lucrative surgical practice, which
gained a state-wide name for him.
White Hospital
On January 12, 1910, Dr. J. L. White, as
owner and manager, opened the White Hospi-
tal at Twenty-ninth and J Streets, with sev-
eral four-bed wards, and in addition to these,
thirty private rooms. For years he was super-
intendent of the County Hospital, and was
considered one of the most successful sur-
geons in northern California. The approxi-
mate value of the hospital was $90,000. The
annex was completed in May, 1911, with
twelve rooms on the upper floor for patients.
The hospital rapidly found its way into public
favor and is in a very prosperous condition.
Since Dr. White's death, his widow has con-
tinued the White Hospital under efficient
management, although its increasing business
has caused the institution to outgrow its facili-
ties. Mrs. White now has architects prepar-
ing plans and specifications for a new hospital.
Southern Pacific Hospital
In the early days of the Central Pacific's
history, the road ran through a sparsely set-
tled country, with the towns few and far be-
tween, and of small size. Accidents in the
railroad man's life are frequent. In those
days most of the road's employees were new
men on the Coast, and but few of them had
relatives that could take care of them when
disabled. It remained then, in most cases, for
the company and their comrades to take care
of them. These calls for donations were fre-
quent and burdensome, and the company
finall}^ concluded that it would be best and
most humane for it to build a hospital where
the employees could be treated and cared for
when sick or disabled, whether they had
means or not. Sacramento was the place
chosen for the hospital and an old residence
was leased for the purpose. In 1869 the Cen-
tral Pacific Hospital was built at a cost of
$64,000. It was of four stories, 60 by 35 feet,
with two wings, 35 by 52 feet, and a kitchen
twenty-four feet square. It had six wards,
besides eight private rooms for patients, and
contained a library of 1,500 volumes. The ex-
ecutive and medical staff was excellent. It
was supported by a monthly contribution of
fifty cents each from each officer and em-
ployee, which entitled them to free medical
treatment in case of sickness or injury while
in the employ of the company. It proved of
very great benefit to the employees. In 1900
it was removed to the Charles Crocker resi-
dence on F Street and Eighth ; and the con-
struction of a new hospital was begun in 1911
on Second Street. This was completed in
1912, and has since been used chiefly as an
emergency hospital, most of the ordinary cases
being sent to the company's hospital in San
Francisco.
Protestant Orphan Asylum
Early in 1858 the necessity for caring for
orphan children was discussed, and an associa-
tion for that purpose was formed, but it did
not prove of long continuance and the matter
was dropped for some years. In 1867, how-
ever, the governor and a number of citizens
were interested, through the efforts of Mrs.
Elvira Baldwin, in the care of a family of
seven children orphaned by the death of their
mother, a poor woman. This resulted in the
awakening of a new interest in the subject,
and the organization of a society for the care
218
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
and maintenance of destitute orphans in the
county, and ultimately in the state, was ef-
fected. Mrs. I. E. Dwinell was the first presi-
dent of the organization, which rented and
furnished a building at Seventh and D Streets,
where fourteen or fifteen children were imme-
diately placed in the care of Mrs. Cole, the
first matron. The association erected a build-
ing the next year on the block between K and
L, Eighteenth and Nineteenth Streets, where
the old high-school building now stands. The
building was considerably damaged by fire on
December 7, 1878, but was soon repaired and
another and better building was added to it,
making it commodious and well-arranged.
The year previous, a neat school building had
been erected, and the school was made part of
the city public-school system and placed under
the care of the city board of education. No
children except the inmates of the institution
were allowed to attend the school.
Many noble women have devoted much time
and money to the vi^elfare and upbuilding of
the institution. Among them was Mrs. Sarah
E. Clayton, who was president of the society
in 1877-1878, and traveled nearly 5,000 miles
in fifteen years, caring for orphans who were
afterwards furnished with homes through the
efforts of the society. In 1905 the property
was sold to the city of Sacramento for high-
school purposes, and the institution was re-
moved to a site on the lower Stockton road,
just beyond the William Curtis Park.
The Marguerite Home
The first of the monuments to the memor}-
of Mrs. Margaret Crocker was the home for
aged women known as the Marguerite Home,
the second being the gift of the Crocker Art
Gallery to the city. The home was situated
at Seventh and I Streets, and was originally
the residence and grounds of Capt. William
Whitney, comprising a half-block on I Street.
A fine building was added to the residence,
making twenty-eight large bedrooms, with
parlor, reception room, office, kitchen, laun-
dry and dining-room. Everything was done
for the comfort and convenience of the in-
mates. The rooms were well lighted and ven-
tilated, and the house was heated by hot-air
pipes. The grounds were well shaded by fine
trees and were kept in good order by the trus-
tees of the institution.
The Marguerite Home was dedicated Feb-
ruary 25, 1884, the sixtieth anniversary of the
birth of Mrs. Crocker, the occasion being cel-
ebrated by a reception given to the older citi-
zens of Sacramento at the home. After the
congratulations were over, Mrs. Margaret
Crocker made the presentation of the home to
the trustees in the following words, which
explain the purpose and status of the gift:
"Frank Miller, Albert Gallatin, John H. Car-
roll, Gustavus L. Simmons and Charles
McCreary :
"Gentlemen:
"Herewith I deliver into your possession
a deed in trust for certain money, real and
personal property, by means of which I pro-
pose to establish a home for aged and indigent
women in Sacramento, to be known as the
'Marguerite Home.' I have the honor, gen-
tlemen, to solicit your acceptance of this
trust; the deed expresses my intentions with-
out placing restrictions on your mode of man-
agement.
"Knowing your intelligence and ability, and
having full faith in your character and in your
disposition to aid in all benevolent purposes,
and believing you to be in full accord with my
views in respect to the especial objects in my
regard in this gift, I have left, as you will see
upon a careful examination of the deed, to
your discretion and superior knowledge and
to your kind and earnest efforts, which I most
heartily invoke, the success of this trust."
Mayor John Q. Brown, Dr. G. L. Simmons
and Hon. Joseph Steffens made appropriate
responses to the tender of the generous gift.
The deed, in addition to the property pur-
chased for the home, dedicated also $50,000 as
an endowment fund, besides $12,000 as a fur-
ther aid to the maintenance of the home.
While the money was apportioned to the sup-
port of the inmates, the trustees, anxious to
extend the benefits of the institution to a
wider range, concluded to take for life such
worthy and respectable women as might de-
sire to enter the home and as were able to pay
the expenses incident to their maintenance.
The Home in recent years has been aban-
doned, and the property has been disposed of.
Other Hospitals
From time to time other hospitals have been
provided for the care of the sick, which, while
not, strictly speaking, charitable institutions,
are for the alleviation and cure of the ills of
suffering humanity, and may therefore be
spoken of under this head. All "water cures"
and "health institutes" are hospitals, and after
the rush of the gold-seekers to this state was
fairly on, it is surprising how quickly all the
Eastern institutions of that class were estab-
lished on the Coast, although not on an exten-
sive scale. There is no record as to when the
first water-cure hospital was established in
this city, but it was probably in the early fif-
ties. We find Dr. T. P. Zander in 1857 adver-
tising one at the southwest corner of Fifth
and K Streets, and later a Dr. Burns estab-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
219
lished one which afterwards became the Pa-
cific Water Cure and Eclectic Health Institute.
This fell later under the management of Dr.
M. F. Clayton, a graduate of the Eclectic Med-
ical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, who carried
it on until his death, when Mrs. Clayton took
charge of it for a number of years, being suc-
ceeded in its active management by her daugh-
ter, Mrs. A. J. Gardner. In 1910 the institu-
tion was closed, and the fine structure known
as the Hotel Clayton was erected on its site.
Mater Misericordiae Hospital
The care of the sick is one of the chief ob-
jects of the order of Sisters of Mercy, and as
Sacramento for so many years could not lay
claim to any institution for the care of the
sick except those of the city and county and
the railroad hospital, the Sisters, in 1895, with
very little money, but with great faith in God's
providence, purchased the half block between
Q and R, Twenty-second and Twenty-third
Streets, of the late Dr. G. L. Simmons for
$12,000 on a mortgage note. The two small
buildings known as the "Ridge Home." on
Twenty-second Street, were a small beginning,
and poorly equipped ; but their faith was re-
warded by the appreciation of the public, and
in 1896 the large building now known as the
Hospital Mater Misericordiae was erected. It
was later enlarged, and porches were run all
around it, making it one of the best-equipped
and best-patronized hospitals on the Coast,
with four elegant operating rooms of the latest
pattern.
The Sisters now are planning an extensive
hospital on J Street in the vicinity of Fort}'-
seventh, which will cost over $500,000. Plans
are being drawn for the new hospital, which
will have the very latest facilities, including
operating rooms. X-ray laboratory, radium
laboratory, and other departments.
The Igo-Flitcroft Hospital
The Wentworth-Igo Hospital was opened
on September 1, 1900, and represented a cost
of $13,000. It was originally located at 2515
I Street, and later at 1525 L Street. Dr. Went-
worth died in 1901, and Miss Louise Igo con-
tinued the management of the hospital up to
1902, when she severed her connection with
the institution to take up further medical
studies. She graduated from the medical col-
lege of the University of California, and in
March, 1910, reopened the Louise Igo Hospi-
tal at 1525 L Street. She married Arthur Flit-
croft, who is now the manager of the institu-
tion. Dr. Igo and her husband went to Eu-
rope, where they made a study of the best
hospital facilities, with a view to the erection
of a new hospital building, on their return.
at a cost of $250,000 or more, to be the best-
equipped of any similar institution in this part
of the state. Since their return the Igo-Flit-
croft Hospital has been opened at 3014 M
Street.
The Home of the Merciful Savior
The Home of the Merciful Savior, conduct-
ed for many years on J Street as a non-sec-
tarian place for the treatment of crippled and
invalid children, through the fostering of the
Episcopal Church, was discontinued several
years ago, the addition of a children's wing
having been made to the County Hospital,
which serves all its purposes.
Other Benevolent Institutions
The Howard Benevolent Association of
Sacramento was organized in a time of great
tribulation and distress in this city. The rush
of gold-seekers in 1849 had brought with it
much of disease and poverty, and the Masons
and Odd Fellows had risen nobly to the occa-
sion and dispensed charity with open hands
and willing hearts, counting not the cost when
they could alleviate distress. In later times,
when the floods and fires brought poverty and
suffering, another organization arose. This
one was formed solely for the relief of the sick
and destitute, and well and faithfully did it
play its part. No one will ever know hov/
much it did for the needy, for those who dis-
bursed its funds never boasted of their deeds,
and most, if not all, of the original members
have passed away. The name of the Howards,
however, should always be held in reverence
by every citizen of Sacramento.
The first steps looking to the organization
of the society were taken as earlv as Decem-
ber 21, 1857, N. A. H. Ball being the leader
in the good work. The officers elected for the
first year were : George W. Mowe, president :
L. A. Booth, James P. Robinson, John Mc-
Neill, R. A. Pearis, James E. Perkins and N.
A. H. Ball, directors ; James M. Kennedy,
secretary; and John S. Bien, treasurer. The
income of the society was derived from mem-
bership fees, voluntary contributions, dona-
tions by the legislature, and various other
sources. None of the officers e.xcept the stew-
ard received any salary. During the floods of
1861-1862 the association had its headquarters
at the Old Pavilion on M Street, as stated in
a previous chapter, and assisted hundreds of
homeless people. For many years it distributed
to the needy about $4,000 a year, and num-
bered about thirty active memi)ers, who
elected the directors.
The Catholic Ladies" Relief Society. No. 1,
has been in existence for many years and has
220
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
faithfully looked after the needs of the desti-
tute and sick of their denomination.
Cemeteries
The New Helvetia Cemetery, which lies
south of and adjoining McKinley Park, just
east of Thirty-first Street, is the oldest bury-
ing-ground in Sacramento, and is embraced in
the original plat of Sutter's Fort. Ten acres
here were donated to the city for burial pur-
poses by Gen. John A. Sutter, about the first
of December, 1849. The first person buried in
the cemetery was Major Cloud, a paymaster
of the United States army, who was killed in
1847 some distance southeast of the fort, by
being thrown from a horse ; the second was
Miss Susanna Hitchcock, who died early in
1849 at the new diggings on the Stanislaus ;
the third was James McDowell, who was shot
in Washington, just across the river from this
city. Many interments were made here in
1849 and 1850, during the times when sickness
and cholera were so prevalent.
The board of city park directors in 1916 took
over the old cemetery property and trans-
formed it into an open park. Lately a sprink-
ling system has been installed, and the lawn
is now kept fresh and green throughout the
year. It is a broad, well-kept lawn, with
drives. The graves of the dead buried there
have not been disturbed, although no inter-
ments have been made in the grounds in sev-
eral years.
The City Cemetery was located south of Y
Street in 1850, on the southern boundary of
the city, on Tenth Street. It originally com-
prised about twenty acres, but the area has
been largely increased by additions. It is beau-
tifully adorned with trees, flowering shrubs
and plants, and many fine monuments are to
be seen there. The Freemasons, Odd Fellows,
Red Men, Firemen, Pioneers, Printers, Veter-
ans of the Mexican War, and other organiza-
tions have plats within the enclosure, as has
also the state, where a number of state officials
were buried. This cemetery is owned by the
city, and is controlled by a superintendent
elected by the board of trustees.
The Hebrew Cemetery is under the control
of the Congregation B'nai Israel, but is owned
by the Hebrew Benevolent Society. A chapel
has been erected on the grounds, which are en-
closed by a wall.
St. Joseph's Cemetery belongs to the Cath-
olic diocese of Sacramento, and was conse-
crated by Archbishop Alemany in 1865. It is
located at Twenty-first and Y Streets, and is
well kept by the superintendent.
East Lawn Cemetery is the most modern of
all the city's cemeteries, having been opened
by a private corporation in 1904. It is located
on a knoll which is part of the farm formerly
owned by Governor Booth, on the M Street
road, or Schley Avenue, as it is called, a short
distance east of the former city limits, but
now far within them since the annexation of
the eastern suburbs. It occupies a beautiful
site and will, in time, be one of the finest in
the state. It was furnished with a furnace for
cremation some years ago.
In recent years, the Odd Fellows' Lawn
Cemetery, a very beautiful resting-place for
the dead, has been established on Tenth
Street south of the City Cemetery. Still more
recently, the Masonic Lawn Cemetery has
been established just south of the Odd Fel-
lows' burial grounds.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
221
CHAPTER XXXI
COUNTY RED CROSS CHAPTER
THE WAR brought about the formation of
a very active Red Cross chapter in Sac-
ramento County. The first steps for the
organization of the chapter were taken on
April 9, 1917, at a meeting held in the office of
John S. Chambers, then state controller. The
Home Service Section of the Civilian Relief
Department, with Simon J. Lubin as chairman,
and the Canteen Service, of which Albert
Elkus was chairman, did excellent work. From
the time the chapter was established until the
present, a total of 10,333 men with their fami-
lies have been given service of various kinds,
and $24,730.12 has been expended in financial
relief. The Production Committee, under the
chairmanship of Mrs. W. E. Briggs, turned out
large quantities of knit garments for the boys
overseas. The Canteen Service, both during
the war and after the armistice was signed,
performed good work at the railroad stations,
where soldiers passing through were provided
with sandwiches, fruits, nuts, postal cards,
and other articles and gifts. Albert Elkus was
director of the Canteen Service; Mrs. J. D.
Brennan, wife of the superintendent of the
Southern Pacific, commandant; Miss Edith
White, assistant. A total of 87,609 men were
served by the Canteen from June 10, 1918, to
December 2, 1919. There were 132 women
and girls in the canteen, with teams of eight-
een and twenty ■working every day. When
the Canteen Service was discontinued on the
last-named date, the records showed a contri-
bution of $20,000 to the relief fund. This in-
cludes profits made in the Red Cross shop.
The Motor Corps of the Red Cross did valu-
able service during the influenza epidemics of
1918. Its ambulances were in almost constant
service. In conjunction with the work done
in the city of Sacramento, must be mentioned
the cooperation of the branch chapters in the
principal towns and communities of the coun-
ty, under the direction of Herman Davis.
In June, 1920, the initiatory steps toward
the establishment of the American Peace Time
Program in the county were taken, through
the formation of a Public Health Service Com-
mittee, with Mrs. W. E. Briggs as chairman,
and Mrs. A. E. Coolot, Rev. Harvey V. Miller,
Miss Amy Steinhart and Mrs. Robert T. Dev-
lin as the other members of the committee.
This department is now actively functioning.
Mothers' educational conferences are being
held in the newly equipped offices on the
ground floor of the Labor Temple, corner
Eighth and I Streets. The Home Service
activities are also still carried on, and have
considerably increased with the return of the
soldiers from the war zone. This department
also is giving service in filing various claims
of the soldiers against the government, in
assisting them to reestablish themselves in
employment, and in rehabiliation generally.
John S. Chambers, who has taken a deep
interest in the work, was chosen as the chair-
man of the executive board, and F. B. McKev-
itt, vice-chairman. The board at present con-
sists of the following: George W. Peltier,
chairman ; Mrs. C. von Hoffman, executive
secretary; Dr. E. L. Southworth, treasurer;
John T. Pigott, D. D. Sullivan, F. B. McKev-
itt, John S. Chambers, Mrs. A. E. Coolot, Mrs.
W. E. Briggs, Mrs. R. T. Devlin, Mrs. J. H.
Christian, Mrs. Minnie O'Neil. Those in
charge of the Home Service are : John T.
Pigott, Mrs. A. E. Coolot, Mrs. C. K. Mc-
Clatchy, Mrs. W. E. Briggs, Mrs. M. Beard,
and Mrs. C. von Hoffman, secretary.
There were thirty-one Red Cross nurses en-
rolled in or near Sacramento during the
World War. Besides these, twelve others
went overseas, while ten others were desig-
nated as Home Defense Nurses, and all served
faithfully. Of the twelve who went to the aid
of the wounded on the battlefields, two died
"over there."
The overseas nurses were : Iva V. Ansell,
60 Eleventh Avenue, Sacramento ; Myrtle
Brendel, 702 Twelfth Street. Sacramento ; El-
len Peacock, Sacramento Countv Hospital;
Kate T. Radford. 1016 N Street, Sacramento;
Opal J. Raney, Sacramento County Hospital ;
Mary F. Ward, 1315 F Street, Sacramento;
Anastasia Miller, American Red Cross, Sacra-
mento; Maud Evans, died of disease overseas;
Eunice Smythe, died overseas ; Bessie Rogers,
moved from Sacramento ; Stella Ricketts,
moved from Sacramento: Christine Peterson,
moved from Sacramento.
Enrolled Red Cross Nurses : Margaret M.
-Anderson, 714 Fourteenth Street, Sacramento;
Frances Brown, 1828 H Street, Sacramento;
-???
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Pearl M. Bennett, Hotel St. Francis. Sacra-
mento; Florence M. Boyce, 907 First Street,
Woodland: Sara E. Bailey, Yuba City, Mrs.
M. P. Bartlett, 1224>^ O Street, Sacramento
(member local committee) ; Vesta Brown
Teutschel, 3026 K Street, Sacramento; Mil-
dred H. Blasingame, 1237 P Street, Sacra-
mento; Margaret Chisholm, 3205 Forty-second
Street, Sacramento; Margaret Collins, 2915 U
Street, Sacramento ; Myrtle E. Daley, 3301
First Avenue, Sacramento ; Mabel C. Dar-
rington, Yuba City ; Estelle S. Edson, 1620 O
Street, Sacramento (member local commit-
tee) ; Grace G. Grey, Sacramento Hospital,
Sacramento ; Blanche Hoffman, 3601 Second
Avenue, Sacramento; Helen R. Kilgariff, 2317
M Street, Sacramento ; Mrs. Rose Kellar Mc-
Grew, 652 Fourth Street, Woodland ; Mrs.
Grace Laycox Henderson, 1518 Fourteenth
Street, Sacramento ; Clara Lundberg, 910 Sev-
enth Street, Sacramento ; Alpha Musso, 609 O
Street, Sacramento ; Catherine A. O'Connor,
714 Fifteenth Street, Sacramento (member
local committee) ; Lucy O'Connor, 714 Fif-
teenth Street, Sacramento ; Kathryn O'Con-
nor, 1926 Tenth Street, Sacramento; Theresa
M. O'Connor, Roseville; Hazel Jean Ogden,
Woodland; Cora A. Paessler, 2623 J Street,
Sacramento : Annie C. Pilliken, Folsom ; Kath-
erine I. Rogers, 1615 Eighth Street, Sacra-
mento; Mrs. E. P. Harris (Leah Rhodes),
Winters; Elsie T. Radford, 1016 N Street,
Sacramento ; Hazel A. Reese, 1728 G Street,
Sacramento ; Mary P. Rypczynski, 1224 G
Street, Sacramento ; Mrs. Hazel Smith Harris,
care of Dr. J. B. Harris, Sacramento ; Mrs.
Nellie B. Sexton, 331 Twenty-first Street, Sac-
ramento (member local committee) ; Miss
Agnes Selkirk, Maydestone Apts., Sacra-
mento ; Ivy May Woodworth, Sisters' Hospi-
tal, Sacramento ; Mary A. Ribzinski, 914
Twenty-fourth Street, Sacramento (chairman
local committee).
Home Defense Nurses : Martha A. Adams,
1420 Twenty-second Street, Sacramento;
Clara L. Conroy, 714 Fifteenth Street, Sacra-
mento ; Mrs. George E. Chappell, 2650 Twen-
ty-first Street, Sacramento ; Clara L. Keber,
Sisters' Hospital, Sacramento ; Theo M. Lab-
hard, 2301 H Street, Sacramento; Mrs. J. H.
Miller, 1608 Twenty-second Street, Sacra-
mento; Mary Elizabeth McCarthy, 714 Fif-
teenth Street, Sacramento ; Minnie L. Sawyer,
1721 Twelfth Street, Sacramento; Mrs. Wil-
fred Tetreault, 1119 Eighth Street, Sacra-
mento ; Miss Gertrude Hoey, Mayhews.
CHAPTER XXXII
SACRAMENTO COUNTY WAR WORK
THE PEOPLE of Sacramento County
subscribed liberally, both in dollars and
in man-power, to the prosecution of the
government's program in the World AVar. This
is attested by the success of the Liberty Bond
drives, which netted close to $30,000,000, and
by the response to the call to arms throughout
the county, every section of which contrib-
uted, both by enlistment and in the draft, its
full quota of loyal sons, who fought — and
many of whom died — in order that the liber-
ties of the nations might not be crushed be-
neath the iron heel of a militaristic aristocracy.
In addition to the Liberty Bond purchases, the
city of Sacramento alone subscribed a fund
aggregating $1,240,000 for war work. Of this
latter sum, more than half was donated to-
ward local charities and through philanthropic
organizations.
Every section of the county was represented
in this patriotic war work, the people re-
sponding liberally in various helpful ways that
contributed materially toward the winning of
the war. Nor was their response to the call
for sacrifice made in dollars alone. From
their ranks a comparatively large number of
men, and not a few women, enlisted in their
countr3''s service and actually took part in the
great conflict. Many of these never returned,
and today their graves are green on the sunny
fields of France. Of those who went out from
Sacramento County, ninety-one who served in
the United States Army and seven who joined
the United States Navy — one of these a mem-
ber of the American Marine Corps — made the
supreme sacrifice.
The honor-roll of those who enlisted from
this county never to return was given out by
Adjt.-Gen. J. J. Borree of the state of Cali-
fornia at Sacramento, based upon lists fur-
nished his office by the United States War
and Navy Departments. All not otherwise in-
dicated enlisted from Sacramento City. They
are as follows ;
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
223
United States Army : Eugene D. Anderson,
John L. Anderson, James T. Arthur, Norman
Perry Ash, Jack Atwater, Robert L. Bagwill,
John W. Bahney, Ernest O. BiUings, Guiseppi
Bolla, Clinton L. Bonser. Robert Vincent
Bowsher, Franklin C. Buffington (Freeport),
Nola M. Brown, George W. Carey, George
M. Carlson, John B. Casajus (Courtland),
Charles F. Chesson (Fairoaks), Lee Hong
Chew (Locke), Thomas J. Connelly, Lauren
E. Davis (Courtland), Thomas S. DeHaven,
Patrick Dillon, Norman E. Doan, Gerald L.
Ebner, Ralph E. Erickson, Kenneth Evans
(Fairoaks), Joseph Fernandez, Archibald W.
Frazer, George Fritz, Frank J. Gabriel, John
Gabrielli, William H. Gass, Charles W. Gray,
Pietro Guidi (Walnut Grove), William H.
Hanvey, Chester Hardcastle, Cledith Lavern
Hastings, Charles Huffington, Antoine Jofifre,
James C. Judd, Mike Kasnestis, Matheos D.
Krokos, Edward F. Kunstle, Samuel Ladeen,
Frederick L. Lambert, Fred Larsen (Walnut
Grove), Garland (Francis) Lent, George
Lippi (Gait), Oscar H. Low, Hugh T. Mc-
Alister, Sidney C. McCrary, Mishu Marcus
John L. Marianto, Roy Benton Maxwell. John
Michael, Forrest Alillard, George Miller, Ar-
thur D. Munger, John F. Newton, Maurice J.
O'Connell, James Sarsfield O'Neill, Victor
S. Patta, Lawrence L. Patterson (Slough
House), Fred A. Perry, Ballard B. Powell, Ed-
ward A. Reinlander, Edward Reynolds, David
A. Ritchie, Porter L. Sanders, Harold C.
Shorow, George S. Simington, Archie L.
Smith, George H. Smith, Joseph F. Smith
(Gait), Wallfred R. Smith, Philip AV. Staf-
ford, John M. Stephenson, Edward Stone,
Archie D. Suggett, Frank J. Sullivan, Eldred
A. Sutherland, Richard W. Townsend, James
Vincent (Folsom), Everett A. Vosler, Gustav
A. Wahl, Ernest W. Wall, Hugo F. Wallner,
Leslie E. Walton (North Sacramento), Thom-
as R. White, Mark N. Wightman (Elk Grove),
Basil C. Williams.
United States Navy : George G. Harvey,
George Cameron Neale, Fred Thomas Rey-
nolds, Louis "Baptiste Schuler, Clarence Jo-
seph Startsman, Lillie Catherine Todhunter.
United States Marine Corps : Rex Whit-
field Ish.
CHAPTER XXXIII
COUNTY MILITARY ORGANIZATION
BEFORE California became a state the
militia had been provided for. On April
10, 1850, the first legislature passed an
act providing for the organization of the state
militia into four divisions and eight brigades,
the 1st Division to consist of Sacramento, Trin-
ity, Shasta, Butte, Yuba, Sutter and Eldorado
Counties. The legislature reserved the right to
elect the generals. The next day that body met
in joint convention and elected major-generals
as follows : Thomas J. Green, John E. Brack-
ett, David F. Douglass and Joshua H. Bean.
It also elected as brigadier-generals, J. H.
Eastland, A. M. Winn, Robert Semple, Gen.
McDonald. John E. Addison, D. P. Baldwin,
Thomas H. Bowen and J. M. Covarrubias.
May 1, 1852, another law was passed organ-
izing the militia into seven districts, and the
7th District was composed of Sacramento,
Placer, Sutter and Eldorado Counties. April
25, 1855, an act was passed creating six divi-
sions and twelve brigades. The 4th Division
was composed of Sacramento, Amador, El-
dorado, Placer, Nevada and Sierra Counties.
The 1st Brigade of the division was composed
of Sacramento, Amador and Eldorado Coun-
ties. May 9, 1861, another act regarding the
militia was passed, but it did not affect Sacra-
mento as regarded its brigade position. April
24, 1862, the law passed organized the militia
into one division and six brigades. It made
the 4th Brigade comprise the counties of Sac-
ramento, Yolo, Sutter, Eldorado, Amador,
Placer, Nevada, Yuba and Sierra. April 12,
1866, Alpine County was added to the 4th
Brigade.
In August, 1862, James Collins was ap-
pointed brigadier-general, commanding the 4th
Brigade, and was commissioned on the 30th.
He died in Nevada City July 18, 1864, and
Josiah Howell was appointed to succeed him,
receiving his commission July 25, 1864; he
resigned November 14, 1874. W. L. Camp-
bell was appointed to the position December 1,
1874, and received his commission on the same
day. He resigned November 19, 1875. Gov-
ernor Pacheco appointed Wentworth T. Crow-
ell to succeed him Novoniber 27, 1875, but the
Democratic senate refused to confirm him, and
he held the office only until his successor was
224
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
appointed. His successor was J. G. Martina,
who was appointed to the command April 4,
1876, and resigned on April 8. His resignation
was caused by a severe attack on him by some
of the newspapers in the district. Crowell re-
sumed command and continued in the office
until March 3, 1877, when he resigned.
M. S. Horan was appointed March 3, 1877,
and commissioned on March 5. He resigned
November 4, 1878, and T. J. Clunie was ap-
pointed by Governor Irwin December 30, 1878,
to fill the vacancy, but the Republican senate
did not confirm him. John F. Sheehan was
appointed January 15. 1880, commissioned on
the 17th, and resigned in May, 1882. Lewellyn
Tozer was appointed May 19, 1882, but the
subsequent Democratic senate refused to con-
firm him. John T. Carey was commissioned
February 10, 1883.
The 4th Regiment of Infantry, N. G. C, was
organized in 1864, with E. R. Hamilton as
colonel ; B. Eilerman, lieutenant-colonel ; and
James Adams, major. The regiment was reor-
ganized in December, 1865, when L. L. Baker
was elected colonel, and the remaining officers
continued in the same positions. August 22,
1866, Hamilton was again elected colonel ;
James Adams, - lieutenant-colonel ; and John
F. Sheehan, major. In pursuance of special
order No. 44, issued July 8, 1868, the regiment
was mustered out of service and the compa-
nies were ordered to remain unattached until
further orders.
The 4th Regiment was reorganized under
special order No. 7, dated February 7, 1872 ;
and in March following, C. V. Kellogg was
elected colonel; B. Eilerman, lieutenant-
colonel ; and H. F. Page, major. Kellogg and
Eilerman resigned in July 1874, and W. T.
Cromwell was elected colonel, and H. W.
Thain, lieutenant-colonel. This regiment was
disbanded and mustered out of service March
31, 1877. It was immediately reorganized as
the 1st Battalion of Infantry, and Thomas J.
Clunie was elected the commander. He was
subsequently succeeded by Creed Haymond,
and when the latter resigned, he was succeeded
by T. W. Sheehan. When Sheehan became
brigadier-general, J. W. Guthrie was commis-
sioned colonel.
The militia did not monopolize all the mili-
tary glory and fame. From the early days
volunteer companies had been formed, and
many names well-known in the early and sub-
sequent history of the city were found upon
their rolls.
The Sutter Rifle Corps was organized June
27, 1852, with B. D. Fry, captain; M. D. Corse,
first lieutenant; John L. Brown, second lieu-
tenant ; and W. Bryerly, third lieutenant. The
company was noted especially for its liberality
on all public and private occasions. In 1853,
it paid $1,200 for choice of the first seat at
Catherine Hayes' concert, and presented the
ticket to General Sutter. Those were the days
when men's hands were open to their friends,
and their purses also. M. D. Corse, the first
lieutenant, afterwards became captain of the
com.pany, and also held other offices in the
city. In 1857 he returned to the East, and his
name as "General Corse" finally adorned the
list of Sheridan's prisoners in 1865.
When the governor in 1856 called on the
militia for duty against the vigilance commit-
tee in San Francisco, the Sutter Rifles met on
June 4, and voted to respond to the governor's
call. E. E. Eyre was at that time lieutenant
commanding: H. S. Foushee, second lieuten-
ant ; and John C. Keenan, orderly sergeant.
The company disbanded soon after, but reor-
ganized in 1875, with E. E. Eyre, captain;
Charles J. Torbert, first lieutenant ; Joseph H.
Vigo, second lieutenant ; W. R. Covey, brevet
second lieutenant. The company showed little
vigor, however, and soon died.
The Sacramento Guards, Light Infantry, or-
ganized August 11, 1855, with Henry Mere-
dith as captain ; D. S. Woodward, first lieuten-
ant; R. W. Wilcox, second lieutenant; John
Arnold, brevet second lieutenant ; Josiah How-
ell ensign : L. L. Baker, orderly sergeant. De-
cember 17, 1855, Baker was elected captain.
Among the subsequent officers were D. A.
McMerritt, L. Powers, Isaac Lohman and C.
H. Cummings. The company numbered forty-
five. During the excitement in 1856 over the
vigilance committee, the governor issued a
proclamation calling out the militia of the
state to suppress the disturbance. The Sacra-
mento Guards met June 4, 1856, and disbanded,
turning their arms over to the custody of the
Sutter Rifles. They reorganized at once, how-
ever, as the Independent City Guards, and by
the end of the year they were fully equipped.
This was the only company in Sacramento
in 1858.
The Young Men's Pioneer Guard was organ-
ized in 1856, and was composed of the leading
young men of the city. John Talbot was its
captain; R. Simons, first lieutenant; Samuel
Richardson, second lieutenant; Charles Sin-
clair, third lieutenant ; Oliver H. Worden, en-
sign ; John Foley, first sergeant.
The Sacramento Cadets organized May 17,
1856, with Edwin A. Sherman, captain; C. H.
Watson, first lieutenant; George J. Prentice,
second lieutenant.
The Independent (Sacramento) City Guard
was reorganized under the state law on June
28, 1858, with h. L. Baker, captain; Josiah
Howell, first lieutenant ; L. Powers, second
lieutenant; I. Lohman, brevet second lieuten-
ant. Among the subsequent officers we find
the names of S. P. Ford, Benjamin Peart,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
225
Joseph I. Fiiend. Henry Starr. W. H. Raten-
berr3^ C. L. Bird, L. B. Vanderburg. Among
the privates were C. H. Cummings, H. S.
Crocker, D. Gillis, P. J. Hopper, and J. H.
Lewis. This company during the Civil War
furnished several officers and some thirty men
to the United States army.
The Sacramento Hussars were a German
compan}' of cavalry organized August 14, 1859,
and reorganized June 11. 1863, and attached
to the state militia. They were honoral^ly dis-
charged from the National Guard August 21,
1874, and continued for some time as an inde-
pendent organization. At first there were only
twenty-six members, and the first officers
were : Fred Werner, captain ; Charles Hein-
rich, first lieutenant ; F. X. Ebner, senior sec-
ond lieutenant; Joseph Marzen, junior second
lieutenant. Among the other early members
were : L. Steudeman, A. Heilbron. E. Kraus,
Charles Sellinger, A. Neubauer, D. Weiman,
M. Arentz, C. Iser, G. Uhl, S. Gerber, John
Batcher, M. W^etzel, James H. Groth, George
Schroth, J. Korn, Julius Gregory, A. Menke,
M. Miller, A. Dennery, Andrew Ross. John B.
Kohl, and Jacob Meister.
Granite Guard was organized at Folsom
May 27, 1861, with fifty-eight men, and F. S.
Mumford as captain.
The Washington Rifles were organized May
27, 1861, under the militia laws of the state,
with eighty-one members, and the}' immedi-
ately tendered their services to the governor.
who accepted them, and they were mustered
into the service of the United States. Their
captain was Thomas I. Roberts; first lieuten-
ant, W. A. Thompson ; second lieutenant, J. S.
Hunter ; brevet second lieutenant, W. L.
Ustick. Cornelius V. Kellogg and Henry Kline
were also officers subsequently.
The Sacramento Rangers, cavalry, were or-
ganized August 27, 1861, and were mustered
into the service of the United States with
sixty-two members. D. A. McMerritt was cap-
tain ; J. M. Ropes, first lieutenant ; A. W. Starr,
second lieutenant.
E. D. Shirland raised a troop of cavalry,
known as Shirland's Cavalry, recruiting them
principally around Folsom. They were mus-
tered into the service of the United States and
arrived in Sacramento by rail, seventy-five in
number, September 5, 1861. Here they were
joined by about forty recruits from this city,
and proceeded to San Francisco on the steamer
"Antelope." The citizens of Folsom raised
$513 in two hours for the use of the company.
The National Guard was organized October
7, 1862, with officers as follows: L. L. Baker,
captain; D. W. Welty, first lieutenant; W. H.
B. Morrill, senior second lieutenant; Prescott
Robinson, junior second lieutenant. The ser-
geants were: John Talbot, John Foley, R. H.
Daley, Paschal Coggins, and M. L. Templeton.
Among the privates of this company were a
number of men well known throughout the
state, such as Newton Booth, M. M. Estee,
Justin Gates, S. S. Holl, James McClatchy,
Alex Badlam, and Sylvester Tryon.
The Sacramento Sharp-shooters organized
June 6, 1863. with E. R. Hamilton as captain;
Thomas V. Cummings, first lieutenant ; W.
M. Siddons, senior second lieutenant. Chris
Weisel, J. A. Conboie, and E. H. Heacock were
the sergeants. This company numbered in its
ranks as privates, L. Booth, E. M. Fry, A.
Flohr, J. T. Glover. S. S. Holl, Israel Luce.
J. H. McKune, Robert Robinson, Perrin Stan-
ton, O H. Tubbs, and G. K. Van Heusen. all
prominent men of Sacramento. The company
was mustered out in 1886.
The Turner Rifles organized June 22. 1863,
with forty-four members. Their captain was
Charles Wolleb ; A. Geisel, first lieutenant ; L.
Lotthammer, senior second lieutenant ; A. Nes-
sel, junior second lieutenant. Among the pri-
vates we find the names of John Bellmer, .A.
Heilbron, Charles Pommer, C. Weil. C. Klein-
sorge, L. B. Mohr, and C. Weisel.
The Walnut Grove Union Guard was organ-
ized at Walnut Grove in August, 1863. and
for several years continued as part of the
National Guard.
The Baker Guard was composed of over
fifty young men, most of them under twenty-
one years of age, and was organized Septem-
ber 15, 1863. W. T. Crowell was its captain;
James Clunie. first lieutenant ; D. K. Zumwalt,
second lieutenant; Samuel Carlisle, third lieu-
tenant. This company was consolidated with
Company D. National Guard, in June, 1866.
The Sacramento Light Artillery, unat-
tached, was organized September 24, 1864,
with Edgar Mills as captain; Wyman Mc-
Mitchell, first lieutenant W. M. Siddons,
senior second lieutenant; D. W. Earl, junior
second lieutenant. .\. J. Senatz was prominent
in the organization, and S. S. Montague, Jo-
seph Davis, and J. L. At wood were among the
subsequent captains.
The 1st Battalion. Light .Artillery, was or-
ganized in September, 1866, with Edgar Mills
as major; L. E. Crane, first lieutenant and
adjutant; Paul Morrill, first lieutenant and
quartermaster; W. R. Cluness. assistant ser-
geant.
The Emniel Guards were organized March
19, 1864, with John Foley as captain; 1". .A.
Moran, first lieutenant; John F.^ Sheehan,
senior second lieutenant ; John S. Barrett,
junior second lieutenant. The other officers
were; T. W. Sheehan. Owen Farrell, and M.
McManus. The company was mustered out of
the state service lunc 11. 1872.
226
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
The Sacramento Zouaves, an independent
colored company, were in existence for several
years.
Company G, Sarsfield Guards, was organ-
ized in 1870, with William H. Ashton, Jr., cap-
tain; Charles Brady, first lieutenant; Thomas
Nolan, second lieutenant.
Troop B, cavalry, was originally organized
in 1864, and was then known as the Sacra-
mento lyight Artillery. Its full official desig-
nation was Company A (Sacramento Light
Artillery), 1st Battalion of Artillery, 4th Brig-
ade, N. G. C. The material of which it was
formed included many of the prominent men
in the city, as will be seen by the list of those
who signed the petition to Judge Clark for
the formation of the company. The list is as
follows: Paul Morrill, Edgar Mills, George
Rowland, James McClatchy, H. W. Bragg,
George S. Evans, W. S. Mesick, O. D. Lam-
bard, W. M. Mitchell, Isaac Lohman, William
M. Harmon, R. W. Lewis, A. Lamott, M. M.
Estee, William M. Lyon, C. C. Barnes, Robert
Hamilton, Benjamin Peart, E. H. Heacock,
S. S. Holl, James Carolan, J. B. Sanderson,
George W. Chesley, L. Wilsey, J. H. Carroll,
H. G. Smith, D. W. Earl, A. D. Whitney, C. N.
Higgins, Robert Anderson, M. M. Spaulding,
F. E. Mitchell, N. L. Drew, George Inglis,
William M. Hoag, R. T. Brown, Charles Mil-
ler, John McNeill, I. C. Aikles, James Mc-
Cleary, George E. Duden, Prescott Robinson,
C. P. Huntington, Charles H. Creed, W. H.
Taylor, William L. Ustick, J. H. McKune,
Henry Ramsey, John S. Miller, Joseph T.
Glover, A. C. Bidwell, L. H. Foote, R. I. Gra-
ham, Samuel Cross. J. W. Reeves, Justin
Gates, L. S. Taylor, E. D. Wheatley, S. W.
Butler, J. M. Avery, W. C. Felch, A. Briggs,
Alex. Badlam, H. E. Cook, D. P. Coon, George
Oulton, Theo. J. Milliken, Richard Dale, H. F.
Holmes, A. H. Ault, Charles A. Peake, Albert
Leonard, Thomas Ross, J. T. Griffitts, William
E. Wise, Thomas C. Jones, George Cox,
Thomas Brown, J. T. Brownell, I. Bailey,
Charles Roberts, J. Davis, E. B. Mott, A. S.
Bender, P. Stanton, Ben. C. Butler, P. Frank-
lin, Joseph Bremer, Leland Stanford, William
M. Siddons, John P. Hoyt, Frederick Gibbs,
C. C. Knox, A. G. Richardson, T. M. Hubbard,
S. E. Ladd, B. Cahoon, Paul Morrill, Jr., S. S.
Montague, T. W. Ruce, L. Rotchford, Samuel
Cross, E. A. Rockwell, E. M. Howison.
The officers were Edgar Mills, captain ; Wy-
man McMitchell, first lieutenant; Wm. M.
Siddons, senior second lieutenant; D. W. Earl,
junior second lieutenant. March 19, 1880, the
Sacramento Light Artillery, the City Guard,
Nevada Light Guard, Placerville City Guard,
Yuba Light Guard, and Sarsfield Guard were
organized into a regiment known as the 1st
Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade, N. G. C.
Shortly afterwards the Sacramento Light Ar-
tillery became known as Light Battery B, 1st
Artillery Regiment. July 1, 1893, it was de-
tached from the regiment and designated as
Battery B, Light Artillery, unattached. July
23, 1895, it was changed into a troop of cav-
alry, and incorporated in August, 1895, with
Troops A, C, and D, cavalry, as the 1st Squad-
ron of Cavalry. In July, 1908, the squadron
was discontinued, and the troop became known
again as "Troop B, Cavalry," and is so known
today. Troop B, Cavalry, was called into the
federal service on August 5, 1917.
The 8th Infantry regiment was organized
October 31, 1890, and the 1st Artillery, March
19, 1880. The 8th Infantry and the 1st Artil-
lery were consolidated December 9, 1895,
forming the 2nd Regiment of Infantry, N. G.
C. Company A, 2nd Infantry, was mustered
out in the same year.
Company E, 2nd Infantry, of this city was
organized November 26, 1883, with Henry I.
Seymour, later colonel, as captain. Company
G of this city, and of the same regiment, was
organized July 29, 1870, with Thomas B. Hall,
now deceased, as captain. Both these compa-
nies existed continuously up until 1911, when
Company E was mustered out ; but it was later
reorganized. Companies E and G, 2nd Infan-
try, were also called into federal service on
August 5, 1917. After the World War they
were reorganized and consolidated into one
company, now known as Company G, 159th
Infantry, stationed at Sacramento.
Grand Army of the Republic
The greatest patriotic order that ever was
instituted was organized in Sacramento early
in its existence, and has numbered three posts
and two relief corps, and one circle of the
Ladies of the Grand Army, auxiliary thereto,
all of which, except one post, are still in exist-
ence and in flourishing condition.
Sumner Post No. 3 was instituted Novem-
ber 25, 1867, with the following charter mem-
bers : G. W. Bowie, Thomas J. Blakeney,
George S. Evans, D. A. DeMerritt, W. L.
Campbell, E. Engham, John F. Sheehan, E. S.
Granger, W. C. Guirey, R. H. Harris, J. V.
Gilbert, N. S. Hawley, R. W. Towne, and J. G.
Garrison, the charter being signed by John G.
Miller, department commander, and James
Coey, assistant adjutant-general. The first
officers were : W. S. Campbell, commander ;
W. C. Guirey, Jr., vice commander, and J. F.
Sheehan, adjutant. The post is still in a
healthy condition.
Warren Post No. 54 was instituted August
4, 1883, with the following charter members :
W. A. Houghton, Charles Reihn, C. W. Wal-
lace, J. B. Pierpont, Fred Dustman, J. N.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
227
Moore. M. J. Smith, Dan Meagher, E. C. Jor-
dan, M. Wood, N. Hamm, J. H. Carrington,
Dr. C. F. Pinkham. N. T. Gould. W. W. Fuller,
W. W. Meyer. T. J. Kiernan. S. S. B. Brig-
ham, W. C. Gnet. Charles Ludwig. J. H.
Marsh, W. M. Wilbur, H. Yuhre. Charles Fos-
ter. A. Richardson, E. P. Snyder, J. S. Easter-
brooke, A. T. Browsher, George Vogelgesang,
A. W. Sefton, J. J. Trarbach, J- T'^ Bartlett,
and S. McKearney. It is still in existence,
and has a good number of members.
Fair Oaks Post No. 120 was organized in
May, 1886, and after continuing a number of
years surrendered its charter.
Sumner Relief Corps No. 11, auxiliary to
Sumner Post, was organized in March, 1884,
and is still prosperous.
Fair Oaks Relief Corps No. 13 was organ-
ized in May, 1884, as auxiliary of Fair Oaks
Post, and is still in existence as an auxiliary
of the G. A. R., although the post has been
discontinued for some years, having united
with Sumner Post.
Clara Barton Circle No. 11, Ladies of the
G. A. R., was organized May 26, 1886. It is
now known as Edward Roby Circle No. 2,
Ladies of the G. A. R., and is in a prosperous
condition.
Spanish War Veterans
J. Holland Laidler Camp No. 5, Department
of California, United Spanish War Veterans,
was chartered under the National Encamp-
ment, Spanish-American War Veterans, April
18, 1904, as No. 286. Subsequently the gen-
eral organization was amalgamated with other
kindred associations, and became the United
Spanish War Veterans. The camp was char-
tered under the United Spanish War Veter-
ans, January 17, 1905. Its charter members
were as follows : O. J. Addison, J. Alexander,
O. W. Anderson, F. F. Atkinson, W. D. Bes-
sey, F. W. Birchmore, O. J. Boden, D. C. Bush,
F. F. Canon, *John Cooke, F. W. Coyne, W. R.
Coyne, M. J. Cunningham, *0. N. Faulkner,
*A. P. Gadbois, *J. W. Gray, *Fred Gunter,
*W. F. Hayden, J. H. Hayes, J. E. Hicks,
W. J. Hanna. D. O. Hildebrand, E. C. Hunt,
S. W. Kay, Rube Lee, S. W. Leitch, C. Lucey,
F. L. Martin, *C. D. McDermit, *J. G. Merle,
J. M. Milliken, L. C. Moore, Haywood Reed,
J. F. Sherburn, W. O. Smith, H. E. Speas,
H. G. Teasdale, C. H. Weden, W. I. Wood-
man. Mark W'ormer.
The first executive officers of the camp were :
Commander, S. W. Kay; adjutant, J. Alex-
ander ; quartermaster, O. W. Anderson.
* Deceased.
J. Holland Laidler, in honor of whose mem-
ory this camp was named, was connected with
the Southern Pacific Railroad Company's hos-
pital in Sacramento prior to the commence-
ment of the war between the United States
and Spain. At the outbreak of hostilities (or
when the opportunity presented itself) he
joined the Hospital Corps, United States
army, and was killed in action during the Phil-
ippine insurrection, April 24, 1899, at Quin-
qua, Philippine Islands. He was born in
Elko, Houston County, Ga., July 11, 1876.
Admiral Robley D. Evans Camp No. 33,
Department of California, United Spanish
War Veterans, was organized through the
efforts of Colonel F. F. Canon, assisted by a
few other veterans. It was mustered in Au-
gust 14. 1908, by Department Commander M.
M. Moulton (now past department com-
mander) at the armory of Company E, 2nd
Infantry, National Guard of California, which
was located at that time in the old pavilion,
Sixth and M Streets.
The charter members were ; G. A. Bahran,
W. T. Plildebrand, C. C. Graver, W. H. Phil-
lips, C. E. Connolly, Charles J. Stephens,
B. W. Gardner, Johannes Gienger, F. F.
Canon, T. H. McDaniel, F. C. Childs, E. Stor-
ror, James Fricke, G. W. Waldron, F. W.
Barber, F. E. Kimple, H. C. Carvell, F. AV.
Strachauer, F. E. Elliott, Fred Shrader. and
Herbert Gray. The first executive officers of
the camp were : Commander, F. E. Elliott ;
adjutant, F. F. Canon: quartermaster, B. W.
Gardner.
The camp was named in honor of the noted
admiral of the United States navy, "Fighting
Bob" Evans. About the time of organization
Admiral Evans had just completed his trip
around the world. Again, the naming of the
camp was appropriate, for during the Span-
ish-American WsiT he had taken a very prom-
inent part, and was in active command of the
U. S. S. "Iowa," off Santiago, during the
naval engagement which resulted in the de-
struction of Cervera's fleet, July 3. 1898.
Camp Robley D. Evans has recently been com-
bined with the J. Holland Laidler Camp No. 5.
Cynthia E. Moore Auxiliary, United Spanish
War Veterans, auxiliary to Camps J. Holland
Laidler No. 5 and Admiral R. D. Evans No.
33, was instituted in Elks Hall, Sacramento,
January 15, 1909, with thirty-five charter
members. The name Cynthia E. Moore was
chosen because Cynthia E. Moore (born No-
vember 9, 1873, and a graduate of St. Luke's
Hospital, San Francisco) was a nurse in the
United States army service, serving from No-
vember 14, 1898, to September 30, 1900. She
was honorably discharged because of illness,
was cared for at the general hospital at the
228
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Presidio of San Francisco, died May 11, 1901,
and was buried in that city.
The first set of officers were : Gertrude Gould
Speas, president ; Alice Milliken, senior vice-
president; Ada Hildebrand, junior vice-presi-
dent; I. May Sydeham, chaplain; Addie Kelly,
secretary ; Mary. Kimple, treasurer ; Mamie
Ka)^ conductor ; Lillian Lee, guard.
The history of Cynthia E. Moore Auxiliary
since its admission into the organization has
been one of prosperity and success. Its mem-
bers have ever striven for advancement and
have placed the auxiliary upon a high plane.
The American Legion
The American Legion Post No. 61, of Sacra-
mento, was chartered September 20, 1919, and
is one of the most active among the patriotic
ex-service organizations in the country. The
following names appear on the original char-
ter: H. J. McClatchy, Carlos K. McClatchy,
Harry R. Gimbal, Walter S. Tyler, George H.
Olmsted, Charles Thomas, Butler Jack, Jr.,
George J. Raymond, Leo A. McClatchy, Harry
E. Hosking. Walter J. Hicks, E. G. Wakefield,
Wallace Shepard, Jay K. Henr}-, and Fontaine
Johnson.
The present officers of the post are : Walter
W. Wright, commander ; Roy J. Neilsen, first
vice-commander ; Cluness S. Goethe, second
vice-commander ; Edward Davis, third vice-
commander; William Hickey, sergeant at
arms ; Dewey Baker, chaplain ; Chester Gan-
non, historian; L. E. Deise, adjutant; Marco
Zarick, treasurer; W. H. Pope, chairman ex-
ecutive committee, and H. W. McElrath,
George L. Klumpp, and John B. Maloney,
directors.
CHAPTER XXXIV
SACRAMENTO FIRE DEPARTMENT
First Organization and Early Fires
THE FIRST fire department in Sacramento
was organized in 1850. On April 4 of
that year the first fire of any considerable
extent occurred on Front Street, between J
and K, eight or ten buildings being destroyed,
with their contents, within thirty minutes of
the time it started. The loss was stated at
$100,000. A fire department was immediately
organized. On November 9 following, another
fire occurred, destroying the New York, Eagle,
St. Francis, and Galena Hotels, the Home of
the Badger, Rowe's provision store, and other
buildings. On August 13, 1851, the Tehama
Theater was burned.
The greatest fire of the early days occurred
November 2, 1852, when fully seven-eighths
of the city was destroyed and several lives
were supposed to have been lost. This was
the most widespread and disastrous fire in the
history of the citv, and the total amount of
loss was estimated at $10,000,000. Although
it was a frame building, the Congregational
Church on Sixth Street was the only one out
of the many churches that was saved. Through
the efforts of the citizens the conflagration was
prevented from extending east of Ninth Street
and north of I Street. The fact that a strong
wind was blowing when the fire started was
undoubtedly the cause of its becoming so
general.
The second general conflagration in the
city's history occurred on the afternoon of July
13, 1854. It started in a small frame building
in the rear of Newcome's furniture store, near
the center of the block between J and K, Third
and Fourth Streets. This time it was caused
by the upsetting of a spirit lamp used for heat-
ing a glue-pot. It reached the Sacramento
Hotel almost immediately, and in a very short
time the blaze was tremendous. The day was
ver}" hot, the thermometer standing at one
hundred degrees in the shade. The firemen
turned out in force, but the furious element
would not be denied, and in spite of the heroic
efforts of the members of the department and
the citizens, it destroyed successively the Ori-
ental Hotel, the American House, the old
courthouse, the New England House, the State
House, Congregational Church, the Sewanee
House, Crescent City Hotel, and No. 4's en-
gine house. By good luck the water-works
had just been put into operation, and but for
their efficiency the loss would have been much
greater.
Governor Bigler had been working from
the beginning of the conflagration wherever
help had been needed, and when the State
Capitol was threatened, he asked a number of
bystanders to aid him in saving the furniture.
They demurred to doing so on the ground
that the state could better afford to lose its
HISTORY OF SACRAAFENTO COUNTY
229
property than private parties could. Pointing
to a full-length portrait of Washington that
hung on the southern wall. Governor Bigler
said: "See! there is the portrait of the father
of your country ; will you permit it to be de-
stroyed?" His appeal was successful, and they
made a general rush and saved the picture.
The Golden Eagle Hotel, a substantial brick
building, finally checked the fire until it could
be controlled. The news of the fire having
reached San Francisco, the Monumental En-
gine Company of that city made an earnest
eflfort to reach Sacramento in time to be of
assistance, but was unable to arrive until the
next morning, when they were cordially
thanked by the citizens for their generous
attempt.
The next important fire occurred on July 3,
1855, and burned over the whole triangle be-
tween the levee, I and Sixth Streets, but as
the buildings were mainly old shacks occupied
by Chinese, the loss was not heavy. Several
fires, each occasioning a loss of from $10,000
to $20,000, occurred in the following nineteen
years.
About 5:30 a. m., on September 15, 1874,
the Capital Woolen Mills caught fire and were
destroyed, causing a loss of from $75,000 to
$100,000. The mills were soon rebuilt. No-
vember 21, 1886, they were burned again,
and were not rebuilt.
January 9, 1875, a fire started in the after-
noon in the lamp room of the Western Hotel
and spread rapidly to the whole building. By
desperate efiforts the fire department, which
was promptly on hand, managed to confine it
to the hotel building, which was totally de-
stroyed. Three lives were lost, two of the
victims being compositors in the "Union"
office. The financial loss was estimated at
about $100,000.
The most disastrous conflagration of later
years occurred on Saturday morning, Jan-
uary 31, 1903, when the fine department
store of Weinstock, Lubin & Company,
at Fourth and K Streets, running through
to L Street, was discovered to be on fire.
The iron doors in the rear of the K Street
part were locked and could not be opened by
the firemen until after the flames had gained
such headway that they could not be con-
trolled. They svi'ept across the bridge con-
necting the annex, and the inflammable con-
tents soon made the whole store a seething
furnace. At daybreak only the walls were left
standing, the loss being over $750,000. The
firm moved to the old pavilion on M Street,
and in twenty-four hours was doing business
again with a limited stock. Within a year they
were housed again in their present handsome
building.
Other serious fires of recent years have oc-
curred at Charles Nathan & Sons' Department
Store, Sixth and J Streets, with a loss of
$458,000; the Sacramento Lumber Company's
plant, when the west end of their yard burned
with a loss of $58,000 ; the Valley Seed Com-
pany's store, 1319 Front Street, with a loss of
$174,000; and the California Packing Com-
pany's Cannery, with a loss of $400,000.
Early Fire Companies
The honor of having organized the first fire
company in the state belongs to Sacramento.
February 5, 1850, the first steps were taken
toward the organization of Mutual Hook and
Ladder Company No. 1. The following offi-
cers were elected : Demas Strong, foreman ;
J. S. Fowler, first assistant; M. D. Eyre, sec-
ond assistant; T. A. Warbass. treasurer; H. G.
Langley, secretary ; J. O. Derby, steward. The
company turned out to the fire of April 4,
1850, using a fire engine belonging to Lewis
& Bailey. They continued in active service
until October 30, 1859, when they disbanded
by mutual consent, turning over their appa-
ratus to the fire department. They had twen-
ty-six members when they disbanded, and
had occupied the same building with Confi-
dence Engine Company No. 1.
Alert Hook and Ladder Company No. 2
was organized September 27, 1852, electing
Thomas W. Noyes, foreman ; Charles W.
Cook, assistant foreman : Alexander C. Folger,
secretary ; W. B. H. Dodson, trustee ; John
L. Polhemus and Joseph F. Cloutman, dele-
gates. Their building was a two-story brick
one, located on Eighth Street between J and
K. Both this company and the Mutual re-
ceived an outfit of hooks and ladders in 1853.
In 1860 the Alert had twenty-nine members,
and M. McManus was their foreman.
On March 6, 1851, Confidence Engine Com-
pany No. 1 was organized with W. S. Eakins,
foreman; William D. Hunt, first assistant;
John J. Balentine. second assistant ; H. E.
Urner, secretary: Leander Culver, treasurer.
It was housed in a two-story building on the
east side of Third Street between I and J.
It maintained its organization until the in-
troduction of the paid fire department, when
it numbered sixty-five members.
Protection Engine Company No. 2 was or-
ganized March 22, 1851. electing William
Arents, foreman; Francis R. Folger, assistant:
H. Burdick, secretary. It had sixty-five mem-
bers and its house was erected on the west
side of Eighth Street between J and K, and
was afterwards for many years known as
Exempt Firemen's Hall. It was torn down
in 1911 to give place to a new building.
Sacramento Engine Company No. 3 was or-
ganized March 27, 1851, by electing J. R.
;30
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Beard, foreman ; H. J. Beams, assistant fore-
man : F. McGilvery, secretary ; J. C. Freeman,
assistant secretary. It had erected for it two
years later a fine house on the west side of
Second Street between K and L, and in 1860
the company numbered fifty-nine members.
The building was later occupied lij^ No. 1, of
the paid fire department.
Eureka Engine Company No. 4 was organ-
ized August 15, 1853. electing W. H. Jones,
foreman; John H. Burgess, assistant; Jacob
Greenbaum, secretary ; H. P. Osborn, treas-
urer. They occupied a two-story brick build-
ing, the present Corporation House, on Fifth
Street between J and K. and numbered sixty-
five members in 1860.
Knickerbocker Engine Company No. 5 was
organized July 21, 1854, the officers being as
follows : H. Polley, foreman ; James Calwyn,
first assistant ; P. Holland, second assistant ;
John F. Hall, secretary ; John C. Keenan, treas-
urer. The company numbered fifty-eight
members, and its building was a two-story
brick on the east side of Fourth Street be-
tween K and L.
Young America No. 6 was organized by
the residents of the Third Ward, June 21, 1855,
with Robert Robinson, foreman ; E. Kimball,
first assistant; Sylvester Marshall, second as-
sistant; Anson Perry, secretary; Charles S.
White, treasurer. Its house was a two-story
brick, located on Tenth Street between I and
J, and is at present used by a company of the
paid fire department, No. 2.
Tehama Hose Company No. 1 was the first
hose coinpany in this city. It was organized
April 21, 1853, but disbanded November 24,
1855.
Neptune Hose Company was an independ-
ent company organized October 6, 1856, with
C. T. Ingham, president ; P. Holland, fore-
man ; Thomas Bartlett, assistant foreman ;
A. P. Norton, treasurer ; Alexander Badlam,
secretary. The company had considerable
trouble in gaining admission into the depart-
ment. A building was erected for it on the
north side of I Street, fronting on Fourth
Street. It had a membership of twenty-five.
Broderick Engine Company No. 7 was or-
ganized June 1. 1860, electing Matthias Ault,
foreman; R. B. Bishop, first assistant; Ber-
nard Riley, second assistant; D. O. Brown,
secretary, and W. S. Higgins, treasurer. Its
membership was sixty-five. The company was
named after United States Senator David
Broderick, and was faithful in its attendance
at fires, but was not admitted into the depart-
ment, and was disbanded immediately after
the flood of 1861. It occupied a one-and-a-half-
stor}' building at the corner of Third and R
Streets. The building was removed a number
of vears ago and converted into a residence ;
and the engine, hose, etc., reverted to the de-
partment.
Several other companies of less note and
various continuance were organized during the
period of the volunteer department, and did
good work when necessity required, but their
names have passed from recollection. The fire-
fighters of the old volunteer days were men
of daring, men who were in the ranks for the
love of the work as well as for the protection
of their own property and that of others. Many
of them had been members of similiar organ-
izations in the East, and brought to their work
here the experience gained in former fields.
Chief Engineers of Volunteer Fire Department
The following were chief engineers of the
volunteer fire department during its continu-
ance from January 25, 1851, to August, 1872,
their terms of office being one year : Hiram
Arents, David McDowell, R. M. Folger, I. M.
Hubbard, J. H. Houseman, J. B. Blanchard,
Henry Polley, Hiram Arents, Joseph S. Friend,
George H. Brickman. R. J. Graham, Hugh
Kelly, George Schmeizer, David C. Wilson,
John Donellan, W. Gillan, Frank Johnson,
A. H. Hapeman, William D. Farrell, George
Schmeizer. Houseman and Kelly resigned,
Blanchard, first assistant, succeeding the for-
mer, and Schmeizer succeeding the latter.
Rivalry of the Companies
As was usual in the days of volunteer fire
departments, there was great rivalry between
the different companies, and many incidents
occurred, humorous and otherwise, that would
make interesting reading if their history had
been preserved. There were tournaments,
races, balls, presentation of banners and prizes,
and various other features. At one time much
complaint was made against the companies, in
the papers, on account of these rivalries. It
was charged that some of their members laid
plans for getting ahead of the members of
other companies by ringing false alarms, hav-
ing warned enough members of their own
companies to enable them to have their appa-
ratus ready and get to the scene of the sup-
posed fire before their rivals could do so, there-
by gaining credit through the papers for being
the most active in the performance of their
duties. The rivalry between the volunteer
companies often became so keen that bad
blood was engendered and fights were com-
mon. Spanners, wrenches, any available weap-
ons, were used, and sanguinary encounters
occurred on many occasions. One of the fiercest
and most notable of these occurred at the
burning of the first building erected for the
Jefferson Primary School. Two of the com-
panies between which there existed a strong
feeling of antagonism, met at a wooden bridge
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
231
that spanned a little slough near the school.
Each was determined to beat the other, and
they arrived simultaneously at the bridge. It
was too narrow for both to cross at the same
time, and in consequence one engine struck
the railing, smashing it, and was precipitated
into the slough. In a moment the fray was
started, spanners and other weapons being
used freely, and the bitterest fight in the his-
tory of the department was on, the combatants
paying no more attention to the fire, which
was burning fiercely. Several were seriously
injured, and carried the marks of the combat
to their graves. The men who comprised the
volunteer department were fearless and ag-
gressive, energetic and ready to court opposi-
tion, all of which qualities were valuable in
fighting fire, even though they found a vent
in other less worthy directions.
Exempt Firemen
The first Exempt Firemen's Association was
organized on August 14, 1865. Twenty-two
members were present at the meeting on that
day, and the following were chosen as officers :
George Rowland, president ; J. H. Houseman,
vice-president ; J. J. Smith, secretary ; J. F.
Crawford, treasurer. In 1871, when this asso-
ciation was abolished, it had only sixty-five
members. It was a charitable association, but
its charities were neither compulsory nor sys-
tematic. The fund was under the control of
the board of delegates, which had been incor-
porated June 10, 1868, and in the treasury was
about $38,000, in 1872, which was turned over
to the new association formed at that time.
The latter, which went out of existence some
years ago, was organized under an act of the
legislature, approved in April, 1872, it having
been instituted December 4, 1872. The first
officers elected were : W. L. Herndon, presi-
dent; A. H. Cummings, first vice-president:
Joseph Davis, second vice-president ; George
A. Putnam, treasurer; also a board of trustees
of the general fund, and a board of trustees of
the charitable fund.
Although in 1871 the old association had
only sixty-five members when it was dissolved.
the new one began business in 1872, with 324
members, and many others joined it later on.
Its objects were of a social and beneficiary
nature, including fraternal aid and pecuniary
benefits. The pecuniary benefit given was
eight dollars per week in case of disability,
ten dollars a month to widows of deceased
members in case they were in need of it, and
a hundred dollars for funeral expenses. Besides
this, all the friendly aid the association could
bestow in case of sickness or distress was
cheerfully given. These benefits were not
given to a member, however, if his distress was
the result of gross dissipation. By death and
removals the number of members was gradu-
ally reduced to 151 in 1890, and finally to
sixty-seven in 1901, when the association
wound up its affairs.
By the act which created the paid fire de-
partment of the city, it was provided that the
Exempt Firemen's Association should have
the privilege of selecting one of the old engine
houses of the volunteer department for its
use. The old engine house on the north side
of the alley, on Eighth Street between J and
K, was accordingly chosen and the property
was put up at auction, to avoid complication
of the title. No one would bid against the
Exempt Firemen, and the sum it brought was
$100. The building was remodeled and a
hall built for their use, while the lower story
was fitted up for stores, which brought a good
rent. The change made in it by the Exempts
cost about $7,000, and it was occupied by
them for the first time on July 12, 1875. When
the association wound up its affairs the prop-
erty was sold, and it has been demolished to
make way for a fine modern building. Thus
landmark after landmark of the old days is
passing away, and like the Pioneers, the Ex-
empts still living have dwindled away in
numbers, and soon only the memory of them
will remain to us.
John F. Dreman, who was a member of No.
1, in the old volunteer department, and turned
out in parade with it in 1851, and who was
afterwards a member of No. 3, and of Nep-
tune Hose Company, was the last president
of the Exempts, and the proud possessor of
a handsome badge presented to him when
they disbanded. Mr. Dreman was for many
years a member of the city board of educa-
tion, and served also as a supervisor of the
county. He died in 1917. James Coffroth,
a brilliant lawyer of a generation ago, was
the first member of the Exempts to die, and
\\'illiam L. Herndon the first president.
Paid Fire Department
A paid fire department for the cil\- was
established by the legislature April 1, 1872,
and the volunteer department was super-
seded. A board of tiiree commissioners was
established, the first members to be appointed
by the governor, and their successors to be
elected by the people, one being elected each
year at the regular city election. The city
was authorized by the act to issue bonds for
$50,000, payable twenty years after date, with
interest at eight per cent per annum. The
first commissioners, appointees of the gover-
nor, were Sylvester Tryon, George Rowland,
and W. C. Fclch, the latter being elected
president of the board. Two engine compa-
nies and a hook and ladder company were or-
ganized the ensuing fall.
232
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Engine Company No. 1 was organized Sep-
tember 15, 1872, and Henry Burnham was
made foreman and O. Collier, engineer. There
were twelve other men, but only the engineer,
foreman and drivers were permanently em-
ployed. The engine-house was for years situ-
ated on Second Street between K and L, but
is now on Sixth Street between H and I.
Engine Company No. 2 was organized at
the same time as No. 1, with J. W. Thomp-
son as foreman and E. H. Williams as en-
gineer. The engine-house is on Tenth Street
between I and J.
Engine Company No. 3 was organized and
placed in service on April 1, 1888. The engine-
house is on Nineteenth Street, between L and
M, where Hose Coinpany No. 1, organized
June 11, 1884, had previously been located
before disbanding.
Station No. 4, on Twenty-sixth Street be-
tween L and M, was installed and put in
service March 1, 1902, at a cost of $12,800,
and the apparatus cost $5,550.
Station No. 5, on Ninth Street between T
and U, was put in service in June, 1911, at a
cost of about $11,000, with apparatus costing
$5,550.
By 1912, the department was thoroughly
equipped with chemical engines, including a
modern auto chemical engine ; also with
up-to-date steamers, hook-and-ladder trucks
with extension ladders and a water-tower, be-
sides an ample supply of first-class hose-carts
and hose. The annexation of the suburbs was
then necessitating the building of stations in
Oak Park and other localities. Oak Park
already had a volunteer fire company. This
is no longer in existence, paid stations of the
Sacramento Fire Department having since
been established both at Oak Park and at
Curtis Oaks. At that time the board of under-
writers had stated that no city in the state had
a better-equipped fire department, or a more
efficient force of firemen, than had Sacra-
mento. The city trustees were alive to the
fact that the better equipped and more efficient
the department was, the better the protection
afforded to the property of taxpayers, and the
more reasonable the rates of insurance. For
this reason they were more liberal in their
appropriations for the purchase of apparatus,
to keep up with the growth of the city and
its needs. The erection of six- and eight-
story buildings having then become quite
common, the l:)oard, in January, 1912, pur-
chased an auto hook-and-ladder truck, with an
eighty-five-foot extension ladder, of the latest
and most approved pattern, at a cost of $6,300.
The fire department now consists of seven
engine companies, three truck companies, and
four chemical companies, their locations being
as follows ;
Sixth Street be-
Tenth Street be-
Nineteenth Street
4 : Twenty-sixth
Ninth Street be-
7 : Twenty-sixth
Sixth Street be-
Nineteenth Street
Fourth Avenue
Twenty-second
3: Twentieth
Thirty-eighth
Engine Company No. 1
tween H and I.
Engine Company No. 2:
tween I and J.
Engine Companj' No. 3 :
between L and M.
Engine Company No.
Street between L and M.
Engine Company No. 5 :
tween T and U.
Engine Company No. 6 : Fourth Avenue
between Thirty-fourth and Thirty-fifth.
Engine Company No.
Street and Portola Way.
Truck Company No. 1 :
tween K and E.
Truck Company No. 2 :
between L and M.
Truck Company No. 3
between Thirty-fourth and Thirty-fifth.
Chemical Company No. 1 : Fifth Street
between J and K.
Chemical Company No. 2 :
Street between S and T.
Chemical Company No.
Street between D and E.
Chemical Company No. 4
Street and Folsom Boulevard.
The present Sacramento Fire Department
is efficient, both in its equipment and in the
personnel of its several stations. Under the
new city council, Michael J. Dunphy was ap-
pointed chief of the department. He was for-
merly assistant to Chief Loyal C. Moore, who
about one year before had been appointed to
succeed Charles Anderson, who is now a mem-
ber of the city council.
xAU the equipment of the department is now
motor-driven with the latest type of hose and
ladder trucks, nozzle hoist derricks, high-
power pumps, and other apparatus. It is
claimed Sacramento has more fire hydrants
than the majority of cities of its size; that it
stands third in the entire United States, when
compared with cities up to 100,000 population ;
and that its fire department is excelled in Cali-
fornia only by Los Angeles and San Francisco.
In 1919 the two-platoon system was adopted,
giving the department greater efficiency, and
always providing for the fullest cooperation
of all the units in all emergencies arising in
unusual conflagrations.
The annual appropriations for the city's fire
department since 1913 have been as follows:
1911
$130,000.00
1918
$126,446.55
1912
76,135.73
1919
128,404.00
1913
152,691.00
1920
165,820.80
1914
120,074.52
1921
230,917.36
1915
154,819.00
1922
250,349.40
1916
140,569.00
1923
318,996.80
1917
150,205.00
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
233
Chief Engineers of Paid Fire Department
The chief engineers of the paid fire depart-
ment since its organization have been : William
B. Hunt, 1872-1874; William H. H. Lee, 1874-
1876; Henry Burnham, 1876-1878; William H.
H. Lee, four months, 1878; Cornelius Sullivan,
1878-1887; M. O'Meara, 1887-1890; H. A.
Guthrie, 1890-1910; Charles Anderson, 1910-
1920 ; Loyal C. Moore, 1920-1921 ; Michael J.
Dunphv, 1921 to the present time.
In 1887 O'Meara was elected chief engineer
by the board of fire commissioners at a pri-
vate meeting, and Sullivan and his friends
held that the election was illegal. Both par-
ties claimed the office and both gave orders
at fires. The situation became embarrassing,
the matter having been taken into court, and
the commissioners finally called in H. A.
Guthrie, who was at the time foreman of No.
1, and asked him to take the position of acting
chief engineer. He demurred at first, but con-
sented, and on October 13 he was appointed
acting chief engineer. On October 21 he was
appointed assistant chief engineer. About
three months afterwards the courts decided in
favor of O'Meara. In 1890 O'Meara left the
city suddenly and Guthrie was appointed chief
engineer on September 29, to succeed him.
January 22, 1894, when the new charter for
the city went into eiTect, he was reelected
chief engineer and continued to hold the posi-
tion until August 1, 1910, when he requested
to be relieved and tendered his resignation,
retiring of his own volition and being placed
on the pension list. He had been a member
of the old volunteer department, becoming a
member of Alert No. 2, while yet only a boy,
and previously had been torch bearer of Pro-
tection No. 2. He was presented with his
certificate by Alert No. 2, January 29, 1872,
and became a member of Hook and Ladder
No. 1, in the paid fire department. During
his term of service as chief engineer he
brought the department up to a high degree
of efficiency and by his aggressive energy and
insistence with the trustees was able to in-
troduce many improvements, such as chem-
ical engines, extension ladders, etc., into the
department. Chief Engineer Anderson, who
succeeded him, proved to be an efficient chief,
both in the handling of his force and in meth-
ods of controlling fires. During his incum-
bency the annexation of Oak Park and other
suburbs was accomplished, and the erection
of additional engine-houses for the use of the
department and the protection of the outlying
districts was planned and carried to comple-
tion. Under Chiefs Moore and Dunphy, the
department has maintained its record for effi-
ciency and service.
CHAPTER XXXV
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Gas-Works
EARLY in the history of Sacramento the
necessity became apparent for a system
of lighting more generally available and
more elaborate than the tallow-dip. Kerosene
at that date was not in general use and acety-
lene and other substances were not then
known. Gas had been in use in cities for a
long time and was therefore the logical means
for lighting streets and houses. Early in 1854
a Scotchman named William Glenn obtained
a franchise for establishing and maintaining
gas-works in the city of Sacramento. He
made no attempt to build the works, but in-
stead sold his franchise to a joint-stock asso-
ciation, which organized August 18, 1854, as
the Sacramento Gas Company. Angus Frier-
son was elected president and N. W. Chitten-
den, secretary. The capital stock was $500,-
000, and by May, 1856, $200,000 had been
expended. The initial step in constructing
the gas-works was taken October 20, 1854. by
Mayor R. P. Johnson, who turned the first
soil' excavated for placing the gas-meter tank,
the location being in Slater's Addition. The
new enterprise was pushed forward energet-
ically until March 7, 1855, when the rise of
the American River and the submergence of
that part of the city caused its temporary
abandonment. The prosecution of the work
was resumed August 4, 1855, and energetic-
ally carried out. The city was lighted with
gas for the first time on the evening of De-
cember 17 in the same year. The officers of
the company at thai time were: K. P. John-
234
HISTORY OF v^ACRAMENTO COUNTY
son, president and superintendent ; W. H.
Watson, secretary; D. O. Mills, treasurer;
P. B. Norman, engineer; James Murray, AV. F.
Babcock, L. McLean, Jr., R. P. Johnson, and
W. H. Watson, directors.
In 1857 this company sold out. but as most
of the stock was bought by the original stock-
holders, little change was made. In 1867 so
much of the land west of the works was
washed away by high water that it was feared
the structure would be undermined, and large
quantities of cobbles were thrown into the
river against the walls until the danger was
checked. A special train, while coming from
Rocklin for the purpose of bringing stone for
this purpose, collided while on its return trip
with a wood-train near Antelope Station, and
the engineer, Roderick McRae, and Joseph
Bryan, collector for the gas company, were
severely injured. This accident claims the
distinction of having been the first collision
on the Central Pacific Railroad.
In 1872 articles of incorporation for the Cit-
izens' Gas Light Company of Sacramento
were filed, the capital stock being placed at
$200,000. The trustees were: Joseph W.
Stow, H. B. Williams, W. H. Montague,
C. T. Hopkins, E. B. Mott, Jr., G. W. Mowe,
Julius Wetzlar, G. Cadwalader, and J. F.
Houghton. The articles of incorporation fixed
the duration of the company at twenty-five
years, but its life appears to have been less
than that number of days.
The Pacific Pneumatic Gas Company was
organized early in October, 1872, its purpose
being to manufacture gas from petroleum.
The company purchased a lot of land for
$5,000 from the Johnston Brandy and Wine
Company in what is known as Brannan's Ad-
dition, south of the south line of S Street,
running back to Front Street and having 120
feet of river front for wharfage. The property
was sold in 1889 to W. D. Knights.
January 8, 1872, the articles of incorpora-
tion of the Citizens' Gas, Light and Heat Com-
pany were filed, the capital stock being $100,-
000, in shares of $50 each. The trustees
elected were : W. E. Brown, J. R. Watson,
R. C. Terry, R. C. Clark, A. Gallatin, W. E.
Perry, H. C. Kirk, C. H. Cummings and James
McClatchy. W. E. Brown was president ;
Robert C. Clark, vice-president; Albert Gal-
latin, treasurer ; and J. W. Pew, secretary.
The Sacramento Gas Company and the
Citizens' Gas, Light and Heat Company con-
solidated January 1, 1875, under the name of
the Capital Gas Company, with capital stock,
$2,000,000, in 40,000 shares of $50 each. Works
were erected on that portion of Brannan's Ad-
dition which lies between T and U Streets and
Front Street and the river front, 500 feet deep
and 250 feet wide. In 1878 Smith & Company,
of the Pioneer Mills, bought the Sacramento
Gas Company's retort-house in Slater's Addi-
tion and made it a warehouse capable of stor-
ing 4,000 tons of grain. The railroad company
bought the gasometer and the land it stood on,
and sold the gasometer for old iron.
In 1856 the average daily output of gas was
from 8,000 to 10,000 feet. The selling-price
was $15 per thousand, and there were 113 con-
sumers. In 1863 the number of consumers had
increased to 600, and the city then contracted
for forty-five street lamps at $9 a month each,
the lamps to be lighted only during the ses-
sion of the legislatiu"e. A new gas-holder was
constructed in 1869, with a capacity of 60,000
cubic feet. February 1, 1870, the price of gas
was reduced to $7 a thousand cubic feet, and
there were at that time 33,000 feet of gas mains
in use. During the same year the price of
gas was further reduced to $6 per thousand,
at which rate it was held for several years.
In 1871 there were 50,000 feet of gas mains
in the streets of Sacramento, and in 1873,
eighteen miles of mains were laid. In 1875 the
consolidated companies had three gas-holders,
of 60,000 cubic feet capacity each, in opera-
tion where the present gas-works are located ;
and the customers had to rely on these for gas
until the new 500,000-cubic-foot gas-holder
was constructed in 1908.
The Capital Gas Company combined with
the Thompson-Houston Electric Light Com-
pany on July 1, 1887, thus disposing of a
competitor and combining electric lighting
with its gas business.
In 1890 the Sacramento Electric Gas and
Railway Company was formed, by the con-
solidation of the Sacramento Electric Power
and I/ight Company and the Folsom Water
Power Company, and in 1902 this company
acquired by purchase the Capital Gas Com-
pany. In March of 1903 the Sacramento Elec-
tric Gas and Railway Company was acquired
by the California Gas and Electric Company.
During all these changes improvements had
been made in methods of gas-making. A plant
for the manufacture of water-gas from anthra-
cite coal and petroleum was erected and used
in conjunction with the coal-gas works, and
as petroleum became cheaper the water-gas
superseded the coal-gas. In 1903 another ad-
vancement in the process of making gas vi^as
made b}' the introduction of crude-oil water-
gas, using California petroleum exclusively
for the manufacture of gas, and the price was
reduced to $1 per thousand.
In January, 1906, the Sacramento Electric
Gas and Railway Company became a part of
the Pacific Gas and Electric system, and is
now under the management of C. W. McKillip.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
235
The company not only operates an extensive
gas and electric system, but maintains and
operates a large street-car system through Sac-
ramento. The company likewise owns and
operates a large system of hydro-electric pow-
er-plants in the mountains above Sacramento,
which supply that city and many other locali-
ties with light and power. The increase in
the number of small and large irrigation proj-
ects in the foothill districts and the valleys
has called for extensive pumping-equipment to
take care of that feature of the power business.
The most modern facilities for the manufac-
ture and storage of gas have been provided.
Water-Works
The first plant in Sacramento that could be
termed '"water-v^rorks" was the five-horse-
power pile-driver engine of William P. Henry,
near the foot of I Street. By this, water was
pumped up from the river by suction into a
reservoir, from which carts were loaded, and
the water was peddled out by the gallon. There
was an antipathy to monopolies even in those
days, long before "trusts" were heard of.
"Uncle Billy" Anderson thought he perceived
the germ of prosperity in the industry, and he
soon started a rival enterprise at the junction
of Second Street with "the Slough." The two
parties carried on a successful business in com-
petition with each other until they formed a
combination with A. A. Bennett, and erected
more elaborate works just south of Henry's
engine, constructing a tank that was much
higher and better protected.
The city grew, and more extensive water-
works became necessary. In consequence, in
the fall of 1852, George Gordon and the "Sac-
ramento Water Company" each presented to
the city plans for the construction of a system
of water-works, which were submitted to the
people in December. The plans were rejected
by popular vote. At the same time, however,
the people voted a tax of three-quarters of one
per cent for works of some kind, to be there-
after fixed upon. Plans and specifications were
advertised for by the city council, and a Mr.
Kirk presented plans, which were adopted.
The specifications called for a brick building,
50 by 127 feet on the ground and the top of
the wall 36^ feet above the present grade of
J and Front Streets. The floor of the second
story was to be sixteen feet above the J Street
grade, and the reservoir was to be 50 by 128
feet and 6>4 feet high, the greatest depth of
water to be five feet. The reservoir was to
be on the top of the building. The price was
to be $120,000. The building was completed
and the tank filled April 1, 1854, and the occa-
sion was celebrated by the citizens on April 6.
The building stood until recent years, and was
known as the old water-works building. Some
years ago it passed into the possession of the
Southern Pacific Company, and it has since
been torn down.
The first bonds of the water loan were issued
August 12, 1853, and the total issue of bonds
under this loan was $284,495. The first super-
intendent of the new works was William P.
Henry, who had been the first man to intro-
duce anything like pumping-works for water-
supply into the city. The first parties who pur-
chased water from the new works were Adams
& Company, who paid for a fifteen days' sup-
ply at the rate of $12.22 per month. There
were seventy-three customers in April, 1854;
155 in May ; 260 in June ; and 403 by November.
During the year 1855 two and one-fourth
miles of water-pipes were laid, which, with
fifty hydrants and twenty-one stop-gates, cost
$23,600. The reservoir capacity was 200,000
gallons, and the pumping capacity 39,100 gal-
gallons per hour. By March 1, 1856, the total
length of pipe laid was eight and one-fourth
miles, and a few years later a Worthington
pump was added to the equipment. The ex-
tension of the pipe system decreased the pres-
sure, and complaints of scanty supply of water
became frequent in the remoter parts of the
city. At last, on April 6, 1870, a disastrous
breakdown occurred to the works, for some
time shutting ofif the water-supply. It was
evident that something must be done to reme-
dy the condition, and on June 6, Superintend-
ent McCleery brought before the board of
trustees plans prepared by A. A. Bennett, an
architect, to raise the old building at a cost of
$10,000. June 22, 1870, Turton & Knox began
to raise the tanks fifteen feet, and a new stand-
pipe was put in. This partially remedied the
trouble; but it was only a temporary relief,
and it soon became evident that nothing less
than a new system of works, with a largel}'
increased capacity, would satisfy the people's
demands.
A number of schemes were considered from
1858 to 1872, but were abandoned successively,
among them being the Holly system. Water
from the various wells and from the river was
analyzed. The analysis of 120 ounces of water
taken from the Sacramento River during the
April freshet of 1870. and evaporated to dry-
ness by James Bell of San Francisco, left a
residuum of 2.59 grains, composed as follows:
Gypsum, 1.27 grains; epsom salts. 0.70: salt,
0.21 ; silicate of potash, 0.13: silica, 0.25; iron.
only a trace; loss. 0.03 grain. July 20, 1872,
a special election was held, as a result of which
it was decided to adopt one of the three plans
oiifered by the Holly Company, and which
would cos\ $58,000. The west fifty feet of Lot
4, between II and 1 Streets, and Front and
236
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Second, was purchased by the Capital Savings
Bank and the National Gold Bank of D. O.
Mills & Company, and the deed was presented
to the city. On receiving this deed the trus-
tees passed a resolution to accept it, and to
reserve from the bonds authorized to be issued
$20,000, subject to such further legislation as
might be had, for the purpose of paying the
banks the money advanced by them, the
amount advanced by the Capital Savings Bank
being $8,000, and that advanced by the Na-
tional Gold Bank being $7,000. Work was
immediately begun on the new works, and
was pushed to completion as fast as possible :
but the machinery was not in shape to under-
go its trial or test of capacity until July 17,
1873. When its capacity was thoroughly
tested, it proved to be fully up to the demand
of the specifications, and on the 28th the
works were accepted by the trustees. The
amount of bonds authorized by the act, ap-
proved March 30, 1872, for the purpose of
erecting the works, was $191,307.50, but the
amount issued was only $189,993.15.
The Holly rotary pumps proved to be
worthless for the water-works, but the gang
pumps put in by the company did good serv-
ice for many years. Early in 1878 a pump,
generally known as the Stevens pump, was
built in the Central Pacific Company's ma-
chine shops, and installed in the west side of
the water-works, where it did good service for
years. Becoming superannuated, it was later
used only in emergencies, or when repairs
were being made to the other pumps. The
capacity of the plant has since been increased
from time to time, and a 12,000,000-gallon
pump was put in.
Sacramento's forty-year fight for clear water
triumphed on June 28, 1919, when the city
voted by a large majority to issue $1,800,000
in bonds for the purpose of erecting a modern
filtration plant and water-works system. This
proving inadequate to complete the works,
due to some depreciation because of the low
bond market and the increased cost of labor
and material, another election was held on
December 21, 1921, and bonds for an addi-
tional $900,000, making a total of $2,700,000,
were carried.
The plans for the filtration plant, originally
outlined in the survey and report of Charles
Gillman Hyde, nationally known engineer,
were adopted, and Major Hyde was engaged
by the municipality as the consulting engi-
neer during the course of construction. With
him have been associated other engineers
skilled in filtration design and construction,
including C. G. Gillespie, the resident en-
gineer.
When completed, the water-works system
and filtration plant will be the most modern
in the country, and the filtration capacity and
storage facilities will be sufficient to take care
of the needs of a city of five times the pres-
ent population of Sacramento. The Coast
Construction Company of San Francisco are
the contractors. It is expected that the plant
will be completed during the fall of 1923, when
the clear, pure water from its reservoirs will
be turned into the mains of the cit}^
The Telephone
The Sunset Telephone Company made its
first appearance in Sacramento in 1879, and
the first telephone installed was a hand re-
ceiver. In 1882 the Sunset Telephone Com-
pany installed a plant in the Western Union
Building on Second Street, between I and J,
using the old Gilliland switchboard and Edi-
son transmitter. The next year the Blake
transmitter and a two-position switchboard
were installed. In 1883, also, the first long-dis-
tance line was installed between Sacramento
and San Francisco, the circuit being relayed at
Benicia. In 1885 the office was moved to Third
and J Streets, upstairs, and a four-position
switchboard installed, a copper circuit being
built to San Francisco, using the Humming
long-distance transmitter, which was intro-
duced about this time. From this start the
long-distance service in the northern part of
the state grew up. Between 1885 and 1897
the company added a couple of copper loops,
weighing 172 pounds to the mile, between Sac-
ramento and San Francisco, and on May 4,
1897, the first heavy copper loop weighing 435
pounds to the mile for each wire, was com-
pleted between the two cities.
The first express system was installed in
Sacramento during the year 1893, and in 1894
the office was moved to Sixth Street, between
I and J, where a complete express system was
installed. Under this S}'stem the old one was
done away with, the subscriber taking the re-
ceiver off the hook and calling "central." This
system was maintained until the office was
moved to the present building, constructed for
the company, between Fourteenth and Fif-
teenth, in 1910, where a complete one-pound
common battery switchboard was installed.
The first underground system in Sacramento
was installed in 1894. The company began
business with several hundred subscribers, the
rate being $6 per month for many years, until
the rival company was formed.
The Capital Telephone & Telegraph Com-
pany entered the field in competition with the
Sunset Company in 1893, a demand for cheap-
er telephone service having arisen. The stock-
holders were mostly citizens of Sacramento.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
237
The ordinary rates of the Sunset at that time
were $6 a month, but the new company cut
the rate down to less than half that amount
and forced the Sunset finally to meet its rate.
The company commenced business with 400
subscribers, which was more than the Sunset
Company had at that time in Sacramento.
George M. Mott was the first president, and
M. J. Dillman was vice-president and general
manager for more than twelve years of its
service to the community. During this time
the company extended its lines into Placer,
Eldorado, Amador and Yolo Counties, and
ultimately reached a list of 1,250 subscribers.
It had central exchanges in Sacramento,
Folsom, Roseville, Loomis, Newcastle, Au-
burn, Shingle Springs, Placerville, Jackson
and lone. The company was the outgrowth
of a general dissatisfaction with the high
rates and poor service of the Sunset, and was
successful from the start, both financially
and in the service rendered, but experience
showed that the telephone business is a nat-
ural monopoly, and that two systems in the
same community become a nuisance, causing
much annoyance and extra expense. In 1906
the company sold out to the Sunset Com-
pany, which used the system in connection
with its own for several months and then
consolidated both systems. Hon. Frederick
Cox was president for eight years and for the
next four years M. J. Dillman was president
and manager. The office was located on
Fifth Street, between I and J.
The Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Com-
pany now own and control the telephone sys-
tem in Sacramento and throughout the val-
ley. The Sacramento exchange serves 17,398
telephone connections, and the increase in
the number of telephone instruments is tax-
ing the operating-department in keeping pace
with the new business.
The division headquarters of the Sacra-
mento and San Joaquin Valleys are main-
tained in Sacramento. The officials are as
follows : Division superintendent, F. L. Mc-
Nally;- division superintendent of plant, E.
H. Long; division superintendent of traffic,
O. Cole, Jr. ; manager, John L,. Yarnall ; su-
perintendent of traffic, B. F. Evans : wire
chief, E. P. Cutler.
CHAPTER XXXVI
THE COMING OF THE RAILROADS
The Building of the Central Pacific
THE INCEPTION of railroad building m
the county of Sacramento, as well as
in the whole state, has made very in-
teresting history. The building of the Sac-
ramento Valley Railroad which ran from Sac-
ramento to Folsom, a distance of twenty-two
miles, in 1855-1856 (it being the first rail-
road constructed in the state), was the direct
cause of the construction of the western half
of the great transcontinental railroad known
as the Central Pacific.
As far back as 1846 the building of a rail-
road across the plains and over the moun-
tains had been agitated in congress and out of
it by Asa Whitney, until 1850. He was sup-
ported in his effort by Senators Benton of
Missouri and Breese of Illinois. February 7,
1849, Senator Benton introduced a bill in
congress for the building of a Pacific railroad,
this bill being really the first tangible efTort
made in that direction. The formation of a
company of citizens of Sacramento, Nevada
and Placer Counties was the first efifort made
in Cahfornia for the building of an overland
railroad. Articles of incorporation of the Sac-
ramento. Auburn and Nevada Railroad Com-
pany were filed in the office of the secretary
of state, August 17, 1852. They contained
the names of twenty-six subscribers of twen-
ty-eight shares each, at a value of $100 a
share, with the names of the following direc-
tors: S. W. Lovell, Placer County: F. O.
Dunn, John R. Coryell, Charles Marsh, Isaac
Williamson and William H. Lyons of Ne-
vada County: John A. Read, J. B. Haggin
and Lloyd Tevis of Sacramento County. A
survey was made of a line from Sacramento
City, through Folsom, Auburn and Green
Valley, to Nevada City. The line was sixty-
eight' miles long, and the estimated cost of
colistruction was $2,000,000. The survey was
continued from Nevada City through the
Henness Pass. But the enterprise assumed
too gigantic proportions for the means of the
incorporators, and they were forced, much
against their will, to abandon the prosecution
of the undertaking.
238
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
In March, 1853, congress passed an act pro-
viding for a survey, by the topographical en-
gineers of the army, of three routes of a
transcontinental railway — the northern,
southern and middle routes. The surveys
were made as ordered, and the report sub-
mitted to congress and published, with elab-
orate engravings of the scenery along the
routes, topographical maps and representa-
tions of the animals and plants discovered.
These reports were doubtless valualDle, but
they did not demonstrate the fact that a rail-
way route was practicable over the Rocky and
Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. The demon-
stration of that fact was to be made later by
Theodore D. Judah, who had been the chief
engineer of the Sacramento Valley Railroad —
the first railroad built in California. Mr.
Judah became convinced, while engaged from
1854 to 1856 in building this road, that it was
practicable to build a road over the Sierra Ne-
vada Mountains, the only range that had be-
fore been deemed impracticable. He made at
his own expense trial surveys over several of
the supposed passes over the Sierra Nevadas.
While these were only barometrical surveys,
they were sufficiently accurate to convince
him that there was a practicable route, and
that a road could be built.
Armed with the data he had thus obtained,
Mr. Judah lost no time in presenting his views
and ideas at all times in order to awaken inter-
est and advance the project of a Pacific rail-
road. In 1856 he succeeded, through a con-
current resolution of the California legisla-
ture, in having a railroad convention called, to
meet in San Francisco, September 20, 1859.
Many prominent men of California composed
this convention, among them being Hon. J. A.
McDougal, Hon. J. B. Crockett, Major John
Bidwell, Hon. J. B. Axtell, Hon. James T. Far-
ley, Sherman Day and others, of California,
together with delegates from Oregon and ad-
joining territories. The convention sent Mr.
Judah to Washington, D. C, to endeavor to
procure legislation favoring the building of a
railroad, and he proceeded thither, arriving in
time to be present at the opening of the Thir-
ty-Sixth Congress. He lost no time after ar-
riving in Washington, in visiting the various
departments and collecting from each one all
the information that was likely to be of assist-
ance to him in presenting plainly and clearly
to congress the importance and feasibility of
the enterprise which he desired them to take
favorable action upon. While this session was
unfortunately so fully occupied with political
matters that he was unable to gain an elifective
hearing, and therefore made but little impres-
sion on congress as a body, a great deal of
good was effected by him through personal
interviews and the presentation of his views
and aims, backed up by the data gathered,
with the different members and many promi-
nent men. He had acquired such a thorough
knowledge of his subject that he rarely failed
to convince his auditors of the entire feasibil-
ity of the project he had espoused. In con-
junction with Hon. John C. Burch, then a
member of congress from California, he drew
up a bill which contained nearly all the pro-
visions of the bill finally passed in 1862. It
was printed at private expense and a copy sent
to each member of congress and senate.
In 1860 Mr. Judah returned to California
and immediately set about making a more
thorough survey of the Sierra Nevadas for a
pass and the approach to it, than he had hith-
erto attempted. He was accompanied on this
work by Dr. D. W. Strong of Dutch Flat, who
contributed much from his private means to-
ward payment of the expenses incurred in
prosecuting the survey, as well as aiding it
by his intimate knowledge of the mountains.
When the Central Pacific Railroad Company
was incorporated Dr. Strong became one of
its first directors.
On completion of these surveys, which were
made with a barometer, Mr. Judah made a
trip to San Francisco for the purpose of laying
his plans before a number of capitalists of
that city and trying to induce them to form
a company to finance the work and carry it
to completion. He was chagrined to find his
ideas coldly received, and at obtaining no
financial support in that city. He returned to
his hotel one evening, after becoming con-
vinced that it was futile to make any further
trial to obtain financial aid in San Francisco,
and remarked to a friend : "The capitalists of
San Francisco have refused this night to make
an investment, for which, in three years, they
shall have ample cause to blame their want
of foresight. I shall return to Sacramento
tomorrow, to interest merchants and others of
that place in this great work, and this shall be
my only other effort on this side of the conti-
nent."
Mr. Judah had previously placed his plans
and estimates before James Bailey, a Sacra-
mento friend, who was struck by the force of
his arguments and calculations. By Mr. Bai-
ley he was introduced to Governor Stanford,
Mark Hopkins, E. B. Crocker and Charles
Crocker. He was already acquainted with C.
P. Huntington. A meeting of the business
men of Sacramento was called. Mr. Judah
laid his plans and statistics before them and
steps preliminary to the organization of a com-
pany were immediately taken. The organiza-
tion was perfected and the articles of incorpo-
ration tiled with the secretary of state June
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
239
28, 1861. The name chosen for the compan}-
was the Central Pacific Railroad Company of
California, and the officers elected were as
follows : Leland Stanford, president : C. P.
Huntington, vice-president; Mark Hopkins,
treasurer ; Theodore D. Judah, chief engineer ;
Leland Stanford, C. P. Huntington, Mark
Hopkins, Charles Crocker, James Bailey, L. A.
Booth, D. W. Strong, of Dutch Flat, and
Charles Marsh, of Nevada City, directors. The
capital stock was $8,500,000 and $148,000 was
subscribed, just enough to bring them within
the limit as set by the laws of California.
That all but the last two named were citi-
zens of Sacramento demonstrates conclusively
that to Sacramento and her citizens belongs
the honor of inaugurating and carrying to suc-
cessful completion the Pacific railroads : for
had not Judah spent his time and talents in
collecting data, making surveys and proving
that such an undertaking was possible, it is
an open question if the Pacific railroads would
be in existence today. The country from the
Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains was
generally known in those days and appeared
on the maps as "The Great x\merican Desert."
The lofty and inhospitable Rocky Mountain
System was on its western border, difficult to
surmount. Beyond this lay the valley and
table-land of Utah and Nevada, bleak and
uninviting, and still beyond, the lofty and rug-
ged Sierra Nevadas must be surmounted. The
prospect was not inviting to the Eastern in-
vestor. The barren and unpromising country
to be traversed gave but little prospect of be-
ing settled for many a year, and the outlook
for financial profit from the construction of a
railroad across a scope of such country nearly
2,000 miles in extent was not a brilliant one,
nor one calculated to draw the dollars from the
pockets of capitalists. Had the railroad not
been begun at this end of the line, it is doubt-
ful if the line would have been built, even to
this day. To the men, then, who threw them-
selves into the breach and periled their for-
tunes and those of their friends, accrues the
honor of being foremost in the work of devel-
oping not only the Pacific Coast, but two-
thirds of the width of the continent. Mr. Ju-
dah's engineering work in constructing the
most difficult parts of the road was regarded
as the wonder of the age, for he was forced to
employ methods not before used in his pro-
fession.
His coadjutors in the work, who have all, or
nearly all, passed away, deserve full credit for
their faith in the enterprise, their indomitable
energy and their masterly manner of manag-
ing and overcoming the financial difficulties
that they encountered during the years that
elapsed between the organization of the com-
pany and the completion of the road, which
was often sneeringly alluded to by the San
Franciscans as "Stanford's Dutch Flat Road."
We cannot forget, however, that J\lr. Judah
had spent all his time and money and energy
for three or four years previous to the organi-
zation of the company, in collecting data,
without which no prudent man would have felt
justified in investing a dollar in the undertak-
ing that was so generally regarded as chimeri-
cal and impracticable.
After the company was organized Mr. Judah
was instructed to make a thorough instru-
mental survey of the route across the Sierras,
which he did. The previous surveys or recon-
noissances made had covered three routes, one
through Eldorado County via Georgetown,
another via Illinoistown and Dutch Flat, and
a third via Nevada and Henness Pass. The
observations had demonstrated the existence
of a route across the Sierras by which the
summit could be reached by maximum grades
of 105 feet to the mile. The instrumental sur-
vey, however, developed a route with lighter
grades, less distance and fewer obstacles than
the previous observations had shown. The
first report of the chief engineer to the officers
of the company gave the following as topo-
graphical features of the Sierras, which ren-
dered railroad-building and operating over
them so formidable :
1. "The great elevation to be overcome in
crossing its summit, and the want of uniform-
ity in its western slope." The average length
of the western slope of the Sierras is about
seventy miles, and in this distance the altitude
increases 7,000 feet, making it necessary to
maintain an even grade on the ascent to avoid
creating some sections with excessive grades.
2. "From the impracticability of the river
crossings." These rivers run through gorges
in many places over 1,000 feet deep, with the
banks of varying slopes from perpendicular to
forty-five degrees. A railroad line, therefore,
must avoid crossing these canyons. The line.
as established b}^ the surveys of 1861. pursued
its course along an unbroken ridge from the
base to the summit of the Sierras, the only
river crossing in the mountains lieing the
Little Bear, about three miles above Dutch
Flat. Another prominent feature of the loca-
tion is the fact that it entirely avoids the
second summit of the Sierras. The estimated
cost per mile of the road from Sacramento to
the state line was $88,000 per mile.
October 1, 1861, the board of directors of the
Central Pacific Railroad Company adopted a
resolution as follows:
"Resolved, that Mr. T. D. Judah, the chief
engineer of this company, proceed to Wash-
ington on the steamer of the 11th of October
instant, as the accredited agent of the Central
240
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Pacific Railroad Company of California for
the purpose of procuring appropriations of
land and United States bonds from the gov-
ernment, to aid in the construction of this
road." Mr. Judah proceeded to the East on
his mission ; that he accomplished his pur-
pose this time is shown by the bill that was
passed by congress in July, 1862. This bill
granted a free right of way to the roads of 400
feet wide over all government lands on their
line. The government also agreed to extin-
guish the Indian title to all the land donated
to the company either for the right of way or
for other purposes.
The lands on either side of the road were
to be withdrawn from settlement by preemp-
tion or otherwise, for a distance of fifteen
miles, until the final location of the road
should be made, and the United States surveys
had determined the location of the section
lines. This map of the route was made by Mr.
Judah, filed in the office of the secretary of
the interior, and the lands withdrawn in ac-
cordance with the terms of the bill. When
the bill had passed, Mr. Judah telegraphed to
his associates in Sacramento: "We have
drawn the elephant. See if we can harness
him up."
This bill also provided for the issue to the
company of United States thirty-year six per
cent bonds, to be issued to the company as
each forty-mile section of the road was com-
pleted, at the rate of $16,000 per mile for the
line west of the western base of the Sierra
Nevadas, and at the rate of $48,000 per mile
from the western base east to the eastern base
of the Sierras, the latter subsidy to be paid on
the completion of each twenty-mile section.
To secure the government from loss, and
insure the payment of these bonds, they were
made a first lien on the road. The state of
California also donated $10,000 per mile to the
road, by an act approved April 25, 1863. The
engineering difficulties were great, and had
been considered unsurmountable, but the
financial difficulties also were great, and un-
doubtedly required more labor and thought
than the engineering, though of a different
kind. That all these difficulties were sur-
mounted, and the originators of the effort still
retained the ownership and control of the road,
and in addition to the original line have built
thousands of miles of road in California and
Arizona and elsewhere, proves the ability of
the leaders in this movement.
These men were merchants in a city that
could not be classed among the large ones of
the land, and were consequently not largely
known to the financial world ; they had never
been engaged in the railroad business, and
were supposedly ignorant of the magnitude of
the undertaking in which they engaged. Aside
from the natural difficulty of the situation,
they encountered the opposition of the
moneyed men of San Francisco and other
places, who gave their enterprise the name of
the "Dutch Flat Swindle." C. P. Huntington,
vice-president of the company, was next sent
to the East, with full power-of-attorney to do
any acts he might think for the interest of the
company. One of the main objects of this
trip was to see that the bill which was then
before congress should not oblige the com-
pany to pay interest on the bonds received of
the government for at least ten years from
their date of issue. After the passage of the
bill, the books were opened for stock subscrip-
tions, to the amount of $8,500,000. Of this
amount $600,000 was subscribed at the first
rush, but after that, for a long time, the sub-
scriptions came in very slowly.
When Huntington attempted to dispose of
the bonds of the company in New York, he
was informed that they had no marketable
value until some part of the road was built.
Before he could dispose of them, therefore, he
was obliged to give the personal guarantee of
himself and his four partners, Hopkins, Stan-
ford and the Crockers, for the money, until
such times as they could be exchanged for
United States bonds.
After spending the summer of 1861 in mak-
ing additional surveys of the three routes
under consideration, Judah had finally decided
on the Dutch Flat route, ascertaining that the
maximum grade on that line would be 100 feet
to the mile. He thought the line could be kept
free from snow by the use of snow-plows and
that eighteen tunnels, aggregating 17,100 feet
in length, would be sufficient. "Lightning ex-
presses" and "limited" trains did not enter
into his calculations. He outlined a schedule
for trains going east as follows :
Sacramento to Barrimore's, thirty-one miles,
one hour. Stop at Barrimore's, half hour.
Barrimore's to Summit, eighty-one miles,
four hours. Four stops en route, fifteen min-
utes each, one hour. Stop at Summit, quarter-
hour.
Summit to Truckee River, eleven miles,
three-quarters of an hour.
Total for 123 miles, seven and one-half
hours, including stops aggregating an hour
and three-quarters.
He estimated the cost of construction from
Sacramento to the state line, 140 miles, at
$12,380,000, an average of $88,428 a mile.
The bill as passed gave the company two
years to complete the first fifty miles, none of
their land grant or government bonds being
available until they had finished the first forty.
This latter provision nearly doomed them to
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
241
failure, as it turned out. The first fifty miles,
as reported by the engineers, were described
as a line from "Sacramento to Grider's (Rose-
ville), eighteen miles; thence California Cen-
tral Railroad to the Auburn Railroad, oppo-
site Folsom, nine miles ; thence Auburn Rail-
road to Auburn, fifteen miles; thence eight
miles to Clipper Gap." Evidently it was the
intention to use the two roads named, but that
intention was abandoned later.
For the purpose of providing means for
commencing work, the seven principal stock-
holders formed a partnership, each one con-
tributing $34,000 in gold : the amount thus re-
ceived, $238,000, was thought to be sufficient
to build at least to Newcastle. Everything
being ready to begin, they decided to have a
celebration and it was held at Front and K
Streets in this city, January 8, 1863. The
ground was very muddy, and hay was scat-
tered over it to make better footing. At 12 m.
Charles Crocker introduced Governor Stan-
ford, who spoke briefly as to his gratification
at being chosen to cast the first dirt on what
was to be to the West what the Erie Canal
was to the Eastern and Central States, "the tie
that binds." He assured those assembled
that the work would go on without cessation
or interruption. Rev. J. A. Benton, at the
close of Stanford's remarks, offered a petition
that the Divine blessing might rest on the
enterprise, and that the road here inaugurated
in His name, might go forward to speedy com-
pletion and prove a highway for the people
that would make the wilderness and, the soli-
tary places blossom like a rose. Then two
wagons decorated with red, white and blue
and filled with dirt were driven in front of the
speakers' stand and Governor Stanford shov-
eled their contents onto the ground, while the
"Sacramento Union Brass Band" played the
national airs, and closed with "Wait for the
Wagon." Presiding officers of the legislature
and others made remarks, Mr. Crocker wind-
ing up with the statement that even while he
was speaking the contractor was hauling piles
to the American River, for the bridge across
it ; that the road was going through, and that
all he had was devoted to the section he had
undertaken to build.
The Central Pacific issued a statement that
they had ordered eight first-class locomotives
from Norris & Company, of Phalidelphia, two
of them being of the heaviest class used by
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad on its moun-
tain grades, capable of hauling thirty loaded
cars or 360 tons over the heaviest grades that
would be on the Central Pacific. Eight pas-
senger coaches were also ordered, four com-
bined mail and baggage cars, thirty box-cars,
thirty platform cars, and six hand-cars, and
these were on their way round the Horn. The
charges for transportation on all this cumber-
some equipment were excessive, and totaled
many thousands of dollars.
The shipment of these engines was delayed
by an armv officer who appeared at the loco-
motive works when they were about ready
and took possession of them and of all others
that were on hand, for use of the army, in the
name of the government. Protest was made
by the company ; and the authorities at Wash-
ington, when they learned that the engines
seized were for the use of the Central Pacific,
ordered them released, on the ground that no
military necessity was more important than
the completion of the Pacific Railroad. Thev
were partially paid for by a fund of $1,250,000
raised by the directors, five of them becoming
responsible for the loan by endorsing the com-
pany's notes.
None of the government's subsidy aid had
as yet been received. Subscriptions by indi-
viduals for stock amounted to $600,000. Bonds
had been received from Sacramento County
for $300,000 and from Placer County for $250,-
000, railroad bonds being given in exchange
for them. The city of San Francisco had by
a large majority voted a $600,000 subsidy, but
it was being held up temporarily by officials
hostile to the road. Engineer Judah reported
that the company would have to abandon the
original plan of using the California Central
and Sacramento, Placer and Nevada roads, as
they were not laid with American iron, as
specified in the l)ill, and that no existing roads
could count for the Central Pacific, under the
bill. He reported also that the road was being
laid of redwood ties, 68,000 of them being con-
tracted for, and that 6,000 tons of iron had
been purchased. He estimated the cost of the
first fifty miles at $3,221,496.
In 1862 the company was granted the right
of way into the city of Sacramento and was
also granted the Slough or Sutter Lake. The
contract for building the road from Sacra-
mento to Grider's on the California Central
Railroad was let December 22, 1862, to C.
Crocker & Company, who sublet the contract
to dififerent parties. Twenty miles of road
each year were completed in 1863, 1864 and
1865, thirty miles in 1866, forty-six miles in
1867, 364 miles in 1868, 190>4 miles in 1869;
making 690^/2 miles from Sacramento to
Promontor\-, where the roads met, Mav 10.
1869.
The difficulties were many and great. All
of the materials except the cross-ties, and
a large proportion of the men emjiloyed,
were brought from the East via Cape Horn.
Toward the latter part of the great enterprise
several thousand Chinamen were put at work.
242
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Besides this, it was war times, and marine in-
surance was very high ; iron and railroad ma-
terials were held at tremendous figures and
the price of the subsidy bonds was very low.
All of these conditions combined to make the
building of the road very costly.
The state of California agreed to pay the
interest on $1,500,000 of the bonds for thirty
years, and in return the company gave to the
state a very valuable stone quarry. A number
of the counties along the road bonded them-
selves in exchange for stock. Sacramento
County gave her bonds to the amount of $300,-
000. These bonds were exchanged for money
and the work was pushed forward. Then
there was delay in obtaining the subsidy, and
the money ran short. When Mr. Huntington
returned from New York he found the treas-
ury almost destitute of coin, and it became
evident that there was a necessity for raising
more funds or stopping the work. "Hunting-
ton and Hopkins can, out of their own means,
pay 500 men for a 3'ear ; how many can each
of you keep on the line," was the characteris-
tic declaration with which he met the emer-
gency. Before the meeting adjourned these
five men had resolved that they would main-
tain 800 men on the road during the year out
of their own private resources.
Mr. Judah had sold out his interest in the
company about this time (1863) and gone
East. On the way he was stricken with Pan-
ama fever, dying from it shortly after his ar-
rival in New York, in 1863, at the age of only
thirty-seven years. Dr. Strong of Dutch Flat,
although a sincere and earnest believer in the
enterprise, was not able to furnish what was
considered his share of the expenses necessary
to be advanced, and retired from the board of
directors. Messrs. Bailey, Booth and Marsh
were compelled, like Judah, to sell out after
the enterprise was well under way, though it
is known that they were all earnest workers
for its success at the commencement.
Mr. Judah was succeeded by S. S. Montague
as chief engineer of the road. The location
surveys were made under his directions. The
road to Colfax, or Lower Illinoistown Gap,
was located on the line run by Mr. Judah in
1861 ; from Colfax to Long Ravine the line was
changed materially ; from Long Ravine to
Alta the line ran on Mr. Judah's survey and
from Alta to the Summit on an entirely new
line, located by L. M. Clement, engineer in
charge of the second division from Colfax to
the Summit. This final location gave better
grade line, and one more free from snow in
winter, two very desirable objects. The value
of these changes is plainly shown by the report
of George E. Gray, formerly chief engineer of
the New York Central Railroad. Mr. Gray
was requested by Leland Stanford, in a letter
dated July 10. 1865. to inspect the line of road
and surveys then made, and report to the
board of directors of the company his opinion
as to the quality of the work and the economi-
cal location of that portion not then built. Mr.
Gray, in his report, gave as his opinion that
the road already constructed would compare
favorably with any road in the United States.
Of that portion of the road not constructed, he
reported that Mr. Judah's line had been altered
materially, saving in distance nearly 5,000 feet
and also reducing the aggregate length of the
tunnels nearly 5,000 feet, a saving in cost of
construction of at least $400,000. Some very
skilful engineering was done on this Colfax
division. The road-bed ran around the prom-
ontory at Cape Horn, over 1.200 feet above the
bottom of a nearly perpendicular canyon, the
banks of which were so steep that the China-
men during the work had to be let down in
baskets over the face of the cliff in order to
construct the grade.
President Lincoln made a decision of great
moment to the company during the summer of
1863, in regard to the mountain section. By
the terms of the bill, the company was to re-
ceive bonds to the amount of $16,000 per mile
for its line west of the Sierras, and $48,000
per mile for the section through the moun-
tains. The trouble was to decide where the
two sections joined each other.
The Interior Department showed a disposi-
tion to place the dividing line at the end of the
first section of fift)' miles. The matter being
brought to the President's attention, he de-
cided that it should be seven and eighteen-
hundredths miles east of Sacramento, saying
that "this was a case where Abraham's faith
had moved mountains." This meant a differ-
ence of over a million dollars to the company.
The tracks reached Grider's, or Roseville, on
April 26, 1864, and the company commenced
the operation of that much of the road.
Another factor was about to come to the aid
of the financiers, whose funds were exhausted,
but whose courage was not daunted. The
Union Pacific Company had been unable to
raise funds to prosecute its construction, oper-
ating, as it did, under the same law as the Cen-
tral. It therefore made another appeal to con-
gress, and an act granting more liberal terms
was passed in April, 1864. By its terms the
land grant was doubled, the government bonds
were made a second mortgage instead of the
first, and the companies were authorized to
issue their own first mortgage bonds to the
same amount as the government bonds. Two-
thirds of these were made available when evi-
dence was presented to the secretary of the
treasury that the necessary grading for the
road bed had been done. The sections on which
bonds were to be issued were also reduced
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
243
from forty to twenty miles. These provisions
applied equally to the Central Pacific road.
The right of the road was also confirmed to
lay track 150 miles east of the state boundary.
These things effected a great change in the
financial status of the company. Heretofore
the}' had borrowed money in currency in the
East, and paid it out in gold in the West, at a
heavy discount. Their first-mortgage bonds
now sold almost at par and the government
bonds were available immediately on complet-
ing the grading. Their credit was further
aided by the operation of the road to Roseville,
which brought in $103,557 from April 26 to
December 31, 1864; from passengers, $63,403;
from freight, $38,667 : and from express,
$1,487. It gave them a standing at home that
they had heretofore lacked.
The road progressed slowly at first, but
along toward the last it progressed more rap-
idly, until, on the 10th day of May, 1869, the
last spike was down, completing the railroad
connection between the Atlantic and Pacific
Oceans. A large party gathered at Prom-
ontory Point to witness the ceremony. Tele-
graph wires had been connected with the large
cities of the Union, so that the exact moment
of driving the last spike could be made known
to all at the same time. At the hour desig-
nated, Leland Stanford, president of the Cen-
tral Pacific, and other officers, came forward.
T. C. Durant, president of the Union Pacific,
accompanied by General Dodge and others of
the same company, met them at the end of the
rail, where they paused, while Rev. Dr. Todd,
of Massachusetts, made a short prayer. The
last tie, made of California laurel, with silver
plates bearing suitable inscriptions, was put in
place, and the last connecting rails were laid
by persons from each company. The last
spikes were made, one of gold from Cali-
fornia, one of silver from Nevada, and one of
gold and silver, from Arizona. President
Stanford then took the hammer of solid silver,
to the handle of which was attached the tele-
graph wires, by which, at the first tap on the
head of the gold spike, at 12 m., the news of
the event was flashed all over the American
continent.
Then a locomoti^-e of the Central Pacific
Railroad Company and another of the Union
Pacific Railroad Company approached from
each way, and rubbed their pilots together,
while bottles of champagne were passed from
one to the other.
During the building of this road the track-
laying force of the Central Pacific laid ten
miles and 200 feet in one day, completing their
work at seven p. m. The date when this Her-
culean task was performed was the 20th of
April. 1869. when only fourteen miles of track
remained to be laid to connect with the Union
Pacific.
By mutual agreement between the roads,
Ogden was made the terminus for each ; b}-
this agreement the Union Pacific sold fifty-
three miles of its road to the Central Pacific,
making the length of road owned by the Cen-
tral Pacific proper 7433^2 miles, from Sacra-
mento to Ogden. August 22, 1870, the West-
ern Pacific, San Joaquin Valley, California &
Oregon, and San Francisco, Oakland & Ala-
meda Railroads, which had been built in the
meantime, were all consolidated under the
name of the Central Pacific Railroad.
The death of Mrs. Clara W. Prentice, Sep-
tember 14, 1912, at the age of eighty-eight
years, recalled the interesting fact that the
first inception of the Central Pacific road took
place at the home of Edwin D. Prentice, her
husband, on K Street, between Ninth and
Tenth, x^t this meeting there were present,
C. P. Huntington, Mark Hopkins, T. D. Ju-
dah, W. H. Stoddard and Mr. Prentice. Mr.
Prentice took part in the early history of the
road, but died in 1862.
Brief Account of Other Railroads
On December 13, 1862, the Western Pacific
Railroad Company was incorporated for the
purpose of constructing a railroad from San
fose, through the counties of Alameda and
San Joaquin, to the city of Sacramento. Its
capital stock was $5,400,000. The road was
137j4 miles in length, and made the whole
length of the Central Pacific 881 miles. This
road was not completed until 1870. The fran-
chise is said to have passed into the hands of
the Central Pacific Railroad Company a jxar
before the date of consolidation. The road did
not enter Sacramento City, as it connected
with the Sacramento Valley Railroad at
Brighton Junction.
The San Joaquin Valley Railroad is now the
property of the Southern Pacific and forms a
part of the second overland system.
The California and Oregon Railroad leaves
the original Central Pacific Railroad at Rose-
ville and runs thence through Redding. It was
incorporated June 30. 1865. and consolidated
with the Central Pacific August 22. 1870.
The California Pacific Railroad Company
was for some time a very active com])etitor
for the carrying trade of the state, and at one
time it was thought that its owners intended
to construct a second line of railroad to con-
nect with the Union Pacific. It bought boats
and franchises of the California Steam Navi-
gation Company, and for some time really con-
trolled the rates of freight between Sacra-
mento and San Francisco. The company was
incorporated January 10. 1865. with a capital
stock of $3,500,000. and work was begun in
244
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Vallejo in 1867. The road was finished to
Washington, Yolo County. November 11,
1868, and to Marysville in November, 1869.
In June, 1869, the company purchased the
Napa Valley Railroad, and the two roads were
consolidated in December, 1869, with a capital
of $12,000,000.
In 1869 and 1870 the Central Pacific and
California Pacific Railroads were at war with
each other. The California Pacific wished to
come into Sacramento ; but as the Central Pa-
cific had its track on the levee, it was impos-
sible for the California Pacific to cross the
river and secure depot and switching facilities
without crossing the Central Pacific track.
Various attempts were made by the California
Pacific to lay the track and form the crossing
of the two lines, but they were resisted and it
looked for a time as if bloodshed would be the
result. Finally, however, the crossing was
accomplished and passengers were landed in
Sacramento, by the California Pacific, January
29, 1870. A regular ovation awaited the train.
Guns were fired, the fire department turned
out, and there was intense enthusiasm on all
sides.
Commissioners were appointed to assess the
damage to the Central Pacific, and reported in
June, 1870, that the damages were as follows :
for about six acres of land, $40,680 ; damages
for crossing tracks, $70,000; for consequential
damages, $250,000, making a total of $360,680.
The report was thrown out, however, by the
court, on several grounds, the principal one
being that it was excessive. The war between
the companies continued until August, 1871,
during which time freight and passenger rates
were very low, greatly curtailing the profits of
both companies. The roads were consolidated
in August of that year ; and thereafter — with
the exception of competition by river — the
Central Pacific and the Southern Pacific Com-
pany, its successor, had the monopoly of the
carrying trade of Sacramento until the coming
of the new overland road, the Western Pacific,
in 1910.
The California Pacific gave the Vallejo
route to San Francisco. The trip was made to
Vallejo by rail and thence to San Francisco
by boat, making a shorter and popular route
which for many years monopolized the major-
ity of travel between Sacramento and San
Francisco, until the building of the route to
Benicia and the construction of an immense
ferry-boat to carry the trains across Carquinez
Straits to Port Costa, whence they continued
their journe)^ to San Francisco along the
shore of San Pablo and San Francisco Bays
to Oakland Mole. The new road was opened
December 28, 1879, and the Vallejo line as a
route to San Francisco was abandoned, al-
though passengers going that way are still
transported across the bay to meet trains on
the Benicia route.
The first train over the Western Pacific, as
a transcontinental railroad, was operated on
August 22, 1910. Sacramento, Oakland, San
Francisco and other points along the line held
celebrations in recognition of the advent of
the new road, which came by way of the
Feather River route. The Western Pacific
afterward strengthened its system by purchase
of the Denver & Rio Grande, which gave it
important through connections with Denver,
Salt Lake and the East. It recently pur-
chased the Sacramento Northern, formerly the
Northern Electric, thus adding further feeders
to its fast-developing system. Trains are now
operating over the new line completed from
Niles to San Jose. Four additional branch
lines are proposed. One of these is to enter
Vallejo by building from the Woodland end
of the electric line to Vacaville, where the Va-
caville-Suisun unit will be picked up. An-
other line proposed is to run from Sacramento
to Newcastle via Fairoaks, thus reviving an-
cient railroad history with respect to a line
crossing from Fairoaks through the fruit belt
to Newcastle. The third line is to run from
Sacramento to Clarksburg, along the Sacra-
mento River, and the fourth branch from Lodi
to Isleton, a distance of twenty-five miles, tap-
ping the rich Delta section of the down-river
district.
The Western Pacific maintains its shops at
Sacramento, giving employment to 1,500 or
more men.
The Sacramento Valley Railroad was the
first railroad constructed in California. This
road was organized on August 4, 1852, on
which date ten per cent of the stock was paid
in, amounting to $5,000. The company reor-
ganized November 9, 1854, and made immedi-
ate preparation for building the road. The first
shovelful of dirt was thrown in February,
1855, the first tie came in May, and the first
vessel load of material and rolling stock ar-
rived from Boston in June. The first work
done on a railroad car in California was done
on this road, July 4, 1855. The first rail was
laid August 9, 1855, and the first train was
placed on the track August 14. The road had
some little trouble with its finances, but its
progress was not materially delayed.
On November 10, 1855, an excursion train
was run to Patterson's, ten miles from Sacra-
mento, the fare being one dollar for the round
trip. By January 1, 1856, the road was com-
pleted to Alder Creek, and on February 22 was
finished to Folsom, the length of the road be-
ing twenty-two and a half miles. Its cost was
$1,568,500. The capital stock was $800,000, of
which $792,000 was issued. The road was a
very profitable one from the' time of its com-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
245
pletion, its effect being to move the terminus
of the freight and stage lines running to the
northern mines from Sacramento to Folsom
and to build up quite a town there. At one
time twenty-one stage lines ran from Folsom
to other places ; all leaving shortly after the
arrival of the train from Sacramento.
The Central Pacific Company purchased the
Sacramento Valley road in August, 1865, the
purchase being made by George F. Bragg (on
behalf of himself and others) of the entire
stock held by L. L. Robinson and Pioche and
Bayerque. The price paid for this stock was
$800,000. Soon after coming into possession
Bragg transferred the stock to the owners of
the Central Pacific. The latter company had
been forced to do this in order to secure the
whole of the Washoe trade, which at this time
was very great, amounting to several million
dollars per annum. The short line of the Sac-
ramento Valley road alone declared an annual
profit of nearly half a million dollars the year
previous to its purchase, most of which came
from the freight going to Washoe and other
mining districts.
In the spring of 1857 a company was formed
in Marysville to build a railroad from that city
to the terminus of the Sacramento Valley
Railroad at Folsom. Col. C. L. Wilson, who
was one of the contractors for the Sacramento
Valley road, was sent East to procure funds
for building the road. He effected this and
the construction commenced immediately.
The road, however, was never finished to
Marysville by the original company. By 1861
the track had been laid as far as Lincoln. The
original name, the California Central Railroad,
was subsequently changed to the California
and Oregon Division of the Southern Pacific.
Shortly after the completion of the Central
Pacific Railroad to Roseville, that company
purchased the California Central Railroad :
that portion of the road between Roseville and
Folsom was abandoned and the bridge across
the American River at Folsom was con-
condemned and sold in 1868.
During 1862 the Sacramento, Placer and
Nevada Railroad was built from Folsom to a
point near Newcastle. The road had been or-
ganized in 1859 to build an extension of the
Sacramento Valley Railroad from Folsom via
Auburn to Grass Valley and Nevada City. The
public-spirited citizens of Auburn furnished
funds which enabled it to be constructed from
Folsom to Wildwood Station, a distance of
about eleven miles, and it stopped there. The
Robinson Brothers, who had built the Sacra-
mento Valley Railroad, and were largely inter-
ested in it, were the promoters of this road,
which cost for the eleven miles $278,000. It
proved a losing venture, and was sold under
foreclosure in the spring of 1864; Robinson
Brothers purchased some of the stock, intend-
ing to use it as part of their road. When the
purchasers under foreclosure attempted to
take up the rails and ties, they were bitterly
fought by the Central Pacific and the .'■\uburn
jjeople who had contributed to l)uild it. The
courts were appealed to and resort was also
made to force. On account of the violence en-
gendered, the militia was called out, but the
Robinsons were successful, and the material
was removed and relaid on the road from
Folsom to Latrobe. About a hundred work-
men who removed the rails, including Robin-
son, were arrested for contempt of court, which
was a poor satisfaction for the .-\ul3urn people
who subscribed toward building the road.
The Placerville and Sacramento Valley
Railroad, commencing at Folsom, was con-
structed as far as Latrobe in 1864 and 1865,
and hung fire there for several, years, finally
being carried on to Shingle Springs. In 1887-
1888 the work was taken up again and the
road completed to Placerville, under the name
of the Shingle Springs and Placerville Rail-
road. The road as far as Latrobe was laid with
the ties and rails taken up from the Auburn
road. It was through a rich country, where
the chief industries in former days were min-
ing and stock-raising, but at the present day
the capability of the foothills for producing fine
fruit and grapes has been proved, and Eldora-
do County is fast becoming the home of the
orchardist and vineyardist.
The Amador branch, running from Gait in
this county, to lone in Amador County, a dis-
tance of twenty-seven miles, was built by the
Central Pacific Company in 1876, in order to
gain access to some mines of lignite coal near
lone.
The Freeport road originated in a plan to
divert the northern and eastern trade from
Sacramento by building wharves, etc., at Free-
port and a railroad from there to some point on
the Sacramento Valley road. The road-bed
was graded for a distance of nine miles from
Freeport, and the track laid. It was intended
as part of the Sacramento Valley road, and was
purchased with it by the Central Pacific and
the track taken up.
In the ensuing quarter of a century a num-
ber of roads were incorporated, some part of
whose lines would touch the county of Sacra-
mento, but none of them proceeded to con-
struction.
In 1909 and 1910, the Southern Pacific con-
structed the Sacramento Southern Railroad, a
branch line extending into the rich down-river
district to Walnut Grove, where trains oper-
ate daily. Del Rio, Freeport and Hood are
served by the l)ranch. which extends twenty-
five miles distant fn.m Sacramento.
246
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
The Southern Pacific Railroad Company of
California was incorporated in San Francisco,
December 2, 1865, with a capital of $50,000,-
000. The Southern Pacific Branch Company
was incorporated in Sacramento December 23,
1870, with a capital of $20,000,000, and was
consolidated with the Southern Pacific Rail-
road Company of California August 19, 1873.
The Northern Railway Company was in-
corporated in Sacramento July 19, 1871. On
May 15, 1888, it acquired by consolidation the
Winters and Ukiah, the Woodland, Capay and
Clear Lake, the West Side and Mendocino, the
Vaca Valley and Clear Lake, the San Joaquin
and Sierra Nevada, the Sacramento and Plac-
erville, the Shingle Springs and Placerville,
the Amador Branch and the Berkeley Branch
Railroads. The stock was increased to $26,175,-
000. April 12, 1898, it was consolidated with
the Southern Pacific Railroad Company of
California.
The San Pablo and Tulare Railroad Com-
pany was incorporated in Sacramento July 19,
1871, and was consolidated with the Southern
Pacific Railroad Company of California Mav 4,
1888.
The Southern Pacific Company of Kentucky
was incorporated in that state March 7, 1884.
It immediately took over on a lease for ninety-
nine years all the roads mentioned, as an oper-
ating company, as well as systems in other
parts of the state.
On Januar}^ 1, 1903, the Southern Pacific
Company instituted a system of pensions for
its superannuated employees who had been in
its service continuously for twenty-five years
or more. The employees had previously had
a system of insurance among themselves, to
which many belonged, and the various broth-
erhoods of employees also have a life-insurance
feature in their orders. Under the system of
pensions, the company has paid out over $2,-
500,000 and the list closely approaches the
1,000 mark.
Southern Pacific Shops
The Southern Pacific shops at Sacramento
are the largest in the West, and more than
fifty acres are taken up by their buildings and
yards. Here there are over 3,000 men em-
ployed and the annual pay-roll, exclusive of
train employees, is $8,000,000 at Sacramento
alone. The wages of train crews permanently
established at this division point bring the
aggregate up to $10,500,000 yearly. The com-
pany at the present time is erecting new build-
ings, shops, steel furnaces, rolling mills, frog-
shops, and other additions and improvements
to its mammoth industrial plant here, at an
additional expenditure of over $12,000,000.
The locomotive works are the largest of any
railroad company in the world, and the engines
turned out here are claimed by the Southern
Pacific officials and other authorities to be
superior to those made at either the Baldwin
Locomotive Works or the American Locomo-
tive Works. With its facilities it is possible,
and not uncommon, to complete one of the
monster six-wheel compounds for the fast
overland limited passenger and mail trains of
the Ogden System in the small space of thirty
days. This includes the making of everything
in the local shops, even to the steel, which is
produced by the new electric furnace, the larg-
est on the Pacific Coast. A large open-hearth
furnace also is being built here by the com-
pany.
The car shops here, in which a great num-
ber of freight cars, refrigerator cars, and pas-
senger cars are built, help to supply the need
for increased facilities on the Coast lines of
the company.
A movement is on foot for the erection of a
new passenger station to cost nearly $1,000,-
000. as a fitting memorial to the builders of
the Central Pacific, and also in keeping with
the importance of Sacramento as the capital
of California.
Many old residents who look on the rail-
road shops of the Southern Pacific Company
today can recall the far different aspect which
the site presented in 1860 and the earlier years
of the city's history. As far back as the early
seventies, the Central Pacific Railroad Com-
pany had made overtures to the city to the
effect that if the city would deed the site of
Sutter's Lake to it, the company would fill it
in as a site for a depot, shops, and for other
uses. With prophetic vision the founders of
the first great overland railroad saw that its
growth would be rapid and sure, and that be-
fore long it would need a large space for its
shops, depot and yards. Sacramento was the
birthplace of the road. Its principal offices
were here. What more logical place could be
found for the center of its activities on this
coast? San Francisco had spurned its oppor-
tunity and had fought in every way in its
power the sturdy group of men who had given
their energies and their fortunes to build the
way across the continent. Why should they
place their shops and spend their money in a
hostile city? And besides, with the shops a
hundred miles inland, the distance to haul dis-
abled cars and engines for repairs would be
just that much less. There were other good
reasons besides, so the shops arose in this city.
But in the early days, Sutter Slough, or
China Slough, as it became later known, when
Chinatown was located on its banks, covered
a much greater area than it did at the close of
the last century. Practically, it extended from
the levee of the American River to I Street,
and from Sixth Street to the American River,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
247
at its old mouth. It was not an ornamental
place, and when the project of issuing fifty
year bonds for the purpose of filling it up was
broached, the citizens who looked at its area
and figured on filling in a depression that was
forty feet deep in places felt the cold shivers
travel along their spines. Then the railroad
company stepped to the front with the propo-
sition to fill it, if the site was deeded to it.
The offer was accepted tentatively, and the
company began its work, but it was not fully
completed until 1908, a contract having been
definitely made between the city and the
Southern Pacific in 1904, by which the city
reserved a certain site on the north side of I
Street for a park.
The first beginning was in 1863, when a
building, 16 by 24 feet, was erected by the
Central Pacific Railroad Company at the foot
of I Street for the storage of tools and of sec-
tions of locomotives and cars which had been
sent around the Horn for the use of the infant
railroad. The locomotives were set up just
outside of this shop. In the same year a
rough building, 20 b}^ 150 feet, was construct-
ed at Sixth and H Streets and was used as a
shop for overhauling cars that needed repairs.
Another shop was erected soon after, on the
curve leading to I Street, and was used for
overhauling the locomotives. It was 20 by 60
feet, and at one end of it was a single forge
that constituted the entire blacksmithing de-
partment of the company. In 1864, the car
shop proving too narrow for convenience, an-
other one, 34 by 130 feet, was erected at Sixth
and E Streets, and just west of it a larger
shop was erected which would hold three loco-
motives for repairs, and the blacksmithing
facilities were also increased. Soon the first
boiler shop of the company, 40 by 50 feet, was
erected, but this in turn became too small, and
was turned over to the foreman of the lumber-
yard as a dry-house for seasoning timber.
Heretofore, all the rolling stock had been
brought from the East, but as the road grew
the company concluded to build its own cars,
and in 1866 the first car construction shop was
erected, 68 by 250 feet, and business increased
so rapidly that for many months it turned out
a dozen cars a day. Still the work expanded,
immense amounts of lumber being used, and
the fine woodwork for the cars demanded at-
tention. So in 1868, the planing mill, cabi-
net shop, the engine room and the blacksmith
shop were erected ; also the roundhouse, with
a capacity of twenty-nine engines, was con-
structed. In the same year the larger machine
shop, 160 by 200 feet, was begun, and later a
315-foot addition was made. In an ell, the
offices of the motive-power and machinery de-
partment were located. In the same year the
car shop was extended 230 feet, and a new
blacksmith shop was constructed. As scrap-
iron accumulated, the experiment of setting up
a set of rolls in the blacksmith shop was tried,
and later, in 1881, the present rolling mill was
erected. The paint shop, having five ells, was
built in 1872, but soon proved too small, so
in 1888 an addition to hold eight coaches was
built. The transfer table was also constructed
in 1872. and in 1873 the present car shop No.
5 was erected. In 1889 the present boiler shop
was constructed. Other buildings followed,
of substantial brick and iron, under the super-
vision of the master car builder, Benjamin
Welch, and the veterans of the shops call the
plant "the city built by Uncle Ben." From a
small beginning the plant has increased until
it is the best-equipped railroad-shop plant
west of Chicago. Up to 1896 there had been
expended for labor alone in the shops over
$31,000,000, this estimate being a very con-
servative one, while in the same time over
$50,000,000 was expended for material, and
7,131 cars had been built in the shops, besides
seventy-three engines.
Electric Railroads
Sacramento has a network of electric rail-
roads and interurban lines, embracing three
distinct systems, from Chico and Marysville
on the north to Oakland and San Francisco
to the south. These are the Sacramento North-
ern (formerly the Northern Electric), the Cen-
tral California Traction Company's line, and
the San Francisco - Sacramento Short Line
(formerly the Oakland, Antioch & Eastern).
Of these the Northern Electric Railway is
the oldest, having been conceived by the late
Henry A. Butters, who was impressed with
the need of transportation facilities between
Chico and Oroville. He associated with him-
self Messrs. Louis Sloss, N. D. Rideout, J.
Downey Harvey and E. R. Lilienthal, and the
Northern Electric Company was formed, with
a capitalization of $3,000,000. which was later
increased to $6,000,000. The initial action
was the acquisition of the street railroads of
Chico, and the road from Chico to Oroville
was completed and the first train run over it
April 25, 1906. The advisability of extending
the road to Marysville being apparent, W. P.
Hammond and E. J. de Sabla joined in the
undertaking. Mr. Rideout retiring. On Janu-
ary 31. 1907. the road to Marysville was com-
pleted, and the line was completed and the first
train to Sacramento was run on August 1
of that year. On December 2, 1907, the North-
ern Electric Railway Company was organized.
with an authorized bond issue of $25,000,000,
taking over the original company.
The Sacramento Terminal Company was
formed in 1908, for the purpose of building a
belt line in this city from Eighteenth and C
248
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Streets to the water front; this was immedi-
ately leased by the Northern Electric. Later
the Northern Electric entered into an arrange-
ment with the Vallejo Northern for full ex-
change of traffic, and the joint construction
of a bridge over the Sacramento River at M
Street, the counties of Yolo and Sacramento
bearing a proportion of the cost. Later the
Sacramento and Woodland Railroad Company
joined with them, and that road being finished,
the first train was run over it July 4, 1912.
The Vallejo Northern finished its construction
and had the road in operation by the beginning
of 1913.
The Central California Traction is operating
from Sacramento to Stockton, and is also
working under a traffic agreement with the
Santa Fe Railroad, which will probably absorb
it in the course of time, thus adding another
transcontinental line to those running through
this city.
The Great Railroad Strike
The great railroad strike of 1894, which as
far as California was concerned was a purely
sympathetic strike, was the cause of loss and
' damage to this state, from which it took years
to recover. Having its inception in a dispute
between the Pullman Car Company and its
employees over a reduction in wages, it was
far-reaching in its efifects, involving business
of all kinds and parties who had nothing to
do with the dispute and became sufferers
through events with which they were not even
remotely connected. The strike occurred at the
time when the heaviest shipments of fruit
from California to the East were being made,
and in one day the business of the fruit grow-
ers was paralyzed and hundreds of carloads
of fruit were left to rot in the boxes because
they could not be forwarded on account of
the strike. The fruit was ripening fast dur-
ing the hot weather, and the total stoppage of
traffic made the crops ripening at that time
of year almost a total loss to the growers. A
large percentage of them were ruined, and it
was several years before others recovered from
the blow and reestablished themselves in their
business. One singular thing in the circum-
stances was that a number of them, and of
others in other branches of business who were
also sufferers from the stagnation that re-
sulted, were in sympathy with the strikers and
aided them. Much of this feeling was prob-
ably only the open expression of the hatred
many people bore for the Southern Pacific
Company, engendered by its connection with
state politics, and by personal causes.
The province of the historian is to weigh
carefully all the data and evidence he is en-
abled to collect, and to state impartially the
facts in each case as well as he can ascertain
them. The strike on this coast created a great
deal of bitterness, which, although nearly
thirty years have now intervened, has not yet
been entirely obliterated. The writer, how-
ever, feels that at this date the consensus of
opinion would be that the strike should never
have extended to this coast, as the cause of
it had no connection with the railroads doing
business in this state. The strike began at
the town of Pullman near Chicago. The town
was known as a "model town," being owned
solely by the company, which had built it for
use by the employees, with streets, sewers.
etc., complete. They were in no sense railroad
men, being in reality members of the cabinet-
makers' and kindred trades. But they had
affiliated with the American Railway Union,
the aim and scope of which was intended to
embrace all crafts in connection with the rail-
road business. Although not railroad men, the
Pullman employees' union had affiliated with
it, and when they appealed to it for aid, the
American Railway Union thereupon declared
that they were willing to handle the trains
on the railroads affected, providing the roads
would refuse to handle or put into their trains
the Pullman cars. The railroads declining to
do so, the members of the union refused to
handle Pullman cars or trains of which they
were a part. The railroad companies operat-
ing in California could not separate their in-
terests from those of the Pullman Company,
the Southern Pacific being a three-fourths
owner of the Pullman cars used in this state.
The strike being declared, the Santa Fe Rail-
road was the first to feel it, all trains being
stopped June 27, 1904. As the Santa Fe road
did not extend to Sacramento, this history is
not concerned with the strike on that road
further than the mention of this fact.
On the following day, the 28th, however.
Eugene V. Debs, the president of the Ameri-
can Railway Union, telegraphed from Chicago
to the heads of the local unions in this state
to tie up the Southern Pacific Compan^f's roads
completely, and the strike was on in full force.
It immediately assumed a threatening aspect
in the main railroad centers, and Sacramento,
being the main center of the system in Cali-
fornia, was forced to bear the brunt of it. It
was brought under control in Los Angeles be-
fore it attained full headway, while in Oak-
land, which contained many strikers, they
managed to do considerable mischief. The
railroad company refused to yield, and the
fight grew more bitter daily. Besides the
workers in the Sacramento shops, numbering
about 3,000, there were all the train crews,
freight handlers, section men and other out-
door men of the system, numbering several
hundred more. Most of these had become
members of the American Railway Union, and
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
249
they became daily more irritated and inclined
to violence in order to coerce the company to
do their will. Passengers on the trains were
tied up at various points. Baggage and freight
were daily piling up. The crux of the situa-
tion, however, was the delayed mail, which
accumulated rapidl}* and which finally forced
the United States government to take a hand.
It was evident that the dam must soon break.
The situation had grown beyond the power of
the local authorities. The local police could
not cope with the trouble and it was generally
known that the sheriff of Sacramento County
sympathized with the strikers, and that both
in Sacramento and Yolo Counties there were
many among the farmers and business men
who were in sj'mpathy with them. California
had hitherto been free from any experience like
this, but the Eastern National Guard had been
called out several times to combat strikers
who had deteriorated into rioters, and it was a
foregone conclusion that as events were mov-
ing so fast toward a critical point, the National
Guard would be called out to protect people
and property. GoA^ernor Markham was ma-
rooned in Los Angeles, where he had been
when the strike was declared, and all orders
from him had to be received over the telegraph
wires. The situation had become serious.
But Uncle Sam was ready to move, and on
July 1 Attorney-General Olney sent instruc-
tions to all United States marshals having
jurisdiction over the territory affected by the
strike, to execute the process of the court,
and prevent any further hindrance to the free
movement of the mails. In accordance with
this order, the United States marshal of the
southern district of California called on Gen-
eral Ruger, commander of the western divi-
sion of the regular army, to furnish assistance
at Los Angeles. Six companies, 320 men, un-
der the command of Colonel Shafter, were dis-
patched there on Jul}' 2, and left San Francisco
that night.
Barry Baldwin, United States marshal of
the northern district of California, was at Sac-
ramento with a large number of deputy mar-
shals, sworn in for the occasion, to cooperate
with the regular troops. The plan was to break,
almost simultaneously, the blockade in Sacra-
mento and Los Angeles, the two real strate-
gical points. At Los Angeles the regulars ex-
perienced but little trouble, but the marshal
and his deputies found it very different at
Sacramento. Here the mob of strikers was
larger and more desperate, and also better or-
ganized than anywhere else in the state. Bald-
win, on the afternoon of July 3, attempted to
open up the blockade. The strikers calmly
watched the operation of making up the trains,
and everything seemed to be progressing
smoothly, when all at once, at a signal, the
strikers rushed forward and demolished in a
few minutes what it had been the work of
hours to accomplish. Superintendent J. B.
Wright and T. W. Heintzelman, assistant su-
perintendent of motive power, both of whom
were favorites with the men, when they at-
tempted to throw off the brakes and start the
train, were lifted bodily from the platforms
by the strikers and carried to the ground. The
brakes were disabled and the train could not
start. Marshal Baldwin was furious and en-
deavored to force his way through the crowd,
but was thrown to the ground several times.
Regaining his feet, he drew a revolver but was
prevented from using it, and the cooler heads
in the mob had difficulty in keeping him from
being severely handled. Seeing the hopeless-
ness of trying to move the train, he left the
depot in possession of the strikers. He called
on Governor Markham immediately for the
assistance of the military to enable him to en-
force his authority and maintain free passage
for the mails. The Governor responded by
ordering Maj. -General Dimond. of the Nation-
al Guard, to furnish the necessary assistance.
The experience of the militia in Eastern strikes
having shown the salutary effect of a large dis-
play of force, it was determined to call out a-
large number of troops. Accordingly troops
were ordered out as follows : of the 2nd Bri-
gade, commanded by Brig.-General Dickinson,
the 1st Regiment of Infantry. Colonel Sullivan :
the 3rd Regiment of Infantry, Colonel Barry:
one-half of the Signal Corps under command
of Captain Hanks, and a section of the Light
Battery, consisting of Lieutenant Holcombe,
twelve men and a gatling gun ; of the 3rd Bri-
gade, Companies A and B of the 6th Regiment,
under command of Captain Nunan ; of the
4th Brigade, under command of Brig.-General
Sheehan, Companies A, E and G of the 2nd
Infantry Regiment, commanded by Colonel
Guthrie, the Signal Corps, and Light Battery
B : in all about 1,000 men. The 5th Regiment,
2nd Artillery Regiment and 1st Troop Cavalry
were ordered to hold themselves in readiness.
Companies A and B of Stockton. Colonel Nu-
nan commanding, were ordered to be ready to
join the San Francisco troops when they
reached Stockton, and the Sacramento troops
were to join the main liody on their arrival
here.
The men arrived in Sacramento tlie next
morning, ready for duty, at 8 a. m. Tiie officers
had expected to disembark at the depot, but
found that orders had lieen given to stop the
train at Twenty-first Street and the men were
forced, after an all-night ride, to march thence
to the armory at Sixth and L Streets, arriving
there weary and hungry a little after nine
o'clock. Here thev were to breakfast. The
250
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
adjutant-general had given orders for the men
to be supplied with rations, but it had been
overlooked, and they had none. They were
promised an ample breakfast at the armory,
but after an hour's delay it was found to con-
sist merely of strong coi?ee and bread, and was
the last food that most of them received until
night. While the troops were being fed in re-
lays, the 6th Regiment stood in line on L
Street in the hot sun. It may here be stated
that July 4, 1894, was one of the hottest days
during the season, and the troops from San
Francisco, being unused to the climate, suf-
fered severely through the day, and many suc-
cumbed to the heat, several officers among
them. While in line, a private of the 6th Regi-
ment attempted to load his gun, but it not be-
ing in order, the cartridge exploded. The bul-
let passed through the leg of a soldier in front
of him and, striking a cobblestone, was shat-
tered into a number of fragments. Here was
shed the first and only blood of the day. The
fragments of that bullet did deadly work,
costing the life of an estimable citizen, O. H.
Wing, and wounding six other persons.
After the troops had finished breakfast, they
were marched to the depot, reaching it about
noon. General Dickinson's troops marched to
the west end. of the depot, General Sheehan's
being at the head of the column. The descrip-
tion of the day's events at the depot is collated
and condensed from the testimony and report
of the court of inquiry held afterwards in an
effort to ascertain where the blame lay for the
failure of the troops to take possession of the
depot and drive the strikers out of it ; and from
the "Record-Union" report, part of which the
writer had helped to make.
Company A of the 2nd Infantry, one of the
three Sacramento companies, flatly refused to
go to the depot, saying that they were willing
to do guard duty, at the armory, but would not
fire on the strikers if ordered to do so. The
board of inquiry held afterwards censured
Maj. -General Dimond and Brig.-Generals
Sheehan and Dickinson, but the governor and
adjutant-general afterwards declared that Gen-
eral Sheehan had received an undue degree of
censure. It is certain that several blunders
were made by various officers. The San Fran-
cisco troops were not properly equipped, and
had to ride all night and stand on the streets
most of the forenoon without anything to eat.
Even when they had breakfast in the armory
it consisted only of coffee and bread, and hard-
ly enough of that for the companies who
breakfasted last. After this insufficient meal
they had nothing more until evening, when
they were taken to a hotel for supper. When
to this was added their being compelled to
stand in the broiling sun for hours, on one of
the hottest days in the season, manv of the
San Francisco and Stockton troops succumb-
ing to the heat, while red-tape delays pro-
longed their sufferings, it is not to be wondered
at that their enthusiasm was dampened.
It being the Fourth of July, the city was
filled with people from the country, and others
seeking a holiday, and when the troops began
to march to the depot, the sidewalks were filled
with curious men, women and children, who
accompanied them, unmindful of the fact that
any moment might precipitate a bloody con-
flict, in which they might come to harm. When
the depot was reached, too, they formed a
crowd of about 2,000 in the west end of it, con-
sisting of strikers and their sympathizers,
among whom were mingled hundreds of wom-
en and children, many baby carriages even
being present in the mob. These were what
the soldiers found to confront them, and it
is not a matter of wonder that the thought of
firing into or charging with bayonets upon
such a crowd appalled many of the troops, and
tested their loyalty to the state and to society.
They were confronted with men who were
def^nng the law, but these men were not at
the time actively engaged in destroying prop-
erty, nor did they, as a body, show any inten-
tion, as is shown clearly, of attacking the
troops. On the contrary, they were good-
humored and attempted to fraternize and
argue with the members of General Sheehan's
command, who occupied the head of the
column, and among whom many of them had
relatives and friends. In justice to all, these
circumstances must be taken into account in
passing judgment on the fiasco of the day.
General Sheehan, on being ordered by Gen-
eral Dimond to clear the depot, found the west
entrance blocked by the mob, who refused to
give way, and pressed up close to Company G.
He addressed them, telling them the troops did
not wish to use force, if it could be avoided,
but were there to protect the United States
marshal in the discharge of his duties, and
must use force if it became necessary. He
asked them to disperse and permit the troops
to occupy the depot, as they must place the
railroad company in possession of the govern-
ment mail trains, as ordered, and would have
to do their duty. Major Weinstock addressed
the strikers in the same manner, but they said
they would die in their tracks rather than give
up the fight. General Sheehan convinced some
of the leaders that they could not right any
wrongs by resisting the law, and the mob
began to give way to the troops, when some
one cried out to hold on, and demanded that he
would promise not to allow any Pullman cars
to be moved. He answered that his troops
would not help to move any cars, but if called
on, must do their duty and protect those mov-
ing them, and a chorus answered, "Then you
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
?51
can never enter here unless you do so over our
dead bodies."
Some time prior to this General Sheehan had
discovered that the east end of the depot was
unguarded and unoccupied by the strikers, and
he suggested to General Dickinson, who was
with the San Francisco troops in the rear of
his command, that he occupy it. Major Doug-
las, who was sent by him to General Dickinson
with the suggestion, forced his wav through
the crowd and delivered the message, and
General Dickinson referred him to General
Dimond, who was in consultation with Mar-
shal Baldwin in the office of Superintendent
Wright. General Dimond, on Major Douglas'
explanation of the situation, approved of the
suggestion and calling Colonel Hooper, his
chief of staff, directed him in Major Douglas'
presence to instruct General Dickinson to
carry out General Sheehan's suggestion, and
detail a body of his men to pass around the
depot and occupy it from the other end. Mean-
while General Sheehan endeavored for more
than an hour to induce the strikers to give way,
but they still refused, baring their breasts and
inviting the soldiers to use their bayonets.
"You wouldn't put that steel through me,
would you, Bill?" said one striker to his broth-
er, Avho was in uniform, and whose bayonet
was within a few inches of the striker's breast.
"Then, for God's sake, step aside, Jim," said
the soldier, pale and quivering with excite-
ment. "Go ahead. Jack ; jab your bayonet
through me, and make your sister a widow,"
said another. "Go ahead, boys, and run us
through ; we might as well die here as to
starve," said others.
Seeing the situation was hopeless unless
force was used, and that General Dickinson
had not taken any action towards occupying
the east end of the depot, and that his order
to the troops to "charge bayonets" had pro-
duced no efTect on the mob. General Sheehan
went to Marshal Baldwin and told him of the
situation, and that nothing but force would
dislodge the mob ; that if it was the marshal's
desire to use force, he must decline to use it
unless he received the written order of the
marshal to do so. The marshal took the posi-
tion that the troops were under the orders of
General Dimond, to whom he referred General
Sheehan. General Dimond was present, and
thereupon exercised his privilege of turning
over the command of the troops to the marshal.
Finding that the responsibility now rested on
him, Marshal Baldwin told General Dimond
that if he must take charge his first order
would be that the Sacramento and American
river bridges must be immediately guarded
and protected by troops. General Dimond
thereupon turned to General Sheehan and di-
rected him to detail two of his companies and
a light battery to take position on the bridges
named. All of this time the strikers were en-
deavoring to persuade the men of Companies
E and G to lay down their arms, but they re-
membered their duty, and refused. The men
were suffering terribly from the heat and many
fell exhausted, and had to be removed and
cared for. An injunction issued by Chief Jus-
tice Fuller of the United States supreme court
had been served on Harry Knox, chairman of
the strikers, restraining him from interfering
with any and all trains, but he paid no atten-
tion to it, and the wreck of the first train out
occurring a few days later, so far as known no
punishment was ever meted out to him for his
contempt of the court's order. He refused the
request of the committee of the board of city
trustees that he would consult with the officials
of the railroad company. That afternoon Ma-
jor Steinman issued a proclamation requesting
all citizens to abstain from visiting the depot
or grounds or helping to swell the mob.
Marshal Baldwin ascended a locomotive cab
and harangued the strikers to no avail and
finally suggested that they call together their
calmest and ablest leaders and see if they
would not agree that it would be best to leave
him in peaceable possession of the depot. After
some opposition this was agreed to, and a truce
was declared till 3 o'clock, and afterwards
extended to 6 p. m. The troops were dismissed
and left the grounds. During the afternoon
armistice a crowd of strikers went to Smith's
Hall on Seventh Street, where the Bersaglieri
Guard, an independent Italian organization,
kept their arms, and took possession of the
entire outfit of guns and accoutrements, it is
understood, without much opposition.
The order of Marshal Baldwin withdrawing
two companies of General Sheehan's command
for the purpose of guarding the bridges over
the American and Sacramento Rivers was an
unfortunate one. and being misunderstood,
had the effect of encouraging the strikers. On
receiving the order. General Sheehan requested
the crowd to fall back about five feet in order
that he might not be compelled to use force
on them. His request was complied with, and
on the command "Fours right! Column
right! March!" the two companies of Sacra-
mento troops that had faced the crowd
marched off the ground and proceeded to the
bridges as ordered. No sooner did the crowd
see the troops marching away than they began
to cheer, and the report soon spread that the
troops had refused to fire on the people when
ordered to do so. The Sacramento troops hav-
ing departed, and no orders having come to
take further action. Colonel Nunan, command-
ing the Stockton troo])s, took upon himself the
responsibility of ordering his men, who were
252
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
weakened and almost prostrated by the heat,
to break ranks and seek the shade. Again the
crowd cheered, and again the false report
spread that the Stockton troops had been or-
dered to fire, and had refused. This left only
the two regiments of the 2nd Brigade, un-
der General Dickinson's command, who still
stood in line. Many of these had fallen out of
the lines and were being cared for by the sur-
geons. After the truce between Marshal Bald-
win and the strikers was declared, the troops
were allowed to seek the shade, and at 6:30
p. m. they were ordered to fall in for supper,
and were marched to the hotels.
On July 5 the troops were ordered to put up
tents and make their camp in Capitol Park,
which was done, and the camp was maintained
there until the order to dismiss them was
given.
Excitement over the occurrences on the
Fourth quieted down next day and the troops
took up the routine of camp duty. On the
11th, however, there came a terrible change
that caused a revulsion of the tolerant feeling
with Avhich the strikers had been regarded,
and which cost five lives. On the morning of
the 11th, nearly 800 United States troops ar-
rived on the steamer "Alameda" and the steam
barge "Acme," consisting of two troops of
cavalry, five batteries of light artillery with
several gatling guns and two Hotchkiss rapid-
fire cannon, six companies of marines and one
company of infantry. There was also a full
corps of surgeons and hospital stewards, army
wagons with supplies, etc. They were under
the command of Colonel Graham, commandant
at the Presidio, in San Francisco. The whole
river frontage was at the time occupied by the
National Guard, 800 strong, under the com-
mand of Brig.-General Sheehan. The boats
landed at the foot of Y Street and the troops
debarked, being covered from interference b}'
the militia. The cavalry deployed and took
possession of the cross streets, to guard the
march of the infantry and the guns, and lined
up the spectators driven from the streets, in
the rear of the cavalry. The command took
possession of the depot grounds, without re-
sistance, the strikers realizing that here was a
force it would not do to trifle with. Guard
lines were thrown out rapidly and the batter-
ies planted, and in a short time the whole rail-
road property was enclosed in a line of senti-
nels. While the guards were clearing the
grounds, the switch engines, under the guard
of a heavy body of soldiers, began to clear
away the congestion of cars and locomotives.
The gatling guns were cleared ready for serv-
ice and a detail was sent to guard the supply
train, which soon arrived. The hospital tent
was set up near the baggage-room, and the
surgeons put their instruments in order. Mean-
while, a detachment of marines had taken pos-
session of the Yolo bridge, cleared it and had
taken up its position at the Yolo end, having
been preceded by a cavalry company which
took an advantageous station.
Meanwhile the militia had been under fire
and had returned it. About 8: 30 a. m., oppo-
site the foot of O Street, five shots were heard,
and the bullets came whizzing overhead.
About fifty shots were sent back, and one man
was seen to fall from a tree, while others were
seen behind a sand bank on the Yolo shore,
deliberately aiming at the troops. One shot
from the troops entered Reed's cannery,
wounding a Japanese. A boat with a white
flag was sent across, and several men were
found behind the levee, who were unarmed
and claimed that they had been sent over by
the strikers to patrol the levee and see that no
more shots were fired, but they were not be-
lieved. However, there was no proof against
them, and they were not arrested.
Heretofore there had been no bloodshed, but
it seemed as if the arrival of the regular troops,
although it had served to clear the depot and
give possession of it to the railroad company,
had served to make the strikers desperate. It
developed afterwards that Worden and others
had planned to use dynamite to destroy the
regulars when they arrived and disembarked.
Probably nothing but the fact that the militia
had occupied and guarded the river bank pre-
vented the murderous scheme from being car-
ried out. The strikers" leaders, angered by
their temporary defeat, had resolved on des-
perate measures. Members of the Brother-
hood of Locomotive Engineers stated that they
had been threatened by members of the Ameri-
can Railway Union, and that they had been
told that they would never live to haul a Pull-
man car ten miles. In view of the events of
this day, and the testimony adduced at the trial
of the strike leaders, Harry Knox, Thomas
Compton and James Mullen, later on, there
remains no reason to doubt that they had de-
termined to prevent the moving of trains by
all means in their power, however desperate.
The body of the strikers were not admitted to
the councils of the leaders, and it is certain
that the large majority of them would never
have sanctioned the means employed. Indeed,
a large number of the strikers not only took
no part in the unlawful acts, but even stayed
at their homes, not coming to the vicinity of
the shops at all.
After the regulars had completed their in-
vestment of the depot, their attention was
turned to the making up of a train for move-
ment. The cars belonging to overland train
No. 4, which had been "killed" by the strikers
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
253
two weeks before, were assembled and prepa-
rations made to start the train for San Fran-
cisco. The train was composed of a locomo-
tive, two mail and three express cars, one bag-
gage car, three day coaches, and the three Pull-
man coaches and the Pullman diner that came
in with the train originally. The locomotive
was handled by Samuel B. Clark, one of the
oldest and most popular engineers in the em-
ploy of the company, with J. S. Denekamp- as
fireman, and Conductor Samuel Reynolds. The
train was guarded bj' twenty-one men of Bat-
tery L, 5th United States Artillery, under the
command of Lieutenant Skerret, as it was
thought that the strikers or their sympathizers
might fire on it or assault it. How many stri-
kers had knowledge of the plans to wreck it
will never be known, but it is certain that many
of them freely prophesied that the train would
not go far and it is certain that many of the
strikers knew of the wrecked train before the
messengers bearing the news arrived at the
depot. It is known that the strikers applied to
Father Grace for permission to use the Cathe-
dral tower as a signal station, but that he re-
fused. It also developed afterwards that sev-
eral of the strikers were in the Capitol dome
watching the train with field glasses and that
they signaled to persons in the street below.
The train steamed out of the depot with its
guards, the crowd that had assembled outside
of the sentry-line looking sullenly on and cast-
ing an occasional jeer at the trainmen and sol-
diers. It passed on ovit of sight, six of the
soldiers perched on the locomotive and the rest
scattered along on the car platforms, with
rifles ready to repel attack. "The blockade is
broken at last," said some of the railroad offi-
cials, not dreaming of the terrible fate impend-
ing over the occupants of the train. It was
nearly an hour after its departure, and the rail-
way officials were awaiting news of its arrival
at Davisville, when a colored Pullman porter
came running into the depot and proceeded to
Superintendent Wright's office with a message
from Conductor Reynolds, stating that the
train had been wrecked at the long trestle,
two miles from the city, and Engineer Clark
and several United States soldiers were killed.
In a few minutes the wrecking train was pre-
pared and sent, with a couple of coaches, to
the rescue, carrying several surgeons and men
with stretchers, as well as a number of armed
soldiers. As the wreck had occurred on the
trestle, it was difficult to get on the farther side
of it, and there was some delay before the
wrecking train returned with the wounded
men, who were immediately cared for.
Conductor Reynolds stated that the train
was running abovit twelve miles an hour when
it came to the trestle. As soon as it struck
the trestle there came a crash, and he evacu-
ated the mail-car in which he was, as quickly
as possible ; the engine had gone over and lay
in about six feet of water and deep in the mud,
with two express cars piled on top of it. En-
gineer Clark and three soldiers lay buried un-
der the engine, and others were floundering in
the water, one soldier named Dugan having his
arm cut ofif, being caught between the engine
and a trestle beam. Denekamp, the fireman,
saved his life by jumping when he felt the
engine topple. Besides Engineer Clark, Pri-
vates Clark, Byrne, Lubberdon and Dugan
were killed, the latter dying that evening.
An inspection of the track told that the wreck-
ers had done their work well. The spikes and
fishplates of a rail had been pried up and
taken away, leaving the rail in place, with
nothing to show that it was loose, and deceiv-
ing the engineer. As it was reported that sev-
eral men were lurking in the brush on the
other side of the river along the track, a squad
of cavalry was sent to scour the ground. Such
was the revulsion of feeling in the crowd over
the horrible plot, that the crowd cheered them
as they swept by. The Southern Pacific imme-
diately offered $5,000 reward for information
that would lead to the arrest and conviction of
one or all of the murderers, and the United
States district attorney offered $2,000 more.
During the afternoon four men were ar-
rested and lodged in the county jail. They
were Salter D. Worden, A. G. Greenlaw, Wil-
liam Burt and H. E. Rodmer, the first being
charged with wrecking the train, and the oth-
ers with conspiracy and obstructing the mar-
shal. Detectives who had been investigating
found that Worden had hired a team and wag-
on and taken a party of four or five into Yolo
County, the team being returned without
them. ' It was also learned that Worden
stopped a Hneman of the Western Union Tele-
graph Company and took his tools from him.
Worden presented himself at the stable later
in the day, and was arrested, and some dyna-
mite and fuse was found to have been left in
the wagon by the wreckers when it was re-
turned.
The wrecking of the train caused a revulsion
of feeling m the community. A great number
of citizens who had sympathized with the
strikers suddenly awoke to the fact that mur-
der and violence like this could not be con-
doned, and that it had placed the leaders be-
yond the pale of sympathy. They realized that
the talk of peaceful resistance to the law was
only a hollow pretense, and that the men most
active in the strike were prepared to go to any
length in order to carry out their purpose. The
naked fact stood out in liold relief in all its
hideousness and could no longer he ignored.
Z54
HISTORY OF vSACRAMENTO COUNTY
Men whose heated imagination had placed the
strikers and their leaders on the pedestal of
martyrdom realized that they had been de-
luded and their ardor of sympathy suddenly
cooled. The press of the state, which had
largely expressed itself as on the side of the
strikers, changed its tone and voiced the gen-
eral horror and indignation at the cowardly
act. An attempt by a number of men on the
morning of the 24th to wreck a Southern Pa-
cific train by taking up the rails on the track
near Arcade Station, on the grant, and who
fought a pitched battle with the soldiers who
discovered them, augmented the revolution in
the minds of the people. It is probable, also,
that many strikers, whose passions had been
excited to a high pitch by the organizers and
leaders, began to realize whither their zeal was
leading them. An attempt was also made at
Dutch Flat on the 18th to wreck a train by pil-
ing obstructions on the track. Fortunately it
was discovered in time to save the train, which
had on board a large number of women and
children. In consequence. Colonel Graham or-
dered that anyone found tampering with the
rails should be shot first and allowed to ex-
plain afterwards. The strikers began to fall
away from the organization, and when the
notice was given on the 17th by the company,
that those who had not resorted to violence or
destruction of property could return to work
when the whistle blew on the morning of the
18th, several hundred men gladly availed them-
selves of the opportunity, and in a iew days
all the men that were needed were once more
at work, only a couple of hundred of the vio-
lent strikers being barred out. Some of these
began to threaten the men who returned to
work, but Colonel Graham quickly put his sol-
diers on patrol duty to protect the workers,
and the recalcitrant strikers soon decided to
let them alone.
The regular soldiers were not at all back-
ward in obeying orders regarding the strikers.
They had been deeply angered by the das-
tardly slaughter of their comrades in the wreck
at the long trestle, and were eager to avenge
their death if the strikers gave them provoca-
tion to do so. The militia shared this feeling,
for they also had been abused and threatened.
A number of strikers and sympathizers had
been arrested for insulting soldiers, but a much
sterner lesson was necessary, and on the 13th
it was given. A number of soldiers had been
detailed to ride on the flat cars and protect the
railroad employees in their work in the yards,
there being many cars of valuable freight that
should be moved to more secure quarters.
Captain Roberts and Lieutenant Skerret, with
men of Battery L, 5th Regiment, U. S. Artil-
lery, some marines, and Company F of the 3rd
Infantry, N. G. C, were overseeing the
switching, when they were abused and stoned
by a group of men in the rear of the sheds, and
some shots were fired at them from the sheds.
The soldiers made a rush for them, when most
of them threw up their hands, but some ran
away. They were called on to halt, but not
heeding the warning, the troops fired, wound-
ing two, one of whom, named Stewart, died
that night. A number of prisoners were also
gathered in, and held to answer before the
federal court.
On the 19th Debs telegraphed to the Oak-
land strikers' executive committee to effect a
settlement with the company, allowing the
men to go back to work, and on the 22nd the
local union declared the strike off.
In the meantime Knox, Compton and Mul-
len, who had been arrested, were charged with
the murder of Engineer Clark and the soldiers.
Their preliminary examination began at
Woodland on the 18th, before the justice of
the peace. The case against Worden was post-
poned for a time. A number of telegrams sent
by Knox were produced in court, among them
one to a person living in Willows, which read,
"Sacramento, July 7, 1904 — To Lizzie Mc-
Millan Sehorn, Willows, Glenn County, Cal. :
We need financial assistance, but armed assist-
ance would be more acceptable. John Bu-
chanan, by H. Knox."
These dispatches were offered in corrobora-
tion of the charge of conspiracy against the
defendants, and the manager of the Postal Tel-
egraph Company testified that they were sent
through his office. Arthur J. Wilson, owner
of the stable, stated at the preliminary exami-
nation of Knox, Compton and Mullen, at
Woodland, that Worden asked for a wagon
that would hold nine people, but that he could
only furnish one that would hold six. Worden
presented an order which read : "Give bearer
a rig to go to Brighton. H. A. Knox."
The trial of the defendants was long drawn
out. There was difficulty in getting a jury, as
public sentiment ran high on both sides ; also
many were afraid to serve on the jury, as
threats and intimidation were charged to have
been made against jurymen and witnesses.
The result of the trial was generally looked
upon by unprejudiced people as a miscarriage
of justice, the evidence clearly pointing to the
guilt of the defendants. Worden, who was an
impulsive, erratic man, and was regarded
largely as the tool of the three conspirators,
was the only one to suffer, and was found
guilty and sentenced to hang. His sentence,
however, through influential intervention, was
commuted to imprisonment for life. In 1912
he presented an application for parole. It was
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
io:>
found impossible to convict Knox, Mullen and
Compton, and they escaped punishment.
The strike cost California many millions of
dollars, ruined a large niunber of fruit-growers
through the loss of their crops, paralyzed busi-
ness for several months, and accomplished
nothing of the purpose for which it was inau-
gurated. It is to be hoped that another one
like it will never visit this coast.
September 30, 1911, the employees belonging
to an association similar to the American Rail-
way Union of 1894, which attempted to con-
solidate the various railway unions into one,
with a managing board to make all agree-
ments with the various railroads of the United
States, and to claim recognition of the consoli-
dated unions and the concession of certain de-
mands, went on a strike. Quite a few em-
ployees forfeited their chance for pensions in
the near future by joining the strike, while a
number of others refused to go out.
Reminiscences of the Railroads
Some interesting reminiscences in relation
to the early railroads were related to the
writer by James G. Patterson, the pioneer
mentioned in a previous chapter. Mr. Patter-
son had a great fund of recollections to draw
on, concerning both himself and others, and
gives one many an insight into the methods
and incidents of the early days. Speaking of
the Freeport road, and other early railroads,
he said :
"It was projected by stockholders and bond-
holders of the Sacramento Valley Railroad,
John H. Carroll and George Mowe, who
bought land and incorporated in 1863-1864. I
was ordered down from the Auburn Railroad
in March to commence grading. I graded the
track into Freeport and went back to work
on the Auburn road. I came back in July
and laid the rails, and finished in October,
about the 10th, I think, and as soon as I got
the side track in, they built a wharf for steam-
boats and leased it to the Sacramento Valley
Railroad for two years. They sounded the
river at midnight and found thirty-five feet of
water, and no one knew of the survey. Car-
roll was a stockholder of the Valley road, but
they bought the ranch in their own names so
that no one would know it was for the Valley
road. There was a bar up the river near the
Edwards place, where the steamboats often
got aground at low water, and frequently they
would not reach Sacramento until noon or
later the next day. The steamboat from San
Francisco used to arrive at Freeport at 11 p.
m., and the train would start as soon as the
passengers got aboard with their baggage.
The stages connected with the trains at Lat-
robe, and passengers ate breakfast at Placer-
ville and went on over tlie mountains by day-
light and landed in Virginia City at 3 p. m.,
twenty-three hours from San Francisco. The
road was built to sell to the Central Pacific,
which was done. The Central Pacific bought
the Sacramento Valley road October 13, 1865
— the last day I worked for them.
"All the ties and rails for the Freeport road
came up on vessels, and when I began to lay
the road old Captain Kidder brought me up
one and a quarter miles of rails and only one
car of ties, and only four ties to a pair of rails.
I told him that I couldn't lay them that way,
as I had only five men and they could not
handle the iron and carry it so far. The en-
gine was a light one, but it was a greyhound
to run, and I asked the engineer if four ties
at the ends and middle of the rails would carry
the engine. He said it would, so I put down
a tie every six feet. The next day he gave us
plenty of ties, and two of my men on the car
unloaded them. I walked along ahead and
held up my hand as a signal to throw them
down. They unloaded a whole train and then
pulled the train out of the way. Then we
shoved the ties in under the rails.
"When the Central Pacific was laying its
track near Gold Run, Strowbridge was super-
intendent of construction, and Maker was fore-
man of the track-layers. They were experi-
encing the same trouble in regard to rails and
ties that I had, and the work was proceeding
slowly. There was an Irishman, Ned Hussey,
vi'orking for Maker, and he became impatient
at the way the work was going on. 'Av ye had
Jim Patterson here, he'd show yez how to get
this thrack down,' said he to Maker, '\\niat
do you know of Jim Patterson and what he
would do?' asked Maker. 'H to your sowl.
didn't I work undher him in laying the thrack
on the Freeport road and the Valley road?'
was the retort. 'Well, what did he do?' asked
Maker. Hussey explained to him, and he
asked the engineer if the track would hold up
the engine in case he laid fewer ties and had
them put under the rails afterwards. The en-
gineer said it would, and Maker hustled down
to Strowbridge and told him about it; Stro\\--
bridge told him to go ahead. Maker had a big
gang of Chinamen and he put them at work.
The consequence was that he laid six miles of
track the next day, and when additional ties
came, the Chinamen slid them under the rails
and spiked them down. They hustled the
track-laying from that time on, till the road
got to Promontory and met the Union Pacific
"This was the only road built in California
where the people did not know anything about
it. I kept the engine out on the old Jackson
road, and used to sneak in in the morning with
the engineer and fireman and again at night to
bring them back, the men boarding on the
road, so no one knew any tiling about it. I
256
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
built the first movable cook-house in this part
of the country for the men to board in, and
iiought provisions from the ranchers, who let
the men sleep in their barns and outbuildings.
My men were stevedores, who knew nothing
but how to work, and I pushed things lively.
Engineer Pope was running the engine, and
sparking Sam Rich's adopted daughter. Some
days we laid a half mile and some days a mile
of track, as we could get material. Old Page
was owner of the Lake House then and would
not let us grade across his land, so we had to
lay the rails on the ground after the matter
was fixed, and then haul dirt in for a road-bed.
The trouble was adjusted afterwards. When
the track was all finished I ran an excursion
train over the road to Freeport. I stopped
along the road and invited the farmers' fam-
ilies to get aboard. Then a reporter got hold
of it and published an account of the road, so
the people found out what I had been doing.
"People nowadays do not realize the condi-
tions that prevailed in early days. At the time
of the 1862 flood I went to Elk Grove, sick.
The water was all over the country, and they
had to run a steamboat to Routier's to bring
supplies for the people. There was only one
sack of flour at Elk Grove, and George Bates
had that and divided it with his neighbors.
That was what is known as old Elk Grove
now ; the present Elk Grove was not in exist-
ence until after the railroad was built. You
can judge how the water covered the country
w.hen they built a barge at Buckner's at old
Elk Grove, right on the upper Stockton road,
to go to Stockton for supplies.
"Robinson asked me if I could work, and I
told him yes. There was very little hay in the
country for the horses and it was hard to get
at that. I went over to Deterding's and paid
$40 a ton for some old, rotten hay. The roads
were awful, and teams were stalled every-
where. I went over to Salisbury's and en-
gaged some hay at $40, to be delivered to me
the next morning, and when I went after it the
fellow told me he had sold it for $45, so I had
my trouble for my pains. I could not get to
Florin or Perkins, as the water was too high.
"The high water washed away a part of the
Sacramento Valley Railroad tracks, and the
ties and rails were scattered all over the coun-
try. I began gathering them up, and it was a
job to get them out of the mud with the teams.
Where Agricultural Park is, was covered with
railroad iron, and iron was iron in those days,
when it had to come round the Horn. Robin-
son came to my camp where the Buflfalo Brew-
ery stands and asked me, 'How much iron have
you got?' 'All there is here,' I answered.
'That is not enough,' says he. I kept on gath-
ering it up, and was going along by Gerber's,
near the hospital, and saw some railroad iron
in the mud. Thev had held a fair out at Buck
Harrigan's that year. So I hauled it out with
the teams, and it was hard work. I found a good
deal had 'floated' down there on the slough
that runs through the county hospital grounds.
Still we were short of iron. 'Tear up the side-
track at Brighton,' said Robinson. 'I won't
do it,' said I. 'There are a lot of rails at Buck
Harrigan's that I will get.' 'Go to it,' said he.
A good many bosses would have discharged
me for answering that way, but I never worked
under a better boss than Robinson.
"When they built the S Street sewer a few
years ago, they found some rails under ground,
and one of the men said there must have been
a track there in the early days, but I told him
the rails came there during the flood. Romeo
Carroll built a corral out that way by splitting
ties and driving them into the ground end-
ways. I asked him where he got them and
where I could find the rails, but he only
laughed, and would not tell me. There are lots
of rails today buried in the slough that runs
through the William Curtis place.
"It was tough on the people when every-
thing was flooded so. All the box cars were
full of families, and the water stood all about
them. You couldn't see the wheels or the
trucks. I was afraid they would go down and
be washed away, so I got the two engines ; the
Garrison was in front and the Robinson be-
hind. We cut the train in two parts and ran half
of it out across the break between Eleventh
and Twelfth Streets. The water was running
through fast, and I got stringers across and
anchored them with anchors from the vessels
on the river. Then I dumped in two carloads
of cobbles that were to have been shipped to
San Francisco for paving streets. When that
was done, we had connections made from Six-
teenth to Twenty-first Street so that we could
transfer our Folsom passengers. I was afraid
the other part would go before we could get it
out, but we saved it.
"I worked for Colonel Wilson in 1859 and
1860 on the Marysville road; Montague was
the engineer. The road only got to Lincoln,
and was sold to the Central Pacific, which
road had hard times, and there is more than
one little bit of interesting history concerning
it that but very few know. Before it got to
Newcastle it was out of inoney, and C. P.
Huntington was sent to Boston to try to make
a raise. On the steamer, going to Boston, was
Judge Slauson, a Boston attorney, and as
Huntington had also come from Boston, they
iDecame good friends. Some of Slauson's clients,
moneyed men of that city, had become in-
volved in a deal whereby they stood to lose
$7,000,000, or thereabouts, and he had been
sent for to go East and help them out. Hunt-
ington confided to Slauson the financial diffi-
culties of the road and asked him to get his
clients to buy out the promoters. 'They have
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
257
money,' said he, 'and can carry it on and win
out and make money. We will sell out the
road to them, rolling stock and all, for
$1,500,000.' Slauson told his clients, but they
said they knew nothing about railroading, and
they stood to lose $7,000,000 already, Slauson
bundled them off to Europe, where papers
could not be served on them, and saved them
$4,500,000. Then he got busy among his
friends and raised $250,000 for Mr. Huntington
on second mortgage bonds. As soon as he re-
ceived the; money the company began to work
again and built the road to Clipper Gap. Then
the change came and the mountains were
brought down to Roseville and they got their
$48,000 a mile. The first thing they did after
they got money was to buy Sam Brannan's
mortgage and foreclose on the California Cen-
tral. Charles Crocker bought one share of the
stock for the purpose and served an injunction
on Robinson to prevent his taking the rails on
the Auburn road. My father and Stanford
were verj^ friendly, and they held three meet-
ings in my father's house at Folsom with the
Sacramento Valley Railroad people before the
California Pacific started from Sacramento.
Robinson wanted to have one director on the
board if they bought the road, but they would
not consent. Finally the purchase was made.
My father paid the Valley road the first money
it ever received for freight, when it brought
him up a ton of seed wheat for $1.50, the reg-
ular rate being established at $3."
CHAPTER XXXVII
COMMERCE AND NAVIGATION
THAT the richest cargoes carried by river
navigation anywhere in the United
States are carried on the waters of the
Sacramento River, is shown in reports by the
Federal rivers and harbors engineers, and in
data compiled by the local chamber of com-
merce. The value of the tonnage transported
on this stream, which is the fifth largest in
America, is $95.99 per ton average, based upon
1920 figures. The official report further shows
that the increase in the percentage of tonnage
transported on the Sacramento over a period
of ten years is greater than on any other
waterway in the United States. The yearly
value of the traffic on the Sacramento is
$96,296,181, which is as great as all the ship-
ping of Los Angeles Harbor, and is larger by
$20,000,000 than the value of the cargoes
shipped annually on the Mississippi between
the Alissouri and Ohio Rivers.
As a further illustration of the immense ton-
nage and value of the commerce on the Sac-
ramento, it can be stated that the annual ton-
nage carried on the river is more valuable by
$26,000,000 than the cargoes passing in and
out of Toledo, Ohio, on the Great Lakes. One-
seventh of the shipping of San Francisco Har-
bor is furnished by the Sacramento River.
Furthermore, the statistics show the value
of the Sacramento River cargoes to be five
times as great as the shipping in and out of
San Diego Harbor, and $36,000,000 greater
than the commerce carried on the Columbia
River. During the past two years the average
tonnage carried on the river has been 1,500.000
tons yearly. Ten years ago it was 425,000
tons. The products shipped consisted chiefly
of celer}', asparagus, grain, oil, beans, rice,
fruits, canned goods, fish, flour, mills stuffs,
sugar, potatoes, merchandise, and vegetable
products.
Any section of a country which has a water-
way connecting it with tidewater is fortunate
indeed, and no section could be more fortunate
in that respect than the Sacramento Valley.
The Sacramento River flows through the
whole extent of the valley, from Shasta County
on the north, to Solano County on the south,
a distance of about 300 miles. The twelve
counties embraced in this area have a com-
bined acreage of 11,456,528 acres, and an ag-
gregate population of about a C|uarter of a mil-
lion. The area of the valley is 17,815 square
miles. The distance to Red Bluff, the head of
navigation, is 201 miles from Sacramento, and
to the mouth of the river, near Collinsville,
about sixty-five miles. The debris from hy-
draulic mining filled the bed of the river —
which in the early days afforded plenty of
water for ocean-going steamers and vessels to
come to this city — so that navigation became
difficult for vessels drawing over about four
feet of water, during the late summer and fall ;
but the government, by the use of a snag-boat
and the erection of wing dams, has deepened
the channel so that even the large steamers put
258
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
on by the Southern Pacific Company very rare-
ly have trouble, and there is a prospect that in
the near future the channel will be deepened
by the government and state to nine feet, as
far as to this city.
Undoubtedly the Russians were the first to
navigate the river, as they had posts at Fort
Ross and Bodega, and were engaged in trade
in tallow, hides, furs, etc., and were in this
region prior to 1840, trading in the interior up
to the time they sold out to Captain Sutter. At
that time, also, there was in this section an
agency of the Hudson Bay Company. In 1841
the Russians sold out to Sutter, including in
the sale a small schooner of forty tons burden.
The first record we have of its appearance up
the river was in August of that year, although
it had probably made voyages on the river
prior to that time. After the purchase, by the
terms of which Sutter was to furnish a certain
amount of grain each year to the Russian set-
tlements, this schooner, manned by Sutter's
Indians, made regular trips. It was taken
down to San Francisco in 1848, to carry thither
the news of the discovery of gold, and con-
tinued to be the largest schooner on the river
until the trade to the mines began. At that
time the voyage from New Helvetia, as this
city was then called, to San Francisco and back
took from two to four weeks.
In the spring of 1848 the rush for gold set
in, to which the "San Francisco Star" of May
20 sarcastically alluded as follows : "Fleet of
launches left this place on Sunday and Monday
last, bound 'up the Sacramento River,' closely
stowed with human beings led by the love of
filthy lucre to the perennial-yielding gold
mines of the north, where 'a man can find up-
ward of two ounces a day' and '2000 men can
find their hands full' — of hard work." On
May 27, the "Star" said : "Launches have plied
without cessation between this place and New
Helvetia, during this time [from the discovery
of gold]. The 'Sacramento,' a first-class craft,
left here Thursday last, thronged with passen-
gers for the gold mines — a motley assemblage,
composed of lawyers, merchants, grocers, car-
penters, cartmen and cooks, all possessed with
the desire of becoming suddenly rich." At the
same time it stated that over 300 men were en-
gaged in washing out gold, and parties from
all over the country were constantly arriving.
On account of the departure of her principal
citizens for the gold mines, San Francisco soon
assumed a desolate appearance. A quarter of
a million in gold was taken to that city in the
first eight weeks, and during the second eight
weeks, $600,000 worth. By September 6,000
persons were at the diggings, and the editor
of the "Star" exclaimed : "An export at last,
and it is gold !"
In April, 1849, the schooner "Providence,"
100 tons, Hinckley, master, came up the river,
and the "Eliodora," purchased by Sam Bran-
nan and loaded with goods, started up the
river. The "Joven Guipuzcoana," a Peruvian
vessel, and other large sailing vessels of first-
class dimensions followed. At that time there
were about a dozen stores and tenements here.
On the success of the "Joven Guipuzcoana"
were founded the plans of the first steam-navi-
gation companies, and the "McKim" and the
"Senator" soon followed. In May the crown-
ing success with sailing vessels came with the
trip of the bark "Whiton," Gelston, master, in
seventy-two hours from San Francisco. She
was of 241 tons burden, and came with her
royal yards crossed, without any detention, al-
though she drew nine and one-half feet of
water.
The first steamboat that plowed the waters
of either the bay or river was one that arrived
in San Francisco, October 14, 1847, owned by
Captain Leidesdorflf and packed on a Russian
bark from Sitka. Leidesdorfif had for seven
years carried on trade with the Russians, and
hearing that they had a small steamboat, he
sent up and purchased it for his hide and tal-
low commerce on the small streams running
into the bay. It did not exceed forty tons
burden, was put together under the lee of
Yerba Buena Island, and was named the "Lit-
tle Sitka." She was cranky, and the weight of
a person on her guards would throw one wheel
out of service. Her second trip for business
was to Sacramento, where she remained for a
month, her proprietor insisting in answer to
the jibes launched at him, that he would soon
make the smoke fly on the bay, and hand the
name of his first steamboat "down to dexter-
ity," as he pronounced it. She was swamped
by a norther in San Francisco Bay in Febru-
ary, 1848, was raised and the engine taken out,
and was transformed into a sailing vessel. A
steamer brought around the Horn and put to-
gether at Benicia made a trip to this city on
August 17, 1849, and another one from Phila-
delphia began on August 25 to ply on the river,
accommodating about thirt}' passengers and
steaming "about seven knots an hour."
About the first boat advertising for regular
runs on the river appears to have been the
"Sacramento," in September, 1849, commanded
by Captain Van Pelt, and carrying 100 pas-
sengers, besides freight. She was built oppo-
site the city, where Washington now stands,
and Van Pelt made regular trips down to "New
York of the Pacific," where, passengers and
freight had to be transferred. About the same
time a little steam dredge, brought out by the
Yerba Company, was set up on a scow, and
started on a trip up the Feather River, carry-
ing a number of bricks, at one dollar apiece,
for freight, and lumber at $150 per thousand.
Two months after her arrival she was sold for
$40,000 at auction. The next boat was the
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
259
"Mint," also a small one, and really the first
boat to make successful regular trips with pas-
sengers and freight to and from San Francisco,
beginning in October, 1849.
A little steamer named the "Washington"
was the first to ascend the river as far as Ver-
non, at the mouth of the Feather River, and
she afterwards made regular trips to that point.
In 1850 the "Aetna," another small steamer,
ascended the American as far as Norristown,
the first time a steamer had ever reached that
point. ]\Iay 8, 1850, the "Jack Hays" reached
Redding, at the headwaters of the Sacramento
River, within forty-five miles of the Trinity
Diggings. The little steamboat "Linda" was
among the first to make the run between here
and Yuba City, in the fall of 1849.
The steamer "New World" was built in
New York in the fall of 1849 and spring of
1850, purposely for a trip to California. She
was 320 feet long, and of 530 tons burden.
William H. Brown was the proprietor, and as
he became financially embarrassed, he was
forced to take the sheriff into silent partner-
ship. The latter placed deputies on board to
remain during the launching, and to make
things sure, went on board himself, being un-
known to Ed Wakeman, the captain. The ves-
sel was held in the port of New York, the
launching being ostensibly for the purpose of
getting the boat into the water only, but steam
was raised previous to the launching. When
the sheriiif asked what it meant, he was in-
formed that it was "to wear the rust ofT the
bearings and see that the engine worked well."
But after steaming around the harbor for a
while, the captain put to sea, against the pro-
tests of the sherifif. As the captain and crew
were more numerous than the sherifif and his
deputies, they put the latter on shore in row-
boats, and came to California around Cape
Horn, making a fine voyage, and arriving in
San Francisco July 11, 1850. The "New
World" and the "Senator" made alternate trips
to Sacramento for a long time. Afterwards,
the "New World" was employed in the coast-
ing and ocean trade and later was overhauled
and put into service at San Francisco as a mag-
nificent ferry-boat, and used as such for many
years. The "Senator" was an ocean steamer
and arrived in Sacramento November 6, 1849,
with a load of passengers and freight. She
was 755 tons measurement, and drew nine and
a half feet of water. The steamer "Miner"
brought passengers and freight in December,
and afterwards continued her trips to Mecklen-
berg, now Marysville, on the Feather River.
In 1850 there were twenty-eight steamers in
operation on the Sacramento and Feather
Rivers, and in the same year twenty-three
barks, nineteen brigs and twenty-one brigan-
tines arrived in Sacramento.
The California Steam Navigation Company
was organized in March, 1854, with a capital
stock of $2,500,000, and began operations on
the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, with
a large number of steamboats. In 1850 the
company launched the "Chrysopolis," 1625
tons measurement, and the largest steamer
ever run on the river until the "Seminole" and
"Navajo" were placed on the route in 1911.
In 1867 the steamers operating on the river
and its tributaries were as follows : Eleven
steamers to San Francisco ; three steamers to
Knight's Landing; two steamers to Red Bluflf;
one steamer to Chico; one steamer to Colusa;
one steamer to Princeton; one steamer to
Cache Creek, and three steamers to Marysville.
In 1867 103 steamers arrived in Sacramento.
In 1869, when the Central Pacific Railroad
was completed, that company bought out the
California Steam Navigation Company, and
for years the Southern Pacific Company has
been operating the line of steamers. The mail
boats leaving for San Francisco in the morn-
ing were the "Apache" and "Modoc." During
the year 1911 two magnificent floating palaces,
the "Navajo" and the "Seminole," were put
on, leaving this city in the evening. At pres-
ent, the mail boats leaving for San Francisco
at 5 p. m. daily are the "Apache" and the
"Navajo."
The Sacramento Wood Company was or-
ganized May 1, 1869, with the late Captain
Thomas Dwyer as president, and the late Cap-
tain J. H. Roberts as secretary. The company
put on the steamer "San Joaquin No. I," and
several barges, and engaged in general freight
business between San Francisco and Butte
City, 118 miles above Sacramento. During the
seventies the company added three steamers
to its fleet — the "Verona," "San Joaquin No.
2," and "San Joaquin No. 3," and extended its
route to Mcintosh's Landing, 160 miles above
this city. It also operated seven barges and
had several traction engines of the Roberts-
Doane pattern, running from the foothills on
both sides of the river, carrying grain from
these distant points to the river landings for
shipment on the company's barges to tide-
water. Each engine drew a train of from fif-
teen to twenty wagons over the county roads,
the capacit}' of each of these wagons being
about six tons.
The Sacramento Transportation Company
was organized in 1882, succeeding the Sacra-
mento ^^'^ood Company, and under the same
management. It is now operating seven
steamers and twenty-one barges in the grain-
carrying trade between points on the upper
Sacramento River and Port Costa and San
Francisco, and also in freighting at the various
landings along the river as far as Sidds Land-
ing. 119 miles aliove Sacramento at the present
liead of navigation. Formerly the company
260
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
freighted to points along the river as far as
I^ed Bhif¥, and during the low-water season
their steamers and barges were able to ascend
as far as Chico Landing, 148 miles above
Sacramento.
In 1874 the firm of Miller and Eaton placed
two steamers and several barges on the upper
Sacramento in the grain-carrying business. In
the same year Messrs. D. E. Knight, N. D.
Rideout and W. T. Ellis, prominent Marys-
ville citizens, established a weekly freighting
service between Marysville and San Francisco.
They had two steamers and several barges in
service, and continued in the business till 1889.
In 1875 the California Transportation Com-
pany was organized, with Capt. A. Nelson as
president and Capt. N. Anderson as secretary.
The two captains, as far back as 1856, had
schooners on the river, and in 1866 began to
operate the steamer "Reform." On its organi-
zation the California Transportation Company
put several steamers in service between Clarks-
burg and San Francisco and also on the lower
tributaries, engaging heavily in the transporta-
tion of fruits, vegetables and perishable prod-
ucts generally, which the river lands below the
city produce so bountifully. They also, in
October, 1907, established a freight and pas-
senger service between Sacramento and San
Francisco. The "Chin-Du-Wan" and "S. M.
Whipple" were also steamers in the river ser-
vice in the seventies, and the calliope of the
former woke the echoes along the river for a
number of years.
In 1901 the Farmers' Transportation Com-
pany was organized and one steamer was put
on the run between Colusa and San Francisco.
The Lauritzen brothers' "Weitchpec" ; the
"Oriole" and "Sea Gull," E. M. Brainard &
Son, owners ; the "Sentinel," H. W. Crosby,
owner ; the "Gretta A." and "Albatross."
Liuggi Bros., owners ; the "San Jose," Stand-
ard Oil Company, owner ; the "Neponset, No.
2," a trading boat. Ryan & Cleary, owners, and
a number of schooners, are operating on the
river, in addition/ to the boats of the organiza-
tions mentioned.
An immense amount of produce of all kinds
is transported on the river. Indeed, the state-
ment has been made that the Sacramento
River carries as great an annual tonnage as
the Mississippi. It is an inspiring sight to see
a steamer towing barges loaded with 800 tons
of wheat each, when the stage of the river will
permit loading to that amount ; and it gives
the beholder a practical illustration of the
bounteous production of the valley uplands.
Casualties on the Rivers and Bay
But the tale of the river is not all one of
prosperity. Steamboat explosions and other
accidents were frequent in the early days, and
some of them were very disastrous. The ma-
chinery was often defective in those days.
During the first few years subsequent to the
discovery of gold and the introduction of
steam vessels into the state, it was estimated
that on San Francisco Bay and its tributaries
alone, there were two or three explosions a
week. Indeed, they became so common that
the newspapers ceased to give details unless
they were peculiarly disastrous.
The first explosion of which there is any
account was that of the steamer "Fawn,"
which occurred August 18, 1850, and the "Sag-
amore" sufifered similarly in the following
October, the "Major Tompkins" following,
January 23, 1851. During the early part of
1853, the "Jack Hays" was overhauled and re-
paired expressly for the traffic between Sacra-
mento and Marysville, in opposition to the
"Governor Dana," and was renamed "R. K.
Page." On her first trip up the river, March
23, she came alongside of her opponent and
the crew and passengers began cheering, each
one hurrahing for his boat. They began rac-
ing, and the engineer of the "Page" tossed in
a barrel of oil. As they were passing Nico-
laus her boiler exploded, being driven for-
ward. Daniel Moore, the former captain of
the boat, Thomas Kirbey and Lieut. Harry
Moore were standing on the hurricane deck,
and were never seen afterward.
The "Jennie Lind," while on a trip to Al-
viso, on San Francisco Bay, sufifered a terri-
ble explosion April 11, 1853. Between forty
and fifty of her passengers, most of whom
were at dinner at the time, were killed or
badly scalded.
On October 18, 1853, the boiler of the
"American Eagle" exploded, on the San Joa-
quin River, at a point known as the Three
Sloughs, twenty-five miles below Stockton,
rending the vessel to pieces, killing one of the
crevv^ and three passengers. There were fifty-
three passengers on board, and Hardiston was
the captain. On the afternoon of the same
day the steamer "Stockton," while passing
New York Landing, burst its boiler, killing
one person and scalding eight more. One of
the latter, Capt. J. B. Sharp, died on the fol-
lowing day.
The "Ranger's" boiler exploded on January
8, 1854, on San Francisco Bay, killing three
and scalding severely five more, and wreck-
ing the vessel. On the 10th of the same month
a boiler of the "Helen Hensley" exploded at
San Francisco, just as she was going to leave
for Benicia, and killed two men. One passen-
ger was thrown upon a bed, and, with it,
clear over upon the wharf. He picked him- ■
self up and coolly remarked that he guessed
he would not go to Benicia that day. The
"Secretary," Capt. E. W. Travis, exploded
April 15, 1854, when between the islands in
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
261
San Francisco Bay known as the "Brothers
and Sisters." She was racing with the "Neva-
da," and the engineer was seen to lay an oar
across the lever of the safety valve, and that
was bending up just before the explosion took
place. Of sixty persons on board, sixteen were
killed and thirty-one wounded. The "Nevada"
picked up the survivors.
The "Pearl." of the Combination Line, burst
a boiler January 27. 1855, just below the mouth
of the American River, on her way from
Marysville, and while racing the "Enterprise"
of the Citizens' Line. There were ninety-three
persons on board, and fifty-six were killed, in-
cluding the captain, E. T. Davis. Most of the
passengers were on the front part of the boat,
as she approached the landing. James Rob-
inson would have been drowned had not a
large bloodhound jumped into the water and
saved him. Of four ladies on board, none
were injured, but the vessel was a total wreck.
The legislature, which was in session, ad-
journed in consequence of the terrible event.
On February 5, 1856, the "Belle," running
between San Francisco and Marysville, ex-
ploded her boiler, when about eight miles above
this city. The captain, Charles H. Houston,
was killed, as well as between twenty and
thirty others. The steamer "General Reding-
ton," which was coming down the river, picked
up the survivors, and the vessel sank almost
immediately.
On August 25, 1861, the boiler of the "J. A.
McClelland," Capt. C. Mills commanding, ex-
ploded when about six miles by water and two
by land from Knight's Landing. There were
alDout thirty persons on board, and fifteen
were killed outright, several fatally injured
and all the rest but one more or less injured.
The whole forward portion of the deck was
torn away, and a large piece of the boiler was
rolled up like a piece of paper and thrown
across the river, a distance of 200 or 300 yards.
Sheldon S. Baldwin, the pilot, was blown into
the air with the pilot-house and several com-
panions. He averred that he must have gone
up at least 200 feet, and that he came straight
down into the place where the boiler had been,
"not much hurt." The hull, which sank imme-
diately, was later raised, and the vessel was re-
built, christened the "Rainbow," ran for a time
as a strong opposition boat, and was finally
bought off by the Steam Navigation Company.
The "Washoe" exploded a boiler September
5, 1864, thirty-five miles below this city, and
ten miles above Rio Vista, with about 175
people on board, killing about half of them
and severely injuring more than half of the
remainder. Capt. Albert Foster, with the
steamer ".\ntelope," picked up the survivors
and hastened toward Sacramento, but ran
aground on a bar opposite R Street and was
delayed there for some hours. Captain Fos-
ter tolled the bell to notify the citizens of the
disaster, and the levee was crowded with anx-
ious people, the fire bells having been tolled
in response to his notice.
The "Yosemite," Captain Poole, suffered an
explosion of a boiler on the first revolution of
her wheels, as she left the wharf at Rio Vista
October 12, 1865, with about 150 people on
board. The cause of the explosion was de-
fective iron, all the best iron having been kept
in the East during the war for military pur-
poses. About one hundred lives were lost,
thirty-two of them being Chinamen. The
bulkheads were too strong to permit the steam
to expand into the hull, so it pushed upward,
making a great vacancy, into which the people
fell. Captain Fourat. who retired some years
ago from the river, pensioned by tlie Southern
Pacific Company, was the pilot on that occa-
sion, and the steamer "Chrysopolis," upward
bound, brought the dead and wounded into
Sacramento.
The "Julia" exploded in San Francisco Bay,
nearly opposite Alcatraz. in September, 1866.
while rounding it on her return trip to Stock-
ton. Thirteen were killed, among them the
engineer, Mr. Long. Captain Fourat, being
near with a boat, picked up some of the dead.
There have been minor accidents since, but
conditions have so improved in these days that
serious ones seldom happen.
Tragedy of the Steamer "Belle"
.A. river tragedy which occurred more than
fifty years ago, bringing death to thirty, the
evidence of which the waters of the Sacra-
mento River had covered for many years, was
brought to mind again when the l^uckets of
the dredger "Vulcan." working at the Monu-
ment Ranch eight miles up the river, brought
up the boxing of the shaft of the steamboat
"Belle," which was blown to pieces at that spot
in the late fifties by an explosion of the boilers.
Coated with quartz, rusted in places but still
in fair shape considering its long immersion,
the boxing is one of the few relics which have
ever been discovered from the remains of the
"Belle."
The steamer "Belle," Capt. Charles H. Hous-
ton in command, left this city on February 5,
1856, for Red Bluft' with sixty souls aboard.
When opposite the present Monument Ranch
the boilers exploded without any warning. The
"Belle" was shattered from stem to stern and
all but forty feet of the rear end of the boat
sank immediately. The passengers, men, wom-
en and children, were blown into the water,
many frightfully mangled. Thirty-two were
saved out of the total .sailing list.
262
HISTORY OF SACRAxMENTO COUNTY
Early-day Competition on the River
There was some lively opposition in the
river traffic in the early days, it proving so
profitable to the owners of vessels and steam-
ers. The steam propeller "McKim," of 326
tons, came to Sacramento in September, 1849.
On her arrival the citizens turned out as for a
holiday, and joined in an ovation to the first
"big" steamer that had arrived here. One of
her trips, under Captain Macy, brought the
owners $16,000. The "Senator," of 755 tons,
arrived in this city on November 6 of the same
year. The fare charged at that time was $30;
berths $5, and meals for cabin passengers,
$1.50. When trade opened in the winter, live-
ly opposition began, one set of agents on the
wharf extolling the merits of the "McKim"
above all the other boats, and another saying
that the "McKim" was a "scow" and a "junk,"
and that the "Senator" and "New World" were
the only boats for speed and safety. The
competition benefited travelers by reducing
the fare, and many other steamers coming on
the river, in 1851 the fare had been reduced
to one dollar.
On September 18, 1851, the steamer "Com-
anche" was launched on the Yolo side of the
river. In 1855 the "Defender" came up and
found no place for her to land ; she finally
moored to the hulk "Dimond." A few minutes
afterwards the steamer "Pike," also tied to
the "Dimond," swung out into the river, and
the "Defender" took her place. It was found
that the gangway had been boarded up, but
the deck-hands soon opened a way with their
axes, and the passengers and freight were dis-
charged. When the time for the departure of
the "Defender" approached, a band began to
discourse music, to entice passengers on
board. A few minutes afterward a small
steamer in the stream began to sound her
shrill whistle, drowning the music of the band,
stopping when it stopped and beginning again
when it began to play. The people on shore
cursed the steamer, but soon a man and two
boys armed with Chinese gongs essayed to
rival the band and the steamer. The noise
became so strenuous that Judge Morrison
was obliged to adjourn his court. Such scenes
were not uncommon in the early days of com-
petition.
Yolo Bridges
Although a bridge over the Sacramento
River is spoken of prior to 1857, there is no
record extant that we have found indicating
when or by whom it was built, or whether or
not there was more than one.
By an act approved by the California legis-
lature, however, April 3, 1857, the Sacramento
and Yolo Bridge Company was incorporated,
consisting of Johnson Price, V. E. Geiger and
George Years, to erect a toll-bridge across
the Sacramento River from Broad Street, in
Sacramento County, to Ann Street, in Wash-
ington, Yolo County. The drawbridge was
not to be less than sixty feet wide for the pas-
sage of vessels, and the bridge must be com-
pleted within two years. At 12 m., September
18, 1857, the first pile for the bridge was
driven. The bridge was 800 feet long, was
built on five piers, supported by 600 piles, at
least twelve inches in diameter and driven
thirty feet to the solid river bed. It was of
Leonard's patent, four spans of 135 feet each,
the draw when opened having two spaces of
sevent3'-five feet each. It was completed and
opened for traffic June 27, 1858, and cost
$60,000.
The California Pacific Company began the
construction of a new bridge on the Howe
truss pattern, October 2, 1869, in order to
allow its cars to cross the river and enter
Sacramento. While the bridge was being
built the steamer "Belle" ran as a ferry-boat.
The draw to this bridge was 200 feet long,
leaving an opening on each side seventy feet
clear. The bridge was completed January 15,
1870, and on that day William Rowan, chief
engineer, ran across on the engine "Sacra-
mento." This bridge was rebuilt by the Cen-
tral Pacific Railway in 1878, the draw being
swung into place on December 5 of that year,
and the bridge opened for traffic the next day.
These bridges were of one story, the trains
and wagon tracks occupying the same level,
and flagmen guarding each end in order to
promote the safet}^ of those traveling in wag-
ons. The railroad company had purchased
the bridge of the Sacramento and Yolo Bridge
Company in June, 1878.
In 1893 the Southern Pacific Company and
the counties of Yolo and Sacramento built
a bridge jointly at the foot of H Street. This
bridge dififered from the others in having two
stories, the lower one on the street level, for
the railroad trains, and the upper one for foot
passengers and wagon traffic, elevated above
the railroad tracks and with an inclined plane
as an approach on the Sacramento side, run-
ning from Second Street to the top of the
bridge, and a similar approach on the Yolo
side. A third approach ran from the top of
the bridge, joining the Sacramento approach
at that point and running down to the Pioneer
Mill, thus enabling teams to get to the mill
without crossing the network of tracks in the
railroad company's yard. When the Pioneer
Mill went out of business this approach was
taken down. This bridge stood until 1912,
but as it had outlived its usefulness, a new
bridge of steel was constructed by the South-
ern Pacific Company. The old bridge was
to have been built of steel, and the coun-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
263
ties contributed to its cost with that under-
standing. The fact of its being constructed
of wood was the cause of a long controversy
and Htigation between the counties and the
company. One-half of the $30,000 which the
count}' had agreed to pay was paid at first,
but the second half was refused, on the ground
stated. The supreme court, however, held
that as the county had used the bridge, it
must pay for it, and the case was finally set-
tled by payment in full.
This bridge was completed in December,
1895, the total cost being $261,000, to which
Sacramento County contributed, as stated,
$30,000, and Yolo County, $10,000.
The new steel bridge constructed near the
site of the one built in 1869 is said to be one
of the finest pieces of construction of its kind.
Its cost is $786,000, which includes $161,671
for overhead construction of a highway for
communication between Sacramento and Yolo
Counties, and the structure and approach
thereto. The width of the draw, when opened,
is 170 feet, and the total weight of the bridge
is 3,389 tons.
During the year 1910 the Northern Electric
and Vallejo Northern electric roads combined
to build a bridge across the river. There
was much discussion in relation to the site,
as the river transportation companies claimed
that if it were placed too close to the existing
bridge there would be great danger of wreck
to the boats plying on the river when it was
at flood height. The board of supervisors de-
bated the question at considerable length, but
the war department, which controls the river,
finall)' granted permission to the companies
to build the bridge at the foot of M Street,
instead of P Street, as desired by the trans-
portation companies. The cost of the bridge,
which is of steel construction, was $400,000.
The draw is 170 feet in width. Of the cost,
it was agreed that Sacramento County should
pay $118,668, and Yolo County $33,333.33.
Under a later agreement, the Sacramento and
Woodland road pays a certain proportion, and
since 1912 the Antioch road has paid $500 an-
nually on the 15th of August, lessening the
expense to the county.
CHAPTER XXXVIII
BANKS AND BANKERS
SACRAMENTO'S march of progress and
substantial growth during the past decade
has been attended and supported by the
backing and assistance of her group of banks,
which rank high in the financial world and
are a veritable Gibraltar of strength through
their steadying influence, which is felt not only
in this city and county, but throughout north-
ern California.
On September 6, 1921, the deposits of the
banks of Sacramento aggregated $68,464,-
854.23, and the combined resources were given
at $79,846,854.23. The deposits of the banks
were given as follows :
Deposits: California National Bank, $10.-
484,055.96; Capital National Bank, $7,379,-
325.07; Farmers & Merchanics Bank, $4,879,-
549.61 ; National Bank of D. O. Mills & Com-
pany, $7,418,808.89; People's Bank, $7,052,-
210.25 ; Sacramento-San Joaquin Bank and
branches, $16,227,152.08; California Trust &
Savings Bank, $9,780,595.98; Citizens Bank of
Oak Park, $466,993.75; Merchants National
Bank, $1,053,979.55; Bank of Italy, $1,539,-
003.41; Nippon Bank (Japanese), $182,860.69.
Sacramento today boasts of banking institu-
tions second to none in the state in growth
and stability. Nowhere do the banks in Cali-
fornia stand higher in these respects or receive
more favorable reports from the bank com-
missioner. The clearing house, established
some years ago, does a yearly increasing
amount of business, facilitating the transac-
tions of the banks materially.
The bank of D. O. Mills & Company, now
the National Bank of D. O. Mills & Company,
was founded in 1850 by D. O. Mills, who in
1855 took in as partners Edgar Mills and
Henry Miller. D. O. Mills, James Mills, and
Edgar Mills, three brothers, came to Califor-
nia in 1849, James dying soon after his arrival.
D. O. Mills had had some banking experience
in New York, but at first engaged in mer-
chandising, in connection with his brother,
W. O. Mills, who remained in New York City.
He soon turned his attention to banking, how-
ever, and accounts of many of his deals, as
early as 1849, are still to be seen in the records
of tile bank, although the bank proper was not
formally established until 1850. Among the
264
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
relics preserved is a bill of exchange, the
"third," signed by him and dated January 13.
1851. The original bank building was located
on the south side of J Street, about sixty feet
from the corner of Third. It was a small,
one-story frame building with a stone front,
and a picture of this was for a long time used
on the cliecks of the bank; in fact, until 1865,
when the Ijank was removed to its later loca-
tion on the southwest corner of Second and J
Streets. Although it passed through one of
the greatest conflagrations in the city, the
same old regulator clock, bearing the date of
1850 on its face, still ticks of? the seconds as
on the day when the bank was established,
more than seventy years ago, proving that
the bank is the oldest institution of the kind
in the state.
The early business of the bank consisted
mainly in selling exchange on New York and
buying gold dust. As compared with those of
the express and other companies, the deposits
in the bank were not large, but as one after
another of the companies failed, their business
naturally fell to the bank — a case of the sur-
vival of the fittest. In the year 1855 the firm
consisted of D. O. Mills, under the title of
D. O. Mills & Company ; that year he took in
Edgar Mills and Henry Miller as partners, and
they so continued till July 19, 1874, when the
bank incorporated under the style of "The
National Gold Bank of D. O. Mills & Com-
pany." In September, 1883, the word "Gold"
was dropped, under a general law of con-
gress. The officers and directors (1921) are :
C. F. Dillman, president; Wm. R. Pentz,
vice-president; F. H. Pierce, cashier; C. C.
Cutter, T. D. Littlefield. A. S. May, assistant
cashiers; C. M. Adams, trust officer. Direct-
ors: C. F. Dillman, Wm. R. Pentz, Harris
Weinstock, P. C. Drescher, William Schaw,
Arthur E. Miller, Scott F. Ennis.
The new bank building was completed and
the papers and money removed from the old
bank on Second and J Streets to the new one
at Seventh and J, October 12, 1912, and in con-
nection with the removal, Frank Miller, a for-
mer president of the bank, in a letter to the
president. Charles F. Dillman, gave some in-
teresting reminiscences. He states that Mr.
Mills, previous to coming to California with a
stock of flour in 1849, was cashier of a bank in
Buffalo, N. Y. His office was on J Street, near
Third, and later he built a one-story brick
building on the same spot. The firm name at
that time was Mills, Townsend & Company,
but Townsend later went out of the firm
and Edgar Mills and Henry Miller became
partners, each taking one-third of the $100,-
000 capital. Three per cent per month was the
current rate of interest in those days, and Mr.
Mills' $50,000 capital swelled in the course of
a dozen years to $3,000,000. By 1865, when
Frank Miller entered the bank, it had de-
creased to two per cent. Later it was eighteen
per cent per annum and still later twelve per
cent. When fire swept the town Henry Miller
spent the night on the levee with the books of
the bank, and when the flood came the bank
moved next door to the second floor of the
Figg building. The pioneers' wives were
heroic, and in the dark days of 1860, when Mr.
Mills said to his wife: "Shall we go back
East?" she replied: "No; we are both young,
and California will be our home."
In 1865 the filling in of J and K Streets was
begun, and in December of that year the bank
was moved from J Street, between Second and
Third, to Second and J Streets, which had been
up to that time occupied by Wormser & Com-
pany, afterwards bankers in New York City.
The vault was a large iron box which had
been used by another bank, and which is now
the lower vault at Second and J Streets. Mr.
Miller says he and another bank employee
put two trays of $20 gold pieces into a clothes-
basket, put a copy of the "Union" over them,
and carried them down a few doors to the
new bank.
The new bank building is constructed of
granite and steel, costing $250,000, on a lot
costing $150,000, and the interior of the build-
ing is costly and beautifully furnished and
fitted up, making it one of the finest bank
buildings on the Coast.
From old directories we find the names of a
number of other banks and bankers of the
very early days ;
1851 : Hensley & Merrill (Samuel J. and
Robert D.), 47 Second Street, betv^'een J and
K; Sacramento City Bank (Rhodes, Sturges
& Company). 53 Second Street, between J
and K; B. F. Hastings & Company, 51 J
Street, between Second and Third (failed in
1871).
1853 : Adams & Company, Granite Building,
Second Street, between the Orleans Hotel and
J Street; Grim & Rumbler (A. K. and F. R.),
3 J Street ; Francis W. Page, agent Page, Ba-
con & Company, of St. Louis, Mo.
1856: John M. Rhodes, Second Street, be-
tween J and K.
1868: Sacramento Savings Bank, 89 J Street.
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Bank, a con-
solidation of a chain of banks under the direct-
ing head of J. M. Henderson, Jr., was for-
merly the Sacramento Bank ; and next to the
National Bank of D. O. Mills & Company, it
is the oldest in the city. By amalgamation,
the parent bank took under its wing the Fort
Sutter National Bank and a chain of financial
institutions in the heart of the San Joaquin
Valley. The original bank has been in exist-
ence here for a period of fifty-four years. Its
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
265
present capital is $3,000,000, and its resources
are over $32,000,000. The deposits of the main
bank, at Fifth and J Streets, and of its
branches in the city alone, tosrether exceed
$16,000,000. The Sacramento-San Joaquin
Bank and its branches have been deeply inter-
ested in the agricultural development of the
valley sections, particularly in the dairying in-
terests. Mr. Henderson, in addition to being
president of the chain of banks, also heads the
Northern California Milk Producers' Associa-
tion, the largest organization of its kind on
the Coast. The main plant, located at Sacra-
mento, manufactures and distributes butter,
cheese, milk powder, and other products.
The bank is planning to erect an eighteen-
story skyscraper home on the corner of Sev-
enth and K Streets opposite the Post-Office
Building. The building will be the tallest west
of Chicago. It will house the bank, and the
upper floors not used for banking purposes
will be leased for offices and club rooms. The
cost of the building will exceed $1,000,000.
Plans and specifications have been ready for
some time. The bank and its branches are
operated under the control of the United Bank
& Trust Company of California.
The officers are : J. M. Henderson, Jr., pres-
ident ; G. W. Kramer, cashier, secretary and
treasurer ; A. P. Scheld, W. S. Kendall, Charles
E. Virden, Charles B. Bills, A. A. DeLigne.
R. H. Mayhood, F. L. Holland, A. J. Zitlau,
and W. A. Harter, vice-presidents ; F. H. Conn,
C. S. Shaw, .A. [. Becker, D. W. Beatie, R. W.
Cole, C. A. Baker, G. S. Finkborner, L. B. Car-
penter, Eugene Rice. O. A. Buletti, J. AT.
Breien, D. S. Mooneyham. D. A. Browder. C.
E. Wood, O. P. Miller, Jr., assistant cashiers.
Directors: J. M. Henderson, Jr., C. E. Virden,
George W. Kramer, Frank A. Guernsey, A. A.
DeLigne. John M. Perry, E. C. Peck, W. E.
Briggs, Will E. Morris, J. I. Lubin, W. S.
Kendall, W. M. Bowers, A. P. Scheld, E. D.
Heron, Will C. Wright, Frank Hickman, T. H.
Kewin, C. R. Puckhaber, and Frank L. Helm.
The Capital Savings Bank opened about
1870, at the southwest corner of Fourth and j
Streets. Julius Wetzlar was president and R.
C. Woolworth, secretary. It withdrew from
business on January 2, 1880.
The Odd Fellows' Savings Bank was insti-
tuted in the seventies at the corner of Fourth
and J Streets, but met with financial disaster
and entered liquidation September 23, 1878.
The Dime Savings Bank, which was opened
in July, 1873, failed in May, 1878.
The People's Sa^•ings Bank was organized
by William Beckman and was incorporated
on May 23, 1879, with a capital of $500,000. It
opened for business on July 1, 1879, with a
paid-up capital of $225,000. The board of direct-
ors was composed of E. C. Atkinson, William
Beckman, J. L. Huntoon, William Johnston,
E. J. Croly, George N. Hayton, Samuel Got-
leib, and William R. Knights. Beckman was
elected president and manager ; and Huntoon,
vice-president. The veteran banker continued
to hold the presidency and was active in the
position until the time of his death in 1920.
He then was the oldest bank president in con-
tinuous service in this state. J. E. Huntoon
was elected president of the institution after
Beckman's death. The word "Savings" has
been dropped, and the bank now does a gen-
eral banking business. The capital and sur-
plus total over $1,000,000. The directors are:
J. E. Huntoon, S. E. Pope, L. W. Nickell, A. G.
Folger, A. L. Hart, H. B. Green, and Clinton
L. White. The bank building on the corner
of Eighth and J Streets is a seven-story struc-
ture, and has among the richest fixtures of
any bank in the city.
The People's Bank was located, when it was
opened, in what is known as the St. George
Building, on the corner of Fourth and J
Streets, and remained there for nearly thirty-
two years, the bank being part owner of the
building; but in 1910 it began the erection of
its class-A seven-story fireproof building, on
the corner of Eighth and J Streets, at a cost of
$280,000. The building was occupied for the
first time on April 1, 1911.
The first examination b}' the bank commis-
sioners was made on December 8, 1879, when
the total assets were found to be $324,175.45.
The first dividend was declared on December
31. 1879, at the rate of seven per cent per an-
num to stockholders and on ordinary deposits.
In 1881 there were three banks in Sacra-
mento: The National Gold Bank of D. O.
Mills & Company, with total resources of $2,-
166,330.99; the Sacramento Bank, with total
resources of $2,094,280.01 ; and the People's
Savings Bank, with total resources of $393.-
879.79.
California National Bank : The California
State Bank was organized March 31, 1882, and
the following were the original stockholders :
N. D. Rideout. Fred Cox. C. W. Clarke, Albert
Gallatin. George C. Perkins, J. R- Watson, Ice-
land Stanford, J. O. B. Gunn", E. W. Hopkins.
.'\. Abbott, J. P. Brown, N. A. Rideout, A. N.
Towne, W. R. S. Foye. The directors elected
for the first year were : N. D. Rideout, ])resi-
dent : Frederick Cox, vice-president; C. W.
Clarke, J. R. Watson. .Mbert Gallatin; .V. .Ab-
bott, cashier. The authorized capital was
$500,000. $100,000 of which was paid in at the
time of the incorporation. The business of the
liank was conducted at the southwest corner
of Fourth and J Streets until 1890, when the
new building erected by the bank on the north-
west corner of Fourth and J Streets was com-
])leted and occupied. As the business increa.sed.
266
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
the remaining $400,000 of the authorized cap-
ital was called for and paid in by the stock-
holders. The paid-up capital remained at $500,-
000 for some years thereafter, until it was
decided to increase the capital to $1,000,000 to
meet the requirements of the business of the
bank. The additional stock was promptly sub-
scribed and paid for, and the paid-up capital of
the bank then stood at $1,000,000. During
January, 1907, the California State Bank was
nationalized under the name of the California
National Bank of Sacramento. The capital
and surplus now (1921) are given at $1,250,-
000. The corporation also owns the California
Trust & Savings Bank, which it purchased in
1920. The officers are: W. E. Gerber, presi-
dent; George W. Peltier, Fred W. Kiesel, E.
L. Southworth, Fred L. Martin, J. I. Brun-
schwiler, vice-presidents ; A. B. Carter, cash-
ier; Charles S. King, F. A. Roblin, D. A. Sher-
win, H. M. Weston, J. C. Haveley, assistant
cashiers ; Roy W. Blair, trust officer. Direct-
ors : Fred W. Kiesel, R. T. Devlin, C. J. Math-
ews, E. H. Gerber, H. A. Heilbron, Alex
Brown, E. L. Southworth, W. R. Fountain, W.
E. Gerber, F: J. Ruhstaller, Wilbur F. George,
George W. Peltier, James McGillivray, George
H. Cutter.
The Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank
was organized as a savings bank in September,
1890, having for its sponsors Sol Runyon,
Dwiglit Hollister, Leland Stanford, Mrs. Jane
Stanford, Robert T. Devlin, and others. The
healthy growth of the bank has been greatly
accelerated since George W. Peltier and asso-
ciates purchased a controlling interest, in Jul}%
1910. Immediately thereafter the site of the
new building on Oak Avenue and Eighth
Street, between J and K, was purchased, and
steps were taken toward the erection of one of
the most modern buildings in the city. An evi-
dence of the far-reaching plans for the enlarge-
ment of the bank's business and prestige was
seen in the increase of the capital to $350,000
and the association with the bank of many of
Sacramento's best-known citizens as share-
holders. The board of directors was increased
to nineteen, only one or two of whom had their
major interests outside of Sacramento County.
The great majority were citizens who had done
much to advance the cause of Sacramento in
many different directions, and who could be
depended upon to work with the officers of
the institution to place it in the van of Cali-
fornia's solid and enterprising banking con-
cerns. The list of directors included George
W. Peltier, R. M. Richardson, Marshall Diggs,
Judge Peter J. Shields, J. C. Coffing, W. F.
Geary, Thomas J. Cox, Mahlon Williamson,
E. A. Gammon, John L. White, Adolph Schna-
bel of Newcastle, J. L. Gillis, P. J. Harney,
Henry Mitau, A. Van V. Phinney. W. F.
Gormley, Philip Wolf, Jr., Bonus Lightner
and J. H. Arnold. The officers were as fol-
lows: George W. Peltier, president; R. M.
Richardson, first vice-president; P. J. Shields,
second vice-president; Marshall Diggs, third
vice-president; and Montfort K. Crowell, cash-
ier. The original board assumed charge of
assets totaling about $2,000,000. The present
officers and directors are : Robert M. Richard-
son, president ; Peter J. Shields, Emerson W.
Read, Marshall Diggs, Scott F. Ennis, and
Philip Wolf, vice-presidents ; E. A. Rafetto,
cashier ; D. E. Mitchell, assistant cashier.
Directors : Dr. Thomas J. Cox, Marshall
Diggs, J. H. Dyer, Scott F. Ennis, E. A. Gam-
mon, W. F. Geary, W. F. Gormley, George H.
Menke, Henry Mitau, A. Van V. Phinney,
Robert M. Richardson, Adolph Schnabel, Peter
J. Shields, D. S. Watkins, A. D. Williams, M.
N. Williamson, Philip Wolf, and H. C. Venter.
The Capital National Bank, which occupies
the elegant seven-story office and bank build-
ing on the corner of Seventh and J Streets,
was formerly called the Capital Bank & Trust
Company, which grew out of a small private
bank started on Seventh Street by Smith &
Bassett. In the year 1911 the institution
changed to a national bank, with Alden Ander-
son, former lieutenant-governor of California,
as the president ; Walter W. Bassett, cashier ;
and W. E. Holmes, assistant cashier. In the
year 1913 the bank erected its present massive
home, costing $500,000 at a time when mate-
rial and labor were considerably lower than at
present. The bank has been very prosperous
and is among the leading financial institutions
of the city. Its capital stock and surplus ex-
ceed $750,000 and the deposits at the close of
business on September 6, 1921, amounted to
$7,379,854. The officers are : Alden Anderson,
president; F. W. Biewener, vice-president; W.
W. Bassett, cashier; W. E. Holmes, assistant
cashier; G. E. Zoller, assistant cashier. Direct-
ors : Alden Anderson, F. W. Biewener, W. W.
Bassett, O. A. Robertson, G. W. Dufficy, H. C.
Muddox, D. S. Wasserman, and S. S. Day.
The Sacramento Valley Trust Company,
now a branch of the California National Bank,
was opened for business on April 4, 1910, with
Albert Bonnheim as president and with a cap-
ital of $225,000. The institution changed its
name to the Sacramento Valley Bank & Trust
Company. It is in a very prosperous condition,
and its savings deposits are growing exceed-
ingly fast.
As a matter of record, an account is here
given of the organization and history of the
Fort Sutter National Bank, located on the
corner of Seventh and J Streets and function-
ing as a branch of the Sacramento-San Joaquin
Bank, which in turn, with its branches, now
operates under the ownership and control of
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
267
the United Bank & Trust Company of Cali-
fornia, whose central office is located in San
Francisco.
In the summer of 1904 the Western National
Bank of San Francisco was growing very rap-
idly. The demand for its stock was so great
that the price of shares rose very rapidly, and
some of the larger stockholders discussed the
advisability of organizing one or more banks
in other cities. At that time the largest stock-
holder in the Western National Bank was
W. A. Schrock, a furniture manufacturer of
San Francisco. Mr. Schrock and Mr. Holland,
the assistant cashier of the bank, were espe-
cially interested in the organization of such a
bank, and the matter was left in their hands.
After a careful survey of the field, including
all of the large cities on the Pacific Coast, they
decided that Sacramento offered the most fa-
vorable location for organizing a new national
bank. Mr. Holland made two or three prelim-
inary trips to this city, and it was then de-
cided to send a bank organizer to Sacramento.
A. L. Darrow, at that time manager of the ex-
change department of the Western National
Bank, was chosen for this task. He arrived in
Sacramento on November 10, 1904. Aided by
Captain Frank Ruhstaller, George J. Bryte, E.
A. Nicolaus, E. L. Southworth, F. J. Ruhstal-
ler, W. O. Bowers, F. H. Krebs, and other
local citizens, he secured a subscription of
$200,000, and the bank was incorporated on
January 17, 1905. Business was commenced on
the 1st of July following. The first location
was a small store room at 918 Seventh Street.
The deposits at the close of business on the
first day were $108,799.63. From that time to
the present the growth of the bank has been
very rapid. On January 1, 1907, the institu-
tion moved to the Bryte Building, on the cor-
ner of Seventh and J Streets, where it has one
of the handsomest banking rooms in northern
California. At the time the bank commenced
business, the board of directors comprised the
following men : F. Ruhstaller, G. J. Bryte, E.
A. Nicolaus, A. L. Darrow, W. O. Bowers, F.
H. Krebs, R. H. Hawley, R. M. Richardson,
E. L. Southworth, and F. J. Ruhstaller. After
the death of Capt. Frank Ruhstaller, bank
president, his stock was sold with that of three
other directors. George J. Bryte was thereupon
elected president. A. L. Darrow, who had
served as cashier, became first vice-president,
and E. L. Southworth was chosen second vice-
president. H. W. Conger was promoted from
assistant cashier to cashier.
Two important new banks were established
in Sacramento during 1921, the Merchants
National Bank and the Bank of Italy. The
Merchants National Bank secured its charter,
and was opened for business in temporary
quarters on J Street between Sixth and Sev-
enth on January 1, 1921, with J. H. Stephens,
formerly vice-president of the Fort Sutter
Bank, as president, and with resources amount-
ing to $713,201. An indication of the rapid
growth of this bank is found in the statement
of August 11, 1921, seven months later, which
showed the resources to be $1,695,121. Work
immediately was started on an elegant new
home on Seventh Street between J and K, to
cost over $100,000. The building was occu-
pied in the winter of 1921. The other officers
of the new bank are ; Norman De Vaux. vice-
president; H. H. Robinson, cashier; and F. L.
Bronner, assistant cashier. Directors : Dr.
Gustave Wilson, Charles J. Heeseman, P. J.
Huth, Lewis Moreing. E. L. Adams, Norman
De Vaux, R. H. Black, J. H. Stephens, and
T. J. Garvey.
The Bank of Italy, the largest banking
establishment west of Chicago and New York,
with branches throughout California and cap-
italization and resources exceeding $175, OOO.-
000, came to Sacramento in the early summer
of 1921, after manj- inducements had been
held out, and established temporary quarters
in the Capital Hotel Building on Seventh
Street between K and L. Col. John S. Cham-
bers resigned as state controller of Califor-
nia to accept the vice-presidency and manage-
ment of the Sacramento branch. The immedi-
ate success of the bank was almost beyond be-
lief, and elaborate plans were drawn for a
costly modern bank building in the heart of
the business district. The old Masonic Tem-
ple Building, together with its site at the
southwest corner of Sixth and K Streets, was
purchased by the bank on October 21. 1921, at
a price of $175,000; and Manager Chambers
soon after announced that the institution
would remodel the ground floor for immediate
use, and would then transact its business at
the new location instead of at the temporary
quarters in the Capital Hotel, during the erec-
tion of the new building, which was completed
and opened to the public in January, 1923.
With Colonel Chambers are associated the
following advisory board: Mitchell W.
Nathan, chairman ; J. J. Monteverde, vice-
chairman ; L. C. Hunter, Dr. Frederick N.
Scatena, Dennis Leary, J. Garibaldi, Frank E.
Michel, V. Panattoni,'j. F. ElHott, J. W. Gar-
diner, H. E. Diggles, A. J. Gilson, Peter Carli,
F. B. Rossi, R. Giorgi, F. Lagomarsino, and
C. E. McLaughlin.
Sacramento Clearing House
The Sacramento Clearing House was organ-
ized on October 9, 1907, and commenced busi-
ness on October 14, 1907. During the panic
of that year, the clearing house did great serv-
ice in maintaining the stability of finance. The
268
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
great increase in the volume of its business is
shown by the following figures:
1907: October (from 14th on), $2,796,-
778.53: November. $3:067,62 1.22; December,
$3,177,155; total, $9,041,554.75.
1908 : January, $3,953,214.95 ; February, $3,-
597,441.44: March, $3,211,546.04; April, $3,-
546,380.22; May, $3,330,509.59; June, $3,173,-
939.35; Julv, $3,306,848.36; August, $3,914,-
556.35: September, $3,864,438.24; October, $3,-
804,202.-32; November, $4,734,111.74; Decem-
ber, $4,191,572.00; total, $44,628,760.60.
1909: January, $3,865,408.79; Februarv, $2,-
919,625.95 ; March, $3,892,713.34; April, $4,427,-
146.97; May, $4,067,114.29 ; June, $4,581,169.15 ;
July, $4,788,787.72; August, $4,835,042.04; Sep-
tember, $4,804,176.89; October, $4,925,118.10;
November, $5,969,756.38; December, $5,486,-
433.69; total, $54,562,493.31.
1910: January, $4,994,782.66; February, $4,-
590,404.71; March, $5,936,001.97; April, $5,-
530,551.44; May, $5,173,549.12; June, $5,328,-
561.82; Tuly, $5,591,592.45: August, $5,468,-
016.15; September. $6,251,175.49; October, $6,-
758,973.83; November. $7,291,917.51; Decem-
ber, $7,955,469.98; total, $70,870,997.13.
191 1 : January, $6,274,703.01 ; Februarv, $5,-
386,346.34; March, $6,238,421.46; Aprif, $6,-
024,398.47; May, $6,062,887.13; June, $5,873,-
761.68; July. $6,359,992.79; August, $6,979,-
07041 ; September, $6,362,802.00 : October, $7,-
185,240.16; November, $8,088,287.35; Decem-
ber, $7,540,789.41 ; total, $78,376,700.21.
1912: January, $7,017,266.75; February, $6.-
004.874.78; March, $6,524,610.30; April. $6,-
969,224.99: May, $7,123,219.35; June, $6,501.-
435.18: July. $7,574,437.01; August. $8,274,-
491.92; September, $7,749,812.72; October,
$10,587,858.28; November, $9,557,330.25; De-
cember, $8,862,499.16; total. $92,747,060.69.
1913: January, $8,135,072.13; Februarv, $6,-
856,368.80; March, $8,172,739.74; Aprif, $8,-
684,226.79; May, $8,176,631.65; June, $7,805,-
749.38: July, $9,028,830.79; August, $9,774,-
876.00; September, $10,218,095.03; October,
$11,520,579.04; November, $10,182,321.74; De-
cember, $9,713,197.30.
1914: [anuary, 8,551,887.99; February, $7,-
362,613.76; March, $8,521,117.74; April, $8,-
591,21451; May, $7,579,846.15; June, $8,499,-
031.42; luly, . $8,764,924.43 ; August, $8,682,-
835.48; September, $8,794,454.46; October,
$9,696,289.26; November, $9,360,945.12: De-
cember, $8,881,742.77.
1915 : Tanuarv, $8,021,878.89 ; February, $6,-
.341,059.86; March. $7,331,162.96; April, $7.-
850,777.80: Mav, $7,419,936.87; June, $7,375,-
103.52; July, $8,318,752.37; August, $8,142,-
090.10; September, $8,507,006.86; October,
$10,220,428.50; November, $10,858,611.68; De-
cember, $10,742,195.52.
1916: Tanuarv, $9,929,433.65; February, $7.-
085,889.59; March, $8,091,592.00; April, $9,-
677,229.13; May, $9,279,65437; June, $10,253,-
286.07; July, $10,094,546.69; August, $12,608,-
519.11; September, $11,713,084.42; October.
$12,150,944.95; November, $13,008,672.81; De-
cember. $13,326,942.50.
1917: January. $12,008,723.26; February,
$9,092,467.85; March, $10,432,707.17; April,
$10,004,680.20; Mav. $11,025,731.34; June. $11,-
853,220.65; July, $13,259.58641; August, $15,-
456,775.44; September, $15,469,677.34; Octo-
ber, $19,521,033.65; November, $18,095,293.67;
December, $18,462,938.13.
1918: January, $15,935,111.51; February,
$13,108,913.40; March. $14,161,262.90; April,
$14,117,763.65; May, $17,456,472.55 ; June, $14-
193,712.70; July, $17,229,451.40; August, $18,-
253,773.20; September. $18,336,056.79; Octo-
ber. $22,099,228.75 ; November, $18,800,230.37 ;
December, $19,639,135.94
1919: January. $18,886,811.18; February,
$15,053,261.78; March, $16,247,886.52; April,
$16,224,825.51 ; May, $17,619416.59 ; June, $18.-
359,844.70; July. $21,641,127.09; August, $25,-
080,800.94; September, $25,688,106.88; Octo-
ber. $30,019,453.80; November, $31,183,126.47;
December, $34557,789.24.
1920: January, $27,828,326.88; February,
$21,120,971.66; March, $24,347,092.22; April,
$24,453,021.09; Mav, $23,703,209.80; June, $25,-
723,317.74; July, $26,736,332.58; August, $26,-
905,113.37; September, $31,733,652.89; Octo-
ber $32,612,676.94; November. $31,286,758.05;
December, $27,896,782.01.
1921: January, $24,315,493.27; February,
$20,683,547.27; March, $22,771,815.17; April,
$20,315,684.86; May, $18,122,168.31 ; June, $19,-
640,987.23: July, $22,777,550.44; August, $23,-
737,336.07; September, $24,737,310.81; Octo-
ber, $29,461,625.32; November, $29,901,033.60:
December, $27,953,036.47.
1922: January, $24,055,221.56; February,
$20,141,329.93; March, $23,031,517.80; April,
$24033,879.18; May, $24,784,144.65; June,
$25,070,042.14; July, $27,640,790.09; August,
$27,319,727.30; September, $31,891,357.82;
October, $33,833,822.90; November, $30,942,-
230.11 ; December, $30,929,455.20.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
269
CHAPTER XXXIX
FIRST THINGS
THE FIRST mail brought to Sacramento
came on the schooner "John Dunlap,"
owned jointly by Simmons, Hutchins &
Company, and E. S. Marsh, which left San
Francisco on its first trip to Sacramento, May
18, 1849, and brought the first mail on its
second trip, June 27, having been forty-eight
hours on the way.
The first directory of Sacramento City was
published in 1851 by J. Horace Culver, and a
copy of it is in the State Library. It was
printed by the "Transcript" press, and has
ninety-six pages, with a large quantity of very
interesting information. The names of citi-
zens occupied less than half the space.
The first ship ever used in the state of Cali-
fornia as a prison brig was the bark "Straf-
ford." It was brought here from New York
in 1849, and was moored in the Sacramento
River opposite the foot of I Street. It cost
$50,000, but while lying at the foot of O Street
it was sold at auction by J. B. Starr to C. C.
Hayden for $3,750. Hayden sold three-quar-
ters of his interest to Charles Morrill, Captain
Isaac Derby and a Mr. Whitney, and in March,
1850, they rented the vessel to the county for
a prison brig. Morrill bought out the inter-
ests of the others in May, intending to trade
between San Francisco and Panama, and
loaded it at the levee so poorly that it nearly
capsized when it reached San Francisco Bay.
The cargo was readjusted and she went to
sea, but never came back. Soon afterwards
the county purchased the "La Grange," of
Salem, Mass., and it was moored opposite H
Street, but when the big freshet of 1861-1862
came down, it strained so heavily at its moor-
ings that the seams opened and the water
came in so fast that the prisoners were barely
saved and conveyed to the city jail, and the
bark filled and sank. Since then Sacramento
County has had its jail on land.
The first house in Sutterville was erected by
Sutter, the second by one Hadel, and the third
by George Zins, being a brick building, the
first of the kind erected in California. Zins
afterwards manufactured the bricks in Sac-
ramento from which the first brick buildings
in this city were erected. He stamped each
brick with his initials. The Crocker Art Gal-
lery Museum and the Museum of the Pioneer
Association each contain one of them.
The first store in Sacramento was opened
at Sutter's Fort by C. C. Smith & Company
(Sam Brannan being the "Company") and the
first exchanges of American goods for Cali-
fornia gold were made over its counters, as it
had been started about two months before the
opening of the mines.
The first projected rival of Sacramento was
Sutterville, as elsewhere related. The second
was known as Hoboken, north of the present
town of Brighton, on the south bank of the
American. During the flood of 1853, all com-
munication with the mining counties was cut
off, and some enterprising merchants moved
their goods out there on the high ground and
laid out a town with wide streets, and a
steamboat landing, the American being at
that time navigable. In ten days a town
sprang up, with an express office and with
three steamers making daily trips to Sacra-
mento. Many firms removed to the town and
trade flourished there, the city newspapers de-
voting a page to Hoboken news. As the flood
subsided, however, so also did Hoboken, and
its site is now occupied b}' a farm. The city
of Boston was laid out on paper, at the junc-
tion of the Sacramento and American Rivers,
but never materialized.
The first census taken in the state, in 1851,
was under the superintendence of J. Neeh'
Johnson, afterwards governor of the state.
The census credited Sacramento with 11,000,
the state census being 120,000. The Federal
census of 1860 credited the city with 12,800:
of 1870, with 16,283; of 1880, with 21,420; of
1890, with 26,388; of 1900, with 29,282; of
1910, with 44,696; of 1920, with 65,908. Since
that time a phenomenal increase has been
made, due in part to tlie rapid develoiimeiU
of Oak Park and other eastern suliurbs.
The first vessel ever used to carry press and
type into interior California was the "Dice
me Nana" ("says ni}' mamma"), wliich con-
veyed an old press and type to Sacramento
in order to start the "Placer Times." in 1849,
which was the first paper published in Sacra-
mento.
The first public reception and l)anquet ever
given in Sacramento was tendered in 1840 to
Gen. P. F. Smith, military commander on the
Coast; Commodore Jones, in command of the
navy ; Hon. T. Butler King, who had been
270
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
sent out by the government to reconnoiter
the Sacramento Valley and report on it at
Washington ; and W. M. Siddons, a pioneer
citizen of Sacramento, who accompanied
them. They were members of an expedition
that accompanied Mr. King on his trip. Lieu-
tenant Stoneman, afterwards governor of this
state, was with the expedition but was left
in charge of the camp, about five miles from
the city. They were met by General Sutter,
Sam Brannan, B. F. Gillespie, J. H. Hyer,
P. B. Cornwall, Col. J. B. Starr, W. R. Grim-
shaw, and a large number of other prominent
men, and were given a banquet by the citi-
zens. General Sutter also received them at
the Fort and entertained them handsomely.
The first grand ball was given on July 4,
1849, in honor of the day, at the City Hotel.
The young men were sent out to scour the
country and invite all the members of the
gentler sex the}^ could find to attend. From
among the immigrant parties and others, they
mustered eighteen females, more or less hand-
some. Tickets of admission were only thirty-
two dollars and champagne flowed freely at a
sumptuous supper.
The first railroad built in California was the
Sacramento Valley Railroad, from this city to
Folsom, in 1855-1856.
The first man hung in Sacramento was a
gambler, Frederick J. Roe. Roe shot a man
named Myers, who tried to stop a fight be-
tween him and another man. A jury was
selected by the people, who found Roe guilty,
and a mob broke open the jail, took him out,
and hung him.
The first steamboat explosion was that of
the steamer "Fawn," on August 18, 1850.
The first steamer to enter the port of San
Francisco was the "California," which arrived
in March, 1849.
The first agricultural association in the
state met in this city in the American Theatre,
October 8, 1852, and a fair was held for a
week or two at the same time.
Cholera first made its appearance in Sacra-
mento on the 20th of October, 1850, when an
immigrant by steamer was found dying on
the levee.
The first case of smallpox in this city oc-
curred during the flood of 1850, Daniel Zum-
walt, later a resident of Anderson, Shasta
County, being the first to suffer an attack of
the disease.
The first steamboat that ever came up the
river to Sacramento was the "Little Sitka,"
in the latter part of November, 1847. She
was packed on board a Russian bark from
Sitka and was of forty tons burden. She was
put together at Yerba Buena Island, near San
Francisco, and was so "cranky" that the
weight of a person on her guards would
throw one of her wheels out of service.
The first military organization in Sacra-
mento was the Sutter Rifle Corps, organized
on June 27, 1852.
Hensley & Redding erected the first frame
house in Sacramento, to be used by them as
a store. It stood at the corner of Front and
I Streets, and was built before McDougal re-
moved to Sutterville.
The first brick house built in Sacramento,
the Pioneer Hotel, was kept for years by
Louis Binninger.
The first mail for Salt Lake left Sacramento
on May 1, 1850.
The first fire department was organized in
Sacramento on February 5, 1850, and was
known as Mutual Hook and Ladder Com-
pany No. 1.
The first street-cars in Sacramento were
run about 1860, and were used chiefly for
hauling sand from the river. The rails were
of wood, and the cars ran on H Street from
Front to Thirteenth. They sometimes carried
passengers.
The first regular street-cars in this city were
started in August, 1870. The cars were only
two in number, and were built by the Kim-
ball Manufacturing Company of San Fran-
cisco. The first electric car, the motive power
being a storage battery, was run in 1888; but
the power applied in that manner proving too
expensive, its use was soon temporarily sus-
pended, and a trolley system, as at present,
was later constructed.
The first Thanksgiving Day ever observed
in California was that of November 30, 1850.
On that day J. A. Benton, pastor of the Con-
gregational Church (known as the First
Church of Christ), preached the sermon on
"California as she was, as she is. and as she
is to be." At that time agriculture could
hardly be said to be. even an experiment in
California ; but Mr. Benton uttered this re-
markal^le prophecy: "A million of people can-
not fail to thrive by cultivating this virgin
soil, and in fifty years they will be here to
make the demonstration ; farm .houses will
dot thickly every valley ; marshes will be re-
deemed from overflow ; and wastes will bloom
in beauty and )neld harvests of joy. The state
will not fall behind the chiefest in arts and
manufacturing, and in commerce. With hun-
dreds of miles of navigable bays and rivers,
with 700 miles of sea coast, with earth's
broadest ocean at her feet, gemmed with a
thousand sea isles, and laving the shore of a
continent, California is to be the Queen of the
Seas, and within the Golden Gate are to be
the docks and depots of a steam and electro-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
271
magnetic marine, of which all the steam ma-
rine that now exists is but the minutest em-
bryo. The iron horse that has drunk the
waters of the Mississippi will fly over moun-
tain and plain and river, and breathe defiance
to j^onder beetling cliffs and towering peaks of
snow, as he dashes forward through the tun-
neled depths beneath, and comes through our
streets to slake his thirst at the Sacramento."
The first mass-meeting of Republicans in
California was held in Sacramento on April
19, 1856, and was opened with an address by
E. B. Crocker, who was the leader of the new
party in Sacramento County.
The first Republican state convention in
California was held in the Congregational
Church in Sacramento, on April 30, 1856, with
E. B. Crocker as temporary chairman.
The first child born of white parents in Cali-
fornia, it is claimed, was Eugene i\ram, state
senator representing Sutter, Yolo and Yuba
Counties during the thirty-first and thirty-
third legislative sessions, and noAv a practic-
ing attorney in Sacramento, whose mother,
Sarah Aram, an immigrant of 1846, is said to
have discovered gold while washing clothes
in a stream tributary to the south fork of the
Yuba River over a year before the discovery
of gold by Marshall.
The first school in Sacramento County out-
side of the city was kept by a Mr. O'Brien,
at the house of Martin Mtirphy, in San Joa-
quin Township.
The first ball held in Sacramento County
by the white settlers took place at Mormon
Island, in 1849.
The first courthouse erected in Sacramento,
at Seventh and I Streets, was begun in June,
1850, and completed on December 24, 1851.
The sessions of the legislature of 1852 and
1854 were held in it. It was destroyed in the
great fire of July 13, 1854, which consumed
a large part of the business portion of the city.
Immediately after the fire, a contract was
entered into for the erection of the courthouse
which was in turn demolished on the same
site to make room for the new one erected
some years ago. The cost in toto was $240,-
000, although the original contract was for
$100,000. The corner-stone was laid on Sep-
tember 27, 1854, with Masonic ceremonies,
and the building, which was of brick, was
completed on January 1, 1855, and was used
by the state as a capitol from 1855 until the
present Capitol was built. It was 80 by 120
feet, and sixty feet high, and the style of archi-
tecture was Ionic. The portico was support-
ed by ten pillars, three feet six inches in
diameter and thirty-three feet six inches in
height. In April, 1870, it was raised to the
high grade, 400 jack-screws being used for
that purpose.
Gilbert T. Witham, a resident of Washing-
ton, Yolo County, and who conducted the
Coleman House on J Street in this city in the
early days, ran the first hack in Sacramento.
It was bought in San Francisco for $3,000
cash, and his stand was at the Orleans Hotel,
on Second Street. In 1855 he entered the
employ of Doughty & Company, and for that
firm ran the first steam trading and produce
boat on the river. He was the first conductor
on the first train out of Sacramento to Chico,
Tehama and Red Bluff. Charles Crocker was
on the train, and bossed the job. Mr. Witham
saw Governor Stanford turn the first shovel-
ful of dirt on J Street for the building of the
Central Pacific Railroad.
The first criminal trial in Sacramento oc-
curred in Sutter's Fort and was a remarkable
one. In January, 1849, Charles E. Pickett,
afterwards known as "Philosopher Pickett,"
was a merchant in Sutter's Fort, occupying
a portion of the northeast bastion, a man
named Alderman, from Oregon, occupying
the rest of it. During a dispute about the
premises Alderman advanced on Pickett with
an ax uplifted. The latter was armed with
a shotgun, and warned Alderman not to come
farther. Pickett having retreated to the wall.
As Alderman continued to advance, Pickett
fired and killed him. The circumstances be-
ing well known, and the killing clearly in self-
defense, no attention would have been paid
to it, had not Sam Brannan, who was also a
merchant at the fort, stirred up an excite-
ment. He applied to Frank Bates, who held
the office of first alcalde, and then to John
S. Fowler, second alcalde, for a warrant for
Pickett's arrest, and both refused and re-
signed. The sheriff also resigned. There-
upon Brannan called a meeting of the resi-
dents of the fort for the appointment of an
alcalde. Everyone declined, until it came to
Brannan, who accepted. The nomination of
a prosecuting attorney next went the rounds
till it came to Brannan, who accepted it also.
A. M. Tanner was appointed sheriff and noti-
fied Pickett to consider himself under arrest.
The court convened. Captain Sutter, John
Sinclair, Capt. W. H. Warner, James H. Top-
pens, and Thomas Murray being among the
members of the jury.
Pickett appeared, accompanied by his at-
torney, one Payne, also from Oregon. The
sheriff was ordered to bring in drinks for the
court, jury, defendant and counsel. Cigars
were proposed, in addition, but an objection
was made and the point was argued. The
court decided that "Inasmuch as the ladies of
California made a practice of smoking, it
could not be out of place anywhere." Every
time the defendant would ask a witness a
question, his counsel would tell him to be
272
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
silent, and these altercations became frequent,
as the orders on the sheriff for refreshment
became numerous. Midnight came, and Sut-
ter and Sinclair were asleep, leaning against
the wall. One of the witnesses was testify-
ing that the character of Alderman was bad.
he having killed two men in Oregon, and
Captain Sutter awoke, listened a few minutes
and said : "Gentlemen, the man is dead, he
has atoned for his faults, and I will not sit
here and hear his character traduced." He
then started to leave the court, but was per-
suaded to stay. When the evidence was
closed, Brannan started to sum up for the
prosecution. "Hold on, Brannan," said Pick-
ett, "you are the judge." "I know I am judge,"
retorted Brannan, "but I am prosecuting too."
"All right, go ahead then," said Pickett. When
he finished, Pickett's attorney was too far
gone to talk, and Pickett summed up for
himself. Toward morning the jury announced
that they could not agree, and were dis-
charged. Brannan told the sheriff that he re-
manded the prisoner to his custody. "What
am I to do with him ?" asked the sherifif. "Put
him in close confinement," said Brannan. "I
have no place to put him in," said the sheriff.
"Then put him in irons," was the reply. "There
ain't any irons about the place," returned the
ofificer. After deliberation it was agreed to
admit Pickett to bail, which was readily fur-
nished. At a subsequent trial, with a sober
jury, Pickett was acquitted.
The first survey of the plat of Sacramento
was made in December, 1848, by Capt. William
H. Warner, of the United States Army.
The first city government in Sacramento
was established in 1849. In July of that year,
an election for councilmen was held at the
St. Louis Exchange on Second Street between
I and J, and the first councilmen for the city
of Sacramento were chosen as follows : John
P. Rodgers, H. E. Robinson, P. B. Cornwall,
William Stout, E. F. Gillespie, Thomas F.
Chapman, M. T. McClelland, A. M. Winn and
B. Jennings. The new council was organized
on August 1, with William Stout as presi-
dent and J. H. Harper as clerk. The first busi-
ness transacted was the preparation of a con-
stitution for local government. A. M. Winn
was afterwards made president in place of
Stout, who had left the city. On September
20 an election was held to decide on a city
charter. A draft had been prepared by the
council, but the citizens did not turn out well
to vote, and it was defeated by a majority of
one hundred and forty-six votes. Its rejection
was charged to the gamblers, who opposed a
change and worked hard and spent much
money to defeat it. The people avoided re-
course to the costly court of the alcalde, and
this lawless state just suited the gamblers.
The defeat of the charter was a great mortifi-
cation to the council, and the president issued
a proclamation stating that the council was
unable to determine what the citizens wanted,
and as the powers and duties of the council
were not defined, they desired to know wheth-
er the citizens desired still to act under the
Mexican laws at present in force, although in-
applicable to the present conditions, or to
adopt a charter, striking out such features as
were objectionable. Immediate action was
necessary if the council was to be of any use.
It therefore asked the citizens to meet on
October 10, 1849. and declare what they
wished the council to do. The people, who
had paid no attention hitherto to local govern-
ment, awoke from their apathy. A Law and
Order party was formed, the gamblers were
defeated, and the charter was adopted by a
majority of 296.
The first county superintendent of common
schools elected by the people in Sacramento
was F. W. Hatch, elected September 5, 1855.
Up to that time the duties of county school
superintendent were performed by the county
assessor.
The first cement sidewalks in Sacramento
were laid in 1877 in the capitol grounds by
the California Artificial Stone Paving Com-
pany, under instructions of Adolph Teichert,
the first cement finisher in the state, who was
sent from New York in 1875 to familiarize the
company with the details of a then new pat-
ent method for the construction of cement
sidewalks with proper provision for joints to
control the cracking due to co.ntraction during
the setting of the cement.
Sacramento, in 1921, was the first city in
California to adopt the system of proportional
representation in municipal voting.
ricBsciiriCii-
BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OE COUNTY
PIONEERS, PAST AND PRESENT
HON. THOMAS JEFFERSON CLUNIK— The
life of Hon. Thomas Jefferson Clunie reads Hke a
romance of the eighteenth century, and it must be
such figures as he that were chosen by Gertrude
Atherton and other writers of CaHfornia life, when
depicting the colorful events of that period in the
state. Born on a sailing vessel off the coast of New-
foundland, March 25, 18S2, his father being a sea
captain, he was brought to California during the
fifties by his parents and was educated in the Sac-
ramento public schools; and after studying law, was
admitted to the bar to practice when but eighteen
years of age. The youngest man who ever practiced
in the state, he had three years taken off his minority
by a legislative enactment, so that he might become
a lawyer in spite of the law. The legal age for admis-
sion being twenty-one years, young Clunie had a
special bill introduced into the legislature relieving
himself of his disabilities as a minor and allowing
him to practice law at the age of eighteen, if he
could secure the necessary license from the supreme
court. His efforts won the passage of a statute by
the unanimous vote of both houses, entitling him to
practice law as soon as he might be qualified by an
examination before the supreme court — the first time
such a thing had been done in the history of Cali-
fornia, and it never has been repeated.
The young barrister immediately began the prac-
tice of law in Sacramento, and he attended strictly
to his practice. Of a pleasing personality, he mixed
v/ith the gayest kind of company, but his moral fiber
was of the strongest and he never knew the taste of
either liquor or tobacco, though these virtues were
never held up for public admiration. He was a man
of abounding vitality and almost boyish spirits, even
in mature years. When twenty-five years of age, his
fame as a keen, dependable lawyer and business man
extended up and down the valley, and large interests
were placed confidently in his hands.
In 1875 Mr. Clunie was elected to the state legis-
lature; he was appointed brigadier-general of the 4th
Brigade, California National Guards, in 1876; in 1878
he was a candidate for Congress, but met with
defeat (he was a Democrat in politics). Later he
opened a law office in San Francisco. In 1886 he was
elected state senator, and his election to Congress
came in 1888. A fluent speaker, of eloquence and
ability, his services were always at the disposal of
his party; he went as a delegate at large to the
national Democratic convention in Chicago, in 1884.
When a boj', this eminent man sold papers on the
streets of Sacramento and attended night school to
complete his education, and much of his popularity
and renown was due to his ability to see life from all
sides, and to his broad conception of his duty to his
fellow-men. He amassed a fortune during his life-
time, among his realty holdings being the Clunie
Opera House of Sacramento, and the Clunie Building
of San Francisco. He was an Elk and a Mason, and
was buried with Masonic honors.
Mr. Clunie chose for his life companion Miss Flor-
ence Turton, a native of Sacramento, the daughter
of William Turton, a pioneer of 1849. Their mar-
riage occurred in Sacramento; and since his death,
June 30, 1903, aged fifty-two years, Mrs. Clunie has
proven herself an able business woman, well fitted
to carry on the large affairs he left in her charge.
With the advice and assistance of her two sisters,
the Misses Nellie and Kate Turton, she has built and
owns the New Clunie Hotel and Theater, on the
corner of K and Eighth Streets, as a monument to
her illustrious husband, and this valuable property
is free and clear from all debt, an unusual feature in
so large an undertaking.
WILLIAM ALBERT CURTIS.— A representa-
tive man of Sacramento, who came here in the early
part of both his life and that of the state, and since
then was identified with the growth and advance-
ment of this part of California, was William A. Cur-
tis, a native of Massachusetts, born on a New Eng-
land farm, near Boston, in 1857. Ambitious and far-
seeing, even as a lad, he wished to start his business
career in a newer environment, and in 1870, before
fourteen years of age, he came West and located near
Sacramento, and worked, for a beginning, on a ranch
owned by his uncle, William Curtis, a pioneer of the
Valley and prominent in its upbuilding; the Curtis
Oaks subdivision was named for him.
William A. Curtis came into Sacramento three
years later, and for a time worked for W. R. Strong
& Company, now the Ennis-Brown Company. On
leaving them, he formed a partnership with W. H.
Wood and established the Wood-Curtis Company;
this firm, begun in a small way, is now one of the
largest wholesale produce firms in the West. Later,
Mr. Curtis established the William A. Curtis Com-
pany, of San Francisco, one of the leading produce
firms of that city, and he remained at the head of
these two successful concerns until his death, at the
same time being actively interested in other business
affairs. He bought and developed two large ranches,
one on Sherman Island and the other near Isleton,
having large acreage in celery and a5para.gus. He
was a director in the Haggin Bottom Land Company,
president of the Wood-Curtis Company, president of
the William A. Curtis Company, and vice-president
of the California National Bank of Sacramento; and.
as is true of all men of his caliber, his impress was
felt in many large affairs pertaining to tlie ;idvance-
276
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ment and progress of this part of the state, affairs
in which he took no pubHc part, but gave of his time
and energy that the community might benefit; an
example of that fine integrity of spirit which has
welded men together since the world's beginning,
and made possible such human achievement as sur-
rounds us today.
The marriage of Mr. Curtis united him with Mary
Helen Case, daughter of Captain G. W. Case, a pio-
neer master of river boats on the Sacramento; three
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Curtis: Mrs.
Neva Moore; William A., Jr., a student at the Uni-
versity of California; and Mrs. Isabel Hechtman.
Fraternally, Mr. Curtis was prominent as a thirty-
second degree Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F.
and of the Knights of Pythias. His death, which
occurred December 27, 1914, left a vacancy in the
roll of men who were the real founders of the pros-
perity of our glorious state; to whom all honor is
due and is gladly rendered. Mrs. Curtis died March
31, 1923.
PHILIP S. DRIVER.— A gentleman of scholarly
attainments who made a success of his chosen pro-
fession, in which he acquired distinction and in-
fluence, was the late Philip Sample Driver, who
passed away at his home on March 26, 1923, a native
son of the Golden State, having been born near
Antelope, Sacramento County, on June 14, 1862. His
father was Elisha Sample Driver, a pioneer of 1849,
who became a prosperous rancher and one of the
highly respected citizens of Sacramento County. He
was born in Indiana on April 18, 1829, the son of
John and Abigail (Mills) Driver, and was left an
orphan when scarcely more than a babe, on which
account he came to live in the home of his uncle until
1836. He then went to Henry County, Iowa, where
he made his home with another uncle until 1849.
Lured to California by the discovery of gold, he
started across the great plains for the Coast on
March 25, 1849, traveling with ox-teams and wagons;
and he had a trying experience, being compelled to
fight the Indians on four different occasions. He
reached California safely, however, arriving at Hang-
town, now Placerville, on August 1, 1850, and he fol-
lowed mining on the American River until 1854, but
with less success than he had anticipated. He there-
fore came to Sacramento and engaged in teaming to
the mines, and finding it profitable he continued until
1857, when he was able to purchase 1,200 acres near
Antelope, where he engaged in farming and stock-
raising, and amassed a comfortable fortune; and he
continued to supervise his large affairs until his death,
in 1913. His good wife was Mary E. Forsythe before
her marriage, and she was born in Missouri. In 1853
she crossed the plains with her parents, and she
was permitted to enjoy their companionship until
1903. The worth}' pioneer couple had twelve chil-
dren, eleven of whom grew to maturity, among whom
Philip, our subject, was the second eldest.
Philip S. Driver spent his boyhood on his father's
ranch, where he made himself generally useful, and
he mastered the chores or tasks required of him, at
the same time attending the public schools. Then
he matriculated at the University of the Pacific at
San Jose, from which he was duly graduated in
1888, with the Ph. B. degree, after which he took up
the study of law in the office of Grove L. Johnson,
father of Hiram (now United States senator) and
Albert Johnson, then in partnership. In October,
1890, having passed the required examination, he
was admitted to the bar of the state. He began the
practice of law with a partner, William M. Sims,
under the firm name of Driver & Sims, and their
relations continued amicable and mutually helpful
until Mr. Sims removed to San Francisco, when Mr.
Driver's brother, Benjamin F., who had graduated
from the University of California and had been ad-
mitted to the bar, joined him in practice under the
firm name of Driver & Driver, which became well
and honorably known, and a real power among the
legal profession of Sacramento County. In 1918,
Philip S. Driver was admitted to practice in the
United States Supreme Court at Washington, D. C.
Mr. Driver's first offices were in the Quinu building,
opposite the California National Bank on J Street;
and later he had offices in the Farmers and Mechan-
ics Bank building, on Eighth Street. The firm had a
large clientele, and a very extensive practice in civil
law, for they were the attorneys for various reclama-
tion districts. Mr. Driver was a well-posted lawyer,
and an able counsellor; he was conservative and
strictly honest in all of his actions and dealings; and
his clients had the utmost confidence in his judgment
and dependability.
Mr. Driver was also greatly interested in agricul-
ture, and owned valuable ranch interests in the Na-
tomas Farms tract, and these farms he brought to a
high state of cultivation. He also owned real estate
in Sacramento, and was interested in various cor-
porations. He thus served society in the dual func-
tion of the professional man and the man of prac-
tical affairs; and he was among the relatively few
members of the bar, perhaps, who substantially for-
warded the agricultural industry in California.
The marriage of Mr. Driver occurred in Los Gatos,
Santa Clara County, on June 30, 1892, and united
him, at one of the prettiest weddings of the year,
with Miss Elizabeth Gober, who was' a native daugh-
ter and had been born in Santa Clara. Her father,
the Rev. W. R. Gober, was a native of Georgia, and
was ordained to the ministry of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, South, and was admitted to the Mis-
sissippi Conference in November, 1844, where he did
valiant and faithful work until he came out to Cali-
fornia in the early fifties. In 1851 he made his way
to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama as a
missionar}', organizing congregations and building
churches in the newly admitted Golden State. Some
time after the war, he united with the Methodist
Episcopal Church — his action dating in the year
1872 — for he felt that it was incompatible with true
Christianity to have two churches, and so from then
until his death he was energetic and faithful in build-
ing up that church in California. He served as a
presiding elder for many years, working in the San
Francisco, Napa and Sacramento, as well as in other
districts, and from the time that he crossed into
California, he was greatly interested in the Univer-
sity of the Pacific, gave it his hearty support, and took
great pride in the growth of the institution, and the
high standard of scholarship maintained by faculty
and students. After he was superannuated, he was
chaplain of Folsom Prison for some years; and when
he passed away at his home in College Park, San
Jose, on March 13, 1908, he had seen nearly sixty
years of service in the ministry in California, and had
rounded out a very useful life, lull of good works
HISTORY OF SACRAAIHNTO COUNTY
:://
and sacrifices. He was delegate to the General Con-
ference in 1892, and he served as a member of the
assembly of the California legislature from Sant;i
Clara County, and afterwards was chaplain of the
legislature during many sessions. He was a promin-
ent Mason, being a member of Tehama Lodge, F. &
A. M., in Sacramento. Mr. Gober was married at
Vicksburg, Aliss., on July S, 1852, to Miss Nanny
Porter Beasley, a native daughter of Virginia, and
came immediately with his bride to his missionary
field in California. She was a gifted, lovable wo-
man; and as his devoted widow, survived him until
December, 1908. The estimable and highly esteemed
couple had six children, four of whom attained ma-
turity; and three of these are now living: Dr. R. P.
Gober and Mrs. J. W. Boyd living at Los Gatos, and
the other child being a daughter, named Elizabeth.
Mrs. Driver was also graduated from the College of
the Pacific, and in the same year as was her hus-
band, in 1888; and she received the same degree of
Ph. B., having majored in music, a subject she con-
tinued to study, under P'rank Louis King, receiving,
in 1890, the degree of Bachelor of Music. Then she
taught in the Conservatory under Professor King un-
til her marriage with Mr. Driver, which was blessed
in the gift of six children, four of whom are still
living. Philip Roland passed away in his tenth
year. Robert S. is a graduate of Stanford University,
having received his A. B. degree with the class of
1921, and he is now in the law offices of Messrs.
Driver & Driver. He volunteered for service in the
World War, and joined the motor transport service
of the Quartermaster's department, and served at the
Presidio until he was sent to Camp LTpton as des-
patcher for ten months, when he was transferred to
Buffalo, N. Y., and was commissioned a second
lieutenant, and was under orders to go overseas when
the armistice was signed. He is a member of the
Theta Delta Chi and Phi Delta Phi, and is a thirty-
second degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner.
Keith Porter also died, at the age of three years.
Earl Paxton was a student at Stanford for two years,
but he is now attending the University of California
as a member of the class of 1924. He belongs to
the Theta Delta Chi, and is a thirty-second-degree
Scottish Rite Mason, and is a charter member of the
Ben Ali Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at
Sacramento. Elizabeth and John Arrendall are at-
tending the Sacramento high school.
This fruitful activity in college and university
circles on the part of her children is a very natural
source of gratification to Mrs. Driver, for when
she was at the University of the Pacific, she was a
prominent leader in the academic and social life
of the collegiate institution. She brought the first
chapter of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority to the
University of the Pacific, and later founded the first
chapter of the sorority at the University of California.
She is now a consistent and an active member of
Grace Methodist Episcopal Church in Sacramento,
and takes a very active part in its various societies
and benevolences. The late Mr. Driver was a prom-
inent Mason, having been a member of Tehama
Lodge, No. 3, F. &:A. M., Sacramento, in which
he was a past master. He was a thirty-second degree
Scottish Rite Mason, and a past master of the Ka-
dosh, and was made a Knight Commander of the
Court of Honor, and was a charter member of Ben
Ali Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Sacramento, and
a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. He
was also a member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal
Church in Sacramento, and gave it substantial sup-
port. He was very prominent in Republican political
movements, and served as chairman of the city and
also of the county central committee of that party.
He was a member of the board of education for ten
years, six of which he was president. He had built
the beautiful residence at 2019 Twenty-first Street,
where he resided in comfort and happiness with his
family; but despite his exemplary and useful life, of
such service and inspiration to many, he was not per-
mitted to enjoy the fruits of his labors; and his pass-
ing away, on March 26, 1923, was both a shock and a
great loss to the people of northern California. He
w as deeply mourned by both his family and a large
circle of admiring and grateful friends, w'ho still love
and fondly think of him, and who will never cease
to revere the memory of Philip Driver — patriot,
scholar and Christian gentleman, and one of the
foremost citizens of Sacramento County.
MAJOR PATRICK J. HARNEY.— A distin-
guished Californian, b\r adoption, w-hose influence will
be felt for many generations, was the late Major
Patrick J. Harney, who was born at Toronto, On-
tario, Canada, on August 13, 1856, and died at Sac-
ramento on March 26, 1918. He came to California
with his parents at the age of six, going at first to
Santa Cruz, and then, in 1865, he went to Sacramento,
in his ninth year. He w-as educated in the Sacra-
mento schools, and also at St. Mary's College, then
in San Francisco, now in Oakland, and became a
gunsmith by trade. He joined the Democratic party,
and took up politics early in life.
He was assistant adjutant of California under Ad-
jutant-General Walsh, and was appointed by. Gov-
ernor Haight when twenty-one years of age, being
the youngest who ever held that office in California.
And he retired with the rank of major. He was
wharfinger in San Francisco in 1883, having been
appointed by Governor Irwin; and remaining in San
Francisco, he became active in politics and the affairs
of the city. He was appointed port w'arden of San
Francisco, and was later made harbor commissioner
there, his appointment being signed by Governor
James H. Budd, on March 16, 1897, when he suc-
ceeded D. P. Cole, and he continued under Governor
Gage, so that he was six years in oflice.
He became the agent of the Sacramento Transport-
ation Company in San Francisco, and in 1901 he was
transferred to Sacramento, and W'as made the com-
pany's general manager. He was recognized as an
authority on river conditions for navigation purposes,
and on the death of Captain Roberts he became
president of the Sacramento Transportation Com-
pany, and that responsible office he was filling at the
time of his death. He was a man of sterling charac-
ter, honest and upright, and his influence was wide
and beneficial. He belonged to the Sutter Club, the
Sacramento Lodge of the Elks, and the Knights of
Columbus, and) he was a director and stockholder in
the Farmers & Mechanics Bank, at Sacramento.
In 1883, on May 14, Major Harney w^as married
to Miss Mary W. Ryan, a native of Sacramento, and
their happy union was blessed w-ith the birth of five
children, all daughters. The eldest is Margaret F.;
Winnifred M, is the wife of R. T. Hardy, of San
I'rancisco, who has two children, Bernice and Joan;
278
HISTORY OF SACRA.MENTO COUNTY
Regina I., now Mrs. F. J. Sherry, of the Bay City,
is the mother of Frederick, Jr., and Patricia Anne;
Helen G. married J. C. Wilson, and they live in Sac-
ramento and have two sons, Jesse C, Jr., and
Warren Harney; and Claire B. is now Sister Mary
Patrick, one of the Dominican Sisters. A home-lov-
ing man. Major Harney was a real companion to his
wife and daughters; and he was alwa^-s a friend to
the working-men, who felt that they could call upon
him for assistance at any time.
JOHN J. WORTHINGTON.— Prominent among
the hotel men of Sacramento who have made the
city worthy of a capital, is John J. Worthington, the
genial proprietor of the popular Hotel Worth at
727^ K Street. He was born in Grass Valley, Cal.,
on St. Valentine's Day, 1865, the son of George
and Eliza (Farrell) Worthington, who came to Grass
Valley in 1864 and stayed there six months. Then
they removed to Tehama, Tehama County, where the
father was active as a harness-maker. Both of these
worthy pioneers died in Tehama, but their good works
live after them, blessing others elsewhere.
John Worthington attended the public schools, and
then took up hotel work in Tehama. He spent a
short time in the real estate field in Red Bluff, but
he soon had a hotel at Tehama, continuing there till
in 1915, when he removed to the larger center, Sac-
ramento. He had charge of the Clayton Hotel for
a year and a half, then managed the Colonial Apart-
ments for ten months; he has been with the Hotel
Worth since 1917. The establishment has eighty-six
rooms, a goodly number including baths, and all
the equipment is strictly modern. He belongs to the
Kiwanis Club, and in politics aligns himself with the
Democratic part}'.
Mr. Worthington's marriage occurred in Tehama
County, in the year 1893, when Miss Nellie Lowrey,
a native daughter of Solano County, became his wife,
and they have two children, Mrs. G. I. Giffen and
Jean. Mr. Worthington is a Mason, and belongs to
the lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine. He is a
member of the Knights of Pj'thias, and also belongs
to the Hotel Men's Association and to the Chamber
of Commerce.
MICHAEL HUGHES.— Among the pioneers of
the early sixties who braved the dangers and en-
dured the hardships of that period here in California
wc find Michael Hughes and his brother John
Hughes, both born in County Tyrone, Ireland, the
former in 1837, and sons of James Hughes. In 1861
Michael Hughes came to America and in Boston
learned the trade of stonemason, and after he had
earned enough he sent for his brother John, who
came to join him in the East, and also came to Cali-
fornia two years later than did Michael, who came
via the Isthmus in 1863. In San Francisco he found
work at his trade with a cousin. John Grant, who
owned a large quarry of granite and was a well-to-do
man. After John Hughes came West he was em-
ployed by Mr. Grant as a coachman for fourteen
3'ears. About 1866 Michael Hughes came to Sac-
ramento and found work with William Boyne; and
he laid out the granite steps at the state capitol
building, and these today stand as mute testimony
of his expert workmanship.
In 1868, Michael Hughes married Miss Margaret
Lynn, who was born in 1840, in County Cavan.
Ireland. She accompanied her brother, James Lynn,
to Sacramento in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes were
blessed with five children: John J., who passed away
in 1895; Mary Alice, Mrs. Edward F. Coyle of Sac-
ramento; James Thomas, a contractor in Sacramento,
who succeeded his father and uncle; Margaret M.
became the wife of George F. Keefe and died in
1916, and Ann Elizabeth, a twin, died in infancy.
In 1870, Mr. Hughes built a residence on the corner
of Twenty-third and N Streets, where he owned a
quarter of a block, where their spirit of hospitality
ever welcomed their many friends and acquaintances.
For many years, Michael Hughes and his brother
worked together as teaming and grading contractors
throughout the city of Sacramento and northern
California, continuing until they died. In 1877, Mrs.
Hughes passed away, mourned by her beloved fam-
ily, and Mr. Hughes cared for and reared his children,
who made a very happy group. Mr. Hughes died
on August 18, 1916. He was a strong church mem-
ber and was considered one of the pillars in St.
Francis Parish, being a member of the church council
for many years. Politically, he was affiliated with
the Democratic party and voted in accordance with
its principles.
John Hughes made a trip to his native land after
he was eighty-two years old. He passed away at
the age of ninety-four years on April 6. 1920. Both
Michael and John Hughes lived temperate lives and
were Americans in the true sense of the word. The
capital city lost, in the death of these two brothers,
men worthy of esteem who were deserving citizens.
THOMAS J. MORONEY.— What a progressive,
wide-awake rancher may accomplish, both for him-
self and the community in which he resides and
prospers, with the unexcelled resources of this fa-
vored section of the Golden State, is demonstrated
in the case of Thomas J. Moroney, who is cultivat-
ing a choice farm about one mile south of Wilton.
He is thoroughly at home with all the natural con-
ditions there, for he was born on the Moroney Ranch,
northeast of Hicksville, on March 30, 1862. His fa-
ther was Dennis Moroney, a pioneer who "came to
California in 1858, a native of Limerick, Ireland. In
New York, to which city he had come as a boy, he
had married Bridget Sexton, also a native of that
part of the Emerald Isle, who had crossed the ocean
to New York when she was twelve years of age;
and he brought his wife and two daughters, Mar-
garet, now Mrs. Keating, a widow of Wi'ton, and
Mary J. Moroney. The family came to California
bj' way of the Isthmus of Panama, and traveled part
of the way on the old-time ship "Orizaba," which
was a favorite steamer along the Coast in the late
fifties and during the sixties.
Mr. Moroney settled in Sacramento County imme-
diately, and there bought a ranch of 384 acres, north-
east of Hicksville on the Cosumnes River, where our
subject and his elder sister, Elizabeth G., were born.
Later, Mr. Moroney purchased an additional quarter
section of land, making his estate to consist of 544
acres; and this acreage is still owned by the family.
He breathed his last Jul}' 27, 1922, at the remarkable
age of ninety-three years, and Mrs. Moroney is still
living, at the age of eighty-eight.
Thomas J. Moroney has always resided on the
Moroney ranch, where he built a home, to succeed
the picturesque but more primitive one in which he
was born. He attended the Davis district school,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
279
and at Sacramento, on April 1, 1898, he married
Miss Minnie A. Hanrahan, a native of Placerville,
Cal., and the daughter of high'y-esteemed Irish-
Americans, Michael and Ellen (Mulcahy) Hanrahan,
who brought her up in Sacramento. Her parents
were both natives of Ireland; her father came out to
California in 1858, and mined in El Dorado County,
near Placerville, for several years. He then removed
to Sacramento, and for years engaged in the han-
dling of wood and other fuel; and he was known, and
popularb' so, by almost everyone in Sacramento.
He was a stone-cutter, too, and a good part of the
stone for the foundation of the State Capitol was
cut by Mike Hanrahan. Eight children blessed this
worthy couple: Minnie, now Mrs. Moroney, was
the eldest; Thomas J. is a dealer in wood, in Sacra-
mento; Dan and James are deceased; William; Nellie
is Mrs. O'Neil; while the younger children are Cath-
erine and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Acheson of Sacra-
mento. Both parents died in Sacramento.
Mr. Moroney is in partnership with Messrs. O'Neil
and Acheson, of Sacramento, in the manufacture and
sale of caskets. He is also interested' in the Virden
Packing Company of California. He has been a di-
rector of the union high school of Elk Grove for
seven years, and he is also a director of the Elk
Grove Bank, and for many years was a trustee of the
Davis district school. And he was one of the mem-
bers of the old Elk Grove Parlor No. 41, of the Native
Sons of the Golden West, before it ceased to exist.
He has two children. Thomas J., Jr., is a graduate
of the University of Santa Clara, trained for war
service in the cloister of the university, and was in
the United States army for eight months. The other
child is a daughter, named Helen M.
DAVID LUBIN. — A history of Sacramento Coun-
ty would not be complete without mention of David
Lubin, who stands today among the benefactors of
the world and more directly of the farmer. Coming
from his native country in Europe, he began his
career in this country as an apprentice to a jewelry
polisher in North Attleboro, Mass. In 1867 he drifted
to California and thence to Arizona, where he worked
in a lumber yard and as a cowboy. Returning to
San Francisco, he worked in Gray & Company's
jewelry factory and afterwards, returning East, be-
came a commercial traveler for a lamp-manufactur-
ing firm. In 1874 he came back to Sacramento and
started in business as a member of the firm of Wein-
stock, Lubin & Compan}', in which he remained an
active partner for many years.
A number of years ago, Mr. Lubin withdrew from
active work in the firm and devoted himself to an
idea which he had conceived, for benefiting his fellow
men. The idea is embodied in what he terms "The
single numerical statement." Observing that the
farmer was at the mercy of the middlemen and specu-
lators, who fixed the price which he received for his
wheat, regardless of the world's supply for the year,
he formulated and perfected a plan for ascertaining
the exact supply of wheat produced in the various
wheat-producing countries of the world. He became
an enthusiast in the propagation of his idea and has
devoted years to carrying it out, visiting foreign
countries and importuning the governments to estab-
lish departments for collecting and exchanging crop
data, through a central organization. As a prophet is
not without honor save in his own country, Mr. Lubin
WHS forced to meet with discouragement alter dis-
couragement at Washington, but finally succeeded
in overcoming the opposition and being appointed
to represent this countr\' at the International Insti-
tute of Agriculture at Rome. For it was in King
Victor Emanuel of Italy that Mr. Lubin first found
a willing ear and a mind quick to grasp his idea and
appreciate its importance to the world. The King
built a palace for the use of the institute, and endowed
it with £12.000 a year, or $60,000. It stands on an
eminence in a lovely spot of the beautiful Villa Bor-
ghese, and there Mr. Lubin resided and carried on his
life work. There in 1905 the delegations from the
various powers gathered and signed a convention to
create the institute, but not until 1910 did Mr. Lubin
see the culmination of his hopes, when the first single
numerical statement of six nations was published,
and in August, the following month, data from eleven
nations followed. In 1912 fifty nations provided the
necessary data, Russia being the last one to join, after
long and repeated solicitation by Mr. Lubin. The
principal wheat-growing countries are now all rep-
resented, and the farmer of today can know the
total crop prospects or output of ninety-five per cent
of the land in the world and ninety-eight per cent
of the world's population, a practical world sum-
mary. He has all the information formerh' possessed
by the middleman and the speculator, who can no
more exploit his ignorance, to his own advantage
and the detriment of the producer. The nations are
contributing liberally to the support of the institute.
Returns are now being gathered for other crops and
products as well as the cereals, and the work of the
institute is expanding in many other directions also.
It was the only international agency the efficiency and
work of which was not disrupted by the World War.
In fact the International Institute supplied the fun-
damental data for the Inter-allied Food Commission
during the trying days of war. Mr. Lubin. while
seemingly still active and in good health and at his
post, was stricken in death from influenza on January
1, 1919, at the age of seventy years. A man of inter-
national fame, he had labored hard to improve the
economic conditions of the various countries. It was
a work of love to him, for he enjoyed doing service
for others. It was a work of building up and making
life easier, and the results of Mr. Lubin's persistency
and enthusiasm will live long after him.
GEORGE B. KATZENSTEIN.— A pioneer whose
memor}' posterity will always delight to honor was
the late George B. Katzenstein, who breathed his last
on August 29, 1909, and passed from sight of men,
kind'y recalled by the many who knew him for years
as the general manager of the Earl Fruit Company.
He was a wonderful worker — a dynamo of excep-
tional energ}' and activity; and as an organizer in
whatever he undertook, he probably had no superior
and few etiuals. He was also well and favorably
known in lodge circles, was an enthusiastic Good
Templar, and was elected head of the Grand Lodge
of Good Templars in California. He formerly con-
ducted a fraternal paper called the "Review," in con-
junction with the late William H. Mills; and this
paper was published at Sacramento in the interests
of the Good Templars. He was past grand in the
order of Odd Fellows; grand past master of the
A. O. U. \\'.; and past chancellor of the Knights of
Pythias; and a prominent Red .Man. He also be-
280
HISTORY OF SACRA]\IENTO COUNTY
longed to the Sacramento Driving Club, the Sutter
Club, and the Sacramento Boat Club.
Mr. Katzenstein was born in New Orleans on No-
vember 28, 1848, a son of Eugene and Marie (Lieb-
schutz) Katzenstein, natives of Lorraine, France,
who came to the United States in 1846, sett'ing a.
New Orleans, where the father engaged in merciia.
dising. In 1853 the family came by way of the over-
land trail to California and located at Marysville,
where Eugene Katzenstein conducted a hotel called
the Ohio House, the first hotel in that town. He
retired in later years and made his home with his
son George, and died in 1884.
George B. Katzenstein received his education in
tlie public schools of Marysville and early began
to be a wage earner and he'ped support his mother
and younger members of the family. Having a de-
sire to see something of the world he began to travel,
working his way as he went and spent several years
roaming over various portions of the Old and the
New Worlds, and finally returned to Ca'ifornia and
located at Sacramento in 1866. Here he became
associated with William H. Mills in the publishing
of the "Review" and the "Rescue," fraternal papers;
also for a number of years he was associated in the in-
surance field with Mr. Mills. Having great faith in the
future of this county he took up colonization work
and was one of the organizers of the Orangevale
Colonization Company, which bought some 3,000
acres of land for subdivision purposes and sold it
oflf in ten- and twenty-acre tracts. He became prom-
inent in civic affairs and was the first secretary of
the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce; and it was
v/hile he was in this position that the A. R. U. trou-
bles broke out in railroad circles in 1892. Mr. Katz-
enstein made a name for himself as a fearless worker
for law and order and did much to regulate the traffic
of outgoing fruit shipments from this city which
was of vital importance to the growers of the entire
valley. So absolutely fair was he that he gained
recognition from the striking railroad men and had
access to all their gatherings. His actions at this
time of trouble brought him to the attention of the
Earl Fruit Company's leading men and in 1898 he
was placed in charge of their interests in northern
California as vice-president and manager, and for
years he had full control of this important organiza-
tion, and when they sold their interests in Sacra-
mento Mr. Katzenstein was a member of the com-
pany that bought them out.
In 1869 Mr. Katzenstein was married to Miss Ida
M. Richards, born in Lowell, Mass., the only child
of Leonard J. Richards, who was a pioneer gold
miner in California, but who eventually went back
to Lowell. They became the parents of four sons:
William H., who was killed in the performance of
his duty as a police officer in Arizona in 1902;
George B., Jr.; Albert W., and Carleton L. Mrs.
Katzenstein is still living at their old home place at
1213 O Street in tlie enjoyment of good health and
ministered to by her three sons, to whom the hus-
band and father left as a heritage a good name and
spotless reputation.
During the memorable anti-Chinese convention
held in California many years ago Mr. Katzenstein
showed his ability as a presiding officer. He was
the leader of one faction and the other was headed
by Frank M. Pixley. In this double-headed affair he
showed his superior ability as an organizer. He was
a Republican, active in party affairs, but would never
accept any public office, though he was solicited to
become a candidate man}' times. He was public-
spirited to a degree and was a'ways found at the
head of all movements for the betterment of condi-
tions in general throughout the entire state.
FRANCIS WILLIAM FRATT.— Throughout a
period covering almost si.xty years, the life of Francis
William Fratt rendered useful and significant service
to the material deve'opment of California, his helpful
activities ceasing only with his final departure from
the scenes familiar to his maturity. It was his high
privilege to witness the remarkable advancement
made by the West from the era of gold-discovery
until the twentieth century had brought its matchless
progress into the world. Coincident with that ad-
vancement was his own rise to influence and local
distinction. Many were the changes that entered into
his personal history from the far-distant days when
as a boy in his native city of Albany, N. Y., he met
at school a lad named Leland Stanford, whose name
became inseparably interwoven with the deve'opment
of the Western country. Later, while crossing the
plains with horses and oxen in a large expedition, he
formed the acquaintance of Charles W.' Coil, for
many years one of the most distinguished citizens
of Woodland. Shortly after his arrival in the Sac-
ramento Valley, Mr. Fratt became interested in the
cattle industry. For years he engaged in the busi-
ness upon a very large scale, making Sacramento
his headquarters. His large enterprises brought large
returns, and the fruits of his labors were evidenced
by increasing possessions. During the early days
he owned the Tomes grant in Tehama County, but
he disposed of it in 1879 and invested the returns
in other property, main'y city real estate. In the
latter part of his life, after he had relinquished his
extensive stock interests, he devoted considerable
attention to the care of his real estate in Sacramento,
where he owned the Fratt Building at 200 K Street,
the Union Hotel and the Orleans Hotel, besides
other business properties. In 1908 he erected a mag-
nificent residence at 1511 P Street, and there, amid
its beautiful surroundings, with all the luxuries of
life, ministered to by a devoted, wife and blessed by
the admiration and respect of hosts of friends, he re-
sided in full enjoyment of a life well spent.
Mr. Fratt was very liberal and charitable, and he
recognized a man for his true worth. Thus, when
the contractor who built the Fratt Building had com-
pleted his work satisfactorily and well, Mr. Fratt
appreciated his thoroughness and gave him $1,000
more than was stipulated in the contract price. He
was very generous; and so, after achieving success
for himself, he did not hesitate to assist others. He
left a liberal bequest to the city library for the pur-
chase of suitable pictures and ornaments to be
placed there for public enjoyment, a gift that Mrs.
Fratt carried out so generously that there is still a
fund for the purpose. The political views of Mr.
Fratt brought him into hearty accord with Demo-
cratic principles. Fraternally he held membership in
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he
was greatly interested, and to which he left a sub-
stantial bequest. His passing, on September 16, 1909,
left a void in the community in which he had lived
and 'abored; and his mortal remains were placed in
Enq'd &y Campb eJIEi' other s for Histoi-icRccavd Co
/^£::occ^t.^c^
r-ngd by CBrniJOfiir. r utr
cM^ ij"^ WJ)fnr
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
285
a beautiful vault erected to his memory iu the Odd
Fellows' Cemeterj' by his devoted widow.
In his marriage to Cornelia E. Bromley, which was
solemnized at Sacramento, October 31, 1879, Mr.
Fratt Avas especially fortunate, for his wife was a
3'oung lady not only of fine family and excellent edu-
cation, but also of gentle character and attractive per-
sonal endowments. Born in Plattsburg, N. Y., she
was the daughter of Harvej' Bromley, sheriff of Clin-
ton County. After completing the studies of the
Plattsburg Academy, Miss Bromley came to Califor-
nia in 1868; the then recent building of the railroad
enabled her to travel a considerable portion of the
distance by train, the balance of the journey being-
made b}' stage. From young girlhood she has been
a sincere member of the Congregational Church.
Philanthropic by nature, solicitous to aid the unfor-
tunate, she was particularly helpful as a member of
the board of trustees of the orphanage, her services
covering twentj'-seven years; for twenty-three years
of this time she entertained the children from the
orphanage at her home each year, on Independence
Day, giving them a rare treat. With others she
established the Sacramento Children's Home, has
served from its organization as a member of the board,
and was a leader in securing funds for the erection
of its building at Ninth and X Streets. In addition
to her other philanthropies, she has given distinctive
civic service through her judicious labors as a mem-
ber of the board of park commissioners of Sacra-
mento. At her own expense she built the band-
stand and comfort station in the public park at Fif-
teenth and P Streets. To the Congregational Church
she has been very liberal in her donations; among
other generous gifts, she gave them the property on
the northeast corner of Fifteenth and P Streets, from
which the church is now deriving a substantial reve-
nue. She also gave the Tuesday Club, of which she
is a member, $18,000 for a pipe organ.. She is very
liberal in her contributions to charities, giving many
kindly and needed aids to the unfortunate; for her
heart and thought go out in intense desire for the
uplift and welfare of the city in which she has spent
her active and useful years, doing all in her power
to enhance the comfort and happiness of the people.
EDWARD F. COYLE.— -\mong California's na-
tive sons, the name of Edward F. Coyle is well-
known in Sacramento County, which is his birth-
place. His birth occurred on the Coyle ranch four
miles south of Sacramento on Franklin Boulevard,
now known as Coyle City Acres, July 10, 1865, the
fifth of six sons born to the late James T. and Julia
(O'Leary) Coyle, both natives of Ireland who settled
in Sacramento County in the early fifties and were
well-to-do farmers. Edward F. Coyle received a good
education in the Christian Brothers Co'lege in Sac-
ramento and after completing his schooling he was
closely associated with his father and brothers in
farming until his father died; then for twenty-five
years he was in partnership with his brother, John
R. Coyle, in extensive stock and grain farming on
the Haggin Grant, lands now known as the Rio
Linda district of the county.
On October 3, 1897, Mr. Coyle was married to
Miss Mary Alice Hughes, daughter of the late
Michael Hughes, a pioneer contractor of Sacramento.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Coyle. Julia Margaret graduated from the Sacra-
mento High school in 1916, then entered the Uni-
versity of California, and substituted as teacher in
the Sacramento schools for eighteen months; she
passed away June 9, 1921. Mary A'ice and Edna
Francis died in infancy. Josephine Agnes is a stu-
dent in St. Joseph's Academy. Mr. and Mrs. Coyle
have their city home at 2312 N Street and also main-
tain a home on his portion of the old Coyle ranch
which he has subdivided and is now selling off in
one-acre tracts. Since 1897 Mr. and Mrs, Coyle
have been members of St. Francis Catholic Church
in Sacramento.
CHARLES A. LUDLOW.— A scientifically and
practically trained agriculturist who has made a
pronounced success of his life-work in the careful
study of one particular corner of husbandry, is
Charles A. Ludlow, the founder and proprietor of
the North Sacramento Nurseries out on the Marys-
ville road. He was born at Geneva, N. Y., on Janu-
ary 31, 1858, and learned the nursery business in a
nursery at Geneva, his home-town. After an appren-
ticeship of seven 3'ears, he came out to California in
1883, and pitched his tent at Sacramento, where he
entered the employ of W. R. Strong & Company,
owners of the Capital Nursery, a firm that also
bought and shipped fruit. Later, he traveled on the
road for the firm, buying fruit, and then he became
a partner in the firm of Pattee & Lett, of Riverside,
fruit shippers, but with offices in various cities in
the state. After a while, he himself was an inde-
pendent fruit-shipper, both in Sacramento and north-
ern California, and he helped to load some of the
earliest shipments of both citrus and deciduous fruit
sent from the Golden State to the Eastern markets.
Some twelve years ago, Mr. Ludlow returned to
Sacramento and founded the North Sacramento
Nurseries, commencing in a small way, and being
glad to do $1,900 worth of trade the first j'ear. Since
then, he has doubled the volume of his business each
year, ahd now he is the largest retail dealer in this
section, doing as much business as all the others put
together, and enjoying the enviable reputation of an
authority on fruit-growing and nursery stock. He
raises his stock in Rocklin, Placer County, and spe-
cializes in peaches, pears, plums, cherries and apri-
cots, and a'l varieties of grape-vines. In 1923 he
vi-ill have his stock planted on a twenty-acre tract
south of Sacramento, for he never uses the same
ground twice for the growin.g of his stock, which,
except peaches, comes originallj- from France, where
it is started from seed. He has long supplied the
state, and superintended the planting of many orch-
ards in this vicinity. For the past five years, he has
supplied the Natomas Land Company with many
thousands of trees, and also James Mathena, a large
fruit-grower on the river. In 1923. he supplied
Green & Huntoon with 10,000 trees for planting on
the Holland Tract along the river, and the same
year he also shipped 4,500 trees to Marysvi'le, and
he has made interesting shipments to smaller
ranches,
Mr. Ludlow is the father of three children, Cecil
Clay, who served in the World War in the United
States Navy, and Florence and Thclma. He is a
member of the California Association of Nurserymen
and of the Fraternal Brotherhood.
286
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
COLIN McKENZIE.— An industrious, far-seeing
and experienced rancher, who may well be proud of
his trim farm, a fine tract of some 320 acres, situated
about four miles northeast of Gait, is Colin McKen-
zie, a native of Cumberland County, Nova Scotia,
where he was born on December 16, 1856. His father,
John McKenzie, was a native of Prince Edward
Island, who married Isabelle Ross, of Colchester
County, Nova Scotia; and his grandparents, who
came from Scotland, removed to Nova Scotia when
John was only two years old, and there, in Cumber-
land County, they followed farming all their lives.
John McKenzie lived to be sixty-two years of age,
and his good wife, the mother of our subject, died
when she was eighty-two. There were ten children
in the family: Anna has become Mrs. Peter Brown,
of Wallis, N. S.; Daniel George is at Seattle; Colin
is the subject of our review; Maria lived to be only
three weeks old; the fifth child in the order of birth
was also called Maria, and she is the widow of Ed-
ward Halloway, of White Plains, N. Y.; Stewart died
at the age of forty; Margaret Jane lives in White
Plains, N. Y.; Alexander Ross is a practicing physi-
cian at Mount Pleasant, in Prince George County,
Maryland; John Thomas lives at the old home ranch,
in Nova Scotia; and Peter died in infancy.
John McKenzie's farm consisted of over 100 acres,
and as the educational advantages in that section of
country were meager, Colin helped his father at home
until he was twenty-three years old, when he came
to California, arriving first at San Francisco. From
there he went inland to Cufify's Cove, in Mendocino
County, and for a season worked in the timber coun-
try. Returning to San Francisco, he entered the
service of the Eureka Stone Company, during the
autumn of that year, and then came on to Stockton,
and from there went to Collegeville, where he worked
on a ranch for M. D. Mcintosh, remaining there for
eight years. He then became the foreman on the
L. U. Shippee and Thornton ranches at New Hope,
in San Joaquin County, and was there for four years.
While at New Hope, on November 6, 1888, Mr.
McKenzie was married to Miss Isabel M. Gaffney,
a native of Liberty, San Joaquin County, and the
daughter of Dennis and EHzabeth (Keating) Gaff^ney,
her father being a native of Wexford, Ireland, and
her mother a native of Nova Scotia. Her father came
out to California in 1860-1861, and at Gait he followed
his trade of shoemaker. He died at the age of sixt}'-
four, and his wife breathed her last in her seventy-
fifth year. There were four children in the Gaffney
family. Annette married and became Mrs. D. Mon-
tague, and is now deceased; Vincent has passed away;
Isabel has become the helpmate of our subject; and
Raymond is deceased. Isabel Gaffney attended the
Liberty school in San Joaquin County, and the Ala-
bama district school of Sacramento County, and fin-
ished her studies at the San Jose State Normal School.
After having married, Mr. McKenzie remained for
two years at New Hope, and then, for two years,
farmed for himself on Tyler Is'and. He next leased
the Figg ranch in San Joaquin County, west of Acam-
po, for four years, and after that removed with his
family to Arno, where he leased 1,260 acres for four
years, and raised stock and grain. During this time,
he purchased the Summers ranch located southeast of
Arno and consisting of 323 acres, and later he moved
onto it; and there he has since resided, putting on
the place every improvement seen today. He has a
dair}-, stock and grain ranch; he aims to have twenty-
five cows, and he has set out a small vineyard. He
is a Republican; and is a member of the Catholic
Church.
Four children have blessed Mr. and Mrs. McKen-
zie. Annette Ray is at home; Montague Colin is
with the Standard Oil Company at Hayward; George
Stewart; and Isabel Caroline. Montague Colin en-
tered the United States Army on January 24, 1918,
and was sent to Ellington Field, Texas, to join Aero
Squadron No. 286. He trained there and at various
other fields in the South, and became a flyer, with
the rank of sergeant.
HARRY C. MUDDOX.— A study of the lives
of the men who have been leaders in the develop-
ment of Sacramento City and County discloses no
name more worthy of honorable mention than that
of Harry C. Muddox, banker, manufacturer, finan-
cier, rancher and breeder of fine stock, in all of which
he has made an outstanding success. Arriving here
with his parents when a child scarcely six years of
age, he has witnessed the steadfast development of
the community, has felt the impetus of Western prog-
ress and has been an important factor in various lines
of endeavor. Many movements inseparable from the
history of the capital city have been promoted by his
indefatigable earnestness and no measure of impor-
tance to the general welfare has failed of his support.
An honorable lineage indicates the identification of
the Muddox family with Eng'and during past genera-
tions. In the year 1862, George and Isabelle (Bun-
dock) Muddox, who had been born, reared and
married in the city of London, crossed the ocean in
a sailing vessel to the United States and settled in
Illinois, where Harrjr C. was born at Alton, August
26, 1866, the eldest of seven children; the others being
Harriet Alice, Emma May, George L., Ralph H.,
Isabelle E. and Flora M. Here the father learned
the trade of potter and becoming an American citi-
zen soon after his arrival here, he en'isted in the Civil
War, but did not see active service. Determined to
seek a home in the far West, they crossed on one of
the early emigrant trains that required fourteen days
to make the journey, arriving at Sacramento on May
4, 1872. In 1878 George Muddox started a small clay
pottery plant on K and Thirtieth Streets, making
jugs, jars and churns by hand; ten years later he be-
gan the manufacture of sewer pipe, using horse-
power. He passed away in 1899 highly esteemed by
all who knew him, survived by his widow until May
28, 1921; a loyal and devoted citizen of his adopted
country, he w-as a charter member of the British
Benevolent Society of Sacramento and a member of
the Foresters.
Harry C. Muddox attended the public schools of
Sacramento and the Atkinson Business College in
pursuit of an education and then started with his
father in the pottery business. LIpon the death of the
latter he purchased the sewer pipe plant from the
heirs of the estate, becoming sole owner. From the
time of taking over the plant he began to make ex-
tensive improvements. The work of rebuilding neces-
sitated much expense and consumed much time, but
the plant now ranks as one of the largest and most
complete sewer pipe works on the Coast. This re-
markable development may well be attributed to the
sagacious management of Mr. H. C. Muddox, who
having entered the pottery in early life and learned
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
287
the business in all its details, has been able to utilize
his thorough knowledge for the permanent upbuilding
of the business. Their product is sold from Port-
land, Ore., to Los Angeles and to Reno, Nev. ; they
employ no salesmen, their pipe being sold entirely on
its merits. He competes with other plants of the
kind in Portland, Ore., and does a large business in
that city, as he deals in clay products made from pure
potters' clay.
The management of this plant by no means repre-
sents the limit of the business activities of Mr. H. C.
Muddox, for he ranks among the leading financiers of
Sacramento County. He is president and owns a con-
trolling interest in the Citizens Bank of Sacramento,
is a director and large stockholder in the Capital Na-
tional Bank of Sacramento, owns a controlling inter-
est in the Geo. W. Prising Company of San Fran-
cisco, is a director of the Capital Fire Insurance
Company of California, and also of the Sacramento
Hotel Company, and owns the Muddox block at Oak
Park and the Oak Crest Dairy at Sheldon. On his
country place, six miles south of Sacramento, Meadow
View Stock Farm, he breeds fine draft horses, short-
horn cattle and Berkshire hogs, and he is the owner
of som.e of the finest registered stock in California.
At Vacaville, Cal., August 26, 1893, Mr. H. C.
Muddox was married to Miss Jessie E. Long, a native
daughter of that cit}% and they have three children:
Mrs. Ruth F. Doud of San Francisco, Forest C. and
Isabel le Elizabeth. Mr. Muddox is the oldest living
past president of the Sons of St. George, at Sacra-
mento, and is a charter member of the Fraternal
Order of Eagles, and one of its organizers. He is a
member of the Chamber of Commerce. A truly pro-
gressive citizen, he has ever maintained a deep inter-
est in civic affairs that has won for him the confidence
and esteem of the whole community.
MICHAEL MILLER.— To the student of history,
and to all loyal Californians, nothing could be more
interesting or worthy of preservation than the lives
of the late "Mike" Miller and his wife, Charlotte.
An honored pioneer of Sacramento County, Mr.
Miller was well known throughout the Valley. He
was born in Baden, Germany, in 1832, and came to
this country in 1846 at the age of fourteen. In Chi-
cago he learned the trade of saddler, and in 1850
crossed the plains, arriving three daj's before Cali-
fornia was admitted to statehood. His first business
venture was a grocery store, which he conducted for
three years in the town of Coloma. He then came
to Sacramento and worked at his trade of saddler.
In company with Mr. Wise, he bought a lot 60 by 80
feet on Ninth Street, opposite the Plaza. An old
shack stood on the ground, but this was torn down
and a two-story brick block erected, and here the
two partners conducted a liverj' stable, one of the
first in Sacramento. Later Mr. Miller bought out his
partner's interest and ran the business alone for
many years. This propert}', which has since become
valuable, and is retained in the family, cost Mr. Miller
at that time five thousand dollars, an apt illustration
of the rise of property valuation in the state.
The name of this worthy pioneer is found on many
of the early day rosters in Sacramento Valley. He
was a member of the old Volunteer Fire Department,
those sturdy boys who, at the call, dropped every-
thing and, in full regalia, dashed to the rescue of
both life and property, at no small risk, with the
primitive weapons at hand; he was a member of the
old Sacramento Hussars, a volunteer company which
was later taken into the State National Guard. Prom-
inent in the Repub'ican party, he served four years
as supervisor. Fraternally, Mr. Miller was a member
of the I. O. O. F., having joined the Coloma lodge
shortly after coming to California; in church affilia-
tions he was a Catholic. February 1, 1913, marks
the passing of this man, well known for his many
good deeds and active interest in all that pertained
to the upbuilding of our glorious state.
On April 13. 1858, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Miller and Charlotte Walters, who was born in Ger-
many. She was brought to the United States at three
years of age. and was reared in Zanesville, Ohio.
With her sister, she came to California in 1855, via
Panama, and lived in Hangtown, now Placerville,
and there the marriage took place. Mrs. Miller wit-
nessed many events in the early days in Sacramento,
among them the laying of the foundation of the State
Capitol Building, and of the Catholic Cathedral. She
was a personal friend of General John H. Sutter and
his wife, and dined at their home. John Marshall,
the first discoverer of gold, was also among her
friends; in fact, her personal reminiscences include
so many famous events and people that to chronicle
them would be to write a chapter of early days in
Sacramento. For many years a member of the Epis-
copal Church, Mrs. Miller has lent her aid to many
good works in her home commiuiity, always taking
an active interest in the advancement of this valley
where she has spent the greater part of her life; the
property originally purchased by her husband is still
in her possession, together with other real estate
holdings, and for the past forty-five years Mrs. Miller
has resided in the same house, the old home endeared
to her by many memories.
After Mr. Miller's death his sons carried on the
business, later turning it into a garage. Charles F.,
the oldest son, died August 31, 1922. and Henry K.,
the only surviving child, now carries on the garage,
and aids his mother in looking after her business
interests. He married Jeanette Sul'ivan and they had
two daughters: Caroline, the late Mrs. Laurine, who
had a child, Jenny Marie; and Annie Pugh.
HENR'V S. PORTER.— An honest, worthy and
venerable pioneer of Sacramento Coimty is found in
the person of Henry S. Porter, whose residence in
the county dates from 1859, where he followed farm-
ing until a few years before his death on March 31,
1916. at the advanced age of eighty-five years. He
was born in County Cavan, Ireland, on October 15.
1831, of Scottish ancestry. At the age of seventeen
he left his native land for the New World, and after
arriving in New York engaged in business there for
nine years.
The marriage of Mr, Porter occurred on October
14. 1857, uniting him with Miss Amelia Brown, also
a native of County Cavan, Ireland. Mrs. Porter re-
mained in Ireland until she reached young woman-
hood, when she accompanied her sister to .America
and for nine years resided in New York, where she
practiced her profession as a nurse. She was still
engaged in her chosen vocation when she was married
to Mr. Porter. Soon after their marriage they started
to California via Panama, and on November 18. 1857,
arrived in San Francisco. They remained but a short
time in the Bay City, soon setting out to seek a suit-
288
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
able place for their permanent home. They located
on a farm near Folsom. and there they lived for al-
most half a century. Eight children were born to
this worthy pioneer couple; and of these, three are
living: HenrAr G., residing in San Francisco; Mary
J., the wife of E. C. Bedell, a well-known orchardist
of Placer County, Cal.; and Robert, residing in
Roseville; Cal. Five are deceased: William, Arthur,
Ann F., Charles and Joseph. There are five grand-
children and one great-grandchild. For a number of
years Mr. Porter served as a trustee of the Sylvan
school district. He was independent in his political
affiliations. Both he and his wife were formerly mem-
bers of the Roseville Grange, and he also was a mem-
ber of the Roseville Lodge, No. 203, I. O. O. F., in
which he had filled many of the important offices.
Mrs. Porter passed away on May 23, 1918, in San
Francisco, being more than eighty-nine years old.
Mr. Porter was identified with all public enterprises
to the limit of his time and strength, and was ever
ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
HON. FRANK D. RYAN.— The son of a pioneer
and himself a native of Sacramento, identified with the
early history of the state and county, where he was
prominent during all the years of his active life,
the late Hon. Frank D. Ryan was born May 11, 1859,
a son of John C, and Maria (Lyons) Ryan, both par-
ents natives of Ireland and now deceased, their life
history being in another part of this volume. After
going through the public schools of Sacramento, he
taught school in the country districts for a time, and
then graduated from St. Mary's College in 1878.
On his graduation, Mr. Ryan studied law in Sacra-
mento and was admitted to the bar in 1880. In 1882,
at the age of twenty-three, he became a member of
the state assembly, the youngest member of that
body; he served as chief clerk of the House from 1885
to 1887. A fine orator, it was a foregone conclusion
that he would make a success of the law, and in 1891
he was elected district attorney of Sacramento County,
serving two terms, until 1899; in the meantime hold-
ing other important public offices, such as trustee of
the state library from 1898 until 1902; trustee of the
state normal school at Chico from 1898 to 1901; and
from 1901 to 1903 he was trustee of Fort Sutter. He
served as commissioner of public works of Sacramento
from 1899 until 1907, when that office was abolished.
His private practice he carried on as a member of the
law firm of Ryan & Devine.
The almost phenomenal career of this really bril-
liant attorney is unique in manj' respects; he had no
influential connections to use as stepping stones;
what he did have was an outstanding character and
personality, making him a natural leader, and added
to these a sincere desire to help his fellowmen, to ad-
vance his city, county, and state, and that his efforts
brought him public prominence made his obligations
even greater and more arduous, and he fulfilled them
in every respect. From 1880 to 1894 he was a mem-
ber of the National Guard, an inspector on the staff of
Brigadier-General Sheehan. He was one of the
founders of the N. S. G.W., and past president of
Sacramento parlor No. 3, past president of the Grand
Lodge of the state, also. He was past exalted ruler
of the Sacramento lodge of Elks; a member of the
Eagles, and of the Y. M, I., in which he took an
active interest.
The marriage of Hon. Frank D. Ryan, on Novem-
ber 25, 1883, united him with Ella Boutwell, also a
native of Sacramento County, and four children
blessed their union: Frank D., Jr., Estella, Ruth, and
Irene.
PETER J. SHIELDS.— The lineage of the Shields
familj- indicates a long line of Celtic ancestors and
it was not until 1843 that Patrick Shields transplanted
this branch from the Emerald Isle to the shores of
the Atlantic. At the time of emigration he was a
man of middle age, frugal, purposeful and industrious,
but handicapped by lack of means. Accompanied
b\' his wife, Mary, and their sons, he crossed the
ocean to the new world and proceeded to the then
undeve'oped regions of the Mississippi Valley, where
he took up a tract of government land and entered
upon general farming. With the aid of his boys he
transformed a raw tract into a productive farm and
ultimately acquired the title to 210 acres of fertile
land, which he had stocked with a large herd of
cattle as well as other stock. His death occurred in
November of 1856, when he was sixty-five j'ears of
age. Surviving him were three sons, of whom Fred-
erick and Dennis sought homes in the undeveloped
lands of Minnesota. The third son, John, was born
in Ireland April 26, 1835, but was brought to Amer-
ica as a child in his mother's arms. In his early
manhood, with a party of adventurous young men, he
went to Minnesota, but the gold excitement called
him to California. He left his Illinois home May 4,
1856, landing in San Francisco on June 14, after an
uneventful trip via Panama. For three months
after his arrival he operated a threshing machine for
the owner, after which for eight or ten months he
worked at three dollars per day in the mines at
Farmers' Diggings and elsewhere along the American
River. The first association of John Shields with
western agriculture occurred in 1857, when he bought
a squatter's right to 324 acres, covered with brush
and timber, and containing a black and sandy loam
which proved very productive. The ranch was in
Brighton Township, Sacramento County, thirteen
miles from the city of Sacramento, and bounded on
the north by the American River. The original
Hangtown crossing was near his ranch, but later that
name was discarded for the present title of Mills.
All of the improvements on the place were made by
Mr. Shields, who about 1879 increased his holdings
by the purchase of 100 acres near the original farm.
Twenty acres were planted in a vineyard, and the
crops were so large that it is said about twenty-four
tons of grapes were harvested from three acres in
one season. One hundred acres were planted to an
orchard of peaches, pears, plums and French prunes.
November 18, 1859, he married Mrs. Elizabeth (Bow)
Lynch, who was born in Ireland, crossed the ocean
to Massachusetts in earh- life and in 1855 became a
resident of California. They had a family of five
daughters and two sons, namelj': Mary, who became
Mrs. Charles Deterding; Lizzie A., Mrs. M. C. Pike;
Alice; Hannah, who made a specialty of instrumental
and vocal music and rose to a high rank in the pro-
fession; Emib'; Peter J., the subject of this sketch;
and Robert E. The mother, who possessed unusual
ability, made a specialty of the fruit industry and
attained a reputation as one of the most thorough
and prominent orchardists in the entire state. As
an authority on horticulture her advice was sought
HISTORY OF SACRA.AIENTO COUNTY
289
by people from all parts of the \\'c5t. When she
died in 1905 the State Fruit Growers' Association
passed suitable resolutions of regret and condolence
and alluded to her as "the fruit queen of California,"
a title w'lich her wise and long-continued labors fully
justified.
At the old homestead situated on the American
River, Peter J. Shields was born on April 4, 1862. The
neighboring schools afforded him fair advantages.
Later he was graduated from the Christian Brothers
College in Sacramento. At the age of eighteen j-ears
he took up the study of the law in the office of A. P.
Catlin. Three years later he was admitted to prac-
tice at the bar of the state. With professional ambi-
tions and j'outhful hopes he took up the practice of
law. only to find himself forced to abandon practice
at the age of twenty-four and to give attention to the
restoration of his health, which had been seriously
injured b^- over-stud}-. As the best means of phj-si-
cal recuperation he sought outdoor employment and
turned his attention to a careful study of livestock,
with such success that he since has been selected to
act as judge in many of the most important stock
shows in the entire country. It is said that his judg-
ment of an animal is seldom at fault. At a glance he
detects their favorable points as well as the appar-
ently invisible weaknesses which prove a blemish to
their record.
During the period of open-air activities as a means
of health restoration, the young man had not wholly
relinquished all identification with city affairs, but
still held the office of trustee of the California state
library, to which at the age of twenty-three years he
had been appointed by Governor Bartlett and in
which his service was so satisfactory that he was
again appointed in 1897. When he returned to Sac-
ramento in 1893 he became a deputy to the state
librarian, filling the position for nine months. Dur-
ing the next two years he served as secretarj- of the
California code commission, while later for a similar
period he held the private secretaryship to the gov-
ernor, during the same period likewise serving as
secretary of the State Agricultural Society. Resum-
ing the practice of law in 1899 as an associate ot
the Hon. Hiram W. Johnson, since governor and
United States senator from California, he continued
in private practice until in November, 1900, when he
was elected judge of the superior court of Sacramento
County by the largest majority ever given a judge
of that county. Whi'e a Democrat in politics, he
received a majority of 1.800, the largest ever given
up to that time. The first election was for an unex-
pired term, after which he was reelected by a very
heavy vote, and then in 1908 he was chosen judge by
the largest vote given any candidate on either side.
Judge Shields has continued to be reelected and at
the present time is judge of the superior court, a
position he has held since 1900. In the office of jurist
Judge Shields proved impartial and tactful, the pos-
sessor of a profound knowledge of jurisprudence and
the exemplifier in his own forceful character of the
ethics of the judicial office. Only an admirable per-
sonality could attain to his popularity and prestige.
Democracy, civil duty and good government are
among the causes that have enlisted his attention.
Sincerity of purpose has directed his conduct in every
relation of life and has governed his official admin-
istration of the affairs of his court. Every move-
ment for the upbuilding of the Sacramento Valley
has enlisted his sympathy and he has been particu-
larly helpful in promoting reclamation work. Edu-
cational activities have benefited by his wise partici-
pation; and probabl}' the most important act of his
life was his furtherance of the university farm and
school of agriculture, located at Davis. From the
first he favored the plan for such an institution and
realized that it could be made most valuable to the
material development of the state. Not only did he
aid the cause bj' forcible speeches on the subject,
but in addition he drew the bill creating such a
school, and through his efforts it was passed by the
legislature. In its present usefulness and future value
to state advancement it is now and will continue to
be for years to come a monument to the sagacious
efforts of himself and other high-minded, patriotic
citizens broad in vision and prompt in action.
BERNARD J. McSHANE.— Prominent among
the capable superintendents of the well-organized
system of California police may well be placed Ber-
nard J. McShane, the efficient and popular chief of
the Sacramento police department. A native of Ire-
land, he was born on November 22, 1885. His father
was Edward McShane, who is now deceased, having
rounded out a useful and honored life; his mother
was Annie Murphy, before her marriage, and she is
still living, in comfortable retirement, in the Irish
Free State.
Bernard McShane attended the schools of his na-
tive district up to the time of his migration, at the
age of fifteen, to the United States; and once here,
he tarried for four years in New York City, where
he both worked and studied. In 1905, however, he
moved on to the Pacific Coast, reaching San Fran-
cisco, where he entered the service of the Southern
Pacific Railroad as a handler of freight. He next
became a clerk, and then he was employed to do
special work in the department of railway police. He
was assigned to the San Francisco, Los Angeles and
Portland divisions for three }-ears, and when he first
came to Sacramento, in 1916, he was given charge of
this division. Abreast of the times, and determined
to give the people of Sacramento the best there is.
in the way of police protection, he is lined up with
the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
He was one of fifteen delegates from the state of
California to attend the recent meeting of the asso-
ciation, which took place at Buffalo, N. Y., June 11
to 15, 1923. He was present at every session, and
brought back with him to Sacramento such valuable
information as appealed to his inquiring and acciuir-
ing mind.
On July 1, 1920, Mr. McShane was appointed chief
of the Sacramento police. He is a Republican in the
matter of his party-platform preferences, but is really
the choice of the entire -people; and ever since he has
had the reins of the department in hand, he has done
his best by the community as a whole, without fear
or favor. He has been ably supported by one of the
best police forces in the state, so that staff and chief
share the honors of an effective police administration
that has made Sacramento one of the safest, most
enjoyable and most desirable places for residence in
all the state.
In Sacramento. Cal., July 29, 1916. Mr. McShane
was married to Miss Jessie T. Fourmy, an attractive
and gifted lady of Louisiana, and they have one child,
a daughter named \'iolet Teresa. Mr. McShane be-
290
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
longs to the Elks of Sacramento, and he is also a
member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions
Club of the same city. He is fond of hunting and
other outdoor sports, and is interested both in the
historic past of Sacramento County and in the promis-
ing future of this favored region of the state.
CHARLES P. NATHAN.— One of the leading
merchants of Sacramento, where he has been prom-
inent in business circles since early days in the city's
history, Charles P. Nathan arrived in this country
from Germany, his native land, while yet a young
man, inexperienced, but with a good common school
education, and having as one of his characteristics
that which every boy of his race inherits, an- inclina-
tion for work. After his arrival in the New World
he was variously employed in the Eastern and South-
ern states for about three 3'ears; and then, in the
year 1869, he came to California. The three dollars
he had in his pocket when he landed on American
soil had grown a little, so that he was able to start a
store, 20 by 80 feet, in Sacramento on J Street, be-
tween Sixth and Seventh Streets; and from this small
beginning grew an enterprise that occupied three
complete floors as a modern department store, one of
the largest in northern California, the building being
located on J and Sixth Streets. Started in 1869, his
holdings have increased by purchase of adjoining
properties until he now owns a frontage 100 by 160
feet; but after enjoying the patronage of the citizens
of Sacramento and environs in that location for fifty-
one years, the beautiful store was destroj'ed by fire
on Friday, November 13, 1920. The firm of Chas. P.
Nathan & Sons have since been carrying on their
business on three floors of a six-story building at
Eighth and L Streets. They also own and operate
the Bon Marche, the leading ladies' garment shop in
Sacramento.
On October 26, 1873, Mr. Nathan was married to
Miss Anna Joseph, the daughter of the pioneer,
Michael Joseph, of Sacramento. Four children
blessed this union: Birdie, the wife of Dr. Arthur
Lachman and the mother of two daughters; Lillian,
who married Morris Ballin and has three sons;
Mitchel W., the father of a daughter, and who is the
general manager of the Chas. P. Nathan & Sons
store, and is also prominent in civic affairs in Sacra-
mento; and Emile, also interested in the Chas. P.
Nathan & Sous establishments, and the father of one
daughter. The wife and mother, after a long and
useful life, which was a joy to her friends and her
family, passed away in 1912. The second marriage
of Mr. Nathan took place in November, 1920, and
united him with Miss Mizpah Jackson, who was
engaged in kindergarten work in Sacramento for ten
years, and who also has been a soprano singer of
note. This marriage has resulted in the birth of two
sons, Charles P., Jr., and Robert Jackson. Mr.
Nathan is a member of the Del Paso Country Club,
and of the Chamber of Commerce. He belongs to
the Odd Fellows, and is the proud possessor of a
diamond medal commemorative of a fifty-year mem-
bership in that order.
Besides his mercantile interests, Mr. Nathan has
become the owner of valuable ranch properties in
Sacramento and Yolo Comities, which he has devel-
oped since 1893, and these are now paying him hand-
some returns for the time and money expended upon
them during the intervening years. He has always
favored such projects as he thought would benefit
Sacramento and its citizenry; and he is also a liberal
supporter of worthy charities in Sacramento and in
San Francisco, where he lived for seventeen years,
maintaining an office and acting as buyer for his
stores. After the great fire of 1906, he removed to
New York City and later to Paris, where he main-
tained offices and bought and imported goods for his
Sacramento stores. In 1911 he returned to Sacra-
mento, and here his first wife passed away in 1912.
Since his return he has taken an active part in build-
ing up the large business that has made the firm of
Chas. P. Nathan & Sons known throughout the Sac-
ramento Valley. He is now the oldest, and indeed
the only living active business man of the old regime
in Sacramento business circles, and his untiring energy
is given to developing his business at Eighth and L
Streets, while his sons give the better part of their
attention to the Bon Marche. He gives especial atten-
tion to the comfort and working conditions of his
employees, and does ever^'thing in his power to main-
tain a high morale among them; in this way he is
reaping results through their loyalty to his interests.
He believes in progress, and has traveled extensively.
He took his wife and two children for a trip to
Europe in 1886; and again in 1893, with four children,
he and Mrs. Nathan made an extended trip of eight
months through European countries, as an educa-
tional opportunit3' for his sons. In 1904, also, and
again in 1909, he and his wife made trips to Europe
on pleasure and business. In 1921 he purchased a
home at 1081 Thirty-eighth Street. This home is one
of the show places in East Sacramento. It is located
on a lot 120 by 160 feet, between J and K Streets,
and here in peace and contentment he is living with
his family and enjoying the fruits of his life work.
HUGH BEATTIE, M. D. — Prominent among the
physicians and surgeons of eminent ability in Sacra-
mento County, who have done so much to make life
worth the living here, and have thus helped to attract
and to hold the would-be settler and resident, is un-
doubtedly Dr. Hugh Beattie, who hails from the
great Dominion of Canada, noted for its large per-
centage of finely-equipped professional men in almost
all fields of scientific activity. He was born in On-
tario, on February 7, 1866, the son of William and
Isabella (Wa'ker) Beattie, and obtained his early
training in the public schools and the Collegiate
Institute.
Having decided to take up medicine as a mature
study, he attended the University Medical School of
Toronto, where he enjoyed the finest of modern
courses; and then he came into the United States
and, in 1893, entered the Cooper Medical School of
San Francisco, and in 1896 received from that emi-
nent institution the coveted M. D. degree. After that,
he was with Dr. G. A. White, in Sacramento, at the
County Hospital, where he materially enlarged his
experience, and got better acquainted with other Cali-
fornia medical men, and with Californian ways.
In 1897, Dr. Beattie came to Elk Grove, which
then had only about eighty voters and by growing
up with the progressive town, he has been fairly suc-
cessful. From the beginning, he has believed in Elk
Grove, and Elk Grove has always pinned its faith
to Dr. Beattie; and he was one of the organizers of
the Elk Grove Bank, and has been a director since
^^::^^:,6r^^^^^^fe^^^^.^^,.^--'
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
293
it was established. He belongs to the American
Medical Association, and to the Sacramento County
Medical Society', in both of which he seeks to be
something more than a mere member.
In 1902, Dr. Beattie married Miss Ada Gage, a
native daughter of Sacramento County, and they
have had twin daughters, Marion and Margaret, the
latter of whom died at the age of thirteen, mourned
by many. Dr. Beattie belongs to the Foresters, the
Odd Fellows, the Rebekahs, and the Royal Arch
Masons, and he is fond of both hunting and fishing.
He has developed an eighty-acre fruit ranch about a
mile northwest of Elk Grove.
HON. PHILIP CHARLES COHN.— A pioneer
whose private life has been most influential for good
in the communitj^ in which he has lived and labored,
and whose public record for usefulness to his day
and generation has been most exceptional, is the
Hon. Philip Charles Cohn, a native of the metrop-
olis, New York, where he was born on July 6, 1854,
the son of a worthy, industrious couple, Charles and
Dora (Cosminski) Cohn. When a mere infant, he
was taken to Mobile, Ala., by his parents, who
already had relatives there, the change to the south-
ward being deemed expedient on account of the
declining health of Mrs. Cohn; but despite all that
Nature and science could do, the good woman, who
had become the center of a circle of admiring and
devoted friends, not only did not get better, but
she contracted the yellow fever, the scourge of that
region, before the days of municipal sanitation, and
passed to the life bej^ond in 1858. The blow was
severe to the father; and leaving the little child with
his folks, he took his daughter Fannie and returned
to New York City, intending to return South for
our subject when it might be possible.
The call of California, however, soon appealed to
him, and leaving his daughter in Springfield, Mass.,
with other relations, he set out in 1860 for the
Western land of promise, and having crossed the
Isthmus of Panama, at length arrived at San Fran-
cisco. Soon after setting foot on terra firma again,
he made ofif for Shasta County, and when the excite-
ment about Fraser River began to stir the world
anew, he tried his luck in the Caribou mines. Hav-
ing prospered somewhat there, he turned to mer-
chandising in Victoria, B. C, for a short time, but
not finding conditions entirely to his liking, or pre-
senting enough assurance for the future, he returned
to California and at Sacramento, in 1863, opened
another store. His daughter Fannie, whom he had
left behind in the Bay State, also came out to Cali-
fornia, joining him in 1872, and in time she married
Max Marcuse of Sacramento, with whom she lived
happily until her untimely lamented demise in 1883,
while at San Francisco. Charles Cohn, the revered
father, lived to see the year 1898, tenderly cared for
by his son, and in the same city in which his daugh-
ter had breathed her last, he died, aged nearly sev-
enty-five years.
Philip Charles Cohn had to struggle from boyhood,
for owing to the disturbed conditions of the Civil
War, he enjoyed only meager educational advan-
tages. In 1869, he commenced an apprenticeship to
the mercantile business at West Point, Miss.; and
being an eye-witness of the evils of the carpet-bag
government of that period in the South, he lost a
deal of faith in mankind and more than ever espoused
the princip'cs of Democracy. With only two years
of schooling, he nevertheless mastered the common
school branches, and made himself fitted for almost
any ordinary business, and being cjuick to compre-
hend, and sure in holding fast in memory what he
once acquired, he lined up with the best, in the most
exacting competition. This progress was the more
difficult, in the beginning, because of the Civil War,
vv'hich led to h's father's disappearing from view for
years; but 1873 became a red-letter year in his life
when he learned, through an old friend, a Mrs. Kai-
ser, once a resident of Mobile, but w'ho had removed
to California, that his father and sister w-ere alive
and well at Sacrament.o, and w-ould be delighted
to hear from him. He was encouraged to come on
to the Coast; and in May, 1874, he arrived in Sacra-
mento, with just $1.15 as his capital. His energy
and optimism, however, enabled him to secure em-
ployment w'ith the Sacramento branch of Ackerman,
Block & Company, of San Francisco, with whom he
remained for six years. He worked hard, and ex-
tended his acquaintance in both business and social
circles, laying the foundation for lasting friendships
and favorable connections, serviceable in after years.
Going to San Francisco, he was for a while a travel-
ing salesman for a wholesale crockery concern. In
1884 he came to Folsom, and bought an interest in
the business of Simon Cohn, his father-in-law, who
was the means, the preceding year, of his meeting
his future wife. At Simon Cohn's death, in 1895,
our subject bought out the interest of the widow,
and immediately entered upon a mercantile career
whose success has been marked.
On October 29, 1885, he took for his wife Miss
Alice Martha Cohn, who was born at Folsom, and
educated at Perry's Seminary, in Sacramento. Seven
children were born to them. Dora F. married Julius
Jacobs, who passed away in 1918, since which time
the business in which he and Mr. Cohn were inter-
ested has been sold; and they had two children.
Alice and Dorothy. The second-born was William
M. of San Francisco; then came Mabel J., Selma,
Charles P., Simon A., and Henrietta.
Having prospered greatly through his mercantile
and other interests, Mr. Cohn increased his invest-
ments in property, until he came to have varied and
important holdings. At one time, he purchased sixty
acres of land in the Orangevale district, where he
proceeded to cultivate oranges, olives, grapes and
prunes. He also owned a farm of 240 acres in El-
dorado County, and seven acres on the shore of Lake
Tahoe, which were destined to be improved with a
modern hotel. He had besides important San Fran-
cisco real estate, a whole business block in Sacra-
mento, and residence and business property at Fol-
som, and still other holdings in various localities.
He was a leading director in the Consumers' Ice and
Cold Storage Company, and was one of the organ-
izers of the Capital Fire Insurance Company of Sac-
ramento, of which he was also treasurer. He was a
member of the board of directors of the old Farmers
and Mechanics Bank of Sacramento, and was also
one of the directors of the Orangevale Water Com-
pany. Today Mr. Cohn is interested particularly in
citrus development in the county.
Public-spirited to an exemplary degree. Mr. Colin
was a life member of the Good Roads .\ssociation,
and a member of the commission that buiU the road
from Folsom to Sacramento. He was appointed by
294
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
the board of supervisors as one of the five commis-
sioners to attend the Panama-Pacific Exposition of
1915 and there represent Sacramento Count}\ and he
was treasurer of the commission. As has been im-
plied, he early gave his hearty support to the Demo-
cratic party. He was a member of the Democratic
state central committee for about ten years, and of
the Democratic county central committee for a still
longer period. In 1904 he was present at the na-
tional Democratic convention in St. Louis, as a del-
egate from the third congressional district in Cali-
fornia, and assisted in the nomination of Alton B.
Parker. Coming home again to California, he was
nominated by acclamation as state senator. He was
defeated by the large Republican majority of that
year, although he himself ran 1,600 votes ahead of
the ticket. In 1912 he was nominated at the primary
election for state senator on the Democratic ticket,
and received a vote of five times as many as that
given to others, and he was again successful in his
campaign for state senator in April, 1914. He served
the term following, and was reelected by a handsome
majority in 1916. His record was clear-cut, and
since his retirement from public life he has made his
home at Folsom. away from the prosy humdrum of
every-day life.
Mr. Cohn has been a verj' welcome member of
various fraternities, including the B. P. O. Elks, the
B'nai B'rith, the Natoma Lodge, No. 64, of Ma-
sonry, in which he is past master, and the Scottish
Rite, and he attained to the thirty-second degree of
Masonry. He is also a member of Islam Temple, N.
M.S. of San Francisco; and he was charter patron
of the Natoma chapter. No. 233, O. E. S., in which
Mrs. Cohn was also a member. Mrs. Cohn was the
first president of Fern Parlor, Native Daughters of
the Golden West.
FRANK J. RUHSTALLER.— A widely-experi-
enced, progressive and influential man of aiifairs in
the Sacramento business world, is Frank J. Ruhstal-
ler, the president of the Buffalo Brewing Company.
He was born at Sacramento on November 5, 1872,
the son of Frank and Charlotte (Oeste) Ruhstaller,
the former a native of Switzerland, born in 1847,
while the latter was a daughter of Germany. Both
came to California in 1864, by way of the Isthmus,
and six years later, on December 25, 1870, they were
married in the Golden State. Mr. Ruhstaller died Oc-
tober 28, 1907, mourned by all who knew and es-
teemed him as an efficient, honest man; and Mrs.
Ruhstaller passed away on September 13, in the fol-
lowing year, leaving behind her the memory of a
good woman who cared for the happiness of others.
Both had come to America and adopted this land as
their own, and both had striven, in their modest way,
to improve it as they could; and in doing so, in ac-
cordance with the highest patriotism, the}' brought
with them the best traits for which the people in
their respective countries had always been celebrated.
Frank J. Ruhstaller attended the public schools and
also went to a business college; but he profited as
much by the lessons he learned in the hard school
of actual experience. His father had been in the
brewery trade since 1881, and when old enough to
be of service to him, he joined his father, and be-
came manager of the Sacramento Brewing Company.
When both Colonel Seymour and Mr. Heilbron died.
Frank J. Ruhstaller became president in the fall of
1913; and he has been associated with the brewery
ever since. He now devotes his attention to the
making of a "near-beer," and also ice, and to the
manufacturing of certain malt extracts. He belongs
to the Chamber of Commerce, and always lends a
helping hand in favor of trade extension.
At Sacramento, on November 22, 1899, Mr. Ruh-
staller was married to Miss Alice Marie Root, of
Sacramento, and both husband and wife enjoy the
fraternal circles of the York Rite Masons and the
Knights Templar and' Shriners, the Elks, the Eagles,
the Sacramento Turnverein, the Helvetia Verein and
Del Paso Country Club. Mr. Ruhstaller also belongs
to the Native Sons of the Golden West, Sacra-
mento Parlor No. 3, and as a public-spirited man
was active in all liberty loan drives and other World
War work. He is fond of hunting and field sports,
and has owned fine harness-horses and dogs.
WILLIAM TURTON.— A prominent Forty-niner
and California pioneer, William Turton was born in
Manchester, England, in 1827. When a young man
he came to the United States and for a time located
in Milwaukee, Wis.; but tales of the gold strike in
California reached him, and in 1849 he made the long,
hazardous journej' across the plains to seek his for-
tune in the West. In October of that year he arrived
at Bidwell's Bar, on the Feather River, and immedi-
ately sought the mines; like so many other Argo-
nauts of early days, he did not meet with success
in this direct hunt for gold, but found the true metal
in following other pursuits. In the early fifties Mr.
Turton located in Sacramento; and his wife joined
him in 1853, coming via the Isthmus of Panama.
In partnership with William F. Knox, under the
firm name of Turton & Knox, Mr. Turton engaged
in business as a general contractor; and for many
years this partnership continued, with never a dissen-
sion to mar their friendship or complicate their busi-
ness dealings. They engaged in railroad-building,
and were kept busy in northern California for many
)-ears in this one line. They built the road from Sac-
ramento to Niles Station for the Southern Pacific
Railroad; the road from Watsonville to Soledad, also
for the Southern Pacific; the road from Gait to lone,
and from Colfax to Nevada City; and also the road
to Clipper Gap, besides other lines in the state, thus
taking a very real part in the upbuilding and progress
of California, and becoming identified with the growth
and development of transportation facilities in the
state.
The marriage of Mr. Turton took place in Wiscon-
sin, in 1846, and united him with Ellen Kaye, of
Milwaukee, Wis. She was a beautiful woman, of
fine character and principle, and their life together
was an ideally happy one. Ten children blessed their
union, five of whom grew to maturity-: H. S. Turton,
now deceased; Mary, Mrs, A. G. Johnson, deceased;
and Mrs. Florence Clunie, Nellie, and Kate Turton,
all of Sacramento. Mr. Turton was a Mason, and a
member and president of the Sacramento Pioneer
Societ}'. He stood for the best principles of life —
truth, honesty, good-will and right — and was revered
by all who knew him as a man of high ideals. His
death occurred on May 29, 1909, at the ripe age of
eighty-two. His wife preceded him into the Great
Beyond, passing away in July, 1906. at the age of
seventy-seven years. She was a devout Methodist,
the daughter of Rev. Kaye, a native of England who
settled in Wisconsin, where he was a pioneer preacher
and missionary.
HistDricREcordCD En^dfiy CampfiBllBros
^^^UMZ(rzA^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
297
HON. CHARLES B. BILLS.— A representative
citizen of the Golden State who has made his own
way in the world and has won to a high position in
business and financial circles is Charles B. Bills, vice-
president of the United Bank and Trust Company,
Sacramento Branch. He was born on a New York
State farm on !May 5, 1863, into the home circle of
D. F. and Marietta Bills, long residents of the Empire
State in the vicinity of Ithaca. He was sent to the
public schools in the vicinity of his home but was not
permitted to enjoy other than a grammar school edu-
cation, which he completed when about fourteen;
then he began working on the farms in the vicinity of
his home, continuing until he had reached his major-
it}'. His practical experience gave him confidence to
carry on an independent farming business and he
rented his father's farm and prospered during the
following years. Upon the death of his father, in
1891, and the settlement of the estate, Mr. Bills closed
out his interests there and located in Chicago, where
he found employment in a fruit commission house
conducted by PorteT Brothers Companj-, and he there
learned the fruit business from the ground up, becom-
ing a traveling salesman for the company.
In the fall of 1894 he was sent to California to rep-
resent Porter Brothers Company as manager of their
San Jose branch house, continuing there until 1901,
when he was transferred to San Francisco and given
charge of their Coast branches. He continued with
that concern until they failed in 1905, which ended
his connection with their interests. He came to Sac-
ramento that same year and entered enthusiastically
into the work of helping to organize the Pioneer Fruit
Company and he became its president, continuing in
that responsible position and gradually broadening his
sphere of operations for many j-ears. The business
grew from a very small beginning, when onty 700
cars of fruit were shipped, until that concern bought,
packed and shipped a great majority of the fruit
marketed out of Sacramento and northern California,
shipments being made to the general markets of the
world. The successful conduct of this fast growing
enterprise received the entire time and attention of
Mr. Bills, who possesses the attributes to make, such a
responsible post bring results to the stockholders.
At Chicago, Mr. Bills made the acquaintance of
Miss Ella C. Carman, and this resulted in their mar-
riage on March 19, 1895, after which they established
their home in San Jose, later in San Francisco, and
still later in Sacramento, where they now reside at
1320 Thirty-ninth Street. Their marriage has been
blessed b}' the birth of two children, Florence and
Robert S., both of whom received the best of educa-
tional advantages offered by the schools of this state.
The family are members of the Episcopal Church, in
which Mr. Bills has held the office of trustee of the
Northern Diocese. He belongs to the Elks and to the
Rotary Club, in which he has been honored by the
highest office given the Pacific Coast district, that of
district governor.
Mr. Bills has always manifested a keen interest in
politics and gives his allegiance to the Republican
party, under whose banners he served the state as
senator from the 11th senatorial district in the legis-
lative sessions of 1909-10, and the special session of
1911. He served as chairman of the committee on
agriculture, horticulture and trees and vines; and was
a member of the finance, public buildings, good roads,
hospitals and asylums committees.. His services were
la
sc much appreciated that he was called upon to seek
re-nomination from nearly every class of men from
all parties, but he refused to become a candidate on
account of his personal business demands upon his
time. In the realms of finance he is well known by
the banking fraternity and upon the organization of
the United Bank and Trust Company he became a
stockholder and was made vice-president of the Sacra-
mento branch of that formidable institution, which
ranks among the largest in California. From the
humble lot of a farm-reared youth to a position at the
head of important institutions, Charles B. Bills
has risen as a result of his indomitable energy,
sagacious management and business integrity. In
the intervening years he has ever been ready to lend
his aid to all projects that have had for their aim the
betterment of conditions for the city, county, state and
people, and his name is to be found enrolled among
those who have builded for all time.
MRS. ALICE M. VALENSIN.— Among the prom-
inent California women who have made a name for
themselves and have added to the honors and laurels
already won by their distinguished families, may well
be included Mrs. Alice M. Valensin, a native of
Independence, Mo., and the daughter of John F.
McCaulej^ and his good wife, who in maidenhood was
Miss Caroline Wilson. Mrs. Valensin's maternal
grandmother was a Davis, of the famous Davis fam-
ily to which Jefferson Davis belonged, while her
grandfather, also on her mother's side, was Thomas
Wilson, a member of one of -the first families to sett'e
in Virginia.' He was a native of Tennessee, and was
sent to England for his higher education. Later he
settled at Independence, Mo., and was killed in the
Mormon War. His daughter, Caroline Wilson, also
a native of Tennessee, grew up on her father's planta-
tion, where he was a slave-owner, and she enjoyed
the best of educational advantages of her day. Mrs.
Valensin's father and paternal grandfather were both
born in Abingdon, Va. They were also planters
and were of good old Dominion stock.
John F. McCau'ey was a veteran of the Mexican
War. Before that conflict his father had given him
$10,000 and a body-servant, and he traveled through-
out the Middle West, and at length came to Independ-
ence, Mo., where he married iliss Wilson. He came
from an old Scotch family whose genealogy reaches
back into the highlands of Scotland, some members
of which migrated to the United States and settled
in Virginia; and he had three brothers who lost their
lives in the Civil War, fighting on the Confederate
side for "The Lost Cause." As a result of his activity
in organizing a company for the Mexican War, John
F. McCauley was often called "Co'oncl," and although
this was a purely honorary title, it befitted him splen-
didly, as he was a Southern gentleman of the old
school. At the same time he was a man of rare
executive ability and no small amount of initiative.
This was well brought out in 1852, when with
several of his Mexican War comrades, he started
across the great plains for California, accompanied
by his w-ife and infant daughter, the subject of this
review, traveling by way of the Salt Lake route, and
stopping in San Joaquin County, Cal. William Hicks,
Mrs. Valensin's step-grandfather, met this train,
which included several hundred head of stock, and a
number of slaves, at Salt Lake City. Mr. Hicks had
come to California in 1847. and had actjuircd a large
298
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
estate in Sacramento County. He had a small settle-
ment ca'led Hicksville, all upon his own land; and he
owned lands in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Sonoma
Counties. He was a close associate of General Sutter,
and kept watch many a night at Sutter's Fort, when
trouble with the natives was expected, or actually
had broken out. John F. McCauley later acquired
a great deal of the Hicks estate, known at that time
as one of the five largest properties in California.
Mr. McCau'ey's experience in the Mexican War
proved of value to him when he started on his trip
across the continent. He was prepared to deal saga-
ciously and justly with the Indians. He had with
him an abundance of gifts with which to win their
friendship and could also make himself easily under-
stood; and whenever the train was confronted with
hostile savages, he settled peaceably with them, and
the train passed on safely without anyone being
killed.
John F. McCauley brought a large sum of money
with him to California, and upon sett'ing here he
loaned it to the State of California. Later, there was
an attempt to repudiate the debt, and an interesting
historical account shows Mr. McCauley's resourceful-
ness and strategy. To grant the payment of the
loan made by Mr. McCauley, the state legislature had
to pass a bill allowing a disbursement to that amount,
but it was generally known that the governor would
veto any such biU. At the time when this measure
was up in the legislature, one of Mr. McCauley's
Mexican War veterans was conducting San Quentin
prison on a lease basis. Mr. McCauley secured this
lease from his old comrade; and when the governor
visited the prison on one of his regular inspection
trips, he was induced to sign the bill for the payment
of the loan.
John F. McCauley settled in San Francisco, and
there he always continued to reside, one of the pic-
turesque figures of the metropolis. He was greatly
criticized by the press in those early days for what
he did, but it is a matter of record that through his
management the San Quentin penitentiary was made
to pay its own expenses, for many stores and brick
bui'dings in San Francisco were built through convict
labor, at his suggestion. He had acquired 10,000
acres of land, in San Joaquin County, on Dry Creek
and Alokelumne River, in Sacramento County, and
also in San Francisco. The title to the estate in
Sacramento County was finally cleared in Wash-
ington, after being entailed by counter claims set up
by the holders of the old Spanish grants which orig-
inally embraced this acreage, and then later some of
the squatters had to be evicted bodily from the
estate.
Mrs. A'ice M. Valensin was one of four children
in her parents' family. Two brothers, John William
and Richard McCauley, are now deceased. The other
brother is George B. McCauley, of Forest Lake
Ranch, San Joaquin County, who also has a home in
Santa Cruz and Oakland, and maintains a home at
Independence, Mo. He has one daughter, Caroline.
Mrs. Va'ensin first went to the school kept b}' the
Sisters of St. Vincent, in San Francisco, and later
she attended the Notre Dame Convent at San Jose.
When the Civil War broke out, John F. McCauley,
having sprung from old Southern stock, naturally
showed his sympathies for his native section, and
things were made exceedingly unp'easant for him in
San Francisco, where he and Dr. William Scott, a
Presbyterian clergyman, were hanged in effigy, as
"Southern sympathizers." Mr. McCauley, after some
difficulty, succeeded in boarding an English vessel,
and sailed with his family for Europe. At that time,
our subject was a little girl, with a child's enthusiasm
and a child's non-understanding; and because she sang
"Dixie" in a San Francisco hotel, she was charged
with treason and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
When confronted by the warrant-officers, her fa-
ther asked them if they wished to hear the j'oung
musician sing the song, and he proceeded to place
Alice at the piano; and with such innocent spirit did
she sing that the officers, seeing the folly of such a
silly warrant, went away laughing. During the war,
Mr. McCauley outfitted a company of some 500 men,
whose purpose was to reach the South and actively
lend what aid they could to the Southerners; but
although they made several attempts to run the
Federal blockade in Texas and Arizona, they did not
all succeed in reaching their wished-for goal. In
Europe, the McCauleys made their home in Paris;
and there our subject attended the Convent of the
Sacred Heart, and in the French capital finished her
education. Grandfather McCauley lived to be nearly
one hundred years old, and both Mr. and Mrs. John
F. McCauley almost reached their ninetieth year.
While in Europe, the McCauleys went south into
Italy, and at Florence Miss Alice met Julio Valensin,
and the}' were married on February 19, 1873. Mr.
Valensin was born in Egypt, a son of Moise Valensin
and Elena Del Va'le Valensin, the former an Italian
banker and successful business man who had two
banks, one in England, and the other in Florence.
In the case of Julio's mother, there was an interest-
ing combination of Spanish, Scotch and Italian blood;
and because Julio Valensin was what he was, the
McCaulej'S moved in the society of the royal family,
and mingled with diplomats and scholars. Mrs.
Valensin not on'y traveled throughout Europe, but
she personalhr drove a four-in-hand over the moun-
tain roads of Switzerland. Her husband had fine
horses, and he took great joy in seeing his wife handle
them. He had been educated by private tutors. In
California, he lived on the ranch where he trained
his horses; and he was the owner of "Sidney," then
the fastest trotter in the United States. He died in
Cleveland, Ohio, in 1892, while on a visit there with
race-horses. Mr. Valensin was a very handsome man,
was a good linguist, and spoke English so fluently
and with such an excellent accent that one might
have taken him for an English instead of an Italian
gentleman.
In 1874, jMr. and Mrs. Valensin came out to Cali
fornia on a trip, but they returned to Italy intending
to remain. However, Mr. Valensin's passion for
trotting-horses brought him back to California, and
in 1877 they returned to this state to stay. He had
purchased property at Pleasanton. and was an enthu-
siast for blooded race-horses. Mr. and Airs. Valen-
sin alwa3'S called the McCauley Rancho their home,
and she has resided upon the home-place ever since
her return. Upon her father's death, she received
4,000 acres of land in Sacramento County, to which
has been added 2,000 acres, and also 2,000 acres of
range 'and at Burson, Calaveras County. During the
life of her husband, the ranch was devoted to the
raising of race-horses; but after his death she con-
verted the entire ranch into a cattle and grain farm.
For some time she has niaintaihed a herd of from
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
299
1,500 to 2,000 head of cattle, and from 100 to 200
head of horses. During the "Boxer" rebellion in
China, she sold many head of horses to both the
Englsh and German governments.
Mrs. Valensin has one son, Pio Valensin, who, on
attaining his eighteenth year, while still continuing
his studies, assumed the management of their large
estate. He was born in Florence, on November 26,
1873, and was privately tutored by Monsignor Capel,
a noted Roman Catholic prelate and scholar; and on
December 1, 1917, he was married at Oakland to
Katherine Koster, who was born in Schleswig-Hol-
stein, Germany, the daughter of Jerry and Doris
(Heinz) Koster. Her father was a sea-captain of
French descent, who had an adventurous life at sea;
while her mother was of German descent and came
from a family of farmers. Her parents are living
at Castroville. In 1890, the family came to San
Francisco; but her father soon removed to Franklin,
in Sacramento County, where he bought land and
there farmed, in time becoming naturalized. He later
retired and removed to Castroville. The worth}'
couple had four children: Margaret, the eldest, has
become Mrs. Booth of Florin; then come John and
Mrs. Pio Valensin; while the youngest is Emma, of
Sacramento. Katherine Koster Valensin attended
the Franklin district school, and now she supervises
the educational training of their only son, Pio Valen-
sin, Jr. The Valensin family are stanch Democrats,
and Pio has been often urged to run for the legisla-
ture; but owing to his many and pressing duties on
the ranch, he has steadily refused. He has been for
years past a member of the Democratic County Cen-
tral Committee.
Mrs. Alice M. Valensin is a devout member of the
Roman Catholic Church, and about as interesting a
conversationalist, with her great fund of reminis-
cence, as one may anywhere find. She has all sorts
of stories to tell, and not a few are in one way or
another echoes of her old family days. It is interest-
ing to relate, for example, that Elizabeth Pia Mat-
thews, their colored maid, was born, thirty-four years
ago, on the Valensin ranch, and has ever since re-
mained with our subject. Elizabeth is a refined, well-
educated young woman, an honor to her race as well
as to the family in which she has been reared. She
is the daughter of an old pioneer California fam-
il}', her grandparents having come to California as
slaves, and she has always been most loyal to the
McCauleys, so long among the Matthews' best
friends. Her grandmother nursed George McCauley
when he was a baby.
Sacramento County cannot fail to feel a pride in
this worthy representative of an old American fam-
ily, whose annals tell again the absorbing story of
how a nation once fell out, on account of a family
misunderstanding, and luckily fell into line again,
since when, now for many years, it has presented to
the once skeptical world a united front of impregnable
strength.
MRS. MARY L. LAMPSON.— Among the lead-
ers of the citrus fruit industry in Sacramento County
is numbered Mrs. Mary L. Lampson, owner of The
Palms at Orangevalc, one of the finest fruit ranches
in the state. She was born near Lincoln, Maine,
December 16, 1868, the eldest daughter of Charles
Wesley and Mary Jane (Robbins) Osborne. The
mother, following the death of her husband, remar-
ried, becoming the wife of William P. Warren, a
native of Maine. Mary L. Osborne accompanied her
mother and stepfather on their journey to California
in 1874 by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and after
reaching this state they settled in the Alexander
Valley, eight miles from Healdsburg, in Sonoma
County. Mr. Warren cleared his land of timber and
through arduous labor brought it to a high state of
development, becoming the owner of a valuable
orchard. He reared a family of seven children and
was numbered among the honored pioneers of that
region.
Mary L. Osborne attended the Alexander Grant
School, and while a student at the Healdsburg High
School was united in marriage with Augustus Lamp-
son, who was born near West Point, Calaveras
County, Cal., June 14, 1864. His parents came to
this state during the gold rush of 1849, and his father
was very successful in his search for the precious
metal, acquiring valuable mining claims which are
now owned by Mr. and Mrs. Lampson. As a young
man Augustus Lampson followed the trades of the
blacksmith and wheelwright, for fifteen years conduct-
ing a shop on Mokelumne Hill, and was widely known
for the high quality of his work as well as for his
integrity and reliability. Later Mr. Lampson located
in Geyserville, where he embarked in the hardware
business, erecting a substantial building and placing
therein a carefully selected stock. Prospering in his
undertaking, he decided to broaden the scope of his
activities and also opened a garage. His fellow-
citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called
him to public office and for several years he served
as constable, while he likewise acted as school trus-
tee. For fourteen years he continued to live and con-
duct his business in Geyserville. At the end of that
time he sold the business to his son, Everett David,
who is conducting the enterprise under the style of
A. Lampson & Sons, the name first adopted. In
December, 1916, Mr. and Mrs. Lampson removed to
Orangevale, locating on their newly purchased ranch
of fifty acres, situated on the Greenback Highway;
but Mr. Lampson was not long permitted to en-
joy his new home, passing away on March 11. 1917,
after a four days' illness with pneumonia. He was
a man of sterling worth, capable and enterprising in
business, loyal and public-spirited in matters of citi-
zenship, and faithful to every trust reposed in him.
Mr. and Mrs. Lampson were the parents of eleven
children, eight of whom are sons, and there are now
ten grandchildren in the family circle. Chester Wil-
liam, the eldest in their famih-, was born August 24,
1889, and is now operating a ranch at Santa Rosa,
Cal. He is married and has three sons. Everett Da-
vid, born May 18, 1891, is married and has one son.
He resides at Geyserville and ranks with the leading
merchants of that place. Walter A. was born March
13, 1894, and aids in operating his mother's ranch.
He is married and has two sons. Warren Lee. an
enterprising merchant of Geyserville, was born June
8. 1896. He is married and has two children. Alvin
W. was born January 17, 1898, and is engaged in
merchandising at Cloverdale. By his marriage he
has become the father of two children. Myrle Rob-
bins was born I''ebruary 2, 1900. and is the possessor
of marked literary talent and linguistic ability. He
is the author of the book entitled "On Reaching Six-
teen," now in its fourth edition, and is an intimate
friend of the noted educator, David Starr Jordan.
300
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
While a student at Stanford University he was se-
lected by the Quaker Church for relief work in Rus-
sia, and spent twelve months in that country, return-
ing to the United States in January, 1923. He trans-
lates Russian with ease and has mastered seven lan-
guages. He married Miss Bertha Goethe of San
Francisco, who was graduated from the language de-
partment of Stanford University, and they reside at
Hayward, this state. Harriet Josephine, born Feb-
ruary 3, 1902, is the widow of L. Walters, of Sac-
ramento. The younger members of the family are
Glenn Sumner, who was born September 7, 1903;-
Clyde Porter, born December 2, 1905; Florence A.,
born November 18, 1907; and Willis Ellory, born
March 17, 1910.
In addition to rearing this large family Mrs. Lamp-
son has also sheltered and educated children whose
parents were unable to provide for them, and has
enabled them to start out in the world equipped
for life's practical and responsible duties. She was
married on Juty 21, 1921, to Orlando Lampson, a
3'ounger brother of her first husband, and theirs is
a most congenial union. Mr. Lampson concentrates
his attention upon the management of The Palms,
a highly productive tract of fifty acres, devoted to
the raising of oranges, - grape fruit, Bartlett pears,
prunes, plums, grapes and olives of choice varieties.
The packing-house on the ranch is kept busy during
ten months of the year, and the fruit from The
Palms orchards finds a ready market because of its
superior qualit)' and flavor.
Mrs. Lampson is a very capable business woman,
and since the death of her first husband has super-
vised the operation of her ranch, which ranks with
the best in the state. Mr. Lampson was identified
with the Masonic fraternity, and she is a member of
the Eastern Star, belonging to Natoma Lodge, No.
64, at Folsom. For over thirty-two years she has
been an earnest, conscientious and helpful member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and its teach-
ings guide her in the daily relations of life. She
is a valued member of the Community Club of Or-
angevale, and for more than three decades has been
connected with the Woman's Christian Temperance
Union. Of broad, humanitarian spirit, she supports
those movements which have for their object the
betterment of the condition of humanity and the
elevation of the standards of life to a higher and
more ideal plane. Her days have been filled with
unostentatious acts of charity and kindness, and her
tender, womanlj' qualities have made her greatly be-
loved.
CAPT. THOMAS A. RYAN.— Among the best-
known and best-liked men in the river and bay
transportation service was the late Captain Thomas
A. Ryan, pioneer steamboat captain in the service of
the Sacramento Transportation Company, and one
of the oldest masters in their employ. A native of
New York, he was born at Albany, on May 2, 1852,
the son of Thomas and Ann (McNamara) Ryan,
worthy folk who passed their last days in the Empire
State surrounded by their many friends and rela-
tives.
Thomas A. Ryan attended the public schools of his
native city and when a lad in his teens began a serv-
ice on the water that was to last until he died. At
the age of sixteen, in 1868, he came to California
and for a year was in the river service with his head-
quarters in San Francisco; then he came to Sacra-
mento and began at the bottom in the service of the
Sacramento Transportation Company and went
through all the pioneer conditions that confronted
steamboat men during the ea.T\y years of their exist-
ence. He he'ped clear the Sacramento River of
snags as far as Red Bluff in order that boats might
ply their trade that far north. His stories of these
early days were very interesting and he never lacked
an audience when recounting tales of the river. He
witnessed the evolution in steamboating on the river
and bay and always kept abreast of the period and
was a very well-informed man, holding the confidence
of his superiors as well as those working under his
direction. In 1880 he was made a captain, and
from that time he had command of various vessels,
among them the Red Bluff, Dover. Verona and others.
Captain Ryan was married in Sacramento to Miss
Clara Sarah Hastings, one of the very first children
born in Sutterville. They had five children: George
T., died in 1919; Arthur, inspector of police in Sac-
ramento; Bert and Charles, both deceased when about
thirteen years old; and Gladys, employed in the state
motor vehicle department. There are four grand-
children and one great-grandchild. Mrs. Ryan passed
away in 1915, beloved by all who knew her. Captain
Ryan was a member of the National Mates and
Pilots' Association and in all public matters he gave
his support to the projects he thought would bring
the best results to the greatest number of people.
After a long and useful career Captain Ryan laid
down the cares of life and passed to his fathers on
May 12, 1923, after an illness of but a few weeks.
He will be missed by all who came to know him as
a man, citizen and friend.
HON. ALDEN ANDERSON— Few men have
been associated more actively, and none more honor-
ably, with the industrial and political history of north-
ern California than Hon. Alden Anderson, who grew
up and was educated in San Jose, Santa Clara County,
and is now president of The Capital National Bank
of Sacramento, and actively associated wdth a number
of other financial institutions and enterprises that
aid in the advancement of the county and state. Wide
has been the influence exerted by him in the banking
circles of this part of the state; and varied as have
been his commercial connections, they have been
equaled by his intimate identification with the public
life of the commonwealth and by his patriotic partici-
pation in the upbuilding of his community.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Anderson was born
in Meadville, Crawford County, in October, 1867,
while his parents were at their old home on a visit.
When he was three months old, his parents returned
to California and settled at San Jose. With such
educational advantages as were afforded by the public
schools and the University of the Pacific, Alden An-
derson began to earn his own livelihood at a very
early, age, his first occupation being that of an assist-
ant in the fruit business conducted by his father.
During 1886 he went to Suisun City, Solano County,
and embarked in the fruit industr}' for himself, as well
as shipping of same. The evolution of the business
carried him to Sacramento in 1902. Soon after his
arrival in the capital cits', a"d until the year 1908, he
acted as vice-president of the Capital Banking and
Trust Company. In that year he disposed of his
stock in that concern and all of , his fruit interests.
Ci&Ue^ udt^C'i'Uyl^ ^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
303
and moved to San Francisco, where, until July 1,
1909, he held office as vice-president of the Anglo &
London Paris National Bank, and until February,
1911, served b^' appointment as superintendent of
banks of California. During 1911 Mr. Anderson made
a protracted continental tour of Europe. Asia, and
Africa. Returning to Sacramento, December 1, 1911,
he assisted in organizing The Capital National Bank,
which institution purchased the site and business of
the Capital Banking and Trust Company, and under
its present title of The Capital National Bank he
officiates as president. Mr. Anderson's p'ace in the
banking circles of northern California is one of as-
sured influence and increasing responsibility. He
purchased and helped to organize a number of other
banks in the Sacramento Valley, in the management
of which he activelj^ participates. He was president
of the company building the electric line from Sacra-
mento to Stockton, an enterprise of the greatest
importance to the permanent upbuilding of the rich
agricultural region through which it passes. His
home is graciously presided over by the lady whom
he married at Rockvil'e, Cal., March 2, 1893, and who
was Miss Carrie L. Baldwin. There is one daughter
in the family, Miss Kathryn.
Any account of the life activities of Mr. Anderson
would be incomplete were no mention to be made of
his association with the political history of the com-
monwealth. Elected to the Assembly in 1897-1899
and 1901, he soon became a force in the Legislature.
In 1899 he was selected as Speaker of the House, and
he filled that difficult post with the same tact and
abiUty displayed in every relation of public life. A
still higher honor awaited him in 1902, when he was
elected Lieutenant-Governor of California; and he
filled that eminent position for four years, retiring
with the general good-will of the people he had served
with such fidelity and distinction. He is at present
a Regent of the LTniversity of California, and the
civilian member of the Veterans' Welfare Board.
It would seem impossible for a citizen having so
many duties in public office, in business connections
and in banking circles, to enter with any activity into
fraternal and social circles; but Mr. Anderson has not
allowed his existence to be dwarfed into a tedious
round of irksome cares. On the contrary, he has
enjoyed society with the same enthusiasm characteris-
tic of his identification with other spheres of life.
He is a member of the Pacific-Union and Family
Clubs, of San Francisco, and the Sutter Club of Sac-
ramento. He is a member of nearly all Masonic
orders, and of the Order of Elks, Knights of Pythias
and Foresters. Practical philanthropy, whether exer-
cised private'y or through the medium of fraternal
organizations, receives his steadfast support; and
movements inaugurated and inspired by the desire
to help the needy, to encourage the depressed or to
uplift the fallen, have benefited by his sagacious
counsel and sympathetic cooperation.
JOHN K. FLYNN. — An enterprising and very
progressive man of affairs in the automobile world is
John K. Flynn, the president of the Motor Car Deal-
ers Association of Sacramento, formerly equally well
and pleasantly known as the efficient president of the
Mecum. Flynn & Hunter Company, of the Capital
City. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on April
17, 1889, the son of James L. and Catherine (Con-
nolly) Flynn, the former still living, but the latter
now deceased. The family came out to San Francisco
in 1911, and there soon made many friends, who will
always recall and esteem them as fellow-citizens,
neighbors and friends.
John Flynn had all the advantages of the excellent
public schools, and in addition the best of courses at
the business college. Then he took up railway work,
next followed the storage-battery business, and was
also in the clothing business for three j-ears. When
he removed to Sacramento on January 8, 1918, he had
already formed valuable connections and so suc-
ceeded from the very start. The company that
he now so ably represents was then formed, to take
care particularly of Chandler and Cleveland products;
and what position this organization has taken in the
city may be judged from the fact that Mr. Flynn
was on the committee entrusted with the framing of
the motor vehicle act of 1921. Public-spirited, he
did excellent work in the cause of liberty and his
native land during the World War. He belongs to
the Chamber of Commerce.
When Mr. Flynn married, in 1917, at San Fran-
cisco, he chose for his bride Miss Harriet Pabst, of
Orland, Glenn County; and their union has been
blessed with one daughter, Mary Jean. In national
politics a Republican, Mr. Flynn is always willing,
when it comes to local legislation, issues and candi-
dates, to put aside narrow partisanship. He is an
Elk, and he belongs to the Del Paso Country Club;
and in the circles of these organizations, Mrs. Flynn
also enjoys an enviable popularity'. Mr. Flynn is fond
of golf and of fishing.
CHARLES LUMBARD. — Prominent among the
most efficient and proficient accountants in northern
California may well be numbered Messrs. Lumbard
& Dolge, of Sacramento whose senior member,
Charles Lumbard, is the subject of this review. He
was born in Wheatland, California, on April 13, 1883,
the son of William Lumbard, an Englishman who
came to California from England in 1870. He be-
came cashier in the Farmers Bank of Wheatland, and
remained in that responsible position until he died, in
1919. He had married in Wheatland, Miss Julia
Holland, and she passed away, in 1896.
Charles Lumbard attended the grammar and high
schools of Sacramento, from which he was graduated
with credit, and for three years he pursued special
work in accounting at the University of California.
Next he became a certified public accountant of the
State of California, and came to Sacramento in 1896.
He was connected with the D. O. Mills Bank from
1903 to 1912, and was auditor of the Fort Sutter Bank
for a short time. He started public practice August 1.
1912, first with Roy W. Blair, in the firm of Lumbard
& Blair, and then, beginning January, 1919, with
William Dolge, in the firm mentioned above. He
belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, and has been
secretary of the Rotary Club since its organization
in September, 1913. He became a member of the
University Club soon after its organization and
served as its secretary, and later as its president for
one year.
On April 1, 1918, Mr. Lumbard was married to
Emily Gladys Gillis, the daughter of James Gillis.
who was for years State Librarian; and Emily Char-
lotte is the one child of this happy union. Mr. Lum-
bard belongs to the Sutter Club and the Del Paso
304
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Country Club; he is an enthusiast for lawn tennis,
and for two years, or from 1904 to 1906, he held the
championship and was manager of tennis at the Uni-
versity of California. He served as vice-president of
the Sutter Lawn Tennis Club. For two years he was
in training with the University of California cadets,
and during the war he was active in various drives.
MRS. ADA L. OSGOOD.— Among the honored
pioneers of Fair Oaks is numbered Mrs. Ada L. Os-
good, who for twenty-seven years has made her home
in the village; and there is no phase of its history
with which she is not familiar. She was born in
Winneshiek County, Iowa, September 12, 1863, the
eldest daughter of Horace and Caroline C. (Taber)
WilUams, the former a native of New York and the
latter of Vermont. Mrs. Osgood has an interesting
genealogy of the Taber family, which was compiled
by Russell Taber and shows that the American
progenitor of the name left his home in England in
the year 1634 and settled in Massachusetts.
Ada L. Williams was reared and educated in her
native state, where her parents were among the early
settlers. On December 31, 1881, she married Samuel
I. Osgood, who was born in New York State, Novem-
ber 17, 1851, a son of Daniel and Prudence (Darrow)
Osgood, who were also natives of the Empire State,
whence they removed to Minnesota in an early day.
For some time Samuel I. Osgood engaged in car-
pentering in Iowa, and later took up the occupation
of farming, which he there followed until 1896, when
he came with his family to Caifornia, establishing his
home in Fair Oaks soon after that colony was founded.
He purchased a ten-acre ranch, and his attention and
elTort were concentrated upon the development and
improvement of that property until his demise, which
occurred on January 15, 1910. He was honorable and
straightforward in his business dealings, loyal and
progressive in matters of citizenship, and true to the
ties of home and friendship. He stood high in the
community, and his loss was deeply regretted by all
who knew him. His father, Daniel Osgood, made his
home with the family during his later years, passing
away on July 19, 1914. Two children were born to
Samuel I. and Ada L. Osgood: Carrie, who married
DeWitt Rice and has two children, Iva and Daniel;
and Ethel, the wife of Bertram R. Kerns, of Fair
Oaks.
Mrs. Osgood is a good business woman, and since
her husband's death has sold a portion of the ranch,
which will be utilized for commercial purposes. She
is a member of the Fair Oaks Parent-Teacher's Asso-
ciation and devotes much time to church work, in
which she takes an active and helpful part. She has
many friends in Fair Oaks, where she has so long
resided; and she has watched 'with interest the work
of upbuilding and improvement, rejoicing in what has
been accomplished.
EDWARD A. RILEY.— A rancher whose methods
have long been a source of interest to his neighbors
and friends, is Edward A. Riley, who lives and oper-
ates about eight miles northeast of Gait. He is a
native son, and as such has always been very devoted
to California; having been born at Sacramento on
May 7, 1854, the son of Peter and Margaret (Clark)
Riley, the former a native of County Cavan, Ireland,
who as a young lad came to Boston and there
was reared, while he learned the blacksmith and car-
riage-making trade. In 1849, he came out to Cali-
fornia, by way of the Panama route, and at Michi-
gan Bar he went into the mines. It was when he
returned to New York from California that he was
married; and in 1851 he returned to California with
his bride and settled in Sacramento City. He joined
with a man named Hayes in forming a co-partner-
ship under the firm name of Hayes & Riley, to do a
blacksmithing business, and they had a shop at the
corner of 11th and J Streets, where the Native Sons
building now stands; and they were widely known
for their expert workmanship and the honesty of
their methods. Mr. Riley died at the rather early
age of forty-five, having already accomplished an
immense amount of hard work; and Mrs. Riley
passed away in her fifty-seventh year. In the autumn
of 1854, Mr. Riley gave up blacksmithing and settled
on 500 acres about five miles north of Gait; and there
he lived for the rest of his days, the father of five
children, among whom our subject was the second in
the order of birth. Augusta, the eldest, is deceased;
Edward A. is our subject; and John, Mary Ellen and
Thomas P. are all deceased. The latter married and
left four children; Alice, Nellie, Eva and Thomas E.
Edward A. attended the Hicksville district school,
and also a school in San Francisco; and after his
father's death, he lived with his mother until she
died. Of the original land purchased by his father,
Edward received 204 acres, now lying on the state
highway; and he later sold 100 acres, so that he to-
day owns 104 acres situated on the east side of the
state highway, eight miles north of Gait. At Sacra-
mento, on October 26, 1881, Mr. Riley was married
to Elizabeth Davis, who was born on the Davis
ranch, along the Cosumnes River, southeast of Elk
Grove, the daughter of David L. and Elizabeth (Mur-
ray) Davis. David L. Davis came out to California
in 1851, from Cedar County, Iowa; he was a native
of Ohio, but Mrs. Davis was a native of County
Down, Ireland. Mr. Davis mined at first, and later
he went to farming on the Cosumnes River, in Sac-
ramento County. The worth}' parents had twelve
children, all of whom proved worthy of their par-
entage. John J. resides in Idaho; Mrs. D. S. Wat-
kins lives in Sacramento; Mrs. C. H. Cantrell is of
Elk Grove; David L. is deceased; Elizabeth, Mrs.
Riley, and Phoebe were twins; the latter died aged
seventeen months. The others are: William, David L.,
Alexander Henry, Thomas Napoleon and Jason
Hamilton, twins, and Charles Dickinson. There was
a school district named after Mr. Davis, and Mrs.
Riley when a girl attended this school. Mr. Davis
died at the age of seventy-two, and Mrs. Davis
breathed her last on May 9, 1921, at the age of
eighty-nine.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Riley lived at
his old home for three months, and then they pur-
chased 218 acres northeast of Hicksville, onto which
they moved; these 218 acres were known as the old
Chadwick ranch. Mr. Riley did general farming upon
it until a few years ago, when he took up stock-
raising. He keeps from fifty to 100 head of cattle,
and still owns the 104 acres of the home place. Mrs.
Riley owns three parcels of land, a sixty-acre piece, .
and two forty-acre pieces. Mr. Riley is a Democrat
and Mrs. Riley is a Republican, but they both sup
port the best men and best measures, regardless of
party lines.
HISTORY OF SACKA.MKX'I^O COUNTY
305
CHARLES AUGUST YOERK.— The life history
of this late pioneer is of especial interest, in that it
tells the early struggles of one who landed in a
strange country with very little funds and. after a
setback or two, gradually climbed the ladder of suc-
cess. Charles August Yoerlc, the pioneer butcher
of Sacramento, was born in the province of Wiirttem-
berg, Germany, and in his native country learned the
trade in which he was later so successful in an en-
tirely diflferent environment. In 1855, at the age of
twenty-four, he came to the United States, and for
two j'ears engaged in the butcher business in Phila-
delphia.
In 1857 Mr. Yoerk came to California by way of
Panama, and after his arrival in Sacramento, went
to the mines to try his fortune, as did so many of the
pioneers, and with a like result, for he came back to
Sacramento "broke." Nothing daunted, he formed
a partnership and opened up a butcher shop with Mr.
Schwartz, at Seventh and L Streets, under the firm
name of Yoerk & Schwartz. After five j'ears together,
Mr. Yoerk sold out his interest and returned to Phila-
delphia, in 1862, and on June 22. of that j'ear, mar-
ried Margaret Lenz, also a native of Wiirttemberg.
After two years spent in Philadelphia, during which
time their first child. Carrie, was born, the family
came to Sacramento and Mr. Yoerk. in partnership
with Louis Mohr. opened a butcher shop at Eleventh
and J Streets, under the firm name of Mohr & Yoerk;
later the store was removed to Eleventh and K Streets
and there continued a successful business.
Six children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Yoerk, all except the eldest being natives of Cali-
fornia: Carrie; Fred, with Hall, Luhrs & Company,
Sacramento; Mrs. Rose Geiser of Berkeley; George
P. is the manager of Mohr & Yoerk; August, man-
ager of Hall. Luhrs & Company; Mrs. Lulu New-
house, of Berkeley; and there are eight grandchil-
dren. All of the sons and daughters are interested
in the firm of Mohr & Yoerk. Mr. Yoerk was called
from his earthly career in August, 1912, and his loss
was keenly felt by a host of friends, as well as the
members of his devoted family. Fraternally. Mr.
Yoerk was a Mason and a member of the Turnverein.
He was a member of the German Lutheran Church,
and was liberal in his contributions, and he also al-
ways stood ready to help other denominations, for
he believed the orthodox church was the foundation
for obtaining the highest standard of morals and civic
righteousness. He was also liberal in support of any
worthy cause during the long years of his residence
in Sacramento. Since her husband's death. Mrs.
Yoerk continues to reside at the family home at 1413
H Street, surrounded by her devoted children, who
look after her interests, thus relieving her from any
unnecessary worry or care.
Mr. and Mrs. Yoerk were of the old school, gen-
erous and kind-hearted, ready at all times to help the
needy and afflicted, but all of their benefactions were
done in an unostentatious manner. They were greatly
endeared to the people of Sacramento, who remem-
ber their modest, kindly charities, and unpretentious
hospitality and goodness, and keep them in loving
remembrance. Mrs. Yoerk, though in her eighty-
sixth year, is well and hearty for one of her age. and
is well posted on the early days and occurrences. It
is a pleasure to know and converse with this inter-
esting pioneer woman of Sacramento.
JOHN HILLHOUSE.— Modern agriculture re-
quires for its development an efficiency and thorough
understanding which amount almost to a science.
The truth of this statement is forcibly illustrated in
the career of John Hillhouse. manager of the Hill-
house orchard ranch at Fair Oaks, which formerly
produced an income of less than $600 per annum,
but now, owing to his systematic and intelligently
directed eflforts, has become one of the finest and
best-paying properties in this favored region.
Mr. Hillhouse was born at jMineral Point, Wis.,
February 6. 1849. a son of the late John and Jane
(Jackson) Hillhouse, the former a native of Scot-
land. In 1849 the father came to California. Leaving
his family in the East, he crossed the plains with
ox-teams and wagon, arriving at White Rock, Eldo-
rado County, six months later. He embarked in
general merchandising at Slug Gulch, where he also
opened a hotel, and was joined by his family in 1852.
Mr. Hillhouse was very successful in both ventures,
but owing to his easy-going methods and implicit
trust in those with whom he dealt, his affairs became
badly involved, so that at his death his widow was
left with very limited means. A large number of
miners had purchased merchandise at the store for
which they had never paid, and the outstanding ac-
counts amounted to about $8,000. Mrs. Hillhouse
started out on horseback to collect this sum, but was
unsuccessful, returning after many days WMth but a
few dollars, all that was ever realized from the
estate; and so the mother found it a difficult task
lo care for herself and her two sons. In 1872 she
removed with her children to Brownsville, and later
became a resident of Sacramento, where she con-
tinued to live until her demise in 1892, at the ad-
vanced age of eighty-two years. She was ^levoted to
the welfare of her family, and her admirable traits
of character \\on for her the high regard of many
friends.
The public schools at Indian Diggings afforded
John HiUhouse his educational privileges, and fol-
lowing the removal of the family to Brownsvil'e he
there engaged in placer and quartz mining. After
following mining for some years he decided to take
up a trade, and for some time worked as a moulder
'n\ the Sutter Creek Foundry, under Frank Tibbetts.
In 1875 he made his way to Sacramento and secured
emplo3'ment in the shops of the Southern Pacific
Railroad Company, working under A. J. Stevens,
master mechanic. His fidelity and ability won him
promotion to the position of assistant foreman of
the car-wheel foundrj-. which he filled until 1903.
when he tendered his resignation. As a testimonial
of their esteem the men at the shops presented Mr.
Hillhouse with a fine watch and charm, and in ac-
cepting the gift he said in part: "Thank you. I now
lay down the wheels of transit and take with me the
wheels of time."
Since severing his connection with the Southern
Pacific, Mr. Hillhouse has given his entire time to
the management of the twenty-acre orchard of which
his wife is the owner. It is situated on Sunset Ave-
nue, in Fair Oaks, and was originally a portion of
the X'ehmieycr estate of eighty acres. Mr. and Mrs.
Hillhouse occupy that part of the property on which
stood the home, and theirs is regarded as one of the
show places of this section of the val'cy. Lemon
trees have been replaced by prunes and almonds, and
by hard work and careful study of the state and
306
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
county horticultural journals, Mr. Hillhouse has
transformed the tract into a most desirable and val-
uable property.
In 1872 Mr. Hillhouse returned to Wisconsin and
was there married to Miss Martha Jacka, a native of
Wisconsin, born January 6, 1851. She passed away
at Sacramento in 1896, leaving the following chil-
dren: John, who is city clerk at Healdsburg, Sono-
ma County; Mrs. Mable A. Greenlaw, of Spreckels,
Monterey County; Martha, now deceased; Mrs. Ada
J. Vincent, of Alpaugh, Tulare County; Frank, also
deceased, who followed a seafaring life for twenty
years; Mrs. Myrtle I. Howiey, of Klamath Falls,
Ore.; and Clarence, manager of the Sixth Avenue
branch of the Mercantile Trust Company of Califor-
nia in San Francisco. There are also seven grand-
children. For his second wife Mr. Hillhouse chose Mrs.
Martha J. (McGee) Williams, whom he married at
Sacramento on the 4th of August, 1897. She was
born near Independence, Mo., January 13, 1851, and
her parents were John F. and Elizabeth Margaret
(.Shelton) McGee. The father was born in Missouri
in 1823, and the mother's birth occurred in Tennes-
see in 1828. They crossed the plains with ox-teams
and wagons in 1853, and after reaching California
established their home at Beals Bar, near Folsom.
They had many head of stock and supplied the miners
with milk in the early days. Later the father also
engaged in mining at Beals Bar. Mr. and Mrs.
McGee had a family of six children, of whom Martha
J. was the eldest. In 1868, at Placerville, Cal., she
was married to John R, Williams, the ceremony being
performed by Rev. C. C. Pierce. Mr. Williams was
a native of North Carolina, and in 1866 came to the
Golden State, where he became interested in mining
operations.' He passed away in 1895. Mr. and Mrs.
Williams were the parents of five children: Edwin
A., of San Francisco; Mrs. Laura W. McKenzie, of
Chico, Cal.; Luella, the widow of J. A. Wilson and
a resident of Sacramento; Mattie V., the wife of
E. C. Phoenix, of Fair Oaks; and Mrs. Mable Dor-
man of Sacramento.
Mr. and Mrs. Hillhouse are earnest and consist-
ent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Their deep interest in the welfare of their fellow-
men has found expression in practical benevolent
work, and Mrs. Hillhouse recently gave a large sub-
scription to the College of the Pacific, thus aiding
m promoting the educational advancement of her
state. She has always taken an active part in tem-
perance work, as did also her mother before her.
She owns real estate in Sacramento, in addition to
her Fair Oaks ranch, and is loyal to the interests of
her community, county and commonwealth. Mr.
Hillhouse is a Republican in his political views, but
is not bound by the narrow ties of partisanship, sup-
porting the candidate whom he regards as best quali-
fied for office when local issues are at stake. He is
identified with Sutter Creek Lodge of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, which he joined on
the 28th of April, 1875, and is numbered among its
oldest and most valued members. He brings to his
horticultural pursuits an intelligent, open and liberal
mind and a keen interest in modern agricultural de-
velopment, and combines in his. character all of the
qualities of a useful and desirable citizen.
ALEXANDER BROWN. — Sacramento County
may well be proud of its captains of industry and
finance, prominent among whom is Alexander Brown,
who was born at Portsmouth, N. H., and has more
than made good, with typical Yankee enterprise, in
the Golden State of his adoption. He first saw light
on March 10, 1849, when thousands were seeking to
find the Land of Gold. His parents were John and
Agnes (Robinson) Brown, both natives of Renark,
Scotland. The father came to the United States when
a young man, and engaged in weaving, having a fac-
tory at Portsmouth; and there he died, in 1858, at
the early age of thirty-three. The brave widowed
mother brought the family to San Francisco, but re-
turned again to the East a few years later, and settled
at Lawrence, Mass. The lure of California, however,
brought her out to San Francisco again in 1866, and
since then the Browns have remained in California.
There were six children in the family, but only two
are living. Agnes, John and Marian are deceased;
Alexander is the subject of our story; Christina is
Mrs. Drury of Oakland, and is a widow; William is
also deceased.
Alexander Brown went to school until he was
twelve years old, and then, when old and strong
enough to work, he struck out for himself. He was
reared at Lawrence until he was fifteen, getting his
"keep" for work in a grocery store, there laying, in
his apprenticeship, the foundation for that later ex-
perience which enabled him to become such an im-
portant man of affairs. In San Francisco, he found
odd jobs until 1879, when his mother, a remarkable
woman, moved to Walnut Grove. There she con-
ducted a hotel, assisted by Alexander. She died at
the age of eighty-three, mourned bj^ the many who
had come to love her and respect her worth. In 1881,
Mr. Brown embarked in the general merchandise
business for himself, at Wahiut Grove, and this
proved also a stepping-stone for him to advance to
other and larger things. In 1921, Nelson Barry took
over the business he had until then conducted so
well.
Mr. Brown soon tried his hand at farming, buying
6,000 acres in Stony Creek Valle}'. The property was
then a stock farm, with some land very valuable for
general farming; and he still owns this acreage and
has brought it to a high state of improvement. From
700 to 1,000 head of cattle are kept on this ranch,
which is irrigated in part from the waters of Stony
Creek. From time to time, he has also acquired vari-
ous other parcels of land in the Sacramento River
delta, and he has 100 acres of land in the immediate
vicinity of Walnut Grove. He owns 1,200 acres on
Tyler Island, and 240 acres on Grand Island, back
of Ryde. He also leased 1,200 acres of land on Tyler
Island, devoted to the raising of asparagus; of his
1.600 acres of delta land, only about fifty acres are
given to fruit, and the balance is devoted to aspara-
gus and truck-garden stuff. He does not irrigate
his delta land to any great extent, but relies more
on intensified cultivation.
Mr. Brown built and owns his own packing-house
for the packing of asparagus, and is the largest indi-
vidual grower of asparagus in California, if not in
the United States. He cither owns or leases 2,700
acres devoted to the growing of this choice edible,
and employs in the packing-shed from fort}' to 150
men, according to the season's run. He is also the
largest individual shipper of asparagus in California,
HISTORY OF SACRA.MEXTO COUNTY
309
and sends to the New York market, through E. A.
Myers & Company, commission merchants of New
York City, from ten to fifty-two cars of green aspar-
agus each season. He is also one of the earliest
shippers to the Eastern market. He owns and oper-
ates two tow-boats on the Sacramento River, and
thus hauls asparagus and fruit to market. And he
uses many trucks in conducting his asparagus trade.
Mr. Brown is the founder of the Bank of Alexander
Brown, of Walnut Grove, of which he has been presi-
dent since its beginning, in 1914, when he erected the
bank building; and in 1915 he purchased the business
block in which he conducted his general merchandise
business. The new Walnut Grove Hotel was one
year in building, and in 1918 it was finished at a
cost of $120,000, for building and furniture. It is
built of the best red brick obtainable, is a handsome
structure, and is also the most modern and the largest
hotel on the river. Mr. Brown built, and leases out,
fourteen cottages directly back of the bank building.
He built and owns the two water-systems of Walnut
Grove, one suppl}'ing Jap-town and China-town, and
the other supplying the American settlement. He also
has fire-fighting apparatus for the town. He is a
director of the California National Bank of Com-
merce, and is both able and disposed to further, in
matters of important financial venture, the best inter-
ests of Walnut Grove, both locally and as relating
to her commerce with the outside world. A Repub-
lican in his preference for political platforms, tradi-
tions and leaders, Mr. Brown is most democratic in
his relations to those having business dealings with
him. One of his business methods is so eminently
characteristic of the man as to merit mention here.
Instead of hiring men outright to work his lands,
he leases the various acreages to tenants on a crop-
share basis, thus guaranteeing a cooperative interest
on the part of the men tilling the soil and cultivating
its products.
Mr. Brown was married at San Francisco, on Feb-
ruary 3, 1871, to Miss Kate Stanford, who was born
in Placer County, the daughter of Charles P. and
Helen Stanford — the former a cousin of Leland Stan-
ford, promoter, governor and founder of Stanford
University. Charles P. Stanford moved to San Fran-
cisco, where the Stanford home was established, and
Mrs. Brown enjoj'ed the educational advantages of
that cosmopolitan center. Charles P. Stanford was
a mining and lumber-mill man, and had interests in
various parts of the state. Six children blessed this
union of Mr. and Mrs. Brown, of whom only two
are now living; and there are thirteen grandchildren.
Lottie died in infancy. John is now the manager of
his father's bank. Arthur is associated with his fa-
ther in Walnut Grove. Frank E. is deceased, as are
also Helen (Mrs. Durbin), and Alexander R., who
passed away in 1918, a victim to the influenza.. The
son John has four children: Stanford B., John,
Jeanette and Hubert; Arthur has two children,
Myron M. and Kathryn; two children gave joy to
the late Mrs. Durbin: Jean and Robert; and Frank
E., Jr., bears the honored name of his late father;
while Alexander R., previous to his demise, had four
children; Josephine, Christine, Alexander and Nora.
Mr. Brown is a great "home-body," and associated
all of his family with him, in some capacity or other,
until their demise, giving each the best and most
promising berth at his command, and doing what
he could to develop their lives so that living might
be a joy to them as well as to himself. Being such
an enthusiast for the comforts and the pleasures of
the hearth, he has never joined any fraternal order;
but all who have known him well will attest to the
tact that he has always in life made his social rela-
tions to others correspond to the teachings of the
largest and the truest of fraternal orders, extending,
wherever and whenever he could, the open, uplifting
hand, and seeking to apply in all his earthly walk
the splendid tenets of the Golden Rule.
(Since this article was written, !Mr. Brown, while
apparently in good health, was stricken with heart
disease, and passed away on the 11th day of June,
1923, the community, and Sacramento County as well,
thus losing one of their most progressive and enter-
prising upbuilders.)
RAY C. WARING.— A thoroughly proficient exec-
utive, whose efficient administration of an important
public trust reflected the highest degree of credit both
upon himself and upon the eminent department he so
ably represented, is Ray C. Waring, until recently
the deput}' district attorney of Sacramento County,
and formerly a deputy of the state supreme court.
He was born in the capital city, on December 17,
1878, and his parents were Charles A. and Mary
(Van Guelder) Waring. His mother's fo'ks came
out to CaKfornia in 1852, and his father, an attorney-
at-law, was a native son. An uncle of his father was
the first settler in the town of Washington, Yolo
Count}-.
Ray Waring attended the grammar schools of
Sacramento, and then went to Boone's Academy, at
Berkele}-, where he studied law privately. Later he
was admitted to practice in the courts of California.
He had previously been in the secretary of state's of-
fice, and he was appointed deputy clerk of the supreme
court of the state of California in 1911. He has a
thorough knowledge of the law; and he has become a
favorite with all who have any dealings with him on
account of his affability, and his desire to serve.
He is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden
West, and he has the honor to serve on the state cen-
tral committee of the Republican party. Fraternally,
Mr. Waring is a Scottish Rite Mason, an Elk, a mem-
ber of the Mj'Stic Shrine, and also an Odd Fellow.
He enjoys a deserved popularity and wields an en-
viable influence in the councils of the Republican
party, and as a broad-minded, non-partisan booster
in local affairs.
WILL C. WOOD.— An idealist and an advanced
thinker along lines relating to the modern educa-
tional system, who is interested heart and soul in
the proper education of the children of California, is
Will C. Wood, the able superintendent of public in-
struction of California. He was born at Elmira,
Solano Count}', Cal., on December 10, 1880, the son
of Emerson and Martha Jane (Turner) Wood. On
his father's side his ancestry runs back to Puritan
New England, where his English forebears settled
in 1632. His mother's family were Southern people
who emigrated from Missouri to California in 1864.
Will C. Wood received his early education in the
rural schools of his native county. He attended the
Elmira high school, graduating in 1898, and then
entered the Vacaville high school, from which he
graduated with the class of 1900. After the comple-
tion of his secondary studies he entered Stanford
University, but discontinued his studies there in
310
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
1902 to enter upon his work of teaching. His first
school was conducted in a one-room rural school
building in Suisun Valley. At the c'ose of one term
there he was elected principal of the Fairfield gram-
mar school, where he taught until February, 1906.
During this time he served as a member of the
count}' board of education of Solano County. In
1906 he accepted the principalship of the Wilson
School in Alameda, and he!d this position until
January, 1909, when he became city superintendent
of schools for Alameda. Meanwhile he was studying
at the University of California under Prof. F. B.
Dresslar, Dr. Alexis F. Lange and Prof. George H.
Howison; his work at the University included a the-
sis on the "Aims and Values of Nature Study," a
course in nature study for the elementary schools,
and a thesis on "The Educational Theories of Plato."
As city superintendent, Mr. Wood devoted himse'f
largely to elementary-school problems; he reduced
the size of classes, introduced organized play and
work, and worked out a plan for articulating the
elementary and high schools. While he was city
superintendent of Alameda, he studied at the Uni-
versity of Michigan for a time. In January, 1914, he
assumed his duties as commissioner of secondary
schools. In this position he drafted the county high-
schoo! fund bill, the junior-college bill, and other
legislation, making possible better articulation of the
elementary and high schools. In the summer of 1917,
he served as acting professor of secondarj' education
at the Teachers' College, Columbia University; and
he held a similar position at Stanford University
during the summer sessions in the years 1920 and
1921, and during the summer session of 1922 at the
University of Southern California. In November,
1918, he was elected superintendent of public in-
struction, receiving a majority of 41,240 votes. Mr.
Wood served the four years' term with credit to
himse'f and general satisfaction to the people of
California; so much so, in fact, that he was reelected
in 1922 for another four years' term.
Mr. Wood has held a number of important chairs
in the educational world, in particular as regent of
the University of California, secretary of the Cali-
fornia Teachers' Association in 1908 and 1909, director
of the National Institute for Moral Instruction, and
president of the National Council of State Depart-
ments of Education in 1919 and 1920; and he is a
member of the National Education Association and
the California Schoo'masters' Club. Fraternally, he
is a member of the Phi Delta Kappa fraternity at
Stanford University, and is a Mason. In politics he
is a Republican, and in his religious beliefs he is a
member of the Unitarian Church. He is the editor
of the "California Blue Bulletin" and a contributor
to various educational journals. Jointly with Mark
Keppel, the county superintendent of schoo's of Los
Angeles Count}', Superintendent Wood drafted Con-
stitutional Amendment No. 16, which was an initia-
tive measure duly passed by the vote of the people
in November, 1920, guaranteeing the amount of
money which shall annually be contributed by the
state for the support of the elementary and second-
ary schools of California.
A speech which Mr. Wood delivered at San Fran-
cisco, July 4, 1923, marks him as one of the foremost
and most progressive educators in America. In con-
trasting the o'd "Fourth of July celebration" with
the modern significance of the new Independence
Day, in which the people of America are fast coming
to learn that neither a person nor a nation "liveth to
himself alone," and that the function of the schools
is to train for world citizenship as well as for love of
native country, Mr. Wood said:
"Wars are due chiefly to misunderstanding between
nations, and misunderstanding between nations is
due usually to lack of understanding of one another.
World peace and concord depend upon the e'imina-
tion of provincialism and the study of the history
and institutions of our neighbors to a degree enabling
us to maintain peaceful relations with them. The
citizen of America must therefore broaden his knowl-
edge of history and of institutions in order to under-
stand the international problems he must assist in
solving.
"Specific training in citizenship in our schools
should, I believe, begin with a two-year course in
community civics in the seventh and eighth years. In
the high school proper, three years of social science
in preparation for citizenship shou'd be required to
meet the extended needs of our time. Equipped with
a knowledge such as one should get through school
organization, our young people should go out into
the world with reasonable preparation to meet the
problems of American democracy."
In championing such an expanding outlook as re-
gards the training of California's children, Mr. Wood
has shown the way in which future educators will
not fail to follow.
Born and reared on a California farm. Superin-
tendent Wood's sympathy is with rural education, and
in fulfilling the duties of his official office he evinces an
earnest desire to improve the condition of the rural
schools of the state. He has had experience in both
elementary and high schools; and the factor that has
contributed most to his success is his ability to ap-
proach the problem of education as a single prob'em.
He heartily believes in public education, to which he
has devoted his life, and the foundation principle
upon which the things he advocates are based is well
set forth in the pregnant epigram: "The schools must
make Democracy safe for Democracy."
Will C. Wood married Miss Agnes Kerr, of Fair-
field, Ca'., on July 12. 1905. Mrs. Wood is deeply
interested in educational matters and shares with her
husband the aims and ideals of his public life. They
reside comfortably at 608 Twenty-first Street, Sac-
ramento.
SETH A. WILTON.— More and more popular
among the place-names of Sacramento County is
that of Wilton, pleasantly recalling the progressive
and prosperous rancher, Seth A. Wilton. A native
son, he was born at Georgetown, in Eldorado Coun-
ty, on June 2, 1857, the son of Aretus J. and Isa-
belle (Marshall) Wilton, the former a native of New
York, the latter of the Dominion of Canada. The
parents were married in New York. His father
crossed the great plains with his wife and daughter
and reached Placerville, in November, 1852; and he
devoted most of his life to mining. He died in the
vicinity of Georgetown at the age of eighty-two, while
his devoted wife was seventy years old when she
breathed her last. They had four children to bless
them in their domestic circle. Jane was the eldest
and is now deceased; then came George, who is re-
siding in Fresno County; Seth was the third-born;
and Merritt, the youngest of tlie family, is also dead.
HISTORY OF SACRA :\IENTO COUNTY
Seth A. Wilton attended the Volcanoville district
school, and then followed mining until he was thirty
years old, working in the quartz and placer mines in
Eldorado and Placer Counties. After that he came
into Sacramento County in 1887 and at first engaged
in the raising of sheep and cattle in the mountains,
during the summer time, while he lived in Sacramento
County in the winter. In 1895 he removed to his
present location, and there purchased 124 acres of
land, part of the old Putney estate, one of the oldest
ranches in this county and part of a grant. From
time to time, he sold part of what he had, until
he now owns eighty-five acres. This was formerly
known as the George Putney ranch. When the Cali-
fornia traction line was built, a station was erected
at his ranch; and the interesting settlement around
that place now carries the name of Wilton, in ap-
propriate honor of our subject, who conducts a strictly
up-to-date dairy and poultry farm there. He is a Re-
publican, and has been a trustee of the Davis school
district for eleven years. He had charge of the lib-
erty loan drives during the late World War, and had
the entire southeastern side of Sacramento County to
look after.
Mr. Wilton was married at Georgetown, Cal., on
July 26, 1877, to Miss Lydia A. Dow, a native of
Pittsfield, N. H., and the daughter of Abraham and
Malinda (Hilliard) Dow, members of the family dis-
tinguished by the noted temperance reformer. Mrs.
Dow died when Mrs. Wilton was a mere tot. She
attended the Pittsfield schools, and in 1870 came out
to California with her brother, Cyrus Dow, and
lived for three years in San Francisco, w'hen they
moved to Georgetown, where she later married. Her
father died at the age of seventy-eight. When Mr.
Wilton settled on the Putney ranch, he w-as located
six miles northeast of Elk Grove. A son, Cjtus M.,
married Miss Ida Weybright and resides at Ashland,
Ore. Mr. Wilton belongs to Georgetown Lodge.
I. O. O. F.. and the Encampment at Elk Grove, and
to the Elk Grove Parlor, N. S. G. W.
ASA OWEN. — Well-known among that class of
men whose enterprise and public spirit have had to
do with California's development is Asa Owen, a
prosperous orchardist of the Orangevale section of
Sacramento County. He was born in Orion, Mich..
February 28, 1855, the ninth in a family of ten chil-
dren born to Charles C. and Elizabeth (Clark) Owen,
natives of New York and Connecticut, respectively.
Charles C. Owen accompanied his parents in 1831 to
Michigan, traveling with ox teams to Buffalo, and
via the Erie Canal to Lake Erie, being seven days
on the water before reaching Detroit, then a pros-
perous trading post and village of two blocks extent.
In June of the same year the family located on a
homestead, which they called Royal Oak, and there
they engaged in general farming pursuits. The deed
to the land of 320 acres was signed by Martin Van
Buren and was sold by the government for one dollar
and twenty-five cents per acre. The Clark family
also came to Michigan about the same time and
located on land near Orion, where they prospered.
Charles C. Owen passed away in 1864 and the mother
sold the Michigan farm and removed to Southern
Minnesota; she lived to reach the age of ninety-six
years, passing away at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. Purdy, in Nebraska. Asa Owen received a good
education in the schools ot Michigan and ilinnesota
and at an early age began to farm.
In 1878, Mr. Owen w^as united in marriage with
Miss Ida E. Powers, born at Stevens Point, Wis., a
daughter of the late O. H. and Loana (Johnstone)
Powers, natives of New York and England, respec-
tively. Eleven children have blessed the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Owen: Netta May is the w-idow of
Fred Morrill of Janesville, Minn., and she has seven
sons and seven daughters; Lloj'd is a rancher at
Alma City, Minn., and has seven children; Hammond
is married and has three children; Edith is the wife
of Joseph Burke and they have one daughter: Edna
is the wife of George EUedge and they have one son;
Lee and Ray are deceased; Lillian is the wife of Ed.
Brazil and they reside in Oakland, Cal.; Inez is the
wife of Ray Singelton and thej- have two daughters:
Lela, deceased, was the wife of Ted Blankenship; and
Guy K. was accidentally drowned in the American
River, July. 1922, at the age of twenty-one. Mr. Owen
is a Republican in politics and for more than twenty
years has been a member of the I. O. O. F., Marvin
Lodge, No. 128. JanesviUe, Minn. For eleven years
he acted as school trustee in Minnesota before his
removal to California in 1902. Arriving in California
he located at Orangevale, where he purchased twenty
acres newly set to orchard; then he later added
twent}- acres more which he has set to oranges,
peaches, grapefruit, etc. For ten years, Mr. Owen
operated a ranch of 160 acres about three miles from
his present home, where he raised haj' and stock; this
place was sold about eight years ago.
JOHN S. LAWSON. — .A.n experienced contractor
enjoying an enviab'e reputation for high grade, yet
moderate priced, work in plumbing and heating, is
John S. Lawson, of Del Paso Boulevard, North Sac-
ramento. He was born in New York City, on Sep-
tember IS, 1888, the son of Thomas Lawson, a plas-
terer, now deceased, who had married Miss Mary
Garrett, at present a resident of New York City, and
the center of a circle of devoted friends. The worthy
couple did the best that the}' could for our subject,
and he was sent to both the grammar and high
schools of New York.
When ready to prepare for the real battles in life,
John S. Lawson served his apprenticeship as a plumb-
er, and after that he worked as a journej-man in New-
York, where in time he also became a master plumber.
In April, 1917, however, he enlisted in the World
War, and he began with the quartermaster's store,
and finished with the heavy artillery, as a member of
the 9th Company, 160th Regiment, giving in a'l
eighteen months of his life for his country, although
he did not succeed in getting across to Europe. He
belongs to the Master Builders' Association, and the
Master Plumbers. Being a good business man, he
also takes an active part in civic affairs. He has been
a genuine booster for both Sacramento and Sacra-
mento County, and in appreciation of his local spirit
he was selected by a large majority to the office of
president of the North Sacramento Chamber of Com-
merce, the first to hold that office.
In 1921, on August 7, Mr. Lawson married Miss
Elizabeth De Saules, a Sacramento girl, who agrees
with her husband in liking t'he natural world about
her. Mr. Lawson is a Mason of the third degree,
and also belongs to the Sciots. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Lawson are popular in local society.
312
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ARTHUR D. RYAN. — Municipal commissions
visiting Sacramento have never failed to praise its
superior police system, no small credit for which is
due to Arthur D. R3'an, the experienced and broad-
gaged inspector of police, who carries his honors
modesth' and well deserves his popularity. He is a
native son of Sacramento, having first seen the light
there on January 15, 1882, when he entered the
family circle of Capt. Thomas and Clara (Hastings)
Ryan. His father, a native of Boston, came out to
Sacramento in early days, and for over fifty years was
a captain on river boats; he died in May, 1923. Mrs.
Ryan died, years ago, beloved by all who knew her.
Arthur Ryan attended both the grammar and the
high school of Sacramento, and then for ten years he
was in the employ of the Southern Pacific Rolling
Mills. After that for a couple of years he was on the
boats of the Sacramento Transportation Company,
and in 1904, on the 29th of August, he came to the
Sacramento police department. First, he was a patrol-
man, then he became a sergeant, and next a detec-
tive, and then he was a detective sergeant. In July,
1920, he was appointed inspector of police, a post of
still greater responsibility for which he seemed well
equipped by a rare experience. Brimful of devotion to
Sacramento City and County, Inspector Ryan never
loses an opportunity to better local conditions, believ-
ing implicitly that, for every substantial and lasting
improvement in social environment, a proportionate
community blessing is sure to follow. He is a Re-
publican.
Arthur D. Ryan and Miss Elizabeth Becker, of Sac-
ramento, were married at Sacramento, on April 2,
1916. Inspector Ryan belongs to the Eagles, and in
that order is justly popular. Manj^ reforms in the
administration of the police in Sacramento are
traceable to the Inspector, whose record is fast be-
coming enviable.
MARTIN I. WELSH.— A learned and gifted at-
torney, well-known beyond the confines of the coun-
ty in which he has attained to his latest and greatest
success, is Martin I. Welsh, a native of San Jose,
where he was born on October 1, 1882. His father,
Garrett Welsh, was a pioneer of Santa Clara, to
which county he came in 1851, having traveled to
California by way of the Isthmus; and at Santa
Clara he and Miss Mary Connelly were married. The
estimable lady lived to be seventy-six, and to know
much of the sweetness of life; and her devoted hus-
band, who was also an affectionate father, saw his
seventy-third year, ere he laid aside the cares of this
world.
Martin Welsh was educated at St. Joseph's Col-
lege, as well as by the public schools, and then he
went to St. Vincent's College at Cape Girardeau, Mo.
His father's death imposed restrictions upon his fu-
ture career, and on his return to San Jose, he went
to work early. At first, he took up the study of law
privately, then prepared for and sustained the bar
examination, and in 1912 was admitted, with the usual
credentials, to practice in the courts of California.
Removing to Sacramento, he commenced his actual
practice here. He was superior judge of Sacramento
County for a term, and then deputy district attorney
under E. S. Wachhorst, the United States commis-
sioner, for two terms, eventually resigning from
that office. He is a member of the state and county
bar associations, and in each has striven to support
sensible judicial reforms and forward movements.
He endorses the Democratic party platforms, but that
does not mean that he is controlled by any narrow
partisanship.
Mr. Welsh married Miss Marie E. Eubanks, of
Santa Clara County, forming a happy union later
blessed with the gift of three children, Eleanor, Mil-
dred and Marie. The couple enjoy an enviable place
in the best social circles of Sacramento County,
while Judge Welsh is an e.x-grand sachem of the
state Iroquois clubs of California.
SYLVESTER CORNELIUS TRYON.— A lover
of fine horses and an expert in judging them, as
shown by the records his horses have made, Sylvester
Cornelius Tryon has devoted most of his time to
raising and training race horses and his stable has
been famous throughout the country. Born near Fort
Wayne, Ind., January 6, 1851, he is a son of
Horatio and Abigail (Cone) Tryon, the former a
native of Ohio and the latter of Georgia. The father,
wife and three children, among them the subject of
this sketch, crossed the plains by horse and mule
teams in 1863, and settled in the Sacramento Valley.
Shortly after their arrival Horatio Tryon bought a
420-acre ranch, eight miles south of Sacramento, on
the lower Stockton road, and this he improved and
farmed to wheat and barlej'. Later he moved to
Lake County, where his death occurred; the mother
is still living, at the ripe old age of ninety-five years,
and makes her home in Santa Rosa. Four children
were born to this pioneer couple; Emily Jane, now
deceased; Sylvester C; Ephraim H., deceased; and
Edward P., of Stockton.
Sylvester C. attended the Prairie school, which
is still standing, and his old teacher, -Mrs. Nelson,
is still living in Sacramento, aged ninety-three. On
finishing his schooling he farmed the old home ranch
for a time, then went to Nevada and engaged in the
cattle business for eight years. Selling his holdings
in that state, he returned to Sacramento and farmed
the old place again, raising cattle and horses. This
home ranch is still in the possession of the family.
Mr. Tryon discontinued ranching many years ago,
finding that his real interest lay in horses, and since
that time he has devoted his time entirely tO training
and driving race horses. He has trained and raced
horses for many of the famous horsemen of the early
days, among them John Mackey and the Haggin
brothers. He broke, trained and drove the famous
horse "Anaconda," owned by J. B. Haggin; this was
a double-gaited horse, with a trotting race record of
2;09j4, and a pacing race record of 2:01%. He also
trained and drove "Hylas Boy," "Maud Patchen" and
"Knight," the sire of "Anaconda." Mr. Tryon has
raced horses all up and down the Pacific Coast, in
Montana, and on the Eastern circuit. He is the offi-
cial time-keeper, and has held that position a number
of years, at the state fair race track in Sacramento,
receiving the appointment from the secretary of the
National Race Track Association of Hartford, Conn.
Mr. Tryon owned, among other horses, "Pocahon-
tas," "Clara G.," "Castillo," and "Colonel Hawkins";
and he also owned and drove the fastest double team
of trotters in the state, which won many races at the
old Bay District track in San Francisco, and the Sac-
ramento and Stockton race tracks; he also owned the
fastest team of pacers in the state; and "Prince," a
famous pacer, won him many races in both Sacra-
mento and Stockton.
/^%;
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
315
The marriage of Mr. Tryon united him with Amy
Leimbach, daughter of Herman Leimbach. a pioneer
of Sacramento County, and four children have been
born to them. Walter H. owns a stable of trotters
at the state fair grounds. Sacramento, and is employed
by C. M. Cowell, as a trainer and driver of race
horses. Ralph W. is employed in the Southern Paci-
fic shops. Alonzo H., who is better known as "Lon-
nie," started with horses at the age of fifteen, and
is now engaged in training and running horses at
Tia Juana, Cal.; he owned "Paisley," a two-year-old
that died, and "Melachrino," the fastest runner in
the state, and raced him on the Eastern circuit in
1922 with success, winning large purses, and earned
the name there of "The Western Plunger." The
fourth child is Mrs. Blanche Kirkpatrick, of Los
Angeles. It will be seen that Mr. Tryon has had an
eventful life, and he has added much to the fame and
romance of California.
DANIEL E. STUART.— It is unusual in these
days of many changes to find a man, even a native
son, operating the home ranch, on which he was born
and reared; and when we do find him so engaged it
goes without saying that he has made a success of
agriculture and has brought the pioneer acreage to a
high state of cultivation. Born on what was known
as the Woods Ranch, four and a half miles from
Courtland, on Grand Island, September IS, 1884,
Daniel E. Stuart is the son of Arthur W. and Olive
Pauline (Phillips) (Woods) Stuart, the father a native
of Maine and the mother a native of Wisconsin.
Arthur W. Stuart came with his parents to California
when only two or three years old. His parents set-
tled near Dixon, Solano County, and he was reared
and educated in Yolo and Solano Counties, later com-
ing to the delta country of Sacramento County. A
widow at the time of her marriage to Mr. Stuart, the
mother inherited the ranch of 200 acres which has
since been the family home. Daniel E. was the only
child born of Mr. and Mrs. Stuart's union. A step-
sister, Lily Woods, was drowned in 1888.
Daniel E. Stuart was educated at the Grand Island
district school, and finished his schooling with an
academic course at the University of the Pacific at
San Jose. With the exception of five years in the
employment of the Griffin & Skelly canneries of
Grand Island and at their Oakland plant, Mr. Stuart
has devoted his entire time to operating the home
ranch for his mother. One-half of the 200 acres is
at present in orchards, principally of pears and ship-
ping prunes, and the remaining acreage is in beans
and vegetables; but he is gradually developing the
entire property to orchards, setting out trees every
year, so that in time the ranch will blossom as 200
acres of fruit in one body, a large holding in this
day of small ranches.
The marriage of Daniel E. Stuart, at Fairfield,
Solano County, on October 19, 1905, united him with
Miss Elsie Crow, the daughter of Abe and Cecelia
Crow, and the third in a family of eight children.
The sixth child, Lelland Crow, died during the late
World War; he was on board ship for France when
the influenza broke out on the vessel, and the troops
were returned to America and taken to hospitals at
the port; out of the entire company only forty sur-
vived the epidemic, and Lelland Crow was among
the boys who gave their lives for their country — no
less so than those who reached the battle-grounds and
died while serving "over there." Mrs. Stuart was
reared and educated at Rio Vista, where her father
was a rancher. He is now deceased, but the mother
is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Stuart have adopted two
children and made a place for them at the family
hearth: Lelland and Wanda. In political belief, Mr.
Stuart is a Republican; and in all matters he is a
true Californian and a firm believer in the future pos-
sibilities of his native state.
PATRICK HAYES.— The list of Sacramento's
popular citizens contains the name of no more worthy,
upright and loyal citizen than Patrick Hayes, the
assistant chief of the Sacramento fire department.
He is a native son of California, born in San Benito
County, March 12, 1873, a son of John and Anna
(Hern) Hayes, who settled in California in an early
day, where the father was in the employ of the gov-
ernment and later engaged in mining pursuits. When
Patrick was a small child his parents removed to San
Jose, Cal., and there he received his education in the
public schools. After his school days were over he
first worked at bricklaying; then went into the laun-
dry business, first in San Jose and later in San Fran-
cisco and Sacramento. In 1902 he entered the Sacra-
mento fire department and was with Truck Company
No. 1 for ten years; then he was commissioned cap-
tain of Chemical No. 2 and held the position for nine
years; on July 1, 1921, he was promoted to the posi-
tion of assistant chief of the fire department. He
is held in high esteem by the citizens of Sacramento.
The marriage of Mr. Hayes united him with Miss
Winnifred Boles and they are the parents of four
children: John F., Hilda, Winnifred and Annie. In
politics Mr. Hayes is a Republican and fraternally
he is a member of the Red Men of Sacramento.
JOHN T. FAIRBAIRN.— An old pioneer of Sac-
ramento County and one who helped in upbuilding
and developing it to the present-day era of prosperity,
was John T. Fairbairn, who was born of pure Scotch
ancestry, at Lancaster, Erie County, N. Y., Febru-
ary 5, 1856. He was the son of John and Isa-
bella (Brackey) Fairbairn, the father a native of
Scotland who came to America in 1853, and eventual-
ly went to Canada, where he engaged in farming un-
til his death, in 1876. He served in the L'nion Army
during the Civil War. The wife and mother was
also a native of Scotland, her death occurring in
1858.
An onh' son, John T. Fairbairn was educated in
the public schools of Canada, and when sixteen years
of age started in life for himself, came west to Cali-
fornia and was employed by J. D. Morrison in Sac-
ramento County, later going to Yolo, and there
worked as ranch hand until 1879, when he was made
foreman of the Dr. P. H. Mcrritt ranch, remaining
in that position until 1883.
January 3, 1883, in Seaforth. C)ntario, the young
pioneer was married to Agnes Houston, a schoolmate
who had given him her promise to join him on life's
journey when he could provide for her; she was of
Scotch parentage, the daughter of James Houston,
farmer. Mr. and Mrs. l''airl)airn came to California
and located at Walsh Station, where the young hus-
band bought 200 acres and began ranching, and that
continued to be their family home until his death, in
1914. He added to his holdings from time to time and
316
HiSTURV OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
eventually owned 500 acres, raising grain and stock.
He took an active part in county affairs, helping to
build up the district and to protect and further the
best interests of the people. A Republican in politics,
he was a delegate to both county and state conven-
tions; a member of the County Central Committee,
he was active in its various affairs and always a
worker for the good of his fellow citizens. He was
school trustee of the Brighton school district for
many years and served as clerk of the board as well.
In line with his progressive ideas, he was a member
of the Ranchers' Protective Association. Fraternally
he belonged to the Odd Fellows, and to the Scot-
ish Clans; and like all true Scots, he was a Presby-
terian in religious faith. Six children were born to
the worthy pioneers: James H.; John B.; Russell A.;
Frances I., wife of F. H. Prittie of Sacramento;
Agnes G., wife of J. S. Rusby, of Elk Grove; and
Mary D., who married E. J. Camp, of Florin. All
were oorn and reared in Sacramento County. The
good wife and mother passed to her reward in 1916.
James H. Fairbairn, the eldest son, was born on
the old home place, and attended the local schools;
growing up on the ranch, he early learned the rudi-
ments of agriculture, and his years of experience
have added to that knowledge. He makes the inanage-
ment of the 700 acres he now operates his real life
work, for which he was fitted by early environment
and training; and he has won success through atten-
tion to details and the use of up-to-date methods
and implements. Fraternally Mr. Fairbairn is a mem-
ber of the Royal Arch Masons, and of Sacramento
Parlor No. 3, Native Sons. Like his father, he is
a Republican in political adherence, though in local
affairs he acts without partisanship in all matters per-
taining to district development, and the community
could not look for a more loyal supporter. The two
brothers are also working in partnership with James
H. on the ranch.
GEORGE R. JENKINS.— Few leaders in the Sac-
ramento commercial and financial world have a better
understanding of the complicated problems of insur-
ance than George R. Jenkins, the energetic senior
member of the well-known house of Geo. R. Jen-
kins Company, Inc., located at 613 J Street, in the
building owned by Mr. Jenkins. A Californian who
has never ceased to talk enthusiastically for the great
Golden State, he was born at a beautiful spot in
Monterey County, July 16, 1875, the son of Lewis R.
and Lottie Elizabeth (Hegel) Jenkins, the former
a pioneer who came here first in 1852, then re-
turned East to Iowa. During the Civil War he served
in the 4th Iowa Cavalry, and when the war was over
he engaged in farming, having returned to California.
He also engaged in the livery business in Sacramento,
located on K Street, between 6th and 7th Streets.
He died, esteemed by all who knew him, in 1912;
but his devoted wife still enjoys life, the center of
a circle of admiring friends and prominent in the
Eastern Star, the Amaranth and the White Shrine
circles.
George R. Jenkins attended the local public schools
in Monterey, held in the building used for the first
State Capitol, and he also attended night school and
studied mechanical drawing; then he took a corres-
pondence course in law, but he did not take the
bar examination. However, he took up mining and
worked in. Calif.ornia,..Ari2:oaa.. and-, Nevada,, spenxling
eleven years in that line of activity and meeting with
the best of results in the various fields where he was
einploj'ed. In 1910 he decided he could do better
and came back to Sacramento and began in the real
estate and insurance business. In 1920 he formed the
Geo. R. Jenkins Company, and on January 1, 1923, the
business was incorporated and Mr. Jenkins became
its president. The company specialize in insurance,
although thej' do a general real estate business in
connection. The experience of the projectors, their
modern, superior methods, and their never-failing at-
tention to the every want of a patron, have combined
to yield them a handsome patronage; and it is not
surprising that no Sacramento firm has evidenced
more interest in town and county. Mr. Jenkins is
a director of the Central California Funding Cor-
poration, of which he was also one of the organizers.
Mr. Jenkins has been twice married, first to Miss
Mabel Farris, by whom he had two children: Farris,
who was associated with his father and was also
playground inspector for the city of Sacramento, and
who died July 2, 1922; and Clare, who graduated
from the high school and is now an assistant in her
father's office. His second marriage united him with
Miss Ida M. Bowman, a native of Oakland, and their
happ3' union has been blessed by the birth of a son,
George R. Jenkins. Jr. For his recreation Mr. Jen-
kins enjoys fishing and hunting for big game. He
is a life meinber of the McKinley Athletic Club, Inc.,
in which he is also one of the trustees and he main-
tains a live interest in all athletic sports. He is
public-spirited and ready to assist in all movements
for the advancement of the community's prosperity.
WILLIAM W. BOTTIMORE.— A member of a
pioneer family that settled in Sacramento County
more thail half a century ago, William W. Bottimore
is a native of the Old Dominion, born in Tazewell
County, Va., June 27, 1866, the son of William T. and
Louise (Cecil) Bottimore. The father was born in
Baltimore, Md., and the mother in Virginia and both
were of old English ancestry, the Cecil family being
of colonial stock. Seven children were born to them,
as follows: William W.; Mrs. Angeline Brown of San
Diego; Charles Carroll, died in 1918; Katherine, Mrs.
Frank Marceau of Milbrae, Cal.; Mary, died in 1894;
Mrs. Nannie Corrales of Los Angeles; Frank, died at
the age of twenty-one. In 1870 the Bottimore family
migrated to California and settled at Woodbridge on
the Woods place; they remained there but si.x months
and then went to New Hope, but after a year they
were flooded out and came to Gait, where the father
followed his trade of brick-mason until 1886; then the
family, with the exception of our subject, removed to
San Diego, Cal., where the parents passed away.
William W. Bottimore received his education in the
Gait district school, and when seventeen started to
work on the Need ranch, continuing there for five
years. He then rented 500 acres east of this ranch
and for nine years engaged in raising grain there.
He then purchased his present place of 400 acres on
the open plains and built a home and farm buildings,
planted trees and shrubbery and set out a thirty-acre
vineyard of Tokay grapes. Here he installed an irri-
gation system, using the first centrifugal pump in.
Sacramento County. Later he dynamited three acres
of hard-pan and set it out to peaches, and now some
of the finest fruit in this section is produced there, as
a reward for his perseverance and labor. Mr. Botti-
more maintains, a dairy on his. ranch and raises grain.
HISTORY OF SAC'RAMF.X'J^.) COL'XTN'
.^17
cattle, horses and mules, although most of his farm-
ing is done by tractor. He has three sixty-horsc-power
Best tractors and in addition to his own land leases
large tracts. He has a large repair shop on his ranch
and he and his sons do all the machine repair work,
his eldest son being an expert mechanic. Mr. Botti-
more expects to break up his hard-pan soil with a sub-
soil breaker, built to go to a depth of five feet, which,
instead of lifting the ground, pushes each cutting
to one side, taking a strip five feet wide to each cut-
ting. This is the first experiment of this kind to be
tried out in this part of the county.
On December 16, 1892, Mr. Bottimore was married
to Miss Cora B. Quiggle, born on the Quiggle ranch
on the Cosumnes River in Sacramento County, the
daughter of V. S. and Isabella Quiggle, early pioneers
of California who had large land-holdings near the
present site of Herald. Mrs. Bottimore's grand-
mother was Mrs. Elizabeth Louins, who was the first
woman to prove up on a piece of government land in
Sacramento County. Mr. and Mrs. Bottimore are the
parents of ten children: Ephe Ray is the eldest; Donna
is Mrs. Robert Fawcett of Gait, and has a son, Robert
Donald: Zelma is Mrs. Burton Scoon of Roseville,
Cal., and has a daughter, Joan Virginia: Cecil is a part-
ner with his father; Thae died in infancy: Thomas.
Abner, Catherine, Hallie, and Robert Lee are all at
home.
The oldest son, Ephe Ray, entered the U. S. Army
in November, 1917, was one week on Angel Island
and then was sent to Kelly Field, Texas, where he
took the examination for mechanics and was placed
in the 23rd Recruit Squadron and sent to Waco,
Texas, for training. This outfit was absorbed by the
257th Aero Squadron and Mr. Bottimore became a
truck driver, remaining on duty at Waco until June,
1918, when he went to Camp Green, N. C and was
transferred to the 332nd Aero Squadron and sent to
Morrison, Va., sailing from there to Liverpool, Eng-
land. In England the squadron was turned back from
Southampton and sent to Edinburgh, Scotland, and
there served with the Royal Flying Corps, Mr. Botti-
more attaining the rank of sergeant. Just after the
armistice this squadron was routed for home, but in-
fluenza broke out and they were delayed a month,
finally landing at New York December 24, 1918. Mr.
Bottimore was discharged at Camp Mills, N, Y.,
January 10, 1919, and returned home. On June 30,
1920, he was married to Miss Catherine Spencer of
Gait and they have a daughter, Frances Jane, and a
son, Ephe R.. Jr.
William W. Bottimore is a lifelong Republican. A
stanch friend of education, he served as a member
of the Alabama school district for nineteen years.
WHITTEMORE BROS,— Well-known among
the successful ranchers of Sacramento County who
have attained their success by scientific, progressive
methods, courageous investment and steady applica-
tion to the problems before them, Messrs. Whitte-
more Bros,, who are operating two miles northwest
of Clay, are enjoying an enviable position. They
represent the Whittemore family of Clay, together
with a sister who is still living, and they all live on
the old Whittemore ranch. These brothers are Al-
bion E. Whittemore, who was born on July 16, 1874:
Carl A. Whittemore, who first saw light on January
24, 1878; and Benjamin Franklin Whittemore, who
was born on February IS, 1880. The sister is Anna
Lucv. now married and the wife of William Hart.
She was born in 1883. They are the children of
Benjamin Franklin Whittemore, a native of New
Hampshire, who had married Miss Anna Margaret
Snyder, of Allegany County, New York, Ben-
jamin F. Whittemore came out to California as early
as 1853, across the great plains; and he mined at
Michigan Bar. The Snyder family had migrated to
Illinois, and in 1872 Benjamin F. Whittemore re-
turned East from California. He was married in
Illinois, and that same year he came back to Cali-
fornia, bringing with him his young wife. He settled
about two miles northwest of Clay Station, and there
purchased a quarter-section of land. And he built
a home at that time, and died on his ranch on No-
vember 9, 1885, aged fiftj'-two years and ten months
His wife was born on June 27, 1838, and she died at
the old home at Clay, on June 3, 1920, having almost
reached her eighty-second year. Mr. Whittemore
was one of the first trustees of the Laguna school
district, and both he and his gifted wife were among
the most esteemed pioneers in this section. All their
boys attended the Clay district school, and since their
boyhood, they lived on the ranch with their mother.
Miss Whittemore married William Hart, of Clem-
ents, and she has three sons: Wilbur, Lauren and
Delbert.
To the original quarter-section of land Benjamin
F. Whittemore had added 320 acres in two parcels,
and of this estate the Whittemore brothers own 280
acres. They also have a plot of ground seven and
one-half acres in extent in Gait, within the northern
part of the city. Their father always conducted a
general farming enterprise, and bequeathed to his
children something more than merely a good name.
Carl A. Whittemore has been clerk of the board of
directors of the Laguna district school for the last
twelve years. Benjamin Franklin, Jr., the youngest
son, served as constable of Alabama Township from
1914 to 1922, and like the other brothers he is a
stanch Republican. B. F. Whittemore was united in
matrimony at Sacramento on December 15, 1918,
with Miss Josephine Ivey, who is a native of Ar-
kansas. She came to California with her mother
when two years old, and was reared and educated at
Clay Station. Her father was William Ivey, who
had married Mary Holcomb. Mr. Ivey died in Ar-
kansas, but the mother came on to California with
her family, and here married Thomas Allen, of Clay.
He died in 1911. Mrs. Allen is still living near Clay,
the mother of four children, by her first marriage, all
of whom are deceased, save Mrs. Whittemore, while
by her union with Mr. Allen she had three children,
Louis, Rufus, and Jewel. Mrs. Whittemore attended
the Clay district school, and has two children, Le-
land Benjamin and Roland Carl.
PETER B. GERMAIN. — A successful, prosperous
rancher whose modern, scientific methods and hi.gh
standards in business negotiations have entitled him
to his substantial returns, is Peter B. Germain, a
native of Three Rivers, in Quebec, Canada, where he
was born April 30, 1856, the son of John B. and Hen-
rietta (Trottier) Germain. His father and mother
were born on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
Canada, our subject's grandparents having been fron-
tier settlers of Ermandier, Canada. Grandfather Ger-
main lived to be seventy-five years of age, while
Grandmother Germain survived him and saw her
eighty-sixth year. John B. Germain saw one year
more of life than his father, and his devoted com-
318
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
panion, Peter's mother, also lived to be eighty-six
years of age. They had eleven children, of whom
Arselia was the eldest; then came Ferdinand. Napo-
leon, Emma, Henry, Joseph. Peter, Mary, Josephine,
Clara and Adolph.
Peter Germain attended the Canadian grammer
schools, and when eighteen years old, left home to
come into the United States and made his way West
to California. At Stockton, he worked for two years
for William Fairchild, who lived out on the Stockton-
Waterloo road: and then he went to Petaluma, but
soon returned to Stockton, to spend three years in
various engagements. Coming into Sacramento Coun-
ty, he was married on April 30, 1889, to Miss Esther
C. Carr, who was born on the Carr ranch, near Clay
Station, and was the daughter of Seymour and Mary
(O'Neal) Carr. Seymour Carr was a native of Syra-
cuse, New York, born September 1, 1840. who later
removed to Des Moines, Iowa, in the winter of 1851-
1852, where his parents died. In 1859, he crossed
the plains to California, arriving September 1, and he
worked at mining for a short time, then farmed, and
in 1870 settled on a ranch of 240 acres, near Clay,
Cal., where he spent the remainder of his days. He
died on May 14, 1912, in his seventy-second year; his
good wife also breathed her last in her seventy-second
year, passing away June 15, 1909. Seymour Carr was
identified most honorably with public life. He served
two terms in the state legislature as assemblyman, and
for about twenty years was justice of the peace in his
township. He was a school director, a member of
the Grange and also an Odd Fellow. Mr. and Mrs.
Seymour Carr were blessed with seven children.
Alice is Mrs. Thomas L. White of Pacific Grove;
Esther C. is the wife of our subject; Elmour is at San
Jose; Ella A. has become Mrs. Hauschildt; William
is on the home place; Maud is Mrs. William Henning,
of Forest Hill; and James is with William. Esther C.
Carr attended the Alabama district school in Sacra-
mento County, and there laid the foundation of that
excellent training by which she has been able to be-
come such a valuable helpmate to her husband.
After their marriage, Mr. Germain purchased a
quarter-section of land near Clay Station, and still
owns 140 acres of this tract. The place has six acres
of vineyard, and the balance of the land is a stock
farm. Mr. Germain has served as road overseer in
his district, and has been a trustee of the Alabama
district school. In national politics, he is a Republi-
can; in local afifairs, always a good non-partisan
booster.
Six children were granted to Mr. and Mrs. Ger-
main. Mary E. passed away in her twentieth year.
Emma A. is a graduate from the Fresno Teachers'
College, and Clara M. is a graduate from the Western
Normal at Stockton, and both are teaching at Fresno.
John S. graduated from the teachers' college at Chico.
June 7, 1923. On March 10, 1923, he married Frances
Requa. The younger ones are Peter W., a graduate
of the Gait high-school class of 1922, and Josephine
E. John served in the late World War. He entered
the service in October, 1917, as a member of Company
L, 363rd Infantry, 91st Division, trained at Camp
Lewis, but was taken down there with the scarlet
fever and rheumatism, through which he suffered far
more than many who went overseas, and survived
great physical dangers; and he was honorably dis-
charged, as a corporal, in March, 1919. What he
modestly and uncomplainingly did for his country.
even though he was denied the privilege of going to
European batt'efields, will always be a source of
satisfaction to himself and his friends.
LOUIS W. MYERS.— At the time of his death,
which occurred on April 8, 1922, Louis W. Myers
was the owner of 865 acres on Grand Island, consist-
ing of a highly developed fruit ranch, devoted to
pears, peaches, plums, cherries and asparagus, and
one of the show-places of the county. He was born
on the Myers ranch on Grand Island, on October 27,
1870, a son of Henry W. and Sophia Myers, both
natives of Germany and early settlers on the Sacra-
mento, their arrival dating in the early fifties.
Louis W. Myers was educated at the Auburn
schools. Early in life he showed great • aptitude for
agriculture and horticulture, which as time went on
enabled him to acquire and develop an immense acre-
age. This property he managed so successfully that
h!s name became well-known throughout the valley
and the central part of the state as one of the county's
most successful and resourceful ranchers, with a repu-
tation for exceptionally keen business management
as well as a thorough knowledge of soil and climatic
conditions.
On November 21, 1894, Louis W. Myers was united
in marriage with Miss Henrietta de Back. She was
born in Holland, a daughter of P. G. and Patronella
(Gassling) de Back, and when tv\'elve years of age
was brought to the United 'States by her parents,
who settled on the Sacramento River and there en-
gaged in ranching, being numbered among the agri-
culturists who aided in the development of the coun-
ty's rich agricultural resources. Here the mother
died, aged sixty-three years; the father is still living,
making his home on Grand Island with Edward H.
Myers. Henrietta de Back received her education
at Notre Dame Convent, in San Francisco, and after-
wards was married to Mr. Myers. Although a native
of a far-distant country, Mrs. Myers has spent prac-
tically all of her life in California. Eight children
blessed the union of these representative Californians:
Louis John, who is operating the ranch for his
mother; Rena Sophia, wife of Fred Kulper and a
resident of Suisun, Napa County; Henry William,
who married Gertrude Kahlmeier, of New York State,
and resides in Sacramento; Patronella Cato, wife of
John Marshall Diggs of Sacramento; and Paul de
Back, Theodore Edward, Henderieka Dora, and
Marie Louise. All have had most excellent school
advantages.
In 1918 Mr. Myers started the building of a pala-
tial home, the construction of which consumed two
years; and the grounds are now in the process of
being laid out in landscape gardening. The comple-
tion of the work as planned will place the family
home in a class with the Claus Spreckels home in
San Francisco. It is of the type of beautiful country
home for which California is famous throughout the
world. The residence is constructed after the Italian
style of architecture, and presents a magnificent and
beautiful appearance. It was planned by Mrs. Myers,
and her ideas were carried out by the architect. Mr.
Myers named the ranch Rose Henrietta Orchard,
and he was very proud of his orchard, so named for
his accomplished wife; and under this brand the fruit
is packed and shipped to the large cities in the East,
direct from the L. W. Myers landing.
HISTORY OF SACRA.MENTO COUNTY
321
The untimely passing of Mr. Myers in 1922, com-
ing just at the prime of Hfe. before he was yet fifty-
two years of age, took from Sacramento County one
of its most inffueutial and energetic workers for the
common good. He was trustee of the Grand Island
Reclamation District, and was a man of far-sighted
vision, active in projects for the further development
of his part of the state and practical in all his under-
takings, the type of man always found at the helm of
economic advancement. He was the president of
the Courtland Bank at the time when it was organ-
ized, and remained in that position up to the time of
his death. He was a prominent member of the Cali-
fornia Pear Growers' Association and of the Califor-
nia Canning Peach Growers' Association, and be-
longed to Courtland Parlor, N. S. G. W.
After the death of her husband, Mrs. Myers took
over the management of the estate, and with the
assistance of her son Louis J. is carrying on the
farming operations on the same broad, progressive
plan followed by Mr. Myers. She is endowed with
much tact and business ability; and Mr. Myers al-
ways gave much credit for his success to his talented
wife, who assisted him in every way and encouraged
him to gain the fulfilment of his ambitions.
BURTON M. HODSON.— A high degree of artis-
tistic perfection marks the exhibits of the Hodson
Studio in Sacramento. The consensus of opinion on
the part of competent judges indicates that Mr. Hod-
son possesses much talent and ability as a photogra-
pher far above the average. An innate knowledge
of proportion, an instantaneous compreliension of
artistic outlines and a highly developed appreciation
of graceful poses are characteristics admirably qualify-
ing him for success in art. These qualities, while
justly belonging to him through inheritance from a
gifted father, have been so developed and perfected
through study and experience that they have brought
him professional prominence and local prestige, com-
bining to give him a reputation which has been en-
hanced through his ease of manner and affability
of demeanor. When it is mentioned that Mr. Hodson
has been actively identified with Sacramento Parlor
No. 3, Native Sons o'f the Golden West, it will be
recognized that the success of his work reflects added
credit upon his native commonwealth. Oakland is
his native city and July 22, 1875, the date of his
birth, his father having been J. R. Hodson, a native
of Illinois and from youth a photographer of eminent
skill. As early as 1872 the elder Mr. Hodson estab-
lished a studio in Sacramento. At different times he
had art galleries in various bay cities. Eventually jn
1894 he established his studio in San Francisco, where
for a few years he limited his attention strictly to
photography; but the development of his genius led
him into the field of portraiture and he has since
become a popular portrait painter of the exposition
city.
.'\t the age of five years Burton M. Hodson accom-
panied his parents to Sacramento and here he was
sent to the primary school, later the grammar and
then to the high school. He can scarcely recall a time
when he was not interested in photography. The sci-
ence appealed to him in early years. The difficult
processes incident to producing a finished picture
appealed to his genius. Having made a life study
of the science he is qualified for successful work in
all of its specialties. Reading and research have
broadened his knowledge of art, while practical expe-
rience has developed his inborn tastes, until now he
occupies a rank of unquestioned prominence among
the photographers of California. From boyhood he
has devoted himself to his profession. Politics has
not diverted him from his art. Fraternal interests,
limited to membership in the Native Sons of the
Golden West and the Sacramento Lodge of Elks,
as well as his membership in the Kiwanis Club, have
not been allowed to infringe upon his constant devo-
tion to his chosen calling, and it is to this persistent
devotion to achieving his ambition, supplemented
by intelligence, affability and refinement, that Mr.
Hodson owes his grov\'ing success. Endowed by
nature with a pleasing personality, he is well-read and
we'1-posted, and it is a pleasure to converse with liim
and enjoy his generous hospitality. Sharing with him
in the good will of his acquaintances is his estimable
wife, who prior to their marriage in 1908, in her
native city of Sacramento, was Miss Lillian May
Nelson, member of an old, prominent and honored
family of the capital city.
MRS. MATILDA STAHL.— A very interesting
woman, who is not only an old-timer but also a native
daughter proud of her association with the Golden
State, is Mrs. Matilda Stahl, who was born at the
Fifteen-mile House on the Placerville road, Sacra-
mento County, a daughter of William Deterding,
who was born in Hanover, Germany, June 11, 1818.
There he received a good education in the excellent
schools of the Fatherland and there, too, he learned
the wagon-maker's trade, after which he married
Wilhelmina Rosenberg. The young couple came to
St. Louis, Mo., in 1850, where he ran a wagon shop.
He became interested in the stories of the new El-
dorado and soon decided to come hither. In 1852
he brought his family across the plains in an ox-team
train, arriving in Placerville in the autumn of that
year. He first kept a store at Grizzly Flat and then
at Diamond Spring and still later at Logantown.
During this time he also freighted between Sacra-
mento and the mines, as well as mined some. Then
he opened a wagon shop at Ninth and J Streets, Sac-
ramento, where he was in business until he purchased
the Fifteen-mile House on the Placerville road in
18S7. The hotel and store was the first night out of
Sacramento by the freighters and was well patron-
ized, and "Deterding's" or "Fifteen-mile" was a very
popular place in the early days, for its comfort, rest
and meals. He gave parties and balls two or three
times a year, always enjoyable occasions to the
many guests from Sacramento and all over the
county. Church and Jones, the leading orchestra in
the capital city at the time, furnished the music and
his ei.tertainment was highly appreciated. He added
to his holdings, becoming owner of 520 acres, and
was a very substantial and influential man of alTairs.
When he passed away in 1881 he was mourned by
his family and friends and particularly by his fellow
members in Schiller Odd Fellows Lodge and the
Lutheran church. His widow- survived him until 1887,
being the mother of six children: Mrs. Christine
Rice and Mrs. Julia Thielbahr, both now deceased;
Charles, a farmer in Fair Oaks; Mrs. Matilda Stahl,
the subject of our interesting review; Mrs. Isabelle
Dee, deceased; and Mrs. Minnie Ecklon, of San l'"ran-
cisco.
Matilda Deterding was reared in the heathful en-
vironment of her father's ranch at Fifteen-mile House.
322
HISTORY OF SACRAMKXTO COL'NTV
She enjoyed and was benefited by the great outdoors,
of which she was always a great lover. Her educa-
tion was had in the Kinney school.
Matilda Deterding was married at her parents'
home to Mr. John Stahl, a native of Pennsylvania
and a carpenter by trade, who came out to Sacra-
mento, Cal., a young man. They followed farming
on Mrs. StahTs ranch, a part of the old Deterding
place, until they sold it to the Natomas Company.
However, before this they had located in Oak Park,
where they built their comfortable residence and ha\'e
since resided. They have also built and own several
other residences in Oak Park. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl's
union has been blessed with two children, both girls:
Irene, who is Mrs. Smith of Oak Park; and Tillie,
who makes her home with her parents.
Fraternally Mr. Stahl is a member of Industrial
Lodge of the I. O. O. F., while Mrs. Stahl and her
daughters are members of the Capital City Lodge of
Rebekahs. In religion, Mrs. Stahl was reared in the
Lutheran Church, of which she is still a member.
GEORGE P. YOERK. — Among the real promot-
ers and upbuilders of Sacramento County, and espe-
cially of the city of Sacramento is numbered George
P. Yoerk, who is a'so a native son of the capital city,
and whose interests, rapidly extending along impor-
tant and representative lines, have been forceful fac-
tors in its development and growth. The section has
profited greatly by his long continued and well
directed work and his own prosperity has been ad-
vanced in a notable degree during the years, for he
stands today among the men of marked ability and
substantial worth in Sacramento.
George P. Yoerk was born in Sacramento, July
20, 1871, and in that city he attended the public
schools and Atkinson's Business College. His parents
were C. A. and Margaret (Lenz) Yoerk, early settlers
of the Golden State, who are represented on another
page. Immediately following the completion of his
education, George P. Yoerk became associated with
Mohr & Yoerk in the mercantile business as assistant
manager; then in 1918 he became president of the
company and at the present time is serving as presi-
dent and tnanager. Mohr & Yoerk are not only the
oldest, but the largest retail grocers in Sacramento
County, and occupy a new building 80 b}' 80 feet, at
the corner of Eleventh and K Streets, being now cen-
trally located. Some years ago they incorporated
the Mohr & Yoerk Realty Company, of which he is
vice-president. This company is conducted separate-
ly from Mohr & Yoerk. being the owners of their
realty holdings.
The marriage of Mr. Yoerk united him with Miss
Ella Sherburn, a native daughter of Sacramento, a
daughter of VV. H. Sherburn, a pioneer now deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Yoerk are the parents of two children.
Phillip and Margaret. Mr. Yoerk votes with the
Republican party and fraternally is past exalted ruler
of the Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks; he is
a member of Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W., and
serves as treasurer of the Retail Meat Dealers' Asso-
ciation of Sacramento. He is interested not only in
all matters of national moment, but in local affairs
as well, and cooperates in many movements which
have had direct bearing upon the upbuilding and pros-
perity of the city. He gives active aid to all projects
of the Chamber of Commerce and the Y. M. C. A.,
of which he is a member, and it is well known that
his influence is ever on the side of right, progress
and improvement.
AUGUST W. YOERK.— A worthy and estimable
representative of a pioneer family is August W.
Yoerk, the youngest son of Charles A. and Margaret
(Lenz) Yoerk, whose illuminating biographies are
sketched elsewhere in this historical work. He was
born at Sacramento, Cal., on Februar3' 22, 1875, and
growing up in that city he attended its grammar and
high schools, thus fitting himself for the responsi-
bilities of life which he was to assume later on. He
further successfully continued his studies at the
Berkeley Preparatory School. Returning to Sacra-
mento, he became a clerk for Hall, Luhrs & Com-
pany, and bj' application to detail and mastery of the
daily problems which confronted him for solution,
he gradually worked his way upward until he now
occupies the position of president and general mana-
ger for this progressive firm. In politics Mr. Yoerk
is a Republican, and fraternally he is a member of the
Elks, the Sutter Club and the Wild Goose Countrv
Club.
WILLIAM D. CARR.— A poultryman whose suc-
cess has come as a reward of courage and optimism, is
William D. Carr, whose extensive yards are located
about ten miles northeast of Gait and some five miles
east of Arno. He was born on the old Carr place
in the locality of his present home on September 5,
1874, the son of Seymour and Mary (O'Neal) Carr,
the former a native of New York, the latter a native
of Missouri. Seymour Carr came across the great
plains by way of the historic Salt Lake route, and
reached California on September 1, 1859; and for a
short time he tried his luck at mining. Then he set-
tled in Sacramento County and spent his first years
in agricultural pursuits on the Conner Ranch, on the
Cosumnes River. Later he came to the present home
place and there acquired about 240 acres. Here he
spent the balance of his days, farming in a progressive
manner. He eventually passed away at the home of
his daughter, Mrs. Ella Hauschildt, in his seventy-
second year. His wife, a noble woinan, highly es-
teemed, breathed her last at the old home place, also
when in her seventy-second year. Seven children were
granted this worthy couple. Alice has become Mrs.
T. L. White, of Pacific Grove. Esther has become
Mrs. Peter Germain, of Gait. Elmour lives at San
Jose, Cal. Ella is better known as Mrs. Ed Haus-
childt, and lives near Mrs. Germain. William D., the
subject of our story, is the fifth-born. Maud D. lives
at Forest Hill and is known as Mrs. W. N. Henning.
And James T. is residing near Mrs. Germain and
Mrs. Hauschildt.
William D. Carr attended the Alabama district
school, and at the age of twenty-one started out for
himself by working on ranches. From 1904 to 1914 he
was a lineman doing construction work for the Pacific
Telephone and Telegraph Company in northern Cali-
fornia; but in the latter year he returned to Sacra-
mento County, where he has been farming ever since.
He received twenty-six and a half acres as his share of
the Seymour estate, and later he sold six acres. He
has three acres devoted to orchard. In general, how-
ever, he uses his ranch for poultry-raising, and has
from 500 to 600 hens in his yards.
In addition to his successful activity as a poultry-
man, Mr. Carr is a deputj' state fire warden, and
HISTORY UF SACRAMliXTo COUNTY
gladly gives his attention to the conservation of the
natural resources of the district in which he lives and
prospers. He is independent in political affairs, and
seeks to support, without party trammels, the best
men and the best measures.
THOMAS KELLY.— Among the pioneers of Cali-
fornia who bore an active part in the development
and growth of Sacramento County was Thomas
Kelly, who passed away in the prime of life at his
country home in the San Juan grant. The honesty.
the industry, and the loyalty which formed the dom-
inating elements in his success were qualities in his
character which made him highly respected in the
community where he made his permanent home.
He was born in Ireland April 1, 1832, and was only
fifteen years of age when he came to America, stop-
ping in New Haven, Conn., where he learned the
blacksmith trade. At the age of twentjr he took
passage on a sailing vessel around Cape Horn to
California and upon arriving in the Golden State
he prospected and mined.
In Sacramento in December. 1859. Mr. Kelly was
married to Miss Margaret Moon}', also a native of
Ireland; her parents died when she was small and
at the age of ten years she came to America, direct
to New Haven, later coming to California, where she
has resided more than sixty-five years. She was
reared in the home of Mrs. O'Too'e, the eldest sister
of Mr. Kelly. Three children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Kell}': Mrs. McMil'an resides in Fair Oaks;
Mary Jane became the wife of John Donahue; and
Thomas, Jr., has charge of the home place on the
San Juan Grant. In the early seventies Mr. Kelly
bought land in the San Juan Grant and began farm-
irg, but onh" lived for a short time; he was survived
by his widow and their three children, who continued
to operate the home place. Mrs. Kelly now resides
with her daughter, Mrs. John Donahue, and is held
in high esteem by all who know her.
JOHN DONAHUE.— In taking up the history of
the men who are connected with the development
and progress of Sacramento County, mention should
me made of John Donahue, who has continuously
resided in the county since 1863. He was born in
Graniteville, Nevada County, Cal., May 23, 1856. the
eldest son of Cornelius and Margaret (Calhoun)
Donahue. Cornelius Donahue was born in County
Kerry, Ireland, in 1830, while the mother of our sub-
ject was born in Listowel, Ireland, in 1832. The
mother passed away in Sacramento in 1864, survived
by her husband and two sons, John, the subject oi
this sketch, and Daniel; subsequently' Cornelius Dona-
hue was m.arried to Miss Mary Haj'es of Sacramento,
and they have one daughter, Catherine Van Maren.
Cornelius Donahue came to the United States as
a boy of fourteen years of age and located in Bos-
ton. Mass., but later went to New York, where
he learned the moulder's trade, which he followed
as a journeyman, working from New York to Mis-
sissippi, Louisiana and Texas; in 1853, accompanied
by his wife, he came via Panama to California; he
prospected in Grass Valley and later engaged in
freighting by ox and mule teams to Virginia City,
Nev. In 1863 he purchased a tract of land on the
.Auburn road, thirteen miles from Sacramento, where
he began farming; later he added 320 acres to the
original purchase. Three hundred twenty acres of
the original tract is now the estate of Daniel Dona-
hue. Cornelius Donahue was a Democrat and served
one terrrj as constable of Center Township; he passed
away at his home on the Auburn road in 1881, aged
fifty-one years. John Donahue and his brother Dan-
iel attended the public school adjacent to their home
and were always associated in their ranching activi-
ties until 1904 when they mutually agreed to dis-
solve partnership. For many years the Donahue
brothers were prominent as barley and wheat grow-
ers on the Del Paso grant, at times farming as
many as 1,200 acres.
In 1892, Mr. John Donahue was united in marriage
with Miss Mar\' Jane Kelly, a native of Sacramento,
Cal., the second child of the late Thomas Kelly, also
represented in this volume. The mother of Mrs.
Donahue is now ninety years old and makes her
home with her daughter. In 1893 the Donahue
brothers bought 313 acres adjoining the property of
their father, Cornelius Donahue, which is now the
property of our subject, with the exception of seventy
acres, which has been sold for colonization pur-
poses. Mr. Donahue has developed his ranch to
orchard and has built a fine residence, where he
enjoys the peace and comfort so well earned. Mr.
Donahue served one term as justice of the peace
of Center Township. Fraternally Mr. Donahue is a
past officer of the M. W. A.
JAMES J. KENEALY.— Eight years ago James J.
Kenealy retired from his business as contracting plas-
terer, which he had followed for a half century in
Sacramento, and bought a ranch home eighteen miles
northeast of that city, consisting of fourteen acres,
which he has deve'oped into a highly productive prop-
erty. He was born in the city of Cork. Ireland, Octo-
ber 23, 1850, a son of Jeremiah and Bridget (Dono-
van) Kenealy, both natives of Ireland. James J.
Kenealy is the only survivor of the five sons born to
these parents. Jeremiah Kenealy was superintendent
of the Bainbridge Estate in Ireland, and both parents
lived and died in their native country.
James J. Kenealy received his education in the
.schools of Ireland, and on October 14, 1868, set out
for America, going direct to St. Paul, Minn., where
an uncle resided. He found work in the lumber
camps of Minnesota, and also worked in the railroad
yards. In 1875 he removed to San Francisco and
there followed his trade of plasterer, which he had
learned in :Minnesota. He was engaged in contract
work on many of the larger, older buildings in San
Francisco. Removing to Sacramento, he here became
general superintendent for J. S. Painter, the Sacra-
mento contractor, and during his years in the business
became well and favorably known throughout central
and northern California.
The marriage of Mr. Kenealy united him with Miss
Celia Hallanan, a native of St. Louis. Mo., who when
two years old came to California via Panama with
her parents, Patrick and Bridget (O'Malley) Halla-
nan, natives of County Mayo, Ireland. Patrick Halla-
nan was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad
Company for many years. He passed away about
ten years ago. The mother still lives, and makes her
home at 314 T Street. Four children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Kenealy. Bert is a contractor in
Honolulu, where he has built many of the important
buildings, among them being the Union Church and
the Queen's Hospital. James A. is a mechanic, and
is foreman for the contractors Herndon S: Finnigan;
324
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
he is married and has two children. Gertrude is the
wife of H. M. Flynn, and they have two sons and
reside in Sacramento. The fourth in order of birth
is Jack P. Mr. Kenealy received his United States
citizenship in San Francisco in 1876. He is a Demo-
crat in his political allegiance. The family are devout ,
Catholics.
MRS. MARY A. DETERDING.— Among the fine
country estates in Sacramento County is the San Juan
Meadow, which is the property of Mrs. Mary A.
Deterding, one of California's native daughters, who
spent her entire life in this section of the state. She
was born near Mills Station, across the river from her
present home, and is the eldest of seven children in
the family of John and Elizabeth (Bows) Shields,
pioneer farmers of 1852. Her brother, Hon. Peter J.
Shields, is one of the foremost jurists of Sacramento,
and an account of his life is published elsewhere in
this volume.
Mary A. Shields was reared and educated in her
native county, attending the Kinney district school
and St. Joseph's Convent at Sacramento. On reach-
ing womanhood she married Charles W. Deterding,
of Sacramento, and three children were born to
them: Charles W., Jr., who serves as county engineer
and resides in the capital city; John R., who is a
veteran of the World War; and May, the wife of
A. D. McDonell, a well-known farmer of this district.
Sixteen years ago Mrs. Deterding purchased her
present farm, which was a portion of the old San
Juan grant, and she carefully supervised the clearing
and development of the tract, which lies eleven miles
northeast of the state capital. It contains 425 acres
and fronts on the historic American River. For
about eight years the river bottom lands were utilized
for the growing of alfalfa, but the entire acreage is
now being set out to fruit trees of choice varieties
of peaches. Bartlett pears and French prunes. There
are forty acres of prune orchard, forty acres of
pears and fifty acres of peaches. A four-acre plot on
an elevated portion of the ranch is set aside for the
drying and curing of the fruit. The most modern
methods are employed, and in the drying season thou-
sands of trays are to be found laden with the fine fruit
awaiting the curative powers of the sun's rays, the
dehydrating system not being in use here. Mrs.
Deterding also raises alfalfa in abundance and has
transformed her ranch into one of the finest agricul-
tural properties in the state. She is a practical busi-
ness woman and displays foresight and executive abil-
ity in the management of her affairs. Since she began
operating in this district, the remainder of the San
Juan Grant has been subdivided by a local realty firm;
and at the present time the adjoining territory has
been largely settled in ten-acre home tracts and is
known as the Carmichacl district. Of a generous,
sympathetic nature, she has done a'l within her power
to aid the new settlers in the Fairoaks and Carmichael
districts and has greatly endeared herself to them.
Mrs. Deterding is prominent in club and social life
and is a past president of the Thursday Club of Fair-
oaks. She is also a member of the Carmichael Com-
munity Club, which she aided in organizing and devel-
oping, and likewise belongs to the California Prune
and Apricot Growers' Association. She is deeply
interested in the welfare and progress of her district.
and her spirit of he'pfulness and her altruistic work
have made her respected by all who have the honor
of her acquaintance.
WILLIAM J. SMITH.— Another orchardist who
has demonstrated the superiority of the Sacramento
County husbandman, and the excellent resources of
this part of the Golden State, is William J. Smith,
of Grand Island, four miles to the south of Court-
land, where he was born on October 18, 1860, the
son of George A. Smith and his good wife, who was
Miss Margaret Hale before her marriage. They were
both natives of Bavaria, Germany, her father having
come to California as early as 1853, when he ranched
on Steamboat Slough, in the swamp land. Both par-
ents reached the fine old age of eighty, and closed such
careers of usefulness that their memory is revered
by all who knew them. They had four children:
William J., George S., Edward Hale, and Ida Ma-
linda, who was the wife of Scott Ennis, and died in
Sacramento.
William J. Smith attended the Onisbo district
school, and then went to the California Military
Academy in Oakland, where he was graduated in
1879. On the death of his father he received one-
sixth of the estate, valued at $200,000; and having
always engaged in farm work since he left school, he
was able with this substantial start to develop one
of the finest ranches in the state of California. He
has 720 acres of highly developed orchard land on
Grand Island, and in 1894 he and his father together
bought 670 acres of land from E. R. Parvin; and
these tracts, together with fifty acres of the old home
place, constitute his land holdings today. He and
his father had hard work reclaiming the land from
the waters of the Sacramento River. The district
constructed three different levees, and each in turn
was washed out before the present one was finally
constructed by means of dredgers. This one has
proved to give ample protection against the floods.
He has 100 acres of peaches, 200 acres of plums, and
200 acres of pears, of the variety for shipping, while
the balance of the acreage is set out to apples, nectar-
ines, and cherries. He finds by experience that he
obtains the best results for fruit-yield and quality by
irrigating freely after the fruit has been picked and
shipped, and not during the grovving season, although
during this period he does cultivate to the highest
degree. He packs his fruit and ships it East under
his own brands, including the "Hiawatha Brand,"
the "Cathryn Smith for Freedom Brand," and the
"W, J. Smith Brand." He has erected a large packing-
house at his own landing on the Sacramento River,
and ships by boat from his ranch. He employs from
100 to 400 men at various seasons. In 1917 he con-
structed his large new residence, one of the largest in
northern California, a very sightly and beautiful man-
sion, which commands a splendid view up and down
the Sacramento River, and also of the Coast Range
and the snow-clad Sierra Nevadas.
On February 5, 1890, Mr. Smith was married to
Miss Wilhelmina Gutenberger, the ceremony taking
place at Sacramento. Mrs. Smith was a native of
Sacramento, and the daughter of William and Kath-
arine (Schweitzer) Gutenberger. William Guten-
berger was a descendant of the inventor of printing
by movable types, and Mrs. Smith's maternal great-
grandfather was a commissary-general of Napoleon.
Mr. Gutenberger lived to be sixty-eight, and his de-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
327
voted wife, seventy-eight; she died in Sacramento.
They had four children: William, George, Julia (now
Mrs. Caspar, of Sacramento), and Wilhelmina, now
Mrs. Smith. Two children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Smith: Cathryn VV. and George W. The
daughter is now the wife of Morris Myers, of Grand
Island. Mr. Smith belongs to the Courtland Parlor
of the Native Sons of the Golden West, in which he
is a past president, and to the Franklin Lodge No.
143, F. & A. M., in Courtland, where he is a past
master. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith belong to the
Eastern Star, and Mrs. Smith is a past worthy
matron; and Mr. Smith is also a member of Sacra-
mento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. E. Mr. Smith's sympa-
thies and interests are many and varied. He was
trustee of the Grand Island Reclamation District No.
3 for twent3'-three years, and at present he is a trustee
of Reclamation District No. SSI, on the east bank
of the Sacramento River, across from Grand Island.
He is president of the board of trustees of the Court-
land union high school and the Bates joint union
grammar school. He has been intensely interested in
the cause of education, and has given freely of his
time towards obtaining the highest standard for the
schools of his district. Politically, Mr. Smith is a
Progressive Republican, and he was always a stanch
admirer of Roosevelt.
DR. G. V. EWING. — Among those who were ac-
tively associated with the profession of medicine in
Sacramento for a decade was Dr. G. V. Ewing and
during that period of time he reached a commanding
position in the ranks of the medical fraternity. He
was a physician and surgeon of great power and
ability, of comprehensive knowledge and wide prac-
tical experience, and these qualities he brought to
the performance of his responsible duties. He won
the success and prominence which always follow con-
spicuous attainment. His birth occurred in Hayes-
ville, Ohio, February 12, 1831, and his preliminary
education was obtained in the public schools of his
native state; in 1852 he was graduated from the West-
ern Reserve Medical College in Cleveland, Ohio.
On March 22, 18S3, Dr. Ewing was united in mar-
riage with Miss Martha S. Coon, a native of Pennsyl-
vania, who came to Ohio the previous year. Her
father. Prof. Jacob Coon, was a prominent minister
of the Presbyterian Church and also a professor of
mathematics at Vermilion Institute; later he estab-
-li-shed a private school at Freeport. 111., which he
conducted for two years until he re-entered the min-
istry. While in his pulpit at Albany, 111., he passed
away. Dr. and Mrs. Ewing settled in Rock Run, 111.,
fourteen miles from Freeport, where Dr. Ewing be-
came well and favorably known as a physician and
surgeon. Mrs. Ewing passed away in 1867 survived
by her husband and five children; Mary V. is the
wife of Edgar Hofifner, whose sketch appears else-
where in this work; Frank C. resides in Ogden, Utah;
Walter G. R. is deceased; Florence E. is now Mrs.
Jackson and resides in Bloomington, 111.; Nora J. is
deceased. Subsequently Dr. Ewing was married to
Miss Elizabeth Wilson, a native of Lexington, Ohio,
and in 1884 they removed to Sacramento, Cal., where
he was active in his profession. In 1887 he purchased
ten acres of land in Orangevale colony and later
added another ten acres, which is now the home of
his daughter, Mrs. Hoffner. Dr. Ewing was a prom-
inent Mason and in politics was a stanch Republican
who had the honor of having voted for Abraham
Lincoln. He was an active and consistent member
of the Presbyterian Church and was liberal in the
support of same. He passed away at the home of
his daughter, Mrs. Hoffner, in Ogden, LUah, in 1894,
aged sixtj'-three.
SIMON J. LUBIN.— Well-known among the suc-
cessful men of affairs in Sacramento, and one of the
best informed citizens concerning mercantile inter-
ests as well as the resources and housing conditions
of this great commonwealth, is Simon J. Lubin, a
native son of the Golden State. He was born in Sac-
ramento, in 1876, and was reared and educated in
the excellent schools of that city. In 1895 he grad-
uated from the Sacramento high school and in 1903
he received the A. B. degree from Harvard Univer-
sity. He engaged in college settlement work, his
field of action being principally in New York and
Boston. In 1906 he returned to Sacramento and be-
came an active member of the firm of Weinstock,
Lubin & Company, the oldest department store in
the Valley. Year by year he steadily worked his way
upward, until he is now the president of this corpo-
ration and also chairman of the board of managers.
Intensely interested in the cause of education, he has
served as a member of the Sacramento board of edu-
cation. Mr. Lubin has given much time and thought
to the study of immigration and kindred problems.
On August 20, 1912, Governor Hiram Johnson ap-
pointed him as a member of the temporary immigra-
tion commission; and on the formation of the state
commission of immigration and housing, on Sep-
tember 16, 1913, Governor Johnson appointed Mr.
Lubin a member of that commission and he was
elected its president, a position he has filled with
credit and entire satisfaction all these years. He
spent a great deal of time and effort organizing the
commission and they now have offices in the princi-
pal cities of the state. Desiring to get a further grasp
of this overwhelming problem, Mr. Lubin made two
of his four trips abroad solely for the study of immi-
gration and housing conditions in other countries.
In 190S, in New York City, occurred the marriage
of Simon J. Lubin and Miss Rebecca Cohen. She
was born in Moscow, Russia, but w'as reared and edu-
cated in New York City. Their union has been
blessed with three chi'dren: David, Ruth and Miri-
am. Mr. Lubin is very active and enthusiastic in his
support of the various civic organizations in Sacra-
mento and gives generously of his time and means
toward the movements that have for their aim the
improvement and upbuilding of the city and com-
munity. He is a member of the Harvard Club of
New York and of San Francisco, the American .Asso-
ciation of Labor Legislation, the Academy of Politi-
cal Science, and the Taylor Society. Locally, he is a
member of both the Sutter and Del Paso Country
Clubs.
WEINSTOCK, LUBIN & COMPANY.— It will
be of interest to record in tln.s history an account ol
the early history and policy of one of the oldest and
most favorably known retail business houses in north-
ern California, dating back, as it does, over a period
of fifty years in the capital city.
On October 8, 1874, Harris Weinstock and David
Lubin established a retail store on the corner of
Fourth and K Streets, doing business under the name
of "Mechanics' Store, Weinstock and Lubin, I'ropri-
^2P,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
etors." The space occupied was about 10 by 12 feet.
Within two years, this space was enlarged to about
700 square feet, while the present space is over 150,000
square feet.
In 1888, the firm was incorporated under the name
of Weinstock, Lubin & Company. At the time the
business was originally established, trade practices in
Sacramento were not unlike those prevalent through-
out the country. The morals of trade measured bjf
our standards of today were at a low ebb. The rule
of the game was to grab all that the traffic would
bear. Prices were marked in code. The salesman
was not permitted to go below the marked price unless
in exceptional instances, but he was permitted to take
from his customer all that he could get. Part of
his compensation came out of the amount that he
could take over and above the code price. This led to
constant haggling, the cleverest salesman getting the
highest price and the cleverest customer getting the
lowest. Favoritism and skill were dominant features
in determining the selling price.
Of course, misrepresentation went hand in hand
with this practice. Necessarily a sa'esman had to
overstate the value of his wares in order to justify a
price higher than the justifiable price.
From the day when their business was opened to
the public, Weinstock and Lubin resolved that in
their establishment there should be only one price to
all on each article, and that that price should be clearly
marked. They also established the policy that under
no consideration should there be any misrepresenta-
tion in any form whatsoever. It is a curious thing to
note how their early competitors combated these two
policies openly in their advertisements. But it is
also interesting to note that most of the competitors
first gave way by at least alleging that they, too, had
adopted these practices and then by politely going out
of business.
In the matter of higher trade morals, Weinstock
and Lubin were pioneers on the Pacific Coast, and
there were but few who had preceded them in this
matter anywhere in America. One of the boasts of
the present management is that in no instance has
it departed from the principles and policies laid down
by the founders.
HENRY L. EHRHARDT.— A representative citi-
zen of Elk Grove who has always been ready to do
everything in his power to advertise the many advan-
tages the little town has to offer the home-seeker,
and who has taken advantage of the many oppor-
tunities in this motor age and secured the local
agency for the Ford car, is Henry L. Ehrhardt, one of
the most progressive citizens of Elk Grove.
A native son, Mr. Ehrhardt was born at Cedarville,
Modoc County, on July 25, 1872, the son of John and
Caroline (Holman) Ehrhardt, Avho were early pio-
neers. John Ehrhardt came to California in 1852,
crossing the plain with a band of sheep. Afterwards,
he went into dairying, and raised cattle, and he is still
alive and in that field, although eighty-six years of
age. Mrs. Ehrhardt came to Sacramento in ear'y
days, traveling north from Chile in 1849, and her
father had the first flour mill in San Francisco, a
very interesting circumstance from the standpoint of
history'. She died in 1921, aged seventy-four.
Henry Ehrhardt went to the public schools, and
then farmed with his father, who had a ranch in Mo-
doc, and one in Sacramento County, about four miles
west of Elk Grove, and with his father he also em-
barked in raising cattle. In 1907 the Ford agency
compan3' was formed at Elk Grove, and Messrs.
Ehrhardt and Rhoades have continued to manage it
ever since. The company really first started to do
a plumbing business, and to handle gas engines; and
from that they drifted into the automobile field. In
1920, they built their modern brick garage, where they
carry a full line of auto supplies, representing a little
capital in itself; and as a man of affairs, Mr. Ehrhardt
is a director of the Elk Grove Bank. In 1916 he
was appointed a member of the board of education.
He was made president and was reelected twice; and
under his administration, the new high school, cost-
ing $125,000, was built.
On November 12, 1901, Mr. Ehrhardt was married
to Miss Catherine Mahon, a native daughter of Sac-
ramento County, and they have two children: Olive,
a graduate of the Elk Grove high school, class of
1923, and Henrietta. He has been through all the
Odd Fellow chairs, belongs to the Elks, and he is a
Mason of the third degree. He is fond of hunting
and fishing, and is enthusiastic about this favored
portion of the commonwealth.
EDWARD H. LAWSON.— Folsom City owes
much to such enterprising, broad-minded and experi-
enced merchants as Edward H. Lawson, who is
widely known as an up-to-date confectioner and
dea'er in notions and sundry supplies.
Edward H. Lawson is the only son of Peter and
Harriett (Norman) Lawson, deceased pioneers whose
life records are written in the hearts of their fellow-
men and have become an inspiration to those follow-
ing after. His father was born at Copenhagen on
September 13, 1828, where he went to school; and
at the early age of fifteen he left home to follow
the sailor's life. He joined a merchant sailing ves-
sel; and after coursing the seven seas, he arrived at
the Golden Gate early in 1849, after w-hich he never
returned to sea life. He went direct to the mines
at Fiddletown, in Amador County, and he was one
of the first to placer mine there; but he soon gave
up mining to work at his trade, and sewed by hand
the canvas hose used in bringing water to the mines
from streams nearby. The hobc was made in fifty
and one hundred foot lengths, and sold at a good
profit. He also later took up n'aintin,/ which occu-
pied him in his decliiV'ng years.
In 1866 Peter Lawson was ii.a.iicu <:! Fiddletown
to Miss Harriett E. Norman, a native of Chicago,
and the daughter of Dr. W. A. Norman, a promi-
nent surgeon in Illinois, who had migrated to the
gold fields in 1849, and returned East again in 1850,
to find that his family — the mother and eight chil-
dren— had already started for the Golden State by
way of Panama; and they arrived in Fiddletown in
1851. After their arrival Dr. Norman returned to
join his family. Dr. Norman was a man of small
physique, but a wonder in medical aid; and through-
out all the Mother Lode section, he administered to
the Indians as well as to the whites. He died at
the age of sixty, mourned b}' everyone who knew
him. He has luckily been succeeded by his son.
Dr. W. A. Norman, who has become prominent in
the profession at Plymouth, Cal., in which town our
subject was born on September 1, 1887.
Edward Lawson attended the public schools until
he was fifteen, although while in his fourteenth year,
he started to work in a general store. In 1903 he
HISTORY OF SACRA.MENTO COUxNTY
329
left home to clerk in San Francisco, where he added
materially to his experience. He returned home, for-
tunatel.v, in 1906, just prior to the earthquake and
fire. Three years later, he came to Folsom and en-
tered the employ of the Earl Fruit Company, and
there and in that field he remained at work until
1914. In that year, he bought a small business in
Sutter Street, and three months later this was com-
pletely destroyed by a fire that swept away the en-
tire block in which he was located. He secured a
temporary location, however, just across the street
from the old stand, and on July 1, 1915, he moved
to his present location where he has added, from
time to time, to his store equipment. He has a
large stock, and the most modern fixtures. He also
does an extensive trade, selling soft drinks and ice
cream of every kind, and handling only the best
available. He also sells bakery goods, notions and
sundry supplies.
Mr. Lawson also owns his residence at Folsom.
and there, during the declining years of his parents,
he cared for them, moving his father from Ply-
mouth, where he had resided for thirty-three years.
Peter Lawson was an honored pioneer and a mem-
ber of the Plymouth Pioneer Association. He
breathed his last at Folsom, in 1916, at the age of
eighty-eight. Mr. Lawson owns the outfit used by
his father in the fifties to sew the canvas hose, now
a priceless heirloom.
In the year 1921, at Sacramento, occurred the
marriage of Edward H. Lawson and Miss Rose K.
Zangerle, a native of Sacramento, and the daughter
of Mrs. Louise Zangerle, who is still residing in that
cit}'. A child blessed this union on. November 25,
1921, and has been named Anita Louise. Mr. Law-
son is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden
West, and he belongs to Granite Lodge, No. 62.
I. O. O. F., and also to the Encampment and to the
Rebekahs.
MRS. MINNIE BARTON SHOWERS. — Mrs.
Minnie Barton Showtrs, of Folsom City, was born
on May 23, 1865, in Eldorado County, on a ranch
five miles west of Latrobe. Her father, Timothy
Guy Barton, was born in New York on February 25,
1830, and he was nineteen years old when he arrived
at Hangtown, in August, 1849, having had little dif-
ficulty in journeying across the great plains. He
went into the placer mines, but soon took up land,
raising stock and farming, as a sturdy pioneer, and
sending provisions into the mines from his ranch.
He also engaged in teaming, transporting freight
from Sacramento to \'irginia City, Nev.
In 1858 Mr. Barton was married to Miss Jane
McLevy, a native of Liverpool, who arrived in Cali-
fornia the year before, accompanying her sister;
and their happy union was blessed with the birth of
five children, among whom our subject was next to
the youngest. H. D. Barton of Sacramento was
the first-born; then came James T. of El Dorado,
and after them Albert R.. Minnie, and Emma Dun-
lap, now of Clarksville. Mr. Barton passed away in
1893, at the age of sixty-three; while Mrs. Barton
lived to be seventv. and breathed her last in Eldorado
County in 1906.
Minnie Barton attended the Carson Creek Joint
school, where her father served for years as a trus-
tee; and on January 1, 1888, she was married to Silas
Showers; a native of .N-iiJcMik, HousEj- in. Eldorado,.
County, whose parents crossed the plains with ox-
teams in the early fifties. Both Silas Showers and
Minnie Barton had been schoolmates together, and
in their married hfe they w'ere to prove an ideal
couple. In June, 1891, the Showers moved to Fol-
som City, and in April. 1901, they purchased the
present residence of Mrs. Showers. For many years
Mr. Showers was in the employ of P. C. Cohn, the
dealer in general merchandise, and he proved a faith-
ful and trusted employee.
In 1904 Mr. Showers established himself in busi-
ness, selling confectionery and sundry supplies, and
he conducted the first telephone exchange in con-
nection with his store. In 1912, due to failing health,
he sold out and retired from business, and on Feb-
ruary 26, 1914, he passed away, one of the highly
honored merchants and pioneers, a member of Gran-
ite Lodge, I. O. O. F. He had served his community
well in various capacities, and particularly as a school
trustee and as an influential citizen of democratic
po'itical views; and he is survived by five sons of
excellent character. The eldest is James H. Show-
ers, of Marj'sville, and the second-born is Frank S.
Showers, who lives at home, an employee of the
Natomas Company of California, and prominent in
the Native Sons of the Golden West and the Odd
Fellows. Harold H. served in the World War as
a member of the American Expeditionary Forces
abroad and died October 16, 1920, as a result of
sickness contracted in France. Fred S. served in the
Aviation Section, A.E. F. Ted B. is a student at the
University of California, class of 1924. Mrs. Showers
has been an active member of the Rebekah Lodge,
and is a past noble grand.
With exceptional foresight, Mrs. Showers handles
her business affairs successfully, and directs the
operation of her 200 acres of land in Eldorado Coun-
ty. As a mother she is kind and generous-hearted,
and it is not surprising that she is highly esteemed
by the many who know her, and especially beloved
by her devoted sons.
MRS. KELSEY HOBDAY.— Among the clever
American women in Sacramento County who have
demonstrated exceptional abihty in the management
of their estates ma3' well be named Mrs. Kelsey
Hobday, who resides about eleven miles northeast
of Gait. She was born at Perry, Ohio, on December
29, 1855, the daughter of John and Charlotte (Teece)
Child and was christened Emily. Her father and
mother were natives of Birmingham, England, where
they were married, and they came to the L'nited
States when a young couple, and made their way
to what was then regarded as decidedly "West", and
settled at Perry. In England, Mr. Child had been
a miller; but in the country of his adoption he com-
menced to farm. Nine children were granted this
worthy couple. .'\nn and Elizabeth, the cider two,
are both deceased; then came George, Thomas, Ivmily.
Sarah, Henry, John and William. Mr. Child died
at the age of eighty-five, while his good wife lived
to see her seventy-seventh year.
One of the annals of the family pertains to the
accidental causes of Mrs. Hobday's parents' settling
in Ohio. A sister of our subject's father, Mrs. Wal-
ker, was living at St. Louis, Mo., and Mr. and Mrs.
Child were on their way there to settle; and at
Painesville, Ohio, they were compelled to tarry, be-
cause the railway, bridge was burned out. A Mr.
330
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Parmalec extended to them the hospitality of his
home, and they thus became interested in the Buck-
eye State; and after remaining with the Parmalees
for a year, they settled in Perry, on the bank of
Lake Erie. In 1887, they made their daughter a
visit in California, spent one winter, then went back
to their home.
Emily Child attended the schools in Perry, and
in that town, on February 6, 1884, was married to
Kelsey Hobday, a native of Mentor, Ohio, and the
son of John and Elizabeth Hobday. They were also
natives of England, where they had been farmer-
folk, and they continued agricultural pursuits in
this country. Kelsey was one of eight children,
those older than he being Ed, John and Basil, and
those younger, Sarah, Fannie, Elizabeth and Mar-
garet. He came out to California in 1872, bought
a ranch and improved a home, then returned to Ohio
in 1884, married, and accompanied by his devoted
wife returned to California. They settled in Sacra-
mento County, about ten miles north of Gait where
he had bought 160 acres of grain-land, which they
farmed for a while but which has since been sold.
In 1900 he took up eighty acres of government land
four miles east of the place where he had originally
settled, or twelve miles northeast of Gait, which he
also devoted to the raising of grain; and this land
he cultivated until he died there, in 1912, the father
of five children: Kelsey, Jr.; William; Hiram and
Edward; and the youngest is Sarah, now employed in
the Krebs paint store, Sacramento. Kelsey Hobday
was a stanch Republican and heartily supported the
party he believed in as most likely to protect and
favor American industries. He was a Mason, and
an eminently patriotic citizen; and his two sons,
Hiram and Edward, have reflected credit upon his
honored name by their service in the United States
Army.
Hiram Hobday entered the United States Army
in June, 1917, and joined the marine corps, and for
eleven months he was at Mare Island. Then he
was transferred to the Aviation Detachment, and
for six months attended the mechanics' training
school, and then he went to Miami, and was at the
naval aviation school for a part of the time, and for
a part of the time was at the marine flying field,
and after five months there was discharged, as a pri-
vate, in April, 1919. Edward entered the service in
August, 1918, and was sent to Camp Lewis, in Wash-
ington, and joined Company B of the 1st U. S. In-
fantry, Thirteenth Division, and was eleven months at
Camp Lewis; and he was honorably discharged, in
July, 1919. Both young men are now loyal members
of the American Legion at Gait.
Kelsey Hobday, Jr., was born on February 2,
1885, on the home place in Sacramento County, and
at the age of sixteen began to support himself,
working out on ranches. He clerked for five seasons
in a store at Lake Tahoe, and during the winter
seasons he worked at Sacramento, Gait and Clay,
thus rounding out five years in a very useful way
He then spent about six years in the poultry busi-
ness in Sacramento County, in the Whitaker and Ray
Colony; and in 1922 he came to the old Quiggle
ranch at Herald, dairying on shares. He was mar-
ried at Lake Tahoe, in June, 1914, to Miss Jessie
E. Perry, who was born at Riverside, Cal., the daugh-
ter of H. M. and Nellie M. Perry, Canadians, an
only child.
William C. Hobday was born on the Hobday
ranch, on December IS, 1893, and attended the Don
Ray Colony school, and started for himself at the
age of twenty-two. He worked for wages until he
was married, at Stockton, on May 20, 1916, when he
chose for his wife Miss Phebe Webber, the daugh-
ter of Barney Webber. The mother is deceased,
but the father resides with Mr. and Mrs. William
C. Hobday. After William married, he had a chicken
ranch at Lodi for two years, and then moved onto
the Webber Ranch, one and one-half miles east of
Arno, where he raises turkeys and chickens, and also
devotes his attention to grain farming. They have
two children, Harold and Donald.
CAPT. ANTONIO SBARBARO.— The clever,
artistic Italian-American, genial of temperament and
industrious in habits, has an enviable record for "mak-
ing good" in the United States; and this characteris-
tic is well illustrated by the popular Capt. Antonio
Sbarbaro, boot- and shoemaker to the exclusive cir-
cles of Sacramento, and to the best of the suburban
families. He was born at 444 Washington Street,
New York City, on November 29, 1857, the son of
Bertolame and Rose (Cordano) Sbarbaro. His father
was originally a cattle dealer in Italy, as were many
members of his family, who took to commercial pur-
suits in their native land. When the father came out
to the New World, he chose the American metropo-
lis as the best field for his peculiar ability as a con-
tractor in the unloading and loading of boats. Having
done well in America, he married in 1853, in New
York, and was actively engaged in his business until
he returned to Italy on June 22, 1869, with his good
wife and family; and there they both lived and died.
Antonio went back with them, and so is the product,
so far as his elementary education is concerned, of
both the Italian and the American schools. This
acquaintance with the daily life of the two continents
has been of great service to him.
Besides learning the boot- and shoemaking trade as
a boy, he ran errands for the Union soldiers, and he
also lent a helping hand to the pursued negro; and he
is credited with having saved the lives of over 200
Africans, some real slaves, by assisting to hide them
in cellars and to bring them the necessaries of life
while they were in hiding, and then to help spirit
them away. He also tells of seeing many of them,
when pursued, throw themselves into the Hudson
River and drown, to avoid being captured and taken
back to slavery. Indeed, his life in New York is most
interesting. Even as a kiddie of six years, he began
to shine boots, carrying his shining-box over his
shoulder. He sold badges of Lincoln in 1861 and 1864;
and he shined Lincoln's boots in the old Occidental
Hotel on Broadway, in February, 1865, when Lincoln
was on his way to Washington to be inaugurated the
second time. After the assassination of the President,
he sold Lincoln badges also. While he was shining
the boots of the President, he was asked many ques-
tions as to his habits, schooling, etc.; and upon leav-
ing, Mr. Lincoln admonished the lad to "always tell
the truth, especially to your parents." This has never
been forgotten by Mr. Sbarbaro, and is one of his
cherished memories of the martyred President.
Antonio Sbarbaro went to Europe with his parents
on June 22, 1869, and remained there until 1878. The
family settled in the city of Bobbio, on the river
Trebbia, and while in Italy he entered the Italian
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
333
army and did his duty by the land of his father's
birth, and was discharged in 1878 as first sergeant.
While he was living in Italy, he became the president
of the Societa Operaia, a union which included all
mechanics, and he served six terms; even while he was
in the army he was not allowed to resign his office.
On May 8, 1878. he left for California, and arrived
here on September 13. He came to Sacramento in
1880, and worked for Tom Harper, remaining in his
employ until he embarked in business for himself,
first at 1125 Third Street, and then at his present
location at 70S I Street. He has been fairly success-
ful ever since he started, not getting rich, but cer-
tainly getting his share of the trade from such per-
sons as are particular about their foot-wear and are
determined to have the best; and at his present age
of sixty-six he challenges any and all rnen of his craft
to do better or more accurate work.
On October 8, 1887, in Sacramento, occurred the
marriage of Antonio Sbarbaro and Miss Emilia Boi-
tano, from which union were born tv\'o children,
Rosie and Adelina. Mr. Sbarbaro served as a captain
in the Bersaglieri Company, in Sacramento, which
took leading parts in the National Guard activities
under General Sheehan, and Colonels McKee, Sey-
mour, Guthrie and others. Incidents of historical
interest are related by the Captain, of which we men-
tion one that took place on September 22, 1888, when
his company was returning from San Francisco after
having attended the anniversary of the entry of the
Italian army into Rome, when the rule of the Pope
was overthrown. They were in full regalia, and on
crossing the bay on a ferry-boat Captain Sbarbaro
met C. C. Allen, then adjutant general of California,
and ordered his company to stand at "present arms"
before the state officer as a token of respect. This
was never forgotten by General Allen, who became a
warm friend of Captain Sbarbaro. Another incident
of interest occurred at the time of the A. R. U. strike
in 1894. The striking railroad men broke into the
Bersaglieri hall and took all their guns, evidently to
protect themselves from the soldiers, who had been
ordered to Sacramento. The Captain reported the
loss of the arms to Mayor Steinman and to Sheriff
O'Neil, and also to United States Marshal Baldwin.
He was told by the latter that all the guns would be
given back to their rightful owners, as the state
guards had taken all guns from the strikers and they
were stored in the basement of the capitol building.
Upon orders from Mr. Baldwin to General Allen, the
guns were once more delivered to Captain Sbarbaro.
Captain Sbarbaro has been an active Republican
politician for many 3'ears, and for thirty years has
been a recognized leader in the Italian colony, serv-
ing as president of the colony for several terms.
While president of the Italian colony he held the
confidence of his people and always got results when
promoting any drives for beneficial purposes, not only
from the Italian population, but from people of every
creed and nation. He always got prompt returns
from many of the prominent citizens of San Pran-
cisco, among them A. Sbarbaro, president of the
Swiss-Italian Bank, L. Scatena, A. Pedrini and J. F.
Fugazi, who always responded to calls for aid. The
Captain was the first man to induce the Italian consul
at San Francisco to visit Sacramento. This was on
April 26, 1908, and was the first time an Italian con-
sul had visited the capital city. In 191.3, the Cajitain
21
appeared before the state legislature to ask for the
appropriation of money to teach Italian in a cosmo-
politan school in Sacramento. In the movement he
had the support of Luella B. Johnston, then presi-
dent of the board of education, and Charles C.
Hughes, superintendent of schools. This was made
a bill and passed, not only for Sacramento, but for
all cities in the state over a certain population where
it was deemed expedient to teach that language.
This was the first attempt made for the passage of
such a measure in Sacramento. Captain Sbarbaro
has alwa3's been ready and willing to aid those
in distress, either at home or abroad. In 1886 he
raised a fund for the destitute from the cholera
epidemic at Liguria and Napoli, and for the flood
sufiferers at Veneto, that same year; and he also
raised money for the relief of those made destitute
at the time of the great tidal wave at Galveston,
Texas. At the time of the Messina disaster in
Italy, in 1908, the call came for funds for the
earthquake sufTerers; and on January 3, 1909, Cap-
tain Sbarbaro, then president of the Italian colony
in Sacramento, sent out a call for a meeting to arrange
for soliciting funds to send to the refugees. The
results were immediate, as that same day over $1,000
was subscribed and inside of three months there had
been raised $7,713.98, which had been sent in $1,000
amounts from time to time. This monej' was raised
by solicitation from people of all nationalities, and
was sent through the state branch of the California
Red Cross by Captain Sbarbaro to the committee in
Italy that had been appointed to care for the sufferers.
The results of the drives by the various committees
are show'n in a personal letter to Captain Sbarbaro
from A. Bonnheim, treasurer of the Sacramento Red
Cross, in which it was stated that all moneys collected
tor the above purpose had been sent to Italy. During
the "Days of '49" parade in 1922, in Sacramento,
Captain Sbarbaro was Grand Marshal of the Italian
Division, and this division had the distinction of win-
ning the second prize. He is one of the best-known
men in Sacramento, and has always shown his public
spirit by helping every worthy and worth-while proj-
ect that has been brought to his notice, that had as
its aim the uplift of his fellow-men and the making of
a better and greater Sacramento.
THOMAS N. DAVIS.— A California rancher who
is an enthusiastic native son, and of whom, because of
his progressive methods and scientific results. Sacra-
mento County may well be proud, is Thomas N. Davis,
who was born on the old Davis ranch near Hicksville,
five miles northeast of that town, on February 13,
1871. His father, David Davis, came out to Califor-
nia in 1852 and made an interesting record as a
pioneer, details of which maj' be found in the story of
E. A. Riley, found elsewhere in this volume, acquir-
ing, previous to his death, 1,120 acres. At first, he
engaged in the raising of sheep and cattle, and he also
had considerable range land in the mountains; and in
later life he took up general farnn'ng.
Thomas N. Davis attended the district school that
had been named after his father; and when twenty-
four years old, he started farming for himself. He
married at Sacramento, on July 2, 1894, Miss Georgia
Alida Spring, a native of Sacramento County and the
daughter of Elias W. and Christiana (Long)
Soring. Her father was a school teacher, and also an
early settler of Sacramento Countv; and he conducted
334
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
schools in several counties in central California. Miss
Spring completed the studies required at the Sacra-
mento high school, and then attended the state normal
school of San Jose, after which she taught for some
three seasons before her marriage. Her father died at
the age of fifty-eight, and her mother at the age
of sixty-nine. Elias W. Spring is a brother of Mrs.
Davis.
Mr. Davis has operated the Davis ranch continu-
ously since his marriage, with the exception of one
year, which he spent at Eureka, in Humboldt Coun-
ty; and he has 160 of the original Davis acres, upon
which he built a home, where he has reared two
sons, Thomas N., Jr., and Francis Murray, who assist
him in grain farming. He leases about 1,500 acres
devoted to grain-raising purposes, and he employs
eighteen head of horses and one tractor. He served
for years as clerk of the board of trustees of the
Davis school district. In national political affairs,
he votes regardless of party lines.
RICHARD T. BUTLER.— For the past twelve
years Richard T. Butler has been the manager of
the Cavitt Orchard Farm located fifteen miles north-
east of Sacramento on Auburn Boulevard, consisting
of eighty acres well improved and productive. He
was born in Evansville, Ind., March 4, 1851, a son
of William Thomas and Elizabeth Butler, both na-
tives of England. William Thomas Butler and his
wife emigrated to America in 1844 and in 1852
crossed the plains to California with an ox team,
enduring many hardships, but were fortunate in hav-
ing no trouble with the Indians while en route. Will-
iam Thomas Butler was a boatman by trade, and in
1864 while mending the bottom of a river boat on
the Sacramento River, accidentally fell into the river;
he was rescued, but the chill of the cold water caused
his death within a year. He was survived by his
widow and seven children: Sarah Ireland, a venerable
pioneer of Sacramento, passed away in 1922; William
Thomas resides in Roseville and his sketch is in
this volume; Richard T. is the subject of this sketch;
John resides in Roseville; George is deceased; Mary
Spaniger resides in Roseville; and Charles is de-
ceased. The widow remained in Sacramento, where
she educated and reared her children. She was a
close and intimate friend of the Stanfords and she
spent her decHning years in Roseville, where she
passed away.
Richard T. Butler attended public school in Sacra-
mento and at an early age began to earn his own
way in the world; he began ranching near Sacra-
mento, where he conducted a dairy; he saved his
money and soon had enough to start as a teaming
contractor with Bowers & Wattes; later he learned
the moulder's trade with the Southern Pacific Rail-
road Company. On June 29, 1876, Mr. Butler was
united in marriage with Miss Ida B. Cavitt. For
thirty years Mr. Butler farmed in Sacramento County
and in 1911 became manager of the Cavitt Orchard
Farm, the estate left by Mrs. Butler's mother, who
passed away May 8, 1911. Seven children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Butler: Lila May, George W.,
Richard T., Albert F., Edith May, Vital B., and
Melba B. Mr. Butler was residing in Sacramento
at the time of the high water in 1862 and helped the
family to remove from their home at Twelfth and L
Streets to higher ground and for many days they
went about in boats. Mr. Butler has devoted much
of his time to the progress of the Sylvan district of
Sacramento County, among the oldest rural sections
of California.
CHARLES H. JOLLY.— A venerable and highly
esteemed pioneer, whose recollections of early days
are of never failing interest to all who treasure the
history of the Golden State, is Charles H. Jolly, a
retired merchant of Folsom City, who has been a
state guard at the Folsom Prison since December
18, 1893. He was born at JoUytown, Greene County,
Pa., June 18, 1837, and is now the only surviving
son of Titus and Rachael (Powndston) Jolly, both
natives of Old Virginia, who pioneered together in
clearing the forests in Pennsylvania for the town-
site of Jollytown, named for Titus Jolly. Few men
excelled him in that day of hard struggle against
great and heavy odds, when as a farmer, blacksmith
and wagon-maker, he helped to blaze the way in
the march of civilization for others.
Charles left home at the age of thirteen, and drift-
ed about at common labor, making his way through
West Virginia; and when sixteen years old, he start-
ed West with his brother Samuel. They crossed the
plains by way of the North Platte River, and he
arrived on November 28, 1858, at Hangtown, now
Placerville, his brother having lain over in Virginia
City, where he remained. For about three years
Charles prospected, in placer mining, with pick and
shovel, and in 1861 he located at Folsom, then a
lively center and the railroad terminus. He conducted
a store for six years, and on January 11, 1862, with
a partner, Mr. Berry, built over night a boat, on
which they made a trip the next day to Sacramento
City, twenty-two miles avv'ay, on the high waters of
the memorable flood of that year. While en route to
Sacramento, they saved a valuable dog which had
taken refuge on a haystack on a neighboring farm
and brought it to Sacramento, for which, w^hen they
returned the faithful animal to its appreciative mas-
ter, they were amply rewarded. They spent one day
in the capital city on their boat, conveying people
through the Venice-like streets from place to place,
and when evening came sold their boat for $75, and
returned to Folsom City by means of the steam rail-
way. This adventure was typical of the spirit of the
time in which they lived, and is one of the best of
Mr. Jolly's stories.
As a merchant, Mr. Jolly made an enviable repu-
tation for progressive methods and ideals, and after
burning out in 1867, he went to Washoe City, Nev.,
and for five years followed placer-mining with fairly
good results. In 1873, he removed to San Fran-
cisco, and there for seven years he was an employee
of large wholesale establishments. In 1880, he re-
turned to Folsom, and with two partners conducted
a general store, until he sold out, in December, 1893.
as the result of a thrilling event at the near-by state
prison, leading to a shake-up and reform. After the
famous Sontag break in that year. Warden McCombs
solicited Mr. Jolly to become a guard at the prison,
and from a sense of duty, he responded to the call
and disposed of such private interests as would oth-
erwise have stood in his way Since then Mr. Jolly's
record as a guard and officer in ever\- department of
the prison has been and is above reproach, and he has
the distinct honor of being the eldest of any of the
state prison guards in California, and the one who
has longest been in office. He is known as both a
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
335
fearless and thoroughh- capable man, and his experi-
ences have been sent abroad throughout the country
many times by newspaper syndicates.
Some of these experiences, in which other brave
officers besides Charles H. Jolly participated, are
full of the romance and high-lights found in fic-
tion founded upon real life. On July 27, 1903, for
example, thirteen desperate convicts in Folsom Prison
assailed the guards, captured the prison armory, and
escaped, carrying with them Warden Wilkinson and
Captain R. J. Murphy. They had armed themselves
with "file" knives and razors. Two of them turned
on W. A. Chalmers, the outer gatekeeper, and stabbed
him in the arm, while the others rushed into the
captain's office, captured the warden, captain and oth-
er officials, and taking them as shields, demanded that
the armory be opened to them, or they would slaugh-
ter all the officials. The armory was opened and they
supplied themselves with rifles, revolvers and ammu-
nition, and still holding their prisoners to shield them,
demanded that the main gate be opened, under the
same threat, and it was done. To the lasting honor
of two prisoners, be it said, Joseph Casey, a life-term-
er, slammed the inner door, preventing a general es-
cape. O. C. Clark, another convict, doing twenty
years for forgery, dropped down in the office, and
going to the warden's office, gave the alarm, which
was telephoned to Folsom, and the big siren was
sounded. The warden and officers were released and
returned to the prison, their captors having exchanged
clothes with them. Chief Turnkey Joseph Cochrane
had been badlj' stabbed, and Guard William Cotter
was dead and others wounded. At Pilot Hill the
convicts were overtaken by posses, and J. J. Allison,
a convict, was killed. On August 1, as a militia
company from Placerville was trailing the convicts
on a hill near that place, they were fired on from
ambush, and two of them, Festus Rutherford and
Charles Jones, were killed, and William Gill wound-
ed. The convicts split into two bands, and posses
hunted the foothills and mountains for them. Rob-
erts was captured in a grain-field near Davisville,
on August 5, by Deputy Sheriff John J. Hinters
of this county. Roberts and Howard had come to
Sacramento, and passed the night at Agricultural
Park, separating afterwards. Seavis, the negro con-
vict, was captured on August 6 at Auburn, by Sher-
iff Keene and Deputy Coan. Fahey had a battle on
the night of August 7 with Detective Max Fisher
and Deputy Sheriff Wittenbrock, but got away in the
dark. On August 23, Murphy was captured by offi-
ers at Reno, and Woods was captured in the same city
the next day. Roy Fahey, "Red Shirt" Gordon and
some of the others have never been captured.
On December 30, 1904, a desperate attempt was
made by seven convicts engaged on the rock-crushing
plant in the prison grounds, to duplicate the break
of 1903, but it was a disastrous failure. Warden
Yell, anticipating that such an attempt was contem-
plated, had given strict orders to the guards to fire
on the convicts, no matter who might be killed, if
such an attempt were made. The convicts were
aware of the order, but did not believe that it would
be carried out. They stopped the machinery by
throwing a sledge hammer into the rock crusher,
and when Captain Murphy went to see what was
the matter, they seized him and also Charles Jolly,
using them as shields. The convicts had cached a
number of knives made from pieces of steel, with
which they threatened to kill their prisoners. The
convicts were Charles Carson, W. J. Finlcy and F.
Quijada, all life-termers, and D. Kelly, W. Morales,
J. Quinlan and H. C. Hill. The guards began firing,
and in less time than it takes to tell it. Morales, Quin-
lan and Hill were lying dead, and the others bad-
ly wounded. Captain Murphy and Charles Jolly,
whom they had used as shields, were both wounded
by bullets; Finley and Carson, being life-termers,
were convicted after their recovery from their wounds,
and sentenced to hang, but stayed their execution
for a while by an appeal to the United States Su-
preme Court. Mr. Jolly, to the satisfaction of a wide
circle of friends, survived a situation such as few
would care to face, for the mere sake of a thrill.
At Folsom, and on May 17, 1867, Mr. Jolly was
married to Miss Evelyn Heaton, a native of Peoria,
111., where she was born on January 11, 1844, the
daughter of James and Carolyn (Jacobs) Heaton, the
former a native of New York, where he was born in
1821, and the latter a native of Connecticut, where
she first saw light in 1816. In 1834, they migrated to
Illinois, and after living there for eighteen years,
they crossed the great plains to California in 1852.
Mrs. Jolly has a most remarkable memor^^ and she
is able also to delight her admirers with reminis-
cences of her trip, as one of a party traveling in
forty-two covered wagons. They arrived on August
16, 1852, making the record trip for the shortest time,
so it is said, ever taken by an immigrant train
to cross the plains from Illinois to California. The
family stopped a short time at the Beckley Hotel.
Sacramento, and later Mr. Heaton became promi-
nent as a farmer, although he was really a veterinary
surgeon; he had returned East for study, and was
duly graduated, in 1868, from the State Veterinary
College in New York. He was scientific in his meth-
ods of agriculture, and contributed something definite
to the advancement of the farmer in California. Be-
fore his death he had owned a rich farm on Auburn
Boulevard, northeast of Sacramento. Mrs. Jolh-"s
mother died on April 22, 1900, and a year later, on
December 29, her father passed away.
Mrs. Jolly recalls vividly the time when she and
her sister rode horseback from the ranch to Fol-
som City, in 1856, to witness the arrival of the first
steam-cars in California, on the line which was
newly completed from Sacramento City to Folsom
City, the year before she graduated from the Presby-
terian Academy at Folsom. Fifteen years ago Mr.
and Mrs. Jolly removed to Represa, arriving in Sep-
tember, and now thej' have a comfortable home just
outside the gray walls of Folsom Prison, on a sightly
hill, next to the beautiful gardens and home of the
warden.
Mr. and Mrs. Jolly are rightfully the holders of
a very honorable and a unique position among the
residents of this countj'; and in May, 1918, the whole
countryside turned out to help them celebrate their
golden wedding anniversarj'. The I. O. O. F. hall at
Folsom was crowded to overflowing, although it is
one of the largest halls in the county. The happy
couple have served the coniniuTiity faithlully. and
deserve to enjoy, as they certainly do, the esteem of
all who know them. They contribute as liberally as
they can to public and private charities, and seek to
be of service at all times to those less fortunate than
themselves.
336
HISTORY OF SACRAJ^IENTO COUNTY
G. W. CAVITT. — Among the pioneer orchardists
of Sacramento County who began farming as early
as 1864 was G. W. Cavitt, his first purchase having
been 280 acres on the Auburn road which he de-
veloped into a fine productive property'. He was suc-
cessful in whatever line of work he turned his hand
to, for he was honest and industrious and gained the
confidence and esteem of a'l who knew him. His
birth occurred in Rush County, Ind., in 1832, and
at the age of thirteen he accompanied his parents
to Iowa, where they became farmers until 1864.
On February 28, 1856, Mr. Cavitt was married
to Miss Rebecca Perkins, a native of Virginia, and
four children were born to them; William C. passed
away in San Francisco March 12, 1923; Thomas F.
is deceased; Ida Belle is now Mrs. Richard T.
Butler; and Eva F. In 1864 Mr. Cavitt brought
his family across the plains to California by ox-team
and had some interesting experiences with the In-
dians. He located on the Auburn road, where he
bought 280 acres and engaged in farming and team-
ing at first. He improved his home place with a fine
residence, which was later destroyed by fire. Mr.
Cavitt continued active until his death, January 24,
1907. Mr. Cavitt also owned va'uable real estate in
Sacramento and after his death Airs. Cavitt capably
looked after the estate interests until her death in
May, 1911; the estate now consists of eighty acres;
200 acres of the estate had been disposed of before
Mr. Cavitt's death. This worthy pioneer couple will
be long remembered for their activities along lines
of. advancement and progress.
MRS. MAY A. BEAUVILLE.— An interesting, in-
spiring example of what a gifted woman, with the
proper purpose in life, may accomplish, particularly
in the management of agricultural property, is af-
forded by Mrs. May A. Beauville, who lives on her
trim acres about four miles north of Clay. She was
born in Buckeye Valley, Amador County, the daugh-
ter of J. Oscar Taylor, a native of Wisconsin, who
had married Miss Fanny McKee, a native of Cala-
veras County, whose father, in turn, was a native
of Massachusetts and an early California pioneer.
He mined at Mokelumne Hill, and there the mother
of our subject, who lived to be fifty-four years old,
was born. J. O. Taylor is still living, near Eugene,
Ore., at ths ripe old age of eighty-seven, enjoying life
raising strawberries, something he has wanted for
years to do.
May Taylor accompanied her parents to Pineville.
Ore., together with her two brothers, Henry, now
deceased, and Harry, who lives at Eugene, Ore.,
and at Pineville she went to school, getting there the
foundation of that training which has enabled her
to accomphsh so much, so well. On September 28,
1892, she was married to William Beauville, a native
of San Francisco. In 1910, she returned to Clay,
where she inherited forty acres of the old McKee
Ranch estate that first fell to her mother, through
whom, at the latter's death, she received her por-
tion. She now not only manages this tract, but she
also leases eighty acres belonging to Mrs. Elizabeth
Howard and George McKee, of Fulton, and during
the summer months she conducts a small dairy. In
her agricultural operations she has employed ,the
most scientific, up-to-date methods and the best of
mechanical outfits, and with her exceptional acu-
men and enthusiastic liking for her work, she has
produced results such as would reflect the highest
credit upon farmers of far greater experience and
opportunities. In national politics she is a Republi-
can.
In her home life, so attractive to all who have
the chance to enjoy its hospitality, Mrs. Beauville
has the company of a daughter, Edith, who is an
actress, having traveled for about five years, seeing
much of life in New York City, but who has given
up the stage and is now living at home with her
mother, a help and a comfort to her, and a welcome
hostess, with her mother, to the favored who visit
this Sacramento County ranch.
WILLIAM C. SHELDON.— If not the oldest na-
tive son in California, William C. Sheldon is nearly
so, for he was born at the old Sheldon mill on the
Mocosumnes River, February 26, 1848, on the Omo
Chumney ranch, a grant, so named by the Indians
(the name meaning "my winter home"), because of
the abundance of wild grapes along this part of the
Mocosumnes River. Mr. Sheldon's father, Jared D.
Sheldon, was a New Englander, born at Underbill
Center, Vt., of an old Eastern family. Grandfather
Sheldon served in the Revolutionary War and was at
the Battle of Lake Champlain.
Jared Sheldon was a millwright and a very fine
mechanic. When a young man, having a longing to
see the great West, he made his way to what is now
Kansas City, and on over the plains to Santa Fe, N.
M., with a party of government men. Here he was
taken ill and had to remain behind, intending when
he was well to overtake his party. Having obtained
from them the direction in which they were going,
he started after them; but he never heard of them
again. Even after coming to Cahfornia he could find
no trace of any of the party; so they must have been
massacred and the whole party annihilated. Jared
Sheldon made his way gradually westward on mule-
back through the Indian country, enduring many
hardships and having narrow escapes. One night
when he was closely pursued by the redskins he es-
caped by going from island to island in a river. He
had started with two mules, but later on had only
one, a splendid animal, which carried him safely
through, although at one time Mr. Sheldon was so
nearly famished that he got down to kill the mule in
order to satisfy his hunger. On consideration he de-
cided not to do so, however, concluding that if he
did, his own bones as well would be left to bleach on
the plains; so he thought better of the matter and
kept his dumb companion. The same day he came
across a coj'ote, which he shot; but after a trial, he
was unable to eat any of the meat, for it was too
rank. Fortunately, before he was overcome by
starvation, he ran across game which saved his life.
He arrived in Los Angeles in 1837. The little Mexi-
can hamlet of those days was vastly different from
the present great metropolis. Jared Sheldon was a
true frontiersman, inured to hardships, and made his
way through the wild country with the instinct of the
veteran pathfinder. He was dauntless and resource-
ful, and had no fear of being unable to reach the Pa-
cific Coast. On this trip, when wanting a campfire,
he made it by rubbing two pieces of wood together.
From Los Angeles he made his way to Monterey;
and there he built for the Mexican government the
custom house that is still standing, and for his ser-
vices was given the Omo Chumney grant on the
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
339
Mocosumnes River. He found that in order to ob-
tain title to the grant he had to become a Mexican
citizen, and this he could not do without becoming
a member of the Catholic Church; so he was bap-
tized, and was named Joaquin Sheldon. The grant
was three miles wide and extended seventeen miles
along the Mocosumnes River, from the present Mc-
Connell ranch up to over three miles above Slough
House.
Jared Sheldon's services as a millwright were
called upon at various times. He built a mill on the
Russian River for the Russians, and another at old
San Juan Mission, and also constructed a sawmill at
Los Angeles. Having obtained the promise of the
grant, he came to his possession and started in the
stock business. As his services as millwright were
valuable elsewhere, he had a partner, William Day-
lor, an Englishman who had been a sailor before he
came to California and left the ship to remain for ad-
venture here. While Mr. Sheldon was looking after
the building of the custom house and mills, Mr. Day-
lor remained on the ranch looking after the stock and
rancho. Mr. Sheldon built a flour mill on the
Mocosumnes River, where he made flour. William
C. Sheldon has in his possession a letter from Gen-
eral Sutter to his father, dated 1847, calling Mr. Shel-
don's attention to his wheat and asking if the grist
of flour was done. The burrs for the mill were
brought from Monterey, having been, brought to that
point from Mexico, where they had been cut from
native stone. In those early days it took a year to
get a reply to a letter sent to Vermont. When a
letter was given to an Indian messenger, it was car-
ried by him in a forked stick; and while on his way
he w-as a privileged person and no other Indian would
stop him, for in their superstition they thought he
carried spoken words. Mr. Sheldon build a dam in
the river above his lands, taking out a ditch to ob-
tain power for his mill and to irrigate his lands. In
his operations he found the Indians good help and of
great assistance to him. He also had a trading post
in the hills and bought gold from the Indians and
sold them, goods in return. He obtained the services
of William T. Sherman to survey his grant into half-
mile tracts; and these he sold to settlers as low as
ten cents an acre in order to have neighbors, and
made the tracts' large enough to make it worth while
for the purchaser to buy. He built the first house at
Slough House, and in every way was an enterprising
man.
Jared Sheldon was married near what is now Gait
(then Live Oak) to Miss Catherine F. Rhoads, born
in Indiana, who came here in 1846 with her parents.
The grandfather, Thomas Rhoads, brought his fam-
ily across the plains with ox teams and wagons the
same year the Donner party were crossing the
plains. The Rhoads train was captained by Captain
Greenwood, who advised the members of the train
and other parties as well, on account of the lateness
of the season, to push on over the mountains. They
left the Donner party at Donner Lake and came on
through as rapidly as possible, and in October, 1846,
arrived in California. Afterwards some of the Rhoads
boys went back and helped pack the Donners in. The
Rhoads family were living near Gait the first winter.
Here Catherine Rhoads met Jared Sheldon, which
resulted in their marriage. Her sister, Sarah P., met
and married William Daylor; and both couples were
united by Justice Sinclair on the American River.
Mr. Sheldon saw to it that a schoolhouse was built,
and hired the first teacher. This is said to have been
the first school in the county. As stated, Jared Shel-
don had taken out a ditch from the river for irrigation.
After mining began, trouble arose over the water.
Mr. Sheldon offered the miners the water six days
a week if he could have it one day, but the result was
unsatisfactory, and Mr. Sheldon was shot down by
the miners on July 11, 1851. They in turn left, and
were never heard of again. William Daylor died of
the cholera epidemic in 1851. Mrs. Sheldon carried
on the ranch the best she could after her husband's
death; but she was plundered right and left. She
continued to live here many years, until she retired to
Sacramento, where she resided until her death, about
1906, at which time she was Mrs. Dennis Dalton.
William C. Sheldon was the oldest child in his
parents' family. He spent his childhood on the farm,
attending the local school, after which he studied at
Benicia College for three years. In 1871 he made
a trip to the East, to New York City, and also visited
his father's people in New England and Canada. Af-
ter an enjoyable trip of four months, he returned
home and began his farming and stock-raising opera-
tions at Slough House, in which he has been very
successful.
In 1872, in Salt Lake City, occurred the marriage
of Mr. Sheldon and Miss Anna Virginia Cook. She
was born in New Jersey and had come to Salt Lake
with her parents. Mr. Sheldon brought his wife to
his ranch on the Mocosumnes River, having become
the owner of 610 acres of land on said river, which he
has improved and still owns, also having added ninety
acres to it by purchase, so that he now owns 700
acres, devoted to raising hops, fruit, and alfalfa. Mr.
Sheldon is interested in preserving the essential facts
and interesting incidents of pioneer history, as well
as the historic landmarks. He has saved the two
burrs from the old Sheldon grist mill, and has them
placed for steps in his yard.
Mr. and Mrs. William C. Sheldon have six chil-
dren. William J. is assisting his father on the ranch;
Catherine P. is Mrs. Jack Grandlees, of Bridge House;
George T. died in 1918; Jessie C. is Mrs. Fred Grim-
shaw; Loren M. is also assisting his father; and
Kittie A. is Mrs. Cothrin, living near Latrobe, in El-
dorado County. Mr. Sheldon has always manifested
a deep interest in the cause of education, and for
many years served as a member of the board of trus-
tees in Rhoads school district. He also served as
justice of the peace of Lee Township for many years.
A firm believer in the principle of protection for
Americans, he is a stanch Republican. Fraternally,
he was made a Mason in Union Lodge, No. 58, Sacra-
mento, and is a member of Sacramento Chapter No.
3. R. A. M.; Sacramento Commandery No. 2, K. T.;
and Islam Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in
San Francisco. Mr. Sheldon is well-posted on the
early history of Sacramento County. Of pleasing
personality and affable manner, he is an intensely in-
teresting talker, and it is indeed a treat to converse
with him and enjoy his genuine Western hospitality.
His honesty of purpose and integrity of character
have never been questioned, and his word is as good
as his bond. He lives by the Golden Rule, and is no-
less liberal than enterprising; but all of his benefac-
tions are accomplished in an unostentatious manner.
He is now undoubtedly the oldest settler in Sacra-
340
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
mento County, and is probably the oldest native son
in the state; and he takes a very active interest in
pioneer affairs.
JAMES BASCOM BRADFORD.— This highly
honored pioneer and business man breathed his last
at Sacramento, Cal., on February 22, 1907. He was
born on February 10, 1826, and attained the ripe old
age of eighty-one years and twelve days. Few careers
can approach his in point of foresight, usefulness,
activity, force of character and public spirit, and it
can be truly said of him that he left the world better
for his having lived in it. He first opened his eyes
to the light of day in Daviess County, Ind., being a
twin brother of William Barton Bradford, a forty-
niner, and like himself a man of forceful and whole-
some character. These twin brothers were the third
and fourth, in order or birth, in a family of nine
children born to George and Mary F. (Bruce) Brad-
ford, the former a native of Connecticut, the latter of
Kentucky. On the paternal side, he was of English
ancestry, while in the maternal line he was of Scotch
extraction, harking back to King Bruce.
George Bradford, the father of James Bascom Brad-
ford, was born in Middlesex County, Conn., July 5,
1787, and was the youngest in a family of thirteen
children. He was a direct descendant of Gov. Wil-
liam Bradford, the second governor of Plymouth
Colony. At the age of thirteen he ran away from
home, and shipped to England as a cabin boy on a
sailing vessel. Returning to America, he was em-
ployed on a flat-boat plying the Ohio and Mississippi
Rivers, and soon became a pilot and later the owner
of a boat of his own, trading in the products of the
rich Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys. After dis-
posing of the cargoes at New Orleans, he would in-
variably take a boat to Boston, Mass. (instead of to
New York City), and would thence come horseback
across the country back to Washington, Ind., where
he would reengage to take another cargo down the
rivers. He displayed considerable ability as a trader
and later established a general merchandise store at
Washington, Ind., where he prospered and reared
his large family; and here his sons, the two twin
brothers, assisted their father and learned the store-
keeping business.
Of these twin brothers, William Barton Bradford
was the first to seek his fortune in the new Eldorado
on the Pacific Coast. Coming via the Isthmus, he
landed at San Francisco in 1849. James Bascom
Bradford joined him in 1850, making the journey
across the plains during the fifties. He had much
experience in gold-mining, becomnig interested in
several different gold mines in Eldorado and Placer
Counties. In the fall of 1850, he went to Oregon and
engaged in farming near Salem. Returning in 1851,
he mined for a while in Shasta County; and then, in
the fall of 1851, he first located in Sacramento County.
In 1852 he went to Diamond Spring, in Eldorado
County, and there, in partnership with his brother,
William Barton Bradford, under the firm name of
J. B. & W. B. Bradford, engaged in the general-
merchandising business until 1859, when the partner-
ship was dissolved. During these years (from 1852
to 1859), they operated stores in several places in
California and Nevada. At one time they were in
business at Yankee Jims, in Placer County, where
they remained nearly two years. At other times
they ran stores at Sacramento, Michigan BluiTs, and
Aurora, Nev. They had thoroughly learned the store
business back at Washington, Ind., and were very
successful in their mercantile pursuits; and as they
accumulated means, they invested it in gold mines,
only to experience the gold miner's luck and lose
their holdings. They owned and lost several mining
properties, the last one being the celebrated "Last
Chance" mine in Placer County, for which they were
offered nearly a million, but refused it. Luck then
turned against them; and inside of three months
thereafter J. B. Bradford was "flat broke" and was
forced to walk back to Sacramento, because he had
not the money with which to buy a ticket on the
stage line. This so thoroughly disgusted him with
gold-mining that he resolved thenceforth to turn his
attention to farming.
In 1856, J. B. Bradford went back to Indiana and
brought out his father and mother to Sacramento
County, Cal. They died here, and are buried in the
City Cemetery at Sacramento. Their tombstones
give the following information, duly inscribed as
follows:
GEORGE BRADFORD
Born in Middlesex Co., Conn.
July 5, 1787
Died
July 16, 1862
God, not man. is the Judge.
In God I trust.
MARY F. BRADFORD
Born in Mason Co., Ky.
Aug. 16, 1793
Died
July 19, 1865.
George and Mary Bradford were married at Wash-
ington, Ind., in 1821. George Bradford was a man of
deep convictions, who had learned many lessons in
the rugged school of actual experience. A New Eng-
lander by birth, he had been brought up in an atmos-
phere which was opposed to slavery. His Whig
principles and anti-slavery sentiments became irrev-
ocably fixed in his heart one day down South,
while working on a flat-boat, where he witnessed the
cruel burning to death at the stake of a negro slave-
boy, because he had attempted to run away (for the
third time) from his harsh master. What a pity that
this ardent Abolitionist was not permitted to live to
witness the signing of the Emancipation Proclama-
tion! He was a self-made man and built up a pros-
perous business at Washington, Ind., where the
greater portion of his life was spent.
In 1860 J. B. Bradford located on the ranch of
160 acres twenty miles south of Sacramento, which
he took up as a government claim. When he held
up his right hand in the government land office and
took oath that he intended this land for his future
home, he did not perjure himself. He meant every
word of it. His sterling honesty and integrity be-
comes all the more apparent when we reflect that
this property has ever since been, and still is, the
"Bradford Home Place." The board cabin which he
^ ( D^ ( d r-c^-<^iA-a-^^^^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
345
erected in 1860, and which was for many years his
dwelling-place, is still standing on the place, an inter-
esting landmark. For a number of years Mr. Brad-
ford's principal pursuit was general farming. He then
conceived the idea of grape culture. He planted the
pioneer vineyard of his locality, setting out fifteen
acres of vines in 1866 and gradually worked into viti-
culture. He kept increasing his acreage until his
grape-vines covered 125 acres of his place. In 1889
he began to manufacture wine in a small way. He
enlarged and improved his plant from time to time
until it had a capacity of 400,000 gallons, and in 1897
he took his two sons in as partners in the business
and operated under the firm name of J. B. Brad-
ford & Sons.
Mr. Bradford went back to the Middle West; and
at Danville, 111., on the 20th day of September, 1871,
he was married to Miss Sarah G. Kilbourne. She
was born at Venice, Ohio. By their union they be-
came the parents of two sons: Perley K. and George
B., both of w'hose biographies appear elsewhere in
this work.
Mr. Bradford became well-known in local Masonic
circles, being affiliated with Elk Grove Lodge No.
173, F. &A. M. In political matters he made it a
point to study national, state and local questions, and
without fear or favor voted his convictions and princi-
ples, supporting men of character and ability to hold
positions of public trust, and always seeking the
greatest good for his community and country. He
lies buried in the Masonic Cemetery at Elk Grove,
beside the remains of his devoted wife and helpmate,
who passed on a few years after him, at the age of
seventy-two, highly esteemed and truly mourned.
The accompanying portrait of J. B. Bradford
plainly bespeaks a strong, virile, pure and manly
character. A rugged Americanism is stamped upon
his features. As before stated, he was a direct des-
cendant of Gov. William Bradford, the second gov-
ernor of Plymouth Colony, who served as such from
1621 through 1633, and in 163S, 1637, and 1639, and
again from 1645 to 1657.
The said progenitor was born at Austerfield, York-
shire, England, in March, 1588, and w-as one of the
early Puritans, dissenting from the teachings of the
established church of England. In the autumn of
1607, although only nineteen years of age, he joined
a company of dissenters who made an attempt to go
on to Holland, where their religious opinions would
secure toleration; but the master of the vessel be-
trayed them, and they were thrown into prison. Brad-
ford remained in Holland, altogether, about ten years,
and when the plan was decided upon of removing
the English church at Leyden, under the care of
Pastor Robinson, to America, he eagerly united with
other Puritans in carrying out this idea. On July
22, 1620, he embarked for England, and on September
S following sailed from Southhampton on board the
"Mayflower," with the first company of Pilgrims
which left for America. A storm coming up, they
were obliged to put into what became known as
Plymouth Harbor, but eventually reached the harbor
of Cape Cod. Here he had the misfortune to lose
his wife, who fell into the sea and was drowned. The
first governor of the colony. Carver, died on April 5,
1621; and Mr. Bradford was elected in his place. His
wisdom in dealing with Sachems Massasoit and Can-
onicus, and other Indian chiefs — those friendly as
well as those who were hostile — is well known to every
student of American history.
Governor Bradford married for his second wife, on
August 14, 1623, the widow of Mr. Southworth. She
was a lady whom he had known in England, and w'ho
came out to the colony for the purpose of marrying
him. By his first wife he had one son; and by his
second, two sons and one daughter. His first son
died without children. Of his two other sons, Will-
iam had fifteen children, and Joseph, seven; and from
them have descended the Bradfords of New England,
whose name is connected by marriage with half of the
leading families of the Eastern or New England
States.
Governor Bradford was not only a masterful execu-
tive, but a man of great literary ability. He was well-
educated, and well-informed in history and philoso-
phy; and his writings form the basis of Young's
"Chronicles of the Pilgrim Fathers of the Colony
of Plymouth," and constitute a priceless heritage.
Governor Bradford died at Plvmouth, Mass., on May
9, 1657.
Thus the Bradford family goes back to the "May-
flower," Phmiouth Rock, and 1620. Of deep religious
convictions and of unusual strength of body and
mind, the Bradfords continue to be one of the lead-
ing families of America.
GEORGE BRUCE BRADFORD.— Born in Sac-
ramento County on the old Bradford ranch near
Bruceville, April 5, 1875, George Bruce Bradford is
the son of the late James Bascom and Sarah G. (Kil-
bourne) Bradford, the former a California pioneer
who came to the state in 1850 during the gold-rush
and mined in Eldorado, Placer and Shasta Counties
before his first location in Sacramento County, in
1851. In 1852 he settled for a time at Diamond
Spring, Eldorado County, and in partnership with a
brother, William Barton Bradford, under the firm
name and style of J. B. & W. B. Bradford, engaged
in the general merchandise business at Diamond
Spring. Expanding their business, they also started
other stores in different places in California and Nev-
ada, with branches in the near-by gold-mining camps,
and did a very thriving business until 1859.
J. B. and W. B. Bradford were twin brothers. They
were born in Daviess County, Ind., February 10,
1826, being sons of George and Mary F. (Bruce)
Bradford. As boys and young men they clerked in
their father's general store at Washington, Ind.,
where they grew up, and where they learned the busi-
ness of store-keeping from their father, George Brad-
ford, who was a very successful business man and
a prominent citizen. Thus equipped, J. B. and W. B.
Bradford prospered, and invested their profits in gold
mines, in which they met with ups and downs and
shared the typical gold miner's luck, one day near-
millionaires — the next, flat broke. They acquired and
lost several gold-mining properties. As owners of
the celebrated "Last Chance" gold mine, they refused
an offer of almost a million, only to find themselves
financially embarrassed three months thereafter,
when J. B. Bradford made his way back to Sacra-
mento afoot, because he did not have the price of a
stage-coach ticket. That was in 1859. The partner-
ship was then dissolved. After his bitter experience
in gold mining, J. B. Bradford decided thenceforth
to engage in a less hazardous business. In 1860,
346
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
therefore, he took up a government claim of 160 acres,
near Bruceville, in Sacramento County, about t\vent\'
miles south of the city of Sacramento. From a very
humble beginning as a general farmer, he became one
of the largest and most widely known viticulturists
in Sacramento County. In 1897 he took in his two
sons, Perley K. and George B. Bradford, as partners;
and the firm operated under the name of J. B. Brad-
ford & Sons until his death, which occurred in 1907
at the age of eighty-one years. The business was
then taken up and carried on by the two sons, Perley
K. and George B. Bradford, who have ever worked
together in perfect harmony, with rare intelligence
and a hearty good-will, and like that other Califor-
nian native son, William Randolph Hearst, have more
than tripled their father's wealth. They are now
largely interested in horticultural, agricultural, and
stock-raising enterprises. After their father's death,
the two Bradford brothers continued to enlarge and
improve the winery upon the place. They put in a
spur track and switch from the main line of the West-
ern Pacific at a cost of $16,000, which was shared
half and half b}' said railroad company and the Brad-
fords. Upon the adoption of the Eighteenth Amend-
ment they turned their attention to cattle-raising and
feeding, bean-growing, and general farming, mean-
while keeping up their interest in grape-culture. They
maintain in a state of maximum productivity the 140-
acre home vineyard, the first fifteen acres of which
was set out in 1866 by their father, who was the
pioneer vinej^ardist in the Elk Grove vicinity. To-
gether they own thousands of acres in Sacramento
and other counties, while they hold other thousands
of acres under lease, and keep from 2,000 to 3,000
head of cattle. Among the other valuable properties
owned by them is the celebrated Brewster Ranch of
840 acres on the lower Cosumnes River, four miles
west of Gait, splendid river-bottom land, which
George B. Bradford is now engaged in leveling pre-
paratory to seeding it to alfalfa, and making of it a
cattle-feeding farm, where their cattle from the moun-
tain ranges will be properly fattened for the market.
In the month of July, 1922, The J. B. Bradford Prop-
erties, Incorporated, was duly organized and incorpo-
rated under the laws of the State of California, with
Perley K. Bradford as its president and George B.
Bradford as its vice-president and treasurer. Its
holdings aggregate $750,000, against which there is
a bonded indebtedness of $200,000.
Both of Mr. Bradford's parents have passed on.
James Basconi Bradford, the father, was a direct
descendant of Gov. William Bradford of Plymouth
Colony. An extended history of his life, with por-
traits of him and his excellent wife and helpmate,
appears elsewhere in this historj'. Their good names
will ever occupy prominent places in the annals of
Sacramento County.
The marriage of George Bruce Bradford, which
occurred May 7, 1905, at Fresno, united him with
Birdie Ruby Lenz, born in San Jose, a daughter of
Bernhardt and Rebecca Lenz, both natives of Ger-
man}-. Her father came to California in early days,
and for years conducted a barber shop in San Jose;
he is now living retired in that city, with his wife.
Mrs. Bradford is the youngest in a family of three
children. She was educated in the San Jose grammar
and high schools, finishing with a course at the state
normal school in her home city; and she taught school
before her marriage. Two children have blessed the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Bradford: George Bruce, Jr.
and Betty Virginia. Like his father before him, Mr.
Bradford is a member of Elk Grove Lodge No. 173,
of the Masons, and is past master of the order. Both
he and his wife are members of Eastern Star Lodge
No. 109, of Elk Grove; and Mrs. Bradford is past
worthy matron in that order. They are representative
Californians, descendants of pioneers, whose work
they are worthily carrying on. In 1914 the post-office
was moved from Bruceville to the Bradford Ranch,
and Mr. Bradford was postmaster from that time
until the rural-carrier route was established. Aggres-
sively progressive, and a willing, intelligent and tire-
less worker, gifted with good judgment and e.xcep-
tional executive ability, George Bruce Bradford worth-
ily maintains the traditions of the Bradford family,
and in this he is loyally supported by his excellent
wife and able children. Comfortably domiciled on
the old Bradford home place, he reflects great credit
upon his famih' and ancestral locality'.
MRS. BIRDIE RUBY BRADFORD.— A native
daughter of California, prominently associated with
the social and civic life of her cominunity, is Mrs.
Birdie Ruby Bradford, wife of George Bruce Brad-
ford, vice-president and treasurer of The J. B. Brad-
ford Properties, Incorporated, and an extensive agri-
culturist, viticulturist and stockman near Bruceville,
in the Elk Grove section of Sacramento Count}'.
Mrs. Bradford was born at San Jose, Santa Clara
County, on January 1, 1884, a daughter of Bernhardt
and Rebecca Lenz, both natives of Germany. Her
parents came from New York in 1877, as j'oung man
and young woman, and met while crossing the Isth-
mus of Panama. Their acquaintance ripened into
friendship and afifection, and two years later, at San
Jose, Cal., they were united in the bonds of matri-
mony.
Birdie Ruby Lenz received her elementary educa-
tion in the public schools of San Jose, graduating
from the San Jose High School in June, 1901. She
then entered the San Jose Teachers' College, from
which she was also duh' graduated after the comple-
tion of her courses, in June, 1903; and for one year
prior to her marriage, she was employed as a school
teacher.
On May 7, 1905, at Fresno, Cal., Miss Lenz was
united in marriage with George Bruce Bradford, son
of the late James Bascom Bradford, pioneer miner,
merchant, and viticulturist, whose life-history is out-
lined on another page in this volume. Mr. and Mrs.
Bradford are the parents of two children: George
Bruce, Jr., aged seventeen years; and Bett}' Virginia,
aged thirteen years. Mrs. Bradford favors the prin-
ciples and policies of the Democratic party, and is
very conscientious in her exercise of the political
franchise. Interested in educational matters, she takes
an active part in the work of the Parent-Teacher
Association of Gait. She is an active member of Elk
Grove Chapter, O. E. S., has served in all the offices
of the order, and has held the chair of matron two
different terms; and she is also a member of the Fri-
day Club of Elk Grove and the Tuesday Club of
Sacramento. In her religious life she is associated
with the Third Church of Christ, Scientist, of Sac-
ramento.
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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
351
CLINTON L. WHITE.— Among the oldest and
most distinguished members of the California Bar,
widely and favorably known throughout and beyond
the confines of Sacramento County, is Clinton L.
White, who has gained an enviable place as a coun-
selor and attorney, having acquired, during his long
years of practice, a clientele highly appreciative of
his knowledge of the law, his keen interpretation of
legal questions, and his straightforwardness in giving
the most conscientious and diipendable advice. He
was born on September 6, 1850, on a farm about two
miles east of the village of Springville, Linn County,
Iowa, where he spent his boyhood w-orking on the
farm in summer, and attending the district school in
winter. In the autumn of 1868, satisfying an ambi-
tion to get a higher education, he matriculated at
Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa; and in the
spring of 1874 he was duly graduated from that in-
stitution, after which, in August of the same year, he
came out to California, and in the fall took the
required normal examination and was granted a
teacher's certificate. He began teaching in the Hun-
gry Hollow district, in the foot-hills in Placer County,
and put in eight months in the schoolroom, while he
read Blackstone outside of school hours. He then
entered the law^ office of George Cadwalader in Sac-
ramento, as both a clerk and a student, and there
spent two years in assiduous application to the study
of law. Licensed to practice by the supreme court of
California in 1877, he at once began in Sacramento to
follow the profession of his choice. He met with
success from the very beginning, and so did not
experience the long period of hardship and semi-
starvation which the majority of young lawyers have
to undergo before being recognized as professionally
capable. Early in life, he learned that industry will
beat genius; and for many years past he has been
among the busiest of men, either in the more ex-
tended study of general legal prmciples or in their
special appHcation to mattes s of business entrusted
by confiding clients to his management. In 1879,
he prepared the manuscript for a book on Crmiinal
Law which was published by the Bancroft-Whitney
Company, and which was well received by the pro-
fession— a natural success for one who, in 1880 and
again in 1881, was secretary of the Judiciary Com-
mittee of the California State Senate.
For the two years 1881-1882, Mr. White filled the
office of deputy attorney-general of California, and
in that capacity was in almost constant attendance
upon the supreme court, arguing the state's side of
the criminal cases in which appeals had been taken.
He served for ten years in the California National
Guard, beginning with the rank of lieutenant, and
reaching that of major and judge-advocate. In 1892
he was a member of the Board of Freeholders, which
prepared the charter for the governing of the city
of Sacramento; and in 1908 and 1909, he served a term
of two years as mayor of Sacramento. In 1912 he
was a delegate to the Republican National Conven-
tion in Chicago, and in 1916 he was a delegate to the
Progressive National Convention. In 1919, the de-
gree of Doctor of Laws was conferred upon him by
his Alma Mater, Cornell College.
Soon after leaving the office of George Cadwala-
der, Mr. White became associated with Wilbur !•.
George under the firm name of White & George.
About two years later the firm was dissolved, and
Mr. \\'hite became a partner with A. L. Hart, at that
time attorney-general of California, under the firm
name of Hart & White. After the dissolution of
this firm, Mr. White practiced law by himself for
some }'ears, until the foundation of the well-known
firm of White, Hughes & Seymour; and upon the
election of Joseph W. Hughes to the superior court
of Sacramento County, the firm became White &
Seymour, and continued as such for several years.
It was then dissolved, and Arthur M. Seymour was
elected district attorney of Sacramento County. In
May, 1901. Mr. White "and Arthur E. Miller of Sac-
ramento entered into a partnership and conducted
business under the firm name of White & Miller
until the election of Mr. White as mayor of Sacra-
mento. Then they took in as co-partner Judge C. E.
McLaughlin, under the firm name of White, Miller
& McLaughlin. Upon the dissolution of this firm,
Messrs. White and Miller took in Irving Needham
and Clinton E. Harber as partners, and their prac-
tice was continued under the stjde of White, ^Miller,
Needham & Harber. On January 1, 1914, the firm
was further augmented by the addition of Herbert
E. White. Since then the personnel of the firm has
remained the same, the five members of the firm
working together in perfect harmon}^ Thej' have
been exceptionally successful and prosperous, repre-
senting, among others of their important clientele,
the National Bank of D. O. Mills & Company, the
People's Bank, t'ne Equitable Life Insurance Com-
pany, and the New York Life Insurance Company,
in their local interests. Mr. White is one of the larg-
est stockholders in the People's Bank, in which he
is serving as a member of the board of directors.
On January 1, 1885, Clinton L. White married
Miss Margaret Olive McKinney, of Stirling, III.
Two children were born of the fortunate union:
Edith M. White, a graduate of Cornell, Class of 1909;
and Herbert E. White, who was graduated from
Stanford University in 1911, and is now a member
of the law-firm of W^hite, Miller, Needham & Harber,
of Sacramento, actively and successfully engaged in
the practice of his profession. Air. White was be-
reaved of his gifted, devoted and loving wife on De-
cember 20, 1914, since which time his life has been
deprived of its chief source of inspiration. Despite
this heavy personal affliction and loss, however, his
life has been unceasingly active in constructive ef-
fort, and the work he has accomplished has been of
distinct va'ue to the community and the state in
which he has lived and toiled. Mr. White's entire
professional life has been spent in Sacramento Coun-
ty, in whose development and growth he takes pride
and pleasure. He is indeed loyal to the city of his
adoption, and his fellow-citizens in turn esteem him
most highly for his generous and kindly nature, his
integrity and honesty of purpose, and his many
sterling attributes of mind and heart.
HERBERT E. WHITE.— .\ widely-known attor-
ney who is esteemed tor both his knowledge of the
law, and particularly his familiarity with legal pro-
cedure in the settlement of estates, and his unques-
tioned and unquestionable integrity in a busy prac-
tice, is Herbert E. White, a native of Sacramento,
in intimate touch with Sacramento traditions and
conditions. He was born on January 18. 1888, the
son of Clinton L. and Olive (McKinney) White, the
352
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
latter a noble woman who passed to her eternal
reward in 1914. Mr. Clinton L. White, whose life-
story is narrated with some detail elsewhere in this
historical work, is still living in Sacramento.
Herbert E. White was not satisfied when he had
finished the grammar-school courses available in the
schools of his neighborhood, but he pushed on
through the Sacramento high school, and in 1911 was
graduated from Stanford University, when he received
the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Two years later, he
w-as among the graduates of the law department of
the same universitj', and then he was given the J. D.
degree. He was a good student, and honest, hard
work at study brought quite as many rewards as
his equally conscientious and industrious application
in legal practice later. In 1914, v.'hen only twenty-
six years of age, Mr. White served a short period as
superior judge, having been elected to succeed the
late Judge Hughes. He is an honored member of
the Sacramento County Bar Association, in which
he is alwaj'S to be found on the side of a sane en-
forcement of adopted law. His membership in the
Native Sons of the Golden West attests to his patri-
otic sentiments toward this state.
In 1914, Mr. White and Miss Oritta Elliot of Sac-
ramento were married at Sacramento, the lady being
the daughter of Henry Elliot, descendant of an old-
time family, himself the junior member in the well-
known firm of contractors, Messrs. Sprange and El-
liot, and of a member, on the mother's side, of an-
other pioneer family bearing the good old name of
Osborne, early settlers in Ohio. Olive Elizabeth is
the one child of this fortunate union. Mr. White
is a member of the B. P. O. Elks, and of the
Hermitage Club. He is fond of both walking and
gardening, and in the cultivation of his comfortable
home-place, gets a good deal of out-of-door exercise.
PERLEY K. BRADFORD. — A successful ranch-
er, who has been useful to his day and generation
not only through his scientific and eminently prac-
tical agricultural pursuits, but also through his serv-
ices in the proper discharge of the duties of public
office, is Perley K. Bradford, who has been a super-
visor of Sacramento County, and who resides at the
old Bradford homestead off the Sacramento-Thorn-
ton road, about twenty miles south of Sacramento.
He was born on the Bradford home-place, near
Bruceville in Sacramento County, on July 8, 1872,
the son of James Bascom and Sarah G. (Kilbourne)
Bradford, worthy pioneer citizens, an extended sketch
of whom will be found on another page in this his-
torical work.
In 1850 James B. Bradford crossed the plains to
California, having been preceded by his twin broth-
er, William Barton Bradford, who arrived in Cali-
fornia in 1849. During the fifties he had an exten-
sive experience in gold-mining, farming and mer-
chandising. He became interested in mines in Placer,
Eldorado and other counties. In the fall of 1850 he
went to Salem, Ore., and engaged in farming near
Salem. Returning to California in 1851, he resumed
mining in Shasta County, and in the fall of that year
he located in Sacramento County. In 1852 he went
to Diamond Spring in Eldorado County, and then
engaged in business in partnership with his brother
William B. Bradford. Under the firm name of J. B.
and W. B. Bradford, the two brothers engaged ex-
tensively in general mercantile pursuits in different
places in California and Nevada, having branches in
various mining camps. They had learned the store-
keeping business very thoroughly in their father's
store at Washington, Ind., where they grew up and
where the father, George Bradford, was a successful
merchant and leading citizen. With the money they
made in their mercantile business, they bought gold-
mines, and although they met with success at mining
as well as in store-keeping, they experienced the
usual gold-miner's luck; at times they were worth
nearly a million, particularly as the owners of the
celebrated "Last Chance" gold-mine in Placer Coun-
ty, which through no fault of their management they
finally lost. The partnership was dissolved in 1859.
Seeing the great risks and uncertainties involved in
gold-mining, James B. Bradford resolved never
again to engage in it.
In 1860 James B. Bradford took up a claim of 160
acres from the government, and during the same
year he built a board cabin, which for several years
was his only dwelling-house. It is still standing
upon the place, a most interesting relic of the past.
This 160 acres Mr. J. B. Bradford cultivated until
he passed away there, in 1907, at the age of eighty-
one. It still continues to be the Bradford home-
place. Some years after her husband's death, Mrs.
Bradford died, at the age of seventy-two. She was
highly esteemed, and truly mourned, as was her hus-
band. There were only two children in the family,
Perley K. and his brother, George B., both of whom
were reared on the Bradford ranch and attended
the Mokelumne school, which was in their home
district. For a number of years the elder Bradford
engaged in general farming, and then became inter-
ested in viticulture, in a small way at first, in the
j'ear 1866, setting out fifteen acres to wine-grapes,
which was the first vineyard in his vicinity. He kept
increasing his vineyard until he had 115 acres plant-
ed, and became widely known as the pioneer vine-
3'ardist, as well as one of the largest grape-growers
in the county. In 1889 he began the manufacture of
wine in a small way, building a winery, and enlarg-
ing his plant from year to year until it had a capacity
of 3,000 tons of grapes and a production of 400,000
gallons of wine annually.
In 1897 he took in his two sons — namely, Perley
Iv. Bradford, the subject of this review, and the
jfounger brother, George B. Bradford — as partners
in the business, and the firm name became J. B.
Bradford & Sons. The two sons entered heartily
into the business, and soon after their father's death
they put in a spur of switch-track at an outlay of
$16,000, which was borne half and half by the West-
ern Pacific and themselves; and they also made
many other important improvements. The two
brothers have continued farming on the old home-
place, and together they have prospered. They con-
tinued to make wine up to 1920, upon a special per-
mit, and only the purest wines were sent out from
there. Now 140 of the 160 acres is devoted to all
kinds of wine-grape growing, the ranch being irri-
gated by two plants until recently operated by steam,
but of late by electricity. The pumps are respectively
six and four inches in size.
The Bradford brothers have also acquired, since
their father's death, several extensive parcels of land.
They own 840 acres on the lower Cosumnes River,
known as the Brewster ranch, four miles west of
Gait, 200 acres of which is fine bean-land, while the
Qn^i^c^'^ "^^t/A. <^/ix:i^ct^liT-t^ ^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
357
balance is devoted to farming and pasture; 620 acres,
known as the French place, on the Cosumnes River;
840 acres at Michigan Bar; and 4,620 acres on the
Bear River, between Auburn and Grass Valley. This
last was really some eight ranches joined together
into one by a large syndicate that had intended, when
the purchase was made in 1916, to throw it on the
market in subdivisions; but the World War upset
the syndicate's plans, and the Bradfords were able
to purchase the land at an attractive figure. It is
fine fruit-land, and there is a great deal of river-oak
on the place, at least 50,000 cords being a rough esti-
mate; and the owners intend to cut and sell the wood,
which ought alone to more than pay for the pur-
chase of the land. They also have three and one-
half sections of land in the mountains of Eldorado
County. Instead of using this land themselves, the
Bradfords lease it to the government, and in return
get the lease of the entire "Long Canyon" on the'
north fork of the American River, where they can
run 800 head of cattle during the summer months.
Mr. Bradford and his brother have incorporated
their properties under the name of the J. B. Brad-
ford Properties, Incorporated, valued at $750,000,
bonding them at $200,000. Perley Bradford is presi-
dent of the corporation, while George B. is vice-
president and treasurer. Outside of the corporation,
Mr. Bradford and his brother own forty acres of land
at Clay Station, said to be prospective oil land. Be-
sides owning and operating or leasing out the above-
named properties, the Bradfords lease about 2,000
acres of land northeast of Gait on the Cosumnes
River, 1,600 acres near Slough House, twenty miles
east of Sacramento. Cattle-raising is now their prin-
cipal business. Both the home of Perley K. Bradford
and the home of George B. Bradford were built on
the home-farm before their father's death, and are
most comfortable, ornate country residences. Perley
K. Bradford is a stanch Democrat, and at present is
the vice-chairman of the Democratic Central Com-
mittee.
A man of large and important interests, Perley K.
Bradford entered upon a public career, in the fol-
lowing of which he has been of great service to this
favored section of the Golden State. In 1912, he was
elected supervisor of the fifth supervisorial district
of Sacramento County, and served from 1912 to 1916.
While supervisor, he was instrumental in getting
the concrete road from Thornton to Franklin through
his district, and this improvement has been of the
greatest benefit to thousands of people.
At the home of his bride, on April 30, 1901, Mr.
Bradford was married to Miss Mary Belle Wood, the
daughter of H. T. and Mary Ann Wood, whose in-
teresting life-story is given elsewhere in this histori-
cal work. Three children have blessed their union :
Muriel Alice, James Hiram, and John Thomas. Mr.
Bradford is a past master of Lodge No. 173, F. & A.
M., of Elk Grove, having been raised to the degree
of Master Mason on December 17, 1897; and Mr.
and Mrs. Bradford are members of the Eastern Star
of Elk Grove, in which Mrs. Bradford is a past
matron. Mr. Bradford also belongs to Lodge No.
6, B. P. O. Elks, of Sacramento, and to the Eagles
of the same city. Mrs. Bradford has been twice dis-
trict deputy grand matron of the Eastern Star. Dur-
ing her first term, ten years ago, the district extended
from Stockton to Modesto; while under her present
tenure of office the district runs from Sacramento to
Placerville, in Eldorado County, a wonderful growth
and expansion indeed. Mr. Bradford is a mem-
ber of the Native Sons of the Golden West, at Elk
Grove, and is president of the Native Sons Building
Association, which has been incorporated for $50,000,
and organized to build the new home of the Native
Sons in Elk Grove. Mr. Bradford was a prime mover
in this project, and was actively instrumental in se-
curing funds to start the building. Mrs. Bradford
is a member of the Native Daughters, Elk Grove
Parlor. At the present time she is holding the exalted
position of grand trustee of the grand parlor of the
Native Daughters of the Golden West, and is dis-
charging the duties pertaining to her trust in a man-
ner reflecting credit on California's native daughters,
of whom she is a true type. Sacramento may well
be proud of Mr. Bradford and his gifted wife, as
well as of his brother and the splendid record of the
Bradford familjr as a whole, which has always stood
for the laj'ing of a broad, deep foundation for the
permanent development of the great California com-
monwealth.
MRS. MARY BELLE BRADFORD.— Mary Belle
Bradford is the wife of Perley K. Bradford, of Bruce-
ville, Sacramento County, and a daughter of Hiram
T. and Mary Ann (Miller) Wood, pioneers of Sac-
ramento County, biographical mention of whom ap-
pears elsewhere in this work. Her father was born
in Missouri, and when a child of only two years, in
1852, crossed the plains with his parents, who at first
settled in Oregon, before coming on to California.
Her mother, Mary Ann Miller, was born on April 12,
1863, at Fairfield, Solano County, Cal., and was
married to Mr. Wood at Knight's Landing on No-
vember 10, 1881.
In 1890, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram T. Wood came to
Sacramento County, and since 1901 they have resided
upon their ranch in the Colony school district, where
they now own one of the finest forty-acre vineyards
in the valley. They are numbered among the highly
honored residents of Sacramento County, and are the
parents of five children: Mary Belle, of this review;
MjTtle Elizabeth, the wife of Clarence Martin, a
machinist on the Bradford Ranch; Kathryn Rebecca,
wife of Walter Martin, prominent rancher near
Bruceville; William Thomas, a weU-to-do rancher at
Susan ville; and his twin sister, Rilla May, the wife
of R. P. Clark, expert accountant for the Westwood
Lumber Company', residing at Westwood, Cal.
Mrs. Mary Belle Bradford belongs to the second
generation of California's native daughters. Her
maternal grandmother, Elizabeth (Barker) Mi'ler,
was born in Missouri, and was a pioneer of 1852.
having crossed the plains in that year. She lived to
see the ripe old age of ninety years, passing away
in 1922. The maternal grandfather, Thomas IMillcr,
was born in Pennsylvania, and also crossed the plains
in 1852, and became a rancher at Fairfield. Mrs.
Bradford was born near Dixon, Solano County, but
grew up in Sacramento County and attended the
grammar and high schools at Elk Grove. She was
married at the age of eighteen.
Always a prime favorite socially. Airs. Bradford
has been a member of the Native Daughters of the
Golden West, for the past eighteen years, first join-
ing the La Bandera Parlor of that order in the City
of Sacramento, from which she demitted in order to
become a charter member of Liberty Parlor at Elk
Grove, in which she served as its first president. At
358
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
the June session, 1923, of the Grand Parlor held at
Stockton, she was elected to the exalted position of
Grand Trustee, an ofifice which she is in every way
qualified to hold, and which she is now filling with
credit and to the satisfaction of all. With her hus-
band she takes an active interest in Masonry. She
belongs to the Elk Grove Chapter of the Eastern
Star, in which she enjoys the distinction of having
been twice past matron. She is likewise deeply inter-
ested in all matters pertaining to good government
and is well informed in regard to the leading politi-
cal affairs of her home precinct, and in matters affect-
ing the interests of the county, state and nation.
Notwithstanding all her social and political function-
ing, however, her home continues to be the center
of her dearest affections. As the mother of three
interesting children — Muriel Alice, James Hiram, and
John Thomas — and as the wife of Perley K. Brad-
ford, she finds her greatest delight in presiding over
the Bradford household, and is well and ably keeping
up its traditional hospitality.
HIRAM T. WOOD. — A progressive vineyardist
residing one-fourth mile west of the Colony school-
house, where he has forty acres of about as desirable
land as may be found anywhere in Sacramento Coun-
ty, is Hiram T. Wood, who was born in Buchanan
County, Mo., on April 8, 1850, the son of William and
Rebecca Ann (Barker) Wood, the former a native
of Missouri and the latter of Kentucky. Grandfather
James Marion Wood, who came from Virginia, was
a real frontiersman; he lived to be past ninety-nine
years old, and died in Oregon. When two years of
age, Hiram T. Wood was brought by his parents, by
way of the Salt Lake route, to Willamette, Ore.,
where his father bought a farm, engaged in general
farming, and lived to be seventy-two years of age.
He had a pack train, and at one time was very
wealthy; but he was attacked by Indians, while jour-
neying to Canyon City, and lost all that he had. Mrs.
Wood, beloved by all who knew her, lived to the fine
old age of eighty-five. The worthy couple had five
children as follows: James Marion was the eldest;
then came William Henry; the third-born died in
infancj'; Hiram T. is the subject of our narrative;
and John is the youngest.
Hiram Wood grew up under pioneer conditions,
on which account his subsequent progress is all the
more creditable to him. He had to walk three miles
to attend the nearest school, which was open on'y to
those whose parents subscribed to defray the ex-
penses; and when eighteen years of age, he set out
to make his own way in the world, leasing farm land.
In 1870 he went to Seattle, Wash., and the following
year came into California for the first time. At this
time, he spent two years in the Sonoma Valley; and
upon his return to Seattle, he leased several hundred
acres near that city. In 1880, he came to California
to stay; and going into Sutter County, he first farmed
on land about ten miles above Knight's Landing.
Later he moved into Yolo County, near Woodland,
and then went over into Solano County; and from
there he came to Sacramento County, where he
farmed for a while. He then spent a short time in
San Francisco. Returning from the Bay City to
Sacramento County, he purchased a forty-acre ranch
in the Don Ray Colony, just west of the Colony
schoolhouse. These forty acres he developed into a
Mission vineyard, improving the place greatly by the
erection of buildings on the land. Mr. Wood has
served his community as justice of the peace of Ala-
bama Township, in Sacramento County. He has
also been a trustee of the Colony school. In politics,
he is a Democrat.
At Knight's Landing, on November 10, 1881, Mr.
Wood married Miss Mary A. Miller, a native of Fair-
field, Solano County, and the daughter of Thomas
and Elizabeth (Barker) Miller. Her father came
out to California in 1852, and he was in the same
wagon-train, part of the way, while crossing the plains,
in which William Wood. Hiram's father, came. At
the fork in the trail, William Wood went north into
Oregon, and Thomas Miller came to California.
Thomas Miller was a native of Virginia, while Mrs.
Miller came from Lexington, Mo. He farmed in
California, and died at the age of fifty-two; and she
passed away in January, 1922, at the ripe old age of
ninety. There were nine children in the Miller fam-
ily, the eldest, Emily E., being now deceased. The
next younger were William H. and Benjamin P.,
while John died as a boy. The younger children are
Mary A., Sarah C, Alfaretta, Letha, and Thomas N.
Mr. Miller was fond of the place at Rockville, Cal.,
where he settled; and there he died.
Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wood.
Mary Belle is Mrs. Perley K. Bradford, of Elk Grove;
Myrtle Elizabeth is Mrs. Clarence Martin, of Elk
Grove: Kathryn Rebecca is Mrs. Walter Martin, of
Elk Grove; William Thomas is at Susanville; and
Rilla May is Mrs. Ross Clark, of Westwood. Nine
grandchildren brighten the family circle. Mrs. Brad-
ford has three children, Muriel, James and John;
Mrs. Myrtle Martin has a son, James Wood Martin;
William has two daughters, Mary Evelyn and Rilla
May; and Mrs. Clark has three sons, Thomas Charles,
Ross P., and Billie.
WILLIAM D. McENERNEY.— The many prob-
lems in agriculture peculiar to California are very
familiar to Williatn D. McEnerney, who is ranch-
ing about five miles northeast of Gait, on a ranch
covering a quarter-section. He is a native son, and
was born at Stockton on August 31, 1873. His fa-
ther was Patrick McEnerney, a native of Westmeath
County, Ireland, and his mother before her mar-
riage was Miss Bridget Flaherty, and she was a
native of County Galway. Patrick McEnerney came
to California in early days, and he had a dairy
farm at Franklin, in Sacramento County; and later
he settled about four miles east of Hicksville, where
he acquired 221 acres of land. After a while, he
added a section and farmed that. He died at the
age of seventy-seven, highly esteemed by all who
knew him. Mrs. McEnerney is still living on the old
home place, east of Arno, the mother of eleven chil-
dren and the beloved center of a circle of devoted
friends.
William McEnerney attended the Arno school,
and remained at home with his folks until he was
twenty-seven years old. He then went to Sacra-
mento, and worked for two years, and after that he
conducted a store at Arno for a year. He then
moved onto the ranch where he now lives, about
five miles east of Gait, having purchased a quarter
section, and there he raises stock, and has a Mission
grape vineyard of twenty acres which he set out.
There was a house on the ranch, and this our sub-
ject remodeled, making of it a modern home, and he
ifC. T #^^
HISTORY OF SACRA.MENTO COUNTY
361
has also built some other buildings on the ranch.
Besides his own place, he leases land and puts in
about 300 acres to grain, and has about 300 acres of
summer fallow land each year. He is a Democrat,
but esteemed rather for his broad American patriot-
ism which leads him to place men and measures
above partisanship; a member of the Knights of
Columbus of Lodi, and a trustee of the Brown district
school, and a member of the Grange and the Cham-
ber of Commerce at Gait, he does what he can for
the good of all.
Mr. McEnerney was married at Sacramento on
June 17, 1901, to Miss Genevieve Bolton, a native
of Clay, Cal., and the daughter of Curtis and Eliza-
beth (Louins) Bolton, the former a well-known pio-
neer whose life-story is sketched elsewhere in this
work, and who died in June, 1922, at the age of
eighty-six. Mrs. Bolton was the first woman to
prove up on land in Sacramento Countj^. Mrs. Mc-
Enerney attended the Clay district school. She has
five children: William Curtis; Thomas P.; Elizabeth
G. and Dorothy G., high school students; and Mar-
jorie G., a pupil in the grammar school.
FRANK M. COONS.— With the history of the
development of Sacramento County, Frank Al. Coons
is thoroughly familiar, for he has spent his entire
life within its borders and represents one of the old-
est families of the state. For the past ten years
his attention has been given to agricultural pursuits,
and his farm on the Auburn road is one of the de-
sirable properties of this district. He was born at
Elk Grove, Sacramento County, August 1, 1860, a
son of George W. Coons, a native of Maryland. The
father grew to manhood in St. Louis, Mo., and in
1849 started for California, lured by the discovery
of gold, making the journey across the plains with
ox-team and wagon. He built the first quartz mill
used in the vicinity of Hangtown, but subsequently
abandoned mining and turned his attention to the
cultivation of the soil. He purchased a farm near
Elk Grove, and there his marriage occurred.
Frank M. Coons is the sixth in order of birth in
a family of ten children. He acquired his education
in the schools of Sacramento County and when sev-
enteen years of age began working on the grant
owned by J. B. Haggin, in whose service he remained
for twenty years. He was promoted from time to
to time and at length was made superintendent of all
of the stock-raising operations of his employer, hav-
ing charge of the mighty Salvatore, the pride of the
Haggin stables. The horse-breeding business sprang
into prominence in 1880, at the time Mr. Coons
brought in the first two carloads of horses to the Hag-
gin grant. Among the most valuable of the stock
owned by Mr. Haggin was the horse O'Mondy,
which he brought from the British Isles, paying for
the animal the sum of $150,000. In 1904 the busi-
ness began to decline, and in that year Mr. Coons
resigned his position as superintendent, entering the
service of the state in the capacity of guard at the
Folsom prison. For nine years he faithfully dis-
charged the duties of that position, and in 1913 pur-
chased the Coyle place, a forty-four-acre tract situ-
ated thirteen miles northeast of Sacramento, on the
Auburn road. He specializes in the raising of grain,
and takes justifiable pride in his ranch, which is a
well-improved property, reflecting the care and labor
bestowed upon it by its owner.
Mr. Coons married ]Miss Mary Ellen Coyle, a
daughter of the late Edward G. Coyle, a pioneer of
1852, and they have become the parents of three
children: Millie, who married Earl Ford of Sacra-
mento; Rose, the wife of Clarence Sturgis; and
Edith, who is employed as a stenographer in the
corporative department of the state.
Mr. Coons is a member of the Native Sons of
the Golden West. His political suport is given to
the Democratic party. Throughout his career he
has made each day count for the utmost, improving
the opportunities of the hour and discharging to the
best of his ability the tasks that have devolved upon
him. Therefore the years have chronicled his prog-
ress along lines leading to success, and he merits
and receives the respect and confidence of his fellow-
men.
L. H. LANDIS. — A worthy pioneer whose record
for substantial accomplishment will long be treas-
ured in the memory of those who delight to honor
the pathfinders in history, was the late L. H. Landis,
a native of Ohio, who arrived at Marysville, Cal., on
New Year's day, 1857, the third son of Samuel
Landis, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1804 and
moved to Virginia in 1829. Four years later, he
migrated to Ohio, and in 1858 he followed his son
to California, and together in 1864 they took up their
residence at Nicolaus and engaged in farming. In
1828, Samuel Landis had married Miss Hannah Fair-
child, who was born at Pittsburgh in 1808.
In 1872 L. H. Landis married Miss Lovicy O.
Smith, who was born in 1841 in Indiana, and came
to California in 1870, traveling eleven days on the
railroad. Mr. Landis farmed extensively in Sutter
County until 1885, when he and his family returned
East to Bloomington, 111., where he continued farming
for three years. They then came back to California,
arriving at Orangevale early in 1889. Four children
were born to this worthy couple. Frances E. is
living on the old home place in Orangevale, where she
has long been active in community affairs. Harry S.,
born in 1875, is at home, engaged in ranching. He
has a son, Dick Mason, born April 5, 1914. Charles
W., two years the junior of Harry, was graduated
from the University of California a civil engineer, and
resides at Oakland. Anthony L. Landis, born iri 1879,
is a rancher, and is also living at home.
When L. H. Landis removed to Orangevale, two
families w-ere residing permanently in the vicinity,
and they were named Carmichael and Thompson;
but both have long since moved away. The Landis
family are referred to nowadaj's as the pioneer set-
tlers of Orangevale, and on this account enjoy a
unique position, being highl}' esteemed and honored.
Mr. Landis bought twenty acres of land on Pecan
Avenue, and he and his three sons farmed together
until 1905 when, the day after Christmas, 1905, he
died. Airs. Landis passed away on May 15, 1909,
survived by the four children, who in their affection-
ate devotion were always a source of happiness to
their parents, and also a credit to the community.
As early as 1904, the three brothers became promi-
nent at Orangevale as horse-breeders; and by subse-
quent purchase they acquired 2,000 acres of land,
upon which they engaged in stock-raising. In 1906
Harry Landis made his first trip to Europe, in the
interest of his brothers, who had become horse im-
porters; and according to all records, he was the first
362
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Californian to go to Europe to buy horses for im-
portation. In 1907, he was accompanied on his second
trip by his brother, Anthony L. Landis, and together
they made a very enjoyable tour for ninety days. The
following fall the Sacramento State Fair was made
much more attractive by the fine exhibit of Landis
Brothers, a string of twelve horses which captured
eight blue and three red ribbons.
Late in 1907, they sold the champion coach horse
"Silesto" to R. J. Sherwood of the Cone ranch at Red
Bluff, and they also made sales to ex-Senator Kerns
of Salt Lake City for stock sent to his Santa Rosa
ranch. The brothers Landis boasted a total of four
different importations of horses brought to America,
dealing strictlj' in coach and draft horses, and placed
them in their large barns and headquarters at Orange-
vale. The German coach horses were all bought from
H. Lubin, a inember of the Reichstag and a prominent
horsebreeder at Oldenberg, near Berlin, where Mr.
Landis and his brothers were wont to visit, on their
return trips to Germany, and where they were always
well received. The Percheron stock were imported
from France. Altogether, over 100 head of prize stock
were imported by the Messrs. Landis and sold again
to horse-breeders in Nevada, Oregon and California.
Early in 1908 the opening of Cardwell Colony by
Landis Brothers began with the putting of some 2,000
acres on the market, their own choicest land, H. S.
Landis allowing the Carmichael Realty Company to
assist in placing the sales; for, although Messrs. Lan-
dis had for some time been selling horses on long-
time terms, they saw that the demand for horses was
lessening, and they were equally sure that the land
could be sold to advantage on long terms. The result
was that H. S. Landis took over the sales and suc-
cessfully located enough people in new and attractive
homes to make the experiment a success. Not a sin-
gle piece of property was forfeited or relinquished
by the original buyer, and on the other hand, a great
many wage-earners were given a chance to buy choice
acreage and hold it as a safe investment, eventually
selling, perhaps, at a handsome margin, for in a short
time the increased values were apparent. In the
matter of subdividing, perhaps no better record was
ever made in California than with the Cardwell Col-
ony. The Messrs. Landis developed man5^ ranches,
in each case both selling out to good advantage and
always adding to the material growth of Orangevale.
H. S. Landis was active in nurserying in 1902, at
the time of the Fair Oaks subdivision, and he made
several trips to southern California, buying over 125,-
000 young citrus trees from Riverside and the South-
ern California Nurseries and bringing them to north-
ern California, these trees being the nucleus of those
making possible the citrus industry in Sacramento
County today. Messrs. Landis have also engaged,
for the past ten years, in viticulture and horticul-
ture, and in 1922 they erected an immense warehouse
and packing plant on the home-place, with a capacity
of two carloads of choice fruit a day. This plant is
equipped throughout with modern, scientific machines
for the economic and easy handling of the fruit grown
in the district. The Landis Brothers also own and
operate a stock-farm, where pure-bred Hereford and
Durham cattle for range and breeding purposes are
raised. Sacramento County may well feel proud of
three such representative sons of a worthy pioneer
family.
GEORGE H. MENKE.— An exceptionally inter-
esting man is George H. Menke, the Sacramento
pioneer living at 621 Twenty-eighth Street, in the
capital city, where he was born on April 28, 1861.
His father was Antone Menke, who had married
Miss Mary Wolker, born in Germany. Both are
now deceased. They were the parents of eleven
children, of whom three are living today, all in Sac-
ramento. Josephine, now the wife of J. J. Glacken,
is the eldest; then comes George H.; and the young-
est is Fred William.
Antone Menke was born at Dalhausen, in West-
phalia, Germany, on May 22, 1822. Leaving his
native land, he arrived in New Orleans on January
12, 1844. He enlisted for service in the Mexican War
in May, 1846, and he saw six months of service under
the command of Jefferson Davis. In 1851 he came to
St. Louis; and on April 6, 1854, he started across the
continent, traveling by means of ox teams. He
reached Sacramento on October 2, 1854, after a six-
months' trip. Being a willow- worker or basket-
maker by trade, he rented a home on L Street, and
cut his willows along the American River, to use
in the manufacture of his handiwork. Later, he rented
a ranch to the northwest of Sacramento, and followed
farming and cheese-making for a while. Returning
to Sacramento, he engaged in business and lived in
a place on J Street, between Ninth and Tenth, where
he made baskets and sold cigars and fruit; and later
his place of business was located on J Street between
Fifth and Sixth. In 1875, he rented a ranch of 114
acres on the Folsom road, eleven miles east of Sac-
ramento, near Mills; and in 1880 he bought the place
and there followed scientific hop-raising for a while.
He was quite an extensive landowner, and at one
time possessed three different ranches. He belonged
to the Masons, being a member of the Consistory
and the Shrine, and also to the Druids, and was
popular in each. He died December 22, 1912, and
the wife and mother died in February, 1890.
George Menke attended the Sacramento schools,
and then worked at willow-basket making with his
father. When sixteen years old, he went onto his
father's hop ranch near Mills; and later he was in
charge of the same. Later he bought the home ranch,
which he has greatly improved. Eight years ago he
planted sixty acres to peaches and pears, and set out
a vineyard. Among the varieties of peaches he grows
are the Phillips, Tuscan, and Levi clings; and he re-
cently planted twenty acres to Pelora cling-stones. His
crop for 1922 was 863 tons of peaches. His son,
George H. Menke, Jr., is now in charge of the ranch.
On November 11, 1882, Mr. Menke was married at
Sacramento to Miss Anna C. Fitzgerald, a native of
Sacramento County and the daughter of Joseph and
Eliza (Fisher) Fitzgerald, well-known California pio-
neers; and three children were born of their union.
Mary E. is the wife of Frank Davis, of Florin; Flor-
ence A. is the wife of Chester Lambert, of Sacra-
mento, and they have three children. Bethel, Ruth
and George; and George H., Jr., is the father of two
children, Wilma and Russell. Mrs. Anna A^Tenke died
on March 26, 1914; and on April 28, 1915, Mr. Menke
was married to Miss Rachael Ross, who was born in
Canada and was a trained nurse, having been
educated in Philadelphia. Mr. Menke was the trus-
tee of the Brighton school district for thirteen
years. He is a director in the Farmers and Mechan-
ics Bank of Sacramento, and a director in the Cali-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
365
fornia State Life Insurance Companj'. Fraternally,
he is a member of Sacramento Parlor No. 3, of the
Native Sons of the Golden West. Mr. Menke loves
all out-of-door sports, especially hunting and fish-
ing, and is a member of Wild Goose Gun Club; he
also enjoys clay-pigeon shooting, and is always able
to hold his own with the other members of the club.
OLE O. GOODRICH.— Few residents of Sacra-
mento County can recall the reminiscences of the
early days as vividly as Ole O. Goodrich, one of the
county's honored pioneers, and the sole survivor of
those who engaged in the nursery business here over
fifty years ago. Born in Norway, February 22, 1838,
Mr. Goodrich was the son of Ole and Ida Goodrich,
who brought their family to the United States in 1852,
settling in Wisconsin. The father became one of the
pioneer farmers of Dane County, and passed away
there in 1854, Mrs. Goodrich surviving him until
1859.
The youngest of a family of four sons and four
daughters, Mr. Goodrich is now the only one living.
Reared to young manhood on the home farm in Wis-
consin, he later took up the profession of photogra-
phy, and was thus engaged during the early days of
the Civil War, when in the camps he often made as
much as fifty dollars a day. In December, 1863, he
started from New York to Panama, coming on the
steamer "Ariel" to Aspinwall and on the "St. Louis" to
San Francisco. For a time he worked in the bay
region, and then spent several months traveling in the
mining region as a professional photographer, receiv-
ing handsome returns for his work. An interesting
souvenir of these days is some mining stock which
he received in payment for his services.
Mr. Goodrich then took up ranch work, becoming
foreman of the Flint and Olsen hop yards near Sac-
ramento, and remained with them for five years.
This was at the time that hop-growing was first intro-
duced into California, and Mr. Goodrich was among
the first men to plant this crop on a commercial
scale. Entering into a partnership with J. S. Harbe-
son, he established a nursery business, their associa-
tion continuing for eleven years, and during this time
they encountered heavy losses on account of the
breaking of levees and the flooding of their fields by
the Sacramento River. In 1883 Mr. Goodrich pur-
chased thirty-four acres Of J. Burke, on which he
developed a pear orchard, and in 1888 he purchased
an additional seventeen acres from D. Rocca; this
place was three miles south of Sacramento and east
of the old site of Sutterville, of gold-day fame. For
many years Mr. Goodrich devoted his time to his
nursery; and among other valuable contributions he
made to horticulture may be named two excellent
varieties of peaches, the Goodrich and the Sacra-
mento, which are still very popular, the first a very
early peach and the latter a late variety which bears
after most of the other peaches are gone. An ener-
getic man and a hard worker, Mr. Goodrich made a
good success in the nursery business and built up a
reputation for reliability and honest dealing which
proved a great asset in all his undertakings.
On January 1, 1876, Mr. Goodrich was married to
Aliss Mary A. Grundon, who was born in England
in 1850 and came to America when fifteen years old.
Her uncle, John Grundon, was a well-known pioneer
rancher and capitalist of Sacramento. Three chil-
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich: John
William, who is in the employ of the State Forestry
Commission in Sacramento County-, resides at home;
Ida Elizabeth married Frank L. Milne, a civil engin-
eer of Sacramento, and they have one son, Frank G.;
Minerva is the wife of Charles S. Cowgill of North
Sacramento, and they have a son, Raymond Ole.
Mrs. Goodrich passed away on January 11, 1919,
leaving an irreplaceable void in the family circle.
In 1912 Mr. Goodrich sold his ranch near Sutter-
ville, and later invested in the newly subdivided tract
now known as North Sacramento; here he built a
modern home on El Camino Avenue, and it was one
of the first houses completed there. He has other
real estate interests there; and, hale and hearty at
the age of eighty-five, he continues to take an active
interest in his business afTairs. Mr. Goodrich has
been a Republican from the time of Lincoln, and one
of his cherished possessions is a copy of a New York
paper in which is a speech delivered by President
Lincoln at Cooper Institute in 1860.
MRS. MILLIE FREDERICKS.— Among the
;vell known native Californians of Sacramento is
Mrs. Millie Fredericks. Here she was born in the
family home located near the corner of Fourth and
L Streets, the only child of Charles and Selma
(Riehl) Riehm, the former a native of Alsace-Lor-
raine, born in 1826, and the latter a native of Balti-
more, Md., born in 1832. In 1854 Charles Riehm
brought his bride to California via Panama, arriving
in Sacramento in May of that year. He had followed
his trade of machinist for a number of years before
coming to California, and after his arrival here was
employed by the Central Pacific Railroad at the
company's shops in Sacramento; and he was one of
the first men to receive a pension from this company
for capable and long-time service. Mr. Riehm was
one of the first men to be employed by the Central
Pacific, and he finished the making of the shovel that
turned the first dirt at the building of the roads, con-
necting the East and the West. This shovel is on
exhibition in San Francisco at the Southern Pacific
offices. On December 31, 1880, Mrs. Riehm passed
away. She was survived by her husband until De-
cember 12, 1915, when he died, aged eighty-nine
years. He had been a member of Eureka Lodge No.
4, I. O. O. F., for fifty years.
ilillie Riehm received a good education in the pub-
lic schools of Sacramento. On July 11, 1888, in Sac-
ramento, she was married to Charles J. Fredericks,
born in Hanover, Germany, October 20, 1865, the
eldest son of the late Christian Fredericks, who was
a settler of the seventies in Sacramento. Charles J.
Fredericks accompanied his parents to California and
attended the public schools of Sacramento, complet-
ing his schooling in Atkinson's Business College.
Then he became a clerk and bookkeeper in a whole-
sale store, and later established and conducted a retail
hat store for many years on J Street, Sacramento.
Mr. and Mrs. Fredericks are the parents of one
daughter, Ethel G., a graduate of the Sacramento
high school, class of 1906. On October 3, 1909, Miss
Fredericks was married to Albert L. White, and they
have three sons. Jack Lincoln, Charles Albert, and
Henry Fredericks. Mrs. Fredericks is past noble
grand of the Rebekah Lodge, No. 232, Sacramento,
and has served as financial secretary for eighteen
years, and as a delegate to the grand lodge, and is a
verv well-known worker for that order.
366
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ROBERT E. LEE SHINN.— On the roll of capa-
ble attorneys at the Sacramento bar appears the name
of Robert E. Lee Shinn, at present the capable city
attorney, his selection being a token of the confi-
dence reposed in his professional skill and ability
by the public in general. He was born in Baker
County, Ore., December 15, 1865, a son of Oliver
and Louisa (Clemson) Shinn. Oliver Shinn was
born in Indiana, then moved to Missouri, and early
in the sixties he crossed the plains with his family
to Oregon, engaged as a farmer and stock-raiser
until he removed to Lassen County, California, where
he was a farmer and stockman until his death in
1884. On this ranch in Lassen County Robert E.
Lee Shinn was reared, his education being carefully
looked after bj' his mother, who had been a teacher
in Indiana before her marriage. Under her instruc-
tion he completed the grammar and academic studies.
In 1885 Mr. Shinn began the study of law in the
office of his brother, continuing there, and was duly
admitted to the bar in 1892, and in 1894 he was
admitted to practice in the supreme court of Cali-
fornia. In 1903 he located in Sacramento, where
he has since pacticed law. His appointment to the
office of city attorney on September 1, 1920, was
but an expression, in a measure, of the confidence and
esteem with which Mr. Shinn is held in Sacramento.
The marriage of Mr. Shinn united him with Miss
Elva C. Roff. They are the parents of six children:
Vera, Mrs. C. J. Mahoney of Visalia; Irma L., Mrs.
W. A. Sheean residing in Oakland; J. O. resid-
ing in San Francisco; Mae, Mrs. Lester Brown
of Sacramento; Esther, the wife of Walter Mails of
Oakland; and Loraine. a student. Mr. Shinn gives
his allegiance to the Republican party and fraternally
is a member of the Masons, the Elks, Chamber of
Commerce and bar association. Courteous and af-
fable in manner, the circle of his friends is constantly
broadening and he enjoys the high regard of all with
whom he comes in contact.
EDWARD VAN ALSTINE.— Agricultural devel-
opment in Sacramento County receives stimu'us from
the intelligently directed labors of Edward Van Al-
stine, proprietor of the Los Nogales ranch in the
Carmichael district, and one of California's native
sons. He was born in Sacramento, a son of Oscar
Van Alstine, a native of Detroit, Mich. In 1852 the
father started for the Golden State, choosing the
Isthmus route, and on reaching the capital city he
embarked in merchandising, which he followed suc-
cessfully for a number of years, passing away in
1880. He was one of the early pioneers of Sacra-
mento and was highly esteemed in the city which
had so long been his home. He married Miss Lucy
Carley, a native of Syracuse, N. Y., who accompanied
her parents on their westward journey. They reached
Sacramento in 1853 and were also numbered among
the earliest settlers of the state.
Edward Van Alstine was reared and educated in
his native city, and in 1882 secured clerical work in
the Baker-Hamilton hardware store, in which he was
employed for twenty years. He was rapidly ad-
vanced, and in 1891 became traveling salesman for the
firm, his territory covering the southern part of Ore-
gon, and Nevada and California. In 1903 he severed
his relations with that house, having accepted a more
advantageous offer from the firm of Thompson &
Diggs, which he represented in the same territory
until 1915. In January of the latter year he was
appointed assistant state purchaser by Governor John-
son, and reappointment by Governor Stephens contin-
ued him in that ofiice until April, 1922. In the mean-
time Mr. Van Alstine had purchased a ranch eleven
miles northeast of Sacramento, in the Carmichael
district, and had placed a man in charge of the place.
On completing his term of public service he moved
to his ranch, and irrigation-farming and walnut-grow-
ing have since occupied his attention. He has ten
acres of fine walnut trees and is one of the pioneers
in this branch of horticulture. He believes in scien-
tific methods and keeps abreast of the times in everv
way.
Mr. Van Alstine married Miss Imogene L. Morri-
son, who is also a native of this state, her birth also
having occurred in the city of Sacramento. He is
identified with the United Commercial Travelers and
IS also an Elk, belonging to Lodge No. 6. He ad-
heres to the progressive wing of the Republican
party and from boyhood has been a close friend of
Senator Hiram Johnson. He has always discharged
his duty to the best of his ability, being most thor-
ough and conscientious in everything that he under-
takes, and as a natural result his business career has
been marked by continuous progress. He is wideb-
and favorably known in Sacramento County and his
cooperation can always be counted upon to further
any measure for the general good.
ROBERT L. CONNER._An enterprising rancher
whose progressive ideas and industrious habits lead
him to employ only the most scientific, up-to-date
methods and the latest, most approved and modern
apparatus, is Robert L. Conner, resident some five
miles north of Clay Station. He was born in Sac-
ramento County, on the Conner Ranch, on the
Cosumnes River and near Cosumnes, November 9,
1864, the son of George D. and Sarah Jane (Welsh)
Conner, the former, a pioneer who had crossed the
great plains twice. He came for the first time in
1849, and just ten years later he made the second
trip. He was a trader and merchant, and had a gro-
cery store. He acquired an estate of about 4,000
acres having a frontage of three and one-half miles
on the Cosumnes River; and on this ranch he reared
a family of eight children: Alma, now Mrs. L. F.
Ward, of Oakland; George, deceased; William; Rob-
ert, the subject of this review; Sallie, deceased; Eu-
gene, who lives in Tehama County; Alfred, deceased;
and Pauline, who has become Mrs. Vernon Handleyi
of Modesto.
Robert L. Conner attended the Lee district school,
and later was a student at the state normal school!
at San Jose. After that, he remained with his father
until he married, at Sacramento on January 15, 1890,
Miss Mollie Emeline McClendon, who was born near
Stockton, the daughter of W. D. and Frances (Will-
iams) McClendon. Then he went into Fresno County
and purchased a ranch of eighty acres three and one-
half miles west of Sanger, which he improved by set-
ting out fruit-trees and vines. After a while, he
traded the Sanger ranch for Sacramento land; and
still later, he purchased in Sacramento County 350
acres five miles north of Clay Station; and there he
conducts a dairy ranch and raises bronze turkeys-
He usually has about seventy-five head of cattle and
quite a good flock of turkeys. He himself built all
structures forming part of the improvements on the
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
367
350-acre ranch. He is a trustee of the Lee District
school, and in national politics is a Republican.
Two children have blessed the domestic life of Mr.
and Mrs. Conner. LeRoy R. is married, and has four
children, Robert Thompson, Donald, Virginia and
Lowell; and he is a member of the Native Sons of
the Golden West. Florence Naomi McClendon
Conner is a graduate of the Sacramento high school
and a member of the class of 1917, University of
California.
NEWTON T. GOULD.— .\ veteran of the Civil
War, Mr. Gould was born in Cook County, III, May
14, 1842, and reared on a farm in that locality. In
June, 1862, he enlisted for service in Company G,
113th Illinois Infantry, and was assigned to the De-
partment of the Mississippi, and took active part in
the siege of Vicksburg as sergeant, being one of the
volunteers, on May 22, 1863, to charge the works of
the enemy, and he received slight wounds in the neck
and ear; for this distinguished service he was
awarded a medal of honor for bravery from the gov-
ernment. In June, 1864, he was taken prisoner at
Guntown, Miss., and was confined in the Anderson-
ville prison for six months and was then exchanged
and returned to his regiment. He was offered a com-
mission as lieutenant, but refused to be sworn in,
preferring to serve as a non-commissioned officer
until the end of the war.
After the conflict was ended, the young soldier
was discharged in June, 1865, returned to his father's
farm in Illinois, and there married, in 1868, Lucy
Westgate, a native of Wisconsin and a schooL teacher.
Their life together was cut short, however, by the
death of the young wife. Then Mr. Gould went to
Chicago, seeking new surroundings, and for two years
there was engaged as car conductor on the Madison
street line. The year 1878 marks his arrival in Sac-
ramento, Cal., and here he engaged in the milk supply
business, and later removed to Kernville, Kern
County, where he was foreman of a large tract of land
then developing.
Returning to Sacramento, he engaged in teaming
for a time, and then secured the position as janitor
of the Sacramento post office under postmaster Tom
Fox, and a'so served in that capacity for Mr. Rich-
ardson while he was postmaster, resigning the work
in 1919.
The second marriage of Mr. Gould, in 1882. united
him with Mrs. Maggie Simpson, now deceased. His
remaining family consists of one daughter by his
first wife, now Mrs. B. C. Rockw^ell, of San Francisco,
and the mother of five children: Jason, Ralph, Aba-
line, Edith, and Ethell. Mr. Gould has a great-
grandchild, Jane, and also a stepson, W. H. Simpson.
Mr. Gould has always kept up a keen interest in
Grand Army affairs, doing his duty toward other com-
rades in their need, whether it would be material
help, or the hearty handclasp and Godspeed of a
fellow comrade. He is past commander of Sumner
Post No. 3, G. A. R., of Sacramento, serving in 1921.
and now serves as quartermaster for the Post; and
is also secretary of the Memorial Hall Board for the
G. A. R. As will be seen, he does not shirk his duty
in these days, any more than in "the days of sixty-
one!"
THOMAS L. QUIGGLE.— .\ leading citizen of the
Herald community is Thomas L. Quiggle, who, in
addition to conducting the general mercantile estab-
lishment there, is also the capable postmaster. He
has the distinction of being the first boy born in Gait,
his parents being Volaski Schull and Isabella
(Louins) Quiggle. The father, who owned a large
acreage near here, started the store in 1912 at Herald
which is now conducted by his son; he passed away
at the age of seventy-eight, but Mrs. Quiggle is still
living and makes her home at Herald with her daugh-
ter, Mrs. Maude Warren. She is the mother of four
children: Mrs. W. W. Bottimore, Thomas L., Don
V. and Mrs. Maude Warren. The Quiggle estate,
of about 540 acres of land, is still held as an undivided
propert}', although about 140 acres have been sold.
After attending the Alabama district school, Thom-
as L. Quiggle took a course in the Atkinson Business
College at Sacramento and when he was of age
started out for himself. For two years he had a
store at Sacramento, and after he disposed of this he
farmed for two years on the old home place. Enter-
ing the employ of Whitaker & Ray at Gait, he con-
tinued with them for thirteen years, and then was
with Wallace B. Sawyer for three years. In 1914 he
bought out the firm of Quiggle & Warren at Herald,
and since then he has conducted a general merchan-
dise business there; he has also filled the position of
postmaster since that time. The store building was
erected by his father in 1912 and a 3'ear later a post
office was established here. Mr. Quiggle owns thirtj'
acres of unimproved land near Herald.
At Sacramento, September 9. 1900, Mr. Quiggle
was married to Miss Alice Lillian Thomas, who was
born on the Thomas ranch near the present site of
Herald. Her parents were John and Emeline
(Woodruff) Thomas, natives of Wales who came
to California in the fifties. Mr. Thomas farmed for
many years in the vicinitj' of Gait and died at the age
of eightj', the mother passing away when seventy-
eight. They were the parents of six children: Mrs.
Susan Hagel; William J.; Mrs. Emma Jeffrey of
Stockton; George, deceased; Henry of Petaluma;
and Airs. Quiggle. Mr. and Mrs. Quiggle have five
children: Clarence, in business with his father, and
Irene, Bessie. Evelyn and Thelma. Mr. Quiggle is
a member of Gait Parlor, the Native Sons of the
Golden West, and past chancellor of the Knights of
Pythias, Gait Lodge No. 283.
THOMAS O'CONNELL.— As a record of early
railroading in Cahfornia, the life of Thomas O'Con-
nell is of vivid interest, for it tells in detail of the
hardships, and also the daily round of lighter inci-
dents which made railroading interesting in those
pioneer days, w-hen personal relations entered into
the work more than they do now, and a close bond
existed between those "higher up" and the men who
worked so faithfully for them. Born in the parish
of Adare, County Limerick, Ireland, November 10.
1844, Mr. O'Connell was raised on a farm in that
country, and educated in Christian Brothers College.
On August 21, 1865, he came to America, and his
first work in the new country was in the freight de-
partment of the Lake Shore Railway in Dunkirk.
N. Y., when R. N. Brown, later owner, was superin-
tendent of that railway.
In 1869 Mr. O'Connell came to San Francisco, via
Panama, and on to Sacramento; then for a time he
368
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
tried mining in the Allison mine at Grass Valley,
Nevada County, but after a few months he returned
to Sacramento and entered the employ of the South-
ern Pacific Railway, in the year 1869, braking on a
freight train out of Rocklin east to Truckee. Soon he
became fireman on a locomotive, and later engineer,
and he made a record of forty-one years out of Sac-
ramento on a locomotive. The first engines were wood-
burners, requiring twenty cords of wood to make the
run from Sacramento to Truckee; wood was piled
along the track and taken on every twenty-two miles.
Later came the coal-burning engines and then the oil
burners. The early engines had names and numbers;
"White Bear" and "Black Bear" were some of the first
names, and later they were named for prominent men
such as General Grant, Sherman, and Phil Sheridan,
Lcland Stanford, Huntington, etc.; they were painted
different colors like wagons, and for many years en-
gineer O'Connell ran the "Andrew Jackson" No. 121,
a Mason engine with 17 b}' 24 cylinders, one of the
speediest on the road, whose driving wheels were
striped with green and gold paint as a sign of dis-
tinction. He was always selected as engineer of
special trains carrying railroad officials over the divi-
sion, and in 1875, hauled a special train of New York
Bankers making the then notable trip across the
country to see "the West."
For thirtj'-eight years Mr. O'Connell ran his en-
gine without an accident; then occurred a minor one,
when his engine left the track in soft ground caused
by heavy rains. This was due to no fault of his, how-
ever, and there is no black mark on his record of
forty-one years at the throttle; and when he retired
from active duty, in 1910, he received a letter from
the officials of his road, commending him for his
clean and faithful record in their employ.
Mr. O'Connell's marriage, which occurred in Sac-
ramento, in 1876, united him with Bridget Gagen, a
native of parish Kilbeggan, County West Meath,
Ireland, where she w'as born May 13, 1855, and six
children were born to them, three of them now liv-
ing, as folloW'S: Thomas F., master mechanic with
the Spreckels raihvay at San Diego; Mollie; and
David P. The latter served his country in the World
War and is now a fireman on the Southern Pacific.
The family home, on I Street, which Mr. O'Con-
nell bought at the time of his marriage, was the resi-
dence of the first governor of California, Governor
Burnett; it stands on a lot 40 by 160 feet and a part
of the original house came around the Horn to make
the governor's mansion. The mother, Bridget
O'Connell, passed to her reward in 1907. Mr. O'Con-
nell goes back to the pioneer days of railroading in
California, when he personally knew the old railroad
builders, Stanford, Crocker, Huntington, Hopkins,
Supt. John Corning and Ed Fellows. At the "Days
of '49" celebration in Sacramento in 1922, he and J. E.
Lonergan ran the old engine "Collis P. Huntington."
An active member of the Brotherhood of Locomo-
tive Engineers, he was secretary and treasurer of the
local branch. Division No. 110, Sacramento, for many
years, until he retired in 1910. He was elected by his
division a delegate to the national convention of the
brotherhood at Detroit, in 1910, and attended the con-
vention on his retirement; and while there, was pre-
sented with a medal and life membership in the Grand
International Division of the Brotherhood of Loco-
motive Engineers. He was the first Southern Pacific
engineer that received an honorary grand badge or
medal from the International Division. Mr. O'Connell
is held in high regard by his fellow members, as well
as by all who know him, for his pleasing personality,
affable manner and sturdy character. It is indeed a
pleasure to know- and converse with this most inter-
esting and oldest of California railroad men.
EUGENE ARAM.— Decidedly among the most
interesting residents of the capital city is Eugene
Aram, a native son, who was born at Monterey on
January 26, 1848, two days after Marshall made his
memorable discovery of gold, and within a month of
the signing of the treaty of peace between the United
States and Mexico. He was the grandson of Mat-
thias Aram, who came to New York from Yorkshire,
England, and during the War of 1812 was a drill-
master of the United States troops. His son, Joseph
Aram, father of Eugene, was born in the State of
New York, and formed a party that crossed the great
plains to California in 1846. Having arrived while
the Americans and the Mexicans were still at war, he
might have found himself in serious difficulty had not
Fremont sent a detachment of soldiers to meet him
and his party in the foothills, and to give them safe
convoy against any possible attack by roving native
Californians.
Sutter's Fort was the scene of the party's first
camp, and then they pushed on as far as Santa Clara,
still accompanied by Fremont's soldiers, at which
place Fremont placed Joseph Aram, who had been
chosen captain by his company of emigrants and
commissioned by Fremont, in charge of the fort; and
there he remained until the close of the war. He saw
most active service in the Battle of Santa Clara, and
he later superintended building the old fort at Monte-
rey. He was elected to the first constitutional conven-
tion of the state, and he was also chosen by vote a
member of the first legislature. Later, at San Jose,
he was the pioneer nurseryman; and he continued to
raise fruit, for which he had a wide and enviable
reputation, until the last busy days of his life. In
1898 he rounded out his long and useful career,
breathing his last when he had been privileged to
attain four score and eight years. Sarah M. (Wright)
Aram, who died in 1872, and was the mother of
Eugene Aram, also deserves honorable mention among
the California pioneers. Descended from early Eng-
lish stock in this country, her first American ancestor
was one of three brothers, and one of them num-
bered among his descendants a governor of New
York. She first sav\- light in \'ermont; and when her
husband proposed to hazard a journey across the
prairies, she acquiesced and accompanied him. She
was a very observant woman, and discovered gold on
the south fork of the Yuba River in October, 1846,
over fourteen months before Marshall was amazed at
the gold he found in 1848.
Eugene Aram — who, by the way, had a sister in
Los Angeles, the late Mrs. Sarah M. Cool — received
his first educational training in the public schools of
San Jose, and in 1870 graduated from the University
of the Pacific with the Bachelor of Arts degree. Then
he studied law with Judge D. S. Payne, Superior
Judge for Santa Clara County, and in 1873 was admit-
ted to practice in the courts of California; and there-
after for some years he maintained a busy office in
San Jose. In the early eighties he migrated to Ari-
zona, and in 1885 he was a member of the legislature
^§^^-^;^..^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
371
of that territory. Returning to California, he located
at Woodland, in Yolo County, and there took up
law-practice again; and from 1895 through 1897, he
served as a senator representing the sixth senatorial
district, Yuba, Sutter and Yolo, and doing excellent
work as a lawmaker.
Mr. Aram, together with the late A. L. Hart,
established a firm for the practice of law in Sacra-
mento; and for a short time, also, he and Archibald
Yell were partners. He has been a consistent Repub-
lican, with a broad and sane partisanship; but he is
first, last and always an American, and during his
senatorial term he was entrusted with the appropria-
tion of $300,000 for the Sacramento River improve-
ment— the first appropriation ever made for this pur-
pose through which actual w-ork was accomplished.
In 1875, at San Jose, Mr. Aram was married to
Miss Lizzie Jasper, a gifted and charming daughter
of J. M. C. Jasper, a prominent citizen of Wheatland,
Y^uba County. An excellent woman, she breathed
her last in 1892, passing altogether too early from
this life to the Great Beyond. Mr. Aram belongs to
the Elks, in which organization he enjoys an enviable
popularity.
MRS. JENNIE A. SCHULZE.— A representative
of an old and honored family in the Golden State is
^Irs. Jennie A. Schulze, a native daughter of Cali-
fornia. Her father, Charles Graves, was born in
Vermont and came to California in the early gold
days, and for a time followed mining. He was mar-
ried on Grand Island, Colusa County, to Mrs. Maria
( Knight) Cronemiller, a native of Vermont, who
crossed the plains in early days with her first hus-
band, Mr. Knight, and on the way demonstrated her
pioneer spirit by helping to drive the team through
the hostile Indian country. After their arrival they
located in Sacramento County, where they resided
until Mr. Knight's death. After their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Graves farmed for a while at Lincoln, and
later located in Sacramento, where Mr. Graves en-
gaged in the building business. He spent his last
days with Mrs. Schulze, passing awa}' at the age of
sevent3'-eight 3'ears, the mother having passed away
in Sacramento.
Jennie A. Graves was the onl}' child of this union.
Her education was acquired in the public schools in
Sacramento, and also at Howe's Academy and Bain-
bridge Academj-. After completing her studies she
was engaged in teaching school in Sacramento Coun-
ty for four terms, until her marriage, which was
solemnized in Sacramento, October 18, 1891, when
William M. Schulze became her husband. He was
born in 1864 near Sheldon, Sacramento County, a
son of William J. and Louise Schulze. The father
was born in German}-. Soon after arriving in the
L'nited States he made the trip across the plains to
California, in the early fifties, locating in Sacramento
County. He was a blacksmith by trade and ran a
shop at Richmond, on the Sacramento River; and
later he estalj'ished the first blacksmith and carriage
shop at Sheldon. He also purchased a farm, in time
acquiring 480 acres lying to the northwest of Sheldon.
Finall}' he gave up blacksmithing to devote all of his
time to raising grain and hay. In 1889 he retired
from active work and moved to the capital city, where
he made his home until his death in 1894, at the age
of fifty-eight years, his widow surviving him until
January, 1920. '
William M. Schulze was one of a family of nine
children born to this pioneer couple, eight of whom
grew to maturity. He received a good education in
the public school, and from a lad made himself gen-
erally useful on his father's farm, thus becoming
familiar with ranching as it was done in the Sacra-
mento Valley. After reaching his majority he chose
farming as a life pursuit and leased the Will Lindsey
ranch at Franklin. Meeting with success in farming
it to grain, he then purchased the old Winkleman
ranch; but after some years he sold this and pur-
chased his father's old ranch at Sheldon, which he
farmed to grain. Of this ranch he sold off 320 acres,
still retaining eighty acres, which he set out to
orchard of peaches, prunes, and almonds, and to vine-
3'ard, installing two electric pumping-plants for irri-
gating the trees and vines. Mr. Schulze was handy
with tools, and a good mechanic, and so kept his
place up in splendid shape. He was an energetic
farmer and an enthusiast in his appreciation of the
great natural resources and exceptional advantages of
this wonderfully favored section of the world. How-
ever, he was not permitted long to enjoy the fruits
of his labors for he passed away on May 25, 1919,
at the age of fifty-five years, mourned b}' his family
and his manj' friends. Fraternally, Mr. Schulze was
a member of the Odd Fellows, and of the Encamp-
ment of the same order, and also a member of the
Grange.
Mr. and Mrs. Schulze's union was blessed with the
birth of four children. Wesley Edward is operating
the home ranch; he is married and has two children.
Lora May is the wife of R. W. Wilson, of San
Francisco. William Perry and Lester Kenneth are
still at home with their mother.
Mrs. Schulze is enterprising, and deeplj' interested
in the growth and development of her community.
She is a member of the Elk Grove Grange, and is a
stanch Republican in politics. Being a strong advo-
cate of temperance, Mrs. Schulze was greatly in favor
of the passing of the Eighteenth Amendment to the
Constitution. She is a member of the Elk Grove
Methodist Episcopal Church and its Ladies' Aid
Society, taking an active part in its benevolences.
MARK TWAIN HUNT.— An interesting and
we'1-informed man who is a native son of the Golden
State is Mark Twain Hunt, who was born in Sacra-
mento, November 20, 1864. His father, Dennis Rock-
well Hunt, was born in Vermont on April 23, 1820,
his parents being Albinus and Hannah (Robins)
Hunt, who were both of New England descent
through some generations, and who both died at the
age of sevent3' years. The family removed to New
York when Dennis R. Hunt was about two years
old. He was educated in the district schools, and
when twelve j'ears of age he hired out on a farm,
being thus employed until 1848, when, in partnership
with his brother, he bought 150 acres. Leaving the
farm in charge of his brother, he set out for Cali-
fornia, arriving in San J'rancisco in due time, and
made his way to the F^l Dorado on the south fork of
the American River, above Mormon Island. In 1851
he filed his claim for one hundred and sixty acres on
Deer Creek, and in 1852 he raised barley on his own
place. But fortune was against him, for his whole
crop of hay and barley in stacks, valued at $12,000.
was destroyed by fire. It took him many years to
recover from this heavv loss; but he held on to the
372
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
land, raised twelve more crops, and sold out in the
autumn of 1863, being then worth $16,000. Mr. Hunt
then was in the grocery business in Sacramento for
about eight months. In 1865 he returned to New-
York and bought a farm in Madison County and
stocked it, with the expectation of making it his per-
manent home. He soon found that farming in New
York was no longer congenial, however; so he sold
out the following year, and returning to Sacramento
purchased a livery and sale stable, which he kept
about two years. In the autumn of 1868 he bought
500 acres at Freeport on the Sacramento River, where
he carried on a dairy. The mother of our subject
was in maidenhood Nancy A. Zumwalt, a native of
Illinois. She was first married to Alex Cotton, and
after farming several years they started across the
plains in an ox-team train; but on the way Alex
Cotton was taken ill and died on the plains, on
August 21, 1864. His widow, left with two children,
came bravely on to California, and it was here she
met and married Mr. Hunt. They met with success
in their farming and dairy enterprise, and resided
on the ranch at Freeport until they passed on, the
mother on April 2, 1904, and the father on April 18,
1913. There were five children born of this second
marriage: Major Clarence, of Los Angeles; Frank
Linn, residing in Napa; Mark Twain, the subject of
our interesting review; Rockw-ell D., dean of the
commercial department. University of Southern
California: and George Grant, of Los Angeles.
After completing the local schools, Mark Twain
Hunt entered Napa College, where he was duly
graduated in 1886 with the degree of B. S. He spent
a year teaching in Napa College, and then chose
ranching for his life work. Leasing the old home
place at Freeport, he engaged in farming and dairy-
ing. About this time Mr. Hunt assumed fami'y ties,
when he was united with Miss Susie Hubbell, the
ceremony occurring in Marin County in 1888. Mrs.
Hunt was a native of that countj', a daughter of
Orton and Elizabeth A. (Howard) Hubbell, born in
New York State and Vergennes, Vt., respectively.
They were early settlers of Marin County, where her
father followed agriculture until he returned to Peta-
luma in 1905. His death occurred July 8. 1914, his
wife having preceded him many years before, passing
away on August 31, 1877. This pioneer couple had
three children, Susie being the second in order of
birth. Orton B., of Van Nuys, is the oldest; and Dr.
George R., a practicing physician in Petaluma, is the
youngest of the family. Mrs. Hunt was a graduate
of Napa College, in the class of 1885, with the degree
of B. S.
In 1901 Mr. Hunt, with his brother, Frank L., pur-
chased the old home ranch of 500 acres and divided
the place; and here he has continued ranching, spe-
cializing principally in dairying. He has improved
the ranch with two pumping-plants and is raising
alfalfa as well as grain. The place is equipped with
suitable farm buildings, including a large silo. His
dairy herd comprises eighty head of pure-bred and
high-grade Holsteins. Mr. Hunt is a lover of fine
horses, and in former days raised some fine roadsters.
He is a member of the Northern California Milk
Producers' Association.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hunt resulted in the
birth of four children: Ray Orton, who is assisting
his father; Lester Clarence, a carpenter in Sacra-
mento; and Grace Mildred, the wife of Arnold Scrib-
ner, and Myrtle, the wife of Allan Showier, both of
Sacramento County. Mr. Hunt is a member and
past grand of Sacramento Lodge No. 2, I. O. O. F.,
and also of the Independent Order of Foresters; and
both he and Mrs. Hunt are members of the Grange.
Deeply interested in the cause of education, Mr.
Hunt has served for many years as a member of
the board of school trustees of Freeport, being clerk
of the board. Mrs. Hunt is a member of the Parent-
Teachers Association and the Red Cross. During the
war, Mr. Hunt was local chairman of the various
Liberty Loan and allied war drives. He is liberal
and enterprising, and great'y interested in the growth
and development of the county. Having alwaj's taken
a stand for a high standard of morals, he was se-
lected as foreman of the county grand jury in 1914.
GEORGE L. HERNDON.— An enterprising, ex-
perienced and thoroughly capable and dependable
industrial leader is George L. Herndon, of the well-
known firm of Herndon & Finnigan, general con-
tractors, with offices and mill at 1814 Seventeenth
Street. He was born in Sacramento County on May 1,
1865, the son of William L. and Sarah (Neil) Hern-
don, the former a pioneer of the Argonaut days of
'49, who crossed the great plains w-ith oxen and tried
his luck at mining. He returned to St. Louis in
1852; but the next year he made for the Pacific Coast
again, this time being accompanied by his young wife
and traveling by way of the Isthmus. LTpon arriving
in San Francisco Mr. Herndon there followed his
trade of building contractor, which had been his busi-
ness while he lived in St. Louis. In 1854 he came to
Sacramento and was made foreman on the original
Capitol Building; after that he contracted extensively,
and many of the old-time buildings in the city are
the result of his handiwork. He erected the old
"Union" building and raised the street to the new
grade level. His most notable job was the raising of
the St. George Hotel building to the new grade level.
In the work of raising the building, he used all the
jack-screws there were in Sacramento; this was the
largest undertaking of its kind in the state at the
time, and w-as accomplished without mishap, Mr.
Herndon being an experienced mover of buildings.
He was also the foreman on the construction of the
present Capitol Building. He died on March 27, 1883,
deeply mourned by a wide circle of admirers. Mrs.
Herndon passed away in 1905.
George L. Herndon attended the public schools in
Sacramento, and then went to work on a ranch, con-
tinuing until 1880, when he learned the trade of the
bricklayer. This he followed in Sacramento, San
Francisco, and other cities as a journeyman until
1893; then he became a contractor on his own respon-
sibility, sometimes working with a partner but most
of the time alone. Among the earlier buildings he
erected in Sacramento, we mention the Ruhstaller
Brewery, the Hanrahan Building and the Pacific
States Telephone and Telegraph building. In 1911
he went on a ranch he owned in Solano County,
where he farmed until 1916; and he also owned a
fifty-acre almond orchard in the Arbuckle district,
where he was among the pioneer almond-growers.
Both of these properties he sold in 1915.
Leaving the ranch in 1916, Mr. Herndon returned
to Sacramento and formed a partnership with Henry
Finnigan, under the firm name of Herndon & Finni-
gan; and they have erected man}- of the notable
^^2^^^^/ C2^i>^^
(Biography, Page 376)
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
375
structures in this part of the state since that time.
Among the buildings they have constructed or remod-
eled in Sacramento are the Mull Building, the Red
Men's building, and the Tong Sung Company's build-
ing, and they also did work on the E. B. Crocker
Art Gallery and the Perfection Bakery. In Lincoln
they built the Auditorium; at Redding, the post-ofifice,
as well as a fine school building. They also built
four school buildings at Modesto, one at Davis, one
at Arbuckle, and one at Clarksburg. They con-
structed a large hotel at Arbuckle, a church and bank
at Fairfield and Suisun, and the Sacramento Northern
depot at Marysville, besides many fine garages and
homes. In 1920, Herndon & Finnigan erected a
planing-mill, where they do all that is necessary for
both their interior and exterior finishing. They own
valuable property adjoining the Dreher Tract, on
which they erected the A. Meister Building, which
they lease; and they contemplate constructing a large
planing-mill with every modern appliance at the cor-
ner of Seventeenth and North B Streets in the fall of
1923.
In 1896, Mr. Herndon was married to Mrs. Carrie
P. (Kinsner) Black, who was born in New York but
has lived in Sacramento since her girlhood; and they
have since maintained a home noted for its Califor-
nian hospitality. Mr. Herndon is a member of Sac-
ramento Parlor No. 3, N. S. G. W., and he also be-
longs to the Elks, the Red Men, the Builders' Ex-
change, the Chamber of Commerce and the Exchange
Club. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. Herndon
is a pioneer in the building business in Sacramento,
and has won the esteem of a large circle of friends,
who are gratified with the success he has made on
his own responsibility. He had a hobby of liking and
owning good horses, and he is still fond of hunting
and fishing and other out-of-door sports.
■WILLIAM KLEINSORGE.— A sturdy, success-
ful pioneer whose name men still love to repeat, and
in whose life-story there is no end of interest and
inspiration, was the late William Kleinsorge, one of
the earliest merchants in the Sacramento Valley. He
was born in Germany, and came to America when
he was six and one-half years old. He was reared
and educated in St. Louis, and from Missouri he
came to California in 1862, traveling by way of the
Isthmus of Panama. He located at Sacramento, and
became a member of the well-known firm of Milli-
ken Bros., wholesale grocers. Later, he became a
member of the firm of Lindley & Company, whole-
salers, and owned a fourth interest in the business.
He was a successful business man, and his early de-
mise at the age of thirty-nine was widely lamented.
He belonged to the Odd Fellows, and there was no
more popular member in that fraternal order.
In 1865 Mr. Kleinsorge married Miss Emma Stosc,
the daughter of Clemens Stose, the California pioneer,
a native of Wurttemberg, Germany, who also came to
America when he was a little boy. He grew up in
Columbia, Pa., and later became a pioneer resident
of Chicago. In October, 1852, he came out to Cali-
fornia by way of the Isthmus of Panama. He
had been a blacksmith by trade, but in California he
engaged in the mercantile trade in San Francisco for
a time, and then came to Sacramento and conducted
a ranch about nine miles from the city until he was
driven out by the flood. Then he returned to San
Francisco, where he passed the rest of his life, dying
at the ripe old age of eighty-two. His good wife was
Margaret Bander before her marriage, and she lived
to see her eighty-fifth year. Mrs. Kleinsorge is now
the only living child; and she has two children,
William E., and Mary L., who is the wife of Dr. C. A.
Haines of Sacramento. Mr. Kleinsorge died Decem-
ber 7, 1880.
WALTER SCOTT GRIMSHAW.— A very en-
terprising, progressive and successful horticulturist,
who is a native son proud of his association with the
Golden State, is Walter Scott Grimshaw, who was
born on the old Grimshaw place at Mocosumnes,
now Cosumne, Sacramento County, Januarj' 15, 1868,
a son of William Robinson Grimshaw, who was born
in New York City, a son of John and Emma (Rob-
inson) Grimshaw. The father was born in England
of a family who were manufacturers in Alanchester.
The mother was of an old American family, being of
the Robinsons of Rhode Island. John Grimshaw
dealt in cotton and cotton goods and traveled a great
deal. William R. spent most of his time in England
from the age of two until eleven years of age. He
was bereaved of his father in early life and was
reared in the home of his uncle, Thomas Minturn.
On his return from Eng'and, William R. Grimshaw
was sent to Alobile, Ala., where he spent four years
at college. Again returning to New York, he spent
some time there and in Burlington, Yt., completing
his education, and then spent a short time in a drug
store. At the age of twenty-one he "shipped before
the mast" on the "Isaac Walton," owned by his
Uncle Minturn and bound for California. Arriving
in Monterey he shipped on the "Anita," a naval ten-
der, which he left in October, 1848, to accept a posi-
tion as bookkeeper for Sam Brannan & Company at
Sutter's Fort at a salary of $400.00 a month. In
November, 1849, he went into partnership with Wil-
liam Daylor and kept a store on his ranch on the
Cosumnes. Mr. Daylor died of cholera in 1850,
leaving no issue.
In April, 1851, Mr. Grimshaw was married to Mrs.
Sarah P. (Rhoads) Daylor, the widow of his late
partner. Some years later they moved to Sacra-
mento, where for a time Mr. Grimshaw was a law
clerk with Winans & Hyer in 1857. By private stud}'
and through experience gained in the legal business
he prepared himself for practice as a lawyer, and was
admitted to the bar in 1868. However, he quit the
practice of law in the spring of 1869, not finding it
as congenial as he had anticipated. He was justice
of the peace for fourteen years, and also taught the
Wilson district school toward the close of his life.
In 1876 he made a voyage to China for his health,
but without marked improvement. He died Septem-
ber 14, 1881, and his widow survived him until Janu-
ary 11, 1898. She was an early pioneer of Sacramento
County, having come hither with her father across
the plains in an ox-team train in 1846. Mr. and Mrs.
Grimshaw were the parents of twelve children,
seven of whom grew up: William R., deceased;
Emma G., Mrs. Lawton, who died in Sacramento;
Thomas M. and George R., both of Sacramento;
John F., deceased: Frederick M., an horticulturist at
Cosumnes; and Walter Scott, the subject of this in-
teresting review.
Walter Scott Grimsliaw spent his boyliood on the
home ranch, receivitig a good education in the local
public schools, which was supplemented with a
376
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
course at Howe's Business College in Sacramento,
after which he engaged in horticulture on the home
ranch. He was among the first to set out orchards
of prunes on the Cosumnes River and also engaged in
raising hops. He has made a study of growing fruit
and by research finds the river sediment land the
finest in the state for the growing of prunes. The
quality is most excellent and the fruit is much larger
than grown in other portions of California. The
yield here is three tons to the acre, as compared with
one ton to the acre in Santa Clara County, for the
trees grow very large and healthy in this deep, rich
sediment soil. He has just completed a dehydrating
plant with a capacity of about seventy-five tons a
day. Mr. Grimshaw owns the old Grimshaw home
place of fifty-five acres all in prunes and hops. He
also owns a half interest in the Mahone ranch of 800
acres, 160 acres of which he has set out to prune
orchard now eight years old, one of the finest orch-
ards in California. The balance of the ranch he
devotes to stock-raising. In the operation of his
ranch he uses tractors, trucks and teams, giving it
his personal attention and looking after every detail,
and as a result he is meeting with excellent success.
Being a firm believer in cooperation as the successful
way of marketing the farmer's produce, he is a mem-
ber of the California Prune and Apricot Association.
Politically, he is a Republican. He takes well-de-
served pride in his well-kept orchards as well as his
beautiful gardens of flowers and vegetables, and lawn,
his place being one of the show places in the county.
Fond of hunting and fishing, he spends much time
hunting in the high Sierras and at his hunting club in
Butte County, enjoying the diversion of his week-end
trips to the latter place to the fullest. Mr. Grimshaw
is liberal and progressive, aiding in the development
and upbuilding of this favored section of the land of
gold and sunshine. Well-read and posted, he is a
pleasing conversationalist and one is indeed fortunate
to enjoy his dispensing of the true old-time California
hospitality.
ADOLPH TEICHERT.— An honored and well-
known citizen of Sacramento is Adolph Teichert,
the senior member of the paving-contracting firm
of A. Teichert & Son. Through a residence of forty-
eight years, Mr. Teichert has firmly established him-
self in the regard of those with whom he has come
in contact, and his attitude toward public questions
has always been that of progressive citizenship. He
was born in Germany, November 20, 1854, a son of
S. D. and Betty (Brandt) Teichert, both natives of
Germany and both now deceased. Adolph Teichert
was educated in the public schools of Germany and
was eighteen years old when he left his native land
and came to New York City, where he remained for
two years. Although a stonemason by trade, he
worked for a party named Schillinger who had a
patent for the construction of cement sidewalks pro-
viding for proper joints to control the cracking due
to contraction in the setting of the cement. In 1875
he was sent to San Francisco, Cal., to instruct the
California Artificial Stone Paving Company in the
construction of this new type of cement walks. In
1877 his firm secured the contract to lay the cement
walks in the Capitol grounds in Sacramento, which
occupied a period of two years. He was therefore
the first cement finisher in the state of California.
In 1887 he entered the cement business independently
and was engaged to lay all the walks in the city,
some of which are still being used. In 1912 he took
up road and street work. In Sacramento County
he paved the road from Gait to Thornton; and in
Santa Clara County he was contractor for the road
from Santa Clara to Mountain View. He also paved
the road from Fresno to Kingsburg in Fresno
County, and from Lindsay to Richgrove in Tulare
County. He has also done considerable street-pav-
ing in different California cities.
The marriage of Mr. Teichert united him with
Miss Carrie Knaul, a native of Zanesville, Ohio; and
to them have been born three children. Bertha is
now Mrs. W. G. Hansen; Adolph, Jr., is associated
with his father in the paving business; and Caro-
line is now the wife of Ralph Skinner. There are
seven grandchildren in the family circle, five boys
and two girls. Mr. Teichert is a thirty-third-degree
Scottish Rite Mason, a Knight of the Court of Honor,
a member of the Commandery, and a charter member
of Ben Ali Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Sacramento,
and with his wife is a member of the Order of the
Eastern Star. He is also a member of the Elks,
and since 1875 has been a member of the Germania
Club of San Francisco. In politics he is a Republi-
can.
ED'WARD HENRY KRAUS.— A very popular
executive, whose proficiency has enabled him to ren-
der the most efficient service, and whose willingness
to place his talents at the disposition of others has
surrounded him with a group of devoted friends, is
Edward Henry Kraus, the experienced custodian of
the Native Sons of the Golden West Building. He
was born at Sacramento on June S, 1858, the son of
Edward and Gertrude Kraus, the former a pioneer
who came out to California in 1850, to be followed to
the Golden State soon after by the talented lady des-
tined for his wife. They were married at Sacramento,
after which Mr. Kraus engaged in the hotel business,
first at San Francisco and then, on his return to this
city, .in Sacramento; and in the hotel field Mr. Kraus
remained, an interesting figure because of his untiring
efforts to improve the hotel conditions for the trav-
eler, until 1860. After that he engaged in the nursery
business, continuing to promote that branch of Cali-
fornia husbandry until his death, on March 22, 1890.
While in San Francisco, he was a member of the
Vigilance Committee, and contributed his share
toward the maintenance of law and order at a time
when the failure of patriotic citizens of good red
blood, such as he, would have left the public and the
most cherished of institutions at the mercy of the
merciless mob.
Fortunate in the heritage of a good name, Edward
Henry Kraus attended the public schools and Atkin-
son's Business College, and on October 25, 1875, he
entered the service of the Central Pacific Railroad.
Here he was apprenticed as a car-finisher, and estab-
lished a record for ability and fidelity.
Mr. Kraus had always been prominent among the
Native Sons of the Golden West; and when that
popular organization decided to erect its building, he
was made president of the Native Sons Hall Asso-
ciation of Sacramento, Incorporated, which position
he has filled with signal ability and most commend-
able devotion since 1906, his term of office being ren-
dered locally notable in the erection, by the Native
Sons, of an" edifice costing $200,000. He has always
ou^o^o(^ (VyWjt^ ^J^-ciu^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COL'XTY
379
been enthusiastic about the work of the Native Sons,
and this interest lias doubtless been stimulated by his
peBsonal associations with notable people in the past.
Among his recollections, always entertaining to oth-
ers, are impressions of Marshall, the original discov-
erer of gold, with w'hom he shook hands far back in
1884. He has also been fond of outdoor life, and is
fully appreciative of the attractions of California, and
particularly of Sacramento County. A bachelor still,
Mr. Kraus finds his social enjoyment, outside of the
Native Sons, with the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, of which he is a member.
MORRIS A. JENKINS.— The rapid upbuilding of
the West furnishes an excellent field to the engineer,
the architect and those engaged in allied lines of
business. In the field of civil engineering, Morris A.
Jenkins of Sacramento is using his talents, and his
professional skill has been called into play in con-
nection with the construction of many important
public projects. He was born in Elk Grove, Cal.,
July 22, 1874, and is a son of Thomas and Addie H.
(Harrington) Jenkins, the former a native of Wales.
The father crossed the plains to Utah and thence
made his way to California in 1860, settling upon a
ranch in Sacramento County, being actively engaged
in farming until 1920, and is now living retired in
Sacramento. He has taken an active part in public
affairs, having served as supervisor of Sacramento
County. He is widely and favorably known in this
section of the state and the mother is also living.
Morris A. Jenkins was reared in his native countj^
and in 1896 completed a course in the Elk Grove
Union High School, being a member of the first class
graduated from that institution. He then entered
Heald's Engineering School at San Francisco and
later attended the Ohio Northern University, at Ada,
Ohio, receiving the degree of Civil Engineer in 1902.
Meanwhile, in 1897, he had engaged in contracting
and after completing his professional training he re-
entered this field on a larger scale. He chose Sac-
ramento as the scene of his operations and from 1904
until 1918 was a member of the firm of Jenkins &
Wells. In the latter year Mr. Wells retired but the
business continued under that style until March, 1921,
when the present firm of Jenkins & Elton was
formed. The\' are engineers and general contractors
and specialize in bridge and heavy construction work.
Thew have been awarded many large contracts and
built the bascule bridge over the Sacramento River
at W'alnut Grove and have just completed a similar
one at Isleton. They also do pile-driving and foun-
dation work. They have contributed materially to
the upbuilding and improvement of this section of
the state and their work represents the highest de-
gree of efiiciency in their line.
In 190S Mr. Jenkins married Miss Amanda L.
Rickey, of Sacramento, a daughter of Aaron R. and
Martha Rickey, both now deceased; and of this union
have been born two children, Ora E. surviving. Mr.
Jenkins is a Knight Templar Mason and also a char-
ter member of Ben Ali Temple, Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. He is likewise identified with the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows, being a charter member
of Oak Park Lodge, of which he is a past grand.
His political allegiance is given to the Republican
party. He has never been unmindful of the duties
of citizenship nor of his obligations to his fellow men,
and his labors have been beneficially productive. He
is one of the foremost civil engineers in the Pacific
Coast region, and California is proud to number him
among her native sons.
F. S. McCULLOH. — A prominent and successful
stockman is F. S. McCulIoh, who is a native of Sac-
ramento County born in Excelsior school district.
His father, John AlcCuUoh, was born in Coshocton,
Ohio, of Scotch lineage, his ancestors being early
settlers of Virginia. He crossed the plains to Cali-
fornia in 1850 and for a time followed mining and
then engaged in cattle-raising. He was married after
his arrival in the Golden State to Miss Elizabeth
Burch, who was born in Michigan and had also
crossed the plains in pioneer days. They ranched at
Lone Tree until 1872, when they located in the Forest
House district, Amador County, where he resided
until his death, October 25, 1907, his widow surviving
him ten years. F. S. McCulloh is the second oldest
of their four children and received a good education
in the public schools. From a boy he assisted his
father in the stock business, so he naturally selected
that branch of agriculture for his vocation.
Mr. McCulloh was married in Sonoma Count}-,
January 5, 1888, being united with Miss Lizzie Laugh-
lin, who was born at Mark West, Sonoma Count}'.
Her father was also a pioneer of California and a
native of Tennessee. He came to Iowa when a lad
of ten years, where he grew up and married Miss
Davison. In 1851 he crossed the plains and followed
mining in Eldorado and Amador Counties. His w-ife
having passed on, he returned East in 1853, and in
1854 he was married to Mathilda Faught, who was a
native of Indiana. Mr. Laughlin brought his bride
across the plains, locating on Mark West Creek, So-
noma County, where he became the owner of a 700-
acre ranch which he devoted to stock-raising and
fruit-growing, the place being known as the Lone
Redwood ranch. His wife died in 1876 and he passed
on in 1891. There were eight children born of this
union, four of whom are living. Lizzie Laughlin
spent her childhood on her father's ranch and there
she grew to womanhood. She attended school in the
Lone Redwood district and obtained a teacher's cer-
tificate when eighteen years of age and began teach-
ing in Sonoma County. Afterwards she completed
her education in McMeans Normal in Santa Rosa
and continued teaching in Mariposa, Tuolumne, Sac-
ramento and Amador Counties. .A.fter her marriage
she continued teaching for four years, or until her
first child was born; and then after having raised her
children she again took up educational work. In
1910 she began teaching again in Slate Creek district,
and has continued in the profession ever since.
Mr. McCulloh has been very successful in the
stock business. In 1888 he purchased a portion of his
present ranch; and as he prospered he has added to
his holdings until he now owns 3,200 acres in .•\ma-
dor and Sacramento Counties, well watered by Indian
Creek and numerous springs. For many years he
raised shorthorn cattle but since 1921 he is breeding
the polled Herefords, his brand being a "T" on the
left hip. His ranch is well improved with suitable
buildings and also with cattle scales; and he is also
raising fields of alfalfa, and for some years he ran a
dairy and mainifactured butter. Now. however, he
devotes all of his time to raising cattle.
Mr. and Mrs. McCulloh's union was blessed with
the birth of three children. Cora was a graduate of
380
HISTORY OF SACRA?iIENTO COUNTY
McAIean's Normal at Santa Rosa and taught school
till her marriage with Mr. Klotz; she now resides near
Freeport. Ramona was educated at lone high school
and the University of California and is now the wife
of Rodger McEwen of Sacramento. Ruth was at-
tending Sacramento high school when she passed
away in 1912. Mr. McCulloh has served acceptably
as trustee of Forest Home school district and is a
Republican in national po'itics. For over thirty years
he has been a member of the California Cattlemen's
Association, and has served as president of the El-
dorado and Amador County Stock Association, at
present being a member of- the advisory board.
HARRY S. MADDOX. — An enterprising repre-
sentative of business interests in Sacramento is found
in Harry S. Maddox, one of the city's successful life
insurance men. who is also a former state market
director and a recognized authority on production
and marketing. Mr. Maddox is a native of Ohio,
born at Georgetown, Brown County, August 24, 1866,
a son of David E. and Martha A. (Connor) Maddox,
natives of Brown and Adams Counties, Ohio, res-
pectivel}', and descendants of old pioneer families.
The ancestors on the paternal side came originally
from England to the present site of Baltimore and
bought land from the Lord Baltimore grant. Eleven
members of the family participated in the Revolution-
ary War, and the family has been represented in all
the wars of this country, including the late World
War. Grandfather Thompson Maddox located in
Brown County, Ohio, where he was a pioneer farmer.
David E. Maddox, the father of Harry S. Maddox,
was also a farmer, and served in the Civil War as a
member of the 70th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in Mc-
Kinley's Division. He removed to Kansas in 1884,
and located in the city of Paola, where he bought a
farm and now resides. The maternal family of Con-
nors came from the north of Ireland and were of
Scotch descent. They settled in Ohio, and farmed in
Adams County. The mother passed away years ago.
Harry S. Maddox is the eldest of seven children,
and was educated in the public schools of Ohio and
Kansas. He attended the Paola Normal School and
afterwards graduated from the Sedalia Business Col-
lege, in Sedalia, Mo. He entered the employ of the
St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad as a tele-
graph operator, and later went to Colorado, where
he was employed as ticket and freight agent in the
operating department, for eighteen years, for the
D. & R. G. Railroad. He became interested in cham-
ber-of-commerce activities and spent three years with
the Canon City Chamber of Commerce in Colorado,
and then came to California, in 1912, as secretary of
the Yolo County Board of Trade, continuing in that
position for four years. He then became secretary
and manager of the Sacramento Chamber of Com-
merce, serving over three years, when he was ap-
pointed state superintendent of weights and meas-
ures by Governor Stephens. Soon after, he was pro-
moted by the governor to the office of state market
director. Taking up his duties, he served with ability
for over one year, when in July, 1922, he resigned
to return to private business, taking up his life-work
of many years, life insurance, as general agent for
the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, with
offices in the Capital National Bank Building. During
its inception Mr. Maddox promoted the new Sacra-
mento Market, an innovation new to Sacramento.
His years of investigation and his surveys of the
markets of different states, in which he had covered
more than 2,500 miles, convinced him that Sacra-
mento was ready for a market such as he had in mind.
Mr. Maddox was married in Galva, Kans., to Miss
Mary A. Colby, born in Ashtabula County, Ohio.
They have one daughter, Annette, who graduated
from high school in Caiion City, Colo., and continued
her education in the University of California. She is
now the wife of Peter R. Gadd, Jr.,_ of Sacramento.
Mr. Maddox is a Master Mason and a member of the
A. O. U. W., and also belongs to the Chamber of
Commerce and other civic organizations. He is vice-
president of the American Center Church, and is a
director of the County Anti-Tuberculosis Association.
During the war he took an active part in war work
and was a four-minute speaker. He also served as
city and county food administrator, making one of
the best records in California during the World War.
He is a member of the Grace M. E. Church, and a
member of its official board; and he is president of
the Men's Club of the church.
OSMER W. ANDERSON.— Among the most
progressive, able and prominent lawyers of Sacra-
mento is Osmer W. Anderson, who since 1915 has
been engaged in general practice in this city, his
ability carrying him forward into important relations
and winning for him a creditable clientele. He is a
native son of California, his birth occurring at Sac-
ramento, August 21, 1868; he is the son of William
A. Anderson, a well-known jurist of Sacramento,
who is now deceased. Osmer W. Anderson began
his education in the grammar schools of his native
city, then entered high school, and after graduation
entered his father's office as a law student. He
then went to San Francisco, where he was in the
employ of the United States government for four
years; and afterward he was with the Crocker Es-
tate Company for two years. In 1898 he enlisted
lor service in the war with Spain, in the 1st Cali-
fornia Volunteers, and was sent to Manila, where
he served for one year. He then returned to Sac-
ramento and worked in the state printing office for
some time, after which he entered the emplo}' of the
Southern Pacific Railroad Company, with whom he
remained for the next twelve years. Having com-
p'eted his law studies, on February 25, 1915, he was
admitted to the bar and began practice as a partner
in the law firm of Anderson & Anderson. At the
outbreak of the World War, he entered the 118th
Engineers, and was promoted to the rank of first
lieutenant. He saw service in France, and was
there when his father passed away, on April 18,
1919; he then returned to Sacramento and assumed
the practice of law on September 1, 1919.
The marriage of Mr. Anderson united him with
Miss Emma E. Meyer, of Sacramento, a graduate
of the LTniversity of California. Mr. Anderson is a
Veteran of Foreign Wars, and a member of the
American Legion; he is also interested in National
Guard work, and is now serving as scout master
for a troop of boy scouts. In politics he is a Repub-
lican; and in fraternal affiliation he is a Mason, a
member of Concord Lodge No. 117, F. & A. M., and
of Sacramento Chapter No. 3, R. A. M.; Sacramento
Commandery No. 2, K. T.; and Ben Ali Temple,
Mystic Shrine, Sacramento; and is also a member
of the Knights of Pythias and the Loyal Order of
Moose.
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1
Hyj
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
383
WILLIAM R. O'BRIEN.— The importance of
Sacramento as a center of plant-industry has been
demonstrated repeatedly, and by no one more so than
by William R. O'Brien, whose plant headquarters
at the corner of B and Thirty-first Streets, in Sacra-
mento, are visited annuallj' by manj- people. He was
born in thai! city on May 8, 1857, the son of Thomas
F. and Kate (Ford) O'Brien, the former a native of
Ireland who had reached California by way of the
Isthmus in 1850. He mined for a time; and then he
accepted the responsible position as foreman and
manager for Smith Bros., and had charge of their
gardens near Sacramento, where Meister's dairy is
now located. There was but a very small levee at
that time, and there was no overflow until hydraulic
mining was begun. He next established himself as
a florist, and after that was engaged in the raising
of asparagus, operating in his own way and as one of
the real pioneers in his field. He was a landscape
gardener and florist and he drew plans for the Capi-
tol grounds, which were accepted: he also laid out
grounds of the finer homes in Sacramento and also
in San Francisco. He was abh' assisted by his good
wife. They had six children: Thomas, deceased; and
William R., Mrs. Mar}' Sheehan, George, Fred, and
Frank, all born in Sacramento and living here.
William R. O'Brien went to the public schools, and
then to the Christian Brothers' College, and after
that he took a fine commercial course at Howe's
Business College; and when ready to push out for
himself, he joined his brother, Thomas F. O'Brien,
and engaged in the raising of asparagus on their own
property above McKinley Park. In 1893, he extended
the scope of his operations by beginning to raise
plants, both vegetable and flowering, and for a while
he was located on Twentj'-seventh Street, although
he has been in his present location for a long time.
His brother. Thomas, died in March, 1920, esteemed
by all who knew him.
The marriage of William R. O'Brien to Miss Mary
Curstens of New Orleans occurred in 1890, and they
have one son living, Ford, who responded to the
call of his country in the World War, was as-
signed to the artillery, and saw seven months' service
in France. Another, Roy O'Brien, died at the age of
fifteen. The O'Briens also have a daughter, Lau-
reen, who is now Mrs. Joseph Gideon, of Sacramento.
A grandchild is William Gideon. In respect to his
political preferences, Mr. O'Brien is a Democrat.
He was a charter member of Sacramento Parlor
No. 3, N. S. G. W., and he has lived to see Sacramento
grow from a straggling village to a city of consider-
able size.
ROGER GIORGI. — Popular among the leading
and most successful Italian-Americans in Sacramento
County, Roger Giorgi, of the well-known firm of
Messrs. O. Giorgi & Son, occupies an enviable posi-
tion of influence. He was born in Tuscany, Italy, on
March 7, 1874, the son of Oreste and Gelsimina
(Cagniacci) Giorgi, his father being an ambitious
pioneer of 1876, who came across the ocean to Amer-
ica in the Centennial year and settled in San Fran-
cisco until 1880. Then he went back to Italy for ten
years, and returned to San Francisco in 1890; but a
year later, he located with his family in Sacramento.
On April 2, 1891, Mr. Giorgi established the busi-
ness of merchant tailor at 828 J Street, and in time
the house removed to 304 K Street, owing to their
need for larger quarters. Then tliey removed to 406
J Street, and still later they had their place at 1011
Third Street, and after that at 422 J Street. Oreste
Giorgi died in October 5, 1912, but his devoted wife
is still living.
Roger attended a private school in San Francisco,
and then he joined his father in business and on the
death of his father, he became the head of the busi-
ness. In time, the firm bought the two-story,
modern brick building at 605 J Street, and on Febru-
ary 1, 1922, they threw open the doors of their up-to-
date tailoring establishment, where they employ
twelve men. Roger Giorgi is assisted by his son.
Oreste. Mr. Giorgi did much to effect the bringing
of the Bank of Italy to Sacramento and he is one of
the directors of the Sacramento branch. He was at
the head of the Italian brigade which participated in
raising the $73,500 for the American Liberty Loan
drive; and when the Italian Government raised their
loan in the United States, Mr. Giorgi had charge of
the campaign in the Sacramento district. He is presi-
dent of the Italian-American Club, was formerly the
secretary of the committee on Italian schools, and is
in many ways a very respresentative citizen.
At Sacramento, on August 25, 1899, Mr. Giorgi
was married to Miss Matilda Consiglieri, of Sacra-
mento, a native daughter and member of an old pio-
neer family. Her mother is still living at the age
of seventy-six. A son, William R., is pro-assistant
cashier of the Bank of Italy at the head of the for-
eign exchange department. Another child is Oreste,
a graduate of the Sacramento high school; a daughter
is named Anna, and the youngest of the family is
Roger, Jr. Mr. Giorgi is a member of the Eagles,
secretary of the Bersaglieri Lodge, No. 3, and past
noble arch of the Druids, and was also district
deputy in the Order of Foresters, now associated
with the Bersaglieri; he belongs to lodge No. 6 of
the Sacramento Faks, and is a Knight of Columbus
of the third degree. He is fortd of hunting and
fishing.
ARTHUR SERVISS DUDLEY.— .^rthur Serviss
Dudley was born at West Salem, Wis., January
20. 1883, the son of Lewis R. and Nora (Serviss)
Dudley, the former a pedagogue who at length re-
tired, leaving an excellent record as principal in the
public schools. He came from New England stock,
and was born at Guilford, Conn.; for there the family,
originally of o'd English stock, had settled in early
days. Mrs. Dudley, esteemed and beloved by those
who were privileged to know her as neighbor or
friend, died sorrie twenty years ago.
Arthur Serviss Dudley attended the grammar and
also the high school of West Salem, and in 1900 was
graduated from the high school; and three years later
he received his diploma from the Illinois School of
Photography. In December of the same year, he
came out to California and Palo Alto following his
marriage, on the 29th of the previous September, to
Miss Ada Broome of Eflingham. 111. At Palo Alto
he purchased a studio, and in 1904 he established the
California College of Photography, and conducted it
until the earthquake, in 1906. He then returned East,
to Scranton, Pa., where he joined the American
Photo Text-Book Company, and devoted three years
to editing a ten-volume work, "The Complete Self-
Instructing Work of Practical Photography," the
first effort of the kind anywhere made, as far as is
384
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
known. In 1910, he made a six-month circuit of the
United States, to direct the sale of this book; and he
remained with that company as manager for one and
one-half years. Then he was with the Chambers
Press, of Philadelphia, as advertising manager and
editor of "The Bulletin of Photography" and "The
Camera," and in September. 1913. he came to River-
side County, California, and bought ten acres in the
Lake View district, where he tried his luck at farm-
ing. But he was washed out there, and in June,
1914, he came to San Jacinto, and opened the photo-
graph gal'ery there, and helped organize the Cham-
l)er of Commerce, for which he was secretary for six
months. Then he was employed by the supervisors
of Riverside County to represent the county at San
Francisco during the Panama-Pacific Exposition, and
also at San Diego.
In April, 1915, Mr. Dudley was elected secretary
of the Riverside Chamber of Commerce, and he held
on to the dual job of representing the counties at the
Fair, until April 1, 1916, when he was appointed as-
sistant secretary of the Lbs Angeles Chamber of Com-
merce, under the celebrated Frank Wiggins; and on
August 15, 1920, he came to the City of Sacramento
as secretary of the Sacramento Chamber of Com-
merce. In this position he added to the Chamber's
laurels, as well as to his own. He was appointed on
the advisory board of the Chamber of Commerce of
the United States, and not only did good work
outside, but also reanimated the local organization
He is responsible, for example, for the new Cham-
ber of Commerce Building costing $100,000, and far
the '"putting over" of "The Days of '49," requiring
such an endless supervision. In 1908, he was for a
year president of the Secretaries of the California
Chambers of Commerce; and from 1921 to 1922, he
was director of the National Association of Commer-
cial Organization Secretaries, and was reelected for
1923. In politics, Mr. Dudley is Republican.
Mr. and Mrs. Dud'ey may well be proud of their
children, Tirzah May, Arthur Guilford, Carolyn
Ruth, and Marian Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Dudley are
very fond of camping and outdoor life, and also of
hunting. And when he has plenty of time, he is de-
lighted with a brisk game of tennis. He has a re-
markable staflf of assistants, and through their cooper-
ation is able to accomplish much in a day. Sacra-
mento has come to appreciate Arthur Serviss Dudley,
whose faith in the future of Sacramento County is
I)cing daily crystalized into forward steps in the
progress of its remarkable development.
FREDERICK NOLD.— An experienced, clever
plasterer, who is also a very enterprising and success-
ful contractor, well-known throughout Sacramento
County, is Frederick Nold, of the capital city, where
he was born in what is now the Capital Park, Thir-
teenth and L Streets, on March 13, 1864. His parents
were Fred and Carrie (Engle) Nold; and his father,
mother and the sister, then an infant, came via Pan-
ama to California in 1854, and located at Sacramento,
where the father rounded out the remainder of his
life, dying in 1910, aged eighty-one, full of honor and
rich in friends. Two years later, his devoted wife,
the mother of their five children, only two of whom
are living — William, of Oakland, and Fred — breathed
her last, aged eighty-three, beloved by all who had
the privilege of knowing her.
Fred Nold went to the public schools, and then
when duty called him, although a mere boy, he went
to work for a living. During a laborious apprenticeship,
he learned the b'acksmith trade; but when once he
had mastered that, he gave it up to learn the trade
he concluded he would like better, that of the plas-
terer. He worked hard, and when ready to set out,
he was also ready to set up in business for himself;
and for the past thirty-five years he has had his own
shop, his own customers, and been his own "boss."
He plastered many of the best residences in town,
and such special buildings as the Kimball & Upson
Store, and the Metropolitan Store; and as becomes
the pioneer plasterer here, he has finished the p'aster
part of both the Methodist Episcopal Church and the
Jewish Synagogue. Coming from an old pioneer fam-
ily, Mr. Nold feels a deep interest in Sacramento,
both town and county, in respect to its historic past
and to its promising future; and he is ever ready, in
his business enterprises, to lend a helping hand in
the matter of broad and permanent building. He be-
longs to the Builders' Exchange; and in politics he
allies himself with the Republicans.
In 1907, Frederick Nold was united in marriage
with Miss Rose Augusta Egner, of Colorado; and
they have one child, Helen Rose.
FREDERICK CONRAD WEIL.— An enterpris-
ing, progressive and experienced business man, who
has done what he could to further commercial opera-
tions in and around Sacramento, is Frederick Conrad
Weil, a native son who was born in Sacramento on
the site of the present Catholic Cathedral, entering
the family of Conrad and Barbara (Fritz) Weil on
February 25, 1860. The devoted parents had come
to California in 1852, before their marriage, traveling
in separate wagon trains across the great plains from
St. Joseph, Mo.; and getting acquainted here, they
were married about 1855 and started life together in
the Golden State. Mr. Weil opened a grocery at the
southwest corner of Eleventh and J Streets, and for
some years it was one of the best stores in town. He
died in 1871, leaving an enviable record for honest
dealing and loyal citizenship, and in 1897 he was fol-
lowed to the Silent Land by his devoted wife, who
left a family of six children, three of whom are in
this state: Louisa, in Germany; Mrs. Katy Arth, of
San Francisco; Frederick C, of this sketch; Ottilie,
in Germany; Dr. Conrad, of San Francisco; and
Sidonia, living with her sister Louisa.
Frederick Weil received his education in the excel-
lent schools of Germany, to which land his parents
had gone in 1868, via Panama, taking their six chil-
dren. Returning to California, the father died at sea.
In 1876 Mrs. Weil came back to America, and Fred-
erick returned with his mother and entered the
Scheldt Brewery in Sacramento. Afterwards he was
with Rothfeld Brothers, dealers in dry goods. In
1879 an uncle, John Weil, was elected state treas-
urer, and Fred was in that office three years with
him. From 1883 until 1890, he was with Hunting-
ton & Hopkins Company, and then he joined the
Buffalo Brewing Company, where since 1919 he has
been the manager.
In 1885, Mr. Weil was married to Miss Laura
Miller, daughter of John S. Miller, a genuine Forty-
niner, and his good wife Esther, the ceremony taking
place at San Francisco; and they have two children,
Fred Loring and Ethel, now Mrs. Albert S. May,
who is the mother of two children, Janet and Albert
Tyz^^^-o^. c^.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
387
Stoddard, Jr. Mr. Weil is a member of the Cham-
ber of Commerce, and a director of the Industrial and
Home Products Bureau; and is also a charter mem-
ber of the Sacramento Rotary Club. In politics he is
a Republican. He was a member of the original
Company E, 1st Artillery, organized by Col. H. Wein-
stock, and after serving for three years was trans-
ferred to the 1st Artillery Band, with which he played
for a number of years. He is fond of music, and for
fourteen years played the clarinet in the local thea-
ters. Their orchestra eventually became known as
the Sacramento Symphonj' Orchestra, and was popu-
lar with music lovers in Sacramento. Mr. Weil is
deeply interested in the development of both Sacra-
mento City and Sacramento County, and has seen
the capital city grow from almost nothing to the
populous and important center it is today.
JOHN MARTIN WIEGAND.— A successful
rancher whose progressive methods and untiring in-
dustry, together with his foresight and aggressive
enterprise, entitle him to the prosperity rewarding
his years of labor, is John Martin Wiegand, a native
son, having been born at St. Louis, in Sierra County,
on Augxist 21, 1866. His father, John Wiegand, was
a native of Berlin, Germany, and a stationary engi-
neer; and in Pennsylvania he was married to Miss
Maria Ritlinger, after which, in 1862, he came to Cali-
fornia by way of the Isthmian route, and for a while
tried his luck at mining. Then he followed his trade,
being always in demand, and passed away at the ripe
old age of seventy-eight, having rounded out a very
useful life. Mrs. Wiegand, who was always a favor-
ite in her circle of friends and acquaintances, breathed
her last in her sixty-fourth year, the mother of six
children. Elizabeth has become Mrs. Eugene Squier
of Daly Citj^; John M. is the subject of this review;
Rosina married Marion Bringham, and is deceased;
Katie is now Mrs. Lewellyn Snook of Englemine;
George is a resident of Represa, Cal. ; and Lilly,
Mrs. A. Schofield, was the youngest of the family
and is deceased.
John Wiegand attended the grammar school in
the Sierra district, and at the age of twenty, started
to make his own way in the world. He first mined
in Sierra and Plumas Counties; but in 1903 he went
to San Francisco and w'orked in the Union Iron
Works, continuing there until 1906, and from that
year until 1912 he followed the carpenter trade in
the bay region. In 1912, he came to Thornton and
purchased ten acres due west of Thornton, which
he farmed to alfalfa and grain for six years, and then,
selling out, he removed to a point three miles south-
east of Gait, on Dry Creek, where for three years
he leased a vineyard of forty acres. He then moved
to Twin City colony and purchased ten acres of land
two miles north of Gait; and this he has devoted to
a dairy and alfalfa ranch. A house was already on
the place, but Mr. Wiegand has made the other im-
provements there, and has lived on the ranch ever
since.
On August 20, 1900, and at Reno, Nev., John Mar-
tin Wiegand was married to Mrs. Clara A. Black,
the daughter of Joseph and Martha (Goldthorp)
Hutchison, the former a native of Scotland and a
pioneer who came to California in 1849, traveling
across the plains from Illinois. Miss Goldthorp was
a native of England. Mr. Hutchison settled at Wca-
verville, in Trinity County, in early days, where he
had a cattle and sheep ranch; and at WeaverviUe, Mrs.
Wiegand first saw the light. Her father also had
stock in Tehama County, and later went into Sierra
County, where he built the first hotel at Sierra City,
and after that he had a butcher shop there. He re-
tired and removed to San Francisco, where he died at
the age of eighty-four, his good wife passing at the
age of eighty-eight, at the home of Mrs. Wiegand.
Miss Hutchison married George Black, a native of
Ayr, Canada, who had come to California in early
days and who was a Mason and an Odd Fellow; and
they had two daughters. May, who has become Mrs.
C. P. Willing, of Sacramento, and Nettie, who is
Mrs. Antone Costa, at Goodyear Bar, in Sierra
County. By her present marriage with Mr. Wiegand,
she has one son, Roy Walter, who is an employe of
Latourett & Company, in Sacramento. He married
Gladys Stickle and they have a daughter, Louise
Genevieve.
Mr. and Mrs. Wiegand not only have the joy of
their children, but they have the companionship also
of several grandchildren. Mrs. Costa has five chil-
dren, George, Tony, Norman, Ralph and Anna Ber-
nice. Mrs. Willing had two children. Lloyd Willing
was a medical student, and served in the late World
War in France, and he died eleven months after his
return. His sister, Mrs. Emma Eckstein, lives in
Sacramento, and has a son, Phillip.
Mr. and Mrs. Wiegand are Prohibitionists. He is
a member of Golden Nugget Parlor No. 94, Native
Sons of the Golden West, of Sierra City, and has
passed through all the chairs, and Mrs. Wiegand is
a member of the Golden Bar Parlor of the Native
Daughters, also of Sierra City. She is a Rebekah,
too, and is past noble grand of the Sierra City lodge,
but at present is a member of Golden City Lodge of
San Francisco.
ISAAC M. RIFFE.— A rancher who admirably
illustrates the independence of the experienced, indus-
trious farmer, is Isaac M. Rifife, living three miles
north of Gait, a native of Ray County, Missouri,
where he was born on Washington's Birthday, in
the 3^ear 1852, the second in a famil}' of ten children.
His parents were John and Margaret (Dameron)
Riffe, and his great-grandfather was a real frontiers-
man of Missouri; and his father was born and reared
in the same place in which our subject first saw
light.
In 1852, when our subject was less than one year
old, his parents crossed the great plains with cattle
and teams, traveling by way of the Salt Lake route;
and his father first settled in the redwoods of Santa
Clara County, although in 1853 he went to San An-
dreas, in Calaveras County, and for four years tried
his luck in placer mining. He then went to Stockton,
and worked at the trade of carpenter for four years.
Then he moved to the mines in Calaveras County,
and mined for eight yeras at Comanche Camp. In
1868 he went into San Luis Obispo County and spent
two years on the Avala grant, leasing the ranch
there, and then he went to Alorro Bay, and farmed
there for two years. He then removed to Santa
Clara and settled at Alviso, on the Gunn Ranch,
where he lived for two years, and after that he
moved into Santa Cruz Count)', on Bean Creek,
where he farmed for two years. Then he went to
Wallowa \'alky. Ore, staying there a year; and
next he moved to Gilliam County, in the same state.
388
HISTORY OF vSACRAMENTO COUNTY
and farmed for two years. Returning to California,
he settled in Monterey County, south of Soledad,
among the hills, where he raised stock. Still later,
he went to San Jose for two years, and after that to
Paso Robles, in San Luis Obispo County, where he
had a fruit ranch for four years. At Santa Barbara,
and at Goleta, he farmed for a couple of years; and
he died there at the age of eighty-one, his devoted
wife passing on to her eternal reward at the age of
seventy-nine. Both were splendid types of the pio-
neer sett'er, blazing the way for others to comfort-
ably, safely and prosperously follow.
When sixteen years old, Isaac Riffe struck out for
himself, riding the range trails for big cattle-men;
and he roved throughout the South, when it was
still in Spanish grant form, passing four interesting
and altogether profitable years in that manner; and
then he accompanied a band of cavalry horses from
Monterey County, taking them to Yellowstone Park
and Montana for delivery to the quartermaster of the
United States army. On his return to California,
he traveled by way of the southern route, through
Arizona, materially adding to his knowledge of the
world, and on reaching San Luis Obispo County
again, he resumed riding the cattle range. He also
drove a freight train from San Luis Obispo
Landing over the mountains to Bakersfield and the
San Joaquin Valley, continuing that line of work for
four years.
Mr, Riffe then came to San Joaquin County for
a while, and then for another four years he was
employed by James Taylor, just south of Wood-
bridge. He then went to Wallowa County, in Ore-
gon, and worked there as a farm hand for two years,
and after that he drove a stage line over the Haley-
Salisbury Route, in Oregon, Washington and Idaho
for six years. He was united in marriage at Wallowa.
Ore., on November 23, 1884, to Miss Mahala Mott,
a native of Battle Creek, Mich., who was born in
1862, her parents being Richard Price and Eliza
(Boody) Alott, natives of New York, who were taken
to Michigan by their parents while still children.
Mr. and Mrs. Mott had seven children, who accom-
panied them to Seward Center, Nebr., and there Mrs.
Riflfe was educated. In 1877, her father went to
Wallowa County, Ore., and there he spent the re-
mainder of his days.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Riffe moved
to Yumatilla County, Ore., and leased farm-land until
1893, when he moved south to Templeton, Ca'., and
farmed there for a year. Then he was in San Luis
Obispo County for fourteen years in the employ of
the Southern Pacific Company. In August, 1907, he re-
moved to Douglass County, Ore., and leased land
until 1912, when he moved to Klamath County, and
farmed there until 1914. He then came back to Cot-
tonwood, Cal., and farmed for a year, and in 1915
he came to Sacramento County, and near Gait has
farmed ever since. He leases 254 acres of J. W. An-
grave, and has a stock farm. He is a Democrat,
and believes in the efficacy of Democratic platforms
to cure agrarian ills.
Five children have been granted Mr. and Mrs,
RiiTe. Charley is with his father. Mrs. Mattie May
Davis is the second child. He'en Maud passed away
at the age of five months. Ruth Ellen became Mrs.
Frank Michael; she was the mother of a daughter,
Viola May, and breathed her last in 1911. Grover
Cleveland is at Hollywood. There are also several
grandchildren to gladden Mr. and Mrs. Riffe's family
circle. Mrs. Davis has three children: Harold Aimer,
George Martin and Harry Richard; and Grover
Cleve'and Riffe has a son, Donald Arthur.
EDWARD T. HAUSCHILDT.— Sacramento
County owes much of her present prosperity and
wealth to the many brave native sons and daughters
who have come to her assistance from other sections
of the Golden State, and have contributed what they
could, by their industry and thrift, toward the devel-
opment of Sacramento's natural resources. Prominent
among such far-seeing, optimistic workers, may well
be mentioned Edward T. Hauschildt, the enterprising
rancher, who owns 423 very choice acres about three
miles to the northeast of Ga't.
He was born in Alameda County, on November
7, 1865, the son of Henry and Minnie (Knip) Haus-
childt, his father being a sturdy pioneer who reached
California in a sailing vessel by way of Alaska, while
his mother sailed around the Horn, also in the early,
romantic days. They were married at San Francisco,
and came to be blessed with six children: Wil'iam.
Edward T., Augusta, and Fred; and Rose and Min-
nie, both deceased. Henry Hauschildt settled at San
Leandro, and engaged in farming; and there his son
Edward was born. Then for a while the father cul-
tivated ranch-land at Livermore, later removing to
the West Side, near Tracy; but after three very dry
years, he went "broke." Taking his team and wagon
and family, he then started north from there, and at
Hicksvi'le, now Arno, he stopped and talked with
Mr. Hicks, telling him of his bad luck, and also dis-
cussing his future intentions. Mr. Hicks to'd him
that all the good land to the north had been taken,
and advised him to stop right there; but Mr. Haus-
childt answered that he had no food, nor any money
to buy food, whereupon Mr. Hicks, pointing to some
hogs rooting in the fields, asked, "What's the matter
with one of those?"
This being a truly friendly invitation to stop, Mr.
Hauschildt did so, and settled on the McConnell
Ranch, which he rented for a while. He then pur-
chased the original home place of 419 acres, paying
nine dollars an acre, and after he had built a home
there, he moved his family onto the p'ace. This
home was located three miles to the northeast of
Gait, now on the Galt-Herald highway. The sons
stayed with their father and purchased additional
land, until Messrs. Hauschildt & Sons owned over
1,000 acres. Today Edward T. Hauschildt has 423
acres, the last ranch purchased by the Hauschildts.
Henry Hauschildt, a worthy pioneer whose name
ought always to be honored, died at the age of sixty-
five; and his devoted, equally worthy and brave wife
a'so closed her eyes to her earthly labors in her
sixty-fifth year.
Edward Hauschildt was educated in the public
schools, attending the Grant grammar school. At
Sacramento, on September 25, 1901, he was married
to Miss Ella Agnes Carr, who was born at Clay
Station, in Sacramento County, the daughter of Sey-
mour and Mary (O'Neil) Carr. Her father was a
pioneer Californian who did his part in developing
the Golden State; and his life-story is very appro-
priately given elsewhere in this historical work.
Twenty-one years ago Mr. Hauschildt built his home
and p'anted beautiful trees around it, and since then
he and his faithful wife have reared a family of four
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
391
sons. Clarence E. and F. Erwin, the two eldest
sons, graduated with the class of 1923 from the Gait
high school, taking the agricultural course. A fur-
ther honor came to F. Erwin when he won the "Indi-
vidual" silver cup, given by the Sacramento Chamb' ■-
of Commerce, in a stock-judging contest in which
four schools of the county entered into competition;
and he was also a member of the Gait high school
team that won a silver cup. William Lloyd is in
the high school, and Francis H. is a pupil in the
grammar school. Air. Hauschildt is a Republican.
He is a member of the Grangers of Gait, as are also
Mrs. Hauschildt and the two oldest sons; and all
are members of the Pomona Grange of Sacramento,
in which Clarence is an officer. Mr. Hauschildt also
belongs to the Knights of Pythias at Gait. He has
been a director of the Arno school district for eight
years, and was clerk of the board there. He also
owns a residence in the town of Gait. An enthusias-
tically loyal native son, he is a vigorous "booster''
for the locality' in which he lives.
CURTIS A. BOLTON.— A native son who has
made a great success in two different and important
fields of industry, is Curtis A. Bolton, the merchant
and rancher at Clay Station, where he was born on
January 16, 1873. His father, Curtis Bolton, was a
native of New York state and came out to California
in 1851. He married Miss EHzabeth Louins, an
Englishwoman, who came to the United States w^hen
she was a little girl. The worthy couple had three
children, one younger, and one older than our sub-
ject. Myrtle is Mrs. A. Hauschildt, of Sacramento;
Genevieve has become Mrs. William D. McEnerney,
of Gait. When Curtis Bolton, the father, came to
Sacramento County, he worked on the Meiss Ranch,
northeast of Clay. He then acquired 480 acres near
Clay Station in two parcels of land, and he farmed
this until his death.
Curtis A. Bolton went to the Clay school and then
took up ranching with his father; and when the latter
died, he continued to operate the ranch. He now
manages both of the places his father acquired, raises
sheep and has a dairy. In 1907, Mr. Bolton purchased
the general merchandise business of E. J. Steele at
Clay Station, and he has since conducted this as a
modern establishment which has proven of great con-
venience to the community. He has also been post-
master of Clay since the date of the store purchase,
and for four years he served as justice of the peace
of the Clay district. At present, he is a trustee of
the Gait union high school.
On August 13, 1900, Mr. Bolton married, at San
Francisco, Miss Ray McCoy, who was born in Texas,
the daughter of w-orthy folks who died when she
was a little girl. When still a mere child, she came
to California accompanying her sisters and brother,
and she was reared by her aunt and uncle, Mr. and
Mrs. John Wilson, of Clay. The former, a farmer,
is now deceased, while the latter, remarried, is still
iiving at Clay as Mrs. Sherfey. Mrs. Bolton was
one of four children: George was the eldest; Clara
is at Seattle, Wash.; and Lon is a sergeant in the
United States Army. Mrs. Bolton also went to the
Clay district school. Mr. and Mrs. Bolton have three
children: Fred, Lois and Helen. Mr. Bolton, who
votes with the Republicans in matters of national
import, is a member of Gait Parlor. Native Sons of
the Golden West; and he is also a Mason.
CHARLES KIRKPATRICK DAVIS.— This pio-
neer farmer of .Vndrus Island. Sacramento County,
makes his home on the ranch where he was born
Januarj' 4, 1861, a son of Hugh and Rosanna (Smith)
Davis. Hugh Davis was born in Canada in 1833, but
removed to I'linois with his parents and remained
there until 1852, when he came via Panama to Cali-
fornia. As was usual with newcomers to California
in those days, he tried his luck in the mines, but had
no success. He then w'Cnt to San Francisco, but his
funds dwindled until he only had fifteen dollars left
when he bought a ticket to Sacramento. On the boat
he met a man by the name of William Wilcox, a large
landowner about one and one-half miles above the
present site of Isleton. who became interested in the
young man; and as a result of this interest, Hugh
Davis went to work for Mr. Wilcox, cutting cord
wood, for which he received one dollar and a quarter
a cord. Mr. Davis saved his money and finally
bought 107 acres of swamp land, the same ranch
where our subject resides at the present time; he
became a prominent figure in the reclamation work
of Andrus Island in the building of the first levees.
Mr. Davis, in common with other ranchers, sought
an outlet for the produce of this ranch, and as there
were no regular steamer lines, they were forced to
rely on their own efforts. He owned his own sloop,
loaded it with his own and neighbors' produce, and
transported this to Sacramento, Stockton, Benicia,
Vallejo, and Antioch. He married Rosanna Fellows
Smith, a sister of the late Hart F. Smith of Isleton.
He was interested in the cause of education, and in
a skiff he went from place to place among the Sac-
ramento River islands, obtaining subscriptions of
money from the trappers, hunters and wood-choppers
to purchase the lumber with which he and his neigh-
bors built the first schoolhouse, south of Walnut
Grove, in the Georgiana district. He passed away in
1871, aged thirty-seven years; his widow continued
to reside here until her death in 1909. Six chil-
dren were born to this pioneer couple: Angie,
deceased; Charles K., our subject; Nettie; Herman;
Robert, deceased; and Hugh. Charles K. Davis was
only ten years old when his father died. His edu-
cation was obtained at the Georgiana school, being
supplemented by private study and reading.
On June 15, 1902, Mr. Davis was married to Aliss
Hilda Dorothea Johnson, born near Isleton, Cal., a
daughter of John Johnson, a native of Denmark,
who was an early day farmer here. Mr. and Mrs.
Davis are the parents of six children: Angie is now
Mrs. J. V. Agers, of Stockton; Mary Christine;
Charles K., Jr.; Marion; Hilda Dorothea; and Hazel
Winifred. Mr. Davis has set out orchards at three
different times, and each time they have been torn
out by floods; seventy acres of the home ranch is
in orchard. Mr. Davis is a Republican in politics.
Fraternally, he was made a Mason in Rio Vista,
being a member of Lodge No. 208, F. & A. M. He
is also a member of the Isleton Lodge No. 108, I. O.
O. F. For thirty years Mr. Davis has served as clerk
of the board of trustees of the Georgiana school
district and for sixteen years w-as deputy sheriff of
the county and for seven years served as deputy
assessor. J. V. Agers, son-in-law of Mr. Davis.
served on the border in the Villa campaigns, then he
entered the U. S. Navy in 1917 and trained at the
Great Lakes Training Station. Chicago; lie was dis-
charged in 1919.
392
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ABRAHAM CLARK FREEMAN.— In the long
line of distinguished California jurists, some of them
native sons of the great Golden State, and many more
the worthy representatives of older commonwealths
than those on the Pacific, it is doubtful if any bid fair
to attain a more certain immortality than the highly
esteemed and beloved Abraham Clark Freeman, whose
most fruitful and useful life was eventually rounded
out at the apex of indisputable success. He was a
gentleman, a scholar and a patriot, who sought by
the improvement of each golden moment to add
something of value to life, and earnestly strove to
hasten the day when the state of his early adoption
should rise to its rightful place in the galaxy of the
nation's commonwealths.
He was born at Warsaw, Hancock County, or not
far from that town, on May 15, 1843. He went to
the local public school, and early manifested a love
for study. Despite the limitations imposed by the
time, and the geographical location of his home, he
fitted himself for teaching, and when only seventeen
or eighteen years of age took charge of a school in
the district next adjoining the one in which he him-
self had been reared. He was an only child of
Obediah S. and Nancy (Clark) Freeman. His grand-
father, Abraham Clark, served in the Revolutionary
War; and his great-grandfather Clark, also named
Abraham, was one of the signers of the Declaration
of Independence.
When his father decided to migrate to the Pacific
Coast, Abraham Clark Freeman agreed to accompany
him. In April, 1861, therefore, he set out with his
parents to cross the great Plains; and after a trip of
five months, thej^ arrived in California, and settled at
Elk Grove. A month later, Abraham began an
engagement for the winter of 1861-1862, to teach a
district school in San Joaquin County. About that
time he had the novel experience of a trip to Sacra-
mento during the flood. Although he did not particu-
larly relish the work of the pedagogue, he stuck to
his task, then of particular appeal because of the
formative state of society here, until July, 1862.
Returning to his father's farm, he remained there
until September 6, 1863; and it having been decided
that he should abandon teaching and take up the
study of law, he then went into the capital city, found
a lodging place, and began work in the office of the
Hon. M. M. Estee, then district attorney of Sacra-
mento. In July, 1864, only nine months after he had
entered Mr. Estee's office, he was admitted to the
bar, on examination by the Supreme Courc ot Cah-
fornia; and that coveted honor was conferred upon
him six weeks after he had attained his majority. He
remained in the district attorne^r's office for the
remaining two years of Mr. Estee's term, and also
during the four 3'ears' incumbency of his successor,
James C. Goods. With the expiration of Mr. Goods'
tenure of the office, Mr. Freeman's official duties
were also terminated, in March, 1870. Before this
connection with the district attorney's office was
severed, Mr. Freeman had formed a partnership with
the Hon. Thomas J. Clunie, and later, in 1872, he was
associated with the Hon. J. K. Alexander, afterwards
a judge of the Superior Court of California; and also,
in 1879, with G. E. Bates, with whom he removed to
San Francisco, in 1886.
Although a man of frail constitution, Mr. Freeman
managed to maintain good health, and to cultivate a
sound mind in a sound body. He was no mere the-
orist, but was eminently practical, and possessed of
undisputed ability and skill in the trial of cases, as
well as in their presentation and argument; and he
was very naturally laid hold of for other service than
that to which, with a becoming modesty, he had
aspired. He was a member of the constitutional con-
vention of 1878-1879, and in the latter year was
appointed by the governor a commissioner to suggest
amendments to the codes, and to adapt them to the
new constitution. Later he was appointed by Gov-
ernor Gage a member of the code commission, his
associates being Judge D. Enis of Los Angeles and
Judge Van VIect of Sacramento.
While still an obscure, struggling lawyer, in 1873,
he attained more than a local reputation as a legal
author by one of his greatest works, "A Treatise on
the Law of Judgments," now popularly known as
"Freeman on Judgments," which enjoyed an imme-
diate fame and is doubly interesting today because it
was the first treatise of national scope written or pub-
lished in California. Its recognition and success, in
fact, were unprecedented; for surprise at the fact that
a law treatise should be written and pubUshed in the
extreme West grew to astonishment as the high char-
acter of the work came to be understood. As in all
of his writings, remarkable for a vigorous condensa-
tion, Mr. Freeman's style was crisp and incisive. He
was able to state the most complex doctrine in a few
words and yet clearly; and the "American Law
Review" said of the "Treatise on Judgments": "It
seems impossible for a young lawyer to have com-
posed so good a book, in so good a manner; yet it
seems also impossible that, if old in law, so able a
lawyer should not long since have become familiar
to the profession everywhere, and we confess to a
painful doubt lest he turn out to be some eminent
barrister, whom not to know is only to confess our
own ignorance." It is no wonder, therefore, that the
discovery of a new work displajn'ng such learning and
grasp of mind, produced by a man virtually unknown
outside of his home town, and ' little known there,
should come as a surprise to veterans of the Bar.
This was a mystery which excited curiosity even in
the Supreme Court of the United States; and for
years Mr. Freeman had in his office a framed clipping
wherein one of the Supreme Justices was quoted as
expressing his positive conviction that Abraham Clark
was a nom de plume assumed for some unknown
reason bj' a lawyer of great reputation, but who, for
some reason or other, was not yet ready to be known
as the author of the work on "Judgments." This
monumental work, "Freeman on Judgments," has
gone through four or five editions, and holds the field
without a rival as the authoritjr on the subject of
which it treats.
Encouraged by the prompt and complete recogni-
tion b3' the legal journalists, Mr. Freeman began at
once to cast about for another unoccupied field; and
a year later he had finished for the press his treatise
on "Cotenancy and Partition," perhaps the most
intricate and perplexing theme in law. By many this
Avork is regarded as his masterpiece. Challenging at
the outset the definitions of Littleton, Blackstone,
Kent, Preston and others, and showing wherein they
were incomplete or incorrect, by careful comparison,
revision, elimination and modification he formulated
his own definitions, which are remarkably clear, sim-
crz^^ //l^
/
/'i^^^f^yu^f.ity
^Hj/^iJ^/n^) /<
HISTORY OF SACK A:\IENT0 COUNTY
397
pie and complete. In 1876, his next work, "On the
Law of Executions in Civil Cases," was published, a
kind of Centennial contribution by California scholar-
ship to the celebration of the first 100 years of the
American nation; and this was followed later by a
work on "Void Executions, Judicial and Probate
Sales."
In 1879, at the death of Mr. Proffett, who had
edited the first twelve volumes of "American Deci-
sions," and had ably performed his part up to that
time, Mr. Freeman was engaged to take his place;
and in one sense, his great life-work began as Mr.
Proffett's successor, for he had the best chance to
present the result of his studies and observations to
the public, instead of keeping them solely for his own
individual use, and he came more and more into prom-
inence in the reporting and annotation of some eighty-
eight or eighty-nine volumes of "American Deci-
sions" and in some 135 volumes of American State
Reports. This editorial engagement with the Ban-
croft-Whitney Company led to Mr. Freeman's removal
to San Francisco, in which city he grew into social
as well as professional eminence. Each of the vol-
umes referred to contains a large number of carefully
written notes, some of them reaching the dignity of a
monograph or a treatise upon the subject discussed.
He came to be generally recognized as one of the
greatest analyists of his time, if not one of the most
proficient in the entire history of English law; and
his works are today recognized, as they have been
for years past, and are cited and respected as author-
ity by the highest courts in the land.
Mr. Freeman was a Republican, and on account of
his legal lore and his high standards of patriotism he
served his party as did few in his time, until 1873;
but in this year, so memorable for his first publica-
tion of national import, he assisted in the formation
of the Independent Taxpaj'ers' Party, and he was
honored as one of its nominees for the State Assem-
bly in 1875. He had in his charge, as legal adviser
or attorney, the afTairs of many corporations and
solid men of both the metropolis and the capital city
of the state; and he amassed a well-earned fortune,
so that from a business standpoint, too, his career
was a marked success.
At the bride's home, at Elk Grove, in 1867, Mr.
Freeman was married to Miss Josephine B. Foulks,
a native of Ohio, and the daughter of Alfred Foulks,
of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Freeman is a gifted, accom-
plished and charming lady, whose life-story is very
properly given in greater detail elsewhere in this
work. The youngest of five children in a notable fam-
ily, she was graduated from the Pacific College at
San Jose, and became greatly interested in Mr. Free-
man's work, and assisted him in every way she could,
especially in the matter of encouragement and delight
in seeing him gain his ambition. She has one child,
Mabel, the wife of Benjamin Romaine, an attorney
of San Francisco. Mr. Freeman was decidedly a
domestic rnan, although he found pleasure in the
circles of the Odd Fellows, to which he belonged.
He traveled much over the United States and Europe,
and spent the winter of 1900-1901 visiting Germany,
Holland, Belgium, France, Italy and Egypt. He had
become deeply devoted to Sacramento, city and
county, and also to San Francisco and to northern
California in general; and posterity owes him a
kindly thought for what he did to make easier the
paths of those coming after him. He breathed his
last at his home in San Francisco, on April 11, 1911.
Mr. Freeman loved Sacramento County and its
people, and he was fond of spending his leisure time
on the old Freeman Rancho, some 275 acres on the
Cosumnes River, which he regarded as a plaything,
finding real sport in its trim fields of alfalfa and its
fine dairy herd of well-selected cows. Many of the
improvements here were due to his progressive, enter-
prising and enthusiastic spirit, and to his desire to
make such a property highly and creditably produc-
tive, and attractive from a scientific as well as from a
practical standpoint.
MRS. JOSEPHINE B. FREEMAN.— Always
interesting as a worthy representative, on the one
hand, of one of the most esteemed pioneer families of
early daj's, and again as the widow of the late Abra-
ham Clark Freeman, one of the most scholarly and
distinguished attorneys and lawyers on the Pacific
Coast, Mrs. Josephine B. Freeman enjoys an influen-
tial and enviable position, in which she daily renders
society some needed or commendable service. She
was born in Mansfield, Ohio, the daughter of Alfred
Foulks, a native of Beaver County, Pa., and after-
wards the founder of Rome, Ohio, where he was the
pioneer merchant, and where he remained until his
demise. Mrs. Freeman's mother, before her marriage,
was Euphemia Pugh, also a native of Mansfield, and
a cousin of United States Senator George Ellis Pugh;
and after her husband's death, she brought her fam-
ih' of five children out to California. They crossed
the plains with her brother, J. Wood Pugh, and for
six months traveled on their way with comparative
safety, despite the many dangers due to Indians and
natural conditions. She purchased land at Elk Grove,
and improved two ranches, setting out there one of
the first vineyards in the county. She was a wonder-
ful woman, endowed with much business ability, and
was greatly interested in the Golden State, in which
she saw such promising opportunities. She died at
the age of seventy-three, leaving five children, among
whom Mrs. Freeman was the youngest.
After completing the required studies in the local
schools. Miss Foulks attended the College of the
Pacific at San Jose. Having secured the coveted
parchment there, she returned home and soon after
was married to Abraham Clark Freeman, the rising
young lawyer, their union proving a very happy one
until he was called away. She brightened and blessed
both his life and her own, always taking a deep inter-
est in his work, and encouraging him in every way
in the attainment of his ambition as a scholarly analyst
in law and as the author of the first book of national
import produced on the Coast, and one of the most
authoritative and successful volumes of which .'\nier-
ican scholarship may boast. One child, named Mabel,
was granted to Mr. and Mrs. Freeman. She is the
wife of Benjamin Romaine, a prominent attorney in
San Francisco.
Since Mr. Freeman's lamented death, this accom-
pHshed and ever approachable lady has continued to
reside at their beaiitiful home, at the corner of Wash-
ington and Presidio Avenues, in San Francisco, over-
looking the bay, a home of which she is especially
fond. Both the artistic residence and the picturesque
grounds were originated by her, and the home may
well be regarded as one of the modest but dignified
i9&
HISTORY UF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
show-places of the metropolis. She also owns a moun-
tain home named "Pine Hurst," in Placer County.
This estate includes the whole of the summit of Soda
Springs Valley, or about 500 acres on the North Fork
of the American River, declared by many to be next
in beauty to the Yosemite, and has a fine automobile
road leading to the very doors of "Pine Hurst." She
divides her time between her city home, her ranch,
and the mountain home, "Pine Hurst." and from each
she dispenses a genuine California hospitality.
Mrs. Freeman is a member of the San Francisco
Woman's Press Club, the Society of California Pio-
neers, the California Club, the Laurel Hall Club and
the Assembly, and was one of the founders of the
Salon. She is fond of literature and travel, and has
a well-selected library. With her husband. Judge
Freeman, she traveled in the United States, Mexico
and Alaska, and in both 1900 and 1901 in Europe,
when they visited the British Isles and the storied
lands of Holland, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and
Egypt. Since the inevitable laws of Nature sum-
moned her late and widely esteemed husband from
earthly scenes and labors, it has been a matter of
peculiar consolation and satisfaction to many that
one who shared his high ideals is left to carry out in
some measure his unfinished work.
JOSEPH A. FRANCIS.— Since 1902 Joseph A.
Francis has been connected with the public service of
the city of Sacramento and he has contributed in a
substantial manner to the general growth and expan-
sion of the city; since 1918 Mr. Francis has been
chief engineer at Sump No. 1 of the drainage system
of the city, a most important position that requires
ability and experience. Sacramento is the native city
of Joseph A. Francis, who was born there on July
t, 1876, a son of G. H. L. and Catherine (Preston;
Francis, natives of Boston, Mass., and Ireland, re-
spectively. G. H. L. Francis came to California in
1850 and was an engineer on a steamboat on the
Sacramento River; later with his father, G. H. L.
Francis, Sr., he ran two trading boats on the river,
carrying farm products. One of these burned and
the other sank. The mother of our subject came to
California by way of Cape Horn in 1865, and was
married to G. H. L. Francis in Sacramento. They
had eight children, three of whom are living. Both
parents are now deceased.
Joseph A. Francis attended the public schools in
Sacramento; then became an employee of the West-
ern Union Telegraph Company as messenger, where
he remained for six years, during which time he
learned operating; then for two seasons he worked
in a box factory; he also learned the confectionery
business and was engaged in that business for six
years; in 1902 he became a fireman in the employ of
the city of Sacramento in Sump No. 1, then at the
foot of S Street, under his father, and in 1910 was
advanced to the position of engineer; in the meantime
the plant was moved to Front and U Streets. He
worked in this capacity until 1918, when he was put
in charge as chief engineer of Station No. 1 of the
drainage system of the city.
Mr. Francis' marriage, in 1900, united him with
Miss Mary J. Mitchell, a native of Canada, and they
have one son, Joseph A., Jr. Mr. Francis' political
allegiance is not confined to any one party, but he
prefers to cast his vote for the candidate best fittea
to serve the public. Fraternally he is a member of
the Eagles and Red Men.
GEORGE SWANSTON.— A man of affairs who
left a deep imprint on the history of the upbuilding
of Sacramento City and County was the late George
Swanston. wealthy landowner and cattleman, and
head of the large packing-plant of Swanston and
Son. He was born near Salem, Ohio, January 3,
1866, a son of Charles and Nancy (Powers) Swan-
ston, natives respectively of the North of Ireland
and of Pennsylvania. Charles Swanston moved from
Ohio to California in or about 1881; and here he be-
came a successful cattleman and the senior member
of the firm of Swanston and Son, continuing actively
in business until his death in April, 1911, at the age
of seventy-eight years. His wife had passed away
many years before, leaving him two interesting chil-
dren: George, the subject of this interesting review;
and Lillian, now Mrs. McCaslin, of Oakland.
George Swanston was reared in Ohio and received
a good education in the public schools of that state.
Coming to Sacramento County, California, when a
boy of fifteen years, he took a course in Atkinson's
Business College, in the capital city, and after his
graduation took up active business with his father,
learning the cattle business in all of its details and
soon developing into a most excellent judge of stock,
having acquired a keen appreciation of their value.
Their business was conducted under the title of
Swanston and Son; and through their combined efforts
it grew to large proportions, and success crowned
their efforts. They had valuable holdings on River-
side Road, and there they started a small packing-
house. This grew rapidly by additions, as their busi-
ness expanded; and here too they built the first cold-
storage plant in Sacramento, and so became leaders
in their line.
After his father's death, George Swanston incorpo-
rated the business under the old firm name, Swanston
& Son, and made plans for enlarging the business,
erecting the large new packing-plant at North Sacra-
mento, where he owned a large acreage. The plant is
substantially built, and is modern and up-to-date in
every way, being the largest and finest plant of its
kind in the Sacramento Valley. Mr. Swanston was
president and manager of the corporation; and his
years of experience, coupled with his natural tact and
business ability, made it a financial success. Mr.
Swanston was a large landowner in Sacramento
County, and also owned extensive holdings in Lake.
Colusa, and Yolo Counties. He was a director in
the National Bank of D. O. Mills & Co.
At the home of Mr. Ward, sixteen miles north of
Sacramento, on the Auburn road, in Sacramento
County, on May 1, 1888, Mr. Swanston was married
to Miss Jennie Ward; and their union proved a very
happy one. Mrs. Swanston is a native daughter, born
in Eldorado County, being a daughter of Robert and
Mary A. (Slater) Ward. The father was born in
England, and came out to California via the Isthmus
of Panama when he was a young man of seventeen
3'ears; while the mother crossed the great plains with
her parents in an ox-team train when a girl of eight
years. As was usual in the early days of gold, Robert
Ward followed mining for some years. Then he set-
tled down to the more certain occupation of farming,
4-iylHMyyCc^
HISTORY OF SACRA.MENTO COUNTY
403
becoming the owner of a good farm on the Auburn
road in Sacramento County, wliere he reared his
family; and there he resided until he passed on. His
widow now makes her home in Sacramento. Eight
of their children grew up and arc living. Jennie being
the second oldest.
Mr. Swanston, after having gained in a few years
great wealth and influence, was not permitted to enjoy
the fruits of his labor; for he passed away on July 3.
1923, mourned by, his family and many friends. He
was a man highly esteemed, who had given of his
best efforts to develop the great natural resources of
northern California.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Swanston was blessed
W'ith the birth of two children: Lillis, the wife of
Harry G. Krebs, a popular business man of Sacra-
mento; and Robert, who since his father's death has
assumed the presidency and management of the firm
of Swanston & Son. Mrs. Sw-anston continues to
reside at the family home on Riverside Road, sur-
rounded by her children and many friends and enjo}'-
ing her attendance at the Saturday Club and the
Christian Science Church, of which she is a member
Mr. Swanston donated $10,000 to the city of Sacra-
mento for the purpose of erecting a fountain to the
memory of his father. This fountain will be located
in the William Land Park. He was a member of the
Elks and the Sutter Club; and being deeply interested
in civic improvement and the progress of the county,
he was an active and influential member of the Sacra-
mento Chamber of Commerce. He was a man who
was able to plan ahead, having a mind gifted with
foresight and vision, coupled with an unusual amount
of patience, which enabled him to v^'ait for the oppor-
tune time to bring his enterprises to a successful
issue. All in all, he was one of the substantial build-
ers not only of Sacramento County, but also of
Northern California as a whole.
FONTAINE JOHNSON.— Sacramento has long
been famous for such gifted members of the legal
profession as Fontaine Johnson, the senior member
of the firm of Johnson & Lemmon. He was born at
Colusa, Cal., on October 3, 1884, the son of Julian
W, and Lottie J. (Raker) Johnson, the former a
native of California, while the mother came from
Illinois. Grandfather Johnson had crossed the great
plains in 1849, impelled hither by his vocation
as a preacher; and once here he became a teacher
and a farmer. Julian Johnson has been principal
of one grammar school in Sacramento for thirty-
three j'ears. Another son. Matt F. Johnson, Jul-
ian's brother, was a judge on the Superior Bench of
California in Sacramento County for a number of
years; and a brother of Mrs. Julian Johnson, John
E. Raker, was for several years congressman from
the second district in California. Mr. and Mrs
Julian Johnson were married in California.
Fontaine Johnson attended the grammar and high
schools, graduating from the latter in 1904, and in
1908 he was given the coveted degree of Bachelor of
Laws from the University of California. He began
his actual practice of law in January, 1909, choosing
Sacramento for his field; and since then he has been
more than successful. The following year he joined
in partnership to establish the firm mentioned above.
Their reputation both for a knowledge of the law
and for exceptional fidelity to the interests of every
client has brought them a patronage constantly grow-
ing to a most gratifying degree.
At Sacramento, in 1917, Mr. Johnson was married
to Miss Nina D. Sutlitif, of Sacramento, the daughter
of the well-known physician. Dr. F. B. Sutliflf, of that
city, and both husband and wife are well and pleas-
antly known in fraternal circles. Mr. Johnson is a
thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a mem-
ber of the Divan of Ben Ali Temple, A. A. O. N.
M. S.; he is an Elk, and also belongs to Sunset Parlor,
Native Sons of the Golden West. He was a director
of the Chamber of Commerce, and is a past presi-
dent of the Rotary Club. He belongs to the ranks
of the Republicans, but he votes independently in
local matters. He served in the World War as a
member of the Field Artillery at Louisville, Ky., and
was a captain in Company G, lS9th Infantry, N. G. C.
After his discharge from duty, upon the signing of
the armistice, Mr. Johnson resumed the law practice
he had entered upon prior to enlistinent.
KASPER THALER. — .\ well-known, widely expe-
rienced and thoroughly up-to-date general contractor
and builder, who has been effective in the upbuilding
of Sacramento County, is Kasper Thaler, who was
born January 6, 1855, in Bavaria, the son of Andres
and Catherine Thaler. Both parents passed away in
the land of their birth.
Kasper Thaler attended the schools of Bavaria, and
a'so went to college, where he studied architecture
and cabinet-making, at which he became a mechanic,
being able to make tables and chairs by hand. When
he was twenty-two years old, he came to the LInited
States and located in Chicago, where he stayed for
six inonths. He endured many inconveniences be-
cause he was unable to speak the English language.
He relates that on one occasion, while taking dinner,
the train on which he was a passenger left without
him. However, he finally arrived at Leadville, Colo.,
where he worked as a carpenter. He then went to
Denver, where he put up a brewery and a soap fac-
tory, and then went to Salt Lake City, but inasmuch
as he was not a Mormon he could not get employ-
ment and was therefore obliged to go to work as a
laborer in the smelters. He built a house for one of
his fellow workers and then put up twenty-four
houses at the smelter, doing all the work himself.
He also built a church and a large white-lead works.
In six months, he was able to save approximately
$2,100. After going to San Francisco, he made his
way to Shasta County where he took up a homestead
fifteen miles from Redding, which he gave up. On
his return to San Francisco, he built many fine
houses and a church, and after six years came to
Sacramento in 1891, where he went into the contract-
ing and building business. He was a builder of the
Odd Fellows Hall in Florin and many other fine
places in Sacramento, and has remained here for over
thirty years.
Mr. Thaler was united in marriage in 1885, with
Margaret Goeller, and they are the parents of three
children: Paul, who was with the W. P. Fuller Com-
pany and passed away when he -was twenty-seven
years old; Alvina, the wife of Mr. R. A. Brawnson,
and mother of a son; and Margaret, now Mrs. H. O.
Heffren, the mother of a girl. They are also the
grandparents of two children. Mr. Thaler has been
a member of the Foresters of America for over thirty-
five years and for four years he served as a grand
404
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
trustee; lie has Ijccu a nu-mher of the Odd Fellows
for over a quarter of a century and now is the pianist
of the Oak Park Lodge. He is very fond of music
and has composed a number of pieces for bands; he
was the organizer of the Florin band and led it for
four years, and has been an instructor on wind instru-
ments for many years. In politics he is a Republican
and has always worked for the candidates of that
party. He likes Sacramento County better than any
place he has seen in his travels and is interested in the
development of its resources, building homes for the
people and subdividing an eighty-acre ranch at Florin
into small tracts and selling them to home-makers;
and he still owns several valuable lots which he in-
tends to improve.
JOHN EHRHARDT.— It is interesting to chron-
icle the life history of the pioneer, the man who in
his prime entered the wilderness and claimed the
virgin soil as his heritage, and did not hesitate to en-
dure great hardships and privations that the coming
generations might enjoy the present-day civilization.
Such a man is the venerable old pioneer John Ehr-
hardt, who was born in Hesse-Kassel, Germany, on
October 8, 1837, a son of John and Dorothy (Ger-
hardt) Ehrhardt. His father was a shepherd; and
one fall, while thus employed with a neighbor, he
discovered a fox in a tree, which they caught. It
proved to be a silver-tail fox, and Mr. Ehrhardt, as
an honest man, paid his friend a liberal half for his
share in the hide, intending to use it for comfort and
wear. But his friend unwittingly had told of the
capture; and as the laws of the country compelled
anyone obtaining a fox-pelt to deliver it to the cus-
tom-house, another friend informed Mr. Ehrhardt
just in time, and by taking a short cut he beat the
officers to the custom-house and saved himself a term
of imprisonment for violating a law preventing people
from enjoying the fruit of their labor. Although he
was paid a pittance of about $1.75 for the fur, the
thought of the injustice rankled in his mind; and he
stated to his son that he would take him to a country
where he could be a free man. So this incident un-
doubtedly changed the whole course of young John's
future life. The mother having passed away in Ger-
many in 1848, in 18S0 the father brought his sons
John, Henry and George, and a daughter, Mary, to
Baltimore, Md., and soon afterwards to Missouri; and
in 1852, with his son John, he crossed the plains, driv-
ing a band of 7,000 sheep. After wintering them in
Ogden, Utah, he brought them on through to Shel-
don, Sacramento County, where he sold them. He re-
turned again to Missouri, but young John chose to
remain in California, where he made his own way by
herding sheep. He had had much experience in this
line of work, for as a boy of only fifteen years he
had done a man's work while crossing the plains,
assisting in bringing a large band of sheep into the
Sacramento Valley. While making this trip he was
fortunate in meeting the famous scout and hunter
Kit Carson on the Platte River, and in 1853 he met
him again in Slough House, whither he had come
with a band of sheep from Mexico. This fortunate
meeting in 1853 took i)lacc soon after they had arrived
from the East and while they were making their
headquarters at Slough House. Kit Carson gave
young John two Mexican sheep-dogs, which he after-
wards possessed for many years, and w^hich proved
very valuable dogs.
John Ehrhardt had received a good elementary edu-
cation in Germany, and after his arrival in America
he studied by himself and by diligence soon learned to
read, write, and speak English; and this private
reading he ha^ continued, so that today he is a well-
informed and well-posted man. On being thrown on
his own resources in California, he lost no time, but
worked steadily; and saving his money, he was soon
able to engage in sheep-raising on his own account,
succeeding so well that by 1860 he sold his flocks and
started raising cattle, making his headquarters on
Union Mound, in the tules, eight miles south of
Franklin. He purchased land and continued in busi-
ness there for twenty years, and then sold and pur-
chased an 800-acre ranch from John Whitcomb, at
Twelve-Mile House, where he has had his headquar-
ters ever since. As early as 1871, Mr. Ehrhardt drove
his cattle to Modoc County. He purchased a section
of land in Surprise Valley, an ideal place, where he
ran cattle for many years, engaging in raising, buying
and driving cattle to the Sacramento and San Fran-
cisco markets, mostly to the latter place. His years
of experience and his good judgment of cattle stood
him in good stead, and he was very successful, his
brand (J E, connected or separate) being well-known
all over the state. In early days he ran a dairy,
when it required much time and labor to care for the
milk. In those days the milk had to be panned and
skimmed and the pans washed and scalded; the cream
was churned by hand, and the butter, after being
thoroughly worked by hand and made into rolls,
only brought from ten to fifteen cents a pound. In
spite of this, he persevered, until in time his herds of
cattle had grown to such an extent that he gave up
dairying and devoted his time to cattle-raising and
farming, raising Durham cattle and grain on his
800-acre ranch. At one time he owned 2,000 acres in
the tules, but after many years he disposed of his
holdings. In 1907 he sold his Modoc County ranch,
and soon afterwards gave his sons each a portion
of the home ranch, retaining 375 acres, which, as he
sa\'S, he keeps as a "nest egg." This he still super-
intends and farms, raising grain and cattle.
In Stockton, in 1865, Mr. Ehrhardt was married
to Miss Caroline Holman, who was born in Chile,
South America, a daughter of William Holman, born
in Peekskill, N. Y., a miller and millwright by trade.
Going to Chile, he built a mill, and later purchased
it, and ran it till 1849, when he came to California on
account of the discovery of gold. His wife was Ellen
McCary, born in Scotland; and they had four children
when they arrived in San Francisco in 1849. There
he started to build a mill on property he had pur-
chased; but he died six months after his arrival, a
sad blow to the family. Some years later the widow
married Marcus Lowell, and the family came to Sac-
ramento; so it happened that Mrs. Ehrhardt was edu-
cated in the schools of San Francisco and Sacramen-
to. Obtaining a teacher's certificate, she taught
school until her marriage. The union proved a happy
one. A lady of culture and refinement, she presided
competently over her household; and she exerted a
wide influence for good and was much loved by all
who knew her. She was called by death in March,
1920, at the age of seventy-two years. The union
of Mr. and Mrs. Ehrhardt was blessed with eight
children: George Edward, deceased; Frederick Will-
iam, who reclaimed 7,000 acres of tule land, now a
garden-spot, and now lives retired in Sacramento;
^^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
407
Henry Lester, living in Elk Grove; William Gardner,
a rancher at Franklin; John Amos, a rancher near
Elk Grove; Elvesta, familiarly called Bessie by all
who know her, now the wife of John A. Jamieson,
residing in Sacramento; Newton Julius, a rancher
near the capital city; and Nellie, the wife of Dr. Ed-
ward King, of Detroit, Mich.
Mr. Ehrhardt, while still superintending his ranch,
makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Jamieson,
who ministers to his comfort. He is wonderfully
well-preserved and has a keen and retentive memory;
and it is interesting to hear him relate incidents of
the early days. He tells how, during the days of
the Civil War, he and his brother and neighbors, all
Union men, kept a flag floating over Union Island,
from 1860 to 1865, which gave the place its name; and
how he and his comrades, headed by Mr. Boyd, placed
the Stars and Stripes over the door leading to the
election room in 1860, and saw that it remained there
in spite of threats that it would be torn down. He
knew the early pioneers, many of whom afterwards
became prominent in railroad construction and in the
business and political life of the state. He knew
Terry and Broderick, and other celebrated men of
that day. He went through the various floods, and
has made the journey from Union Mound to the Cen-
tral House on Eighth Street, Sacramento, all the way
rowing in a skiff, and landing in the top story of the
hotel. In 1860 he took a trip East via the Isthmus
of Panama, and it was then that his enthusiasm for
the preservation of the Union w-as renewed and
strengthened so that when he returned he saw what
was coming and realized the necessity for loyal men
to stand together; and casting his first vote for Lin-
coln, he stood nobly for the LTnion and was glad
to back up a leader in the community like Mr. Boyd,
and has since never wavered in his support of the
politics of Washington and Lincoln. Mr. Ehrhardt
is a member of Elk Grove Lodge, No. 274, I. O. O. F.
JESSE O. TOBEY.— An experienced executive
having much to do with the public, who appreciate
both his personality and ability, is Jesse O. Tobey, the
division superintendent of the Pacific Gas & Electric
Company, of Sacramento. He was born at Atkins,
Ark., on September 9, 1881, the son of Ellis and Mollie
(Talkington) Tobey, who came to Monterey County
in 1887, the year of the great boom, particularly in
southern California, and are living today, honored as
pioneers who helped make California the Golden.
They were broad-minded and progressive; and thus
it happened that Jesse Tobey enjoyed the advantages
of good schooling in the grammar grades, and the
high school of Parkville, from which he was duly
graduated with honors.
Taking up a business career, Jesse O. Tobey was in
the mercantile trade until 1901, when he entered Van-
der Naillen's Engineering School, of San Francisco,
where he successfully pursued a two-year course.
Then he accepted a position with the Northern Cali-
fornia Power Company, for general line w-ork, and
after that served as superintendent of hydro-electric
plants and canal systems. Then he was employed as
electrical engineer in charge of the Mammoth Copper
Company at Kenneth, in 1906; but he resigned to come
to the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, at San Jose,
as division foreman there, a post he held for two years.
While there, he was also acting superintendent. He
was then, in 1909, transferred to Sacramento as su-
perintendent of the power division; and Ion years later
he was made assistant manager, a position he has
filled with signal ability and satisfaction to everybody.
In 1921 the Sacramento district of the Pacific Gas &
Electric Company was enlarged to cover three former
districts, making a geographic division with head-
quarters at Sacramento, and Mr. Tobej' was made
division superintendent with jurisdiction over the elec-
trical and street railway activities.
Mr. Tobey was married, in 1918, to Miss Stella E.
Doane, of Sacramento. He is a member of Union
Lodge No. S7, F. & A. M., of Sacramento, and an
Elk; and he belongs to the Sutter Club, the Del Paso
Country Club, the Sacramento Rotary Club, and the
Sacramento Chamber of Commerce. He is one of
the original directors of the Capital Building & Loan
Association. In national politics a Republican, Mr.
Tobey is a booster who does not allow narrow par-
tisanship to interfere with his warm support of the
best measures advocated by the majority of his fellow
citizens in the community. He is fond of golf, fish-
ing and hunting.
ERNEST ALBERT GAMMON.— Ernest Albert
Gammon is a native son of Sacramento County, born
on the Gammon ranch near what was then Richland
but now called Hood, Ju'y 18, 1866. His father,
Walter Gamnion, was born at Cumberland, Tenn.
The Gammon family came from England in early
Colonial days, some members of the family settling
in New England, some in Tennessee and others in
Georgia, our subject being descended from the
Southern branch of the family.
Walter Gammon, while in far-off Tennessee, heard
and read of the gold discovery in California; and be-
coming intensely interested, he made the long jour-
ney across the plains in an ox-team train in 1850.
After spending a few months in the mines he came
to Sacramento and very soon afterwards located on
the present Gammon r&nch, then government land.
He obtained title to it and built a residence and
other farm buildings. The residence was built on an
elevation, and during the flood of 1861-1862 three
families were domiciled in the garret of the little
house. Walter Gammon was interested in reclama-
tion from the early days when the levees were built
by man-power and wheelbarrows. He was acci-
dentally drowned on July 2, 1867.
On January 1, 1860, Walter Gammon married Miss
Dell Cook, born in Shiawassee County, Mich., wheie
she was a teacher. She came via the Isthmus of
Panama and taught school in this county until her
marriage. The 3'ear after her husband's untimely
death she was importuned to teach the children; so
she taught about eighty children at her own resi-
dence, and then at the schoolhouse in Richland dis-
trict, only a hundred yards away, continuing for a
year, when she was forced to give up teaching to look
after her affairs and her children. She was success-
ful in her ranching enterprise and lived to be seventy-
seven years of age, passing away in 1907, mourned
by her, family and all who knew her. By her union
with Mr. Gammon she had been blessed with four
children: Charles, a liusiriess man in New York
City; Mrs. May Wheeler of Berkeley; Walter re-
siding in Florida; and Ernest Albert, who was reared
on the home farm.
After completing the local school Ernest Albert
Gammon attended llu- Colorado .V.grionltural Col-
408
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
lege at Fort Collins. Colo., for two years, and then
the Michigan State Agricultural College at Lansing,
Mich. In 1887 he took over the management of the
old home ranch, which he has successfully operated
ever since. As carh' as 1864 or 1865 his father set
out an orchard of pears which is still bearing. Since
then they have gradually set out the balance of the
ranch to orchard and our subject has continued the
development and care, having set and reset the trees
until now the whole Gammon ranch is in fruit. Mr.
Gammon has also bought, improved, and sold several
other ranches in this county as well as in Yolo, So-
lano and Stanislaus Counties. He owns a seventy-
acre ranch off McHenry Avenue, three and one-half
miles from Modesto, devoted to peaches, prunes,
walnuts and grapes.
Mr. Gammon was married on Ryer Island, So-
lano County, in 1880, being united with Miss Ella
Thomas, who was born at French Camp, San Joa-
quin County, a daughter of Jesse Thomas, a native
of Maine, who was a pioneer of California and a
prominent rancher in Solano County. She was edu-
cated at the Rio Vista school and was engaged in
teaching before her marriage. Their union has re-
sulted in the birth of four children: Percy was edu-
cated in Sacramento high. College of the Pacific, St.
Matthew's Military School, and the Agricultural de-
partment of the University of California, and is now a
realtor in Sacramento; Earle, who was educated at
St. Matthew's Military School and the Oregon Ag-
ricultural College, is now superintendent of the
Gammon ranch; Cyril is a graduate of Courtland
high school, and is now attending Stanford Univer-
sity, class of 1925; and the youngest child. Mabel
Alice, is a graduate of Courtland high, and is now at-
tending Mills College.
Mr. Gammon has been deeply interested in the
cause of education, serving as school trustee for
many years. He was one of the original trustees
of Courtland high school district and aided materi-
ally in building it up to its present high standard.
Fraternally, Mr. Gammon is a member of Courtland
Parlor, N. S. G. W., of which he is a past president;
he is also a member of Franklin Camp, Modern
Woodman of America. He is a Republican, with
strong pregressive tendencies. He is prominent in
civic matters, believing a man should give some-
thing to the community and not be a social parasite.
He is a member of the Sacramento Chamber of Com-
merce and a director of its fruit bureau. He was
one of the organizers of the Community Packing
House at Hood, where they now have standard
brands instead of individual brands, it being the most
modern and best-equipped plant of any deciduous
packing house in the state. He is a member of the
California Fruit Exchange, serving on its board of
directors for ten years, half of the time being vice-
president of the board. He is a member and ex-vice-
president and director of the Exchange Club of Sac-
ramento. Mr. Gammon is intensely interested in all
cooperative movements for the marketing of the
farmer's products, believing it is the on'y way to
make a success for the producers. So he is naturally
a member of the California Pear Growers' Associa-
tion, the California Cherry Growers' Association, the
California Milk Producers' Association, and Califor-
nia Cooperative Canneries. Thus in every way he
assists in the upbuilding and development of the com.-
munitj-.
JOHN QUINCY BROWN.— Among the leading
members of the legal profession in Sacramento is
inscribed the name of John Quincy Brown, attorney-
at-law, and commissioner of public works of Sacra-
mento. He was born in Sacramento, his parents
being John Quincy and Anna Mary (Williams)
Brown. The father, John Quincy Brown, served the
city of Sacramento as mayor from 1881 to 1887, and
also filled the position of county recorder, public
adminstrator, levee commissioner and other official
positions which demanded the time and attention of
a conscientious citizen such as he. He was born in
Kentucky in the year 1829, and in 1850 crossed the
plains to California. At the age of twenty-four he
was elected to fill the position of public adminis-
trator, and when twenty-six was elected county re-
corder of Sacramento County. For sixteen years, or
four terms, he served as a member of the board o£
trustees of the Napa State Asylum for the Insane,
a position he was filling at the time of his death,
on December 20. 1892. His father, William B. C.
Brown, grandfather of our subject, was a large
planter in the Blue Grass State, extensively inter-
ested in tobacco growing. A son, William B. Brown,
a younger brother of John Quincy Brown, also came
to California in 1860, and became very prominent in
the state. He served as state comptroller during the
Irwin administration and he was three times Presi-
dential elector on the Democratic ticket. Our subject's
mother was a daughter of Joel Price and Margaret
Williams of Missouri. Joel Price Williams came to
California in the pioneer gold days and was a prom-
inent mining man in the early history of the state.
He came of a very prominent family in Missouri,
members of the family having served in the Indian
wars, and also in the Mexican War. There were
two children in the family of John Quincy and Anna
M. (Williams) Brown: John Quincy Brown of this,
sketch, and a girl who died at the age of six years.
The mother passed away on November 2, 1915. The
father was the first general manager for the Califor-
nia State Board of Trade and was one of the original
twenty-four trustees of Leland Stanford University.
His death in 1892 removed one of California's most
worthy and influential citizens.
Much of the boyhood of our subject was taken up
studying in the city schools of Sacramento, and he
also attended the St. Augustine Episcopal Military
Academy at Benicia and the Golden State Academy
at Oakland. After graduating from the University
of California with the degree of Ph. B., he joined his
father, who was then general manager of the Capital
Gas Company, and acted as assistant manager. Dur-
ing the years he was with the company he served in
different positions. From 1892 to 1897 he was assist-
ant clerk of the board of supervisors in San Fran-
cisco. He was graduated from the Hastings College
of the Law, San Francisco, in 1901. with the LL. B.
degree, and then went to Kansas City, and there re-
mained until 1908. when he returned to Sacramento.
From 1909 to 1914, Mr. Brown served as deputy
district attorney of Sacramento County. In 1917 he
was appointed a member of the civil service commis-
sion of Sacramento and was elected president of the
commission, serving as such until July, 1919. That
year, he was elected commissioner of public works
and on July 1, 1919, was elected president of the city
commission and in this capacity acted as mayor of
Sacramento.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
411
On November 28, 1888, Mr. Brown was united in
marriage with Miss Jessie Brown, a daughter of Dr.
.J. T. Brown, of Independence, Jackson County, Mo.
Two sons have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Brown. Harry Edgar is a graduate of Stanford Uni-
versity, and by profession is an attorney-at-law. He
is now in the general-manager's orders department
of the Southern Pacific Railroad. During the World
War he enlisted in the Grizzlies; later he was trans-
ferred to the Bureau of Information, was sent over-
seas, and served in France and in the Army of Occu-
pation in Germanj' for two years. The younger son,
John Quincy, Jr., graduated from the University of
California in 1918, with the degree of A. B., and
later from the law- department of this university with
the degree of J. D. He is now associated with
J. W. S. Butler, and is United States commissioner
for the northern district of California. He married
Miss Harriett Moreland, the daughter of Bishop
Moreland, of the northern diocese of California. He
was an aviator during the late war, in the hydroplane
service, with the rank of ensign.
Mr. Brown is a Republican in politics; and frater-
nally he is a member of the Sutter Club and the Del
Paso Country Club; while Mrs. Brown is a prominent
member of the Independence Chapter, Daughters of
the American Revolution. Her sister, Mrs. W. L.
Webb, has been state historian of the Daughters of
the American Revolution for the past four years.
Mr. Brown was one of the organizers of the Univer-
sity Club of Sacramento, and served on the board of
governors and as president and treasurer of the club
during the time of its existence. The Universitj' Club
occupied a prominent position in the social life of
Sacramento. It was one of the greatest sufferers of
any like institution on account of the exigencies of
the World War, for nearly all the members either
enlisted or were drafted, excepting only about forty-
two members. When the club v.'as disbanded, its
furniture was presented to the Sacramento Post of
the American Legion for use in their new club rooms.
MRS. GEORGIANA McDERMOTT.— A very in-
teresting old settler, w-ho is herself a native daughter,
is Mrs. Georgiana McDermott, born on Carson Creek,
Eldorado County, California, who comes of a promin-
ent old pioneer familj'. Her father, George Hanlon,
was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1823. He removed
with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Hanlon, to Des
Moines, Iowa, in 1853. George Hanlon, then a young
man, decided to come to the gold diggings in Califor-
nia; so he crossed the plains, coming in an ox-team
train to Sacramento County. He followed teaming to
the mines and mining in Eldorado County, until 1860,
when he located at what is now Mills Station on the
Placerville road in Sacramento County, and there he
purchased land, being very successful in his farming
operations. He added to his ranch until he owned
1,150 acres; and he purchased other lands and owned
three large ranches near Mills, one on the Cosumnes,
another on Deer Creek and one in Eldorado County,
being a leader as a farmer, stockraiser and dairyman.
His demise occurred July 26, 1901, removing from this
sphere one of the most enterprising and progressive
upbuilders of the county. He had married in Ohio in
1844 Miss Mary Cable, who passed on at the home
ranch near Mills August 6, 1883. They were the par-
ents of four children: Georgiana, the subject of this in-
teresting review-; Sarah, Mrs. Swickard, died in Sac-
lamento Decemlier 9, 1921; Mrs. Catherine Baker, died
January 23, 1901; and John J., died July 23, 1886.
Georgiana is the only one now living of this family.
She spent her girlhood on the home ranch at Mills
Station, and being fond of the great outdoors, she
rode horseback, assisted in the home and attended
the Kinney school. On May 1, 1873, occurred her
marriage to John McDermott, the ceremony occurring
in Sacramento. He was born at Manayunk, Pa., Feb-
ruary 7, 1847, where he attended the public school until
he volunteered his services for the Civil War, enlisting
March 22, 1862, when only fifteen years of age in Com-
pany A, 81st Pennsylvania Regiment, to serve for
three years, but on November 28, 1862, was honorably
discharged on account of physical disability. On July
11, 1864, he again enlisted, this time in Company L,
192nd Pennsylvania Regiment, for 100 days, serving
as sergeant until he was mustered out in November,
1864. Soon after the close of the war he came to
California and engaged in ranching. After their mar-
riage they engaged in farming one of the George
Hanlon ranches, continuing at ranching until his
death, on July 21, 1919. He was a member of the
G. A. R., the Odd Fellows, and the Veteran Odd
Fellows, having been a member of the order for
forty-four years.
Mr. and Mrs. McDermott had been blessed with
seven children: Mrs. Mary Schulze died August 11,
1917, leaving two children, Melvin and Elmer, both re-
siding with their Grandmother McDermott; Clara is
Mrs. Keogel, of Blue Canyon; James is farming in
North Sacramento; Mrs. Ethel Sma'lholz resides in
Pittsburg and has a son, Melville; Lealand, while
hunting with a companion, was accidentally killed
w-hen a lad of fourteen; George H. is dead,; and Mrs.
Annie Lairdson lives at Mills.
Mrs. McDermott still owns her tw-o ranches of 372
and eighteen acres, respectively, located at Mills Sta-
tion, which she rents, and they are devoted to grain-
raising, while she makes her home in Sacramento.
She is a member of Capital City Rebekah Lodge No.
160, as well as of the Woman's Relief Corps, and the
Women and Girl Workers of the Civil War. Poli-
tically she is a stanch Republican.
JEROME STARKEY.— A live-wire in the field
of California transportation is Jerome Starkey, the
eiScient and accommodating president of the Coun-
try Movers' Exchange Bureau at Sacramento. He
was born in San Joaquin County, on May 6, 1883,
the son of George Washington and Amanda (Law--
son) Starkey, who came here in 1880 and at once
engaged in farming near San Ramon. These w-orthy
people did their full part in helping to cope with
pioneer conditions and to develop the resources of
the district in which they had settled. Both are still
living.
Jerome Starkey attended the excel'ent California
schools, and meanwhile made himseli very useful
around the home place. He also became a newsboy
in the city of Sacramento, and later took up loco-
motive firing for the Southern Pacific Company,
which he follow-ed faithfully for five years. His
exceptional ability was early recognized, and after
a thorough apprenticeship he was promoted to be
412
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
a locomotive engineer, and followed that line of work
with equal fidelity for six years.
After that Mr. Starkcy took up cattle-raising, in
Siskiyou County. On selling out his interests he
removed to Sacramento and entered the local trans-
portation field, responding to the need of the hour
for more and better transfer facilities. He already
had experience in this line; and possessing good
powers of observation, he foresaw in it a promising
field of endeavor, that must prove increasingly re-
munerative with the settling and expansion of town
and county. The soundness of his judgment has
been demonstrated in the growth of his business; and
he now keeps several trucks and men busily engaged
exclusively in the transfer of household furnishings
and in long-distance hauling. His vans are always
ready to "go anywhere," and also ready at all hours
of the day and night for special emergencies. He
has a roomy, well-built and very safe storage ware-
house under construction to supplement the one
already in use, located at Sixth and Seventh and R
and S Streets in Sacramento. The main office, from
which all business is transacted, is located at 1010
Sixth Street.
In December, 1922, Mr. Starkcy introduced an
innovation in the means of transporting household
goods by the building of special box-car vans, ade-
quately padded on ends, sides and roof, and placed
on trailers set low to the ground, so that they can
be loaded with dispatch, without having to lift the
heavy goods from curb to the high wagon bed of
the usual furniture truck. These vans can be loaded
either from the end or from the side, doors opening
so that one van can be stopped opposite another; or,
when space in the street is narrow, the van can be
loaded standing with its side against the curb.
These vans are transported by a Fordson tractor, an
engineer or chauffeur being employed, who is always
on call by telephone from the main office. Two
men accompany each van to load and unload as
required. The van is hauled to the place where
ordered and is then uncoupled, automatic couplers
being used on all vehicles, and then the driver goes
about other business until called to take the loaded
van to the place where it is to be unloaded. Here
he again uncouples and goes about other business.
Since introducing these vans in Sacramento, Mr.
Starkey has reduced the cost of moving goods over
30 per cent, while his increase in business amounted
to over 400 per cent in the first two months of oper-
ating. These vans were constructed under the per-
sonal direction of Mr. Starkey, in his own warehouse,
and letters of patent have been applied for on this
particular style of vehicle. The cost of moving has
been reduced to a science, and this reduction has been
passed along to the customer in lower rates for serv-
ices rendered.
Mr. Starkey's experience as a locomotive engineer
has been of inestimable value to him in his mechani-
cal work. He is now working on a detachable drive-
shaft, making connection at drive-worm of truck and
connecting with front wheels of trailer, equipped with
differential mechanism the same as an ordinary motor
truck, to utilize the power developed by the motor,
and in this more efficient manner making a four-wheel
drive unit out of the truck and trailer, thus creating
economies incidental thereto, carefully worked out by
the inventor. This particular piece of mechanism
seems destined to revolutionize truck transportation,
and -has already resulted in very considerable econo-
mies.
Mr. Starkey is deeply interested in the develop-
ment of Sacramento County, and in the industrial
growth of his home city. In national political affairs
he endorses the platforms of the Republican party,
which he believes make for commercial and industrial
prosperity.
Mr. Starkey was married in Dunsmuir, on Decem-
ber 23, 1903, to Miss Marie Clausnitzer, of that city;
and their union has been blessed with the birth of one
child, a daughter named Verna, a graduate from the
Sacramento high school and now a student at Heald's
Business College. Mr. Starkey belongs to the Knights
of Pythias Lodge. He was one of five to organize
the Sacramento Draymen's Association, now Coast-
wide in its operations, and was one of the first direc-
tors. He is public-spirited in all things, and he has
made a name and a place for himself through his
own efforts.
WILLIAM STEPHEN KINGSBURY.— A prom-
inent public official whose wide and valuable prac-
tical experience, together with his exceptional train-
ing, has contributed to bring him to the front, is Wil-
liam Stephen Kingsbury, who was born at Oakland,
Cal., on August 3, 1870, the same year in which
Joaquin Miller went to Europe, preparatory to his
making Oakland his permanent home. The father,
William Van Horn Kingsbury, was a pioneer who
came to California, via Panama, in 1852, and tried his
fortune in the mines. He married Miss Lucy Clem-
entine Keyes, who is still living, the center of a circle
of devoted friends.
William Kingsbury attended the public school, and
pursued technical courses while also enjoying valua-
ble practice as a civil engineer. He entered the city
engineer's office in Los Angeles, becoming chief
deputy and later acting city engineer, continuing
there for twelve years in all. At the Santa Cruz
Republican Convention, in 1906, he was nominated
on the Republican ticket as candidate for surveyor
general, and in the fall of that year was elected sur-
veyor general of California. He has since been re-
elected to that responsible post in 1910, 1914, 1918
and 1922, his support at the hands of his fellow-
citizens, who have had every opportunity to know his
record, being the most unqualified and most compli-
mentary endorsement a man could wish. In national
politics a Republican, and a member of Los Angeles
Parlor 45, N. S. G. W., General Kingsbury has always
endeavored to serve the state well, deeming it not
only a patriotic duty but a privilege to be highly
appreciated.
General Kingsbury was married in Los Angeles, in
1901, to Miss Bertha B. Kane, a native of Iowa, and
the daughter of Albert E. and Anna (Rickey) Kane.
A son, William Stephen Kingsbury, Jr., has blessed
the union, and also a younger son, John, and a daugh-
ter, Kathleen. General Kingsbury is both a Knight
Templar and a Scottish Rite Mason and also a mem-
ber of Al Malaikah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Los An-
geles, and of Los Angeles Lodge No. 99, B. P. O. E.
He is especially well regarded among his fellow pro-
fessional men, who fully appreciate the honest and
able administration by him of his busy and difficult
office.
HISTORY OF SACRAAIENTO COUNTY
415
ANDREW JOHNSON.— One of the most popular
and enterprising business men in Sacramento County
was the late Andrew Johnson, who was born near
Trondhjem, Maj' 29, 1859. He came to America and
located in Sacramento County in the fall of 1883,
where he followed farming. Later on he took into
partnership his brother, C. A. Johnson; and as they
prospered the\' rented larger areas, farming a large
tract of the Haggin Grant and raising grain on a
large scale. Meantime, in 1899, he purchased the
ranch of 800 acres near Franklin, where he made his
home, continuing, however, to farm on a large scale
on leased land. In 1912 they gave up farming the
Haggin lands; and in 1913, with his brother, he pur-
chased the Altucker ranch of 1,007 acres on the Cos-
umnes. The brothers devoted their ranches to raising
grain and alfalfa and to dairying, and also to viticul-
ture, developing an excellent and well-kept vineyard.
Mr. Johnson was actively engaged in looking after
his afifairs until his death, which occurred on July 22,
1921.
In Sacramento, on November 19, 1906, Andrew
Johnson was married to Ragnhild Sandstad, born at
Copenhagen, Denmark. Her father. Dr. Thoralf
Sandstad, born near Trondhjem, Norway, was a
graduate veterinary surgeon from the King's Veter-
inary College in Copenhagen. During his college
course he was married to Matilda Larsen, a native of
Copenhagen, of a prominent old Danish family, whose
brother, Gen. Lauritz Peter Larsen, was a general
of infantry in the Danish army. Dr. Sandstad, soon
after his graduation, returned to Norway, serving as
government veterinary surgeon of his home district,
a position he still holds, at the same time being en-
gaged in the general practice of his profession — a
hale and hearty man at the age of seventj'-two years.
His wife passed on about 1908, leaving six children:
Ragnhild, Mrs. Johnson; Ingeborg, who died at
twenty years of age; Hakon, assisting Mrs. Johnson;
Astrid, Mrs. Gundtwedt, who lives in Norway;
Einar, a farmer at Hood; and Alf, also assisting his
sister, Mrs. Johnson. Ragnhild Sandstad was edu-
cated in a private school. She had an uncle, Knut
Sandstad, living at Lincoln, Cal.. whom she came to
visit, making the journey hither in 1906, and it was
here she met and married Mr. Johnson.
Andrew Johnson was a very prominent man in
community affairs, being a stockholder in the Mutual
Telephone Company', and a member of the Grange,
the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, Northern
California Milk Producers' Association, and Cali-
fornia Grape Growers' Exchange. He was one of the
founders and a prime mover in organizing the Elk
Grove Vineyard Association, and was its president
and manager until his death. He was also one of the
founders and a director of the Bank of Elk Grove.
He was a man of good business judgment, and very
progressive and liberal. A man of pleasing person-
alit}- and a fine musician, being an excellent organist,
pianist and violinist, he often contributed to the
pleasure of his friends, who enjoyed his rendition
of instrumental music. The following resolution of
regret was sent to Mrs. Johnson on January 10, 1922,
by E. M. Sheehan, of the executive committee of
the Grape Growers' Association:
"At the annual meeting of the Grape Growers' As-
sociation, it became my esteemed privilege and dutj'
to express to you, in a feeble way, in behalf of all of
our membership, the very sincere sorrow and very
great loss brought to our organization by the passing
of our fellow-member and director, Mr. Andrew
Johnson.
"We knew him as a man of few words, of high and
sterling character, unimpeachable integrity, lovalty
to his friends, justice to those who differed, fidelity
in all good causes, honest in his dealings with his
business associates; in short, a man among men and
a worthy and loving husband and father.
"Such men are missed when called from the as-
sociation of hundreds of personal friends; and if that
be granted, how much more must he be mourned
by his own family and near and dear neighbors, who
have known him so intimately over a period of many
years.
"E. M. Sheehan."
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson's union was blessed with
four children: Helen, Doris, Andrew, and Frances.
By a former union, Mr. Johnson had six children:
.Mbert, Carl, Anna, Frank, Susie, and Aagot.
Since Mr. Johnson's death, Mrs. Johnson has con-
tinued to reside on the ranch, looking after the afTairs
left by her esteemed husband.
C. A. JOHNSON. — A successful and enterprising
rancher, who has been a resident of California since
1885, is C. A. Johnson, who was born in Trondhjems
Stift, Norway, where he was reared on his father's
farm and received his education in the excellent
schools for which Norway is noted. W^hen eighteen
years of age he decided to come to America; so in
1883 we find him in Kandiyohi Count}', Minn. After
remaining in that state for two years, he came to
California, in 1885, locating in Sacramento County.
Soon after, with his brother Andrew, he engaged in
grain-raising, farming about 3,000 acres of the Hag-
gin ranch from 1888 till 1912, operating this one place
all these 3'ears and meeting with good success. They
had purchased a ranch near Franklin, where his
brother Andrew resided; and in 1913 they purchased
the old Altucker ranch of 1,007 acres on the Cos-
umnes River, to which place he moved and which he
has since made his home. Aside from raising grain,
he is growing alfalfa, having installed a pumping-
plant for irrigation. In operating his place he uses
both teams and tractors for motive power. He has
a well-equipped dairy of seventy excellent Holstein
milch-cows.
In 1899, Mr. Johnson made a trip back to his old
home; and in Trondhjem, on March 28, of that year,
he was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte
Spechmann, who was a native of Trondhjem, a
daughter of Valdmar and Nicholena Spechmann. Her
father was a business man in his locality. He passed
away when Charlotte was a small child. When five
years of age she came with her mother to Brooklyn.
N. Y., and later they lived in New York City; and
she attended school in both of these places. In 1878
they returned to Trondhjem, where she completed
her education.
After his marriage, Mr. Johnson brought his bride
to Sacramento County and resumed his farming
operations, in which he has been very successful.
.Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are liberal and kind-hearted
and have a pleasing personality, their generous hos-
pitality being much appreciated by their numerous
friends, who esteem them very highly for their many
416
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
virtues and worthy attributes of mind and heart.
Mrs. Johnson is a member of Bethel Lutheran
Church, in North Sacramento.
THOMAS M. KELLY.— To the well-directed ef-
forts of Thomas M. Kelly, who until recently was
manager of the Rucker-Fuller Desk Company of
Sacramento, is due a large share of the prosperity
of this company and its favorable standing with the
public. Mr. Kelly is a native son, born in the capital
city on June LS, 1899, a son of Edward E. and Cath-
erine (Barry) Kelly. Edward Kelly settled in Sac-
ramento in 1890, and for many years was a city em-
ploye. Both parents are Hving in Sacramento.
Thomas M. Kelly received his education in the
parochial and high schools of Sacramento. Immedi-
ately following his graduation from high school he
became an employe of Henderson-Longton Company
where he was employed for a year and a half; and
thereafter he tried the real estate business for six
months. During the World War, he enlisted with
the college unit for officers' training, and after his
discharge took a position with the Wood-Curtis Com-
pany for one year. Li 1919 he was put in charge of
the Sacramento branch of the C. W. Smith Company;
and when the Rucker-Fuller Company purchased the
C. W. Smith Company, Mr. Kelly was made manager
of the Sacramento branch. This company deals in
all kinds of office furniture and supplies, and under
the able management of Mr. Kelly did a fine business.
When the Auburn Savings Bank opened up its branch
at Newcastle, Mr. Kelly accepted a position there
as assistant cashier; and in consequence he and his
wife are now residing at the Lang Apartments at
Newcastle.
The marriage of Mr. Kelly united him with Miss
Eva Rogers, of Newcastle, Cal. In politics Mr. Kelly
is a Democrat; and fraternally he belongs to the Elks
and to the Sacramento Parlor of the Native Sons of
the Golden West.
MRS. VALLA E. PARKINSON.— Prominent
among the relatively few, but for that reason all the
more interesting and important women who have
conferred distinction upon the Bar of California, is
Mrs. Valla E. Parkinson, practicing attorney, with
offices in the Forum Building, Sacramento. Born
near Firebaugh, Fresno County, she was the daugh-
ter of Harrison Rich and his good wife, Jeanette
(McCoy) Rich, successful fruit-growers, who were
early settlers and are still living to tell the tale of
their pioneer days.
Valla Rich attended the grammar and high schools
in Santa Cruz County, and in 1911 was married to
Wilbur Parkinson. Thereafter she studied law in a
law office in Sacramento, and on February 16, 1914,
was adm.itted to practice in the courts of California;
and since then she has practiced here continuously.
She has also been admitted to practice in the Federal
courts of the state.
Mrs. Parkinson was the first lady attorney admitted
to practice in the Sacramento courts. She is the only
woman member of the Sacramento County Bar Asso-
ciation, and she is also a member of the American
Bar Association. During the World War she was
one of the four-minute speakers, was a member of
the advisory council, and took an active part in the
Liberty-Loan, Red-Cross, and other war drives. She
is a member of the Sacramento Chamber of Com-
merce and one of the vice-presidents of the Woman's
Bureau of the same. Fraternally, she is a member
of the Rebekahs and of the Native Daughters of the
Golden West, being a past president of Colomo Par-
lor No. 212, Sacramento; and she is also a member
of the Sacramento Business Women's Club.
Sacramento is justly proud of Mrs. Parkinson,
whose influential life and substantial accomplishments
worthily represent the many women of worth and
note in the city and county.
JOHN C. RYAN.— One of the Argonauts who
came to California in early days, tried their hand at
mining, and then settled down to help in the up-
building of the new state, was John C. Ryan, a native
of Ireland, born in 1825. When still a youth, in
1843, he made the then long ocean voyage to the
United States, locating in Lowell, Mass. In 1848 he
went to New Orleans, and thence to Memphis, Tenn.,
and finally, in 1852, crossed the plains to California,
arriving in Hangtown, now Placerville, August 1,
1852, and for two years tried his luck at mining in
that region. The young pioneer decided, however,
that he would not follow mining as a steady occupa-
tion, and he became the first brick-maker of Sacra-
mento, settling in that city in 1854, and was there
interested in a large brick-yard on L Street, a mem-
ber of the firm of Callahan & Ryan, brick manufactur-
ers. Mr. Callahan died in the seventies and then the
firm name became John C. Ryan, and later he became
interested in street- and road-building and general
contracting. Many of the brick buildings now stand-
ing in the city were built of brick furnished by this
firm, among them the Odd Fellows' Building, and
many other landmarks, attesting to the durability of
the building brick made in this pioneer yard. The
firm also obtained the contract and built the Western
Pacific Railway via Livermore to San Francisco, the
first line to San Francisco in that early day.
Mr. Ryan was a very active man, interested in all
that was going forward to add to the resources of his
home city and surroundings; he was a member of the
board of trustees of Sacramento, and served two
years as superintendent of streets. During this time
he was instrumental in bettering street conditions in
the comparatively new city, and used his knowledge
of construction to good advantage in this work,
which means so much to the advancement of any
town. He owned a block of land on I Street, which
is now built up with residences, and the old family
residence, built in 1878 by Mr. Ryan, still stands on
that street.
The marriage of Mr. Ryan, in June, 1856, united
him with Maria Lyons, also a native of Ireland, and
eight children were born to this pioneer couple: Hon.
Frank D., a prominent attorney, now deceased;
Henry L., now deceased; Leonard; Agnes; Rose,
wife of Charles S. Derham of San Francisco; Mrs.
P. J. Harney; Mrs. Jas. Strachan; and Blanche, a
teacher in the William Land school of Sacramento.
The death of this honored pioneer occurred in 1905,
after a life of good works which left an untarnished
name to his descendants, who carry on family tradi-
tions started by a young couple who came out to the
new state and reared a family amid pioneer condi-
tions. The good wife's death occurred in 1912.
(Mc^it^
LA^i^i-'P^^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
419
MRS. ELIZABETH NOBLE.— A native daughter
of Sacramento County who has been prominently
identified with the district of her birth all her life is
Mrs. Elizabeth Noble, the youngest child of well-
known pioneer settlers of this county, William Henry
and Elizabeth (Zumwalt) Young, the former born at
Lincoln, Benton County, Mo.. March 10, 1818, and the
latter born at St. Charles, Mo., March 11, 1818. At-
tracted to the West by the excitement resulting from
the discovery of gold, William Henry Young crossed
the plains with his family in the summer of 1852.
Unlike many of the newcomers, he did not try his for-
tune in the gold mines but engaged in agriculture as a
permanent means of livelihood. Settling three miles
from the present site of Gait, he took up a quarter-
section of land on Dry Creek. This was in its virgin
state, not a furrow having been turned in the soil,
and his was the difficult task of making the land pro-
ductive. He became extensively interested in raising
grain, as well as cattle and hogs, and eventually
accumulated an estate of 1,100 acres, becoming one of
the most influential ranchers of the county. The
names of the twelve children born to this worthy
pioneer couple, with the dates of their birth, follov\-:
William, November 25, 1838; Vernety, August 3, 1841;
Henry, April 22, 1843; Leander J., August 3, 1846;
Mary Ann, January 2, 1848; Christopher Columbus,
January 25, 1850; Marion Francis, May 2, 1852; Cali-
fornia Amador, January 1, 1855, born at Sutter Creek,
Amador County; Daniel Boone, September 4, 1856,
named for the famous hunter, who was a direct ances-
tor of the family; Lafayette, February 2, 1859; Beaure-
gard, August 11, 1861; Elizabeth, of this sketch,
March 4, 1864. William Henry Young passed away
February 18, 1883, his wife surviving him until Mav
5, 1895."
Elizabeth Young was born at the old homestead
in Dry Creek Township, Sacramento County, and at-
tended the schools at Gait, but discontinued her
studies w-hen only sixteen to assume the responsibili-
ties of a home of her own, her marriage to George W^.
Noble occurring on September 30, 1880. Mr. Noble
was born near Oquawka, Henderson County, 111.,
January 19, 1852, a descendant of colonial Virginian
ancestry on the paternal side and of substantial
Easterners through the maternal lineage. His parents
were George W. and Julia Ann (Moorhead) Noble,
the former born in Virginia and the latter in Ohio,
w'ho both passed away at Oquawka, where Mr. Noble
had been one of the very earliest Settlers, coming
there from his Virginia home when only eighteen,
and in time becoming a prominent farmer of that sec-
tion. His son, George W. Noble, Mrs. Elizabeth
Noble's husband, started out for himself at the age of
eighteen, and went to Jackson County, Kans., where
he spent three years in farm pursuits. Returning to
Illinois, he spent one year on a farm near Oquawka
and then, in 1875, came to Gait, Cal., where he fol-
lowed the carpenter's trade for a time and also helped
build the lone Railroad. Later he opened a barber
shop at Gait, which he conducted for many years.
Meanwhile he became interested in ranching, and for
twelve years he operated a farm of 250 acres, placing
the land under a high state of cultivation and main-
taining an equipment both modern and extensive. In
all his activities he was fortunate in having the hearty
cooperation of his capable wife, and not a little of his
success may be attributed to her sagacious counsel and
energetic assistance. After retiring from the farm,
Mr. Noble reopened his barber shop and conducted it
until 1918, when a severe attack of influenza impaired
his health, in consequence of which he has since
been retired from active business life. Mrs. Noble is
the owner of a fine farm of 246 acres east of Gait
which she inherited from her father, and here her son-
in-law conducts a dairy.
Mr. and Mrs. Noble are the parents of two children.
William Henry resides in Sacramento and has two
children: Everett and Howard. Violet Attella mar-
ried A. R. Beckwith, and they reside on Mrs. Noble's
ranch near Gait; they are the parents of two children:
Chester R. and Grace E. Mrs. Noble is prominent
in the activities of the Woman's Relief Corps, her
brother William having been a veteran of the Civil
War. She is a past noble grand and past district
deputy of the Rebekahs and past worthy matron of the
Eastern Star, her father having been a thirty-second-
degree Mason. The friendship of a large circle of
acquaintances indicates the sterling worth of herself
and her husband, both of whom possess the good-will
and warm regard of the entire community.
MRS. MARY J. GREEN.— Mrs. Mary J. Green,
nee Mary J. Thisby, is a native of Andrus Island in
Sacramento County, and the daughter of George and
Rebecca (Elliot) Thisby. Her father was a native of
Scarborough, England, where he was born in 1828,
while her mother was a native of Ireland. George
Thisby was six months old when his parents came out
to Canada, and there they lived until 1837. Then they
crossed the line into the United States and Wiscon-
sin, and remained there until 1845, when they removed
to New Orleans, and engaged in steamboating until
1852.
In that year, George Thisby came West to Cali-
fornia, and for a while he tried his luck at mining in
Grass Valley, and then went into Santa Cruz County,
where he remained until 1855. He then settled on
Tyler Island at a point forty-one miles below Sacra-
mento and engaged in farming. He lived there for
a number of years, and also ran a fruit and vegetable
boat to San Francisco for years. Then he purchased
the place now owned by Mrs. Green's brother,
George, consisting of 200 acres and devoted to the
raising of fruit and asparagus.
Mary J. Thisby was the only girl in a family of six
children. Henry died on December S, 1891, at the age
of twenty-one; and he was the eldest. George was
born after Mary, and is now on the old home place.
William J. was drowned, on May 1, 1918, when forty-
two and a half years old. Robert Francis is also de-
ceased, having passed away on April 23, 1916, at the
age of thirty-eight. Leonard, the youngest born, died
on December 4, 1914. It is a strange circumstance that
those who have departed this life from this family
have met death by accident. George Thisby's horses
ran away, and he was thrown out of his wagon and
killed in 1880. Leonard, while undersherifl of Sacra-
mento County, dropped his revolver, and his own bul-
let proved fatal. Mrs. George Thisby was sixty-five
years old on August 5, 1908, when she died in Sacra-
mento. She was married on September 8, 1869. Mr.
Thisby set out the fruit orchard and vineyard, and the
extensive vegetable gardens. He died on September
25, 1880.
Mary Thisby attended the Georgiana and the Wal-
nut Grove district schools, and then went to Mills
Seminary at Oakland for five months, and finished at
Irving's Institute in San Francisco. She was mar-
ried, on April 18. 1894, at her home, to Joseph E.
420
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Green, who was born on the ranch where the subject
now Hves one and one-half miles north of Courtland,
on November 30, 1864, the son of Joseph Green and
his good wife, Theresa Koch. Joseph Green, Sr., was
a native of the Rhine Province, Germany. He came
over to New York at the age of eighteen, remained
there for five j'ears, and in 1851 came out to CaH-
fornia and mined gold. He then bought a farm one
and one-half miles north of Courtland, consisting of
196 acres. In 1860 he married Theresa Koch, also a
native of Germany. He had two children, a son, the
husband of our subject, and Mary, who is Mrs. Cow-
ing, of Alameda. Joseph Green was very enterprising,
and he had one of the neatest ranches in Sacramento
County, which was devoted to a large variety of fruit.
He had reached a good old age when he died in 1894;
his good wife passed away when the children were
young.
Joseph E. Green was educated at the Richland
school, in Sacramento County, and at the McClure
Military Academy, in Oakland, and when through
with his school-books, he remained at home and
helped to run the farm. He finally acquired title to
this ranch when his father died, while his sister in-
herited the ranch on Grand Island. The elder Joseph
Green used to have a dairy in early days, but he gave
this up after a few years, and devoted this ranch
entirely to fruit. After our subject and her husband
came onto the place, they reestablished the dairy, and
had about thirty head of cattle. When her husband
died, Mrs. Green sold the dairy herd, and the land
was set to vineyard, but will now be set to Philip
cling peaches. The year they were married, Joseph
E. Green purchased 333 acres on Grand Island below
Ryde from Dennis Leary. He sold six acres to the
Libby, McNeil & Libby Company, as a site on which
to erect an asparagus cannery. Mrs. Green still has
the Grand Island ranch, and she and her son are
devoting it to pears, beans and asparagus.
Joseph E. Green also bought two other parcels of
land, one of twenty-six acres, from G. B. Greene, on
the Sacramento River, and Joseph E. Green built a
landing, for the loading of the ranchers' fruit onto the
river boats. The other parcel of land, thirty-six acres,
is known as the Freeman tract, and joins the home
place on the rear. This is being put into asparagus,
while formerly it was barley and hay land. Mr. Green
also purchased 160 acres of dairy farm from John
Herzog, and this is also in the estate today. The dairy
was sold in 1922, and the ranch is being leveled up,
and set out to vineyard and to peaches for canning.
Mr. Green passed away, on December 16, 1915, aged
fifty-one years, one of the most esteemed, and one of
the most mourned men of his generation and locality.
After his death, Mrs. Green purchased 1,600 acres
of cattle-range thirteen miles west of Arbuckle, and
there her youngest son now runs stock. She has three
children. Georgia Frances has become the wife of
Nelson E. Dean of Courtland, a farmer, and she
has one son, six years old, named Nelson E. Dean, Jr.
Joseph E. Green, Jr., resides at the old home place,
with his wife, who was Miss Bessie Waterberry, of
Clarksburg, and he is the father of two children —
Roberta, five years old, and Joseph E. He is assisting
his mother. Nate Salsbury is married to Florence
Wilson, of Woodbridge; and he conducts a stock busi-
ness on the Arbuckle place.
Prior to his lamented death, Mrs. Green's husband
was a director of the Fort Sutter National Bank, of
Sacramento; and he was also a school trustee for
years in the Courtland school district. He was a
member of Courtland Parlor No. 106, of the Native
Sons of the Golden West, and had filled all the of-
fices there, and was for many years the treasurer.
He was a member of the B. P. O. Elks, of Sacramento.
Mrs. Green is a member of the Eastern Star, Onisbo
chapter, O. E. S., of Courtland, and at present she is
worthy matron of Victory Parlor, N. D. G. W., at
Courtland. Joseph E., the son, is a member of Frank-
lin Lodge, F. & A. M., of Courtland, and also a Na-
tive Son of the Golden West, and a member of the
B. P. O. Elks, of Sacramento; and he is a school trus-
tee of both the Courtland high and the Courtland
grammar school districts. Mrs. Green supports the
Republican party and its platforms.
MICHAEL JAMES DUNPHY.— When one con-
siders the importance to the modern city both of a
thoroughly up-to-date fire-prevention and fire-fight-
ing equipment, and also of an experienced, far-
sighted, and aggressively progressive overseer of the
complicated system, the value to a great city like Sac-
ramento of such a fire chief as Michael James Dunphy
will at once be apparent. A native son, he was born
at Gibsonville, Sierra County, on November 18, 1871,
the son of James and Elizabeth (Foley) Dunphy, the
latter a native of New York, w'hile the father was
born in Ireland. James Dunphy came out to Cali-
fornia at the age of twenty-five, and here in the
Golden State he and Miss Foley were married. He
was a blacksmith for the Southern Pacific for thirty
years; and when he died, those who knew him
lamented the passing of an honest and capable ex-
pert workman. Mrs. Dunphy, who was always be-
loved by those who knew her, is also deceased.
Michael Dunphy began his schooling in the gram-
mar grades of the public school system, and after-
wards attended the Brothers College at Sacramento.
In 1879 the family removed to Sacramento, and on
June 2, 1888, our subject began a service of twenty-
three years in the Southern Pacific shops, which ter-
minated on June 11, 1911. By that time he had be-
come a car-builder, nor has the Southern Pacific had
his superior at that trade; so that when he joined the
Sacramento fire department on February 20, 1899, he
brought with him a valuable technical experience.
He went in as a call-man, and was promoted to be
foreman call-man on November 27, 1911. The follow-
ing year, on June 17, he was made a uniformed fire-
man; on February 1, 1913, he was appointed captain
of Engine 2; on February 4, 1917, he was made as-
sistant chief; and on July 1, 1921, he was designated
chief of the department. In politics Mr. Dunphy is
a "man above part3^" and earnestly contributes what
he can toward the making of good citizenship.
On December 31, 1901, Mr. Dunphy was married to
Miss Elizabeth O'Keefc, a native daughter from
Loomis, Placer County, Cal., and the representative
of another old pioneer family. Gertrude and Marie
Dunphy are the two children of this union. Mr.
Dunphy is an enthusiastic baseball fan. Fraternally,
he belongs to the Elks, and also to the Owls. He is
a Knight of Columbus of the third degree.
\L ^^^^mhAm^
" ' d
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
423
EDWARD M. LYNCH.— A record of high effi-
ciency is the reward justly due Edward M. Lynch
for his capable handling of the work of the bond
department of the State Treasury at Sacramento; and
he is equally well known for his patriotic endeavors
in preserving the historical landmarks of the state,
particularh^ in the restoration of Sutter's Fort, at
Sacramento. Mr. Lynch was born in San Francisco,
November 3, 1872, the son of Timothy Lynch, a
native of Cork, Ireland, who was closely identified
with the early history of the state, being employed as
a searcher of records for the Central Pacific Rail-
road at the time of its construction and associated in
his duties with CoUis P. Huntington. Leland Stan-
ford and others of the great railroad builders of that
period.
Running away from home when eleven years old
Edward M. Lynch was placed in a home for boys,
where he was cared for, and at the early age of
twelve he was sent to a- ranch in the Laguna Moun-
tains near San Diego. His salary of fifteen dollars
a month was usually paid him in the form of live
stock, very often a young heifer, and in this way
he was able to make some progress financially
through trading his stock and wisely accumulating his
hard-earned dollars through thrift and frugality. In
Januar}', 1894, he came to Sacramento and entered
the Atkinson Business College; and by his close appli-
cation to his studies he was able to complete the
twelve months' course in just half that time. As
soon as he had finished this course he took a position
as bookkeeper and stenographer for the Studebaker
Company, handling farm implements and wagons,
but due to the depressed business conditions in 1894-
1895 he was compelled to seek emploj'ment elsewhere,
and went to Alpine, San Diego Count}', where for
three 3'ears he was employed as 'bookkeeper and clerk.
Coming back to Sacramento in 1898, he was for a
year employed as bookkeeper in the Shasta County
camps of the Terry Lumber Company, and the next
ten years were spent in the maintenance of ways
and the transportation department of the Southern
Pacific Railroad at Sacramento.
It w'as during Senator Hiram Johnson's first term
as governor of California that Mr. Lynch became
identified with his present post as clerk of the bond
department of the State Treasury at Sacramento.
At the time he entered upon his duties the amount
of state bonds was limited by law, there being at that
time only $4,000,000, while at the present time the
issue amounts to $78,000,000, and it is noteworthy
that notwithstanding this large increase Mr. Lynch
has continued to handle this large volume unaided,
his watchw'Ord being efficiency.
Mr. Lynch's marriage, which occurred in Sacra-
mento, in 1901, united him with Miss Mae Gooby,
born in San Francisco, the daughter of John and
Mary (Cronin) Gooby, the former a native of Cam-
bridgeshire, England, and the latter of Ireland. John
Gooby, who was a forty-niner, is indelibly associated
with Alameda County as a prime factor in the build-
ing of the Central Pacific Railroad, being the personal
representative of A. A. Cohen of San Francisco. Mrs.
Gooby, who came West in 1852, served as a nurse dur-
ing the smallpox epidemic at San Francisco in 1860-
1861, doing heroic and almost superhuman work for
many days. She passed away at Oakland on Fcbru-
arv 25, 1921, and Mr. Goobv reached the venerable
age of ninet3'-three, his death occurring on May 28,
1912. Of their six children three daughters survive;
Mrs. Lynch, Mrs. H. L. Boyle of Oakland, and Mrs.
Barney Oldfield, the wife of America's race king.
Prior to her marriage Mrs. Lynch held a responsible
position as department head with Weinstock, Lubin
& Company at Sacramento. She is a past president
of the Y. L. I. of Sacramento and is still prominent
in that order. In 1911, when the movement for the
restoration of Sutter's Fort was inaugurated, Mr.
Lynch, as secretary of the committee in charge, for
nine years worked indefatigabl}' in bringing this
worthy project to a successful conclusion. He has
served as president of Sacramento Parlor, No. 3,
N. S. G. W., and is also prominent in the Elks. In
1918 Mr. and Mrs. Lynch took up their residence
at Olivecrest, their country estate at Carmichael,
eleven miles northeast of the Capitol. Situated on
the high banks of the American River, overlooking
the San Juan meadow with the snow-capped Sierras
in the background, the view from their home is
one of indescribable beauty, and they are enjoying to
the full the development of their tract of six and a
fourth acres into a beautiful orchard horhe. They
are active in the programs of the Community Club
of Carmichael and leaders in every progressive
movement.
JEREMIAH CARROLL.— Many successive gen-
erations of the Carroll family lived and died in Ire-
land. Notwithstanding the intense struggle to earn
from the soil the barest necessities of existence they
exhibited a tenacious devotion to their native land.
The cheerful humor of the race showed itself in the
optimism which enabled them to rise above the dark-
est blows of fate. There came a time, however, when
a young man determined to avail himself of the op-
portunity offered by America. Crossing the ocean
to Massachusetts he learned there the trade of
marble-polisher. After a sojourn of some years in
the old Bay State, where he married, he returned
to Ireland in 1859 and followed farming. A son was
born in County Cork, November 29, 1860, and to him
was given the name of the father, Jeremiah. The
infant was only one month old when the father re-
turned to America and caine direct to the Pacific
Coast and farmed in Tuolumne County near Big Oak
Flat until 1866. He had left his family in Ireland
and they joined him in his California home in 1866
and located in Sacramento, the site of their future
home. For a considerable period the father worked
for others until he was enabled to embark in business
for hiinself in 1879 under the name of J. Carroll &
Son. For two years he had his place of business
on Sixth Street between J and K. From there he
removed to 808 K Street, where he carried on his
business for eight years, and for a similar period he
had his headquarters at Tenth and S Streets. Re-
tiring from active life, he passed away in 1903, his
wife having preceded him by two years. Their family
consisted of five children: two daughters are de-
ceased; and Mar3% the widow of D. J. Considine,
Jeremiah and Margaret are living.
The only son of the family, Jeremiah Carroll re-
ceived his education in the public schools of Sac-
ramento. When quite young he began to learn the
stonecutting trade under Devine Bros, of Sacramento.
Three years later his father took up the same line
424
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
of business, and he became a partner, remaining in
the same position for eleven years. He then opened
a stone quarry in Placer County, which he operated
for a number of years and on returning to Sacra-
mento he secured employment with the state as
superintendent of stone work on the capitol park, and
for eighteen months he engaged in construction work
on stairways. When the contract was completed he
returned to Placer County and resumed the operation
of the quarry, also taking contracts for stone work.
At the expiration of three busy years, he left Placer
County and went to Cascade Locks on the Columbia
River, where for one year he was foreman for the
Day Construction Company in the construction of
the locks for the canal. With the completion of that
responsible task, in 1895 he returned to Sacramento
and engaged in business for himself, and he now has
one of the most modern marble-cutting plants in
northern California.
From early manhood Mr. Carroll has been inter-
ested in public affairs and has been active in politics
as a member of the Democratic party. When only
twenty-three years of age he was chosen as secretary
of the Democratic County Central Committee, and
since then he has frequently aided the local progress
of his party. His marriage, which occurred August
18, 1889, united him with Miss Catherine O'Keeffe
of Prairie City, Sacramento County, daughter of
Michael and Mary O'Keeffe, natives of Ireland. This
was the first wedding solemnized in the Sacramento
Cathedral after its completion and he and his family
have always been especially interested in that church,
not only for this reason, but also because of their
large circle of friends in the congregation and their
devotion to- its missionary and charitable enterprises.
Mrs. Carroll passed away in 1893, leaving three chil-
dren: Mary, who died at the age of three; Catherine,
a graduate of the Sacramento High School and an
employee of Weinstock & Lubin at the time of her
death at the age of twenty-nine; and Charles, of Oro-
ville, Cal. In fraternal life Mr. Carroll is a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America.
AXEL TELLSTROM.— Among the successful
business men of Sacramento, Axel Tellstrom stands
as an example of what a young man who has his
own way to make in the world, and who must stand
on his own feet or fail, may accomplish through
thrift and honest perseverance. He was born in
Sweden, May S, 1868, and was reared on a farm in
his native country. When twenty-one years old he
decided that the America he had heard so much of
held greater promise for him, and in 1889 he made
the venture out into a strange world. On reaching
this country he worked for wages for a time, in
Kansas City, and then went to Astoria, Ore., and
engaged in salmon fishing on the Columbia River,
later working for wages again, in the state of Wash-
ington.
After this preliminary "skirmishing" about in
search of a satisfactory location, he came to Sacra-
mento, in the fall of 1896, and here he settled, first
working at the trade of carpenter with Siller Broth-
ers, on the construction of a number of buildings in
the growing city, among them the Capital Hotel,
the Stowell Building, and the Ochsner Building.
On leaving their employ, for a time he worked with
different contractors, and was employed on the Pres-
byterian Church at Thirteenth and K Streets from
the beginning of its construction to its completion.
He then started in business for himself, as building
contractor, and has since erected a number of resi-
dences and apartment houses. From the first he met
with deserved confidence from the people, who recog-
nized him as a man who knew his business and could
be depended on to put the right material and construc-
tion work into any job entrusted to him. He has
seen many changes in Sacramento since his arrival.
Paved streets were then a rarity, and other modern
improvements have since gradually come in as the
city grew from a comparatively small beginning to
one of the largest in the state. In all its growth Mr.
Tellstrom has taken an active interest, and he stands
ready at all times to do his share toward further
developing the natural resources of his district and
the surrounding territory of the Sacramento Valley,
famed for its productiveness and daily bringing new
wealth to the city, which in turn is wisely doing all
in its power to develop the agricultural sections.
While building up his business interests, Mr. Tell-
strom has found time to attend to civic duties. He
has served as councilman and trustee, and for over
twenty years he has been a member of the English
Lutheran Church. Mr. Tellstrom is the parent of
two children. Pearl E. A., now Mrs. Ralph Brodie,
of Clarksburg, Ind.; and Ambrose W., a high-school
student at Clarksburg, Ind.
FRED E. CONNER.— The name of Fred E. Con-
ner has come to be regarded in Sacramento as a
synonym for progress and advancement, for his
activities have been of such a character as to pro-
mote business and municipal growth. He stands as
a central figure in the business and civic life of the
city, a man whose ability has won personal success,
but whose success has been worthily and contin-
uously used for upright and honorable ends. As
president and manager of the Sacramento Lumber
Company, he occupies a position of influence in the
business circles of the city; but this one connection
does not measure the full scope of his activities,
which have had a formative influence in shaping and
directing the business progress of central California.
Sacramento is the native city of Mr. Conner, and
he is the son of Caswell L. and Elizabeth (Clark)
Conner, the former a native of Alabama, where he
was the owner of a large plantation. Caswell L.
Conner came to California in 1865, but lived only a
few years after his arrival. Mrs. Conner passed
away in 1912, in Santa Ana, Cal. When Fred E.
Conner was a small child his parents removed to
Santa Ana, where he received his education in the
grammar and high schools, supplementing his high
school training with a business course. Early in
life he decided to take up the lumbering business
for his life-work. Starting at the beginning, he
gradually worked his way up in Santa Ana and Los
Angeles, and eventually came to Sacramento to be-
come manager of the Sacramento Lumber Company
on June 27, 1914, which position he filled for the
next five years. Then, in partnership with J. W. S.
Butler, he purchased the plant, which since 1919 has
been greatly improved, and the business has steadily
grown under the wise supervision of Mr. Conner.
The marriage of Mr. Conner united him with Miss
Addie L. Merriam, of Los Angeles. In politics, Mr.
Conner is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a Scot-
tish Rite Mason and a Shriner; and he belongs to
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
427
Sunset Parlor, No. 26, N. S. G. W. He served as a
director of the Chamber of Commerce, was presi-
dent of the Sacramento Valley Lumbermen's Club,
was president of the first Builders' Exchange of
Sacramento, and is a past president of the Rotar\'
Club, a charter member of the Del Paso Country
Club, and a member of the Sutter Club. He is also
a senior Hoo-Hoo of the Supreme Nine in the Hoo-
Hoo Organization of Lumbermen of the Lhiited
States.
THEODORE GREENHALGH.— Among the en-
ergetic and prosperous farmers and orchardists of the
Orangevale Colony of Sacramento County is Theo-
dore Greenhalgh, who has made an almost life-long
study of agriculture and the various conditions affect-
ing that branch of labor; his model fruit ranch con-
sists of thirty-eight acres which has been highly de-
veloped to oranges, peaches, prunes, almonds and
Tokay grapes. His birth occurred in Highland, Wis.,
July 7, 1850. The father of our subject, James Green-
halgh, was born in England; he came to America
about 1846 and settled in Wisconsin, where he worked
in the lead mines; two years later, Ellis Greenhalgh,
the paternal grandfather of our subject, came to
America and was employed in the shops of the Ben.
Rogers Locomotive Manufacturing Works at Pat-
erson, N. J., where James Greenhalgh worked dur-
ing 1848 and 1849, after which he returned to Wis-
consin, where he was married to Miss Sarah Yer-
bery also a native of England. James Greenhalgh
remained in Wisconsin until 1871 when he removed
to Red River Valley, Minn., and there started the
town of Crookstown, named in honor of Major
Crooks, a prominent United States surveyor and a
personal friend. James Greenhalgh was employed as
a United States mail agent for eight years and was
engaged in a number of fights with Indians; at one
time his horse was shot from under him and he suf-
fered the loss of considerable stock during Indian
raids. He was an energetic, public-spirited citizen
and was among the leaders for the general advance-
ment of his community and was a pioneer in the
development of one of the richest farming sections of
the Northwest. He passed away in Minnesota in
March, 1900. at the age of seventy-six. Theodore
Greenhalgh left home when he was sixteen years old
and went to Paterson, N. J., where he was appren-
ticed as a millwright with the B. Rogers Locomotive
Works, at the close of the Civil War. After three
years, Mr. Greenhalgh removed to Wisconsin; from
there he went to Central City, Colo., and worked as
a stationarj' engineer in a large stamp mill; during the
foUovi'ing three years he did some prospecting. Two
brothers of our subject, James and John, served in the
army during the Civil War and John Greenhalgh gave
his life for his country at Welding Crossing under
General Grant. In 1873, Mr. Greenhalgh returned to
Minnesota and took up a homestead near his brother
James.
Mr. Greenhalgh was married at Crookstown,
Minn., in 1885 to Eva Hardle, born in Baden, Ger-
many, a daughter of Karl and Katherine (Weishart)
Hardle. Karl Hardle came to America in 1879 and
later the mother and five children came and the fam-
ily settled in Minnesota. Mr. Greenhalgh remained
in Minnesota, where he was a prosperous farmer.
Mr. and Mrs. Greenhalgh reared a family of nine chil-
dren: Sadie D. is now Mrs. Cable and she has three
children and is a teacher in the Orangevale school;
Lillian E. is now Mrs. Eller and she resides in
Orangevale; Perry is a rancher, is married and has
three children, residing in Orangevale; Howard C.
was in the 363rd Company, 91st Division, A. E. F.,
during the World War; Martha W. is Mrs. Bost and
she resides in Oroville; Helen Herren lives in Rose-
ville; Ethel May is next; Holly E. is a rancher at
liome; and Evelyn G. is a student in the San Juan
high school.
In April, 1903, Mr. Greenhalgh made a trip to the
Pacific Coast in search of a milder climate and in the
fall of the same year brought his family West and
located at Orangevale. Mr. Greenhalgh has been a
member of the Odd Fellows Lodge at Crooks-
town for over forty years; and locally he is a mem-
ber of the California Peach Association.
HARRY SIMPSON.— A wide-awake contractor
who has come to take a ver^' active and an enviable
part in building developments in Sacramento and en-
virons, is Harry Simpson, an Englishman from the
old Saxon city of Leicester, on the Soar, where he was
born on September 2, 1882. His father was James N.
Simpson, a brick-layer, and he had married Miss Clara
Benson; and being intelligent, progressive folks, they
sent the lad to the ordinary English grammar schools,
and then gave him the benefits of the best technical
schools, at the same time that he also enjoyed pri-
vate tutoring. Taking up hand-work, he learned from
his father the trade of the brickman; and being also
the grandson of an -artisan of particular expertness
in that field, he soon mastered the technical details
of the business. The New World appealed to him;
and hither he came, in 1906, locating at Pittsburgh.
Pa., for one year.
In August, 1907, Mr. Simpson arrived in Sacra-
mento; and after a short stay in this city, he went to
San Francisco, where he worked at his trade for two
years. Then he went to Salt Lake and remained there
two and one-half years. In 1911 he returned to Sac-
ramento, and in 1912 began business for himself as a
contractor. He built a number of shops for the
Southern Pacific, and also worked on some moulding
pits; and with his brother, under the firm name of
the Simpson Brothers, he has built the brick-work in
many fine residences, and also the Crystal Ice Plant.
His course in the International Correspondence
School was of much benefit to him; but his actual
experience has been the best training. As a side-line,
he owns two trucks, and operates them for hauling.
Simpson Brothers are now building a most modern
sand plant at Twenty-fifth Street and the American
River. The building is made of reinforced concrete.
The sand is sucked from the river by means of a
pump, and is then conveyed to the pit by carrier
buckets, where it is washed and screened, being then
ready for the market.
At Salt Lake, October 22, 1909, Mr. Simpson mar-
ried Miss Florence Bell, of England, a school-chum
with memories of childhood days in the "old country";
and she shares with him a busy social life in the
circles of the Sons of St. George, and Lodge No. 6
of the Sacramento Elks. They have two children,
Norman Harry Bell and Joyce Dorothy. Mr. Simp-
son is fond of outdoor life and sports, and was captain
of the Salt Lake soccer football team for two years;
428
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
and he has done mucli to make soccer football popular
in Sacramento. He belongs to the Chamber of Com-
merce of Sacramento, and the Exchange Club, and is
a Republican.
MRS. NANCY JANE WISE.— To the pioneer
women of California much credit is due for the part
they have taken in helping to develop and advance
the state, and especially to those who braved the
dangers of the overland trek and came here to build
up a home amid primitive conditions, enduring hard-
ships and doing without the pleasures and refine-
ments to which they were accustomed in their East-
ern homes. Among these must be mentioned Mrs.
Nancy Jane Wise, who was in maidenhood Miss
Phipps, born in Indiana, October 22, 1841, a daughter
of George and Nancy (Hall) Phipps, both "Hoos-
iers," and parents of a family of five children. In
1849 George Phipps came to California, and mined
nntil early in 1851, wheh he returned to his Eastern
home to get his wife and children and bring them
to the Western frontier. The same year, they
began the long overland journey via the Salt Lake
route. That year the Indians were very troublesome,
and the train of wagons ahead of the party of which
the Phipps family were members continually encoun-
tered the red men; but each train helped the other,
the men of the parties joining forces to ward off the
attackers. They would leave their women and chil-
dren under guard in a corral made by circling their
wagons, the tongue of each wagon running under
the wagon ahead, thus making a substantial barri-
cade, within which the stock was also protected.
Mrs. Wise was nearly captured • by the Indians on
the plains. She had gone for water; and while she
was filling a canteen, an Indian grabbed her by the
hair. She crawled back and forth under his horse
till her mother and father came; and her father
choked him until he let her go.
At the end of the never-to-be-forgotten journey,
the family arrived in California and located in Stock-
ton, in 1851, where Mr. Phipps ran a hotel. It was
George Phipps who set out the trees on the present
grounds of the state hospital in that city. After two
years spent in Stockton, Mr. Phipps went back East
to close up some business, an'd there died from small-
pox in New York. The wife and mother died when
Mrs. Wise was twelve years old. Her d3'ing request
was that Nancy care for her youngest brother,
George, only a small child then; and this she prom-
ised her mother to do. In 1855 Nancy Phipps and
her brother George came to Walnut Grove, on the
Sacramento River; and there, besides keeping the
home together, the faithful daughter carried out her
trust by taking in washing and doing other house-
hold work, the only kind of work to be obtained in
those days, and thereby supported her brother and
herself. She was only fourteen years old when they
came to Walnut Grove, where she lived in the family
of Mr. and Mrs. Sharp, doing the cooking and
housework, which was heavy for a girl of her
years, for they kept a hotel, or boarding-house. She
continued there until she was fifteen years old, and
then, on October 23, 1856, became the wife of Joseph
Wise.
Mr. Wise was a native of Cape Girardeau, Mo.,
and a son of Phillip Wise. He and his brother had
cotne to California in 1852 and after mining for a
while came to Walnut Grove where he worked at odd
jobs. After he was married, they leased land, and
then bought about 300 acres near Walnut Grove.
At that time it was mostly overflow land, with seem-
ingly no bottom to it, and only small patches could
be farmed. Mr. Wise later acquired title to this
land, and it has remained the family home since that
early date, making Mrs. Wise today the oldest resi-
dent on the river at Walnut Grove. The husband
and father passed away on September 11, 1914. Mr.
Wise was a school trustee for thirty years, and a
man of sturdy character and fine principle.
Eight children, four of whom are now living, were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Wise: Phillip, deceased, Lou-
isa, deceased; Cordi, now Mrs. Henrj' McDonnell,
of Healdsburg; Joseph, William, and Jesse; and
Docia and David, both deceased. Two of the sons,
Joseph and Jesse, reside at Walnut Grove near their
mother; and William operates a large tract on Tyler
Island, but makes his home in the bay region. Of
the original acreage left by the father, Mrs. Wise
retains sixty-four acres for herself, and the balance
of the estate has been divided among her children.
On June 1, 1922, Mrs. Wise's residence burned down.
It was rebuilt at once by this stanch representative of
pioneer days, and she now resides in her new home.
Mrs. Wise has long been interested in reclamation
work. She early realized that large, substantial and
permanent levees are the only effective safeguard
from damage by the yearly breaks in the levees. So
she was one of the first to urge the forming of a
district, so that the work could be carried out in a
permanent and effectual manner. The results have
proven the success of the project, and now she has
a portion of her ranch set to pears, peaches, apricots,
cherries and apples, while the balance is devoted to
grain and vegetables.
In the earljr days of Walnut Grove, there was no
physician nearer than Sacramento. Mrs. Wise is
naturally verj' sympathetic, and a good- nurse; and
whenever people were sick they would send for
"Aunt Jane," who always responded cheerfully, going
into their homes and nursing them, using the simple
remedies she had always found so effectual. In those
days, trips were made by foot or by rowboat, or in
a lumber-wagon, as there were no automobiles and
very few roads. Mrs. Wise is familiarly called Aunt
Jane by everyone. She is loved and esteemed by
everybody for her many acts of kindness, and her
deeds of charity towards all, whether rich or poor,
regardless of color or creed. She is deeply religious,
and an earnest Christian. In the early days she
held Sunday school in her home. She joined the
Methodist Episcopal Church about thirty-five years
ago. Since then she has been a consistent member
and earnest worker in the church, and regrets very
much that she did not see the truth years before.
Her health has been restored through her faith, and
she is happy in the truth and wants everyone to know
and follow the Lord. While she endured much pri-
vation and many hardships in the early days, yet
now she feels rewarded and is better off for having
served and sacrificed.
JOSEPH LINCOLN WISE.— A representative of
an old-time family, and himself a native son proud
of his association with the Golden State, is Joseph
Lincoln Wise, the son of Joseph and Nancy (Phipps)
Wise, pioneers of California and among the worthy
(yfu^^^hC^ (^ont /ai^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
433
families of Sacramento County. The parents are
, represented more fulh' elsewhere in this history.
Joseph L. Wise was born at Walnut Grove October
5, 1863, and received a good education in the public
school at Walnut Grove, finishing with a business
course at Atkinson's Business College in Sacramento.
Since reaching maturity, his activities have all been
centered in Sacramento County. For a number of
years he had a butcher business in Perkins. Return-
ing to Walnut Grove, he became one of the success-
ful ranchers of the district," the owner of a 100-acre
property, which he has brought to a high state of
productiveness and manages in a thorough and busi-
ness-like manner. For many years he has been a
trustee of Reclamation District No. 554, at Walnut
Grove. The levees in the district give ample protec-
tion and are in. splendid shape, and the district is out
of debt with the exception of money spent for this
last year's improvements. Mr. Wise has also been
trustee of Walnut Grove school district for sixteen
years, and is clerk of the board. In addition to his
business interests, he has found time to enter into
the fraternal and social life of his community, and for
the past eighteen years has been a member of Florin
Lodge, No. 364, I. O. O. F.
On December 5, 189S, at Walnut Grove, occurred
the marriage of Joseph L. Wise to Miss Winnie
Mahala de Jarnett, born at Sedalia, Mo., a daughter
of Mayo and Marietta (Hill) de Jarnett, farmer-folk
of Missouri, where their deaths occurred. The
seventh in a family of fifteen children born to her
parents, Winnie de Jarnett received her education in
her native state, and in 1894 she came to California
alone. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Wise: Joseph Eugene, who died at the age of two
years; Laura Louise, deceased at eight years; and
Albert Mayo, who is assisting his father on the
home ranch. Mr. Wise is a very energetic man; and
being deeply interested in the developmnt and growth
of his section of the county, he has always demon-
strated his willingness to give of his time and means,
as far as he is able, towards the improvement and
upbuilding of his community.
CAROLINE M. TOTMAN.— An excellent ex-
ample of the successful woman in the field of agri-
culture is afforded by Caroline M. Totman, who owns
some 236 choice acres of land on Sherman Island.
She was born at Oskaloosa, Iowa, the daughter of
Fred and Caroline (Burmeister) Ehlers, the former
a cabinet-maker and a native of Germany, who came
to the United States when a young man and lived for
a while at Cincinnati, Ohio. He moved on to Oska-
loosa in pioneer days, when it was necessary to live
in a log cabin; and after laboring hard to help open
up the country, having accomplished much of real
benefit to future generations, he passed away, when
our subject was only three years old. His good wife
lived to be fifty-three years of age, and at her death
was mourned by all who knew her, and had found in
her a w'oman worthy of her day and generation.
There were four children in the family. Louisa be-
came Mrs. William L. Atchinson, of Seattle; AmeHa
is deceased; Matilda, Mrs. A. A. Bailey, lives in Port-
land; while the youngest is now Caroline Totman.
Our subject attended the Oskaloosa grammar and
high schools, passed the teacher's examination, re-
ceived a county certificate, and taught school for a
short tim.e before her marriage. She became the wife
of William Totman at Oskaloosa, on April 13, 1891.
William Totman was born near Oskaloosa. His par-
ents were Simon and Christina (Oldham) Totman,
the latter a native of England. By 1886, about the
time of the great boom in realty in southern Cali-
fornia, he had come to California. He settled on
the West Side of San Joaquin Valley, near Crow's
Landing, in Stanislaus County, and there farmed;
and on returning East, he married, and brought his
bride out to California. They settled at Crow's
Landing, and for three years farmed 1,000 acres to
grain. They then moved to Sherman Island, and
bought 100 acres, to which he added until he had
236 acres devoted to beans and grain. About
twenty years ago, Mr. Totman built a, comfortable
and attractive dwelling upon the ranch, which Mrs.
Totman soon made ready for a cosy home. Here
they lived and worked together, and here their fam-
ily was reared; but during the scourge of influenza,
Mr. Totman was stricken down, and breathed his last
in 1918. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge,
at Rio Vista. In politics he was a Republican.
Since Mr. Totman's lamented death, Mrs. Totman,
with the assistance of her son, has managed the
rancho, and recently is putting the land into aspara-
gus, beets and alfalfa. In midsummer, the ranch
is irrigated by means of a siphon. Mrs. Totman has
two children. Clifford, a lad when his father died,
took over the practical part of the running of the
ranch in his youth, and continued to make a success
of the enterprise. Mildred is teaching school at Rio
Vista. Mrs. Totman is a member of the board of
trustees of the Sherman Island school district. She
is a member of the Eastern Star at Rio Vista, as is
also her daughter, while her son is a Mason.
SAVERIO VICARI. — Sacramento has always been
fortunate in the number of talented men and women
she has attracted to her intellectual and social life,
as the capital of California, and among those who
have undoubtedly made their mark here, and been
consequently most cordially welcomed, is the Italian-
American instructor in music. Professor Saverio
Vicari. who was born under sunny skies beyond the
seas in 1878, when he entered the comfortable family
circle of George and Josephina Vicari, substantial
Italians who were ambitious of the future of their son.
Mrs. Vicari has gone to her eternal reward, leaving
a record for many kindnesses to other mortals; while
our subject's father is still living, in Italy, at the age
of seventy-eight, enjoying the esteem of all who know
him.
Saverio Vicari completed all the work required of
him by the excellent Italian schools and then, in
1900, when well-advanced in his studies in many ways,
he crossed the ocean already traveled to the New
World by so many of his fellow-countrymen, and
reached the American metropolis, where he found
that the Italian musician had ever been honored. He
had previously studied music for years in Italy, and
for three years had played in an Italian military
band; and he had mastered the accordion, the clari-
net, the guitar, and the mandolin, and he is now play-
ing in the Union Band of Sacramento, and he is also
imparting instruction in the above-named instruments.
He first located, on reaching the Coast, at Los An-
434
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
gelcs, where he remained for five years; and then,
in 1907, he came to Sacramento. Since his advent
here, it has been his good fortune to have some bril-
liant and very gifted pupils to play the accordion; he
taught Marie La Barba and JEd Pierrini, and they
now play with great success on the stage. Not only
that, but Professor Vicari has taught large classes
as well. He also directs the Vicari Orchestra, that
is a great favorite at dances in the city parks and
other public places.
In 1899, Professor Vicari and Miss Madalena Riolo,
who used to attend the same school in Italy with our
subject, were married, the ceremony taking place in
Italy; and the ensuing family of four gifted children,
George, Josephina, Victor and Paul, make up a Vicari
family orchestra. The professor, despite his many
professional engagements, is decidedly a home man;
yet he is fond of touring by auto, and of out-of-door
life. In politics, he follows no party lead, but thinks
and votes for himself.
HOWARD N. MITCHELL.— A distinguished
representative of the legal profession in Sacramento
is the Hon. Howard N. Mitchell, the accomplished,
conscientious and courageous former prosecuting
attorned' of the city. He was born in the state of
Maine the day after Christmas in the year 1881, and
his parents are Charles and Martha (Dunn) Mitchell,
who migrated to Oregon, where they are now living.
The}' were sturdy folks, just the right people, as
pioneers, to help found and develop a common-
wealth; and to them, as to others who toiled with
them, much credit is due for what succeeding set-
tlers have come to inherit and enjoy.
Howard Mitchell had both high-school and gram-
mar-school advantages, and when he was ready to
take the Bar examinations, he was exceptionally well
equipped for the ordeal. He was admitted at Sac-
ramento in 1913 to practice law in California, and
this power w'as conferred upon him two years after
he had settled in the city. Prior to coming to Cali-
fornia, he had resided in Oregon from 1898 to 1908,
and while there he made many friends and consider-
ably enlarged his knowledge of human nature. He
served in the state militia in Oregon, and after com-
ing south to the Golden State, he entered the ranks
of the state militia of California.
In October, 1919, Mr. Mitchell was appointed to
public office, that of prosecuting attorney for
the city of Sacramento; and those who have since
followed his career and record, will agree that no
better choice as an incumbent for this office could
have been made. His knowledge of the law, and
also of conditions in California, together with his
paramount desire to do the right thing by both the
individual and society, contributed to his success in
discharging the onerous duties imposed upon him
satisfactorily to everybody. He favors, as a rule,
the platform of the Republican party; but he is too
much of a patriot to allow any narrow partisanship
to interfere with his exerting a wide and helpful
influence. He is always public-spirited, and is every-
where respected. Mr. Mitchell was city prosecuting
attorney for the city of Sacramento from 1919 to
1921. After the completion of his term of office he
opened up offices at 608 Bryte Building, where he
follows a general practice.
At Sacramento, in 1915, Mr. Mitchell and Laura
Baile were united in marriage. Mr. Mitchell has one
son, Ferd C. Mitchell, a child by a former union.
Our subject belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the .
Red Men, the F. O. A., and the I. O. O. F.; and in
the circles of all of these orders he enjoys an envia-
ble popularity.
GEORGE PHIPPS.— A man well-known and re-
spected, George Phipps has long been effectively in-
terested in the civic improvement of his community.
He was born on April 27, 1853, in Stockton, Cal., the
son of George and Nancy Phipps. During his
infancy, his mother passed away, leaving him in
the loving care of his elder sister, now Mrs. Nancy
Jane Wise. In 1855 Nancy Jane Phipps moved to
Walnut Grove, bringing her brother, then a mere
child, v\'ith her. Here he spent twenty-one years.
Since then, Mr. Phipps has been engaged in a
great many trades. He ran a hay press for seven
years, and for two years of this time worked for
the Stockton Paper Alills. For nine years he was
employed as caretaker of Dr. Locke's orchard at
Lockeford. Becoming interested in agriculture, for a
time he contracted for plowing and cultivating. In
1900 he was employed as tender of the bridge over
Georgiana Slough at Walnut Grove.
On October 17, 1875, in Lockeford, Cal., Mr. Phipps
was united in marriage to Eliza Jane Wilson, daugh-
ter of John and Elizabeth (Sherman) Wilson. Mrs.
Phipps was born at Lockeford, on the John Wilson
Ranch, just north of the Mokelumne River bridge
north of Lockeford. Her parents were natives of
Ohio. In 1857 John Wilson and his wife made their
way by ox team, via the Salt Lake route, to Lockeford,
about one and one-half miles north of the city. There
Mr. Wilson acquired 300 acres of grain-land. He
passed away at the age of sixty-four years. Mrs. Wil-
son is still living at the age of eighty-two years.
Eliza Jane was one of six children born in this happy
home, the others being Mary, John, Josie, Samuel and
Hester. George and Eliza Jane Phipps were blessed
with a family of fifteen children, ten of whom are
living. The two eldest, Corda and Lois, have both
passed away. Then come Nettie, Mrs. Sprague, of
San Francisco; Nellie, Mrs. Fallman, of Walnut
Grove; Reuben and George, both deceased; Mary,
Mrs. Perry, of Isleton; Elsie, deceased; Hester, Mrs.
Crowell, of Oroville; Charles, in San Francisco;
Mabel, Mrs. Bullock, of Lodi; Alma, Mrs. Conelson,
of Sacramento; Irene, Mrs. Wickham, of Walnut
Grove; Lorene, Mrs. Kammeyer, also of Walnut
Grove; and David, who is bookkeeper in the Bank
of Alexander Brown, in the same place. There are
thirteen grandchildren in the family circle.
Mr. and Mrs. George Phipps are stanch Republi-
cans. They are active members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and contribute generously to its
benevolences. Mr. Phipps is a very interesting char-
acter. He is a great reader and has been a close
student of life. He has well-defined ideas on current
affairs, has at his command a fund of general infor-
mation, and is an interesting talker. It was but nat-
ural, therefore, when Jack London spent several
weeks at Walnut Grove in the "Snark," which lay
anchored there, that he and George Phipps should
become great friends. During the time of their
acquaintance and friendly association. Jack London
found in Mr. Phipps a personality so interesting,
straightforward, and honest that he used him as a
character in several of his short stories and also in
u^
■cu
f4yii
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
437
his novel, "The Valley of the Moon." Mr. London
prized Mr. Phipps' friendship, showing his apprecia-
tion in many ways. Among other things, Mr. Lon-
don presented Mr. Phipps with the manuscript of
"The Valley of the Moon"; and as soon as the novel
"John Barleycorn" was ofif the press, he gave him
one of the first copies, which he autographed, includ-
ing his best wishes. Mr. Phipps and his family
greatly prize these tokens of regard from the cele-
brated author.
JOHN JOSEPH SMITH.— Prominent among the
best-known public officials in northern California, fa-
mous alike for his wide experience, his developed
efficiencjs and the attributes of his character which
have made him of real and lasting service to unfor-
tunate humanity, is John Joseph Smith, the popu-
lar warden at the Folsom State Prison, in Represa,
twentj'-seven and a quarter miles east of Sacra-
mento, and a mile and one-half above Folsom, on the
famous American River. He was born on July 27,
1868, on his father's ranch near Hangtown Crossing,
on the American River, one and one-half miles from
the present site of Mills Station, in Sacramento
County. His father was Martin Leonard Smith, a
native of Michigan, where he was born on May 13,
1826, near the state line and a few miles from Elk-
hart, Ind., where he was also reared and served an
apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade, beginning
w'ith his seventeenth year. In the early fifties, Mar-
tin Leonard Smith, as one of a party of friends,
crossed the great plains with ox-teams, and arrived
at Hangtown, now Placerville, in the spring of 1853,
eager to try his luck as a gold-seeker. He engaged
in placer mining, and it is known that he made and
lost three fortunes as a prospector; Dame Fortune
smiled on him thrice, but he was eager to realize
more, and accordingly reinvested in mines and claims,
and invariably lost each time. His richest returns
were reaUzed in Teachers' Diggins, in Eldorado
County.
Early in 1860, he bought a ranch of 240 acres, for
which he paid the remarkable price of seven dollars
per acre, and embarked in farming; but h-e was at
first compelled to clear the land, as it was heavily
wooded. With what he received by the sale of the
wood, he just about paid for the expense of clearing
the land. He married Miss Sarah Jane Flanagan,
a native of Ireland, who had left her native shores
of Erin as a girl of fourteen, taking passage on a
small sailing vessel, upon which she was buffeted
about for three months in a passage to San Francisco
by way of Cape Horn. She was a most attractive
woman of lovely character, and her death, when our
subject was only thirteen years old, came as a severe
shock to both her devoted husband and her dependent
nine children, among whom John Joseph was the
third eldest son and the sixth child.
John Joseph Smith attended the Kinney district
school, where his father had served for years as a
trustee, and at the age of fifteen took up farming
on the home place, assisting his father and remaining
with him at home until he was twenty-one years
old. By that time, however, he had grown to dis-
like agricultural pursuits, which was largely due to
the poor returns, even when there was a market for
the produce, for the farmer's prospect in those days
was dark. When he became of age, therefore, John
decided to leave home and the farm, for almost any-
thing else he was able to try; and on August IS.
1889, he entered the employ of the Folsom State
Prison as a guard, at first doing night duty on the
inside, and for the following ten years the story of
his life would be the interesting record of a young
man trying his level best to make good, for it is
worth remembering that he was the youngest guard,
at the time of his appointment, in any state prison in
California, and he was looked upon by the older
guards as a young man over-zealous. It was during
the administration of Warden Charles AuU that he
was given duty as a substitute officer shortly before
he made formal application for a transfer, in 1899, to
San Quentin; after entering that institution as a
guard, he soon made rapid advancement in promo-
tion. First, he became a policeman in the jute mill,
then chief of the first guards, and then captain of
guards at San Quentin.
In 1909, he was transferred to Folsom Prison as
lieutenant of yards, and also property clerk, and a
year later he entered upon his duties as captain of
guards. On November IS, 1913, he was appointed by
the California State Prison Board to the office of
Warden at Folsom Prison, and by his efficient ad-
ministration have been made possible much prison re-
form and other incidental improvements which, it
may be safe to say, have been without precedent in
any state institution of the kind. Without excessive
expenditure of funds, Warden Smith has added many
new departments, all of which were badly needed at
Folsom, where the total absence of prison factories
has made the problem of prison employment diffi-
cult to solve; but by introducing agriculture in its
various forms — horticulture, dairying, animal hus-
bandry, poultry- and hog-raising — and persistently
and wisely developing these features, he has induced
the state recently to add some 800 acres of wooded
hillside lands adjoining, and this area is in line for
further development into orchards, vineyards, hay-
fields and dairies. All the work is done by convict
labor under the direction of guards, who are well
qualified in the specific branches represented on the
farm. The produce thus harvested, while not entirely
supplying the commissary at Represa, is gradually
rendering the prison self-supporting and already the
inmates supply by their labor all the milk, cream and
butter used by them.
The inside of the prison has also changed for the
better in proportion to the outside development,
much attention having been given to the problems of
sanitation, and health conditions never were better
there than they are today. Year by year witnesses
the completion of added buildings, the assembly hall,
50 by 125 feet, having been finished in 1922. This
will also be used as a school, and at times for enter-
tainment, such as moving pictures, so that it will
well serve more than one good purpose, and so fill
a long-felt want. According to the program of War-
den Smith, Folsom State Prison will assuredly in
time become more than ever an ideal place of both
detention and reform, realizing his ambition, to use
his own words, of being an institution "to employ
the inmates busily, and as far as possible fit them for
work at which they ma}- find employment when re-
leased." It is not surprising, therefore, that Warden
John Joseph Smith is widely known as a man of con-
servative personahty, well-posted as to human nature.
He has an unusual reserve supply of nervous energy,
and is a man of great native ability, not so much as
438
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
a public man, but rather as an executive. His econ-
omical and efficient administration at Folsom Prison
is now a matter of state public record.
How important it is that such a man of great re-
sponsibility should rise to his enviable position in
state and national prison affairs, and reform by a
well-planned and most careful and conscientious dis-
charge of his duties as prison warden, may be judged
from an official record as to state prisons in the
biennial report filed with Governor William D.
Stephens by the State Board of Prison Directors,
showing a marked increase in the population of both
the San Quentin and Folsom prisons, resulting from
a decided increase of crime among first-offenders.
Since 1909, the report shows, the population at Fol-
som has increased 155, while that at San Quentin is
684 greater. Since that year, there were on June 30,
1919, in San Quentin, 1,932 prisoners, in Folsom,
989; on June 30, 1920, in San Quentin, 1,924 prison-
ers, in Folsom, 988; on June 30, 1921, in San Quen-
tin, 2,188, in Folsom 1,050; and on June 30, 1922, in
San Quentin, 2,616, in Folsom, 1,144. Relative to
second-term convicts, the report says: "Since 1917,
all prisoners with previous criminal records, that is,
repeaters, have^ been incarcerated in the prison at
Folsom. The figures relating to population reveal
the fact that there has been no very great increase in
the population at Folsom, indicating no unusual num-
ber of commitments of repeaters — those who served
terms previously — and this would be gratifying were
it not unhappily the fact that the figures relating to
population at San Quentin show very decided in-
crease in the number committed as first-termers. We
believe that in course of time this plan will prove
beneficial in weaning from crime and criminal ten-
dencies those serving their first term, thus decreas-
ing the percentage of repeaters."
Referring again to conditions existing and impera-
tive, and such as make it a subject of congratulation
to the citizens of the state that such a man as War-
den Smith is at the helm, the report continues: "Ex-
amination of the prisoners at the time of entering
show many not only physically defective but mentally
backward — ignorance and disease, combined, having
contributed to crime"; and it concludes: "There is no
doubt in our minds about the wisdom and efficacy of
granting paroles in cases where the facts and the
records indicate that parole will be an important fac-
tor in rehabilitation of the individual and not incom-
patible with the interest of society."
Mr. Smith was married the first time in 1899, to
Miss Rose Schmidt, who passed away in 1910. His
second marriage united him with Miss Muriel Swain,
the daughter of Daniel Webster and Emma Alice
(Brown) Swain. Daniel Swain came as an early sea
captain and settled in San Francisco in 1850. Mrs.
Smith's half-brother, H. B. Titcomb, is president of
the Southern Pacific of Mexico. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
were married on November 14, 1913, and three chil-
dren have blessed their union: Lucile, Jacquelyn and
John Joseph, Jr., the eldest two being in school.
Warden Smith's home was formerly in the admini-
stration building, but the warden's residence was
completed in 1915 at Represa. It is an imposing
structure of sixteen rooms, costing $11,000. The
work of erecting the edifice was done entirely by con-
vict labor. The beautiful gardens and flowers at Re-
presa, again the fruit of convict skill and labor, add
very much to the attractiveness of the place. He
is a popular member of the B. P. O. Elks, Lodge
No. 1108 at San Rafael. His hobby in outdoor re-
creations has been duck-hunting, and it is said that
in this sport but few ever excel him, for he is a
"dead shot."
It is worthy of interest, in view of the warden's
early repugnance to agricultural pursuits — notwith-
standing that his experience in that field has un-
doubtedly enabled him to render a real service to the
state in helping to solve the vexed problems of
prison employment — that he has once more taken up
farming, ov\-ning eight5f acres of rich land in Sutter
Basin, a short distance from Knight's Landing, which
he devotes to general farming. He also recently
bought sixty-four acres of rough wooded land on Al-
der Creek, where he has commenced to develop a
vineyard, planting there the Thompson seedless
grapes, said to be best adapted to that soil.
California may well be proud of such a native son
as John Joseph Smith, who has contributed much in
his life and work to making the Folsom State Prison
famed beyond the confines of the Golden State; and
Sacramento County will ever be grateful for his de-
votion to an ideal, whereby, when it was found ad-
visable to locate such a penal institution within its
borders, he did so much to make it a credit rather
than a blemish to the otherwise attractive section.
JESSE WISE. — A prominent, wide-awake rancher
of Sacramento County, who is vitally interested in
the progressive movements of the community, is
Jesse Wise, who was born at Walnut Grove, Sacra-
mento County, on July 16, 1869, a son of Joseph and
Nancy Jane Wise, whose sketch appears on another
page of this history. He attended the local schools,
and three months before he reached his majority he
started to work for himself. He leased eighty acres
of land on Andrus Island and worked on it for four
years. He then went to Tyler Island and leased 300
acres of land, which he devoted to beans and grain.
After residing there for several years, he removed to
his home-ranch, at Walnut Grove, in 1900. He was
deeded sixty-four acres of land by his father, and
later he purchased thirty-nine acres more from his
sister. He nov/ owns 107 acres in one body. Here
he established a home for himself and family, and has
resided there ever since. Sixteen acres of this ranch
is devoted to pear orchard, and the balance to aspar-
agus and onion seed.
Jesse Wise has been in the seed business for about
six }rears. The gathering of the seed is a particular
job; for each ripened seed head has to be cut and
gathered carefullj' by hand, so as not to spill any
seed, and placed in a woolen sack and then emptied
into big piles on canvas, where they are spread to
dry. Afterwards the seeds are rolled out, cleaned in
a mill, and then washed to get rid of the light, float-
ing seeds that are worthless. After drying, they are
again cleaned, and are then sacked and made ready
for market. Mr. Wise irrigates his place with an
electric pumping plant, and by close application has
gained splendid results.
On July 21, 1895, at Oakland, Cal., Jesse Wise
was united in marriage with Augusta Pauline de
Laguna, a native of San Francisco, where she was
reared and educated. Her father, who was an early
pioneer, was one of the men to organize a school in
that city; his people were educators, and he was nat-
urally adapted to this line of work. Augusta Pauline
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
441
also tavight school before her marriage. She was a
graduate of the San Francisco Normal. A cultured
and refined woman, she possessed a beautiful voice
and took an active part in local social affairs. She
was a very charitable woman, and through her benev-
olent ministrations was very helpful to the needy.
Sad to relate, she passed away on August 11, 1922,
leaving a void in her family and among her friends
that cannot be filled. Mr. and Mrs. Wise were
blessed with two children. Jesse Vance is prominent
in radio circles; as manager of the Pacific Coast Di-
vision of the Radio Relay League, he has one of the
largest lists of acquaintances over the United States
of any amateur radio operator. Paul Frederic is
assisting his father on the home ranch. Mr. Wise in-
dorses the platform of the Republican party. Since
1907 he has served as trustee of Reclamation District
No. 554. It is now in splendid shape, and all ex-
penses have been paid except the outlay for this last
year's improvements.
HENRY JOHN BRADLEY.— A time-honored
name in the history of Sacramento County is that so
worthily represented by Henry John Bradley, of the
firm of W. H. Bradley & Sons. He was born at
Sunderland, near the mouth of the River Wear, Eng-
land, on October 3, 1880, the son of William H. and
Elizabeth Maria (Cormack) Bradley. W. H. Bradley
came out to America in 1883 and located at Carbon-
dale, Amador County, and was joined by his family
in 1884, meeting them in Sacramento upon their ar-
rival here. In 1885 the family removed to Sacra-
mento, and here Mr. Bradlej' engaged in selling hay
and grain, also dealing in insurance. He also served
two years, from April 1, 1892, to April 1, 1894, as
captain of police of this city, and was noted as a very
efficient officer. He had purchased the Gurney Cab
Company and had his office and stable where the
Ochsner Building now stands, near the corner of
Seventh and K Streets. When the Ochsner Building
was erected he moved his stable to his home place at
2320 H Street, where he maintained it until June 1,
1903, when he bought the property at 1015 Eleventh
Street and here continued his livery and hack busi-
ness. This building was an old livery stable, erected
by J. D. Lockhardt in 1889, and is one of the old
landmarks still to be seen in Sacramento. In 1906
William H. Bradley engaged in the auto-livery
business, thus founding the oldest garage in the city,
and becoming a pioneer of the auto-livery business in
Sacramento. Mr. Bradley, who was a member of the
Sons of St. George, having rounded out a useful and
eventful career, in which he had done much to develop
the county, died on August 3, 1920; while Mrs. Brad-
ley breathed her last on June 5, 1921. In December,
1916, the two sons, Henry John and Allan C. Bradley,
took over the business, and now conduct a general
garage-livery.
Henry J. Bradley was able to attend the schools of
Sacramento, having come here when he was three
and one-half years of age, and when sixteen he took
up railroad work, as fireman with the Southern Paci-
fic. He was married on December 13, 1904, to Miss
Grace V. Bagwill, a native of Sacramento, whose
parents settled here in 1876. In national politics he is
a Republican, but he is too broad-minded and pat-
riotic to allow a narrow partisanship to interfere in
any way with his hearty support of the best man and
the best measures for the city and county in which he
lives, and where he and his firm have so prospered.
Mr. Bradley is fond of hunting and fishing.
ALLAN CORMACK BRADLEY.— The joy of
living in Sacramento, the privilege of availing one's
self of the modern conveniences of life, is largely due
fo such enterprising, progressive pioneers as the es-
teemed Bradley family of the capital city, whose tradi-
tions are carried forward by Allan Cormack Bradley
and his brother, Henry J., making up the present
membership in the firm of W. H. Bradley & Sons.
Allan C. Bradley was born in the busy harbor town of
Sunderland, near the mouth of the River Wear, Eng-
land, on October 15, 1882, and his parents were Will-
iam H. Bradley, and his good wife, who was Miss
Elizabeth Maria Cormack, before she was married.
The father came to California in 1883, and located at
Carbondale, Amador County. When Mr. Bradley
died, on August 3, 1920, he left behind a very en-
viable record; and Mrs. Bradley, who closed her
earthly career on June 5, 1921, was held in equally
high esteem. Mr. Bradley had founded and developed
the enterprising firm of W. H. Bradley & Sons, and
he was thus able to bequeath to Messrs. Henry J.
and Allan C. Bradley one of the most promising and
most desirable business establishments in Sacramento.
Allan Bradley (who was born after his father had
left home for the New World) was brought by his
mother to Sacramento, where in time he pursued
the usual courses of the grammar schools. Then he
became a messenger boy, and after that took up the
telephone business, which he followed for eleven and
one-half years, or until he joined his father and
brother in the automobile trade. The livery establish-
ment was burned out on September 1, 1913, and all
the machines there were destroyed, although about
forty-two horses were saved, and the firm sustained
a loss of $60,000; but with characteristic enterprise the
Bradley boys forged ahead, just the same as before.
In June, 1907, at Sacramento, Allan C. Bradley was
married to Miss Mildred Milliken, born in Sacramento,
and they had one son, Allan W.; he is now a student
in the high school and a member of the Boys' Band
and the High School Band. Mr. Bradley's second
marriage, in June, 1911, united him with Miss
Mildred Anita Baker, a native of Elk Grove, Cal.,
and they have a daughter, Anita C. Mr. Bradley is a
member of the Masons, the Sciots, and the Modern
Woodmen of America. He is a Republican in poli-
tics, but he favors broad views and whole-hearted
support for all important local movements looking
to the welfare of the community as a whole.
FRED C. BROSIUS.— The success that follows
individual, earnest effort has come to Fred C. Bro-
sius, whose residence in California dates from 1884,
when, as a child of two years, he was brought by
his parents to the Golden State. Since 1917 he has
held the important position of county horticultural
commissioner for Sacramento County. His birth
occurred in Philadelphia, Pa., January 2, 1882, a son
of Fred W. and Mary Brosius. Both parenes are
still living. Fred W. Brosius, accompanied by his
wife and small son, came to California in 1884 and
engaged in farming pursuits.
Fred C. Brosius received a good education in the
public schools of California and his boyhood was
442
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
spent on a farm, where he acquired valuable knowl-
edge along all agricultural lines. After reaching
young manhood, he invested his savings in farm
property of his own and put into use the practical
experience gained on his father's farm. In 1913 he
was chosen inspector of the department of agricul-
ture and four years later became horticultural com-
missioner, having charge of eight inspectors; he has
also been secretary of the State Association of
County Horticultural Commissioners and secretary
of the California Exhibitors' Association. He was in
charge of the assembling of the county exhibit for
Sacramento County for the great advertising cam-
paign at the State Fair. In February, 1922, he was
appointed superintendent of the nursery service with
the state department of agriculture.
The marriage of Mr. Brosius united him with
Miss Ida Collins of Sacramento and they are the
parents of two children, Fred, Jr., and Ida. Mr.
Brosius is a Mason and in politics is a Republican.
GEORGE B. GREENE.— Not many pioneer fami-
lies may boast of such interesting annals as those of
George B. Greene, the well-known orchard-owner at
Courtland, and his distinguished forebears. He was
born at Leesburg, Loudoun County, in the Old Do-
minion of Virginia, on March 4, 1849, a son of Josiah
Euckman Greene and his good wife, who was Caro-
line Pettingell Heal before their marriage. Josiah was
a son of Josiah Greene, 4th, and Clarissa (Sweetser)
Greene, his wife, and was born on September 10, 1818,
in Salisbury, N. H., and died on his ranch near Court-
land, Cal, on April 28, 1889, at the ripe old age of
seventy years, seven months, eighteen days. He was
buried on a spot treasured by himself on his ranch
near Courtland, on the banks of the Sacramento
River; but when the protection district was formed
and the levees were raised, his grave, and others,
would have been covered; hence, George B. Greene
and Lester D. Greene (the two sons living at that
time), purchased a plot at East Lawn Cemetery, Sac-
ramento, and had the bodies of their father and
mother removed from the burial place on the ranch.
Josiah Buckman Greene's father was a traveling
jeweler in New Hampshire, and when he died, Josiah
B. took up his father's business and became an ex-
pert jeweler. He extended his business from New
Hampshire to the southern part of Old Virginia, and
established a route that took him a whole year to
cover. He was paid a salary by the farmers along
the route to inspect and keep their respective clocks
in good condition, and he traveled this route in a
spring wagon. In 1846, Josiah B. Greene moved to
Leesburg, Va., and there established a jewelry store.
He also built a hotel, and later rented this hotel out
to a man by the name of Turner; and this hotel be-
came one of historic fame on account of its relation
to the Civil War.
In November, 1847, Josiah B. Greene married Miss
Caroline Pettingell Beal, a daughter of Thomas and
Abigail Beal. Caroline (Beal) Greene was born on
May 31, 1818, and died on the ranch near Courtland
on June 28, 1893. The couple were married Novem-
ber 27, 1847. Of their four children, George B. Greene
was the only one born in Virginia, and is the only one
of the family now living. Lester Downing Greene was
born on the ranch in Yolo County, on June 2, 1854,
and died on February 5, 1917. Albert Sweetser Greene
was born on January 24, 1857, and died on January 2,
1869. Frank Hollister Greene died at the age of three
and a half years. Caroline Pettingell Beal, Josiah
Greene's wife, was a playmate of his in childhood, and
they were also neighbors up to the time of their
marriage.
Josiah B. Greene was called the "blackest of black
Republicans," when war was brewing, and the South-
erners began making things very unpleasant and un-
safe for his life. He was an out-and-out Abolitionist,
and his life was threatened many times. In the gold
excitement in California he saw -an opportunity for
slipping away from this hotbed of trouble; so he sold
out his jewelry business at Leesburg, Va., and moved
to Salisbury, N. H. There he left his wife and son,
our subject, and set off for California by way of the
Nicaraguan route, accompanied by his brother Syl-
vester and a friend named Willard . Hazen. They
landed in San Francisco in the first week of January,
1850. In San Francisco, Josiah Greene bought a
"squatter quit-claim title," for a ranch up the Sacra-
mento River, paying $600 cash for it. He completed
the deal without seeing the land, because he had ob-
served that wherever farmers cultivated river land,
they seemed to prosper better than the farmers on the
prairies.
In January, 1850, therefore, the three men who had
come to California together boarded a Sacramento
River boat to go up to the newly purchased ranch;
but the river was so swollen by the heavy rains that
the boat passed right by his land, and Mr. Greene
was unable to locate his propertj^ The three com-
panions went on to Sacramento, the trip requiring
three weeks from San Francisco, and there they pur-
chased lumber to build a flatboat. They then floated
this flatboat down stream, and finally found the
property sought, by asking everyone along the river
who owned the next ranch. Josiah B. Greene at
length landed just below a point called Oak Grove,
and camped there, for his ranch was still under
water several feet deep at that time; the water was
clear as crystal, like that' of a mountain streaiTi, and
it was most interesting to look down into its depths
and spy the objects beneath. Many settlers became
discouraged at the state of their land, and did not
hold on to what they had; but Mr. Greene, like the
true Yankee, was a man of unyielding will and de-
termination. He was conscientious, serious-minded
and industrious, and he made up his mind that even-
tually this river land must become very valuable. He
built on this ranch, and then left his brother Sylves-
ter and Mr. Hazen in charge of the place, and went
to the mines. He took a claim, followed placer min-
ing all summer, and made good wages, finally selling
his claim at a good figure; but within three weeks'
time after he had disposed of it, the purchaser struck
a pocket of gold that netted him $10,000 — giving Mr.
Greene food for thought. Upon selling his mine, he
returned to his ranch and found that his brother and
Mr. Hazen had harvested and stacked fifty tons of
wild hay; the hay was of blue-grass and wild clover
that had grown four or five feet tall, and that year
the hay had a value of. $50 per ton. After that year,
Mr. Greene remained on the ranch, raising vegetables
and hauling them to the mines on the hills, and in re-
turn receiving big money for them.
In the fall of 1851, Josiah Greene went back "to
New Hampshire, and on his return to the Coast he
brought with him his wife and son George, then three
years old, traveling by way of Nicaragua, and arrived
on Merritt Island, in Yolo County, on May 16, 1852.
George Greene was the first white boy on the Sacra-
^52^^. //d. ^'^^yi^euyi^xJL,
CC^t^^ji. S^o^viA^ ^/o^^e^y^-^y
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
447
meiito River below Sacramento, and his mother was
the third white woman. On the way to CaHfornia
with his family, Josiah Greene made a contract with
a Mr. Julien (who afterward settled below what is
known as Freeport, in Sacramento County) to have
him drive a bunch of cattle from St. Joseph, Mo., to
California; and although the herd was depleted in
numbers by the trying trip across the plains, Mr.
Greene took the herd to Hangtown, now Coloma, and
there started and conducted the first commercial dairy
in California. This herd was kept at Hangtown for
a season, and then Josiah Greene returned to his
ranch on the Sacramento River, and there for years
continued dairying.
In 1866, Josiah Greene, grandfather of our subject,
died in New Hampshire, and his son Sylvester Greene
returned to New Hampshire to settle the estate. He
never returned to California, but died at Salisbury,
N. H. During his stay in California, he had pur-
chased the "Ding" ranch from Daniel De Gross, and
just previously to his going back to New Hampshire,
his brother Josiah B. Greene bought this ranch from
him. The way the Ding ranch received its name is
unique, and worthy of mention. In 1852, a stroller
along the Sacramento River fished from a stream a
piece of board with the letters "Ding" painted on it,
for the board had originally been part of a sign ad-
vertising a "boarding" house, but that portion with
the first four letters had been broken off. The party
nailed it upon a tree, and there it remained for 3'ears
afterward, the ranch thereafter always bearing that
name.
In 1852, Josiah B. Greene built the first levee that
was ever erected in California. It was built for the
purpose of keeping the flood-waters from his dwell-
ing, and was thrown up around his home in Yolo
County. He constructed it with his own teams and
men. The reenforcements were made of sycamore
logs and sticks, and when Merritt Island was finally
completed in the reclamation district, the actual cash
output amounted to more than $350 per acre, and this
did not include the value of the labor which the father
of our subject and other property-owners had put
into it. Josiah B. Greene lived on the home ranch ad-
joining the Ding ranch until his death. Although he
was not a churchman, the Sabbath day was alwa.vs
kept on his ranches. Mr. Greene's estate on Merritt
Island at the time of his death included 1,125 acres
and he owned an additional 750 acres in the Pierson
district, in Sacramento County, devoted to dairying.
He was a lover of flowers; and his home, the first
to be built on Merritt Island, was a truly beautiful
spot.
George B. Greene, the immediate subject of this
sketch, attended the Richland district school, and
from July, 1868, to November, 1870, he attended a
private school at Petaluma, where he took up those
subjects which he deemed likely to benefit him in his
career. In March, 1871, he rented his father's dairy
farm, and had a dairy of 125 milch cows. He oper-
ated this ranch until January, 1876, when he located
on his father's Randall Island property of 114 acres,
devoted to the cultivation of fruit, there being 2,500
trees then on the ranch. These 114 acres he leased
until 1884, when he purchased the land from his
father. He increased the development to 8,000 trees,
pears, peaches, plums and cherries, and later sold off
twenty-seven acres. He still owns eighty-seven acres,
including the home, and he has developed an irriga-
tion plant having a twenty-horsc-power electric mo-
tor and an eight-inch pump. On the death of Josiah
B. Greene, George and his brother Lester received
the estate that was undivided at that time; and George
Greene still has 380 acres of the place his father
owned in Yolo County. In 1893, the flood wiped out
the orchard, and it has been only recently that George
Greene, assisted by his younger son, has again planted
it to fruit. At present they have set out 7,000 fruit
trees there, and have installed three irrigation plants
with eight-inch and two six-inch pumps driven by a
twenty-five-horse-power electric motor, one fourteen-
horse-power electric motor, and a gas engine. Mr.
Greene has also built another home on the place for
his son. He has served for years as a trustee of the
Courtland school district. At present he is a trustee
of Reclamation District No. 755, and for twenty odd
years he was trustee of Reclamation District No. 150,
of Yolo County.
On January 1, 1875, Mr. Greene was married at
Petaluma to Miss Alice Maria Stanley, who was born
there on January 15, 1857, a daughter of Harvey and
Harriet Amelia (Hogland) Stanley. Her father was
a native of Pontiac, Mich., while the mother came
from Allegany County, N, Y. The father was a
stone-mason in Michigan, and was married while in
the East. In 1853, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley migrated
to California, coming out with ox teams, horses, mules
and stock along the old Salt Lake route, and settled
in Sonoma County, where the father became a dairy-
man. There were seven children in the family, Alice
Maria being the fifth in the order of birth. Harriet,
the eldest, became Mrs. James Rogers, and is de-
ceased, as is also George, who died .in infancy, and
Katherine, who married N. E. Manning; Martha C.
is Mrs. Homer Judson, and lives at 'Long Beach;
Walter resides at Petaluma; Alice Maria is now Mrs.
Greene; and Emma E. is Mrs. J. L. Aldrich, of Ryde,
Cal. When Mrs. Greene was six years old, her father
died. With the proceeds of the sale of the stock he
had left, the mother bought a farm, four miles east
of Petaluma, where she lived the balance of her days,
breathing her last in her seventy-eighth year. She
was married a second time, to Emmett Smith, a na-
tive of Bloomfield, Cal , and had one son by her sec-
ond marriage, namely, Ernest Smith, now of Pendle-
ton, Ore. Mrs. Greene was reared and educated at
Petaluma. In the fall of 1876, Mr. Greene built a
home on the farm of 114 acres on Randall Island, in
Sacramento County, and there he has since resided
with his wife and family. They have two sons;
George Albert Greene, in the real estate business in
Sacramento; and Arthur Edison Greene, on the 380-
acre ranch in Yolo County. Two grandchildren add
joy to the famih' life at the Greene homestead.
Arthur married Miss Maude Geneva Hollman, and
they have two children: Alice Lenore and Lois
Geneva. Both George Albert Greene and Arthur Edi-
son Greene are members of the Franklin Lodge of
Masons, at Courtland.
LESTER DOWNING GREENE.— Students of
genealogy all know that for generations certain family
characteristics persist in certain lines to a marked de-
gree, sometimes skipping a few generations, only to
return with renewed vigor in later ones. That family
of Greenes living on the Sacramento River since 1849
near Courtland and Vorden, of which George Buck-
man Greene and the late Lester Downing Greene
(sometime known as Greene Brothers) are members,
is an interesting example of the above-mentioned fact.
448
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
The ancestry of this family stretches back through
the vista of centuries to a Norman source; and in all
the changes of time, place, and environment, they dis-
play two marked characteristics (varied, of course,
with less notable traits), namely, the pioneering in-
stinct— the love of searching out new fields and con-
quering in the hard places of the earth — and a passion
for agriculture.
As all historians know, the Normans were of Scan-
dinavian origin. Before 500 A. D., a band of pioneer-
ing and pirating Scandinavians wandered southward
from the land of Scandinavia, conquered the Celtic in-
habitants of the north of France and settled the fertile
and pleasant fields, where they built up a great and
hardy nation and became known as Normans, and
their land as Normandy — a people, in those times, al-
ways to be reckoned with.
A few hundred years later the most enterprising of
these people, with their great king, William the Con-
queror (who, it is interesting to note, is numbered
with the ancestors of this very family of Greene under
discussion), feeling the ever present urge of pioneer-
ing, crossed the English Channel and conquered the
Saxon race of England, mingled with them, and
formed the great English nation of later days. When
King John (descendant by several generations of Wil-
liam) was ruling in England, there was a certain
noble among the members of his court, by name,
Alexander, whose ancestor came from Normandy with
William. Late revelations of genealogy tell us that
this Alexander traced his ancestry to Hugh Capet of
France, and Gibbon says that Hugh Capet came of
the proudest and most ancient royal family in ex-
istence— of lines which trace their lineage to four or
five hundred years B. C. Although the records are
to be found for those who care to read, we know that
such old pedigrees, of necessity, belong in the realm
of legend rather than that of history.
However that may be, the person and life of Alex-
ander are matters of history, and he must have ren-
dered his king valuable service, for John bestowed
upon him the largest landed estate in all England, the
Estates de Greene de Boketon, and he and his heirs
were for centuries among the greatest titled men of
England. The literal translation from the old Norman
of de Crecne de Boketon is thus: de, "of"; Greene,
"Park"; de, "of"; Boketon, "Bucks" or "Deer" — the
"Estates of the Park of the Bucks," so called because
of the enormous forests on this property, abounding in
deer. So the new owner became Alexander de Greene
de Boketon; but because this name was too long for
practical use, the "de Boketon" was soon dropped and
the descendants were styled "de Greene." Several
generations later, when England went to war with
France, the Greenes, who had intermarried with the
descendants of the Angles and Saxons whom their
forebears conquered, felt that the "de" was much too
French and it was dropped. Thus they became plain
"Greene," and so they are until this day, with numer-
ous representatives in both England and America; but
the spirit of the old Norman ancestors persists and
crops out here and there through the generations.
The ancient coat of arms of Alexander (one of the
oldest in English heraldry) is three bucks trippant or
on an azure field. The title persisted in the family
until just before the time of Henry VIII. Lady
Katherine Parr, the last and most unwilling wife of
that much-married monarch, and the only wife clever
enough to escape the consequences of his fickle and
roving fancies, was a granddaughter of the last Lord
Greene. Alexander had numerous descendants, and
the race has figured largely in the annals of English
history, not only as titled people, but as landed
gentry.
The progenitor of this branch of the English
Greenes in America was Thomas Greene, Sr., of Mai-
den, Mass. He is first heard of at Maiden about 1650,
but it is known that he came over from England many
years previous to that date, probably about 1638.
Glimpses are caught of him, and then lost, in various
New England towns; but the exact location of his
first residence is not yet determined. Although it is
known that he belonged to the ancient Greene family
whose history is recorded above, still, because like
many Puritans he carefully severed all connections
with the mother country and apparently tried to wipe
out all clues to his birth and ancestry, neither the
place of his birth nor the direct line of his descent
from Alexander the First is now known. It is to be
hoped that family genealogists at present at work
upon this problem w-ill meet with success in their
quest for more illuminating data.
In the inventory of Thomas Greene is mentioned a
"cosleat compleat," which means a complete suit of
armor — a significant term, as such articles belonged
only to the gentry. His sons were members and offi-
cers of the "Three County Troop," an especially dis-
tingushed company of cavalry. Thomas Greene was
a farmer, and so far as is known nearly all his sons
and grandsons w-ere engaged in the same occupation.
With the fourth generation in America commenced a
diversity of livelihood. A large proportion of his de-
scendants have been physicians or apothecaries.
Thomas Greene, Sr., had a farm of sixty-three
acres in the north part of Maiden, now Melrose.
LTp to 1858 a part of this farm remained in the pos-
session of his descendants and may quite possibly
be in their possession to this day. His first wife's
name was Elizabeth, and after her death he married
Frances Cook, a widow with several children. Two
of her daughters — Sarah and Elizabeth Wheeler —
married John and William Green respectively, sons
of Thomas by his first wife.
The name was spelled "Greene" by Thomas, Sr.,
but after his death the final "e" w-as dropped; and it
was not resumed until about 1850, when it was added
by certain branches of the family — among them the
branch to which the line under discussion belongs.
There are therefore descendants of Thomas, Sr., who
spell the name with the "e" as he spelled it; and there
are others who spell it without, as his sons and grand-
sons spelled it. Of his ten children this line is de-
scended from two sons, Henry on the male line and
William on the female line.
Lieutenant Henry Green married, January 1671,
Esther Hazzey, whose father, William Hazzey, was
also an officer in the "Three County Troop." Henry
was selectman in Maiden for thirteen years and seems
to have been a prominent man, just as his father and
brothers were. He was a farmer, and leaves consid-
erable property by will to his family. He had seven
children, of whom:
Deacon Joseph Green married Hannah Green in
1700. He was a deacon, and a selectman for six years.
He leaves property by will to five sons and two
daughters, of whom:
Josiah Green the First was born in 1709 and died
in 1774. In 1734 he married Esther Thompson, a
direct descendant of Edward Converse or Conyers,
son of Christopher, Baron Conyers. The family of
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
451
Conyers is one of the oldest in England, dating its
history to the close of the Conquest, when Roger de
Coigniers came from Normandy and settled in Eng-
land. On a female line it traces its ancestry to John
of Gaunt, younger son of Edward III of England.
Soon after his marriage Josiah settled in Stoneham,
where he was constable and selectman for several
years. He left two sons, Stephen and Josiah.
Captain Josiah Green the. Second was born in 1735
and married, first, Elizabeth Green. She was de-
scended from the fifth son of Thomas Greene — Wil-
liam— who married his stepsister, Elizabeth Wheeler.
Having borne her husband eight children, Elizabeth
died; and Josiah married, second, Sarah Skinner, by
whom he had eight more children. This line is de-
scended from Josiah, the son of his first wife.
Captain Josiah Green the Third was born in 1768
and married Susanna Buckman. He was an active
and enterprising man and a farmer. The pioneering
instinct reappeared in him, for he removed from
Stoneham to Salisbury, N. H., in 1800. There he went
into business, the firm being known as Smith, Green
& Co., Merchants. This was the ■ second store at
Salisbury Center and stood a little to the northwest
of Hutchinson's house. In 1808 he sold out his share
to Perkins. Soon after his removal there he became
connected with the Baptist Church, and through life
he was one of its most prominent and useful mem-
bers. His son Josiah Green the Fourth carries on
the line.
Josiah Green the Fourth was born in 1790. In 1817
he married Clarissa Sweetser, daughter of Paul
Sweetser and Elizabeth (Smith) Sweetser, prominent
residents of South Reading. Like his father, he too
conducted a store, and also engaged in the occupation
of travelling clock-mender. In those days clocks re-
quired constant attention to keep them running and
the facilities for getting them to a jeweler were
limited. Consequently the travelling clock-mender
was an essential person and enjoyed a lucrative in-
come. Josiah Green, who was exceptionally expert,
made an excellent income at this business. During
his minority he learned the builder's trade and built
some of the largest houses in Salisbury, one of which
he occupied over a period of several years. Like his
father, he was connected with the Baptist Church and
shouldered man\- of its debts, and gave much to chari-
table purposes. He had four sons and one daughter,
Elizabeth.
Josiah Buckman Greene the Fifth, eldest son of
the above (we here change the spelling as it was
spelled by himself), was born September 10, 1818, in
Salisbury, N. H. He married Miss Caroline Beal,
daughter of Thomas and Abigail Beal, and grand-
daughter of the Reverend Otis Robinson, a prominent
New England divine. It is interesting to note that
the family of Beal shows a marked gift for mechanical
invention, Thomas Beal being considered somewhat
of a genius in the line. This gift was transmitted to
George Buckman Greene and also to the son of
Lester Greene, and in fact all the men of the family
in the present generation display it to a greater or
less degree. No further sketch of the life of Josiah
Greene the Fifth is given here, as a complete sketch
of his life and activities will be found incorporated in
the life-sketch of his son, George Buckman Greene,
elsewhere in this book. Josiah Greene the Fifth had
by his wife Caroline (Beal) Greene four sons, l)ut two
of whom lived to maturity.
Lester Downing Greene was born on the Merritt
Island property of his father, Josiah Buckman Greene,
in 1854. During his childhood he attended the dis-
trict school at Richland, and later McClurc's Military
Academy in Oakland. From his early youth he re-
ceived excellent training in ranch work; for the sons
of California pioneers had to work, regardless of the
amount of property owned by their parents. After he
had finished his schooling, his first efforts for himself
were made in hunting ducks. He was a crack shot;
and for several winters, with two partners, he rented
the lakes on Merritt Island (now converted into fer-
tile fields) and shot ducks, which they shipped to the
San Francisco markets, one winter shipping as many
as 27,000 among them. The species were mallard, teal
and sprig, and the industry netted a nice profit, with
which at the end of several years Lester went south
ten miles on the river and purchased from Willard
Hazen, who had emigrated to California with his
father many years before, the ranch later known as
the L. D. Greene Ranch.
At that time Pierson District was not reclaimed
and the ranch had but a few trees on it. It required
the same self-sacrificing years of patient labor that
his father had expended on Merritt Island to put it
into the fruit trees which later yielded so excellent an
income.
In all farming circles Lester D. Greene was a well-
known and highly respected member, never shirking
any public duty upon which he w-as called to attend.
Like his father and brother, he was prominent in
reclamation work and was for the greater part of his
life a trustee of the Pierson District. In this capacity
he was greatly trusted by the people of the district,
for whose interests he worked with an unremitting
and unselfish zeal, proving himself a most bitter and
determined opponent of those who might attempt to
circumvent the interests of the property-holders of the
district. His death in 1917 was a serious and lamented
loss to those old friends in whose behalf he had spent
so many earnest and successful efforts. Like his
brother and father, he was ever called upon to lead
and to do public work; and he ever responded, as they
did, with cheerful unselfishness to the heavy respon-
sibility it entailed. About 1890, with his brother
George, Lester Greene borrowed the necessary money
and purchased the first dredger ever worked in that
region on the Sacramento River, and one of the first
dredgers to be operated in California. George Greene
personally ran this dredger, at different times doing
each kind of work to be done upon it; and Lester lent
him his cooperation in every manner possible. The
brothers had a hard fight, for there were many op-
posed to the innovation, which they believed to be
impractical. How Greene Brothers finally demon-
strated the worth of their project is a long story,
of itself.
It is wcU-nigh impossible to tell the story of the
life of one of these brothers without telling the life
of the other, so closely were they associated and so
harmonious was their relation, characterized, as it
was, with brotherly affection and loyalty, traits pecu-
liar to the family. Unlike George Greene, Lester
Greene was not so much a mechanic as he was a most
capable stockman and expert horseman. When tlieir
father Josiah Greene died, Lester inherited the 750
acres of dairy land in the Pierson District upon which
until 1905 he operated a dairy. In that year he sold
the place to John Herzog, whose heirs still own and
run it. Lester Greene also acquired 320 acres of graz-
452
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
iiig-Iand near Franklin, and in partnership with his
brother purchased 1,000 acres of mountain range. To-
gether they ran beef cattle, dividing the year of feed-
ing between the FrankUn Ranch, the mountain range,
and the Merritt Island property. Lester Greene at-
tended to the cattle himself, always going with them
on the route from one ranch to the other. He also
owned and personally trained many fine and blooded
horses. His operations in both fields met with suc-
cess, and he reaped an excellent income from the
cattle business. The Merritt Island property was left
to the brothers as an undivided interest, and as such
they ran it until after 1910 under the name of Greene
Brothers. These business transactions were marked,
as were all their relations, by the same amiability and
consideration for each other. Later they divided this
property, Lester receiving the lower front and George
the upper. The original Josiah Greene home is now
the propert}' of Fred E. Greene, only son of Lester
Greene.
In the high water of 1907, Lester D. Greene suf-
fered severe loss by reason of the inundation of Pier-
son District, which practically wiped out all of his
fruit trees. With that same hardy fortitude which
characterizes his race through generations, though a
man now well-advanced in years and worn with the
strenuous efforts of his life, he set about to replant the
land and by the time of his death in 1917 the ranch
was again in good bearing condition.
Lester Dovs-ning Greene married, first, in 1878, Mary
Nicholson McDonnell, daughter of William McDon-
nell and Eleanor (Graves) McDonnell of Sonoma
County. Eleanor Graves, at the age of twelve, had
been a member of the famous Donner Party, most of
whom starved to death at Donner Lake in early days.
She was one of the few to escape. Both her parents
and several brothers and sisters perished. Lester
Greene had, by his wife, Mary N. Greene, two daugh-
ters: Eva Eleanor, now Mrs. Joseph Berry of Berke-
ley, and the mother of Lester, Eleanor and Lida
Berry; and Lillus Ann, now Mrs. P. E Kelley of
Calistoga, and the mother of Phillus Ann Kelley. He
had also one son, Fred Elmer Greene, who married
Bessie Byrd Humphrey, daughter of A. B. Humphrey
of Sacramento and Stockton, by whom he has three
daughters: Mary Elizabeth, Phoebe Byrd, and Doris
Isabelle.
Fred Elmer Greene does not inherit the agricul-
tural instinct of his forebears, but he does inherit the
marked gift for mechanical invention of the Beal fam-
ily, which, combined with the pioneering instinct of
the Greenes, has resulted in the invention by him of
certain new and successful types of road machinery
which at the present writing promise to have a ma-
terial effect upon the industry of road-building. Like
his father, uncle and grandfather, he is a vigorous and
stanch advocate of an honest deal to the people; and
vhile he is still a young man, he is already known to
those who do not favor this policy.
Mrs. Mary N. Greene died in 1908, and lies in East
Lawn Cemetery in Sacramento. She left life when
it looked especially fair, when her children were
grown and the ripe years of enjoyment of their early
efforts lay just ahead.
Lester D. Greene married, second, Mrs. Helen
Newell of Oregon, who was the daughter of James
W. Collins and his wife, Martha Ann (Stowe) Collins,
natives of Missouri and Illinois, respectively, and
members of pioneer families in those states. Mr.
Collins owned half a section of land in Oregon, which
he improved and farmed for many 3'ears. He died
at the age of sixty-three, a lamented member of the
community in which he had lived. Mrs. Collins had
died at the age of forty-six, leaving a large family of
children, of whom Helen was the eighth. She re-
ceived her education in Oregon, at Jacksonville. She
had two children by her first marriage: Irene, now
Mrs. Russell McMullen of Sacramento, and the
mother of a son, Russell Melvin McMullen; and Mel-
vin Newell, who makes his home on the ranch near
Walnut Grove, with his mother. The father of Mrs.
McMullen and Melvin Newell was a son of Major
Cicero Newell, a soldier in the Western Army dur-
ing the Civil War and a widely known and highly
respected man. He spent his last days at Portland,
Oregon, dying at the advanced age of eighty-one years.
Lester Downing Greene died in Sacramento, Febru-
ary 5, 1917, at the age of sixty-three years, and lies
in East Lawn Cemetery in a plot v\'hich also contains
the other deceased members of his family.
After the death of her husband, Mrs. Helen Greene,
now Mrs. Bernay, continued the operation of the
ranch herself, and has proved herself a capable farmer
and a most able business woman. Her home is one
of the beautiful residences along the banks of the
Sacramento River, the ranch consisting of 135 acres
of the original L. D. Greene place.
ANTHONY BYRD HUMPHREY.— The march
of improvement and progress is accelerated day by
day and each successive moment seems to demand a
man of broader intelligence and keener discernment
than the preceding. The successful men must be live
men in this day, active, strong to plan and perform
and with a recognition of opportunity that enables
them to grasp and utilize the possibilities of the
moment. Among the most progressive and success-
ful horticultural and agricultural representatives in
San Joaquin and Sacramento Counties, is Anthony
Byrd Humphrey, who has contributed to the advance-
ment and prosperity of these localities in a most sub-
stantial manner. His ancestry dates back to England,
and the first in this line in America was Michael
Humphrey, a son of Samuel and Susannah Humphrey,
of Lyme-Regis, England. The first record of Michael
in America, is found in ancient Windsor, Conn., where
he was engaged in the manufacture of tar and turpen-
tine, at that time an important industry. He also en-
gaged in a merchandise business to a considerable
extent, his goods being shipped to him from St. Male
bj' his brother Samuel. He married Priscilla, the
daughter of Matthew Grant, an ancestor of Ulysses
Grant, and at that time an important and leading citi-
zen of the town of Windsor. The Grants were of
Scotch descent. Michael Humphrey was deputy to
the General Court of Connecticut in 1670. He died
about 1690 leaving a large family of children, among
whom was a, son Samuel.
Samuel Humphrey was born May IS, 1656, in
Windsor, Conn., and married Mary, the daughter of
Simon and Mary (Buel) Mills, who was born Decem-
ber 8, 1662, probably in Windsor, Conn. Lieut.
Samuel Humphrey removed from Windsor to Sims-
bury, Conn., with his father about 1669 and became an
influential citizen there. The hardships attendant
upon the settlement of Simsbury were very great on
account of depredations of the Indians and although
the family were once forced to flee back to Windsor
when the town was completely destroyed, they re-
turned the following year and remained. Samuel
(yV^u^^^^^c.^/^i^^^^'tjz^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
457
Humphrey held many grants of land and many offices
of responsibility. His commission signed by Gover-
nor Saltonstall is still in the possession of one of his
descendants. Besides his grants of land he inherited
several tracts from his father and purchased others.
He died at Simsbury, June, 1736, leaving eight child-
ren. His son Samuel is the ancestor in this line.
Samuel Humphrey, the second, was born May 17,
1686. He was married four times and had nineteen
children. His wife, Lydia North, daughter of Nathan-
iel North, of Farmington, Conn., was the mother of
his son Ezekiel, who is the ancestor of the line under
discussion. Samuel settled at Simsbury, where, like
his father and grandfather, he appears to have been a
prominent citizen, for his name occurs many times in
the town records. He was an ensign and sergeant.
About the year 1739 he removed with his wife and
family to Goshen, Conn., and settled upon a tract of
land which he had bid off at a division of land at New
Haven in 1738. This tract was located in the north
part of the town, where the family gave their own
name to the road on which they lived. It is interest-
ing that up to 1880 nearly all of this land was still in
the possession of his lineal descendants. Samuel died
in Goshen, October 16, 1859.
Capt. Ezekiel Humphrey, son of the above, was
born August 28, 1719, in Simsbury, Conn. He mar-
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Pettibone, Jr. The
Humphrey' genealogy says: "Capt. Ezekiel Humphrey
was a man of remarkable mental and physical stamina
and one distinctive mark of the family seems to have
come conspicuously to the surface in him and his im-
mediate descendants. He himself stood six feet four
inches high and had five sons that averaged over six
feet. He also had a large number of grandsons and
great-grandsons, all of whom were men of equally
large stature. Capt. Frederick, one of the sons, was
six feet four inches high and weighed 350 pounds. It
is rare that so tall a family can be found. These
peculiarities — large stature, great physical strength
and stamina with courteous manners — render them
worthy successors of their ancestors, the historic
Humphrey Knights of Old." Captain Ezekiel was
representative to the General Assembly in 1777. He
died in 1795. The line continues through his son,
Elijah.
Capt. Elijah Humphrey was born September 20,
1747. He married Chloe Wilcox, daughter of Ephraim
Wilcox, of West Simsbury, and his wife, Ruhamah
Pinney, widow of Thomas Bidwell, Sr., of West Sims-
bury. Elijah was a sea captain, engaged in the mer-
chant marine between New London and the West In-
dies. In 1788 he was lost at sea together with all on
board, this being his third shipwreck in making the
then dangerous voyage to the West Indies. His
second son Allen carries the line on.
Maj. Allen Humphrey was born in 1777 and mar-
ried Polly, daughter of Benjamin Bodwell and his
wife Mary Woodbridge, of Simsbury, Conn., a lineal
descendant of Gov. Thomas Dudley, and also of
Mabel Harlakenden, whose descent from Edward III
of England is to be found in many geneological rec-
ords. Allen Humphrey was a clothier by trade and re-
moved with his family in 1811 to Claridon, Ohio. His
was the third family that settled in that town. He
bought 300 acres of land for a farm, upon which he
lived until his death. He served as major in the War
of 1812 and was commander of the post at Cleveland,
Ohio, at the time of General Hull's surrender at De-
troit. He died December 22, 1825, at Claridon, and
was buried there. He left nine children, the fourth
being Elijah Huron.
Col. Elijah Huron Humphrey was born in Canton,
Conn., June 30, 180S, and removed with his parents
to Claridon in 1811. He married Sybil Sophronia
Sweat. In early life he was a saddler and harness-
maker, but afterward became a lawyer and was ad-
mitted to the Ohio bar. Colonel Humphrey served in
the Civil War on the Northern side and achieved
some fame by the capture single-handed of the no-
torious rebel, Scott. He died about 1890 leaving
eleven children, of whom the second son was Ervin
Decius.
Ervin Decius Humphrey was born August 4, 1836,
at Claridon, Ohio. Early in life he became a school
teacher in the Ohio schools and while following this
profession met his wife, Mary Goodfellow, also a
school teacher. She was born in Ballygawley, Ireland,
in 1831, and due to the loss of her father, came to
America alone at sixteen years of age. Her parents
were Presbyterians, probably of Welsh or English
descent. In America she completed her education
and became a school teacher. This marriage took
place about 1860 in Ohio. In 1862 they emigrated to
San Francisco, where *hey both continued to teach
school. Mr. Humphrey became the principal of the
Hays Valley grammar school, at that time one of the
largest schools in town. He was considered an auth-
ority on the subject of English grammar and methods
of teaching it. His premature death in 1878, follow-
ing a severe siege of typhoid fever, cut short a suc-
cessful career and left his wife with three young
sons. She continued an honored member of the staff
of San Francisco teachers until her death in 1889.
The names of their children who survived infancy
were Anthony Byrd, John, and Harry Ervin.
Anthony Byrd Humphrey, the subject of this
sketch, was born at Harmony, Ohio, June 27, 1862.
With his parents he came to San Francisco when less
than a year old and there received his education in
the San Francisco public schools under the direction
of his teacher parents, who desired him to be educated
for a doctor. His father's death when he was sixteen
years old, however, caused him to decide that he
would not accept the balance of his education from
his mother, who had two younger sons, one less than
eight years old. In addition to this he had always
had a longing for ranching as a calling, and so after
a year he left home and took work with a farmer with
the idea of learning to ranch. At first the struggle
was hard, for he was a city-bred boy and unused to
the roughness of the men with whom he toiled. On
one occasion when he applied for work he was turned
away because they hired Oriental labor; and this in-
cident made such an impression on his mind that he
never in later years hired anyone but white men on
his places. His first venture for himself was made in
Texas at Sweetwater. Previous to this in November
1883, he had married Mary Elizabeth, daughter of
John Jones of San Joaquin County, and formerly wife
of E. A. Hall of Waterford, Stanislaus County, Cal.,
by whom she had four children: William Hall of
Waterford; Georgianna, wife of Charles Camp of
Modesto; Alice Maud, wife of Judson P. Ross of
Modesto; and Katherine. Mrs. Hall was well-known
for her beauty of personality and character, and was
beloved throughout the country by all who had ever
known her. At Sweetwater, Mr. Humphrey created
a sensation by starting a dairy. Although the Texas
458
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
hills, at that time, 1885. were covered with beef cat-
tle, such a thing as a dairy was unheard of and there
was much laughing and jeering at the idea; but the
milk, for which he charged dity cents a gallon, at
that time a price equal to fifty cents a quart today,
could not be made to cover the demands of the jeer-
ing customers. Although the wealthy cattlemen
laughed at him, their wives were determined to have
the milk at any price, and Mr. Humphrey figured to
charge enough to cover the fun at his expense. The
business thrived; but the health of his wife and infant
daughter suffered as a consequence of the severity of
the climate, and so the Texas property was traded
for a place at Anderson, Cal., and 1886 saw the family
back in the Golden State. Within two years the An-
derson property was traded again for the ranch at
Mayhews, Sacramento County, where Mr. Humphrey
is still located and where the success he has achieved
has made his name well-known throughout the ranks
of California farmers. This place, at that time, was
known as the Weinstock & Lubin place, because it
belonged to the gentlemen of that name who later
became such well-known merchants in Sacramento.
It is situated on the Folsom road nine miles out of
Sacramento at Mayhews, and since it has belonged to
Mr. Humphrey it has been known as Grape Wild.
It consisted at that time of 350 acres, for which Mr.
Humphrey paid the unheard-of price of $70,000. In
addition to the property traded in he paid a small
cash sum and assumed the balance on a mortgage of
large proportions. As the ranch had never, up to
that time, paid its own expenses, it must have been
the courage of pioneer blood that had the confidence
to attack such a load; but Mr. Humphrey believed
that by the application of certain practical ideas the
place could be made well worth the difficulties to be
overcome; and that his confidence was well placed has
been demonstrated by the results obtained. The
ranch under his management has produced great
quantities of so fine a product that it has made a name
for him in Eastern markets and has not only paid its
own expenses, but in addition has gone a very long
way towards helping to develop into a paying pro-
perty the land in San Joaquin County, which his
minor daughters later inherited from their grand-
father, John Jones.
In 1889, in collaboration with R. D. Stephens, one
of the pioneers of the California fruit industry, he
arranged to make their own cars of fruit and ship
them to Eastern auctioneers under the name of Ste-
phens & Humphrey. They were the first California
growers to take this step, and it at once repaid them
in the increased prices they received and the fact that
they were able to take advantage of their knowledge
of the conditions of Eastern markets and to control
their shipments accordingly. Mr. Humphrey special-
ized on the table grape known as Tokays, of which he
has sometimes shipped as high as 50,000 crates in a
single season. Shortly after he had purchased the
ranch, he devised a system of tying his grape vines
to stakes twelve feet high with cross-bars on top, and
in this way he avoided a large percentage of mildew
and decay after the fall rains and exposed the grapes
to the sunlight in such a way as to develop the beau-
tiful red color that has so often occasioned favorable
comment for his product in the New York and other
Eastern markets. He is a firm advocate of the policy
of keeping grape vines off the ground either by the
stake or trellis system, which he has used on other
varieties of grapes on the San Joaquin ranch, a policy
which of late years has been adopted by many other
growers. He was among the first to realize the nec-
essity for artificial irrigation and to start a system of
wells on his place. In the early nineties he began to
bore wells. These wells had to be sunk to a depth of
150 to 175 feet, and although they were expensive to
bore, supplied a large stream of very clear water when
they were once installed. The first power used was
the old gasoline engines, which were later replaced by
electric motors. An underground system of concrete
pipe made on the ranch has also in late years taken
the place of the ditches, which, attractive to look upon,
were difficult to maintain. There are now twelve
wells on the place supplying water to every part of
the 400 acres which make up the original Grape Wild
farm at Mayhews.
Perhaps Mr. Humphrey's most valuable contribu-
tion to the industry of California farming was the
theory which he advanced, advocated, practiced and
demonstrated to be correct, that a fruit ranch can be
much more economically conducted in conjunction
with a small dairy and stock plant and that alfalfa
planted in orchards is a decided advantage. Before
1900 he had planted to alfalfa a large portion of the
Grape Wild orchard, his theory being that by so do-
ing he would counteract, in a measure, the bad as-
pects of artificial irrigation, namely, the tendency of
the ground to sour from the surplus water which was
not used by the trees and the increased need for culti-
vation as a result of the application of water, as
alfalfa would consume the surplus water, keep the
ground open and introduce oxygen into the soil. In
pear orchards it would lessen the danger of spreading
the blight which constant cultivation increases. The
next difficulty to be met and overcome after the plant-
ing of the alfalfa was the constant drain upon the soil
from so great a crop as both fruit and alfalfa. To
meet this emergency Mr. Humphrey installed a
limited dairy which would consume the alfalfa and in
turn would supply the cheapest and best form of
fertilizer to continually build up the soil. He chose
Guernsey cattle because, his hay production being re-
stricted more than it would have been in open fields,
it was necessary for him to have a breed of cattle that
would return the most milk for the food consumed,
and because he could not run a large herd, he went
in from the start, as far as he could, for pure-breds,
his idea being to sell breeding cattle. This plan he
adhered to, and through a number of years has built
up an enviable reputation as a Guernsey and Berk-
shire breeder. The next step was to dispose of the
skimmed milk, and to do this he went into pure-bred
Berkshire hogs. Although these herds were started
and the foundation laid on the ranch at Maj'hews, the
ranch with which they are really associated in the
minds of the public is the ranch at Escalon, also
known as Grape Wild Farms, to which the larger
part of the herd was removed in 1915, and where Mr.
Humphrey has installed a very complete and modern
dairy and hog plant. Each year he exhibits his stock
at all the fairs of the state where he never fails to
carry off his share of the prizes. At the Panama-Pa-
cific Exposition in San Francisco he took the grand
champion boar and grand champion junior boar in
Berkshires, both of which had not only been raised
but bred by himself. The boar was sold to an East-
ern breeder at the unprecedented price of $3,000, and
HISTORY OF SACRAAIENTO COUNTY
459
the junior boar went to the University of CaHfornia
experimental farm at Davis. He has shipped stock
to many Eastern states, to Hawaii, to the PhiHppines
and to China. \'isitors come to see his stock from as
far away as Australia.
In 1894 Mr. Humphrey had the very great misfor-
tune to lose the wife who had been his greatest help
and inspiration during the first hard years on the
ranch at Mayhews. She it was who had day by day
walked over the property with him, discussing, plan-
ning and advising; and her genius at making things
grov^^ and her understanding of plant hfe in general,
were marked qualities. It was after her death that
his little daughters inherited from their grandfather,
John Jones, the ranch at Escalon, which consisted of
800 acres of what had once been very fine wheat land,
but which, due to many years of continuous wheat
crops, had at the time it was inherited come to a
state where it seldom produced a paying crop of any
kind. When Mr. Humphrey had brought the ranch
at Mayhews to a state where he could spare the time
and attention, he attacked the Escalon property upon
the same principles that had brought so much suc-
cess at Mayhews. He leveled the land so that it could
all be irrigated, and before the irrigation district was
installed had bored four wells and had intended to
bore others. One hundred acres were planted to
vineyard and olives, and as fast as was feasible the
balance was put into alfalfa. Then began the system
of fertilization which has been so beneficial that a
vineyard planted a year ago to cuttings on ground
which has been under irrigation, alfalfa and fertiliza-
tion for some years, has made in one year a greater
growth than did the original vineyard in several years,
which was planted on ground that had been impov-
erished by forty years of continuous wheat-growing.
The grape which Mr. Humphrey chose for this vine-
yard is also a discovery of his own. He calls it Lady
Finger because of its white color and long, slender
shape. It is presumably an Oriental variety, which
had never been cultivated in this country until he
introduced it and which he obtained in some cuttings
sent to him years ago by the University of California
for experimental purposes. It is very tender, with a
thin, inoffensive skin and a very sweet flavor. In
reality it contains less grape sugar than any other
variety, but it contains practically no acid. It has
reached the height of perfection on the Escalon place
and is quite popular in the markets. It is Mr. Hum-
phrey's ambition to put nearly all the balance of the
Escalon property into vineyard and orchard, and
towards this end he is devoting his entire time and
attention.
Mr. Humphrey is a remarkably active and ener-
getic man, able to stand great strain and heavy labor
without showing the efifects. He has been and is still
so devoted to his calling that for many years he has
consistently declined all public and honorary posi-
tions, as he has always felt that his greatest contribu-
tion to society could be made by devoting himself
entirely to the calling he has chosen. He was for
several years president of the Western American
Berkshire Congress, but with this exception and pos-
sibly one or two other minor ones he has not broken
the rule he made early in life. Of late years the two
ranches have been thrown together, for the purpose
of simplification in handling, into a close family cor-
poration, the A. B. Humphrey Company. Mr. Hum-
phrey has two daughters, Bessie Byrd, born May 31,
1885, wife of F. E. Greene, a son of the late L. D.
Greene of Vorden, Sacramento County, Cal.. and
Winnifred Electra, born November 24, 1886. wife of
L. B. Landsborough of Mayhews, a son of L. M.
Landsborough of Florin, Sacramento County. Mr.
and Mrs. Landsborough live on the home place at
Mayhews, where Mr. Landsborough is interested with
Mr. Humphrey; and Mr. and Mrs. Greene live in
Berkeley, where Mr. Greene is interested in a road-
paving company.
Mr. Humphrey's success can be traced clearly to
two or three traits or policies. First is the logical
manner of thinking which has developed his practical
theories — the quality of reasoning from a given con-
dition and result; second, his prompt application of a
principle as soon as it becomes clear to him, his per-
sistence in adhering to a plan, his own strenuous
labor and close attention to detail over a period of
many years — years in which there have been but few
vacations — a developed executive ability, and lastly,
a policy of always delivering the very best quality of
goods obtainable and of square dealing in all his re-
lations. A favorite remark of his is that "the customer
is always right, and he must be pleased."
GEORGE ALBERT GREENE.— Success comes
only to the industrious and persevering in the ma-
jority of instances, and George Albert Greene, vice-
president and secretary of the National Bond &
Mortgage Compan}\ is thoroughly deserving of the
prosperity which he is now enjoying. He is a native
Californian, born in Yolo County, August 20, 1876,
a son of George B. and Alice (Stanley) Greene.
Grandfather Greene came to CaHfornia in 1849 and
three years later George B. Greene, the father of our
subject, accompanied his mother to the Golden State
in 1852. Grandfather Greene engaged in gardening
and hauled his produce to the mines. George B.
Greene has been a rancher all of his life and was
the first white boy to locate on the Sacramento
River, and is now located on a large fruit ranch on
that river; he is a pioneer fruit-grower and is still
active in the industry that has engaged his attention
for a lifetime; the mother of our subject is also
living.
George Albert Greene began his education in the
public schools and finished with a business course;
then he became a buyer for a large produce house
in San Francisco, which occupation he followed for
several years; then he purchased a fruit ranch and
farmed for three years, when he sold his ranch and
removed to Sacramento and engaged in the real
estate business, specializing on farm lands until the
spring of 1921 when the National Bond & Mortgage
Company was organized and Mr. Greene became
vice-president and secretary of the Sacramento
branch; the main oflice of the company is in San
Francisco. Mr. Greene disposed of his interests with
the bond company during the spring of 1923 and
engaged in colonization work and development of
large tracts of farming land in northern California.
The marriage of Mr. Greene united him witli
Miss Emma Catherine Sorcnson, a daughter of
Wisconsin. Mr. Greene is a third degree Mason
and is also a member of the Sriots.
460
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CAPT. ELBRIDGE LA FAYETTE HAWK.—
Prominent as a successful rancher and business man,
Captain Hawk is named after Elbridge Gerry, the
signer of the Declaration of Independence, and Gen-
eral La Fayette.
Elbridge L. Hawk was born at McArthur, Vinton
County, Ohio, on November 30, 1841, the second
child and eldest son of John Switzer and Malinda
(Dowd) Hawk, all of representative Southern fami-
lies; the Hawks, of English origin, being among the
early settlers of that part of Virginia, devoted to
agricultural pursuits, which became West Virginia,
while the Switzers were of German origin, and the
Dowds came to America from the north of Ireland,
in Colonial days, and became planters in North Caro-
lina. It is through his mother's ancestors that our
subject is eligible to membership in the Sons of the
Revolution, his great-grandfather being Connor
Dowd, a native of North Carolina. He was noted
for his loyalty as a Whig, and served under Francis
Marion, as well as under that other general, Thomas
Sumter, helping Marion, by a fearless and unrelent-
ing opposition to the Tories, prevalent in those days
in the Colonies, to lead Sir Banastre Tarleton such
a long and fruitless chase that the British com-
mander is said to have exclaimed, in reference to
Sumter: "Come, boys, let us go back and find the
game-cock," while he added concerning Marion and
Dowd, "As for these damned swamp-foxes, the
Devil himself could not catch them!"
The Dowds, as well as the Hawks, were true lovers
of liberty, and therefore of the great outdoors and
plenty of elbow-room, and very soon after the close
of the Revolutionary War, Connor Dowd moved into
what was then the wilderness of Ohio. There he
succeeded in building up a new home, and the mem-
bers of his family were consistent Protestants, all
being Presbyterians or Methodists. The Dowds, in
fact, were among the very early permanent settlers
of Ohio. They followed agriculture, principally, and
did much to bring in desirable immigrants.
David Hawk, the great-grandfather of Elbridge
La Fayette Hawk, came to Ohio from the "Natural
Bridge," Virginia — known in the Old Dominion as
Hawk's Bridge, and for a century regarded as one of
the great natural wonders of America; and his son,
Grandfather John Hawk, married a Miss Switzer, five
of the Hawks (John and four of his brothers) each
marrying in time a Switzer girl. The Hawks, as well
as the Dowds, came to Ohio in the Ohio Territorial
days; and the place where the Hawks settled was
then known as Athens County, while later that region
was named Vinton County. John Switzer Hawk and
Miss Malinda Dowd were married in Ohio on August
1, 1839, and there they became the parents of seven
children, in whom longevity and strength of mind
and body have been conspicuous.
Captain Hawk attended the public schools of Mc-
Arthur village, and when sixteen years of age, suiTered
an irreparable loss in the untimely death of his sainted
mother, after which his father's household was pre-
sided over by an older sister. It is of interest that
three sisters, one older than Mr. Hawk, are still
living in the full vigor of enjoyable health. The fa-
ther, John Switzer Hawk, was running a general mer-
chandise store at McArthur, and Elbridge clerked for
him until something happened that gave a thrill to the
keyed-up nation. As already stated, the Hawks loved
liberty; but more than that, they were opposed to
slavery, and this was their main reason for leaving
Virginia and removing to Ohio; and when, on the
12th of April, 1861, Fort Sumter was fired upon by
Edmund Ruffin (under orders from General Beaure-
gard), who afterwards shot himself, some people said
because he realized the significance of his name, it
convinced young Hawk that his place henceforth
must be in the Union ranks. When President Lin-
coln, therefore, called for men, he was among the first
to respond and to raise the mighty chorus, "We are
coming, Father Abraham, five hundred thousand
strong!" and he enlisted on April 20, 1861, and was
assigned to Company G, 18th Ohio Volunteers, a
three months' regiment, and served in West Virginia
under Gen. Charles W. Hill and Gen. George Brinton
McClellan, and was mustered out in August, 1861.
He reenlisted in September of the same year, as a
member of the 18th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (this
being a three-year regiment), and was in O. M.
Mitchell's division in Kentucky and Tennessee, and
mustered out in March, 1862, at Nashville, Tenn. He
recruited as a member of Company F, of the 114th
Volunteer Infantry, was elected first lieutenant,
August 12, 1862, and promoted to be captain, on Feb-
ruary 6, 1863, and mustered out on August 24, 1865,
and was in the 1st (Osterhaus) Division, of the 13th
Army Corps. He commanded his company in all
engagements, from first to last, except one engage-
ment w-hich occurred while on detached duty. Cap-
tain Hawk also commanded his company through the
entire Vicksburg campaign, and also at the capture
of Fort Hindman, in Arkansas, and in the Red River
campaign under General Banks, in 1864. He was
ordnance officer of the 1st Division, 13th Army Corps,
and commanded the recruiting and draft depot, dur-
ing the draft in New Orleans, from Februarj'- 12 to
April IS, 1865, when he equipped and trained 2,000
New Orleans soldiers in pursuance of General Butler's
orders, which required all residents to register for
draft into the Union army or register as enemies.
He was retained in service after the mustering out
of the regiment, as mustering officer, at New Or-
leans, until August 24, 1865, when he himself was
mustered out. It will thus be seen that Captain
Hawk enlisted three times, and was thrice honorably
discharged, and that much of his active service was
rendered during the time of his third enlistment. He
led his company in the following battles and engage-
ments: At Chickasaw Bayou, on December 28-30,
1862; Arkansas Post, on January 11, 1863; Port Gib-
son, Miss., on May 1, 1863, when the regiment cap-
tured two guns of the Botetourt (Virginia) Battery;
at Champion Hills, Miss., on May 16, 1863; at Black
River Bridge, on May 17, 1863; in assaults on the
Confederate works, at Vicksburg, on May 19, 1863,
and again on May 22; and he was under constant
fire from May 19 to July 4, 1863, when Pemberton
surrendered to Grant. He was also engaged in Banks'
Red River campaign, in 1864, and served in numer-
ous skirmishes. By special order, he was detailed
to take command of the draft rendezvous at New
Orleans, in February, 1865; and, as aforesaid, helped
to enlist, and equip and train some 2,000 soldiers
from the vicinity of New Orleans. On June 1, 1865,
he was detailed as a mustering-out officer, and served
as such until he himself was honorably discharged,
on August 24, 1865, as senior captain.
After the war. Captain Hawk took up mercantile
pursuits, and in 1866 engaged in business at Circle-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
461
ville, Ohio, in 1867 and 1868 at McArthur, and in
Kansas in 1869-1873. He really continued his business
interests in Circleville and McArthur for about four
and one-half years, and in Kansas he was at Gar-
nett, then the boyhood home of the now noted Sen-
ator Capper. In 1873, he decided to come out to
California, and on October 9, he arrived at Sacra-
mento, and the same day secured work with the
Pacific Ice Company; and ever since he has been
more than active, and more and more prominent,
in the business life of the capital city. After a whi'e,
he was teller in the Odd Fellows', now the People's
Bank: and for five years, he was bookkeeper for the
Crocker Companj'. His farming operations in Cali-
fornia begin with the year 1883, when he purchased
the celebrated "Orange Ranch" of 480 acres in Placer
County, from the late Senator Newton Booth, for-
merly governor of California, and of this ranch Cap-
tain Hawk still retains 240 acres.
In 1889, Captain Hawk entered the real estate field
in Sacramento, and formed a partnership with James
E. Mills, under the firm name of Mills & Hawk,
which was later dissolved. He then accepted as a
partner J. C. Carley, and the firm became the Hawk
& Carley Company, later Hawk, Hawley, Carley &
Company, of which he continued the senior partner
until 1911, when he disposed of his interests in it.
With his various associates. Captain Hawk has car-
ried out in a very successful manner several impor-
tant development projects in Sacramento, among
them the putting onto the market of no less than
twelve subdivisions, actively promoting the same, two
of them being the Curtis Oaks, and the West Curtis
Oaks subdivisions. In addition to his real estate
enterprises, he has been busy with other projects,
and with five other men he organized and promoted
the Central California Canning Company, of which
organization he was secretary, until it was merged
into the Central California Canneries, which is now
the California Packing Corporation, of gigantic pro-
portions. He purchased land in Sutter County, and
planted and developed a fruit ranch, now one of the
best in the county, producing almost 1,000 tons yearly
in hops, prunes and peaches, his son being equally
interested with him in this project. This is, in fact,
one of the notable ranches in all California, and much
credit is due to his son, Arthur S., who is now the
resident manager. They pay out about $25,000 an-
nually for labor.
Captain Hawk was married on June 13, 1871, at
Garnett, Kans., to Miss Barbara Shelly, also a native
of Ohio; and two children were born to them. Arthur
S. has married Miss Rose I. Gross, and is the
father of two children, Blanche Alice, aged ten, and
John Shellj', aged six; and Blanche, the second child,
has become the wife of W. E. Pinkham, a promi-
nent architect, residing in San Francisco.
Throughout the fifty }'ears of his residence in Sac-
ramento, Captain Hawk has taken an active, promi-
nent part in everything meaning the advancement
of the city's and county's best interests, and he has
given willingly of his time, energy and financial aid
in the further development of the natural resources
of this district, and in advancing the intellectual life
of the community, a factor quite as important to
posterity as material progress. His interest in polit-
ical government is evinced by the fact that he was
chosen a member of the California State Assembly
from the Eighteenth district, in 1908, and he intro-
duced many patriotic measures, being author of the
Lincohi Day bill. That same year, he also went as
a delegate to the National Republican Convention,
held in Chicago, which nominated William H. Taft.
He was the first president of the Ohio Society at Sac-
ramento, and Colonel of the Army and Navy Repub-
lican League for four years. He is a member of the
Union League Club of San Francisco, and of the
Sutter Club of Sacramento, and he is a member of
the board of directors of the Veterans' Home at
Yountsville, having been appointed by Governor
Stephens. He belongs to Tehama Lodge No. 3 of the
Masons, the Sacramento Chapter No. 2, Sacramento
Council No. 1, Sacramento Lodge No. 2, I. O. O. F.,
and to Elks Lodge No. 6. He also belongs to the
California Society, Sons of the Revolution. He be-
longs to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion, and
was its commander in 1914.
Captain Hawk has been exceptionall}^ prominent
in the activities, for years, of the Grand Army of
the Republic, and has attended nearly every national
G. A. R. encampment, and he has missed not more
than three state encampments in thirty-five years.
He is a member of the Col. E. D. Baker Post, at
Newcastle, which he helped to organize in 1896, and
before joining that post, he was a member of the
Sumner Post at Sacramento. As departmental com-
mander of California and Nevada he visited nearly
every city of the State of California. He was ap-
pointed by Governor Gillett Californian representative
to the meeting at Gettysburg which decided to cele-
brate the fiftieth anniversary of the battle, and he was
the guest of Pennsylvania during the celebration, and
received a medal from the governor. He entertained
members of the 114th Ohio Regiment at the old camp-
ground, on September 19, 1912, in celebrating the fif-
tieth anniversary of their leaving Camp Circleville,
Ohio, over one hundred members being present, and
in conjunction with George D. Kellogg of Newcastle
he secured an appropriation enabling those participat-
ing in the Vicksburg campaign to make the pilgrim-
age and participate in the celebration of that victory.
It seems that on leaving the camp in 1912, Captain
Hawk had promised his comrades that in ten years
he would entertain them again, at the same place;
and this he did, on September 19, 1922, thus proving
a most generous and gracious host, it being then the
sixtieth anniversary of that interesting event.
Captain Hawk is particularly active, as an octo-
genarian of prominence, in the noble Grand Army
of the Republic, and he is regarded as in line for com-
mander-in-chief of that vast organization, and has
already been mentioned frequently in the columns of
the press, for that honor.
JOHN DRISCOLL GRANDLEES.— A native son
who is making a success of his chosen life work is
John Driscoll Grandlees, who was born on the ranch
he nov\' owns, near Bridge House, Sacramento County,
on October 3, 1881.- His father, Robert Grandlees,
was born in Philadelphia, Pa., in April, 1857; while
the grandfather, William Grandlees, was a native of
Ireland, having immigrated to Philadelphia, where
he was a merchant until 1857, when he brought his
family to California. For a time he was located in the
Livermore Valley, where he was engaged in stock-
raising; and he also had a hotel at San Lorenzo. In
462
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
1871 he located at Bridge House, on the Cosumnes
River, wliere he purchased a ranch and engaged in
farming. In former days he had married Catherine
Scarlett, who was also born in Ireland. She passed
away at San Lorenzo; while William Grandlees died
in Sacramento.
Robert Grandlees received his education at San
Lorenzo, and was engaged in farming at Bridge
House. He was married to Mary C. Driscoll. She
was born in Sacramento County, a daughter of John
Driscoll, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, and
came to New York City when he was a boy. During
the gold excitement he came to San Francisco via
Panama, and engaged in the hotel business until 1855.
He then came to Bridge House, and was a pioneer
in this region, becoming a very successful farmer
and stockman. He added to his original holdings
until he was the owner of over 1,000 acres. A man of
great energy and much business ability, he was well
and favorably known in his community. He passed
away at the age of eighty years.
Mary Driscoll was the only child in her parents'
family. She grew up on her father's ranch, finishing
her education in Professor Howe's school in Sacra-
mento. After her marriage to Robert Grandlees, they
farmed the Driscoll place for some years, and then
retired to Sacramento, where the father died about
six years ago. The mother now makes her home near
Mills Station. There were six children born of their
union: John Driscoll, the subject of our interesting
review; Robert Edward, of lone; Agnes, now Mrs.
A. H. Joerger, of Mills Station; George Bartlett, of
Sacramento; and Mrs. Theresa M. Carrol, and Arthur
J., both of Mills Station.
Jack Grandlees, as Mr. Grandlees is familiarly
called by all of his friends, attended school in the
Stone House district, after which he entered Christian
Brothers' College, at Sacramento, where he continued
his studies for a period of two years. From a boy
he had grown up learning the stock business; and
when twenty-three years of age he and a brother
engaged in stock-raising on their grandfather Dris-
coU's ranch, working together for about four years,
when they dissolved partnership. Mr. Grandlees con-
tinued raising cattle and sheep on his own account,
and has made a success of the enterprise. He now
owns the old Pratte ranch of 400 acres and 125 acres
of the old Driscoll ranch. In 1920 he started a move-
ment to secure water for irrigation from the Co-
sumnes River by tapping the river above Bridge
House and bringing water in a ditch, thus enabling
the farmers to irrigate the fertile bottoms below. Mr.
Grandlees interested seven others in the project; and
the irrigation system is now complete and a success.
He is now raising alfalfa and has a small dairy. He
also leases about 3,000 acres of range in the vicinity,
where he ranges his cattle and sheep, having about
250 head of the former and 2,500 head of the latter.
He also owns a ranch on the headwaters of the
American River, in the Sierras, where he has a sum-
mer home as well as range for his stock. He is very
energetic and looks after every detail himself, which
is the secret of his success.
Mr. Grandlees was married in Sacramento, being
united with Miss Catherine Sheldon. She was born
on the old Sheldon place at Slough House, a daugh-
ter of that old esteemed pioneer, W. C. Sheldon, who
is represented elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Grand-
lees received her education in the local schools and
at Mills College. Their union has been blessed with
the birth of three children: George Edward, Mary
Anita, and John Driscoll, Jr. Mr. Grandlees is a
member of the California Cattle Growers' Associa-
tion, and served as a director of the state association
for three years. He is also a member and vice-
president of the Eldorado and Amador County Stock-
men's Association, his brand J D being well-known
on the range. Mr. Grandlees is enterprising and
liberal, and gives of his time and means, as far as
he is able, to worthy enterprises for the development
and upbuilding of the county. Fraternally, he is a
member of the Knights of Columbus; and political^,
he is a Democrat.
JEFFERSON ARMSTRONG.— A native son who
volunteered and served in the Spanish-American
War and the Philippine Insurrection is Jefferson
Armstrong, who was born on the old Armstrong
ranch in Cosumnes Township, Sacramento County,
April 14, 1864. William Armstrong, his father, was
born in Ireland and came to California in 1852, and
soon after his arrival located on what is now the
well-known Armstrong ranch, where he engaged
in stock-raising. He also had a butcher shop in
Placerville, which he conducted while he followed
farming and cattle-growing. In the very early fifties
he made trips to southern California, where he pur-
chased stock and then trailed them north to these
parts to supply his trade. William Armstrong was
very prominent as a citizen and business man, and
took an active part in civic matters until his death in
1871, at the age of fifty-two years. He was married in
San Francisco to Miss Julia Doheney, a native of
Ireland, who came to San Francisco via Panama. On
the death of her husband she was left with five
children. However, she was equal to the occasion
and continued on the ranch, rearing and educating her
children, who in turn appreciated her efforts and
assisted her ably until they were old enough to take
over the management of the place. She lived on the
ranch contented and happy until her demise in 1908,
at the age of seventy-eight years. Of her five child-
ren, three are living, Jefferson, James and Mary
Agnes, who are associated together and own the Arm-
strong ranch.
Jeff Armstrong, as he is familiarly called by his
numerous friends, was educated in the public schools,
his attendance being at the old Stone House district.
From a boy he assisted on the ranch and in the stock
business, and in time, being the oldest son, naturally
took over the management of the ranch. The Arm-
strong ranch now comprises LOOO acres. It is well
watered by Crevice Creek, making it a valuable stock
ranch, and is devoted to the raising of cattle and
sheep, the product being well known for its fine
quality, a credit to his supervision and painstaking
care.
In 1898, on the breaking out of the Spanish-Ameri-
can War, Jeff Armstrong volunteered his services,
enlisting in Battery C, 1st Battalion, California
Artillery. He was mustered into service at the Pre-
sidio, and was stationed at Fort Canby until he was
mustered out, on February 6, 1899, at the close of
the war. He returned to Sacramento and immediately
reenlisted for service in the Filipino insurrection in
Company C, 23rd U. S. Infantry, and crossed the
Pacific to the Philippine Islands on the transport
mi'{ L^H-v^^
l?~\^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
465
"Roanoke." He served through the insurrection, af-
ter which he was stationed in the Jolo Archipelago to
reheve the Spanish garrison, remaining there for six
months. He was then sent to Bungou for three
months, and again returned to Jolo for another two
months, after which he was sent to Cotabata, on the
island of Mindanao, remaining on duty there until
he was ordered home, September 30, 1901. On board
the "Beaufort" he came via Singapore, through the
Indian Ocean, Suez Canal, and Mediterranean Sea,
passing the island of Malta and sailing through
the Strait of Gibraltar and across the Atlantic to
Wehawken, N.J. After landing on his native shores,
he was sent to Fort Ethan Allen, Vt., and two months
later was transferred to Plattsburg, N. Y. He re-
mained on duty there until his honorable discharge,
on February 13, 1902, when he was mustered out as
artificer. On his way back home he visited Balti-
more, Washington, Atlanta, New Orleans, El Paso,
and Los Angeles, and came thence back to Fifth and
K Streets, Sacramento, having completed the circum-
navigation of the globe. He had much pleasure and
gained valuable experience and knowledge in his trip
around the world.
On his return to civil life, Mr. Armstrong imme-
diately took up his duties on the ranch and again rode
the range, raising, buying and selling cattle and
sheep, for which his early years of experience and his
natural talent and ability to judge cattle well qualify
him, insuring for him the success he so well deserves.
Interested in the cause of education, he has served ac-
ceptably as clerk of the board of trustees of Stone
House district, the same school he attended as a boy.
He served one term as justice of the peace, and under
Governor Markham served as a guard at Folsom
State Prison. During his time there occurred an at-
tempt at jail break; but owing to the vigilance of the
guard none of the prisoners escaped. Mr. Armstrong
has always been a stanch Republican, and has worked
for the success of his party. He is nearly always a
member of the election board, and has served on
the trial jury. Jeff Armstrong is a man of pleasing
personality, is well-read and well-posted, and is an
interesting conversationalist; and it is indeed a plea-
sure to enjoy his hospitality. He is a member of
Lieutenant Landsdale Post, Veterans of Foreign
Wars, in Sacramento.
A. M. MULL. — Prominent among the leading men
of affairs who have done much to help shape the
destiny of Sacramento County, may well be numbered
A. M. Mull, the capitalist, of 1528 Thirty-ninth Street,
Sacramento. A North Carolinian by birth, he first
saw the light in Burke County, on March 12, 1871,
the son of Peter and Emiline Mull, esteemed resi-
dents of the South. He attended Rutherford College,
and there was given that training which enabled him
to venture forth with confidence into the busy marts
of life.
When only twenty-one years of age, he came West
to California, and soon joined an uncle, who had been
an extensive landowner here and by that time had
become an invalid; and he devoted much of his time
and attention to his care. They lived at the corner of
Tenth and L Street, where the Mull Building, a
strictly up-to-date office building, now stands; and so
it has come about that our subject has had capital to
develop, and has become extensively interested in
farm lands. He has also long been engaged in actual
farming; and being doubtless one of the most patriot-
ically devoted to California and to Sacramento, town
and county, he has been able in a quiet way to ad-
vance all well-indorsed civic movements. He belongs
to the Democratic party; but in local affairs, he is
broadly non-partisan.
It was in the year 1904 when Mr. Mull and Miss
Claudia Bottoms became man and wife; and their
union has been productive of happiness ever since.
Three children, Archibald M., Robert Malcolm, and
Eleanor, were born to them. Mr. Mull is a Mason
of the thirty-second degree, an Elk, and an Odd
Fellow; and he also belongs to the Sutter Club.
JAMES RUTTER.— A study of the lives and ac-
tivities of the pioneers of Sacramento County dis-
closes no name more worthy of honorable mention
than that of the late James Rutter, who was identi-
fied with California as a permanent resident from
the year 18S2 until his death. An early acquired
knowledge of the trade of carpenter proved helpful
to him after he left his native country and crossed
the ocean to the United States, for this occupation
and kindred pursuits enabled him to be self-support-
ing from the first. Notwithstanding the fact that he
had reached an age justifj'ing his complete retire-
ment from all business cares and the further fact
that he had accumulated a competency through his
arduous undertakings in the past, he continued to
the last actively interested in all life's activities, per-
sonally overseeing his varied enterprises and show-
ing the same persevering energy characteristic of
him during earlier years.
Descended from a long line of Anglo-Saxon an-
cestors, and himself a native of Cornwall, England,
James Rutter was born August 15, 1827, and re-
ceived such advantages as English free schools af-
forded. As he came toward manhood and studied
conditions at home he saw no prospects for the
future, and the depressing conditions of labor in his
native land led him to seek the better opportunities
of the new world, where he landed in New York
City May 15, 1849. It was not his intention to re-
main in the Eastern metropolis, and he soon took his
way westward to Buffalo. There he boarded a lake
vessel bound for Chicago. On his arrival in that
then insignificant city he found conditions unattract-
ive and the demand for workmen small, so he pro-
ceeded to St. Louis, where he found temporary em-
ployment. Next he filled a position in Quincy, 111.,
and from there removed to Galena in 1851. The
following year he came across the plains by ox-
teams, accompanied by his young wife (this being
their bridal tour), the trip consuming the entire
summer, but fortunately bringing no accidents or
disasters. In October, 1851, he was married in Ga-
lena, 111., to Miss Thomasine Penberthy, a native of
Cornwall, England. She was reared in England and
when eighteen years old, in 1848, came with her par-
ents to Galena, III. Of this union three children
were born, only one of whom is living. She is
Agnes E., the wife of L. M. Landsborough of Florin.
They have five children: Thomas R., Leonard B.,
Amy L. (Mrs. McCraney), William Lloyd, and Geor-
gia I.
For a period of six years after his arrival in Cali-
fornia and his taking up of active labors Mr. Rutter
followed the carpenter's trade in the city of Sacra-
mento. During 1858 he removed to Florin, a small
466
HISTORY OF SACRAiMENTO COUNTY
vil'age southeast of the capital city, and here he
made his home until his death, meanwhile becoming
the owner of 180 acres of valuable land and improv-
ing a homestead attractive in appearance and pro-
ductive in returns. To him belongs the distinction
of having planted the first vineyard in Sacramento
County. He further has the distinction of having
shipped tlic first raisins out of the county and sent
the first grapes to the Eastern markets. Years ago,
when methods of irrigation were crude, he put in
the first pumping plant in the entire state; and this
same undertaking, which was watched by the citi-
zens w'ith considerable skepticism, proved so satis-
factory that others soon followed his example. In
making new departures in agriculture or horticulture
he indeed proved a pioneer. Fond of experimenting,
he made a special study in earlj^ days of the soil, the
climate and the crops best suited thereto. Some of
his experiments cost him considerable sums and yet
proved impracticable, but so many of them were
successful that in the end he reaped large returns
from his new undertakings. Nor was the work help-
ful to himself alone. Other pioneers, studying his
methods, imitated his plan of cultivation and found
in him an authority concerning horticultural sub-
jects. Thus he acquired prominence unsought. In
his desire to promote the welfare of the county he
gave freely of time, means and influence, and in his
declining days he reaped the rich reward of years of
self-sacrifice and intelligent endeavor.
ELLSWORTH E. McMICHAEL.— E. E. Mc-
Michael, superintendent of the Northern California
and Nevada Division of the American Railway Ex-
press, has been identified with the interests and de-
velopment of Sacramento since 1913. He was born
on a farm in Morgan County, Ohio, May 28, 1862.
His parents v/ere John and Louisa (McNab) Mc-
Michael, of Scotch descent. The family moved to
southwestern Iowa in 1865, settling on a farm in Page
County.
Ellsworth McMichael received a common-schoo'
education, and later spent some time teaching in
the public schools of the state. In 1887 he removed
to Denver, Colo., where he remained until 1892, leav-
ing there the fall of that year to accept a position in
Portland, Ore., with Wells Fargo & Co. In 1906
he was transferred to Goldfield, Nev., and appointed
agent at that place. The following March he was
appointed route agent of the Nevada district, with
headquarters at Ogden, Utah; and later he was trans-
ferred to Reno, Nev. In 1909 he was assigned to
the California Coast District, with headquarters at
San Luis Obispo. In the summer of 1910 he was
appointed agent at Ogden, Utah, serving in that
capacity until August, 1911, when he was promoted
to the superintcndency of the Nevada-Utah division,
w-ith head offices at Salt Lake City. In September,
1913, he removed to Sacramento, where he has since
resided.
Mr. McMichael was married in 1916 to Mrs. Kate
A. Ham, a native of California, born in San Francisco,
whose maiden name w^as Kate A. Eagles. She is
a daughter of the late Col. Henry A. and Mena
(Kclley) Eagles, the latter descended from the well-
known pioneer family of Kelley, of Roxbury, Mass.;
while the former was a Civil War veteran who en-
listed from New York State, and who, coming later
to California, became the master builder of the United
States Mint Building at San Francisco, Cal. He also
built the first unit of the state penitentiary at Folsom.
He died in San Francisco in 1907, when eighty-five
years old. Mrs. McMichael is prominent in women's
club affairs in Sacramento, being an active member of
the Saturday and Tuesday Clubs, of which latter
club she is corresponding secretary. Mr. McMichael,
in politics, is a Republican. He is a member of the
Sutter Club of Sacramento, and has long been a
member of the B. P. O. Elks.
JOHN D. LAUPPE. — A most interesting pioneer,
who played a prominent part in the development of
Sacramento County, was the late John D. Lauppe,
who was born on his father's ranch, near Antelope,
in Sacramento County, Cal., on November 11, 1867.
His father, Rudolph Lauppe, a native of Switzerland,
came to California and Sacramento County in early
days, and farmed for many years here. He was the
father of several children, including, besides our sub-
ject, Rudolph, Edward, Louise, and Anna, the latter
being also deceased.
John D. Lauppe was educated in the public
schools and at Atkinson's Business College, where
he was duly graduated. He had made a record in
penmanship, in which he excelled. After this he
operated a farm for four years, and then opened a
general store at Antelope, which he conducted for
many years. He took an active interest in all the
affairs of his district, and was frequently called upon
for advice. He was postmaster, express agent and
farmer, and later he owned and sold valuable ranch-
lands. After marrying, he started in business with
$200 capital; he was a "self-made" man, and became
one of the best-known business men in the Sacra-
mento Valley. He was one of the pioneer automobile
dealers of Sacramento, and one of the first to establish
an automobile salesroom in Sacramento. His first
car was the E. M. F. auto, and later he sold the
Jackson car. For a number of years, too, he was
agent for the Buick, which he represented at the
time of his death. He started in business at the
capita! in 1910. A very progressive man, he owned
the first automobile in Antelope, and installed the
first telephone there. Mr. Lauppe had great faith
in Sacramento, and invested his money there, ow'n-
ing the building where he carried on his automobile
business, 1313-1323 K Street, and also flats at Sev-
enteenth and P Streets, and other valuable property
in this city. He was one of the founders of the Riv-
erside Swimming Baths in Sacramento, and was direc-
tor of the companj'.
Mr. Lauppe was married in Grass Valley, Nevada
County, October 14, 1891, to Miss Nettie Shebley,
a native of Grass Valley, daughter of Joseph and
Nettie (Smith) Shebley, who w-ere born in Berne,
Switzerland, and Wiirttemberg, Germany, respectively.
Joseph Shebley came to the United States when he
was two years old with his parents, who were
among the early settlers of Sandusky, Ohio, and there
he grew up. In 1858 he came via the Isthmus of
Panama to California and followed mining in Nevada
Count}'; and there, too, he met and married Miss
Smith, who had immigrated to California when she
was fourteen years old, arriving in 1860. He after-
wards engaged in ranching near Grass Valley, until
he passed away, in 1903. His widow is still living,
at the age of seventy-seven years, making her home
w-ith Mr. Lauppe. This worthy pioneer couple had
^^^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
471
nine cliildren, eight of whom are Hviiig, Mrs. Lauppe
being third in order of birth. She grew to woman-
hood in Nevada County, and is a well-educated,
refined woman. Possessing very much native ability
and business acumen, she materially aided her hus-
band in accomplishing his ambition. Their union
proved a very happy one and was blessed with three
children. Juanita became the wife of Howard G.
Kercheval, of Sacramento; Frank E. is an automobile
dealer, located in the Lauppe building in the capital
city; while Norman S., whose decease is mourned
by many, was serving in the aviation section of the
United States army when he passed on. Five grand-
children now give joj' to the family circle of Mrs.
Lauppe, who lives at 2921 Twentj'-second Street, in
Sacramento.
Mr. Lauppe was not permitted to enjoy the fu'l
fruits of his labors; for he was taken away by death
on January 8, 1923. He was a very honorable man,
whose word was as good as his bond; when he said
a thing was so, one could bank on the truth of his
statement. He was upright and honest in all of his
dealings, and his integrity was never questioned. Mr.
Lauppe was a man of few words, but of effective
action, being full of energy and never idle. He was
generous and kind, helpful to the needy, and ready
to assist any worthy object or enterprise that had
for its aim the building up of the community and the
increase of the comfort and happiness of the people.
He was a man of high moral principles and deep
religious convictions, and was a member of the Full-
Gospel Church.
HAROLD J. McCURRY.— The postmaster of
Sacramento, Harold J. McCurry, is in thorough ac-
cord with the growth and development of the capital
city and in close sympathy with its people, having
a clear understanding of their wants, wishes and
aspirations. By profession he is a photographer. He
was born in Allegheny City, Pa., on January 1, 1885,
the son of Dr. J. M. and Alice (Hammond) McCur-
ry, for man}' years esteemed citizens of that pro-
gressive eastern city, who in the year 1889 moved
out to Tacoma, Wash., and for some years there-
after were residents of that state, at Tacoma and
Seattle. On March 14, 1895, J. M. McCurry settled
in Oakland with his family; and three 3'ears later,
in 1898, he went to San Luis Obispo, where he prac-
ticed as a dentist until May, 1922. He then located
in Sacramento, where he is still actively engaged
in the practice of his profession.
It happened, therefore, that Harold McCurry be-
gan his career in California when a lad of thirteen;
and he has continued on the up-grade ever since.
He got all he could in the excellent courses of the
public schools and then he took up the study of
photography at the Illinois College of Photography,
at Effingham, 111. From there he was called on to
go to the St. Louis (Mo.) Exposition to take charge
of the San Luis Obispo and Monterey County ex-
hibits, the regular commissioner having been taken
ill. He then worked under the direction of Mr. J. A.
Filcher of North Sacramento, and also Mr Wig-
gins, the present secretary of the Los Angeles Cham-
ber of Commerce. As a result of his work at St.
Louis and his meeting and acquaintance with Mr.
Filcher, who was then the secretary of the Cali-
fornia State Agricultural Board, he was later ap-
pointed official photographer for the California State
Fair, in 1909. After the St. Louis Exposition he re-
turned to California, and opened up studios at San
Luis Obispo and at Paso Robles. Both of these
he sold out in 1906, and went to San Francisco
after the earthquake, in order to accept a position
as assistant operator for Bushnell. He soon became
traveling operator, visiting all of his employer's gal-
leries in the state. During the next two years he
held positions with the Turkelson and Henry studios
of San Francisco, and with Otto Boye at Berkeley.
The latter part of 1908, in partnership with Ed Pol-
lock, he opened up the Photo-Shop on Eleventh
street, opposite the Cathedral, in Sacramento. He
sold out to Mr. Pollock on January 27, 1909; and
the next day, January 28, 1909, he bought out the
commercial photographic plant of the Sutter Engrav-
ing Company, then located at 420 J Street. This
was the beginning of the McCurry Photo Company,
which has become one of the greatest institutions
of its kind in the state, turning out work which has
gained nation-wide notice. Mr. McCurry recently
purchased the northwest corner at Eighth and I
Streets, which will henceforth be the home of the
McCurry Photo Company. He has put in a garden
especially adapted to outdoor photography.
Ever since 1909 Mr. McCurry has been the official
photographer for the California State Fair, and later
he became the official photographer for the seven-
teen Northern California counties under the name of
the Sacramento Valley Exposition Commission, of
which J. A. Filcher was the head. Mr. McCurry
made all the stationary and moving pictures, for
the said seventeen counties, which were used at the
Panama-Pacific Exposition in 1915. By request and
order of the late Ed Carriger, chairman of the Board
of Education, the first moving pictures for educa-
tional purposes in the public schools of the city of
Sacramento were made and installed under Mr. Mc-
Curry's direction in the year 1914. He is at the
present time the chairman of the Advertising Com-
mittee for twenty counties of Northern California.
A leader in his profession, he is a member of the
Photographic Association of America.
Always a booster for Sacramento, Mr. McCurry
is an active member in the Sacramento Chamber of
Commerce, the Advertising Club, the Rotary Club,
and the Sutter Club. He is a past president of the
Home Products Industrial Bureau of the Chamber
of Commerce and has just served two years as a
director of the Chamber of Commerce. Closely re-
lated to the Chamber of Commerce is the Com-
munity Chest, Inc., of Sacramento, an organiza-
tion which has for its aim and purpose, philanthropy,
charity and character-building. It is composed of
twenty-three organizations, and Mr. McCurry is its
president. The Community Chest, Inc., has recent-
ly completed a drive for $226,000. Mr. McCurry has
also been a member of the board of managers of the
Napa State Hospital.
It is but natural that a man so deepl.\' interested
in furthering the public welfare should be called on
to hold public office. On the 23rd day of November,
1921, Mr. McCurry was appointed by President
Harding as postmaster for the city of Sacramento.
Mr. McCurry was married on May 13, 1917, to
Miss Louise Schall, of Sacramento; and their for-
tunate union has been blessed with the birth of two
children: Harold James, Jr., and Owen Robert.
472
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
EUGENE BRADFORD.— Eugene Bradford, a
representative of an old and prominent New England
family, was born in Washington, D. C. January 29,
1869. His father, George W. Bradford, was born
near Vincennes, Ind., while Grandfather Bradford,
also named George W., was born in Connecticut.
Great-grandfather Charles Bradford came from Mas-
sachusetts. Grandfather George W. Bradford was a
large distiller and pork packer at Washington, Ind.,
and flatboated his product down the Ohio and Mis-
sissippi Rivers to New Orleans. The Bradfords are
traced back to Governor Bradford of Massachusetts,
who came from England in the "Mayflower." Eu-
gene Bradford's father came to California in the early
days of the gold rush and for a time ran a store in
Santa Rosa, after which he returned East. In 1861
Judge Terry of Indiana obtained for him an appoint-
ment as a clerk in the treasury department at Wash-
ington, D. C, under President Lincoln's administra-
tion. With zeal he applied himself to his duties and
his energy and fidelity won for him' recognition, and
gradually working up he became chief of one of the
bureaus in the department, a position he filled until
his death on March S, 1875. The mother of our sub-
ject was named Catherine Clark and was a native
of Philadelphia, Pa. Grandfather Marsh B. Clark,
born in 1800, was also a clerk in one of the depart-
ments in Washington, serving faithfully for many
years; he passed away in 1886. He was a cousin of
N. P. Willis, the poet, while his wife was named
Margaret Arnold. Catherine (Clark) Bradford passed
away October 27, 1870. Of her nine children only
two are living, Sheridan, of Sacramento, and Eugene,
who spent the first seven years of his life in Wash-
ington, and then came to the home of his uncles,
William and James Bradford, in Sacramento County.
In Sacramento, November 23, 1897, Mr. Bradford
was married to Miss Annie Zimmerman, who was
born at Camden, Ohio, a daughter of John Harvey
and Jane (Taylor) Zimmerman. The father was
born in Prebble County, Ohio, October 8, 1835, and
served in the Civil War as a member of Company B,
54th Ohio Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 15th
Army Corps, having enlisted February 21, 1864.
Serving in the march through Georgia, he took part
in the battles of Resaca, Dallas, Dalton, Lost Moun-
tain, Kenesawr Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro, and
Lovejoy Station, and the assault on Fort McAllister,
and was on the front line on Sherman's famous march
to the sea. After Lee's surrender he took part in
the grand review at Washington, receiving his hon-
orable discharge June 18, 1865. After the war he re-
moved with his family to Missouri, and in 1878 to
Elk Grove, Cal., where he engaged in farming until
his death in 1915, aged eighty years. His wife died
in 1913, passing away at the age of seventy-eight.
Mr. Zimmerman always took an active part in the
G. A. R. and obtained much pleasure from his asso-
ciation with the old boys in blue. Annie Zimmer-
man was the fourth oldest in a family of seven chil-
dren, four of whom grew up.
In 1904 Mr. Bradford purchased a portion of the
old Bradford holdings near Elk Grove, where he
made the needed improvements and has since resided.
Three children have come to bless the union of Mr.
and Mrs. Eugene Bradford: Byron Meredith; Fan-
nie Fern; and William Barton.
JOHN A. RUSSI. — Prominent among the super-
visors of Sacramento County may be mentioned
John A. Russi, the proprietor of the popular Russi
Market at Folsom City. He was born on Due Rock
ranch on Deer Creek, near Shingle Springs, in El-
dorado County, on September 22, 1876, the son of
John Antone and Louise (Wallace) Russi, the for-
mer a pioneer who came to America as a young man
from his native Switzerland, and located near White
Rock in Eldorado County. There he established
himself in a small way as a dairyman, and from the
start built up an extensive business on his home place
near Clarksville. He died over thirty years ago, at
the age of forty-four, survived by a widow and six
children, among whom John A. is the eldest. Mrs.
Russi, the mother, is still living, at the age of sixty-
eight, on the old home place forty miles distant from
the capital.
At the time of his father's death, John Russi
assumed the responsibilities natural to the mainte-
nance of such an estate and family, and great credit
is due him for the remarkable ability with which he
has forged ahead. From the beginning he has had
the confidence of all with whom he has dealt. Decid-
ing to set out for himself, he borrowed money from
Andrew Morrison with which to buy his first stock;
and since that year, 1898, he has devoted all his time
and energies to the stock trade, gradually building up
an extensive business. He is a man of exceptional
ability, which was developed in the hard school of
experience; he is endowed with a wonderful capacity
for clear thinking, and is amply fitted for the achieve-
ment of any important task assigned him.
In 1906 he bought land in Sacramento, and he has
added to his holdings by subsequent purchase until
his farms embrace about 6,700 acres, nearly all of
which is used for stock-raising and dairying. He has
continued in the dairy field, but for the past twelve
years he has turned over the dairy business to his
partner to conduct on shares. In 1906 he also opened
a retail meat shop in Folsom City; and this business
has so prospered that he is now a large dealer in
beef and fresh meats, both wholesaling and retailing
his stock. Five years ago he entered the sheep busi-
ness, and today he owns some 5,000 head of choice
sheep.
In 1910, at a time when there was no bank at Fol-
som, it was through John Russi's efforts that the State
Bank of Folsom was organized with a capitalization
of $25,000. He has remained the largest stockholder
and has always been a director in the bank, and he
has thus had much to do with their fine new edifice,
which was completed in 1920 and is a great credit to
the locality. That same year he bought the corner
property now known as the Russi Building, with a
frontage of twenty feet on Sutter Street, and extend-
ing back to the railroad; this is used as a warehouse,
and it has a modern refrigeration plant with machin-
ery for the manufacture of ice, and a clean, new retail
meat market with a capacity of fifteen beeves per day.
In 1918, he bought the old Burnham home, which had
been kept in fine repair, and there he lives today; at
the time of its completion, in 1896, it had cost Mr.
Burnham some $26,000, and was rated as the finest
residence in the county. He also owns other desir-
able property in Folsom City, and elsewhere in Sacra-
mento County.
Mr. Russi has been identified with public life for
years; and through his unselfish devotion to the inter-
.{^4 /^U<iUL^\
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
475
csts of the community, and the people he represents
as a supervisor of Sacramento County, in- District
No. 4, he has won the esteem and admiration, not
only of his immediate colleagues, but of all who have
become acquainted with his varied activities. As re-
gards the many things he has accomplished while
supervisor of the county, he can be said to be the
father of concrete highway construction, and always
an active advocate of good roads. The building of
needed bridges, and the work on the County Hos-
pital, now nearly finished, have also received his
most conscientious attention. He is now serving the
second year of his third term as supervisor.
At Sacramento, on October 13, 1906, Mr. Russi
was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Sims Hall, who was
born in Baton Rouge, La., the daughter of Shephard
and Frances (Harris) Sims, both representatives of
fine old Southern families, dating back to the best of
English ancestry. She came West in 1880 to Shingle
Springs, Eldorado County, and was married to Daniel
T. Hall, who died over thirty j^ears ago, survived by
four children: Lawrence S.; Alvin, deceased; Avis
Dahlin, at Oakland; and Norvin M., at Folsom City.
The Hall estate was handled by Mrs. Hall with con-
summate ability, and embraces over 1,700 acres of
choice range land, which is now a part of our subject's
holdings. Mrs. Russi has proven her worth as a
helpmate, and Mr. Russi attributes a large part of his
success to her natural gifts and her increasing interest
in his affairs. Dviring the World War, Mr. Russi
patriotically did everything that was in his power
to do, to forward the Liberty Loan and other drives.
His hobby has been hunting and fishing, but the rapid
and steady increase in his business interests has
crowded sports to the wall. Mr. Russi is a member
of Granite Lodge, L O. O. F., and of the Rebekah
Lodge and the Encampment, and is a past noble
grand; he is a charter member of the Native Sons of
the Golden West, at Folsom City; he belongs to the
Eagles; and he is one of the "Best People On Earth"
—the B. P. O. Elks, of Sacramento.
GUSTAV LAVENSON. — Prominent in business
circles in Sacramento for half a century, the name
of "Gus" Lavenson became well-known throughout
the valley, where he was always in the vanguard when
projects were on foot for the development and
civic betterment of this district. A native of Ger-
many, born in December, 1852, when a boy of thir-
teen he came to seek his fortune in the new world,
first locating in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he reinained
a short time, and then followed the sage's advice and
came "West." He arrived in Sacramento in 1869, at
the early age of sixteen, his object being to visit an
uncle here, Sam Lavenson, a forty-niner and a mem-
ber of the pioneer firm of Locke & Lavenson.
After his arrival, the youth found employment with
the Lyons Dry Goods Company, and his industry
and thrift enabled him to open a shoe store after
an interval, located at Fifth and J Streets, and known
as Gus Lavenson's store. Many years later it was
incorporated and named Lavenson's, Inc., with its
founder as president; the present store of the firm,
of which he was the founder, also, is located at
Seventh and K Streets, in the heart of the shopping
district, and is a memorial to the business ability of
the lad who arrived in a strange land, and alone and
unaided built up a prosperous business career of
varied interests. For Mr. Lavenson did not confine
himself to mercantile pursuits alone; he was the
owner of valuable real estate in Sacramento, which
included a business block on K Street, between Ninth
and Tenth; and in company with ten other promi-
nent Sacrainento business men, he reclaimed 1,100
acres in the Delta district, a part of the old Fair
Ranch, known as the River Farm; this property was
later sold.
On April 10, 1881, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Lavenson to Miss Flora Goldman, a native of Little
'iork, Pa., and his choice was a most happy one, as
she has proved a real helpmeet in every sense of the
word; she is a devoted wife and mother, as well as
active in charity work, and was a member of the
Tuesday Club and of the Saturday Club. Two chil-
dren blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Lavenson-
Claire, now the wife of D. A. Cannon, and the
mother of one daughter, Patricia; and Selma, the
wife of the late Colman Schwartz, and the mother of
three children, Colman, Flora Jean, and Milton
With his family Mr. Lavenson made his home at
2020 Twenty-second Street, where he and his \vife
dispensed the true California hospitalitv. Mr. Lav-
enson passed to his reward August 10, 1922. Promi-
nent in civic affairs, he was a member of the Cham-
ber of Commerce; and for many vears past, every
new movement inaugurated for the purpose of ad-
vancement found his name on the list of workers for
the benefit of the community at large, a fact recog-
nized by all who knew him. Fraternally, he was a
member of the Elks.
CHARLES W. DOHRMANN.-Born in Schles-
wig-Holstem, on June 21, 1846, Charles W Dohr-
mann was the son of William and Frederika (Beh-
rend) Dohrmann. Both parents were natives of Ger-
many, the father born in 1805 and passing away in
San Francisco in 1866, while the mother died in Ger-
many in 1856. Immigrating to the United States in
early manhood, Charles W. Dohrmann left New
\ork bound for California by way of Panama and
arrived in San Francisco, January 6, 1862. His elder
brother, Adolph, had preceded him to the New World
and was engaged in the grocery business in Stock-
ton, so he readily found employment in his brother's
store. In this and other pursuits he was employed
until 1868, when he purchased his brother's business
and carried it on until 1871. Disposing of the gro-
cery business then, he established himself in the in-
surance business, his first interest in this field dating
from May, 1868. He instituted the plan of insuring
growing crops and this was the first instance of crop
insurance in the world. He organized the Alta In-
surance Company, which he served in the capacity
of general agent for many years. After his death
October 26, 1893, the business was carried on under
the supervision of his wife and son as P. W. Dohr-
mann & Son until 1908, when it became the Dohr-
mann-Wolf Agency.
Mr. Dohrmann was married in Stockton, June 23.
1870, to Miss Pauline Wetzlar, who was also born in
Germany, being a native of Leipsig, Saxony. She
came with her mother and her sisters via Panama to
San Francisco in 1862, where she was reared and
educated. She was a graduate of the San Francisco
girls' high school in the class of 1868 and has been
a member of its alumni association ever since. She
also attended Miss Atkinson's School at Benicia,
now Mills College of Oakland. In 1906 she took up
476
HISTORY OF SACRAAIEXTO COUNTY
her residence in Sacramento. She was the founder
and the first president of the San Joaquin Count)'
Associated Charities, and also was interested in kin-
dergarten work from its start in California, and lec-
tured before the Silver Street Kindergarten training
school association in San Francisco. She was presi-
dent of the kindergarten department of the California
State Teachers' Association and until 1908 she was a
member of the N. E.A., and the National Society of
Charities and Corrections. She is a charter member
of the Daughters of California Pioneers, a past
matron of the O. E. S., and a member of the Kingsley
Art, Saturday and Tuesday Clubs, the Museum Asso-
ciation, and Sacramento Orphanage, and attends
the Grace Episcopal Church, at San Francisco. Five
children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dohr-
mann, and four are living; Augusta, now Mrs. William
Clayton of San Diego: Louise B., Mrs. A. A. Weiss-
berger of Honolulu; Marie J., the wife of E. C. War-
ner of Santa Cruz; Ida W., died at eighteeen years;
and George W. Dohrmann, the only son, who as head
of the Dohrmann-Wolf Agency has greatly expanded
the business inaugurated by his father. In 1864 Mr.
Charles W. Dohrmann joined the National Guard of
California and served on the staff of the Third Bri-
gade with the rank of Major, a commission he held
until his death. He also belonged to the Masons, the
Knights of Pythias, the Elks and the Druids.
GUSTAVUS WETZLAR.— Another pioneer whose
enviable influence will be felt by future generations,
was the late Gustavus Wetzlar, who was born in
Hanover, Germany, and was graduated from the
University of Heidelberg, and who spoke eleven dif-
ferent languages. He came to New York City,
where he was successful as an importer of laces and
curtains. He was married in Dixon, 111., to Miss
Louise Dumbeaux, who was born in that city, of
French parentage. Mr. Wetzlar took his bride back
to New York City, where he continued his import-
ing business. As soon as the discovery of gold was
heralded to the world, Mr. Wetzlar determined to
seek the new Eldorado; so he and his wife took their
six girls to Germany to be educated in Leipsig. and
he came on immediately to California, sailing around
Cape Horn to San Francisco in 1849. and for a time
followed mining. In 1851 he returned to Germany to
visit his family and to induce his brother, Godfrey, to
come to California. This brother had also graduated
from Heidelberg and was a mineralogist. He re-
mained in Leipsig until 1853, and during his stay his
daughter, Pauline, now Mrs. Dohrmann, was born
four months before his return to California. He
again engaged in mining and invested in real estate.
In February, 1862, his family joined him, coming via
Panama.
In 1865 Mr. Wetzlar removed to San Francisco,
where he was a stock-broker, having an office at the
corner of California and Montgomery Streets, and
working with a partner named Sam Brannan; and
also in partnership with Fred Mebius, the German
consul, he started the German Savings Bank in San
Francisco, Mebius acting as president, and Wetzlar,
as cashier. He was a charter meinber of the Cali-
fornia Society of Pioneers, and he was also their sec-
retary and was the founder of the Mineralogical
Cabinet of San Francisco.
Mr. Wetzlar died in San Francisco, being survived
by his widow, who passed awaj' in San Jose. There
were thirteen children, twelve girls and one boy, born
to them, seven of whom reached maturity. Augusta
is Mrs. de Bendeleben, of San Jose; Ida was the wife
of Major Alfred Morton, and she died in San Fran-
cisco in 1921; Clara, Mrs. Grossman, resides in San
Jose; Emih- was the wife of Ludvig Mebius, who was
a prominent business man in Sacramento, until his
death in 1918. Mr. Mebius was born in the indepen-
dent city of Liibeck, Germany. He came to Califor-
nia in 1862, locating in Sacramento, where he became
a partner in the firm of Lady Adams & Company,
wholesale grocers. Later on the firm became Mebius,
Drescher & Company. His wife died in 1906. Mary
was the wife of Frank Morton, who was assistant
manager of W'ells Fargo Company in San Francisco.
She passed away over twent)' years ago. Pauline is
Mrs. Dohrmann. of Sacramento. Alex J. Wetzlar was
an insurance agent until his death in 1895.
JOHN W. JOHNSTON.— A seeming misfortune
in the life of John W. Johnston, when ill health
forced him to relinquish a splendid professional prac-
tice in a most desirable location and seek a change
of climate, proved to proffer in return a recompense
of no small value. The practice of law in Sacramento
has brought him into prominence through the north-
ern part of the state and, while enjoying the benefits
accruing from restored health, he also receives grati-
fying returns from his practice, so that he has no
reason to regret the apparent handicap attending his
removal to this city. Since coming to Sacramento
in 1899, he has built up an important clientele. Dur-
ing a period of ten years he was associated in profes-
sional work with the Hon. Grove L. Johnson, the
father of United States Senator Hiram W. Johnson,
former governor of this state.
Among the thousands of Union soldiers whom Ohio
furnished to protect the Stars and Stripes during the
Civil War, not the least conspicuous was Henry
Johnston, a volunteer for three months at the opening
of the rebellion, and thereafter a reenlisted veteran
for the remainder of the struggle. Eventually he
received an honorable discharge, after peace had been
declared. When he entered the army he left at
home a wife and children, among the latter being
John W., the subject of this sketch, who was born
in Pike County, Ohio, in 1857. The wife, who bore
the maiden name of Louisa Slaughter, was a native
of Ohio, born of a Southern family, and numberea
among her relatives a distinguished general. General
Slaughter, of the Confederate Army. During the fall
of 1865 the family removed to Missouri and settled
at Kirksville, Adair County. The son, at that time
a lad of eight years, received his education almost
wholly in Kirksville, and in 1881 he was admitted to
the bar. Two years later he was elected city attorney
of Kirksville, and for a period of three consecutive
terms he served satisfactorily in that capacity. Be-
fore the third term had expired he was elected prose-
cuting attorney of Adair County, and for two terms
he filled that office with conspicuous zeal and tireless
energy. When his long period of official service had
been completed, Mr. Johnston removed to Nebraska
and opened an office in Omaha, where immediately
he rose to professional prominence. During 1894
he was elected to represent Douglas County in the
Nebraska state legislature, and during his term he
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
479
promoted the interests of his home city to the extent
of his abiHty. The legislature of which he was a
member elected Hon. John M. Thurston to the United
States senate. The exciting and long-continued cam-
paign, however, seriously impaired the health of Mr.
Johnston and developed throat troubles that did not
yield to ordinary treatment. A change of climate
was advised, and he therefore came to California
during 1896, settling in Ukiah, where he engaged in
the practice of law for three years, removing then
to the capital city, and establishing his present head-
quarters in the Bryte building. Mr. Johnston was
elected a member of the assembly of the California
state legislature from the fourteenth assembly dis-
trict at the general election in 1916, and was elected
to succeed himself in the following elections of 1918,
1920, and 1922. He is now serving his fourth con-
secutive term. He has been chairman of the Com-
mittee on Prisons and Reformatories, and is now serv-
ing as chairman of the Committee on Corporations.
In the legislature he has taken a very active part, and
during the four sessions has been conspicuous as a
debater on all important questions that have arisen.
He is recognized as one of the legislature's ablest
debaters, being forceful in argument and quick, in a
quiet, witty way, in making telling replies calculated
to win his point. His influence has increased with
each succeeding biennial session, and he has succeeded
in putting through some good measures and needed
legislation. He is very punctual and attentive, hardly
ever missing a roll-call, and has fulfilled his duties
with great care and ability.
While still making his home in Missouri, Mr. John-
ston married Miss Juliet M. Hollaway, a native of
that state and a descendant, through her mother, of
the illustrious Lee family of Virginia. One of her
cousins served his second term as a judge of the
supreme court of Montana. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston
are the parents of five children. The eldest, Thomas
D., district attorney of Contra Costa County, repre-
sented that countv in the California state legislature
during the sessions of 1908-1909 and 1912-1913. Vol-
ney C, the second son, resides in Sacramento. The
three youngest children are Pauline, Lucille, and J.
Willard. The broad and congenial fraternal rela-
tions of Mr. Johnston have included membership with
the Ancient Order of Druids, the Woodmen of the
World, the Odd Fellows and the Masons, all of
which at various times have benefited by his profes-
sional knowledge, tactful spirit and unwavering adher-
ence to the highest principles of honor.
HARRY C. MARTINE.— The musical interests of
Sacramento County are certainly well cared for, if
one may judge from the activities and the remarkably
satisfactory results of such an institution as the Alar-
tine School of Music, under the efficient and popular
management of Harry C. Martine, a native of Man-
chester, N. H., who came to California a good quarter
of a century ago, bringing with him all that stands for
Yankee genius, and luckily finding here, especially in
the capital city, a larger and better field for the exer-
cise and development of his rare talents. His parents
were H. C. and Olive Martine.
Harry Martine began his musical studies early with
S. H. Gerrish, John Flocton, Thomas Senyor and
other capable teachers in Boston, during ten years,
and during that time he himself gave piano lessons,
not merely increasing his income, but adding to his
knowledge by trying to teach someone else. Later,
he studied in Portland, Ore., Oakland and with Ed-
ward Finck, Roswald W. Vincent and others, and in
1900 he located at Sacramento, where he opened the
Martine School of Music, which has been more and
more patronized. In addition to teaching music,
Professor Martine has also written much on musical
topics for the "Pacific Coast Musician," and other
magazines, and has published a number of piano
compositions for teaching purposes.
In this important, progressive work in higher educa-
tion and the formation of a better taste on the part of
the public for musical art. Professor Martine has the
valuable and faithful assistance of Annette Martine,
pianist and teacher of repute. She finished an aca-
demic course at Milwaukee, Wis., and a collegiate
course at St. Mary's, at Notre Dame, Ind., and then
studied Mason's touch and technique with Mrs. Annen,
a pupil of Dr. Mason, and aesthetic analysis with W^.
S. B. Mathews, and also a special study of Chopin's
works with Thieman, of Berlin. Later, she studied or-
gan, and for ten years had important positions as
church organist. In 1921, she located in Sacramento;
and with her husband, she is active not only in the
management of the institute, but in teaching piano
and theory, the Martine School paying special atten-
tion to piano. Professor and Mme. Martine have cer-
tificates from the University of America at Washing-
ton, D. C, and being certificated by Alexander Henne-
man, examiner for the Art Publication Society, they
have authority to conduct a normal school. The nor-
mal students of the Martine School of Music are cer-
tified both by the Kroeger School in St. Louis, and
by E. R. Kroeger of that school, and only certified
teachers are employed by the Martine School of
Music.
CHARLES WARDLE MORTON.— A representa-
tive of the finely-trained, experienced class of men
who contribute much by their residence and activities
toward making Sacramento County notable, not mere-
ly in California but beyond the confines of the great
Golden State, is Charles Wardle Morton, who is as-
sociated with Weinstock, Lubin & Company, at Sac-
ramento. He was born in Derbyshire, England, the
son of Charles W. and Martha (Wardle) Morton, and
enjoyed the advantages of the excellent schools pro-
vided for the training of English youth. At the same
time, and while given some opportunity to come into
touch with forces and influential men in the outside
world, he profited by the healthy, athletic training
which is always a part of English life. Having evi-
denced a talent for original art, he pursued one of
the best art courses available in his countrj', and then
went over to Paris, where he spent four years in a
famous art institute, from which he w-as graduated
with honors. Then for three years he followed the
profession of an architect, an interesting circumstance,
considering that his grandfather had long been the
leading architect of Newcastle.
In 1884, he came to the United States with Harry
Thorp and opened a studio in New York City; and
there he made a specialty of commercial display. For
a while, Mr. Morton was associated with John Wana-
maker, the great department-store man, who always
knew what kind of an assistant he needed when he
engaged auA'one for his service; but since 1887 he has
been in Sacramento with Weinstock, Lubin & Com-
panj', and his gifts, experience and fidelity have
480
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
helped to win and also to hold for them not a few of
their best patrons. He has been prominently con-
nected with the peculiar local enterprise known as
the Street Fair, leading in suggesting artistic and
effective forms of display; and he has also made him-
self felt in civic affairs. He was president of the
Sutter Club, and is an active Republican. Mr. Mor-
ton was one of the three originators of the National
Association of Display Men, a vigorous organization
now international in its working and scope, boasting
a membership of thousands; and he served for two
years as the president of that association.
At Fairfield, in 1895, Mr. Morton was married to
Miss Martha Pearl Connolley, the daughter of a
prominent pioneer of Solano County, where the family
had resided for fifty years; and their fortunate union
has been blessed with the birth of two sons, Charles
W., Jr., who entered the service of his country in
the late war as a private and caine out a lieutenant,
and Harry W. Morton, also a promising youth. The
family attend the Episcopal Church; and besides being
active in the social life of that organization, Mr. and
Mrs. Morton are among the welcome participants in
the social life centering in the Lodge of Scottish Rite
Masons, to which he belongs. He is also a Knight
Templar, a Shriner, and a thirty-third-degree Mason.
DR. DAVID F. HERSPRING.— A native son.
Dr. Herspring was born in San Francisco, January
8, 1872, the son of Adolph and Frances (Krant)
Herspring, both natives of New York State and now
deceased. The parents v/ere married in New York
and came to California by way of Panama in 1852.
The father was a prominent potato merchant of San
Francisco and Oakland for many years. Eight chil-
dren were born to this pioneer couple, and four sons
are now living: David F., Louis, Joseph, and Harry.
David F. Herspring received his education in the
Oakland schools; and when ready for the business
world, he learned the candy-manufacturing business
with Bruning Brothers, of Oakland, then the lead-
ing confectioners of that city. He then went to Yolo
County, and in Woodland engaged in the candy busi-
ness for three years under the firm name of Siebe &
Herspring, at the end of that period selling out his
interest and making the journey to New York City,
where his change of occupation was as radical as his
change of residence, for he then became a member
of the firm of O'Kane & Stillings, wholesale manu-
facturers of harness and turf goods. Later he ac-
cepted a position at the Palisade Stock Farm of trot-
ing horses in New Jersey, acting as manager, trainer
and driver of their finest stock. He is also the manu-
facturer of Herspring's Salve, and Herspring's Stom-
ach and Rheumatism Powders that are used through-
out the United States and Europe.
Dr. Herspring attended the Detroit Veterinary
Dental College, where he specialized in veterinary
dental surgery. On returning to California, in 1907,
he practiced his profession in Woodland, Yolo Coun-
ty, until 1918, during seven years of which time he
was chief humane officer of the county; and he also
officiated as vice-president of the Humane Society
of Yolo County.
In 1918, Dr. Herspring came to Sacramento and
became manager of the Sutter Candy Company, the
leading confectioner}' and cafe of the city, his early
training and thorough knowledge of the business
making him particularly adapted for managing the
details of this line of work. He is also a breeder of
fine horses, and ships a carload East each year to
Chicago for sale. He has bred and sold such well-
known harness horses as Don Rosine, Edna Brown,
Dan Logan, Bert Kelly, and others, all taken East
and sold; in all, the doctor has made thirteen round
trips across the country with his high-bred stock. He
owns the imported Belgian stallion, Mosel, which was
exhibited and took second prize at the Sacramento
State Fair in 1922. The breeding and training of
horses has always been his hobby, and his interest
in this "sport of kings" has broadened his life in
many way, making him cosmopolitan in character and
outlook, with an ever widening circle of friends, both
in Sacramento and other points where his interests
touch. Fraternally, he is a member of the Sacramento
Lodge of Elks No. 6; Sutter Fort Lodge, N. S. G. W.,
of Sacramento; Alpine Blue Lodge of Masons, No.
n, of New Jersey; Sacramento Chapter of the East-
ern Star; and the Sciots of Sacramento; and he is a
thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Mason and a mem-
ber of Ben Ali Shrine, of Sacramento.
WARREN WALLACE WILLIAM WALTER
SMITH. — Born on the old Hart Smith ranch at
Isleton, on May 3, 1877, W. W. W. W. Smith is
the son of Hart F. and Maggie (McKever) Smith.
The father was born in Illinois, and in 1852 came to
California, settling in Sacramento County. Warren
Smith was the youngest in a family of ten children
born to these pioneer parents. He received his edu-
cation at the Isleton grammar school, Hoitt's pri-
vate school at Burlingame, and the University of
California, graduating in the class of 1902 with the
degree M. E. During his college days he was a
prominent football star, and was known all over the
country as "Locomotive Smith." At the University
of California he was a member of the Skull and
Keys, Winged Helmet, and Sigma Nu Fraternities.
He was custodian of the famous "Stanford Axe" in
1901 and was elected football captain of the Univer-
sity eleven for the year 1901. He made his three
C's his Freshman year, playing right half in the
football team, catcher on the Varsity baseball team,
and second place in the hammer throw on the track.
In 1901 he went to the University of Oregon as
coach for the University football team. After finish-
ing the season he returned to the University of Cali-
fornia; but on account of his having been coach at
the University of Oregon, he was barred from the
intercollegiate football game, being classed as a pro-
fessional football player, much to the disgust and to
the great indignation of the students, who raised
the college yells in protest, the slogan being, "We
want Locomotive Smith! Remember Smith!" An
all-round athlete, at that time Mr. Smith held the
record for hammer-throwing, and was the idolized
hero of his college mates.
After his college days, Mr. Smith returned home
to the delta of the Sacramento River and engaged
in ranching with his brother-in-law, Mr. Bryan, until
the death of John W. Harris, another brother-in-law,
the husband of his sister Annie. Mr. Harris had
been the proprietor of a butcher shop in Isleton;
and after his death Mr. Smith and his sister con-
ducted the shop as partners until 1914, when the
business was discontinued. In 1907 Mr. Smith's
brother, John Kennedy Smith, died; and his wife
having preceded hfmv Warren Smith- inherited fifty-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
485
two acres, a portion of his brother's holdings, known
as the John Kennedy ranch, located on Grand Island
about two miles south of Ryde. In July of that year.
Warren W. Smith started the erection of his fine
home on the ranch and in December the family
moved into their new residence, where they have
since made their home, the ranch being mostly de-
voted to fruit. On the death of Mr. Smith's parents,
the old home ranch of 595 acres was conducted as
a corporation for a few years; recently it has been
divided, 148 acres coming to Mr. Smith as his share,
which is devoted to orchards and to the growing
of asparagus. A be'iever in cooperative marketing
of farm produce, Mr. Smith is a member of the
California Pear Growers' Association. California As-
paragus Growers' Association, and California Peach
Growers' Association.
The marriage of Mr. Smith, which occurred at
the Wickstrom ranch on Grand Island, November
2, 1907, united him with Miss Lillian Catherine
Wickstrom, born in San Francisco, a daughter of
Charles August and Lisette (Huth) Wickstrom, the
father a native of Stockholm, Sweden, and the mo-
ther a native of Germany. Her parents came to Cali-
fornia in pioneer days and were married in San
Francisco, the father later purchasing a ranch on
the Sacramento River near Ryde, where he spent
most of his days, rearing his family there; and there
Lisette Wickstrom still resides on the old home
ranch, consisting of 100 acres devoted to fruit-rais-
ing. Mrs. Smith has one brother, Godfried, of Hay-
ward. She received her education in the schools of
the Good Hope district, Mt. St. Gertrude's Academy,
Rio Vista, and the California Business College at
San Francisco. Two children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Marion Anna and Warren
Wallace.
Mr. Smith and his wife have both been prominent
in civic, social, and fraternal life in their community.
He is a member of Isleton Lodge, No. 108, I. O. O.
F., in which he is a past grand; and with his wife he
is a member of Hogate Rebekah Lodge, No. 294,
Isleton, in which Mrs. Smith is a past noble grand.
He also belongs to Sacramento Lodge, No. 6, B. P.
O. Elks. Believing that protection is a fundamental
principle in national politics, Mr. Smith is a strong
Republican. He is very much alive to all projects
in his district which mean the further development
of its resources and the carrying on of the good
work so ably started by his pioneer parents and
their contemporaries in the early days.
CHARLES AUGUST WICKSTROM.— Among
the early settlers on the Sacramento River on Grand
Island who gave their best energy and efforts to the
upbuilding of the Delta section, was the late Charles
August Wickstrom, who passed to his eternal reward
on October 11, 1901. He was born in Sweden in
185S and came to California in 1875. He naturally
tried his hand at mining and sought the elusive gold
near Gibonsville, Sierra County, and afterwards in
Nevada County. He spent about five years and at one
time had accumulated quite a sum, but lost it again.
In 1881 Charles A. Wickstrom came down to San
Francisco and engaged in the theatrical business,
running the Coliseum with its accessories, in which
he was successful. He exchanged the Coliseum
Theater for other property in 1884, and on Septem-
ber 9, 1885, purchased 100 acres on Grand Island,
Sacramento County, about five miles above Isleton.
Locating on the property, be built a residence and
suitable farm buildings and engaged in raising fruits
and vegetables, spending his time in the development
of his ranch.
In 1881, Mr. Wickstrom married Miss Lisette
Huth, a native of Germany, their union being blessed
with two children, Charles Godfried and Mrs. Lillian
Smith. Mr. Wickstrom was not permitted to enjoy
the fruits of his labor; for he passed on, as above
stated, on October 11, 1901, mourned by his family,
friends, and business associates. His widow sur-
vives him, still residing on her Grand Island ranch,
and is muc'n esteemed and loved by all who know her.
CHARLES W. CARRICK.— For over a half
century Charles W. Carrick has been a resident of
Sacramento County, coming with his parents when he
was a babe in arms. He was born in the rural dis-
trict near Iowa City, Iowa, November 15, 1869, a son
of William and Bridget (McCann) Carrick. both
natives of Ireland. William Carrick came to Amer-
ica with his older brother Thomas on a small sailing
vessel as early as 1850 and conducted a small dairy
near Albany, N. Y. While residing there, William
Carrick was married to Miss Bridget McCann, who
came to America with her parents in 1845. Six chil-
dren were born to them: John Thomas, deceased;
Mary E.; Lucy; Mattie; Margaret and Charles W.,
the subject of this sketch. Later, when William Car-
rick removed to Iowa, he engaged in farming and
stock-raising until 1870, when he sold out and came
West, locating on the Yeager ranch in Sacramento
County, where he farmed for three years; in 1873 he
purchased 320 acres in the Sylvan district of the
county where he continued to farm until his death in
1899, at the age of seventy-two years. The mother
still remained on the home ranch, and with the aid
of her son she handled the property to good advan-
tage until her death in February, 1920, aged eighty-
four. Charles W. Carrick now owns the home ranch
in partnership with his nephew, Lester Carrick, the
only son of John Thomas Carrick, the deceased
brother of our subject. In politics, Mr. Carrick is
a Democrat.
EMANUEL D. PERRY.— Prominent among the
most popular of leaders in the fraternal world in
northern California ma\' well be mentioned Emanuel
D. Perry, secretary of the Loyal Order of Moose,
No. 1020, of Sacramento, a native Bostonian, having
been born at the Hub on March 22, 1866. He was
apprenticed to learn the printer's trade, and came to
California in 1883. at the age of seventeen. He had
two uncles in Kern County, who were sheep- and
cattle-men; and after spending five months in their
employ, he went to San Francisco for one and one-
half years, and then to the mines, in Placer County,
trying his luck at both Forest Hill and Iowa Hill.
Coming to Sacramento in 1910, he followed car-
penter work for four years, and in 1914 he was ap-
pointed janitor of the Sacramento high school, which
position he now holds. He knows his business
thoroughly, makes it a point to place his duties as
janitor above all else, and therefore both to be punc-
tual and dependable, and so enjoys the confidence of
all who have to do with him, he being as popular
with the youth as with the faculty and other officers.
486
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Mr. Perry has been very active in the Moose Lodge,
and was one of the organizers of Lodge No. 1020,
which was started with fifty-four memljers, and now
has si.x hundred. He was elected outer guard, and
in 1917 was made secretary of the lodge, and has
been a big factor in the building of the order. On
September 4, 1921, he organized the second degree of
the Moose, which corresponds to the Shrine degree
in Masonry; he was told that this could not be ac-
complished, but he nevertheless succeeded. The new
organization includes twelve bodies in the Valley, and
represents a total membership of 167. A movement
is on foot to build a home, at a cost of $200,000, for
the Moose order in Sacramento, and this will doubt-
less succeed, with such men as E. D. Perry behind
it. Mr. Perry has also been a member of the Knights
of Pythias for twenty-one years, and in that circle he
enjoys the same enviable popularity.
Our subject was married at Iowa Hill, in Placer
County, in the year 1894, to Miss Albena Rossi, a
native of Placer County and a member of a well-
known pioneer family; and two sons have blessed the
union. Russell M. Perry, aged twenty-two, is an
employee of the D. O. Mills Bank, of Sacramento;
and Francis J., aged eighteen, is with the Capital
Cracker and Candy Company, of Sacramento.
JOSEPH P. McENERNEY.— A successful farmer,
whose progressive methods have long been the ad-
miration of those wishing to attain the highest results
in agriculture, is Joseph P. McEnerney, residing
about four miles east of Arno. A native son, very
proud of his association with the great Golden State,
he was born in Sacramento County, on the old Mc-
Enerney ranch, on September 21, 1881, the son of
Patrick and Bridget (Flaherty) McEnerney, the for-
mer a native of West Meath, Ireland, the latter hail-
ing from the County Galway, in the same green isle.
As far back as 1867, Patrick McEnerney came out to
California and settled at Stockton; and here he and
his lady were married on September 23, 1872, after
which they settled at Franklin, where they conducted
a dairy. In 1880, the father moved onto what is now
known as the Patrick McEnerney ranch, about three
miles east of Hicksville, now called Arno; and there
he passed away on January 26, 1921, esteemed by all
who knew him, Mrs. McEnerney and her two sons
reside on these 221 acres, formerly known as the
P. G. Williamson ranch.
Eleven children constituted the family of this very
worthy couple: William D.; Frank; Sarah S., now
Mrs. Donovan of Herald; Mary, the wife of Au-
gust Beakc}-, of Sacramento; Joseph P., the subject
of our review; Thomas L.; John Leo; Bernard; Susan,
Mrs. Haines, in Texas; Paul; and Gertrude, now the
wife of David Morrow of Sacramento. Besides the
home place, Patrick McEnerney had acquired about a
section of land in several parcels; and his family now
enjoy the improvements he made on his ranch, which
included a fine modern home, and other first-class
modern farm buildings, making the place one of the
finest in that section of the county.
Joseph P. McEnerney attended the Arno grammar
school, and after that remained with his father until
1914, when he started out to farm for himself; and
lie leased from time to time from 200 to 500 acres in
the Gait vicinity. In 1920, he purchased a ten-acre
piece of land, and lie has resided on the place ever
since. He also leases about 500 acres of pasture land,
where he raises cattle. In national politics prefer-
ring the standards and platforms of the historic Dem-
ocratic party, Mr. McEnerney prides himself in par-
ticular upon his true American patriotism, and puts
his shoulder to the local community wheel, and helps
boost for Arno and Sacramento County.
ALESSANDRO MARENGO.— An experienced,
successful Italian-American who has "made good"
with his 363 acres of choice ranch-land about three
miles northeast of Gait, is Alessandro Marengo, who
was born at Salterana, in the province of Genoa, Italy,
on June 7, 1866, the son of Augustino and Teresa
(Marengo) Marengo. The father, a worthy farmer,
the son of Peter and Mary Marengo, farmer folks, was
born in 1828 and died in 1905.
Alessandro attended the common schools of Italy,
and grew up to help at home, while his father crossed
the ocean to America in 1869, came on to California,
by way of Panama, stopped at San Francisco, then
came to Stockton and soon after to Gait. In 1879, Mr.
Marengo sent to Ital3r for his wife and four children,
who journeyed from Havre, France, to the United
States, and then across the continent from New York
to California by means of the railroad, at length reach-
ing Gait. About 1870, Mr. Marengo, with a partner,
bought 160 acres of land east of Gait and in 1878 he
purchased 624 acres of land three miles northeast of
Gait, and the following year improved the ranch by
building a house for a home, so that when the family
arrived the devoted husband and father was ready to
receive them. There were four children in the family.
Judita is the widow of A. Lippi, of Gait, and had
three girls and two boys. Her son, George, was killed
in the World War in France, and Pio was killed in
an automobile accident; her three girls are living.
Her sister, Maria, married Antonio Bisagna, and died
leaving eight children; Virginia became Mrs. Peter
Denevi, and she also died, leaving three children; and
Alessandro is the subject of this review.
Alessandro Marengo did not have the opportunity
to learn the English language in school, for he wanted
to go to work and felt that it would be too hard to
learn, and so would require too much time; but he
has acquired a good deal of practical education, and as
a stanch Republican and a pious Roman Catholic is
a good useful citizen. He is also a Knight of Colum-
bus.
He was married at Gait, on July 9, 1898, to Miss
Matilde Denevi, a native of Cembrano, province of
Genoa, Italy, and the daughter of Dominico and Maria
(Solari) Denevi. Her parents died in Italy, highly
esteemed by all who knew them; her father lived to
be seventy-six years old, and her mother, who passed
away in November, 1922, saw her seventy-ninth year.
Mrs. Marengo came to California in January, 1898,
traveling all alone. She was one of a family of
seven children, the others being: Maria, who died
at Reno, Nev. ; Peter, who died in Stockton; Cesare,
in Italy; Constantine; Judita (who is in Italy), all
older; and Jennie, Mrs. G. Giambruno of Hayward,
who is the youngest of the family group. Matilde
Denevi attended the Italian schools and there received
an excellent elementary training. She is now the
mother of five children: Mar3', Mrs. Antonio Dutra of
Gait, who has one daughter, Elizabeth; Teresa, who
became the wife of Raymond Biama; and Joseph,
August and Antonio.
(JX^PGf^^yi^ /^oA^u^f^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
489
While Mr, Marengo was working with his father
he bought 160 acres from him, paying for it by his
worlc; then when the father died he inherited 160 acres
from him, but he had to pay his mother $900. He
later bought 156 acres, the home ranch, froin his
mother, paying $4,000, which gave him 476 acres; but
some of this he has since sold, leaving him 363 acres.
He has been engaged in general farming and in the
raising of stock.
EDGAR and MARY V. HOFFNER.— Among
the esteemed and honored pioneers of Orangevale
are Edgar and Mary V. HofTner, whose residence in
that locality covers a period of twenty-eight years.
Edgar Hofifner was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Septem-
ber 26, 1848, a son of Thomas K. and Sarah (Ege)
HofTner, also natives of Cincinnati, Ohio. The pa-
ternal great-great-grandfather of our subject, J.
George Hoffner, w-as a native of Wiirttemberg, Ger-
many, and at the age of twenty-one joined the British
army; he was sent to Canada and fought in the bat-
tle of Quebec. At the age of fifteen, Edgar HotTner
enlisted in Company A, 148th Indiana Volunteer In-
fantry, but he did not get to the front; in 1869 he reen-
listed in the Regular Army and saw service on the
frontier of Arizona and Me.xico during the Apache
Indian raids. In 1871, Mr. HofTner was sent to Ben-
icia, Cal., and then to Fort Bidwell in Modoc County,
and was with Colonel Gillem in quelling the outbreaks
of the Modoc Indians from 1871 to 1874; then he was
in civil life for a short time. Mr. HofTner served with
the First Cavalry, U. S. Regulars, under Capt. R. F.
Bernard; in 1878 he reenlisted at St. Louis, Mo., and
served in Idaho and Nevada until 1881, when he was
honorably discharged at Fort McDermot, Nev. He
then went to Ogden, Utah.
On August 8, 1882, Mr. HofTner was united in
marriage with Miss Mary V. Ewing, daughter of Dr.
G. V. and Martha S. (Coon) Ewing, whose sketch
also appears in this history. Previously to the time of
her marriage. Miss Ewing was teaching in a private
mission school at Adains Ranch, Idaho. Mr. and
Mrs. HofTner continued to make their residence in
Ogden until 1895 when they removed to California
and permanently located in Orangevale. Mr. and
Mrs. HofTner are the parents of one son, Phillip H.,
who served in the Sanitary Corps of the U. S. Army
during the World War. Hfe was married to Miss
Myrtle Butler of Roseville and they are the parents
of one son, William Edgar; they reside in Rosev
where he is connected with the Southern Pacific
Railroad Company.
Mr. HofTner has engaged in fruit-raising since
locating in Orangevale on the home place of Dr.
Ewing, where Mr. and Mrs. HofTner are comfortably
enjoying the remaining years alotted to them. While
residing in Ogden, Utah, Mr. HofTner was connected
with the Southern Pacific Railroad for seven years and
the postoffice for five years, and was first lieutenant
of the Knights of Pythias Lodge of Ogden. Mrs.
Hoffner has long been associated with educational
matters in every community in which she has resided;
she was graduated from the Western College, Ox-
ford, Ohio, in 1878, and the following year removed
to Ogden, Utah, where she taught in private mission
schools until her marriage to Mr. Hoffner in 1882, and
many thrilling experiences fell to the lot of the young
school teacher. She is one of the original and char-
ter members of the Orangevale Study Club and has
always been active in community welfare work. Mrs.
Hoft'ner is well-known as a newspaper correspondent
both in Sacramento and Orangevale; also her articles
are published from time to time in "The Continent,"
a weekly magazine published in Chicago.
MRS. SARAH E. DONOVAN.— Born at Frank-
lin, in Sacramento County, Mrs. Sarah E. Donovan
is the daughter of Patrick and Bridget McEnerney;
she attended the Arno district school and made her
home with her parents until she was married. On
November 29, 1899, she became the wife of Edmund
H. Kenefick, who was born near Liberty, in San
Joaquin County, the son of Jeremiah and Rose
(Darcy) Kenefick, the former a native of County
Limerick, and the latter a native of Kilkenny, Ire-
land. They came out to California in early days, and
underwent all the hardships of the piofieer. Jeremiah
Kenefick was both a sheep- and a stock-raiser, and
farmed first in San Joaquin County, where he ac-
quired by purchase a large tract of land; and he later
secured additional acreage in Sacramento County.
The farm upon which Mrs. Donovan lives today was
his first purchase — then a section; and in time he
added other ranches in Sacrainento County, to the
extent of about two sections. Jeremiah passed away
at his home-place in San Joaquin County aged about
seventy-six, and his good wife attained to about the
same age. They had an interesting and promising
family of five children.
Edmund Kenefick attended the Telegraph district
school, and then helped on the ranch until he was
married, when he and his wife removed to the new
residence built on the Sacramento County ranch,
where the family have since resided; and of the sec-
tion Jeremiah purchased, Mrs. Donovan still has 320
acres. Edmund himself acquired 320 acres adjoining
their place, but one-half of this has since been sold.
What was realized by the sale of the 160 acres was
put into the purchase of 180 acres known as the old
Prouty ranch. All improvements, such as barns and
other farm buildings, were put onto the home ranch.
Mr. Kenefick always followed general farming; and
his death, on March 13, 1913, was a real loss to Cali-
fornia agriculture. He left four children: Eugene E.
is at home; Adele is teaching at Escalon, San Joaquin
County; George is a high school student at Lodi;
and Rose is in the high school at St. Joseph's Acad-
emy, at Sacramento.
After Mr. Kenefick's demise, his widow continued
to reside at the home place, and to conduct the ranch
herself. She was married a second time on Novem-
ber 19, 1921, at Sacramento, to Michael Donovan.
He was born in Ireland and came across the Atlantic
to Boston, when only nine years old, and since that
time he has made his way in the world. He has trav-
eled widely through various sections of the United
States, and has also spent nine years in Alaska, dur-
ing the gold rush. Later, he settled in Seattle, where
he followed contracting as a builder; and on coming
to California, he was a contractor at San Francisco
for three years, just previous to his marriage with
Mrs. Kenefick. He himself had been previously mar-
ried to Miss Katherine Crane, a native of Nebraska,
who passed away in January, 1918.
490
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
H. JAY SMITH. — Prominent as a realty operator
in Gait and the surrounding territory, H. Jay Smith
has made this his home since March 15, 1908, follow-
ing an interesting career in many lines, particularly
in the world of art. He was born on August 12,
18S2, in Janesville, Wis., the son of Thomas Jay and
Betsy (Partridge) Smith. The father was born at
Wilbraham, Mass., and later engaged in farming in
Connecticut; and there he was married, his wife being
a native of Canaan, Conn. About this time there was
a great exodus of New Englanders to Wisconsin,
then considered the Far West, and Thomas Jay
Smith was among the number. Selling his farm, he
received payment for it in gold, and when he set
out on his long journey he was accompanied by
five men to guard his life and treasure. Later Mr.
Smith removed to Red Wing, Minn., and at one time
owned half the town-site of this place. A stanch
supporter of education, he had both a financial and
moral interest in Hamline University at St. Paul,
Minn. He continued in the real estate business at
Red Wing until his health failed, when he joined his
son, taking up his residence at St. Anthony Falls,
a suburb of Minneapolis. There he passed away in
1871, aged fifty-seven years, his widow surviving him
until the age of seventy-six.
H. Jay Smith was only ten months old when his
parents moved to Red Wing, Minn. There he
attended the grammar and high schools, then entered
Hamline University, and later finished his education
in the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis.
While attending there he helped finance his way by
tutoring, and also displayed considerable business
acumen in various enterprises. He purchased hun-
dreds of cords of pine fire-wood and employed stu-
dents to pile it into cords, selling it to residents of
the town and nearly always doubling his money.
Besides this he also managed boarding-houses for
the students, renting buildings for the purpose and
personally conducting the business. While he was
attending the University, the great mills fire occurred,
and the insurance companies had refused to pay the
claims on the mills destroyed, contending that the
fire and damage had been caused by an explosion.
Mr. Smith was given charge of an investigation of
the real cause of the disaster, and although only a
student of chemistry and physics, he experimented
and got to the bottom of the cause, proving conclu-
sively to the insurance companies that the disaster
was caused by a quick, straight-burning fire, instead
of by an explosion. As Mr. Smith was only twenty-
three years old at the time, this was considered a
remarkable achievement.
.'^fter finishing his university course, Mr. Smith
went to New York, where he was with Wm. Wood
& Company, dealers in medical books. He was soon
sent West and for three years had charge of four
states for this firm. He then opened a medical book
store in Minneapolis, occupying space in a large
book and art store, which he later bought out, con-
ducting the business himself for several years. For
seven years he was art director for the exposition
at Minneapolis, having sixteen galleries in charge.
He temporarily gave up art work, however, and made
several trips of exploration into Colorado, and on
one of these he became thoroughly familiar with the
great Battle Rock Mountain. In 1893 Mr. Smith
became identified with the Cliff Dwellers exhibit at
the Columbian Exposition at Chicago. The exhibit
was collected by him and he was the originator of the
idea as we)l as the design, in which he produced
a facsimile of this Battle Rock, which contained over
200,000 feet of lumber, and which was sprayed by
means of apparatus perfected by him after weeks of
effort. In order to produce the desired color effect,
it was necessary to spray it very quickly, while there
were no air currents; and after waiting for several
days for a suitable time, the spraying was completed
in two and a ha'f hours, which was considered a
remarkable feat. After the exposition he went to
Boston, where he had an exhibit of the works of
American artists and of the old masters, which was
very successful. Prior to this he had spent some time
in New York, where he had secured a shipment of
224 casts of works of art in the British Museum, for
the Minneapolis Art Gallery.
Giving up his art work on account of his health,
Mr. Smith spent some time in Washington, D. C,
and then went to St. Louis, Mo. While there he
became identified with a realty firm that had pur-
chased 7,500 acres of land at Gait, Cal., which they
expected to develop to vineyard. Mr. Smith came
to Gait to look over the property and returned to
St. Louis to advise the company concerning its devel-
opment. In March, 1908, he returned to Gait, and
this has since been his home; he is extensively
engaged in the real estate business, and is the owner
of about fifty lots in Gait, besides other property.
Mr. Smith deserves great credit for his work in
securing the Union High School at Gait. In order
to secure this school at Gait, it was necessary
to consoHdate eleven contiguous school districts,
five of which lay in San Joaquin County and six in
Sacramento County. This was accomplished largely
through Mr. Smith's foresight and executive ability;
and it was accomplished on schedule time. Had the
matter been allowed to drag, a delay of sixty days
would have defeated the project.
Few men have the wide range of experience pos-
sessed by Mr. Smith. As an art connoisseur and
critic, he has gained wide notoriety. He is a well-
known traveler and lecturer, having visited every
state of the Union, and traveled in Europe and Mex-
ico. In the latter country he did valuable research
work in archeology and anthropology. In Europe he
gathered works of art extensively for the Minne-
apolis Industrial Exposition. He is a man of clear
ideas, force of character, executive ability and prac-
tical business methods that have brought him success.
After settling in California he prepared an illustrated
lecture on California, which he delivered in the prin-
cipal cities of the East and Middle West, and in that
way he did much towards furthering the interests of
the state.
By his first marriage, to Miss Carrie Bell Barnum
of West Cornwall, Conn., Mr. Smith had three sons,
Ernest Jay, general agent for the Metropolitan Life
Insurance Company at St. Louis, Mo.; Thomas Har-
o'd, in the automobile business at Oakland; and
Harvey, an architect at San Antonio, Texas. His
second marriage united him with Miss Laura Bell
Partridge of Albert Lea, Minn., and they had one son,
Sidney Partridge, a landscape artist of De Kalb, 111.
In Minneapolis, on January 25, 1899, Mr. Smith was
married to Miss Maude May Fleming, and they have
two daughters, Maude Frances and Constance Evelyn.
Maude Frances is now Mrs. George Soare, and has
one child, Constance Millicent, one year old. Con-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
493
stance Evelyn is secretary to Mr. Allen of San Fran-
cisco, of the Niagara Fire Insurance Company. Mrs.
Smith is a native of St. Louis, Mo. In politics, Mr.
Smith is a progressive Republican; and in religious
matters he is a student of Christian Science.
LOUIS GOVE BARTON.— The building inter-
ests of Sacramento find a worthy and progressive
representative in Louis Gove Barton, who is a con-
tractor of long experience and is rated one of the
most successful men in his line of business in this
section of the state. He was born in Seabrook, N. H..
September 18, 1873, a son of David A. and Annie J.
(Walton) Barton, descendants of Revolutionaj-y stock
and both natives of New England, where they made
their home until 1900, when the}' removed to Sacra-
mento, where the father is still living, the mother
having died in 1921.
Louis Gove Barton received his education in the
grammar and high schools of Massachusetts; then he
learned the trade of carpenter and was engaged in
building operations there until 1905, when he removed
to California and for one year worked at his trade.
In 1906 he purchased a ranch near Isleton. and was
very successful in raising asparagus for the ensuing
eleven years, when he sold his ranch to good advan-
tage. He then returned to his trade, engaged in gen-
eral contracting and building, and many of the best
structures in northern California are of his construc-
tion, among them being Foresters Hall, in Marys-
ville; the Sutter high school building in Sutter
County; the Sutter County Hospital at Yuba City;
the high school building at Gridley; the Sisters' school
at Seventh and J Streets; the Merchants Bank Build-
ing; and many fine residences and office buildings in
the city of Sacramento. Mr. Barton is also in part-
nership with Mr. Handlin at 619 J Street, where
they conduct a store, having a large and complete
line of painters' supplies, paints, oils and wall paper.
Mr. Barton is a Republican in politics. Fraternally,
he is a member of the Odd Fellows, having joined
the order in 1894; he is a thirty-second-degree York
Rite Mason and a Shriner, and also belongs to the
Merchants' Club of Sacramento.
GEORGE EDGAR BRYAN.— A representative
of one of the old pioneer families in Sacramento
County is George Edgar Bryan, who was born near
what is now Hood, Sacramento County, April 13,
1870. His father, Isaac Bryan, was born near Al-
legheny, Pa., and at the age of twelve years, came to
Ohio, where Grandfather Bryan became a success-
ful farmer and business man, owning a farm near
Tiffin as well as engaging in brick-manufacturing in
that city. A town sprang up on his farm, called
Bryan, and is now a station on the transcontinental
aerial route. In 1850 he came via Panama to Sac-
ramento. He tried mining for a while, but soon gave
it up for something more remunerative, locating on
a tract of land fifteen miles south of Sacramento on
the river, where he engaged in raising vegetables
which he sold in the mines. He married Miss Ellen
Reardon, who was of Scotch-Irish lineage but born
in Philadelphia, in 1839. She came to California via
Panama in 1851 with relatives, and made her home
in Sacramento until her marriage. Together they
pioneered, raising their family and improving their
ranch, passing through the early hardships, particular-
h- the flood of 1862. Mr. Bryan was a progressive man.
He established a nursery on his place, and set out
orchards of cherries, shipping the fruit to San Fran-
cisco markets until Vacaville began producing the
fruit; and he was also a pioneer in raising pears. He
was not permitted, however, to enjoy the fruits of
his labors, for he died in 1885 at the age of forty-eight
years. His widow continued to reside on the home
place until the youngest child was grown up. when
she sold the place. She now makes her home in
Vacaville.
There were eleven children in the Bryan family,
nine of whom grew up; and eight are living: John,
of Sacramento; Joseph, in Isleton; George Edgar,
the subject of our review; William, in Stockton;
Isaac, in Rio Vista; Mrs. Nellie Berg, of Stockton;
Mrs. May La Montague, of Antioch; and Mrs. Min-
nie Sherratt, of Salinas. James, Harry, and Mrs.
Anne Homer are deceased.
George Bryan was educated in the local schools,
and remained on the home farm, assisting his mother
until he was eighteen j^ears old. In 1888 he began
driving stage, running from V/alnut Grove to Stock-
ton, thirty-one miles, or sixty-two miles a round
trip per day, changing his four-horse team at Bryan
Station each way. In 1892 the line was extended to
Isleton, a distance of forty miles, or an eighty-mile
round trip, which he made six days a week, changing
his four-horse team at Walnut Grove and again at
Bryan Station. In 1904, when the dredges began
throwing the sand on the levee, the road became im-
passable and the line was discontinued. Besides his
regular driving each day, he found time on Sundays
to make trips with the baseball team to adjoining
cities as an active participant in the game.
On September 3, 1902, the day Buffalo Bill had
his Wild West show in Sacramento, Mr. Brj^an of
course attended; and they were a little late starting
on the return trip. On arriving at a point about one-
half mile north of Hood, they were held up by a lone
highwayman, who lined up the passengers, as well
as Mr. Bryan, and was in the act of relieving the
last passenger, Mr. Isham, of his money, when the
latter saw an opportunity and grabbed the highway-
man's gun. In the scuffle which ensued he retained
possession of it, and the highwaj'nian fled and made
his escape. Mr. Bryan, on getting down from his
seat on the stage to take his place in the line, had
hidden his pocketbook in the bed of the stage.
From 1904 to 1907 Mr. Bryan was engaged in
dairying at Isleton, and from 1907 to 1917 he was
proprietor of the Central Hotel at the same place.
Mrs. Bryan was the owner of "Shoreacres," a 167-
acre ranch on Andrus Island, three miles above Isle-
ton; so in 1916 they located on their ranch and en-
gaged in farming, the place being devoted to the
raising of pears, peaches, and plums, and asparagus
and other vegetables.
On April 2, 1896, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Bryan and Miss Alice Marion Smith. She was born
on the old Hart Smith ranch at Isleton, and is a
daughter of that old and highli' respected pioneer.
Hart Fellows Smith and his estimable wife, Mar-
garet McKeever Smith, who are represented in her
brother Garrett Smith's sketch in this work. Two
children have been born of this fortunate union: Ger-
trude Anne, a graduate of the Lhiiversity of Califor-
494
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Ilia in the class of 1920, with the degree of A. B.; and
Elwood, who was also educated at the University of
California. Aside from the beautiful home "Shore-
acres," Mrs. Bryan is also the owner of a well-im-
proved ranch of 104 acres, a part of her father's old
place at Isleton. She is active in civic and social
work in the community, being a member of Onisbo
Chapter, O. E. S., at Courtland, of which she is a
past matron. She is also a member of Hogate
Rebckah Lodge of Isleton. in which she is a past
nol>le grand and past district deputy. She holds mem-
bership in the Tuesday Club in Sacramento and the
Methodist Church in Isleton.
In association with J. H. Rossiter, R. K. Malcolm,
and John B. Coleman, of San Francisco, and George
B. La Montague of Antioch, Mr. Bryan in 1917
formed the Liberty Farms Company, leasing lands
in Solano County and engaging in farming on a large
scale. In 1918 they purchased 5,200 acres known as
the By-Pass in Solano County, and reclaimed it, the
land being now devoted to raising grains, beans,
asparagus, celery, and onions. From 1920 to 1922
Mr. Bryan was active in the organization of the River
Lands Protective Association, a movement to pre-
vent the rice-growers above from diverting the water
from the Sacramento River for flooding the rice-
fields so that the water of the lower Sacramento
River would back up from the tide and become salty,
a matter that is still in litigation.
A firm believer in the principles of protection as a
national political policy, Mr. Bryan is naturally a
stanch Republican.
WILLIAM J. ROONEY.— Interesting as both the
descendant and the successor of a pioneer of Califor-
nia, and one who has attained to prominence in the
real estate business in Sacramento, William J. Rooney,
office manager for the firm of Wright & Kimbrough,
was born at Perkins, Sacramento County, five miles
from Sacramento, February 12, 1890. He is a son of
Stephen J. and Mary (Tackney) Rooney, both born
and reared in the Golden State and in Sacramento
County. Grandfather John Rooney was one of the
pioneer miners of '49 in Eldorado County, and became
the owner of a fine ranch at Perkins through the pos-
session of a note. This land was considered to be of
little value at the time but the passing of the years
has proven it to be a very valuable ranch. He de-
veloped this place and died there at an advanced age.
Stephen J. Rooney was reared in this county and took
an active part in politics and at one time served as un-
der-sherifif to Tom O'Neil. He died in Alaska in 1898;
Mrs. Mary Rooney is still living and makes her home
in Sacramento.
William J. Rooney attended the public schools and
the Brothers College in Sacramento and remained on
the ranch with his mother until he entered the employ
of Hcnderson-Longton Company in 1909. He was
with this firm for two years and then accepted a posi-
tion as office boy with Wright & Kimbrough, and he
has gradually worked his way to the position he has
occupied since 1919 by his persistency of purpose and
careful attention to detail, that each patron might be
satisfied. He is well posted on property and values in
Sacramento and has easily demonstrated his mastery
of the problems arising from day to day.
On October 31, 1914, in Sacramento, Mr. Rooney
and Miss Nell Reese, daughter of the late David
Reese, an ex-sheriff of this county and a pioneer of the
state, were united in marriage and they have three
children: William Reese, David Reese and Barbara
Ethel. Mr. Rooney is non-partisan in his political
affiliations, voting for the man and the measure rather
than the party. He belongs to the Knights of Colum-
bus and to Sacramento Parlor No. 3, N. S. G. W., and
is accounted one of the progressive men of Sacra-
mento city and county.
WILLIAM A. KESNER.— For thirty-two years
this sterling citizen, William A. Kesner, has been a
resident of Ryde, Cal., where he owns valuable real
estate. At Ryde, on Grand Island, is located his ranch
of 150 acres, which is devoted to orchard, and to the
raising of asparagus and beans. He was born at
Keyesport, Clinton County, 111., October 30, 1850,
and received his education in the local public schools.
At twenty-five years of age he left home and came to
California on one of the early trains, arriving in 1875,
and settled on the Sacramento River, where he worked
for five years; then he removed to Colorado with
his family and spent five years there.
On December 17, 1871, at Keyesport, Mr. Kesner
was married to Miss Mary Clark, also a native of
Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Kesner are the parents of
one son, Wilfred C, who was born in Keyesport,
III. Wilfred Kesner received his education at the
Isleton and Rio Vista district schools, and supple-
mented his public-school training with a course at
E. C. Atkinson's Business College in Sacramento.
On October S, 1905, he was married to Miss Patricia
McAIister, a native of Illinois and a daughter of John
and Mary McAIister. John McAIister passed away
in 1917, aged seventy-five years; his widow still sur-
vives him. Wilfred C. Kesner has one son, Roy C.
Wilfred C. Kesner, with his father, owns 250 acres
four miles west of Ryde which is devoted to the
growing of asparagus. He is a Republican in poli-
tics; and fraternally he belongs to Franklin Lodge
No. 143, F. & A. M., Courtland, and is a thirty-second
degree Scottish Rite Mason, belonging to the con-
sistory in Sacramento; formerly he was a member of
Islam Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in San
Francisco, until he demitted to become a charter
member of Ben AH Temple in Sacramento. He be-
longs to the Order of the Eastern Star and Sacra-
mento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. E. Wilfred C. Kesner
has served as a trustee of Reclamation District No. 3
of Grand Island, and at the present time is clerk of
the board of trustees of the Beaver union school
district.
Mr. and Mrs. William A. Kesner returned to Cali-
fornia after their five years' residence in Colorado
and settled for three months in Fresno County; then
they returned to Sacramento County and Mr. Kes-
ner conducted a butcher shop at Isleton for five
years. In 1891 he located on Grand Island, about
four miles below Wa'nut Grove, and that same year
a post-office was located in that part of the county,
which was called Ryde. Mr. Kesner's first land
purchase was a tract of fort}' acres. He built a
house and developed the land to orchard; and he has
added to his holdings until he now owns some 150
acres. Mr, Kesner erected a store and hotel at Ryde
and also a modern garage building; and he owns
and conducts a six-apartment building. Mr. Kesner
is a Republican in politics. Fraternally, he is a mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows at Isleton and the Elks, No.
M
^, /^;cWt-(:^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
499
6, of Sacramento; and for a number of years both
Mr. and Mrs. Kesner were members of the Rebekah
Lodge. Mrs. Kesner was also a member of the East-
ern Star. She passed away on November 21, 1922,
at the age of seventy 3fears. For many years Mr.
Kesner served as a trustee of Reclamation District
No. 3 of Grand Island; for many 3'ears, also, he
served as school trustee of the Good Hope school
district, and of the Beaver union school district.
HON. PERCY G. WEST.— A distinguished and
popular representative of the people in the halls of
state legislation is the Honorable Percy G. West, the
well-known attorney who is a member of the Califor-
nia legislature as assemblyman from the fifteenth
district. He was born at Orange, in Orange County,
on March 16, 1883, and his father was Henry West,
who had married Miss Sabina Harriett Austing.
They were married in the city of London, December
24, 1871, and in May, 1872, came to San Francisco,
Cal. In 1876 they located on a ranch at Orange, Cal.,
which they eventually improved to an orange or-
chard. They now both live retired in that beautiful
Southern city. They had nine children, six of whom
are living, Percy G. being the third in order of birth.
Percy West attended the public schools of Orange
County, and in time studied law in the office of
Robert A. Waring, state inheritance tax attorney, and
J. M. Inman, state senator, and also pursued a spe-
cial course in the School of Jurisprudence of the State
LTniversity at Berkeley, and on July 2, 1919, was
admitted to the bar in California. He had previous-
ly worked for the Southern Pacific system, first as
a telegraph operator, and then as ticket agent; in
1904 he came to Sacramento and then became travel-
ing freight and passenger agent for the Harriman
lines. In 1918 he was paying and receiving teller in
the Capital National Bank, and the following year he
became undersheriff. In 1920, after having resigned
from his office, he took up the practice of law; and on
November 2, 1920, he was elected assemblyman from
the fifteenth district. He then began the practice of
law, in which he has met with success. In 1922 he
was reelected to the assembly without opposition. In
the session of 1921 he was chairman of the committee
on labor and capital. In that session he was the
author of the bill creating the California State Agri-
cultural Education Committee, which investigated all
the colleges of agriculture in the United States, while
formulating a definite polic3r to be pursued by the
University of California in agricultural education, and
as a result the State Farm at Davis has been made a
branch of the University of CaUfornia. In the session
of 1923 he was chairman of the committee on claims,
and he served as a member of the judiciary commit-
tee during both sessions. Republican in matters of
national import, Mr. West, through his active partici-
pation in the affairs of the Native Sons of the Golden
West, seeks to stimulate patriotic sentiments and in-
fluence. He is past president in that organization,
and he has been secretary of the Native Sons Hall
Association for fifteen years, since the organization
was formed. He belongs to the American Order,
Sons of St. George; Sacramento Lodge No. 6 of the
Elks; Capital City Lodge No. 499, F. & A. M., and
Sacramento Pyramid of the Sciots. and to the county,
state and national bar associations.
At Sacramento, in 1911. Mr. West was married to
Miss Ethel G. Trainor, of that city, the daughter of
W. F. Trainor, who was for years paying teller in
the California National Bank. They have one son,
Robert G. West. Mr. West has vested interests in
ranch and home property. He believes in getting
out into the open and is fond of hunting.
DRURY DE WOLF BUTLER.— Distinguished
among the efficient public officials of Sacramento
County may well be mentioned Drury De Wolf But-
ler, the popular and proficient county surveyor, a
native son proud of the Golden State in which he
was born and wherein he has demonstrated his pub-
lic-spiritedness in many ways, including his enthusi-
astic advocacy of better roads and bridges. He first
saw the light near Folsom, in Sacramento Countj', on
November 22, 1877, the son of John E. Butler, who
crossed the plains to California, arriving in February,
1850. Afterwards, he went into the mines, and then
settled on Cache Creek, Yolo County, where he re-
mained until 1864. He then bought the Half-Way
House in Sacramento County, on the Sacramento-
Placerville road, and conducted it as a hotel. After-
wards he embarked in the sheep business, in which
he continued until 1904; and then having sold out.
he died seven years later. He served in the California
Assembly in 1894, and made there a very creditable
record for intelligent and fearless advocacy of the
best interests of the people he served. In 1875, at
San Jose, he married Miss Electa De Wolf, a merii-
ber of a pioneer family from Ohio; and she is still
living, making her home in Sacramento, with many
happy memories of days in California dating back
to 1874.
Drury De Wolf Butler enjoyed the advantages of
public education in California and in 1890 was grad-
uated from the old White Rock grammar school near
Folsom. For six years he studied by himself and
then in 1897 he was graduated from the Sacramento
high school. In 1899 he entered the LTniversity of
California, and in 1903 he was graduated in mining,
with his degree of B. S. He was a mining chemist
for the Boulder Reduction Works in Jamestown,
Colo., and next he was field engineer for the Pacific
Gas and Electric Company in Butte County; he was
also assistant engineer for the Sacramento Southern
Railroad. He went to Chile to engage in mining
work, but returned in 1908.
Mr. Butler was appointed deputy county surveyor
upon his return to California, but 1911 found him
again in the more inviting field, from certain stand-
points, of private practice. In 1914 he was elected
county surveyor, and on September 1, 1920, he was
appointed by the board of supervisors to be county
engineer. In 1921, when the office of county engineer
was abolished, Mr. Butler again took up the work of
county surveyor. At the general election in Novem-
ber, 1922, he was reelected to his present office. He
has carried through some very difficult work, accjuit-
ting himself very creditably; and among other mer-
itorious undertakings, he designed and constructed
the Folsom bridge, which has a span of 209 feet and
is made of concrete.
In 1917, at Sacramento, Mr. Butler was married
to Miss Lalita Jodon, born in Portland, Ore., although
a resident of Sacramento since her childhood. They
have one child, Jacklyn Lauretta. Mr. Butler is a
Republican and is a live wire in the Sutter and Rotary
Clubs; he belongs to the Masons, and is a past mas-
ter of Union Lodge No. 58. F. & A. M.; is past wise
500
HISTORY OF SACRAAIENTO COUNTY
master of Sacramento Chapter No. 6, Knights Rose
Croix; is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason
and belongs to the Consistory, in which he is knight
commander of the Court of Honor; is a member of
Sacramento Commandery, K. T., and belongs to Ben
Ah Temple, A. A. O.N. M.S. He is past patron of
Columbus Chapter No. 117, O. E. S. He also be-
longs to Granite Parlor No. 83, N. S. G. W. and to
the Odd Fellows, and he is a member of the Ameri-
can Society of Civil Engineers. He shows his public
spirit in many ways, always for the betterment of
local conditions and for the development of the re-
sources of the county.
THE REV. FATHER WILLIAM FRANCIS
ELLIS. — True to her tradition, to hold in sacred
memory all who materially aided in the foundation
and development of the great Golden State, Califor-
nia will never cease to honor the late Rev. Father
William Francis Ellis, the faithful founder and be-
loved pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church,
at Sacramento, who died on September 6, 1922. He
was born in Ireland on July 24, 1881, and after pass-
ing through the elementary schools there, he pursued
higher studies at St. Mel's Diocesan College, and at
Mount Mellary, conducted by the Cistercian Fathers.
Having completed the intermediate course in letters,
he then repaired to All-Hallows' College, Dublin, to
pursue his philosophical and theological studies in
preparation for becoming a missionary priest; and it
was while he remained there for five years that he
chose the Sacramento diocese as the field of his min-
istry, and his services were received by the late Bish-
op of Sacramento, the Rt. Rev. Thomas Grace, D. D.
From All Hallows', he went to the Collegio Irland-
ese, a constituent college of the Propaganda Univer-
sity at Rome; and at that noted institution of ecclesi-
astical learning, he completed his course for the
priesthood, under the tutorship of the distinguished
Mgr. O'Riordan, and was ordained to that office in
the Lateran Basilica on May 28, 1904.
After a pleasant sojourn in the paternal home. Fa-
ther Ellis left the family circle and bade good-bye to
his native land, setting out for America and Califor-
nia. He reached Sacramento in due time, and on
arriving at the bishop's house, he was assigned at
once to a curacy at Eureka, under Mgr. L. Kennedy,
V. G. He worked there to the entire satisfaction of
his superiors and the people until November, 1909,
when he was commissioned to form the new parish
of the Immaculate Conception in the southeastern
portion of Sacramento; and how well he succeeded,
the condition of the young parish at his death indi-
cates. Ground was purchased at once to take care of
future needs of the parish. A temporary church set
up there was in 1916 replaced by a handsome struc-
ture that cares for four or five large congregations
each Sunday, and at other special times; and pro-
vision was made for a house for the use of the pa-
rochial clergy, together with a spacious hall. During
his pastorate, Bishop Grace attached Elk Grove ter-
ritory to his parish; and while attending to the spir-
itual needs of his people there. Father Ellis built, on
a half-block centrally situated, one of the handsomest
country churches to be seen anywhere, and called it
St. Joseph's.
All this work of a material character he prosecuted
with vigor; yet while it was in progress, he kept the
best that was in him for the more spiritual things of
life. Social by nature, and a lover of manlj' sports,
there were to be found almost hourly at his house
those who were also interested in providing healthful
recreation in the open for the citizenship at large,
and the officers of various fraternal and beneficial
organizations of Sacramento, as well as from other
parts of the state. At the state conventions of those
bodies. Father Ellis was no stranger; and he always
took a leading part in the debates. He possessed a
keen mind and a buoyancy of spirit that imparted
itself quickly to his friends and acquaintances; he
carried with him a joyous spirit wherever he went,
and he had a humorous illustration for well-nigh
every circumstance he encountered — a pecu'iar gift
and a characteristic that contributed to putting him
at ease with the stranger, and to render him excep-
tionally popular with those not of the same house-
hold of faith. In the pulpit and on the platform, his
wit was instantaneous; and conversely, amid the sad-
der aspects of life that confront a priest's ministry,
every utterance by him breathed of the pathos his
heart felt. He had the rare gift of expressing himself
both lucidly and tersel}', and although of slight frame,
he spoke with clearness of tone that easily extended
to the entire audience, who listened to him with
pleasure and advantage. Somewhat of the same gift
flowed through his pen; and at intervals when his
official duties permitted, he contributed articles of
historic interest to some of the leading magazines of
the United States and of Europe.
At the earliest opportunity after coming to the
United States, he became an American citizen, and
henceforth concerned himself verj' much about the
outcome of nearly every important national, state and
civic question that arose and called for discussion and
settlement; and much preferring to make an enemy
rather than to be false to any of his convictions, he
left no doubt in anybody's mind as to how he leaned
on the disputed issue. In his deep devotion to
American ideals, and in harmony with the general
American outlook on life, he was also most actively
interested in the turn of national events in his native
land; and this was especially true since the Easter
week of 1916. He had a thorough grasp of the phi-
losophy and historj' of the Irish Republican move-
ment, and being a stanch champion of civil and reli-
gious liberty, he gave the best that was in him, and
all that his meager means could afiFord, to add new
impetus to the movement for an Irish republic like
unto the United States, founded upon the proper
recognition of human rights, and having personally
met the leaders of that stormy period of Irish his-
tory, that interest in Erin grew until his death. When,
too, America entered the World War, his undivided
interest was given in favor of winning those things
for which we entered the great conflict. At the
opening of the Mather Aviation Field, he became
chaplain; and one of the most treasured gifts he had
was a loving cup presented him by the corps in appre-
ciation of his work amongst them.
The work, however, that held the central place in
his thoughts was the giving to those who might be
sick of body, or sick of mind and of heart, a new
hope and a new start; and man3' a business man grew
weary of his importunities to give a chance to one
who he thought might yet prove successful; and
although almost daily busy on just such errands,
he seldom failed in his inission. He had the confi-
dence of non-Catholics, as well as of his co-religion-
REVEREND WILLIARr FRANCIS ELLIS
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
503
ists; and his work was rendered more effective by
this widespread esteem and good-will from his fellow-
citizens generallj-. His frequent visits to the County
Hospital were to him occasions of great interest; and
he bestowed infinite pains on meeting the various
demands made upon him, whether by day or bj- night,
by his charges, so many of whom found in him their
one ray of hope.
Being of an unselfish character, all thought for him-
self was given only a secondary place, with the result
that he took far less care of a frail physique than
most men do. Although failing physicallj', his mind
remained buoyant; and to those who visited his dying
bed his conversation was not about his regaining
strength, which he had come to regard as hopeless,
but about the joys and sorrows, and the daily vicissi-
tudes of life that interest the majority of people. Be-
fore his many friends, therefore, could hardljr realize
that such a calamity was possible, he breathed his
last, September 6, 1922, at the Sisters' Hospital, in
Sacramento. His funeral was held on Monday, Sep-
tember 11, from the Immaculate Conception Church,
which he had founded; and now his frail body lies in
the hallowed clergy plot of St. Joseph's Cemetery.
The funeral cortege included Bishop Keane and about
a hundred clergymen from different sections of Cali-
fornia, as well as representatives from the different
organizations of both Sacramento and San Francisco
in which he had so interested himself. The various
municipal and civic bodies, too, of Sacramento and
Sacramento County, regardless of religious bias, also
had their representatives there.
Reverend Father Ellis left, to mourn his loss in
his owm family, four brothers — like himself, all manly
men. One is the Rev. John H. Ellis, who has since
taken his brother's post at the Immaculate Concep-
tion Church; another brother, James P. Ellis, resides
in New York; while the Rev. Thomas H. Ellis and
Dr. Vincent C. Ellis are both citizens of free Ireland.
THE REV. FATHER JOHN HENRY ELLIS.—
Prominent among the distinguished representatives of
the Christian clergy whom Californians delight to
honor, the Rev. Father John Henry Ellis, the popular
pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church, at the
corner of Sacramento Avenue and - Thirty-second
Street, Sacramento, appeals to an unusual number of
his fellow-citizens because of his broad-mindedness
and sympathetic, patriotic attitude toward the coin-
munity in which, since the death of his lamented
brother, the late Rev. Father William Francis Ellis,
he has become one of the central figures. He was
born in Ireland, the eldest of six boys, and received
his early education at the Christian Brothers' schools,
and his philosophical and theological training for the
priesthood at All-Hallows' College, Dublin, in which
city, too, he was ordained priest, in Holy Cross Col-
lege, on December 24, 1899, by Archbishop W. Walsh.
During the following month, he set out for America
and the diocese of Sacramento, in California, and
reached here in 1900. His first assignment was to
Grass Valley parish; and for two years he served the
churches of Grass Valley, and Nevada City. In 1902,
he was appointed curate to the Cathedral in Sacra-
mento; and ten years later, he was made pastor.
In 1912, after a visit to Europe, he was sent to
Jackson: and while there he looked after the spiritual
needs of the boys at the Prison School of Industry at
lone. He remained at Jackson until 1919; and the
state biennial reports contain the official records of
his work at the school. From Jackson he was trans-
ferred to Folsom, made pastor of the local church
there, and appointed chaplain to Folsom Prison; and
the biennial reports published at San Quentin show
officially what work he did up to September, 1922, the
limit of his stay in that field, where his services were
both needed and appreciated.
In that month and year, Father Ellis was appointed
to fill the pastorate made vacant b}' the death of his
brother, William, whose inspiring life-story is very
properly sketched elsewhere in this volume; and he
has remained at his new post of growing responsibility
ever since.
GEORGE CENTENNIAL DOBBINS.— Born at
Rio Vista, July 4, 1876, George C. Dobbins is the son
of James and Delia (Hansbury) Dobbins, early set-
tlers in California, who came from Great Britain to
make their home in the West; the father, a native
of Gloucester, England, came in 1860, and the mother,
born in County Gahvay, Ireland, made the long jour-
ney some time later. Settling in Solano County,
James Dobbins was a butcher and salmon fisher in
the days when the river fishermen used to row a boat
loaded with salmon from Rio Vista to Sacramento
to market; and for the last twenty years of his life
he kept the Russ House and the Riverview Hotel at
Rio Vista; he lived to the age of eighty-five, while
his wife died aged seventy.
The fourth in a family of five children born to his
parents, George C. received his education in the Rio
Vista grammar school, and St. Gertrude's Academy;
when sixteen years old he started working, and later
went into the general merchandise business at Rio
Vista, for eight years. Desiring a change of occupa-
tion, he was purser on Sacramento River boats for
four years, and then for two years engaged as ac-
countant for the Southern Pacific Railway, at San
Francisco. At the end of this period, Mr. Dobbins
took up his present business, that of commission mer-
chant, and he is now district manager for the Earl
Fruit Company, taking in all the Courtland vicinity.
The marriage of Mr. Dobbins, which occurred in
San Francisco, June 1, 1904, united him with Daisy
Kearny, also a native of Rio Vista, and daughter of
James and Mary (Isbel!) Kearny, the former born in
Nova Scotia, and the latter in Missouri, both now
de&eased. James Kearny passing aged sixty-seven
and his good wife reaching only forty-five years. The
family made their home one year in San Francisco
and then moved to Colusa, later returning to the
metropolis, and there Mrs. Dobbins received the
greater part of her schooling, attending the John
Swett Grammar School of that city. Three children
have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins:
Louise, Georgia, and George, Jr., and for the past
fourteen years the family have made their home at
Courtland. Fraternally Mr. Dobbins is a member
of the Native Sons of Court'and, and his wife of the
Native Daughters of that place; he has always taken
a keen interest in bettering educational facilities in
his community and has served on the board of trus-
tees of both the Bates joint grammar school and the
Courtland union high school. He has also been inter-
ested in civic affairs, giving of his time and personal
endeavors for the advancement of his community.
While in business at Rio Vista, Mr. Dobbins served
as city clerk for two years.
504
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
JOHN WESLEY SHARP.— An early pioneer of
the Walnut Grove section of Sacramento County,
whose brief life and manifold accomplishments were
fraught with more than ordinary interest and signifi-
cance, was John Wesley Sharp, who from the date
of his arrival in Walnut Grove, in 1850, until the
time of his death, was effectively engaged in con-
structive effort in the vicinity of the town and com-
munity he helped there to establish.
John Wesley Sharp was born in New York in 1823,
and there spent his early days, later coming to Ohio.
There he was married, in 184S, to Miss Sophia Bar-
rett, born at Uniontown, Ohio; and soon after their
marriage, the young couple located in Iowa, where
their two eldest children, Mary Ann and Robert W.,
were born, the latter in 1849. In 1850, the young
couple, with their two children, came across the plains,
in wagons drawn by ox teams, via the overland trail,
through Salt Lake City. They stopped for a short
time at Dry Creek, a settlement near Coloma, Cal.;
and at that place a daughter was born, whom they
named Elizabeth. From Dry Creek they came down
to Sacramento with their little family, and after stop-
ping a short time in the city, came on, in 1850, to
Walnut Grove. Mr. Sharp was so impressed with
the favorable aspects of the country in that locality,
that he stopped and there settled and lived out the
rest of his days. He named the place Walnut Grove,
on account of three very large walnut trees under
which they camped on the bank of the river the first
night after their arrival. In all, eight children were
born to John Wesley and Sophia Sharp: Mary Ann
and Robert W., both born in Iowa; Elizabeth, born
at Dry Creek, Cal.; and Berdine, Martha Jane, Sher-
wood, Alpharetta, and Clara Belle, born at Walnut
Grove. Elizabeth became Mrs. Dye, and passed
away at Walnut Grove in 1913; Sherwood died in
1917; and Berdine, Martha Jane, and Alpharetta are
also deceased, the last two having died in infancy.
Robert W. Sharp was for years a captain on the
Sacramento River boats. Elizabeth (Shanklin)
Sharp, John Wesley Sharp's mother, came to Cali-
fornia in 1859, and died in 1867.
John Wesley Sharp was a blacksmith by trade,
and built and ran the first blacksmith-shop in Walnut
Grove. He also conducted the first hotel there, and
an old document dated 1859 mentions this as the first
polling place in the town. He built and ran the first
store in Walnut Grove, erected the first residence,
did the first farming in the vicinity, and ran the first
ferry-boat across the Georgiana Slough to Andrus
Island. Through Mr. Sharp's efforts, the post-office
was established at Walnut Grove; and he was ap-
pointed the first postmaster, holding the office until
his death, after which Sperry Dye succeeded him;
and when Mr. Dye resigned, Mr. Sharp's daughter
became postmaster. Mr. Sharp gave the site for the
first schoolhouse at Walnut Grove, and also gave to
the California Transportation Company the site for
the first steamboat landing there. With a prophetic
foresight, he also said that some day there would be
a railroad along the river, to haul the farmer's produce
to the city markets. Among his other activities he
purchased a ranch of 360 acres on the Sacramento
River, reaching from the river to Snodgrass Slough,
and on this land conducted a large dairy. Mr. Sharp
was most enterprising and progressive. He crowded
a full life into but a short span; for his death occurred
at the age of fifty-three. His wife survived him,
living to see her seventy-first year.
MRS. CLARA BELLE LORD.— Like a chapter
of pioneer history reads the life-story of Mrs. Clara
Belle Lord and her parents, John Weslej' and Sophia
(Barrett) Sharp, a separate account of whose lives
and labors is given in detail above. Her father
came from New York to Ohio, and was there mar-
ried to Miss Sophia Barrett. Soon afterward the
young couple located in Iowa, where their eldest two
children were born. In 1850, with their two children,
they came across the plains in wagons drawn by ox
teams, following the overland trail through Salt Lake
City. Arriving in California, they stopped for a time
at Dry Creek, a settlement near Coloma; and there a
daughter, Elizabeth, was born. From Dry Creek,
they came on to Sacramento, and after a brief stay
in that city finally arrived, in 1850, at Walnut Grove.
There they established their permanent home, and
there their family was reared and educated. Eight
children were born in the family: Mary Ann; Rob-
ert W., long a captain on the Sacramento River;
Elizabeth, Mrs. Dye, deceased in 1913; Berdine, de-
ceased; Martha Jane, deceased in infancj'; Sher-
wood, deceased in 1917; Alpharetta, deceased in in-
fancy; and Clara Belle, of this review. The father
died at the age of fifty-three; the mother reached her
seventy-first year.
The youngest child in her parents' family, Clara
Belle Sharp, was born at Walnut Grove, and there
she was brought up and received her early schooling.
The first school of Walnut Grove was a subscription
school, taught by a Mrs. Tyler; but later a district
school was established, and it was this school that
Clara Belle attended, supplementing her education
there with a course at Mrs. Perry's Seminary in Sac-
ramento.
At her parents' home, on August 31, 1884, Clara
Belle Sharp was married to Dr. Charles C. Lord, a
native of Missouri, born November 23, 1862, a son of
Carl C. and Lucia (Stocking) Lord, who were natives
of Ohio. The father came to Alameda County when
Charles C. was a small child, and was prominent in
public life in that section, serving for many years as
treasurer of the city of Berkeley. Mrs. Lord made
her home in San Francisco for a short time, and for
a time in San Diego, and then returned to Walnut
Grove, where she has for years resided on a part of
her father's estate. She owns 150 acres of the orig-
inal ranch, running from the Sacramento River at
Walnut Grove to Snodgrass Slough. The land is
devoted largely to asparagus and hay, though there
are fourteen acres of bearing pear trees, and an addi-
tional young pear orchard is being developed. One
daughter, Clara Belle, 3rd, was born to Dr. Charles
C. and Clara Belle Lord; and she became the wife of
Hervey Edwin Salisbury, who was born at Folsom,
Cal. His father was a native of England, who came
to California in the early days and settled at Folsom,
and later at Stockton and Sacramento, where his
death occurred in June, 1922. Hervey Edwin Salis-
bury is identified with the Pacific Fruit Express at
Walnut Grove; and he is also superintendent of Mrs.
Lord's ranch, and with his wife and family makes
his home there. Four grandchildren now brighten
the life at the home ranch — the children of Mr. and
cu
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
509
Mrs. Salisburj-: Hervey Melvin, Edwin Lyle, Don-
ald Eldridge, and Gerald Alan.
Mrs. Lord has been identified with tlic growtli
and development of the section where her parents
settled and helped to found a town; and she has
carried on the family traditions, doing her share
toward bringing about further improvements in the
interest of posterity. Her father was a stanch Repub-
lican, and she also supports the platforms of that
party. She is progressive in all community matters,
and is a worthy daughter of her esteemed parents.
CHARLES E. BUNNELL.— A popular, because
efficient and fearless public official, is Charles E.
Bunnell the level-headed justice of the peace of
Courtland, who is also a successful broker and man
of affairs in the commercial world, and has been able
to exert an enviable influence in favor of broad and
permanent development in this part of the favored
county of Sacramento. He was born in the capital
city on February 23, 1870, the son of Charles E.
and Elizabeth D. (Woodman) Bunnell, well known
to our readers, as worthy and sturdjf pioneers. The
father -was born in the state of Connecticut, July 8,
1831, and came to California in 1854, moving to
Stockton in 1867. He died in a hospital in San
Francisco in 1902, leaving his widow, who is still
living and resides in Courtland with our subject,
who is unmarried. The mother was born January
28, 1847, at Fort Madison, Iowa. Her father,
"Squire" James Woodman, crossed the plains in
1849, and seven }'ears later brought his family out
to California. They had six children: Nellie is
now Mrs. Nellie Ca'laway, whose sketch appears in
this volume. Charles E. is the subject of this re-
view. Edward E. is a rancher on Merritt Island in
Yolo County. Frederick W. died at forty-one years
of age, unmarried. Bessie C. is single and resides
at Courtland with her brother, Charles. Minnie E.
is now the wife of E. G. Kirtlan. a broker who re-
sides in Courtland.
Having disposed of the grammar school work in
the Richland district school, and taken a commercial
course in the business college at Auburn, Charles E.
Bunnell started out for himself at the age of twenty-
two, when he took up farming. He leased from time
to time from 100 to 200 acres of land in the delta
of the Sacramento River, and there he raised fruit,
beans and grain. Four years ago, he bought a ten-
acre orchard, and he has operated this, while always
making his home at Courtland. In 1906, he built his
first residence in Courtland; and when this was
burned to the ground, he immediately rebuilt it.
He is a broker of wide experience and absolute de-
pendability, and he deals in beans, grain and aspar-
agus.
A favorite among citizens who care for law and
order and the good repute of the community in
which they and their families dwell, Charles Bun-
nell was elected justice of the peace of Franklin
Township, and served for eight years; and when
Franklin and Georgiana Townships were consoli-
dated into the present Georgiana Township, he con-
sented to stand again as a candidate, and was re-
elected justice of the new and enlarged township.
He has served, with satisfaction to everybody. He
is a trustee of the Franklin Masonic Hall Association.
This association has just completed l)uilding the
3-
new Masonic Temple. In national politics a Repub-
lican, Judge Bunnell is never a partisan when it
comes to the consideration of supporting what seems
to be best, in men or measures for the locality in
which he lives. He is a past master of Franklin
Masonic Lodge No. 143 of Courtland, and a member
of the Onisbo Chapter, No. 164, of the Eastern Star
of the same place.
JOHN E. HAGEL. — As a native of Sacramento
County, John H. Hagel is taking an active part in its
development, as a rancher, residing on the old home
ranch and remodeling the property into a modern
California holding. Born there on July 7, 1895, he is
the son of John and Susan (Thomas) Hagel; the
former a native of Philadelphia, Pa., born July 16,
1842, of German parents who early in life settled in
that metropolis. The father, a son of Godfrey and
Christiana (Winegardner) Hagel, was reared and
educated in the locality of his birth, and in September,
1861, he enlisted in Company I, Eighth Pennsyl-
vania Cavalry, under Colonel Gregg, for service in
the Civil War, and took part in battles with the Army
of the Potomac. He was captured at Chancellors-
ville, and confined in Libby Prison at Richmond, suf-
fering privations and hardships never to be forgotten;
he was finally paroled and exchanged, and rejoined
his regiment, participating in Sheridan's raid on Rich-
mond and in the siege of Petersburg, and was honor-
ably discharged in October, 1864. He returned to
Philadelphia and resided there until 1868, when he
came to California via Panama, and for a time worked
as a ranch hand. Later he acquired a 300-acre ranch
and engaged in general ranching and stock-raising.
His death occurred at the age of seventy-six, while
his wife is still living, at Lodi, Cal.
John E. Hagel attended the Alabama district school
and supplemented his education with a course at
Heald's Business College in Stockton. In 1910 the
Sacramento County ranch was rented and the family
moved to San Joaquin County w-here a ranch was
purchased on Wyandotte Avenue southeast of Lodi,
where they made their home until 1920, when this
property was sold and they lived in Lodi. John E.
enlisted for service in the World War, June 14, 1917,
in the U. S. Naval Reserve, and was later called into
active service and sent to the submarine base at San
Pedro; after a stay of twenty days at that point he
was sent to New York and stationed at the navy
yards at Brooklyn as an armed guard. He was in
this branch but ten days when transferred to the
U. S. S. Rochester for trans-Atlantic service, in which
he remained six months and made three round trips
to Europe, serving as a non-commissioned officer,
with rank of gun captain. He received his discharge
in June, 1921.
The marriage of Mr. Hagel, which occurred at Sac-
ramento, March 19, 1918, united him with Grace Irene
Hovard, born in Fairbury, Nebr., the daughter of
Noah and Ollie (McAdow) Hovard; she attended the
Alpine district school of San Joaquin County and the
Lodi high school. Two children have been born to
them: Marjorie Grace, and John William.
In April, 1922, Mr. Hagel moved his family to tlic
old home ranch in Sacramento County, and he has
remodeled the place into a modern ranch home, and
in partnership with his brother, Thomas M., is devot-
ing his time to improving and cultivating the pro-
510
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
pcrty, which had been allowed to get into a run-down
condition by former tenants. Fraternally he is a
Mason, belonging to the Lodi lodge, and is a member
of the Scottish Rite Consistory and of Ben Ali
Temple of Sacramento. He is also a member of the
Smith-Lippi Post of the American Legion, of Gait.
CHARLES F. SILVA.— Standing today among
the avowed financial and business leaders of Sacra-
mento County, Charles F. Silva has distinguished
himself throughout his entire career by his shrewd
business management and high integrity; and the
large measure of success he has won is well de-
served, due, as it is, entirely to his own efforts. He
has been identified with the development of Califor-
nia since 1878, when he crossed the Atlantic with
his brother, Frank F. Silva, from his home on Fayal,
in the Azores Islands, where he was born December
14, 1867, the son of John and Annie (Poshote) Silva,
both natives of that country.
Charles F. Silva spent his early youth in a home
of culture, receiving there a training which combined
both love and firmness, and which left upon him a
lasting impression. Although but eleven years of
age when he left his studies to accompany his broth-
er to the new land, he had acquired, by concentra-
tion and natural aptitude, knowledge greatly exceed-
ing in extent that ordinarily absorbed by one of a
similar age, and was, therefore, fairly well equipped
to engage in the battle of life. Upon reaching Bos-
ton, after a voyage of three weeks, the brothers came
at once to Sacramento, Cal., which they had chosen
as their destination. With only $2.50 in his pocket,
Charles paid one dollar of this to reach Vernon,
Sutter County, where he went to work milking cows
on a dairy ranch for fifty cents a day, with long
hours and hard work. Saving his small earnings,
when he was thirteen he paid a man fifty dollars to
teach him cheese-making; and he then went into
this business for himself, buying milk for five cents
a gallon. Next he rented a ranch in Yolo County,
bought cows and established a dairy and cheese
plant, and then bought the Ramsey ranch of 160
acres six miles above Vernon on the Feather River.
He also rented the Hoover ranch and the Clark and
Cave ranches on the Sacramento River, and also
entered the boating business, buying a gasoline boat
and a barge. He had also purchased the Point ranch,
and here he cut wood which he transported down
the river to Sacramento.
Li 1900 Mr. Silva took up his residence at Sacra-
mento, purchasing the Meadows place on Front
Street, between O and P, and established a wood,
hay and grain business. He also bought the steamers
"Neponset" and "Neptune," with a barge, the "Co-
lumbia," and three barges, and then the "Neponset"
trading boats "Jercy" and "Inder," the San Jose barge
"Sutter," and the barge "Vernon," and with Cap-
tain Jones as a partner, engaged for years in the
transportation business, their route including the
towns on the Sacramento River between the capital
and Butte City. All these years Mr. Silva had also
engaged in the cattle and sheep business. At length
he sold out his interests in the boats, to give his time
to the stock business. He enlarged his interests from
year to year, and developed a large retail business,
having four meat markets in Sacramento, and did a
large wholesale business as well. Of late years he
has specialized in Hereford stock; and he is now
well-known all over the state as a breeder of these
fine cattle. He was at one time the largest indi-
vidual cattle dealer in California, shipping thousands
of head from Mexico in addition to his large ship-
ments from all over the state.
Mr. Silva has probably been interested in the sale
of more large ranches than any other man in this
district. With a number of Sacramento capitalists
he bought the Fair ranch of 10,000 acres for $600,000,
reclaimed it and sold it in two years for $1,250,000;
he bought another ranch of 8,000 acres and sold it
to the Sutter Basin Company for $365,000, and has
bought, developed and sold many other large prop-
erties in northern California. He has been actively
associated with various reclamation projects from
the beginning of activities in that line to the present.
He was the organizer and director of the Sutter
Basin Company and of the Natomas Land Company,
trustee of the Vernon Reclamation District, manager
and trustee of the Fair ranch, and manager and di-
rector of the Sacramento River Farms Company,
his executive ability and indomitable energy pecul-
iarly fitting him for these positions, in which his
services have been of incalculable value. At one
time he ran cattle in Modoc County, but he has dis-
posed of these and has invested heavily in city
property in Sacramento, including business blocks,
warehouses and residences. He has lately pur-
chased a 21,000-acre ranch in Modoc County, which
he devotes to cattle-raising. He owns a ranch of
243 acres all in fruit in Yuba County, and 670 acres
on the Feather River in Butte County, one-half of it
being in fruit. Mr. Silva is still a large dealer in
cattle. Always a lover of horses, Mr. Silva for
many years engaged in breeding standard-bred ani-
mals, and at one time had the finest standard-bred
stock in the state. He raised the well-known pacer,
Teddy Bear, that broke the record which had stood
for six years at the California state fair, making a
mile in 2:05.
On August 15, 1899, at Sacramento, Mr. Silva was
united in marriage with Miss Theresa Kennedy, who
was born in Oakland, the daughter of Daniel and
Mary (Hurley) Kennedy, natives of Ireland and
New Orleans, La., respectively. Nine children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Silva: Claire M., attending
Chico Normal School; Charles C, on the ranch;
and Ralph C, Alice C, Fred, Merrill C, Raymond
C, Bertram C, and Teresa. Mrs. Silva died; and
Mr. Silva was again married, his second marriage
uniting him with Lois Blackwell, who was bom in
California. Two children have been born to them:
Ellis and Glenn.
Thoroughly interested in the progress of the com-
munity in which he had cast his fortunes, and pos-
sessing a rare sense of diplomacy and foresight,
from the time he took up his residence here Mr.
Silva steadily rose in commercial circles, with a sure-
ness of judgment and a certainty of success which
were somewhat baffling to many of his competitors,
who found it impossible to outstrip this cool and
self-possessed young business .man whose affairs
seemed to conduct themselves as if by magic. Not-
withstanding his wide interests and heavy responsi-
bilities, he has maintained a growing interest in
municipal problems, and can be counted upon to fur-
ther every progressive movement for the commun-
ity's good. A Republican in politics, Mr. Silva takes
a deep interest in civic afifairs, but has never aspired
to public office.
^^/rS^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
513
PETER S. WAHRHAFTIG.— A pioneer horticul-
turist who deserves and enjoys the highest esteem of
his fellow-ranchers interested in scientific agriculture,
is Peter S. Wahrhaftig, one of the prominent citizens
of Orangevale, who is advantageously located some
eighteen miles north of Sacramento. A native of
Russia, he was born at Kovel, on August 9, 1860, and
there he spent his boyhood, while he enjoyed the ad-
vantages of a good education. At the age of eighteen,
he entered a lawyer's office as a clerk, and such was
his progress there, while he became more and more
familiar with legal procedure, that at the age of twen-
ty-two he was appointed assistant city clerk of Kovel,
a position of responsibility which he filled for the fol-
lowing five years with credit to himself and to the
municipality.
About that time, the government passed a law pro-
hibiting any Jew from holding public office, and as
Mr. Wahrhaftig was unwilling to tolerate such perse-
cution, he hastened to leave his benighted country,
and to seek America, which he had come to regard
as the land of opportunity and freedom. He was
the youngest child of Solomon and Rebecca (Wertz-
man) Wahrhaftig. both natives of Poland, but long
residents of Kovel. where Solomon Wahrhaftig, until
his death in 1868, had served as high chief rabbi for
many years. Agreeable to the decrees of destiny,
therefore, in September, 1890, Mr. and Mrs. Peter S.
Wahrhaftig and their three children, together with
Mr. Wahrhaftig's aged mother, arrived in San Fran-
cisco; and in December of that same year he removed
with his family group to a tract of land in Orangevale,
where he once more started out in the struggle for
advancement.
By the hardest kind of work, and the steady per-
formance of uphill tasks, Mr. Wahrhaftig gained a
foothold in the land of his adoption and in a com-
munity always eager to recognize worth and to wel-
come the stranger who has come hither with the right
kind of sensible, honest purpose; and as soon as he
had paid for the first ten acres, he continued, from
time to time, to add to his holdings. In the mean-
time, his eldest son, Solomon, became an active part-
ner with him in his work, and for the past ten years
he has been closely identified with his father, and has
proven of inestimable aid in their orchard and vine-
yard enterprises, in which they have raised extensive-
ly the finest Tokay grapes, olives, peaches, and other
fruits. Mr. Wahrhaftig's mother, whom he had
brought with him from Russia, passed away in 1902,
at the home of another son, having reached the ripe
old age of eighty-two years.
From the start Mr. Wahrhaftig, a firm believer in
the government and country of his adoption, and al-
ways an ardent supporter of its laws, became inter-
ested in community welfare. Shortly after his arrival
he was made a citizen. This was at Sacramento on
September 5, 1895, and since then he has always been
identified with all movements looking to the advance-
ment of his community. Interested from the start in
education, he served his community as school trus-
tee for many years. Likewise, for many years, as
director, and as secretary of the Orangevale Water
Company, the utility which distributed water to his
community, he served his community well. Though
never an aspirant for public office, he has, by reason
of his ability and rectitude, enjoyed a position of com-
manding influence in the community, and has at all
times given the best of himself for the upbuilding of
the state, which he truly loves.
In all his endeavors he has been aided by his worthy
wife, Mrs. Leah Wahrhaftig, who likewise, by her un-
selfish devotion to the community, and especially her
family, and by nobility of purpose and ideals, has
endeared herself to the community. They have four
sons, one of whom was born in the state. Solomon is
a rancher, who lives at home and is past master of
the Folsom Lodge of Masons. Mycr J. is a physician,
who, having pursued courses at the University of Cali-
fornia, and its medical school, now practices medicine
in Fresno. He is a prominent physician of that
city, and is also a prominent Mason. He married
Miss Goldstein, a graduate of the Sacramento high
school, and they have two children. He offered his
services to his country during the World War, and
served as First Lieutenant in the Medical Corps.
Joseph is a graduate of the Sacramento high school,
and is a member of the California bar. He has of-
fices in San Francisco where he is a successful insur-
ance broker. He is married to Miss Edith Rubel, a
granddaughter of that prominent and world famous
man, David Lubin, who founded the International
Institute of Agriculture at Rome. Matt, the youngest
son, also graduated from the Sacramento high school,
being president of the student body while there. He
attended the LIniversity of California and in 1914 re-
ceived the degree of B. L. with honors. In 1917 he
received the degree of J. D. from the same LTniversit}'.
While there he was made a member of the Phi Beta
Kappa, the national honor society, and was also
editor-in-chief of the "California Law Review," one
of the foremost legal publications of the state. Since
his graduation he has been a member of the faculty
of the School of Jurisprudence of the University of
California in the capacity of lecturer in law, and has
offered courses in the Law of Property, Agency, Busi-
ness Law, and Elementary Jurisprudence. During the
World War he offered his services to his nation, and
was stationed at Washington, D. C, where as secre-
tary of the Superior Board of Contract Review of the
Army, and as a member of the legal staff of the Pur-
chase, Storage and Traffic Division, he did creditable
work. He is a practicing attorney in Oakland, and a
member of the firm of McKee, Tasheira & Wahrhaf-
tig. He is closely identified, in most cases as an offi-
cer, with many fraternal and benevolent institutions in
Oakland, and like all the other sons is a prominent
Mason, being a thirty-second degree Mason and a
Shriner. Mr. and Mrs. Wahrhaftig are rightfully
proud of their sons, as also the sons are proud of
their parents; for by reason of the training and efforts
of their parents, they have been enabled to attain suc-
cess in their chosen fields, and to fill a prominent place
in the professional and intellectual life of their re-
spective communities.
Mr. Wahrhaftig has had only two hobbies in all his
life, and they remain the same today as they were
years ago, namely, reading and farming. The latter,
to be sure, has been realized in a satisfactory manner
only since his arrival in California, the common-
wealth of his adoption. He is a member of Natoma
Lodge No. 64, F. & A. M., and a past noble grand of
Folsom Lodge No. 62, I. O. O. F. Both he and Mrs.
Wahrhaftig, who have figured so prominently in the
life of their community and indeed of the state, de-
serve and enjoy the full confidence and high esteem
of their fellow-citizens.
514
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
The story of this interesting and representative fam-
ily of foreign birth is indeed a story of the Old
World's folly and of America's promise. It indicates
the extreme folly of the Old World monarchies in
forcing from their shores those who, by proved effort
and attainment, would have contributed so materially
to the stability and evolution of their country had they
been permitted to remain in the enjoyment of equality
of right and opportunity with all others. And it is a
story of sacrifice and of noble aspiration, leading to
successful fruition, for throughout their lives in this
well-loved country of their choice, the efforts of Mr.
and Mrs. Wahrhaftig always have been to advance
themselves, to educate and advance their family, and
to follow the highest ideals of right thinking and right
living. And finally their story, and the story of their
sons, is a story of loyalty and love and devotion to
this state and to this nation, wherein they have found
full equality of right and opportunity, and full enjoy-
ment of religious and civil freedom.
MRS. JENNIE V. ■WRISTON.— Closely identified
with Gait and its vicinity for many years, Mrs. Jennie
y. Wriston is one of its most esteemed residents, hav-
ing contributed much to its progressive ideals. Dur-
ing her long residence here she has been very promi-
nent in the Rebekahs and besides being a past noble
grand of that order, she has written an interesting his-
tory of the Gait Lodge. Mrs. Wriston, who was born
in Chicago, 111., was the daughter of S. M. and Naomi
(Rice) Ferguson, the former a native of New York
and the latter of Rhode Island. The father came to
California in 1852, and after remaining awhile started
back to his home in Chicago, but was never heard
from, so it was supposed that he was murdered while
on his journey.
Mrs. Wriston was educated in the Scammon school
in Chicago and in 1870 she came to San Francisco,
where on June 14 of that year she was married to
Samuel E. Wriston, who was born at Jacksonville, 111.,
March 19, 1834. Mr. Wriston had come to California
across the plains in 18S2, and after mining a short
time, engaged in the cattle business. Immediately
after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wriston came to
Gait and Mr. Wriston became extensively interested
in the cattle business here, owning a ranch of 422
acres west of Gait and also a range in the mountains
for his stock. He was also in the retail meat business,
having a butcher shop at Gait and four meat routes,
covering the vicinity of Gait and Elk Grove. With
Charles Harvey of Gait he also owned the present
site of the Tahoe Hotel at Lake Tahoe. Mr. and Mrs.
Wriston became the parents of three children: Carrie
F. died when nine years old; Charles R. lives at
Stockton; and Samuel Chester died in infancy. After
a long and useful life, Mr. Wriston passed away on
November 2, 1909, and he was deeply missed, especial-
ly in the ranks of the Odd Fellows, having been noble
grand of the local lodge several times.
The present home of Mrs. Wriston has quite an
interesting history. It originally stood on the banks
of Dry Creek, where the State Highway now crosses
it. In those days there was no bridge across this
stream, and it was used as a stopping-place for
travelers when the rains made it impossible for stages
to cross the creek. This house w^as then known
throughout this vicinity as the "Old Folks' Home" and
when Gait was laid out it was moved there and used
as a hotel, being the first hostelry in this part of the
county. Most of the lumber in it came around the
Horn in a sailing vessel, and a settee and set of chairs
still used by Mrs. Wriston also came to California
by this route. After the house had been used for a
hotel for some years, Mr. Wriston purchased it and
remodeled it into a comfortable home and Mrs. Wris-
ton has continued to reside there since his passing
away. Mrs. Wriston belongs to Rei Rebekah Lodge
No. 132, I. O. O. F., of Gait. She named it and was its
first noble grand, first past noble grand and first dis-
trict deputy, and is still an active member.
GEORGE P. McNEIL. — An enterprising man of
affairs, who thoroughly understands the conditions
of the field in which he has made such pronounced
success, is George P. McNeil, the far-seeing and
very accommodating proprietor of the popular Wet-
Wash Laundry, at 2501 Twenty-fourth Street, Sac-
ramento. He was born in Minnesota, the son of
James Edward and Louise McNeil, and attended the
public schools. He grew up to farming, and as far
back as 1876 came out to California, locating at
Fresno. There he continued agricultural pursuits;
and he also followed the races, and had a string of
fourteen horses at the old Emeryville race track.
Although he had no previous experience in laun-
drying, he established his present concern in 1912,
starting in a very modest way; and now he owns the
building he occupies, a fine structure 120 by 180
feet in size, and he employs fifteen people, using
modern equipment only, and securing very nearly all
the laundry patronage of the vicinity. He belongs
to the Chamber of Commerce, in which he is a de-
cidedly active member.
In 1915, Mr. McNeil was married at Sacramento
to Miss Elizabeth Riison, a native daughter of Cali-
fornia, who was then living in Sacramento, a teacher
of the piano, a daughter of the late Andrew and
Elizabeth (Kuno) Riison; the mother is still living
at the home of the subject at Sacramento. Mr. and
Mrs. McNeil have one child, Georgia Elizabeth Mc-
Neil. Mr. McNeil belongs to the Elks.
Bert F. Hews, a Fresno scribe roaming around
town for the "Star" with pencil and note-book, met
the subject of our sketch, and under the caption, "A
Few Minutes' Chat with One of Our Neighbors."
gives us his impressions. He says: "It was while
I was talking over the wet-wash laundry industry
with McNeil, that I learned he was a former race-
track man. 'I had a string of fourteen horses at the
old Emeryville race track,' he said, 'and it was a fine
stable, if I do say it myself. Perhaps my best horse
was Funnyside, a mare who could be always counted
on to win. She won a number of stakes for me, as
well as innumerable purses. You know, I was just
about ready to quit racing when the legislature
passed the anti-betting measure, — the game had be-
come so rotten. You have no idea just how crooked
racing was in those days. But ever since I first
raised a horse, I have played square. I never had a
bit of use for a horse-owner who would throw a
race, or enter into a combine to fleece the bettors.
I loved racing for the game itself, not for the chance
of picking up easy money by being crooked.
" 'I could have been a millionaire had I wanted to
be crooked, for the book-makers would come to the
owner of a favorite, and offer him the purse if he
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
517
would lose the race. When I left Emeryville. I felt
so disgusted that I never wanted to see a race track
again.'
"I was wondering how McNeil came to go into the
wet-wash business, and, after a reminiscent pause,
he told me.
" 'At the end of the racing game, I disposed of
most of my string and took quite a rest. Our home
was in Oakland. A wet-wash laundry started nexi
door, and I grew interested watching the rapidity
with which the business increased. Sacramento was
offering splendid opportunities to the investor. I
came here, looked over the ground, and it was no
more Fresno, nor any other city with us. I opened
the first wet-wash laundry, the business grew faster
than I ever expected, and now I value our plant at
$35,000, practically all clear. Sacramento is a great
city, and it is going to be greater; and I admit that
I am a booster for the capital city all the time'."
HARRY SAMUEL PRAGER.— Among the busi-
ness men of promise who are helping to build up
a permanent prosperity for Sacramento, is Harry
Samuel Prager, and none is held in higher esteem,
nor have any brighter prospects than he. Engaged
in an occupation for which there is invariably a de-
mand, he is successfully conducting an art studio,
and has won a large and ever increasing patronage
from all those who appreciate artistic interior deco-
rating. He was born in Los Angeles, Cal., Novem-
ber 23, 1881, a son of Samuel and Rosalie (Lowen-
stein) Prager. Samuel Prager settled in Los An-
geles in 1850 and was a successful business man for
many years; he was a very prominent Mason and
for twenty-two successive years was president of the
Masonic board of relief; both parents are now de-
ceased.
Harry Samuel Prager completed the grammar
and high school courses in the schools of Los An-
geles; then he went East and completed his training
in art; in 1919 he came to Sacramento and estab-
lished his present business. Mr. Prager was the
designer of many store fronts of the Forty-niners' cel-
ebration recently held in Sacramento, and his mural
and pictorial interior panels are worthy of note.
The marriage of Mr. Prager united him with
Miss Janet Oom of Grand Rapids, Mich. In politics
Mr. Prager is a stanch Republican, and his public
spirit is manifested in many ways for the advance-
ment of the community he has selected for his per-
manent home.
JOHN JOSEPH DUGGAN.— Since his sixteenth
year, John Joseph Duggan has been in the employ of
various railroads and since 1910 he has been identi-
fied with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company of
California, until in 1920 he became chief dispatcher
with the Western Pacific Railroad Company; his
merited success is all the more notable from the fact
that it has been secured by his own judicious man-
agement.
John Joseph Duggan was born in Fairbury, Nebr.,
November 2, 1887, a son of Hugh and Mary (Garin)
Duggan, who still reside on their farm in Nebraska.
He received his education in the grammar and high
schools of his native city; then after finishing school
he learned telegraphy and during a number of years
was employed by the C. B. & Q., D. & R. G., and
O. S. L. In 1910 he removed to California and was
employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company;
in January, 1920, he removed to Sacramento, taking a
position with the Western Pacific Railroad Company,
where his promotion has been rapid.
The marriage of Mr. Duggan united him with Miss
Pearl Shaw, a native of Illinois. During the World
War Mr. Duggan was first lieutenant in the engineer
corps and spent a year and a half in France. Fra-
ternally he belongs to the B. P. O. Elks and the
American Legion.
MARK L. BURNS.— Blackstone can have no idle
regrets if he is able to see with what consummate
mastery he is represented by the scholarly and high-
minded bar of California, among whom one of Sac-
ramento County's most devoted members is Mark L.
Burns, the attorney of the capital city. He was born
near Porterville, on March 9, 1873, the son of Frank
G. and Caroline (Woody) Burns — the former a
sturdy emigrant who came over the great plains,
with a slow-moving oxen-train. The party was at-
tacked by Indians, and as a consequence lost all thej'
had; and our subject's father was lucky to reach the
Golden State at all. He was only seventeen then,
however, young and lusty, and for five years he con-
tinued at hard work in the mines. Then he removed
to Porterville, and took up the stock business, and for
a number of years, he was deputy sheriff, and it fell
to his lot to arrest John Best, the outlaw. He died
in 1912, having rounded out an eventful and exceed-
ingly useful career. He was survived by his wife,
who is now the center of a circle of devoted friends.
After finishing the grammar-school and high-school
three-year courses, Mark Burns put in three years in
Kent's Law School, at San Francisco, and in 1911,
after successfully sustaining the exacting bar exam-
inations, was admitted to the practice of law in Cali-
fornia. He hung out his shingle a year and a half
in Siskiyou County, and a year in Oroville, Butte
County, where he was fairly successful, and now he
confines himself to general practice in Sacramento.
He belongs to the state and county bar associations,
and the Native Sons of the Golden West; and he is a
Democrat whose experience is prized in the counsels
of the party.
Mr. Burns has been twice married, first to Miss
Emma Longenbaker, by whom he had eight children:
Lena May has become Mrs. A. L. Wible and has one
child living; Raymond L. is the eldest son; Elsie is
Mrs. H. A. La Salle and has two children; then come
John F., Albert, Emma, Marie and Mark L., Jr.,
who died aged twelve. The wife and mother died in
1908. His second marriage united him with Miss
Georgia Jones, cousin of the celebrated minister, the
Rev. Sam Jones, and their union has resulted in the
birth of two children, Virginia and Edwin P. Mr.
Burns belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and also
to the Moose.
JABEZ TURNER. — A pioneer who could tell
many an interesting story about the stirring develop-
ment jf the great Golden State, was the late Jabez
Turner, who was born in Northamptonshire, England,
on October 25, 1828, and died in Sacramento, Cal.,
on December 24, 1907. He arrived in America on
September 20, 1852, and located at Syracuse, N. Y..
where he was employed in the railroad shops. Two
years later, in September, he crossed the line into
;is
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Ontario, and at Hamilton became foreman of the
railroad shops. In April, 1859, he moved westward
to Grand Rapids, Mich., later returning to Syracuse;
and in October, 1862, we find him at Sturgeon Bay,
Wis.
In 186-4, considerably impressed b}^ the repeated
stories from California, he left for the Pacific Coast
on the first of April; coming via Panama, he arrived
at San Francisco on September 25, 1864. Soon after-
wards he made a trip to Honolulu. There he took
charge of the building and equipping of a sugar
mill; but he later returned to San Francisco, and
on April 1, 1866, entered the employ of the San
Francisco and Alameda Railroad, and in Alameda he
remained until the road became a part of the Central
Pacific, with which he continued until November 14,
1871. He was then transferred to the railroad shops
in Sacramento; and after spending years as foreman,
he retired at the age of seventy-one, and six years
later breathed his last.
He was elected mayor of Sacramento in March,
1878, making his campaign on the state workingmen's
ticket, and he served for three years as mayor of the
capital city. He was made a director of the Sacra-
mento Building and Loan Association, and was
library trustee for fourteen years.
His widow survived him until February 4, 1923,
passing away at the old family home at 819 Nine-
teenth Street, aged seventy-nine. She was formerly
Miss Nancy Phelps, and was born in Belleville, Ohio.
She came with her parents via Panama, in the sixties,
to San Francisco. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Turner were born six children, four of whom grew
up, and three of whom are living: Amy resides in
the family home; Lucy J. is a teacher in the Sacra-
mento public schools; Fred died in 1908; and Sidney
lives in McCloud, Cal.
CHARLES F. DEAN.— Sacramento County has
good reason to be proud of its professional men,
among whom is numbered Mr. Charles F. Dean, of
the well-known firm of architects, Messrs. Dean. &
Dean, of Sacramento. He was born at Belton, Texas,
on February 1, 1884, and is now associated with his
brother, James S., whose life story is given elsewhere
in this work. As he began life with the best home
advantages, it is not surprising that in his pursuit
of one of the noblest and most honored of professions,
he should do much to elevate the minds, and beautify
the lives of others.
Charles F. Dean enjoyed both the ordinary gram-
mar school and the high school courses of instruction,
and then spent three years at the Agricultural and
Mechanical College at Bryan, Texas, where he took
a civil engineer's course, with special work in draw-
ing. The next two years he spent in San Antonio,
Texas, and after that, seven years in Chicago, follow-
ing his profession; and then, in 1908, he came out to
California, and entered the state service as chief de-
signer of the state architect's office — a position of
peculiar responsibility and some opportunity, which
he filled with eminent satisfaction until 1922, when he
resigned.
Mr. Dean then joined his brother, and they have
since expanded more and more as practical architects
equipped to undertake very pretentious work, and
being more and more encouraged by increasing de-
mands for their services.
Public-spirited to a high degree, the Messrs. Dean
& Dean have done what thej' could to improve the
standards, in particular, of domestic architecture.
In 1913, Mr. Dean and Miss Alvina Laue, of Sac-
ramento, were married at Sacramento, and Mrs. Dean
has entered into her husband's ambitions, and shared
his social and intellectual life. Mr. Dean is a Re-
publican.
JAMES 'WESLEY HOWARD.— Among those
whose efforts are concentrated upon the development
of California's rich mineral resources is numbered
James Wesley Howard of Sacramento, one of the
largest gold-mine operators of this part of the state
and a man of notable business acumen. He was born
in Saline County, Mo., January 20, 1874, a son of
George W. and Susan F. (Wolford) Howard. The
Howard and Wolford families are both of old and
prominent Southern stock and were early settlers of
Missouri. During the Civil War some of the broth-
ers served in the Confederate Army, while others
were in the Union Army. George W. Howard re-
mained loyal to the Union and served in a Missouri
regiment, joining the Union Army when eighteen
years old, and served through the Civil War. After
his return to civil life he was wounded by bush-
whackers.
James Wesley Howard was four years of age at
the time his parents came to California. They first
settled at Leesville, Colusa County, and the father
took up a tract of government land, which he cleared
and developed, transforming it into a productive and
well-improved farm. At the same time he purchased
land at Grimes, Grand Island, where he eventually
moved and resided until he moved into Sacramento,
where he passed away. His widow resides in Sacra-
mento. J. W. Howard attended the rural schools in
Colusa County and aided his father in cultivating the
home ranch until he reached the age of seventeen,
when he started out in life for himself. Coming to
Sacramento in 1891, he secured employment in the
shops of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company and
there learned the machinist's trade, remaining in the
service of that corporation for about seven years.
His attention has since been devoted to gold-mining,
and his activities in this field have been attended by
a marked degree of success. He is a member of the
firm of White, Howard & McCormick, Inc., and sec-
retary of the Golden Center of Grass Valley Mining
Company. Mr. Howard was one of the prime mov-
ers in the consolidation of several valuable mining
properties he was interested in into the above com-
pany, namely, the Dromedary, operated since the early
fifties, Rock Roche, Peabody and Cabin Flats, as
well as the Berriman mines, covering an area of 150
acres. Much of this property is located in the center of
Grass Valley, the company having acquired by pur-
chase the mineral rights of the lot-owners in about 100
acres of the business portion of Grass Valley, obtain-
ing title to all the mineral under the lots below sev-
enty-five feet under the surface. The acquiring of these
deeds took several years of hard work on account of
other companies who were also making a fight for the
same property. However, Mr. Howard and his asso-
ciates were successful, and they now have one of the
best mining properties in the district, having a series
of veins which yield free milling ore of high grade
and picture-rock quality. One main shaft is now
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
521
down 1,350 feet. The company gave fine specimens
to the mineral department at the San Diego Exposi-
tion and also to the Panama-Pacific Exposition in
San Francisco, the value of the mineral so given
amounting to several thousand dollars. The property,
with equipment and development, represents an in-
vestment of over $400,000, and it w-ill take more than
100 years to work it out. Mr. Howard is also presi-
dent of the Kern Mining Company, operating the
Blue Gold Mountain Mine, which is also a large pro-
ducer. He owns the controlling interest and is presi-
dent of the Twin Sisters Mining Company of Nevada
County, operating a gold mine of seven claims, a
continuation of the famous Plumbago and Gold Canon
veins. From the time he was a boy he had a desire
to mine, a liking that would not down even when he
w^as learning the machinist's trade in the Southern
Pacific Railroad shops. By close economy he was
ready when he finally found the way open, and imme-
diately embraced the opportunity presented. Since
then he has followed his chosen enterprise diligently
and has made a study of mineralogy, geology and
inining methods, and particularly of mineral deposits
in California. However, he finds the days spent in
the Southern Pacific machine shops of great advan-
tage in his present calling, as the experience gained
there gave him the technical knowledge needed inci-
dental to operating mines.
Mr. Howard began at the bottom when he started
in the Southern Pacific shops. His salary at first
was onh' ten cents an hour, nine hours a day, and he
had to pay his own way. The close application, per-
severance, self-denial, and economy he had to prac-
tice, however, fitted him well for the experience of
later years, and no doubt explain the secret of his
success. His experiences in the mining world have
given him a new schooling; and feeling the great
need of more production of gold, he is intensely inter-
ested in producing the yellow metal that is the stand-
ard of value in bur government, and he thoroughly
enjoys the creating of new dollars and more wealth
for the country at large. Mr. Howard is a member
of the Metal Producers' Association of California,
with headquarters in the Merchants National Bank
Building in San Francisco. He is also a member of
the executive committee of the Department of Mines
and Mining in the Sacramento Chamber of Com-
merce, and a member of the American Mining Con-
gress of Washington, D. C. In addition to his other
business enterprises, he is also interested in farming,
owning a ranch in Yolo County. Mr. Howard pos-
sesses the broad vision, initiative spirit and adminis-
trative powers characteristic of the man of large
afifairs, and his business associates have the utmost
confidence in his judgment and reliability.
James Wesley Howard married Miss Joan Wills,
one of California's native daughters, and they have
become the parents of two children, Phyllis Eliza-
beth and Doroth}' Denise. Mr. Howard is a Knight
Templar Mason and a charter member of Ben Ali
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Sacramento; while Mrs.
Howard is a member of the Order of the Eastern
Star and the Native Daughters of the Golden West.
Mr. Howard is also an Elk, and likewise holds
membership in the Sutter Club, while his political
support is given to the Republican party. He has
spent practically his entire life in California, and has
contributed substantially toward its development and
progress through his mining operations, which have
been of a most important character. He has found
that the field of opportunity is open to all and not-
withstandmg the fact that others have been more
advantageously equipped at the outset of their careers
he has nevertheless outdistanced many and gained a
position of leadership in his chosen line of activity.
.CHARLES E. GIBBS, Jr.-Classed among the
enterprising, progressive, and influential ranchers of
Sacramento County is Charles E. Gibbs, Jr born
May 14, 1892, at Alameda, Cal. He is the onlv living
child (his sister having passed away) of Charles F
Gibbs, Sr., a native of California. His grandfathe^r
was also named Charles E.; he came to the Golden
State from the East in 1849, during the gold excite-
ment, being a member of the firm of Scotchler &
Gibbs, the first cannery firm in California. They built
the old Black Diamond Cannery at Pittsburg, Contra
Costa County, which the elder Gibbs operated until
1896, when he retired. However, he was not per-
mitted to enjoy the fruits of his labors, for he died
soon after his retirement. The father of our subject
IS noAV a broker in San Francisco, but making his
iiome in Alameda. In early days he had married
Emma May George, born in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Charles E. Gibbs, the third, was educated at the
Alameda public school and the Belmont Military
Academy of San Francisco, where he was graduated
in 1911, and that year, at the age of nineteen, he be-
gan to make his way in the world as a buyer for
George A. Webster, a produce merchant of San
Francisco. For three years he worked for Mr. Web-
ster, buying potatoes, chiefly in the delta country of
San Joaquin County. He then obtained a position
with Wolf & Son of San Francisco, with whom he
was employed but a short time. ' An early opportunity
came to him, and he associated himself with the Cali-
fornia Fruit Canneries, now the California Packing
Corporation, as a buyer, and seven years were spent
in the delta country from Rio Vista to Newcastle,
Placer County, in the employ of this company. Then.'
for a year, he represented the American Fruit Grow-
ers, at Sacramento.
In 1921, Mr. Gibbs leased Mrs. Cowing's 150-acre
ranch at Walnut Grove, Cal., and since that time has
operated this property, 100 acres of which has been
developed into a splendid orchard of pears and plums,
while the balance is open land. He also leases 200
acres on Andrus Island, which has been devoted to
asparagus and celery. In 1922, with a partner, J. W.
Burchell, Mr. Gibbs purchased 738 acres of the Brack
tract on Hogg Slough in San Joaquin County. This
property was formerly a part of the Jacob Brack
estate. It has seventy-five acres in pears and 500
acres in asparagus; the balance is used for pasture
and grain. The ranch is operated by tractors and
horses.
On October 18, 1916. at Sacramento, Charles E.
Gibbs, Jr., was married to Gladys Grey Duhain, a
native of Sacramento, and the daughter of Charles
and Marie (Grey) Duhain. She w-as left an orphan
while still an infant, and was reared by her aunts
and educated in the schools of Sacramento and San
Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs were the parents of
two children: Grey Marie; and Charles E., the fourth.
0_'J
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Mr. Gibbs was bereaved of his faithful wife, June 10,
1923, whose death was a great loss to the community,
and to her family and many friends. Mr. Gibbs is a
Republican and a member of the Sutter Club in Sac-
ramento.
FRANK G. WATERBURY.— For thirty years
Frank G. Watcrlniry has resided within the borders
of Sacramento County, and throughout the entire
period his activities have been of a constructive char-
acter, contributing to public progress and improve-
ment as well as to individual success. He is now
conducting a prosperous business as a building con-
tractor and is also the owner of a valuable fruit farm
near Fair Oaks. He is one of California's native
sons and was born near Clarksburg, Yolo County,
December 25, 1869, of the marriage of James Water-
bury and Mary Glanville, the former of whom was
borii in New York in 1825. The father crossed the
plains to California in 1849 with the rush of gold-
seekers and engaged in placer mining in Shasta
County, later purchasing land in Yolo County, where
he followed the occupation of farming. At the out-
break of the Civil War he returned to the East and
enlisted in the 92nd Illinois Infantry, with which he
served for three years and nine months. After re-
ceiving his discharge from the army he was married
at Polo, 111., in 1865, and started with his bride for
the Golden State, going by way of Panama. Mr. and
Mrs. Waterbury were numbered among the honored
pioneers of Yolo County. The former passed away
at the age of sixty-eight, while the latter's death
occurred when she was in her sixty-fourth year.
Frank G. Waterbury is the second in order of
birth in a family of seven children, five of whom
survive. He was reared in Yolo County and there
attended the public schools, afterward completing a
course in Howe's Academy. On starting out in the
business world he entered the employ of the Shasta
Lumber Company in the capacity of stationary engin-
eer, and soon afterw'ard was placed in charge of all
their engines at Camp Shasta, being thus occupied for
six years. In 1893 Mr. Waterbury removed to Sac-
ramento, and he has since been a resident of this
county. In the same year he took charge of the
dredge work on Reclamation No. 150, to which he
gave his attention for two and a half years, and the
efficient manner in which he performed that task
won for him favorable attention. The Netherlands
Land Company sought his services as dredge in-
spector for their eight dredges, and for seven months
he remained with that firm, which later became
known as the Holland Land Company. In 1917 Mr.
Waterbury purchased ten acres of the Henry
Grundman ranch near Fair Oaks, which he has con-
verted into a model fruit farm, specializing in the
raising of oranges, oHves and almonds. His work
in connection with irrigation projects was of a most
important character, and he has aided materially in
making this one of the most fertile and productive
sections in the state. He has also become well-
known as a building contractor, and many examples
of his handiwork are to be seen in the Folsom and
Fair Oaks districts. He recently completed the
Roberts School on the Greenback Road, and his bus-
iness is a large and growing one.
In May, 1893, Mr. Waterbury was married to
Miss Amanda Ruth, whose birth occurred near Lin-
den, San Joaquin County. Her parents, Andrew and
Sophia (Ryder) Ruth, were both natives of Indiana,
and the father was one of the progressive farmers of
San Joaquin County. Mr. and Mrs. Waterbury have
an adopted son, Cecil Waterbury, whom they are
carefuUy and tenderly rearing. Mr. Waterbury is
well informed on questions of public moment, and
has made his life count as a forceful factor in ad-
vancing the interests of his state along many lines.
MITCHELL J. BALLARD.— A young man of
much energy and business acumen, whose activities
have materially contributed to the general growth and
public welfare, is Mitchell J. Ballard. He was born
in Detroit, Mich., October 24, 1890, and while still a
youth was deprived of the loving care of his parents,
being reared in the home of his uncle.
Mitchell J. Ballard attended the grammar and high
schools in Detroit; and after graduating from the
latter he entered the' Indiana County Normal School
in Pennsylvania. After completing a course at that
institution, he traveled for a year throughout the
South with his uncle. In 1911 he entered the employ
of the Ford Motor Company in Detroit, where he
was engaged until his removal to California in 1913.
Upon his arrival in the Golden State, Mr. Ballard
located at Los Angeles, the year the Ford Motor
Compan}' opened their plant in that city, where he
continued in their sales department for a period of
about three years. He became greatly interested in
the state, appreciating its climate and the productivity
of the soil, so much so that he determined to make
it his future home. Looking about for a suitable
location in which to establish a Ford agency, he
selected Sacramento, and on August 17, 1916, in part-
nership with H. F. Goodrich and W. P. Rouse, the
present business was established at the corner of
Seventh and M Streets. Since then, Mr. Rouse's
interest was purchased by his partners, and now the
firm is Goodrich & Ballard. They are the largest
Ford dealers in the capital city, and their business is
steadily increasing under the efficient methods em-
ployed in its management.
Mr. Ballard is also interested in other lines of busi-
ness endeavor, being president of the Lap Bit Machine
Company, manufacturers of a reboring machine, a
newly patented device for reboring cylinder blocks,
which efiects a saving of time and money. He owns
the Courtland Motor Company, operating the Ford
agency and garage at Courtland, a growing and suc-
cessful business. He is president of the H. J. Gel-
ling Company of Sacramento, engaged in automobile
painting, enameling and trimming. Mr. Ballard is
also particularly interested in ranching, having a great
liking for the country and for seeing things grow.
He owns a ranch of 140 acres in Reclamation Dis-
trict No. 900, in Yolo County, devoted to orchards
and alfalfa. He is a director in the California Almond
Packing Corporation.
The marriage of Mr. Ballard occurred in Los An-
geles, uniting him with Miss Hazel Hilt, a native of
Minneapolis, Minn. During the World War, Mr.
Ballard expressed his patriotism by taking an active
part in the Liberty Loan drives of the county. He is
a Republican in politics, and fraternally is a member
of Los Angeles Lodge, No. 99, B. P. O. Elks, and the
Rotary Club, Del Paso Country Club, and Sutter
Club, of Sacramento.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
525
WILLIAM BELL LADUE.— Among the promi-
nent and outstanding figures in building circles, the
name of WiUiam Bell Ladue is well-known to the
home-builders of Sacramento, where he has iiitro-
duced many modern, high-class residences and apart-
ments which have been very popular in this thriving
and prosperous city. He was born on April 19. 1884,
at Roseville, Cal., the son of William E. and Mollie
(McKewen) Ladue. His father for years was sexton
of Odd Fellows Cemetery, and was born in Humboldt
County, Nev., while his parents were crossing the
plains on their journey to California. His Grandfather
McKev\'en was a veteran of the Civil War. Mr. Ladue
is a descendant from French and English stock.
William Bell Ladue was educated in Sacramento, to
whick city his parents came when he was six years
old. After leaving school, for three years he worked
in the laundry business and then became an apprentice
in the carpentering trade to Ed. Hook, where he was
employed for fifteen years. In 1919 he went into busi-
ness for himself. He was the builder of the Carmel
Flats, and has devoted his attention to residences and
apartments.
On October 1, 1908, William Bell Ladue was united
in marriage with Miss Minnie Stadler. a native daugh-
ter of Sacramento. They are the parents of one child,
William E. Mr. Ladue has been an honorable and
upright citizen, and has labored effectively and ear-
nestly to uphold the interests which have made for
public improvement. Politically he adheres to the
Republican partj-; fraternally he is a thirty-second-de-
gree Scottish Rite Mason, and a Shriner. He is a
past district deputy of both the subordinate lodge and
the Encampment branch of the Odd Fellows, and is
also a member of the Builders' Exchange. Mr. Ladue
is very fond of outdoor life, especially hunting. A
broad-minded, public-spirited citizen, he takes a deep
interest in everything relating to the welfare of his
community.
ADOLPH J. and HAROLD R. MATTHIAS.—
Experienced caterers to the motoring world, Messrs.
Matthias Brothers, at Oak Park, have done their
share through the liberal and energetic management
of the People's Garage there, towards advancing the
progress of everything pertaining to the resident or
touring motorist's welfare. They have not only
studied carefully for years the conditions and prob-
lems affecting the needs of visers and owners of auto-
mobiles, but have sought to anticipate the wants of
the public, with the result that the People's Garage
has been given a liberal patronage by the apprecia-
tive public.
Adolph J. Matthias was born in Sacramento on
March 3, 1886, the son of Louis W. and Katherine
(Metzler) Matthias, both of whom are natives of
San Francisco, representing old pioneer families.
Grandfather Matthias left his native Germany and
went to South America and later sent for his intended
bride, who joined him there and they were married
on board a British man-of-war. They came to San
Francisco and in that city the husband followed his
trade of cabinet-maker. Louis W. Matthias came
to Sacramento forty-three years ago and for many
years he was in the employ of the state printing
office and then was with the Sutter Engraving Com-
pany and now is doing business for himself as an
electrotyper. He is a past master of Concord Lodge,
F. & A. M., and a member of the Sciots. Adolph J.
took the usual public school courses and then went
to Howe's Academy. He then worked under his
father in the state printing office for a year; next
worked at the plumbing business for three years; then
took up work as a stationary engineer and put in
eleven years at that, while he was active in a garage
in the day time. He was married in 1906, at Sacra-
mento, to Miss Louisa Wahl, born in Sacramento,
and they have had five children: Louis, who died aged
nineteen months, and Thelma, Bernice, Gertrude and
Adolph J., Jr. For thirty-four years Mr. Matthias
has lived on one block. He is public-spirited and as
deep'y interested in Sacramento of the past as he is
in the Sacramento of the future.
Harold R. Matthias was born at the family home
on December 31, 1897, and he attended the public
schools of the city and then started to learn the trade
of auto mechanic. In 1918 he purchased the Oak
Park Garage from M. Hamilton & Son, and conduct-
ing that business for three years, he sold out to join
his brother in the People's Garage. He was married
in 1917, to Miss Phoebe Blanche Johnson, a native
of Denver, Colo., and they have two children, Edith
M. and Lois K.
In 1921 Adolph J. and Harold R. Matthias formed
a partnership and erected a modern brick edifice on
Thirty-fifth Street in Oak Park, where they conduct
one of the successful garages in that growing suburb
of the capital city. They have the agency for the
Gould Batteries, United States Tires and the Casto-
lene oils, and these speak for themselves. They
employ six men in the usual season and do a gen-
eral garage and repairing business. Messrs. Matthias
Brothers are Republicans in national affairs, but
locally support the best men and measures. They
belong to the Blue Lodge of Masons and to the Sciots,
and are counted among the representative business
firms in Sacramento.
ERIC E. FULTON.— No resident of Sacramento
County has made greater contribution to its improve-
ment and development than has Eric E. Fulton, the
builder and superintendent of the Fair Oaks Irriga-
tion District. He is the architect of his own fortunes,
and his life history constitutes an example of indus-
try, determination and honorable dealing that others
might profitably follow. A native of Kansas, he was
born July 2, 1886. and is a son of McFarland and
Nancy E. (Hoffman) Fulton, who were married in
Osborne County, Ivans., April 13, 1880. The father
was born in Belmont County, Ohio, October 22. 1855.
a son of Andrew and Margaret (Ga3') Fulton, who
were there married, having removed from Philadel-
phia, Pa., to that section with their parents during
the early forties. Andrew Fulton acquired a tract
of school land comprising 270 acres, situated eleven
miles east of Sinclairville, Ohio, and by arduous labor
removed the dense growth of timber from his place,
prepared the soil for crops, and eventually trans-
formed his property into a highly productive farm.
He was a man of strong convictions, whom neither
fear nor favor could swerve from the course he be-
lieved to be right.
McFarland Fulton went to Osborne County. Kans..
in 1879, and there met and married Nancy E. Hoff-
man, a daughter of Rasmus and Elizabeth (Gilniore)
Hoffman, pioneer settlers of Monroe County, Ohio.
Her paternal grandfather, Joseph Hoffman, was of
526
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
German ancestry and followed the occupation of
farming in Pennsylvania. The Gilmore family is of
Scotch-Irish lineage, and its members have gained
distinction in judicial affairs as well as in religious
activities as adherents of the Presbyterian Church.
In 1905 Mr. and Mrs. Fulton came to California to
join members of their family, and resided at Rich-
mond Point until 1918, when they removed to Fair
Oaks, where they have since made their home. For
more than a quarter of a century Mr. Fulton has been
identified with the Modern Woodmen of America,
and is a charter member of Fair Oaks Camp No.
7014. He formerly belonged to the camp at Salina,
Kans., and filled all of the offices therein. Mr. and
Mrs. Fulton have reared a family of five children,
namely: D. O. Fulton, of Sacramento; Ora May,
the wife of F. W. Hayes, also a resident of Sacra-
mento; Eric E., of this review; Mabel, who married
S. G. Linnell, of Woodland; and Ethel Blanche, the
wife of C. R. Hayes, of Sacramento.
When but thirteen years of age, Eric E. Fulton left
home and started out in the world on his own ac-
count, going to Salina, Kans., where he obtained work
in a flour mill. He was advanced to the position
of flour tester and was thus occupied until 1902,
when his health became impaired and he started for
California to join his brother, D. O. Fulton, who was
in the employ of the Standard Oil Company at Point
Richmond. Eric E. Fulton also entered the service
of that firm and, ambitious to progress, enrolled as a
student with the International Correspondence
Schools of Scranton, Pa., completing a course in
mathematics, another in carpentry, and a third in
blacksmithing. For nine years Mr. Fulton remained
with the firm at Point Richmond, and then resigned
his position owing to ill health. In 1911 he arrived
in Orangevale, and finding the climate beneficial he
decided to establish his permanent home in this local-
ity. He at first worked on the Hinkle estate, and in
1913 became connected with the Fair Oaks Irriga-
tion District, with which he has since continued. As
his experience and value increased he was intrusted
with heavier responsibilities, and at length assumed
the duties of superintendent, which he is now ably
discharging, having been reelected to that office on
February 7, 1923. He is rendering to the residents
of this section a service of great value and impor-
tance, and recently completed the laying of irrigation
pipes and the replacing of old laterals installed by the
first private company. Ninety-five men have been
frequently employed in the construction crews. In
directing the labors of those under him Mr. Fulton
displays tact, consideration and good judgment, thus
securing that cooperation and good-will of his sub-
ordinates which make for increased efficiency of
operation.
On February 7, 1906, in San Francisco, CaL, Mr.
Fulton was married to Miss Viola Parks, the young-
est daughter of Israel and Martha (Green) Parks,
both now deceased. She was born in St. Paul, Minn.,
October 23, 1889, and in 1895 accompanied her par-
ents on their removal to California. They established
their home at Richmond, Cal., and there the father
met an accidental death on the morning of April 23,
1904, while working in the shops of the Santa Fe
Railroad Company. He was identified with the Yeo-
men Lodge, and his life was an upright and honor-
able one. The mother passed away at Vallejo, Cal.,
June 27, 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Fulton have four chil-
dren: Faith Lucille, Travine, Edwin and Victor.
Mr. Fulton's home is situated on a tract of two and
a half acres in Fair Oaks, and he also owns a ten-
and-a-half-acre ranch one mile east of the village.
He has unbounded faith in the future of his district
and utilizes every means at his command to promote
its development.. He is a valued member of the
Pacific Improvement Club of Fair Oaks and acts as
one of its directors. He has taken cognizance of his
opportunities, utilizing them to the best advantage.
He is a young man who has not yet reached the zenith
of his powers, but judging from what he has already
accomplished the future holds for him great possi-
bilities.
FRANK B. BATES. — Popular in social, financial
and commercial circles, Frank B. Bates, of Court-
'and, was born under the sunny skies of California.
The Bay City, San Francisco, claims his birth, for
he first saw the light there on May 28, 1855. His
father, Benjamin Bates, was an Englishman who
came to the United States when only three years
old, accompanying his parents, who were made nat-
uralized Americans in New York; and in 1849 he
came out to California, a true Argonaut, by way of
Panama, and settled at San Francisco. He later
moved to the Sacramento River section, near Court-
land, or rather, near the site of this town, for the
settlement had not then been thought of; and in
1849 he had sent around the Horn the portable house
he was to live in, which became one of the first
buildings on the river. When John Hollenbeck,
now of Ryer Island, first landed in the vicinity of
what is now Courtland, he stayed at this house, which
was erected on June 18, 1850.
Benjamin Bates married Miss Jane Patton, a pop-
ular belle from New Jersey; and when Frank was a
year old, his father came to the Courtland neighbor-
hood, soon going to the mines for a brief trial of
luck, and afterward returning to the river again. He
bought 128 acres of land where Courtland now stands,
farmed this as best he could, and passed away there
at the age of eighty. Mrs. Bates lived to be eighty,
also, and to do her full share, like her honored hus-
band, in making straight the paths for those coming
after. They had five children. Jeanette is deceased;
Frank, of this sketch, was the second in the order
of birth; Mary Emma, now deceased, was M/rs. Peck,
of Sutter Island; Anna is Mrs. Congdon, of Sacra-
mento, while Charles is also deceased.
Frank Bates attended the Onisbo district school,
and later completed his studies at the University of
the Pacific at Santa Clara. After that, he lived on
the home farm most of the time, and the dwelling
in which he now resides was built in 1863. When
Benjamin Bates died, some of the ranch was sold
to clear an indebtedness, and the balance was inher-
ited by Mrs. Bates. On her death, this was divided,
and Frank Bates received fifty-seven acres, which he
afterward sold off in town-lot subdivisions, at Court-
land, and now he owns only forty acres, adjoining
the town. Twenty acres of this tract is devoted to
fruit-orchard purposes, and six to vineyard, while
the balance is open land. Recently, he has leased his
land to tenants. The lots upon which the new
Onisbo chapter of the Masonic Lodge has just erected
its new temple were a part of Frank Bates' estate.
^,,^^,^^1:'-;^ /I
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
529
Mr. Bates has had many opportunities to enter poh-
tics. but he has alwaj's dcchned to do so, and he has
preferred to vote independently for the best men and
the best measures.
CHARLES SCHMITT.— It is an old saying that
a printer's is a roving trade, but such records as that
of this pioneer newspaper man of Sacramento will
go far to contradict this testimony. For he has been
a publisher in that city for fifty-two years, and that
is a record for any line of business. A native of
Rhenish Bavaria, Charles Schmitt was born Octo-
ber 9, 1836. the son of Nicholaus Schmitt. promi-
nent in that famed city, where he was a member of
the German parliament in 1848. Both father and
son came to the New World in December, 1849, the
father as a refugee, having taken part in the Revolu-
tion of 1848, and located in Philadelphia, Pa., and
there the lad learned the trade of printer under par-
ental supervision.
The West beckoned the young man with tales of
fortunes made over night in the gold fields, and in
1856 he came to California via Panama, coming up
the Pacific from the Isthmus in the steamer "John L.
Stephens." After arriving in San Francisco, the
first two years were spent in that city at his trade
of printer, and then, in 1858, the young Argonaut
tried his luck in the mines in Tuolumne County, and
at San Gabriel, Los Angeles County, and then went
to Colorado, Arizona and Old Mexico.
Returning to San Francisco in November, 1860,
Mr. Schmitt, in partnership with H. A. Lafontaine,
established the "Abend Post," an evening daily,
starting same in December of that year. In 1864 he
sold out his interest in the paper, but remained as
foreman until 1868, when he came to Sacramento
and here established the "Sacramento Journal," a
semi-weekly, printed in the German language, and
continued until 1883, when the partnership with his
associates was dissolved, and Mr. Schmitt started
his own publication, the "North Carolina Herald and
Sacramento Journal," and this publication he con-
tinued until August, 1920, when the paper was sus-
pended due to the high cost of material, the reason
for suspension of many other newspapers through-
out the country. Not satisfied with this length of
time at his "trade," he is still in the newspaper game,
however, at present acting as Sacramento agent and
correspondent for the "California Journal" of San
Francisco. He built and owns a comfortable home
at No. 3740 Fourth Avenue, Oak Park.
Mr. Schmitt has been twice married, the first
union occurring in San Francisco and uniting him
with Eliza Denger of New York, now deceased; the
second marriage united him with Mrs. Johanna Uhl,
a native of Germany, and from these marriages
twelve children were born to him, eight of them now
living: Mrs. Kate Fish, of Sacramento; P. N.
Schmitt, of San Francisco; Mrs. Louisa M. Briggs,
of Sacramento; Charles J., of San Francisco; Henry,
of Roseville; Mrs. Elizabeth Stewart, of Sacramento;
Mrs. Caroline Peachy, of Sacramento; and Edward
Garfield, a rancher at Gait, Cal.
Interspersed with business and civic duties, Mr.
Schmitt has found time to enter into the social and
fraternal life of his city, and in the latter he has
been prominent during his long residence. He joined
the San Francisco Turnverein in 1860, and in 1877
joined the Sacramento lodge of that order, making
him now the oldest living member of the lodge; he
is a member of Schiller Lodge, No. 105, I. O. O. F.,
of Sacramento, and of the Sacramento Stamm No.
124, Independent Order of Red Men, and is the only
living charter member of this Stamm or Tribe, hav-
ing joined in 1868; and is also a charter member of
the Sacramento lodge of Hermann Sons, No. 11. A
dependable man, one who could always be counted
upon to do his share to promote any worthy cause.
Mr. Schmitt is well known throughout this part of
the state as one of its pioneer newspaper men, one
of the vanguard in that line, and a man of wide
knowledge gained in years of gathering news for the
public.
ELBERT V. POLHEMUS.— Recognized as among
the most valued acquisitions in Elk Grove, the East
Side Market of Elbert V. Polhemus has long been
one of the real magnets attracting residents there, and
leading the good folks of that progressive town to feel
that life there is particularly comfortable. Mr. Polhe-
mus was born in Elk Grove, and it is natural that, be-
ing familiar with its spirit, he should be especially
serviceable in the development of the town's commer-
cial activitjr.
The date of his birth is recorded as St. Valentine's
Day, 1888, when he entered the family circle of Josiah
A. and Emma (Stickney) Polhemus; his father being
a pioneer who came to California in 1859, and settled
for a while at Coloma, where he in time mined. He
was only six weeks old when his father and inother
started for the West from Iowa.
Elbert Polhemus attended the public schools, and
then remained with his father on the home ranch until
he was twenty years of age, when he commenced to
work in a butcher shop; and about 1913, he estab-
lished his present business, in which they have been
so successful, meeting with the same cordial response
from the Elk Grove public that every proprietor of a
first-class market, catering to the most important
domestic wants, affording comfort and health, and
also co-operation in economy, is sure to receive. Both
father and son are deeply interested in Sacramento
County, having especial faith in Elk Grove.
Mr. Polhemus married Miss Hazel Nichols, of Elk
Grove, on June 24, 1914, and their married life has
been made happier through the birth of three children,
Elbert, Robert and Mary. Mr. Polhemus belongs to
the Foresters and Masons, and he is also a member
of the Elk Grove Parlor of the Native Sons of the
Golden West.
JAMES A. WOODS. — Among the many citizens
and native sons of California who enthusiastically ad-
mire the Golden State and are loyal to its interests
must be mentioned James A. Woods, the vice-presi-
dent of the California Mechanical and Electrical En-
gineering Companj' of Sacramento. He was born in
Sacramento County, December 11, 1881, a son of
James A. and Vida E. (Williams) Woods. The
father crossed the plains to California in 1849, while
the inother came via the Isthmus of Panama in 1850;
and they were married after arriving in California.
Mr. Woods was a miner for some years, and then en-
gaged extensively in stockraising. Both parents died
in Sacramento County.
James A. Woods received his schooling in the high
school of Elk Grove. Cal., and was honored by being
chosen president of the class of 1902; he then took a
530
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
postgraduate course in the Sacramento high school,
was a graduate and president of the class of 1904. He
then took private instruction along electrical and
mechanical engineering lines. His first position was
with the county surveyor; then with the light and
power company at New Castle power-house; he was
then promoted to the Sacramento station, where he
filled the position of foreman until 1913, when with
others he established his present business and was
elected vice-president of the company; this company
does electrical and mechanical engineering contract
work all over the Sacramento Valley, specializing in
irrigation work throughout the county. Mr. Woods
holds a certificate for teaching electricity, mechanical
drawing and allied subjects and has spent some time
as instructor in the high school and the Y. M. C. A.
■ of Sacramento. Mr. Woods served as president of
the old State Electrical Motor Dealers' Association
and was a member of the board of the State Associa-
tion of Electrical Contractors and Dealers for several
years; he was a director of the Y. M. C. A. when the
new building was erected.
Mr. Woods' marriage united him with Miss Ruby
Satterlee, of Sacramento, and they have one son,
Robert J., and a daughter, Ruth C. Fraternally, Mr.
Woods is a member or the Odd Fellows and is an
active member of the Rotary Club and the Y. M. C.
A. of Sacramento. Nominally, he is a Republican in
politics, but prefers to vote for the man best fitted
for the office for which he has been elected.
GEORGE J. HOLLENBECK.— A wide-awake,
experienced and very successful representative of
important interests affecting the Sacramento com-
mercial world is George J. Holle'nbeck, of the firm of
Hollenbeck & Rhea, of 1006 Fifth Street, Sacra-
mento. A native son, he was born at Ryer Island,
Solano County, on April 18, 1876, and his father was
John Hollenbeck, who crossed the great plains in
1854, taking six months for the trip. After reaching
California, he married Miss Mary Mahoney, and they
landed at Courtland, and he has lived there on a river
farm ever since, now aged ninety years. Mrs. Hollen-
beck was a Bostonian, and came to California with
her parents; she is now deceased, having rounded out
a useful life. They had five children.
George J. Hollenbeck went to the public school,
and helped his father on the home farm until he was
twenty years of age, and during floods, when the
schoolhouse was surrounded by water, he often went
to school by boat. At the time of his leaving home,
he embarked in the operation of a harvester, and
for three years threshed for farmers; and then he
engaged in ranching in Sacramento County. In 1918
he went into partnership with E. B. Rhea, and now
they are busy selling Harris Harvesters in seven
counties, and are unable to supply the demand. He
is also interested with R. W. Jones in a commission
enterprise, handling hay, grain, beans and rice. Mr.
Hollenbeck owns 800 acres on the Island, the Hol-
land tract twelve miles south of Sacramento.
In 1906, Mr. Hollenbeck was married to Miss Rose
Smith, of Oregon, and they are the parents of four
children, Doris, Belva, Muriel, and George. Mr.
Hollenbeck is a member of Courtland Parlor of the
Native Sons of the Golden West, through which ex-
cellent organization he contributes what he can to
the stimulation of interest in California affairs; he
is a Republican.
CAPTAIN H. A. LEWALD.— An exceedingly in-
teresting story is that of the life of Captain H. A.
Lewald, now a rancher at Rio Linda. He was born
in New York City on November 2, 1883, the son of
Harry and Anne Sinclair (Deidrick) Lewald, both
New Yorkers, they having been born in the metropo-
lis in 1847 and 1858, respectively. The father of our
subject was an artist, and although he passed away
in 1887, his fame as an interior decorator has lived
after him in many of the finest buildings of New
York of a generation or more ago. Another son,
William Lewald, is a graduate of Columbia Univer-
sity, and has also been honored with scientific de-
grees from other institutions; and he is at present
in charge of the Department of Health and Physics,
in New York City, where Mrs. Harry Lewald is still
living.
At an early age H. A. Lewald was imbued with the
desire to see the world, and at the age of fourteen
he entered the British sea service as a roustabout on
the old barque "Chili." and set out on a long voyage
to Australia, by w-ay of the Cape of Good Hope,
eventually arriving in England on the same vessel via
Cape Horn. From the bottom rung of the ladder,
our subject worked himself up to be a lieutenant-
commander in the United States Navy; the story of
his career reads like a veteran's tale of adventure,
although he is still a comparatively young man. Thir-
teen months after he went to sea, he left the "Chili,"
in England, and for the next ten years he lived and
worked on other sailing vessels. At the age of
eighteen he was made an officer on the ship "Astral,"
a four-masted barque flying Old Glory, and ever
since that time he has sailed only under the American
flag. He was on the ill-fated "Star Bengal," which
was lost in the Sumner Straits, in Alaskan waters, in
September, 1908, with a toll of 111 lives, when only
through heroic rescue work were twenty-two seamen
saved. The vessel was commanded by Captain Wag-
ner, and was owned by the Alaska Packers, Inc., for
whom our subject was working; and he was in charge
of a gang of men when the ship foundered in a gale.
On his return to San Francisco, Captain Lewald
took command of the "Alert," to run in Alaskan
waters. His first experience on steamers at sea was
gained in the employ of the Oregon River Navigation
Company, on the steamer "Columbia," running be-
tween San Francisco and Portland and Astoria, Ore.
Shortly thereafter he was with the Pacific Mail
Steamship Company, filling a two years' engagement
in Central-American waters, with headquarters at
Panama. After that. Captain Lewald was in com-
mand of various vessels making trans-At'antic runs.
At the outbreak of the World War, in 1914, Captain
Lewald returned to New York and became com-
mander of the "Frederick Luckenbach," belonging to
the Luckenbach Steamship & Navigation Company,
the largest steamship company in America. For the
following twenty-four months this vessel was used to
run the blockade from England to France. While
lying off Cardiff, Wales, Captain Lewald received a
summons from Brig.-General Bartlett, on the entrance
of the LInited States into the war, to prepare the
vessel for army transport duty; and this being accom-
plished, the blockade was again run, for twenty-one
months, on trips to France and England. It was at
Cardiff that Captain Lewald was made Lieut.-Com-
mander, U. S. N. R., in 1917, Rear Admiral Phil An-
drews being in command of the base.
HISTORY OF SACRA.MENTO COUNTY
533
Captain Lcwald continued in active service through-
out the war, and the lurking dangers of deadly mines
or submarines were only a few of the many hazards
undergone in devotion to Old Glory. His vessel was
made over into a man-o'-war at Cardiflf; but he still
continued to run the blockade, successful as ever.
Returning to America, in March, 1919, Captain Le-
wald was appointed court-martial officer at Bay
Ridge, on the receiving ship "New York," embracing
a field of sixty acres of territor3'; and in July, 1919,
he was passed into inactive service, at his own re-
quest, and was reluctantly given leave of absence. His
honorable discharge i.s dated September 30, 1922. The
interesting record of his service is well worthy of
the man.
It is characteristic of the man that when on the sea
he has always given the most conscientious attention
to duty, and when on land he has improved wisely
every free moment of time. He owns many priceless
mementos, to say nothing of the extensive collection
of photographs taken b}' himself in far-away quarters
of the globe.
Captain Lewald was married at San Francisco, in
Ma3', 1907, to Miss Stella E. Quinn, a native of Nau-
voo, 111., who Avas brought out to California and the
Bay City when a child, bj^ her parents. She was
reared in that cit^r, and in time attended Stanford
University. One child, a daughter, has blessed this
union, and she bears the name California Star. She is
a graduate at the Rio Linda school. Captain Lewald
is a Republican of the Hiram Johnson type. He is
a blue lodge Mason, and is active in the American
Legion.
Early in 1919, Captain Lewald liought eighty acres
of choice land at Rio Linda, formerly owned by Mr.
Woodward, the pioneer merchant there. On retiring
from the navy, he and his family moved onto this
ranch property, where he has expended thousands
of dollars in making important improvements, adding
a poultry farm, and an orchard of almonds, olives
and other fruits, all of which has had its effect on the
general development of the locality. When he located
here, only thirty homes were to be counted; but now
some 400 homes have been built in the Rio Linda
district. He was for a term president of the Rio
Linda Country Club and Farm Bureau, and director
of the Sacramento County Farm Bureau, and with
his wife he has done much to forward the growth of
schools, Mrs. Lewald having been instrumental in
successfully putting over the enterprise of the new
$40,000 school. She has also served on the Sacra-
mento County grand jury.
MRS. NELLIE CALLAWAY.— Prominent among
the gifted women of Sacramento County who have
made a real success in one or another field of agri-
cultural pursuit, is undoubtedly Mrs. NeUie Callaway,
widely known, through her management of her trim
farm about one mile east of Courtland, as a scientific,
practical and eminently progressive orchardist. She
was born on the ranch now known as the Kettleman
ranch, two miles south of Lodi, the daughter of
Charles E. and Elizabeth D. (Woodman) Bunnell,
her grandfather, James Woodman, being a native
of Maine. While in New York State, he married
and then migrated, with his wife, to Iowa; but they
had been living there only a short time, when the
excitement concerning gold in Ca'ifornia drew them
hither. James Woodman started alone across the
plains, leaving his wife in Missouri. When she
ceased to hear from him, she followed after, and
found him at Fort Madison, Iowa, where he was de-
layed on account of a food shortage. At Fort Madi-
son, Elizabeth Woodman was born. In 1849, James
Woodman came on alone to California, by way of the
Salt Lake route, and for a while he mined about
sixteen miles east of Orovillc. He also had a store
at Stringtown, now called Enterprise, and besides, he
ran a pack train to the mountains. Seven 3'ears after
his arrival in California, he sent for his wife and
daughter, and they came on by way of the Isthmus
of Panama; and Mr. and Mrs. Woodman spent the
rest of their days at Stringtown, the old gentleman
attaining his eighty-sixth year, and there they were
buried.
Charles E. Bunnell was a native of Connecticut,
and came to California in 1853, by way of the Panama
route; and he spent a year or two in San Francisco,
where he followed teaming, after which he went to
San Joaquin County, where he purchased three quar-
ter sections of land, two miles south of Lodi. He
built his home on that place, and in 1869 he sold the
ranch, now known as the Kettleman ranch. Mr.
Bunnell was married to Miss Woodman in Stockton,
and when Nellie Bunnell was fourteen months old,
her parents moved to Sacramento and there Charles
E. Bunnell, Jr., w-as born. He is now a resident and
farmer of Courtland, and the present justice of the
peace of Georgiana Towaiship, in Sacramento County.
In the city of Sacramento, Mr. Bunnell did teaming,
and he also followed farm work, and in 1872 he
moved to the vicinity of Courtland, where he took
charge of the C. W. Clark cattle ranch of 1,750 acres.
He had a family of six children. Nellie is the subject
of this story; Charles E. has already been referred to;
Edward E. is at Hood; Fred is deceased; Bessie lives
at Courtland; and Minnie has become Mrs. Kirtlan,
of Courtland. Later, Charles Bunnell purchased 200
acres of land from the San Francisco Savings Union
Bank, tule land, which he reclaimed, and where he
built a home; and he died on the ranch soon after-
ward, at the age of sixty-eight. His devoted wiie is
still living, at the age of seventy-six, and makes her
home with her son, Charles E. Bunnell, Jr., of Court-
land.
Nellie Bunnell attended the Richland grammar
school, and on October 8, 1889, was married to Wil-
liam Bird Callawa3^ who was born on the Callaway
ranch, a mile east of Courtland, the son of Silas M.
and Electa (Ford) Callawa3^ Silas Callaway was a
native of Alabama, and had a brother who came to
California in the Argonaut year, 1849; and he him-
self came across the Isthmus. He mined for a short
time, and then took up farming on the ranch near
Courtland, which is still owned by the Callaway'
famil3'. Electa (Ford) Callaway was a native of Illi-
nois, and she crossed the great plains with ox teams
in the fifties, and was married to Mr. Callaway at
Sacramento.
Silas M. Callawa3' came into the Sacramento River
countr3', and there he bought land, at one time having
a quarter-section, in partnership with his brother
George. In 1856, the ranch one mile east of Court-
land was surveyed for him by the government, and
on this place he died at the age of sevent3'-two. His
wife lived to be sixty-nine. The3' had a family of
eight children: William Bird (the deceased husband
of our subject), the eldest; Lilly; Minnie, deceased;
5,U
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Charles; May, deceased; and Frank, Daisy and David.
At the time of his death, Silas M. Callaway had only
thirty-six acres of land left; and these are still owned
l)v members of the family.
William Bird Callaway attended the Richland
grammar school, farming on the ranch of his father
and on the portion that was allotted him, some eight
and three-quarters acres, where he built a home and
had lived since 1889, the date of their marriage. This
place is a fine fruit ranch. Three children blessed
their union, but only two are living. Minnie is Mrs.
Birch of Vorden; Vivian passed away when only
two and one-half years old; and Chester Bird, now
twenty-one years of age, resides with his mother on
the ranch. Mr. Callaway died in 1909, leaving behind
an enviable record for usefulness. He served as con-
stable of Georgiana Township, Sacramento County,
for a number of years, and was a member of Court-
land Parlor No. 106 of the Native Sons of the Golden
West, in which he was a past president. He was also
a member of the Knights of Pythias, of Courtland,
and of the Franklin Lodge of the Modern Woodmen.
He was a stanch Democrat. Mrs. Callaway is also
a Democrat, and together with Mrs. Nettie Sprague,
she was the organizer of the Courtland Pythian Sis-
ters lodge, and was the lodge's first most excellent
chief.
JOSEPH M. BUCKLEY. — An enterprising con-
tractor, well-posted as to conditions of transporta-
tion in California, is Joseph M. Buckley, well-known
in the vicinity of Courtland, and also boasting a
valuable acquaintance in other parts of Sacramento
County. He was born in San Francisco on Februarj'
27, 1871, the son of Michael and Elizabeth (Seabury)
Buckley, worthy folks of their day and generation.
His father, a native of Ireland, came out to the United
States as a young man, and settled at Boston; and in
the early sixties he joined the rush to California, and
settled at San Francisco, where he married an Irish
lassie. They had four children: James F., now
deceased, the eldest; Henry Seabury; our subject,
Joseph Michael; William John, of Courtland. Michael
Buckley was an employee of Levi, Sex & Company
of San Francisco, where he was highly respected.
When Joseph M. Buckley was twelve years old,
and had lost his father, who died in San Francisco,
he was brought to Walnut Grove, and was reared
by William Jackson, a distant relative living there.
At the age of seventeen, he commenced to work for
himself. He was a dairy ranch hand for a while,
and then leased ranches for himself; and he was
superintendent of the L. D. Greene dairy for three
years. He then leased the Dwight Hollister dairy
for nine years, and after that spent eight years in
general farming. Three years ago, he started to do
contract trucking, investing in three trucks for two
and one-half tons burden, and he has since grown in
popularity for local and long-distance hauling. He
not only has the equipment, but he has an invaluable
experience enabling him to do what is required by
his patrons in the quickest and most economical
manner.
Mr. Buckley was married at Rio Vista on Novem-
ber 11, 1896, to Miss Mary Dobbins, the daughter of
James and Delia Dobbins, whose life-story is else-
where given in this work. The union has been a
happy one, and three children have blessed their fam-
ily life. Alicia is the eldest; George, the second-born;
and Josephine, the youngest.
MRS. BLANCHE O. EDGAR.— An experienced,
energetic and very progressive woman in the Cali-
fornia school world, whose successful work in direct-
ing the development of the life of many is steadily
contributing toward educational advancement in this
favored part of the Golden State, is Mrs. Blanche
Edgar, the popular principal of the Standard School
for Private Secretaries, a high-class, conservative and
practical private institution doing thorough work
and getting excellent results, at 2200 J Street, in the
capital city. The object of the school is to embody
those elements which may be applied to the actual
performance of services demanded in the commercial
world— a school whose aim and standard is best ex-
pressed in the words "practical efficiency." The re-
sults attained through the system of individual, pro-
gressive teaching mapped out in this school have
been particularly gratifying. It is the school's pur-
pose to see that each student finds that place in life
wherein he or she can accomplish the greatest good
and gain the greatest happiness. No student is per-
mitted to plod hopelessly along in an attempt to at-
tain the impossible. The capacity of each individual
is studied, and measured by the Vocational Guidance
Department, and a plan for development is carefully
arranged; for this reason the school has no failures.
This study of the individual has been especially help-
ful in the successful placement of the LInited States
War Veterans' trainers who have been developed in
this school.
The Standard School aims to set forth the impor-
tant fact that secretarial work is particularly attrac-
tive, not only from the viewpoint of salary, but on
account of the greatly increased opportunities for
further advancement. It develops executive ability,
brings one in contact with big men and women of the
professions and of business, makes it possible for
them to become altruistically interested in the em-
ployee, and ofifers splendid chances for the study of
effective administration, and for the substantial re-
wards for faithful performance of duty. Years ago,
a Canadian shorthand reporter became the private
secretary to the owner of the most important carpet
manufactory in the LTnited States, one of the greatest
industries on the banks of the Hudson; and when the
wealthy mill-owner died, the secretary's dependable
labors were recognized in a legacy of $100,000 in his
will. However, Dr. Frank Crane says: "To know
shorthand is better than having your rich uncle leave
you ten thousand dollars, for it is a treasure that
'neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, nor thieves break
through nor steal.' "
The Standard School makes a specialty of finishing
the education of students who have started in any
school where they have been unable properly to com-
plete their business education; but the school does
something far more: its interest does not cease the
moment a student is granted a diploma, nor when he
or she has been located in a first position. It is the
wish of Mrs. Edgar and her able corps of finely
trained assistants, to see that each pupil really ad-
vances; and it is the special pleasure of the faculty,
regardless of financial considerations, to assist former
students to attain to still more lucrative engagements.
How far the school maintains this ideal interest in
those formerly associated with it may be gathered
from its offer that whenever a graduate is out of a
situation, he or she may attend the school again for
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
539
two weeks without cost, thus keeping up practice and
really brushing up again if a wee bit rusty, while
employment is being obtained.
Mrs. Blanche O. Edgar's maiden name was Burger.
She is the only daughter of the late Ambrose H.
Burger and his wife Caroline Burger. The former
w-as born in Penns5'lvania, while the latter, who is
still living in the city of Sacramento, is one of the
very well-known pioneers of this section, and dis-
played unusual business ability as a breeder of reg-
istered dairy cattle and as a hop-grower. Mrs.
Edgar was reared and educated in Sacramento
County,, being a graduate of the Sacramento High
School and later a student at the University of Cali-
fornia, where she pursued a special course of study.
She had eight years' experience in real-estate and
insurance work, before establishing the Standard
School in March, 1916.
The Standard School, so efficiently conducted by
Mrs. Edgar, offers courses by the latest and most
approved methods in shorthand, bookkeeping, type-
writing, bank or bookkeeping machines, calculating
machines, penmanship, spelling, arithmetic, filing,
business English, practical grammar, salesmanship,
Spanish, and dictaphone; while the school's account-
ing, calculator and office-assistant courses prove
shortcuts to good salaries. Students are also given
the opportunity to do practical commercial work, for
which they are paid, after class hours; and this has
been a God-send to some, enabling them to earn, in a
dignified and agreeable manner, the necessary cost
of tuition at the same time that they are receiving
instruction and gaining speed. The motto of the
Standard School is suggestive: "Promise is most
given when the least is said"; for confidence is the
product, not of promises, but of performance.
H. D. GRADON. — A highly trained, experienced
engineer whose good work is now being demon-
strated in the Natomas Reclamation District No. 1000,
is H. D. Gradon, a native of Portland, Ore., the son
of Israel and Isabella (Creigh) Gradon. His father
was born in Ohio in 1816, and migrated to Oregon
by way of the great plains, traveling by means of the
ox team and the covered wagon. He was an expert
wagon-maker, and had great success in that line of
business in Portland, having been among the founders
of that early city. He was crowded out of business
only by the keen and ruthless competition of Eastern
manufacturers. He died at Portland in 1890, at the
age of seventy-four, highly esteemed by a wide circle
of acquaintances and admirers of his sterling char-
acter. Mrs. Gradon was also born in Ohio, and died
in Portland in 1874, at the age of forty-seven. She
was a remarkable woman, and left her impress upon
that city in one of its most important formative
periods.
H. D. Gradon was graduated from the Portland
high school in 1876, a member of the second class
graduated from the high school, Portland then being
the only town having a secondary school. Already,
he had shown a special talent for mathematics, a
mental aptitude which has contributed to his success
in a field requiring a thorough knowledge of mathe-
matics. When only sixteen he accepted a job as
chainman to a United States government surveying
party under Engineer George S. Pershin, and spent
three months in the Santiam section of eastern Ore-
gon. For this work he received $35 per month. At
the age of eighteen, he took another job on a cattle
range in eastern Oregon, at $40 per month; and he
recalls his experiences in mining at Spanish Gulch,
his initial effort, and the very profitable results.
In 1880, Mr. Gradon entered the Department of the
Interior, under Surveyor-General Tolman, and seven
years later he opened his first offices at Portland.
Thereafter he was generally recognized, both in and
out of Portland, as a thoroughly competent civil
engineer. In 1893, Mr. Gradon was elected city
engineer of Portland, and held that office for three
years, during which time much new work was accom-
plished in the building of streets and sewers. He was
also engaged on public and private jobs as surveyor,
as in the bui'ding of the narrow-gage railway in
Willamette Valley, Ore., and later in the service of
the United States government on a survey in western
Oregon.
Mr. Gradon had much to do in major engineering
projects in Idaho and Oregon, which brought him
directly into touch with the remarkable resources
then lying imdeveloped, but which are now being
exploited. He recalls, among many other experi-
ences, an association, in 1883, with a young civil engi-
neer named Emery Oliver, now general manager of
Natomas Company of California, who was employed
by him for a couple of years, and was later his part-
ner. In the construction of the Western Pacific Rail-
road, Mr. Oliver was a division engineer, and it was
in order to become his associate that Mr. Gradon left
Port'and in 190S for California. His first job was in
the construction of fifteen miles of road, in 1905-1907,
running out of Oroville. In 1907, the difficult engin-
eering problem of mastering the Feather River Route
loomed up, and Mr. Gradon was called upon to "put
it over," which he did in record time.
In the meantime, Mr. Gradon invested in a profit-
able orange and olive ranch near Oroville, and also
made some wise investments in San Francisco prop-
erty, which he still owns, having sold his ranch at the
end of five years. He had formerly owned a beautiful
country estate in Marin County, near San Anselmo,
called Woodacre Lodge, which also has since been
sold..
In 1910, Mr. Gradon took up his work with the
Natomas Company of California as associate engineer;
and his services have been especially valuable, as he
has often been retained as the consulting engineer
in difficult problems of engineering. As far as his
material circumstances are concerned, Mr. Gradon
would not need to work at his profession; but he has
no desire to be "retired." His offices overlook
the racing waters of the Sacramento River, and here
the plans and maps for Reclamation District No. 1000
have been drawn since 1915.
While at Portland, Mr. Gradon was married to Miss
Dorothea Grethe, a native of Germany who first came
to Portland in 1884; and the happy couple reside at
Natomas Park on the Sacramento River, ten miles
north of the capital. He is a member of Portland
Lodge No. 142 of the Elks, in which his membership
number is 180, in a membership that now numbers
over 4,000. In national politics. Mr. Gradon is a
Republican.
540
HISTORY OF SACRA.AIENTO COUNTY
HERMAN F. UTZ. — A highly respected represent-
ative of important commercial affairs, whose wide
and varied experience enables him to serve his fel-
low-citizens, is Herman F. Utz, who was born January
.i, 1887, at St. Paul, Minn., the son of William Arnold
and Emma (Schade) Utz. His father came to Cali-
fornia in 1907 and settled in Sacramento. He was em-
ployed in the Southern Pacific Railroad Company
shops as a pattern-maker, and is now retired from
active service. He and his wife are residing in Sacra-
mento.
Herman F. Utz was educated in the public schools
of St. Paul, Minn. When he was twenty years old
he came to Sacramento, and became an apprentice in
the machinist trade. He has been employed in various
shops and cities from Alaska down the coast to Sac-
ramento, where he settled in 1919. In 1922 he estab-
lished the Capital Machine Works at S26-S28 Twelfth
Street. His plant is equipped with complete and mod-
ern machinery, and he specializes in crank-shaft and
cyhnder grinding, employing about four men. As one
of the substantial citizens of Sacramento County, Her-
man F. Utz takes pride in advancing all measures
for the general good of his locality.
The Capital Machine Works is a partnership com-
posed of A. C. Penner and H. F. Utz. Mr. Penner
is at the present time shop superintendent of the In-
diana Machine Shop at Oroville, Cal., a Gugen-
heim interest. This leaves our subject to have full
charge of the Capital Machine Works, although Mr.
Penner is still a half owner.
PETER FRANCIS BENDER.— An experienced,
progressive builder, who finds it more profitable to
operate in general contracting, is Peter Francis
Bender, now residing at North Sacramento. He was
born at the capital city on June 11, 1884, the son of
Peter Francis and Mary (Russmeier) Bender, the
former a fairly early pioneer, who was married in
Chicago and came out with his wife to California as
a veteran patriot, just after the Civil War. By his
marriage with Mary Russmeier two old-time families
were joined together. Mrs. Bender is still alive, to
give joy to a circle of devoted friends. Mr. Bender
has closed his earthly account, but still lives in the
esteem of those who knew him.
Peter Bender went to the Christian Brothers Col-
lege, and then, for five years, was a messenger boy
for the Postal Telegraph Company, After that, he
learned the carpenter trade; and for the past fourteen
years he has been in the building game, and for
twelve years has been associated with a partner. He
employs from five to ten men. Among other build-
ings erected by him are the H. Nicolaus Building,
728 K Street, Sacramento, and the Sorenson-B rasher
Building and Masonic Hall, in North Sacramento;
and he puts up many homes and flats. His work is
characterized by good taste and perfection in finish
and detail. He is an esteemed member of the Build-
ers' Exchange.
In politics, Mr. Bender is a Progressive Republican;
but he is first, last and all the time an American,
enthusiastically devoted to his birthplace and its
environs; and he may always be counted upon for a
non-partisan support of the best men and the best
movements or measures, for the benefit of the com-
nnniily in wliich he lives.
ADOLPH TEICHERT, JR.— Among the native
sons who are making a success of large constructive
endeavor and are deeply interested in the growth of
the Golden State, taking a material part in its rapid
development, is Adolph Teichert, Jr., who was born
in the city of San Francisco, April 24, 1885, a son of
Adolph Teichert, an old-timer in the state and a pro-
minent contractor, who has attained a high place in
business and social circles in the city of Sacramento.
Adolph Teichert, Jr., when two years of age, came
to the capital city with his parents; and here he grew
to manhood, enjoying the privilege of the excellent
public schools of this city. He graduated from the
Sacramento high school in 1903, after which he en-
tered the department of civil engineering in the
University of California, receiving the coveted degree
of Bachelor of Science in 1908. Although he had
been offered a position as instructor in civil engineer-
ihg at the University of Montana, he declined it,
choosing rather to assist his father in the contract-
ing business. He had grown up in the business, for
each summer from the time he was a youth he had
assisted his father in his large affairs, thus becoming
thoroughly familiar with every department of the
business. In 1912 he was taken into partnership, and
the firm became A. Teichert & Son, and the busi-
ness has been carried on under that name ever since.
They are specializing' in road-building and street-pav-
ing, and among their large contracts are the highway
from Gait to New Hope and a section of the State
Highway, from Fresno to Fowler and from Fowler
to Kingsburg. They built the section of the State
Highway from Stevens Creek Bridge 'to Millikens
Corners, Santa Clara County, and did the paving of
the streets in Redwood City, and the surfacing of Tu-
lare County Highway from Lindsay to Porterville,
Tulare County, and from Porterville on through Terra
Bella to Richgrove, thirty-one miles. With Thomas
Ambrose as a partner, they built the Sacramento By-
pass weir, to take care of the flood-waters from the
city. They built two sections of the Yolo County
Highway and Sacramento City Sump No. 2, and have
paved numerous streets in this city, Turlock, and
Oakdale. In the line of construction of buildings,
they did the concrete work on many of the large busi-
ness buildings in Sacramento. The firm is well sup-
plied with the necessary equipment for large con-
struction. Their paving-plant at Thirty-seventh and
R Streets is most adequate and complete, including
among other things steam rollers, tractors, trucks
and teams.
In the capital city, on February 28, 1912, Mr.
Teichert was united in marriage with Miss Augusta
Quass, who was born in this city, a daughter of
Henry T. and Catherine (Heilbron) Quass, the father
a native of Germany, while the mother was born in
Sacramento. Her grandfather, Adolph Heilbron, was
one of the pioneers of the county and one of its early
sheriffs, and was a very prominent and influential
business man. Henry Quass was also one of the
pioneer business men in this city, and is now living' in
comfortable retirement. Augusta Quass was edu-
cated at Notre Dame, San Francisco, and at the
Sacramento high school, and afterwards spent a year
abroad in the study of music in Dresden, Germany,
during which time she also traveled throughout Ger-
many, France, Switzerland, ItaU^ and England.
Their union has proven very happj^ and has been
blessed with the birth of three children: Adolph Jr.,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
543
second, Frederick, and Henry. Mrs. Teichert is a
woman of much culture and refinement, having tastes
for the beautiful and artistic; and she presides grace-
fully over her husband's home. A woman of pleasing
personalit}', she is much loved and esteemed in the
circles of the Saturday, Tuesday, and Delphian Clubs.
Mr. Teichert has been very prominent in fraternal
gircles. He was made a Mason in Union Lodge, No.
S8, F. & A. M., and was exalted to the Royal Arch
degree in Sacramento Chapter, No. 3, R. A. M., and
knighted in Sacramento Commander}-, No. 2, K. T.
He is also a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Ma-
son, being a member of all the bodies of the con-
sistory in the capital city, and a charter member of
Ben AH Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in
Sacramento. While at college, he became a member
of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity; and locally he is a
popular member of the Exchange Club and the Del
Paso Country Club. He holds membership in St.
John's Lutheran Church. A believer in protection for
America and Americans, he is a strong Republican
in his political views. Mr. Teichert gives his un-
divided time to the management and enlarging of the
business of A. Teichert & Son, a work for which his
professional training and j^ears of experience well
qualify him. He is an active member of the Con-
tractors' Association of Northern California, his firm
being among the large contractors in northern Cali-
fornia. Mr. Teichert is a man of energy, never idle,
and drives his business forward to success, throwing
into his work much zeal and enthusiasm.
SAMUEL S. HAYWOOD.— A very experienced
and enterprising fruit-rancher who has always
sought to operate in the most scientific manner, and
has therefore obtained results such as may be
accepted as a standard of the progress hereabouts in
California husbandry, from year to year, is Samuel
S. Haywood, now residing on Pecan Avenue, in
Orangevale. He owns some ten acres of fruit-
orchard, in a beautifully laid out home-place, eight-
een miles from tlie state capital. He was born at
Springfield, Vt., on September 12, 1859, the only
child of Charles H. and the late Ellen (Stimson)
Haywood, whose interesting lives are elsewhere
sketched in this historical work; and he was reared
on his father's hillside ranch, while he attended the
local schools. His education included good courses
at the Springfield high school, where he further pre-
pared himself for the duties of life.
In the sprin.g of 1884, Samuel S. Haywood was
married to Miss Carrie M. Woodward, the ceremony
taking place at Saxton River. She was born in
Springfield on May 27, 1860, the daughter of George
and Susan (Allbce) Woodward, natives of Rocking-
ham, Vt. He then took up actively both stock-rais-
ing and dairying, in Vermont, and continued there
in that field until the fall of 1886, when they moved
to western Nebraska and settled near Cambridge.
There he took a ranch of 640 acres which he devel-
oped into land burdened with alfalfa and grain crops,
and he engaged in cattle- and hog-raising on the bot-
tom lands of the Republican River. Three years
later, his father removed to Nebraska, taking with
him some of the choice harness horses, thereby cre-
ating the foundation of harness-horse stock in Ne-
braska. He owned a number of notab'e horses, but
"Clegg Right" was perhaps the record-holder, doing
the mile in 2:30. The Haywood ranch was known
far and wide for its reliability in horse-dealing, and
it was natural that our subject and his parents
should take an active part in all state and county
fairs.
Early in 1901, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Haywood
made a tour to and along the Pacific Coast, and
eight years later, Samuel Haywood made a thirty-
day visit to the Golden State. They were all so well
pleased and stimulated by what they saw here that
in 1913 they moved out to California, the old folks
to retire in a comfortable home, and our subject to
enlarge his field of activity. He and his wife became
strong devotees of California; one result of which
has been that, although they are still deeply interested
in both Nebraska and Vermont, they expect never to
return there to live. Having acquired their property
here in March, 1913, they made the necessary im-
provements, remodeling their home and adding to
its comfort and beauty. A Republican in matters of
national political moment, Mr. Haywood is a popular
past noble grand of lodge No. 132, I. Q. Q. F., at
Cambridge.
GEORGE EDWARD ALLEN.— An experienced
rancher whose repeated successes have helped to
stimulate those who share with him the great work
of developing the natural resources of the Golden
State, is George Edward Allen, whose trim farm lies
along the highway north of Arno. He was born in
Sutter Creek, Amador County, on October 4, 1873,
the son of George and Annie E. (Bradbury) Allen,
his father having been a native of Rochester, N. Y.,
while his mother came from Maine. Mr. Allen came
to California in 1862 by way of the Panama route and
settled in Amador County, where he embarked in the
stock-raising business. In course of time, he acquired
between 7,000 and 8,000 acres of land; and when
he died, at the age of fifty-five, he had completed a
record of great usefulness. Mrs. Allen lived to be
sixty-five years of age, and was beloved by all who
knew her. Mr. Allen was a stanch Republican. The
worthy couple had five children, our subject being the
second in the order of birth. Flora, the eldest, is now
deceased, as is Bessie, the youngest, who died at the
age of five. Those coming after George into the
family are Sophie, Mrs. Minasian, living at Berkeley,
and John F., who lives at Sutter Creek.
George Edward Allen was sent to the Sutter Creek
grammar school, and later attended the university at
Santa Clara; and when a young man, he started out
for himself. He went to Carbonado, Wash., and for
two years clerked in a general merchandise store
serving a mining plant; and then, returning to San
Francisco, he worked in the bay city for a year.
Then he came back to the old home place at Sutter
Creek, and has remained with his folks ever since.
OwMng to his father's death, the Allen Estate Com-
pany was formed, and they control the old home place
referred to, and in addition land which the company
began to acquire, about fifteen years ago, in Sacra-
mento County. They own 1,170 acres known as the
old Hicks estate, and also the old McConncU ranch
of 1,435 acres, and these two ranches join each other,
about one-third of these 2,605 acres being devoted to
the raising of beans, while the rest is given to the
raising of grain. Much of the land is leased out by
our subject, who built a house on the ranch, and lives
there, althou.gh at first he used to come here only at
intervals.
544
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
At Carson City, Nev., on July 28, 1898, Mr. Allen
was married to Miss Caroline Corotto, a native of
Sutter Creek, her parents being Bartholomew and
Mary Corotto. Her father was an Italian, and came
out to California in pioneer days, when he was a
mere lad. He died at the age of sixty-five, while
his good wife passed away in her sixtieth year. Both
were highly esteemed. Three children have been
granted Mr. and Mrs. Allen, and they bear the names
of George, Mildred and Clarence. Mr. Allen is a
Republican, and he belongs to the Henry Clay Lodge
oi Masons at Sutter Creek, and also to the Royal
Arch Chapter there; he is affiliated with the Placer-
ville Commandery and Ben Ali Temple of Sacra-
mento.
JAMES GRIFFITH.— The recent and almost
phenomenal development of Sacramento County must
be attributed in part, at least, to the foresight and
courage, the experience and high standard of ethics,
of such realtors as James Griffith, of the Griffith Com-
pany, well-known dealers in high-grade real estate
and dependable insurance. He was born in Ireland,
on September 27, 1876, the son of Michael and Hanna
(Gallagher) Griffith, estimable citizens and devoted
parents, now at rest from their earthly labors; and
he attended first the schools of his native district,
and later those of the section in the United States to
which he migrated.
When only twelve years of age, he crossed the
ocean to New York, and after spending some time
in the Empire State, moved on to Pennsylvania. Once
through with school-work, and old enough to under-
take heavier responsibilities, he set out as a commer-
cial "drummer," and for twenty years he traveled
while representing first-class firms.
In 1908 he came to Sacramento, where he is now at
the head of an enterprising company of his own, deal-
ing particularly with ranch properties, and renders a
real service to those wishing to deal in first-class real
estate, and to be properly protected by dependable
insurance. He belongs to the Sacramento Chamber
of Commerce, and never loses an opportunity to
"boost" for the city and the county in which he is so
pleasantly situated, and which gives him such a gener-
ous support. In 1922 he became first vice-president of
the Vita Rice Products Company of California.
In 1904, Mr. Griffith was married to Miss Beatrice
Moran, a native of Ireland, who died in January, 1914.
In February, 1918, he chose as his second wife a
popular lady of Marysville, Miss Elizabeth Cutts, the
daughter of James Cutts of that city. One child,
Elizabeth Hanna, has blessed this happy union. Mr.
Griffith is a member of the Knights of Columbus, in
which he has attained to the fourth degree; of the
Ancient Order of Hibernians; and also of the Young
Men's Institute. He is very fond of fishing, and when
it comes to a choice he never neglects the call of the
rod and reel.
ALMON CHAPMAN.— A successful, esteemed
pioneer whose life-story is well worthy of record
and repetition, is Almon Chapman, the well-known
printer of Chicago, and now an honored citizen of
Fair Oaks Colony, where he has resided in pleasant
retirement since July 4, 1897. He was born in
Oneida County, N. Y., on December 3, 1839, the
second of twelve children, seven boys and five girls,
of the late Thomas and Rosetta Higley Chapman,
four of whose sons served the Union under Old
Glory in the War of the Rebellion. His parents
were born in western New York, his father in 1798
and his mother in 1818. The father was a carpenter
and joiner by trade, and learned the trade in New
York. The four sons who served in the Civil War
were William W., who was with the 3rd Wisconsin
Infantry, as was also Orange Howard; and Eugene,
together with our subject, who enlisted while in
Kansas in Company D of the 17th Kansas Volunteer
Infantry, commanded by Capt. R. D. Monley. Al-
mon Chapman saw four months of active service,
and at the close of the war returned to Wisconsin.
In 1879, he removed to Lecompton, Kans., and
making this town his headquarters, worked on flat-
boats on the Kansas River. Then he went into the
lumber camps, and later finally found what he really
wanted — a job as a press boy in a printing shop.
He got work from the editor of the "Lecompton
Democrat," on which he was employed for two years.
Removing to Atchison, Kans., he was there asso-
ciated with Col. John A. Martin, the owner of the
"Atchison Champion," Republican, acting as office
clerk for several years, and there also was published
one of his first attempts at producing "copy." For
two years he was assistant postmaster at Atchison.
He entered the printing business as a journeyman,
having learned his trade at Lecompton and Atchi-
son, and later removed to Chicago, where he was
engaged in an undertaking of some magnitude in
the printing line, and as proprietor enjoyed a very
lucrative business for about twenty years.
At Rockford Seminary, September 10, 1878, Mr.
Chapman was married to Miss Amelia M. HoUister.
a niece of the late Anna P. Sill, the founder and first
principal of the famous Rockford Female Seminary,
at Rockford, 111., now Rockford College. Anna P.
Sill was born in 1816, in New York State, and was
a descendant from John Sill, who came to Massa-
chusetts in 1637, and also a descendant of the Hon.
Jedediah Peck, distinguished in his day in the Em-
pire State as both a legislator and a judge. Else-
where in this history will be found a fuller account
of the life-work of this eminent aunt of Mrs. Chap-
man. Mrs. Chapman graduated from Rockford Col-
lege, and at the Seminary at Rockford followed her
professional work, that of a tutor in art and music.
She was associated with her aunt for many years
in the successful conducting of this institution of
higher learning, and these years she regards as the
happiest of her years of experience as a teacher.
Two sons, born of this fortunate union, bade good-
bye to the world in early life; Robert Sill passing
away at the age of five, and Ralph when onljr ten
months old.
Mr. and Mrs. Chapman came out to the Golden
State in 1897, in order to enjoy the benefits of a
milder climate, and to both of these worthy people
Dame Nature, as expressed through her lavish gifts
to California, has been most kind. Their orchard
embraces eighteen and one-half acres, and is pleas-
antly situated on the Winding Way, about twenty
miles to the northeast of the capital. Both Mr. and
Mrs. Chapman do considerable writing; and with their
pens they have produced much that is of benefit to
others. Mr. Chapman is a member of Kilpatrick
Post, No. 712, of" the G. A. R., at Austin, 111.; and
he belongs to both the Masons and the Odd Fellows,
of Chicago.
^^^//I/^-i!-t>t.c'-7^ y\0^4'LM^yn^'i-<'-t^c
^,M^^4J^
i^^^ii^^T^X-'C
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
551
ANNA P. SILL. — No one who knew the Hfe and
work of the late Anna P. Sill, the founder and first
principal of the Rockford Female Seminary, at
Rockford, 111., can doubt for a moment that when
the monumental history of the struggle after and
the attainment of higher education for women in
America shall finally be written, her inspiring ideals
and the_ magnificent fruits of her toil and sacrifices
will be given conspicuous and most honorable
place — as well they should be. considering the part
they have played in the making of such noble and
famous women as Jane Addams and others.
Anna Peck Sill was born in Burlington, Otsego
County, N. Y., on August 9, 1816, and inherited both
the intellectual and moral qualities of a long line of
Puritan ancestors. Her famih^ was descended from
John Sill, of England, who emigrated with his wife
Joanna to this country in 1637, and settled in Cam-
bridge, Mass., just about the time when Harvard
College was founded; and about 1789, her grand-
parents removed from Lyme, Conn., to Otsego
County, settling in a wilderness now the site of
Burlington. Deacon Andrew Sill, her grandfather,
was a pillar in the Congregational Church for thirtj--
one years, and shouldered a musket in the War of
the Revolution. He lived to be over ninety years of
age. His son, Abel Sill, the father of our subject,
was a farmer; he died of typhoid when Anna was
but seven years old. Her maternal grandfather, the
Hon. Jedediah Peck, became a man of great influ-
ence in his day, as both a New York legislator and
a judge. His eldest daughter, Anna's mother, was a
woman of great energy of character, a good scholar
in her day, especially in mathematics, and a woman
of piety, industry and taste; and the fact that she
trained her children in the homely virtues of hon-
esty, economy, industry and strict moral and physi-
cal integrity, had momentovis results in the life of
the W'Oman now under review.
Anna Sill's earl}^ life was a free and happy one,
and she grew up in a house which stood on a high
elevation surrounded with hills and valleys, with the
Catskill Mountains in the blue distance to the east,
a deep valley to the south, and to the west a deep
ravine with sheer rocky walls overhung with trees
and bushes, and spanned with a rustic bridge, below
which ran a clear stream of rippling water. She
was sent to school when not more than four years
old; and the daily walk through summer's heat and
winter's cold to the old red schoolhouse, one mile
away, stamped indelible impressions on her mind.
She was well trained in spelling, geography, gram-
mar and arithmetic, but she was also carefully
trained in all household duties, including spinning,
weaving and setting cards for carding wool and tow.
She also found time to braid bonnets made from
June grass, and for embroider3^
■With the advent of the age of reflection, came a
craving for better school advantages, and her soul
also cried out for its God. In the year 1831, when
powerful revivals swept New England and New
York, her religious life and experience began to
grow, and in 1836 she left Burlington, when about
twenty years of age, and for seven months taught
school at Barre, near Albion. In November, 1837,
she entered Miss Phipps' Union Seminary, one of
the first institutions for girls and young women in
the state. And there she remained for more than
five years, also teaching, after a while.
In 1843, she underwent a mental conflict regard-
ing the choice of a life-work that would be of benefit
to others, and for a while struggled with the problem
of going abroad as a missionary; and in the autumn
she made her way alone and, almost unbefriended
to Warsaw, where, after many discouragements, she
opened a seminary for young ladies on October 2
of that year; and before the close of the year, the
school numbered 140 pupils. In 1846, she took
charge of the female department of the Cary Colle-
giate Institute at Oakfield, in Genesee County; and
when a convention of Congregationalists and Pres-
b3'terians, wishing to establish collegiate education
of the highest New England type in what was then
the Northwest, opened a seminary in northern Illi-
nois, afterwards removed to Rockford, Miss Sill
went thither, to Rockford, in 1849, to open a school
for young ladies as preparatory to the seminary.
On July 11, she was able to write: "Today com-
menced school, and laid the foundation of Rockford
Female Seminary. Opened with fifty-three scholars.
O Lord, fit me for mj^ work, and glorify Thyself
thereby." In her opening address. Miss Sill said to
the young ladies, drawn up in a row on the lawn:
"This is like the sunshine of this beautiful day,
dropping light into our hearts." The immediate,
large success of the school, was soon recognized as
the germinating of the Rockford Seminar^', and the
citizens of Rockford quickly responded by subscrib-
ing over $5,000 for buildings, while the ladies of the
town gave another $1,000 to beautify the grounds.
In 1851, the first class, fifteen in number, entered
upon their courses. The next year, the corner-stone
of the first edifice was laid, the officiating clergyman.
Rev. Aratus Kent, cleverly taking for his text:
"That our daughters may be as corner-stones pol-
ished after the similitude of a palace." Miss Sill had
from the first a clear and practical idea of the end
in view and the work that needed to be accom-
plished, and early set before her mind Mount Holy-
oke Seminary as the model after which this new
Western seminary was to be built. She realized the
great power and influence for good lying latent in
the young women of the West, and she threw herself
with such energy into the task before her that by
December, 1853, her health began to give way, and
she was forced to go East. Her visit to Boston and
other centers of wealth and influence, however, re-
sulted in her bringing back $5,000 with which to
advance the good work already halted in part for
lack of funds; and the subsequent history of the
institution for some years is the record of continued
struggle for means wherewith to continue its ex-
panding program — a struggle that might have term-
inated in failure but for the character, example and
courage of the founder. She got some fun out of
the experience, however, and in 1865 wrote to a
friend about her "mission to the East": "Just fancy
me in the 'Hub of the Universe,' the center of all
right motion, the sun of civilization, enlightenment
and refinement, one of the 'Western beggars'." Not-
withstanding its vicissitudes, Rockford Seminary
continued not only to grow, and to build up the lives
of American young women, but it became an import-
ant factor in promoting and sustaining foreign mis-
sionary work. One of the greatest obstacles it had
to encounter, however, was not the lack of funds,
but the widespread prejudice to the higlier education
552
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
of women — a prejudice Anna P. Sill did much in her
life to dissipate forever.
Space will not permit mention of the many inter-
esting details in the further development of this
remarkable institution, the life-work of this remark-
able woman. In 1884. after thirty-five years of un-
remitting labor, Miss Sill resigned her position as
Principal, and retired to the quieter, but not less hon-
ored, position of Principal Emerita; and in 1889 she
suffered severe shock and set-back through the tragic
death, from pneumonia, of her last surviving brother,
and his wife and two children. While on a visit to her
niece, the wife of Almon Chapman (whose life-story
is given elsewhere in this work), at Ridgeland, near
Chicago, she was taken ill; and just as she was con-
valescing, a very favorite child of her niece, a little
bo}' of four, was taken away by death. By the
advice of her physician, she returned to Rockford,
and on Founder's Day, June 11, she was confined
to her room; and from that time, she spoke little
during her illness of eight days. She received the
intimation of her approaching end calmly and
silently, and sought no opportunity to speak any
"last words"; and she died peacefully on June 18,
1889, only a week before the annua! commencement
exercises of the institution she loved so well. At
her funeral, attended by a concourse of mourning
admirers, a vacant chair, with a wreath of flowers
upon its back, stood upon the platform; and below,
resting upon the casket, were two large sago palms,
emblematic of victory.
FRANK LAWRENCE GAFNEY.— Critics of
California, impressed with her phenomenal progress,
have more than once commented on the great work
accomplished, from the admission of the state into
the Union until the present day, by the California
bar, so ably represented in Sacramento County by
the popular attorney, Frank Lawrence Gafney. A
native son, always proud of his association with the
Golden State, he was born in Eldorado County in
1880, first seeing the light on Washington's birthday,
the son of Nicholas Gafney, who came out to Cali-
fornia in the early fifties, crossing the great plains
with the typical ox-team outfit of that day. He came
from Maryland, and married Miss Margaret McDon-
ald, a native of Illinois. Both were admirable people,
and devoted parents; and both are highly esteemed!
now that they rest forever from their labors— Mr!
Gafney as one of the early miners in Eldorado Coun-
ty who worked hard, and helped others as well as
himself, and Mrs. Gafney as one of those noble
women whose very presence did much to ameliorate
the rude and sometimes harsh conditions of pioneer
mining life.
Frank Lawrence Gafney was lucky to attend both
the grammar and the high school of his locality
and growing up, to study law under Grove L. John-
son, than whom there was no one in his time and
neighborhood who understood more about legal com-
plexities. Mr. Gafney was a law stenographer for a
number of years, or until, on February 24 1915 he
was admitted to the California bar. For eight years
prior to that he had been deputy county recorder
under the Hon. C. A. Root, and that activity alone
afforded him the most valuable experience. He has
practiced law here continuously ever since, and it is
safe to say that there is no member of the Bar Asso-
ciation more esteemed for both ability and character
and the relation of the two in daily professional work.
Very naturally, Frank Gafney is deeply interested in
the welfare of Sacramento County, and finds an ap-
peal in its historic past and its promising future.
Mr. Gafney belongs to the Foresters of America and
Lodge No. 6 of the Elks of Sacramento, and when
time permits, he seeks other fraternal cheer in a good
game of baseball or in hunting.
FRANK A. HOLDENER.— Among the men who
for the past twelve years have utilized the opportuni-
ties offered in Sacramento for business progress, and
who have thereby attained success, is Frank A.
Holdener, the well-known contractor and builder,
whose offices are located at 2608 R Street, Sacramento.
. His activity in his chosen line of work has contributed
to general progress and improvement, as well as to
his individual prosperity. He is a native of Switzer-
land, born at Ober-Yberg, January 12, 1886, in the
same country where General Sutter was born. His
parents were Joseph Frank and Mary Holdener, both
natives of the same country. The father is a shoe
merchant; the mother has passed away. The Hold-
ener family is traced back to the eleventh century in
Switzerland, and are among the oldest and most
prominent families in that country. Mr. Holdener
also traces his ancestry back to Werner Staufacher,
one of the three leaders in the struggle for the Inde-
pendence of Switzerland.
Frank A. Holdener acquired his education in the
schools of his native country, supplementing it with at-
tendance at the colleges, where he majored in archi-
tecture. He served the required time in the Swiss
army and received his honorable discharge, after which
he was free to go wherever or whenever he wished.
When twenty-one years old he came out to the land
of the Stars and Stripes, crossing the continent to the
Pacific Coast and coming directly to San Francisco,
where he arrived on February 1. 1907, and where he
was employed at his trade for a number of years. In
1910 he removed to Sacramento, where he engaged
in the general contracting business, his especial line
of work being the contracting of concrete structures.
Among his notable work is the concrete bridge over
Butte Slough, the apartment building at the corner of
Twenty-seventh and I Streets in Sacramento, the
Nicolaus schools at Nicolaus, Del Monte Creamery
in San Francisco, several apartment houses in San
Francisco, Yuba City High School, and the dams for
the Cosumnes irrigation project, as well as a num-
ber of fine residences in Sacramento. All of his work
is first-class, and his dependability insures a rapidly
increasing business. In his work of construction, he
is aided by having the most modern and up-to-date
equipment, so that he can handle any contract, from
the smallest job to a million-dollar structure. He
has now- under construction a quarter of a million dol-
lars' W'Orth of work. Sometimes his work necessi-
tates his employing ISO men. Mr. Holdener has es-
tablished his warehouses and offices at 2608 R Street.
Mr. Holdener's marriage united him with Miss
Caroline Gerasch, born in Switzerland, and they have
a son, Joseph A., and a daughter, Frances Elizabeth.
Fraternally, Mr. Holdener is a member of the Sacra-
mento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks, and the Foresters
of America. He is also a member of the Rotary Club
and the Bowling Club of Sacramento, and of the
Builders' Exchange, Master Builders' Association, and
Chamber of Commerce.
FIISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
003
WILLIAM EDMOND NEWBERT.— A highly
progressive, thoroughly representative man of affairs
in Sacramento County is William Edmond Newbert.
president of the Newbert Implement Company, of
Sacramento, He was born in Sacramento County,
at the "Mississippi Bar," on April 29, 1867, the son
of George W. and Mary Jane (Millard) Newbert,
and his father had the distinction of being a pioneer
of 1852, coming all the way from Maine across the
wide plains, as did Mrs. Newbert, who accompanied
her parents, the Millards, also sturdy pioneers.
Meeting in the Golden State, Mr. Newbert and Miss
Millard were married in Brighton Township, after
which he mined for a while, and then entered the
employ of the old Placerville Railroad.
Mr. Newbert next engaged in farming, and after
that he was in business near Perkins. He came to
Sacramento as a deputy sheriff, and for twenty years
he was connected with the sheriff's office. He then
engaged in the hotel business, and managed the
Bruce House, and after that the American Eagle;
and when he passed away he was, offrcialb', a dep-
uty sheriff. His demise occurred in his fifty-sixth
year and was the cause of wide regret. Mrs. New-
bert, who was also beloved, died at the age of sev-
enty years.
William E. Newbert attended the rural Brighton
schools, and after a while went to the old Washing-
ton primary in Sacramento at the corner of Thir-
teenth and G Streets, and the grammar school at Six-
teenth and J Streets, now known as the Mary Wat-
son School. Finishing his studies, 'he went to work,
and engaged in the retail hardware business with
Joseph M. Martin at 920 J Street, where he remained
for twenty years. He finished the unexpired term
of his fathet as deputy sheriff, and then he came to
work for Messrs. Baker & Hamilton, dealers in
hardware and implements. Removing to Courtland,
he tried the general merchandise business, joining
Bauer, Miller & Newbert; but severing his connections,
he returned to Baker & Hamilton, in the capital city.
They moved their wholesale business to San Fran-
cisco, and it was then that the Newbert Implement
Company was formed, in March, 1913, to handle
farm implements and farmers' hardware, and Mr.
Newbert has been president ever since.
Mr. Newbert plaj'ed professional baseball for five
years with the old Alta baseball club, as short-stop
and he is naturally fond of sport and out-of-door life,
and especially of hunting and golf. He belongs to
the Native Sons of the Golden West, is a member of
Lodge No. 6 of the Elks, is a Mason of the third
degree, and is alSliated with the Eastern Star, and
in each of these organizations enjoys an enviable
popularity.
JAMES HAYES.— The interesting correlation of
commercial and agricultural affairs at Elk Grove is
well illustrated in the activities and success of James
Hayes, the retired butcher and fruit rancher, who hails
from Audrain County, Mo,, where he was born on
April 15, 1868, the son of Robert McCoy and Caroline
Cornelia (Thomas) Hayes, farmer-folk, making a
specialty of milling. The elder Hayes has long since
closed his useful career; but Mrs. Hayes is still living.
James Hayes attended the country school in rural
Missouri, and after that helped his father on the
farm. He left home at the age of fourteen, to work
for wages, in order to get money to pay his way to
California; and when about seventeen, he managed to
migrate to the Coast, and on his arrival here, he went
to work for Messrs. Pauley & Son, at Tehachapi,
where he continued for some six years. Then he went
north to Oregon and Washington, where he worked
as a butcher, and later he returned to Tehachapi.
Coming back to Pauley & Son's, he was with them
for two years; and then he came to Lincoln, and re-
mained for six years.
In 1898, Mr. Hayes came to Elk Grove, attracted by
its certain future prospect, and showed his faith by
buying out a butcher shop and engaging in that busi-
ness, continuing actively until in August, 1922, when
he sold the business and leased the building. As the
pioneer merchant in the town he is naturally entitled
to all the honors accompanying that distinction. Not
only did Mr. Hayes conduct his market, but he devel-
oped a fine prune orchard near his slaughter-house and
those eleven acres are now coming into bearing. He
retired from commercial activity because he wished
to develop his new forty-acre ranch located about
three miles northeast from Elk Grove, where he has
set out an orchard of prunes and peaches and here he
now makes his home, having moved his city home
onto his ranch. He has a fine system of irrigation
with concrete pipes throughout the ranch and a deep
well that he pumps b}- electric motor.
Mr. Hayes has been married three times. By his
first wife, who was Miss Mamie Slattery in maiden-
hood, he had a son, William Edward Ha\'es, now of
New York City. His second union was with Miss
Nellie Drake and they had a daughter. Dean Hayes,
now living in San Francisco. For his third wife he
chose Mrs. Hattie Graham, daughter of Dr. James
Caples, an esteemed pioneer, and she shares w-ith Mr.
Hayes the admiration of a wide circle of friends. Mr.
Hayes is a stanch Republican and a public-spirited
citizen of Sacramento County.
THOMAS H. ARMSTRONG.— The ancestry of
this business man, Thomas H. Armstrong, is traced
back to an old New England family. Grandfather
Armstrong crossed the plains to California from Ill-
inois in 1849 while still a lad, braving the dangers
with a true pioneer spirit; he returned East in 1851
and was married there, and outfitting at St. Joseph,
Mo., he returned to California, with his bride. They
had many skirmishes with the Indians and lost much
of their outfit. He settled in Eldorado County,
where he teamed to the mines, then went to Placer
County, where he mined and engaged in logging.
He came to Sacramento County in 1902, and here
he farmed and teamed, passing away in August. 1904.
The grandmother died in Iowa in 1898. They had
eleven children, among whom were the following:
George W. Armstrong was for a number of years
the county clerk of Placer County and died while in
office. Le Roy Armstrong was prominent in educa-
tional circles and was principal of the Alameda
schools. He was editor of the "State School Journal"
and is now with the United States Book Company
of Los Angeles.
Thomas H. Armstrong was born in Grass Valley,
Cal., June 21, 1890, a son of Frank Perry and Maggie
(Halligan) Armstrong. Frank Perry Armstrong was
born in Palcer County and became well-known as an
athlete, for many years holding the championship as
foot racer for northern California; an uncle of our
556
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
subject for many years was district attorney of
Nevada County. Both parents are living in Sacra-
mento and father and son arc in partnership in the
brokerage business in the capital city. Thomas H.
Armstrong was educated in the public schools, and
took a course in business. For a number of years he
was engaged in the building business; he was fore-
man of the cement work on the tower at the state
fair grounds; also the Sacramento Hotel and the
Travelers' Hotel. Mr. Armstrong has also been in-
terested in agriculture and at the present time owns
a small ranch of five acres near the city.
The marriage of Mr. Armstrong united him with
Miss Mary Hethcrington and they are the parents
of one daughter, Agnes. Mr. Armstrong has liberal
ideas regarding the political inclinations of office-
holders, and believes that principle rather than party
sliould win. Fraternally he is affiliated w-ith the
Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows and is an active
and prominent member of the Eagle Lodge of Sac-
ramento, having charge of the Sacramento Eagle
Drum Corps and is also past state president of Cali-
fornia field music for the Eagle Lodge of California,
and a member in many civic organizations.
RAY H. MAYHOOD. — A financier whose integ-
rity, coupled with his experience and known desire
to serve in the great work of hastening the day when
California shall come to its own, is Ray H. Mayhood,
the popular proprietor of the Mayhood Motor Com-
pany, Inc., handling the Durant car at 1520 K Street,
now recognized as among the most progressive of
Sacramento County institutions. He was born on a
farm in Solano County, California, on May 16, 1881,
the son of J. B. and Addie (Copley) Mayhood, who
had married in New York State and had come out to
California in 1870. Mrs. Mayhood has closed her
useful and beautiful life, leaving the heritage of a
precious memory, but her devoted husband still lives,
esteemed by all who know him.
Ray Mayhood attended both the grammar and the
high schools of his locality, after which he took up
special study in preparation for what he had the
ambition and the courage to do. He became office
manager for Hale Brothers, of Sacramento, and
continued in that responsible post for seven years;
and then he was secretary for two years of the Sac-
ramento Valley Trust Company. In 1912 he came
to the Fort Sutter National Bank, as exchange teller,
and he worked up to vice-president and manager,
continuing until 1923, when he organized his present
company, in which he has been able to do much to
advance the prosperity and the welfare of individuals,
and at the same time to get behind public movements
making for the betterment of the community, the
state and the nation. He belongs to the Republican
party, but is non-partisan in matters of local civic
uplift.
Mr. Mayhood was married April 18, 1909, to Miss
Ilifl Purcell, of Sacramento, the ceremony taking
place at Sacramento; and their union has been made
the happier by the birth of two sons. Jack and Billy.
Mr. and Mrs. Mayhood belong to the Del Paso
Country Club, and they devote part of their leisure
time to golf and fishing. They enjoy an enviable
social poinilarity, being always ready to respond to
social undertakings in their community. Mr. May-
hood is a member of Fort Sutter Parlor, N. S. G. W.,
and of Concord Lodge No. 117, F. &A. M.; and he
belongs to the Chamber of Commerce.
MADISON L. DURBIN.— Prominent among the
Native Sons of the Golden West is the name of
Madison L. Durbin, who has the honored distinction
of being California's oldest native son. He was born
on December 28, 1848, one of three children of War-
ren Perry Durbin, a native of Howard, Mo., and
his wife, Evelyn (Harbin) Durbin, a native of Mem-
phis, Tenn. His brother, Thomas, is a resident of
Petaluma; and his sister, Clara, is now Mrs. Meh-
ring of San Francisco. Warren Perry Durbin, our
subject's father, was one of eight children born to
Daniel Durbin and his wife: Mrs. Ann Gregg, de-
ceased; Mrs. Amanda Bowman, who married John
Bowman; Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Beachman and Mrs. Bell,
all three deceased; and Daniel, Simeon and Warren
Perry. Mr, Durbin's ancestors were well represent-
ed in the early wars, for both of his great-grand-
fathers served in the Revolutionary War under
Washington, and his grandfathers Durbin and Har-
bin served in the War of 1812 and were at the
Battle of New Orleans with General Jackson.
In 1836, Daniel Durbin, the grandfather, made a
trip to Oregon and established the first trading-
posts for the Hudson Bay Company, fur traders.
Highly honored and respected among the Indian
tribes he came in contact with, he soon was known
in all the trading-posts. He organized all the com-
panies for the expeditions. In 1842, he returned to
his home and organized a company to come to Cali-
fornia. This company consisted of seven men, as
follows: The late Gen. John Bidwell of Butte
County, James Madison Harbin, known as "Mat"
Harbin, the late John Walker of Santa Rosa, John
Bowman, Capt. Gr-anville P. Swift, Daniel Durbin,
and "Old Truckee," a French-Canadian Indian inter-
preter who was able to converse in all the Indian
languages of the tribes that were encountered on
their trips through the vast territories, where few
white men had explored or traveled. These hardy
pioneers reached California in 1842. They found
only two white men in northern California; these
were John Wolfskill. on Putah Creek, and George
Yount, in Napa County. While still in the high
Sierras, they sighted a river, which they named
"Truckee River," after their Indian guide and inter-
preter. They journeyed on to Oregon, but the mem-
ories of this beautiful country lingered with them,
and they turned back and came to California. Soon
after their return. Old Truckee passed away. In
his death these worthy pioneers lost a noble friend,
a man of no mean ability in the understanding of his
fellow-men, regardless of distinctions in race and
religion; a man who would gladly lay down his life
for his comrades; a friend in the most real sense
of the word.
In 1844 three men of the original party of seven,
Daniel Durbin, John Bowman and John Walker,
went to Willamette County in Oregon. In 1846
Warren Perry Durbin organized a company to go to
the West. On their arrival at Redding, via the
Lassen route, the party divided, Warren Perry Dur-
bin going to Oregon, and our subject's mother's
people (the Harbins) coming to California. On
their arrival they settled in Napa County on the
Yount grant. In 1848 Daniel and Warren Perry
Durbin returned to California and also settled in
Napa County, Daniel Durbin establishing his resi-
dence close by the Harbins'. Warren Perry Durbin
married Miss Evelyn Harbin in 1846, and on Do-
MJtc^cL^ 7/a
a^^i^-M-A^'^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
561
ccmber 28, 1848, they were blessed with a little son,
Madison L. Durbin. In 185 1, in Napa County,
Daniel Durbin passed away at the ripe old age of
ninety years. Such a worthy life may well be looked
upon with high regard. It is indeed a high mark
of distinction to have the courage, determination,
persistence and ability necessary to win one's way
through such a wild country, and to leave such an
enduring memory to all coming generations.
Madison L. Durbin's grandfather Harbin had a
quarter-section of land. He passed away after liv-
ing over eighty years.
In 1849 Warren Perry Durbin bought a Spanish
mile (approximate!)' 610 acres) in the Green Valley,
Solano County, from General Vallejo. He was the
owner of the first piece of property that General
Vallejo ever sold. He lived until he was sixty-two
years old, and his wife passed away in 1918 at Sac-
ramento, about ninetA'-three years of age.
The schoolhouse being eight miles from his home,
in Green Valley Township, Madison L. Durbin,
when a boy, had to ride to school on a mustang.
This w-as the first school that he ever attended.
Later, at Benicia, he attended a school taught by C.
J. Flatt, and this school was later turned into a
private law school.
On April 27, 1881, Madison L. Durljin was mar-
ried to Margaret Russell Brownlee, a native daugh-
ter, of Napa County, Cal. After their marriage, he
and his wife resided in Sonoma County for ten
vears. They are the oarents of one son, Russell
Madison, born March 23, 1882, at Glen Ellen, So-
noma County. They moved to Fresno, and there
Mr. Durbin took charge of the extensive Eggers
vineyard. He had charge of 500 employees work-
ing on this ranch and in the winery. In 1899 he
came to Tyler Island and with Col. H. I. Seymour
purchased 200 acres of land from the late Alexander
Brown. He built a fine house on this ranch, which
has been the Durbin home ever since. When he
first bought this tract of land, it was very swampy
and was filled with dense shrubs; but through his
untiring efforts, this waste tract has been developed
into a productive ranch. About sixty acres have
been devoted to asparagus, and the balance to fruit-
growing and farming. There are two large irriga-
tion plants in operation on the ranch.
Mr. Durbin is a stanch Democrat, and served on
the State Central Committee for several terms, and
also as a delegate to county and state conventions.
In former days he was a member of the Santa Rosa
Parlor, No. 28, N. S. G. W., at Santa Rosa; and he
{"j now a member of Courtland Parlor.
WILLARD WARNER.— A wide-awake, progress-
ive and experienced business man is Willard Warner,
the manager of the Cascade Laundry, at 1515 Twen-
tieth Street, who has been engaged in the laundry
business during his entire industrial career. When a
young man, he drove the first steam-laundry wagon
in Seattle, and later he worked in the various depart-
ments of the laundry. He was observant, not merely
of what was going on in the same concern, but of
what was being attempted in rival establishments;
and when he came to Sacramento, he was ready for
any problems that might present themselves in con-
nection with his new enterprise. Mr. Warner was
born in Fulton, N. Y., on January 4. 1869, of a dis-
tinguished family prominent in the historj- of the
Empire State. His parents removed to Minnesota,
and he was educated in that state.
About thirty-two years ago Mr. Warner came to
the capital, and, he has since been identified with the
largest laundries in the city, principally as manager.
When the Cascade Laundry was established in 1903,
he was chosen manager; and to accept the new post,
he gave up a very desirable position with the Union
Laundry, also ari excellently equipped concern, which
position he had filled for five years. Since taking hold
of the Cascade's affairs, he has made it the largest
laundry establishment in northern California. The
Cascade Laundry was incorporated with a capitaliza-
tion of -$60,000, and it now employs 125 men and
women, and has a pay-roll totaling $100,000 annually.
As a stricth' modern plant, it is equal to the best on
the Coast. Mr. Warner is president of the Laundry
Association, and a member of the Chamber of Com-
merce and the Rotary Club.
At Seattle, on May 19, 1890, Mr. Warner was mar-
ried to Miss Flora Rich, a popular belle of Seattle.
A son, Eugene, is associated with his father in the
conducting of the laundry; and there are two daugh-
ters, Philo and Adeline. Mr. Warner has just re-
turned from the annual convention of the Laundry
Owners' Association of California, which was held at
Riverside, Cal., on May 17, 18 and 19, 1923, and which
elected Mr. Warner as its general secretary.
REV. WILLIAM H. HERMITAGE.— Distin-
guished among the most honored representatives of
Christianity in Sacramento County is the Rev. Wil-
liam H. Hermitage, the scholarly, efficient and popu-
lar rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church at Sacra-
mento. He was born at Margate, about fifteen miles
from Canterbury, England, on January 6, 1882, the
son of John James and Emily (Robinson) Hermi-
tage. His father was a building contractor, and of
such honorable position that he was elected to be
mayor of the city for several terms; he died during
the World War.
William Hermitage attended the parochial schools,
and during the Boer War he went out to South Africa.
From there he shipped for Australia, and spent two
years in that country. In January, 1907, he came
from Australia to California, and at San Mateo he took
a classical course. Then he went to the Church Di-
vinity School in preparation for the ministry, and
received the Bachelor of Divinity degree from the
Pacific School of Religion. He was the first assistant
at the Grace Pro-Cathedral, in San Francisco, and
then, in the same city, was rector of the Church of
the Incarnation. He had been ordained as deacon on
May 29, 1912, and on June 11, 1913, he was made
priest, at the Grace Pro-Cathedral.
On November 1, 1916, the Rev. Mr. Hermitage
came to Sacramento, and since then his influence, as
rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, one of the most
earnest and active parishes in the city, has been
enviable. He is public-spirited, in close touch with
both California and Sacramento movements, and
enjoys the esteem of all who know him.
On November 1, 1912, and at San Jose, Rev. Mr.
Hermitage was married to Miss Anna Belle Wj'thc,
a native daughter of San Jose, who holds the degree
of Bachelor of Music from the College of the Pacific,
and now teaches harmony in the Sacramento high
school. Mr. Hermitage is fond of fishing and is a
Mason and Elk, and also belongs to the Lions Club in
Sacramento, of which he was the first president.
562
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
MANUEL JACINTO.— A worthy representative of
the native sons of the Golden State, is Manuel
Jacinto, who was born December 12, 1879, in Yolo
County on a farm, the son of Marion and Carry
(Silva) Jacinto. His father came from the Azores Is-
lands to California when he was a boy, and settled on
a ranch and farmed in various places in Yolo and Sac-
ramento County. He passed away in 1911, his wife
having died in 1902.
Manuel Jacinto was educated in the public schools
of Sacramento County. He helped his father on the
ranch, and when he became a young man he engaged
in the wood-peddling business. His business has
grow'n to such an extent, that he now- has two large
trucks which are used in making deliveries. He has
been engaged in the construction work of the state
and county highway, and he and his partner built
eighty miles of road. Although carrying on an exten-
sive coal and wood business, Mr. Jacinto conducts an
eighty-acre ranch, which is devoted to bean-raising.
Mr. Jacinto is independent in his political views, cast-
ing his ballot in favor of the candidate whom he deems
best fitted for office, regardless of party ties. Frater-
nally, he is a member of the U. P. E. C. and I. D. E. S.,
Portuguese societies. He is deeply .interested in the
progress of his business and is a public-spirited and
enthusiastic supporter of all measures proposed for
the benefit of the community.
RODNEY J. MORRISSEY.— The many improve-
ments and the general advancement in the matter of
real estate and insurance brokerage that have made
that field of commercial and financial endeavor in
California more satisfactory of recent years may well
be ascribed, in part, to such far-seeing, experienced
and progressive operators as Rodney J. Morrissey,
the genial president of the popular Carmichael Com-
pany, whose offices are at 811 J Street, in the capi-
tal city. He was born in Tehama County, California,
first seeing the light on a farm on January 28, 1879,
the son of James B. and Nellie (O'Hair) Morrissey,
his father having come out to California in 1875,
while his mother had preceded Mr. Morrissey here,
from Iowa, when she was a little girl. He was a
farmer, and is still honored as a man able to super-
vise a day's extensive work; Mrs. Morrissey breathed
her last in 1917, leaving a blessed memory.
Rodney Morrissey attended the public schools, al-
though even as a boy he was called upon, by un-
favoring circumstances, to make his own way. He
w-orked for the Holbrook, Merrill & Stetson Company,
which was succeeded by the Miller-Enright Company,
wholesale suppliers to plumbers, and he was next
with the Standard Oil Company, at Sacramento. In
December, 1906, he made his first venture with real
estate, joining Messrs. Wright & Kimbrough; and
he remained with them until August, 1919, when he
became vice-president of the Carmichael Company.
He came to his new- responsibility equipped with an
exceptional preparation and experience, having pre-
viously taken a business college course that offered
him much for his present line of endeavor. Mr. Mor-
rissej' is a successful, salf-made man, and represents
in a very interesting manner the Carmichael Com-
pany, with its admirable methods and exemplary
standards, now admittedly one of the most prominent
real estate and insurance firms in all Sacramento
County. This corporation continues to lead the real
estate and insurance business in Sacramento. In
February, 1923, the Morrissey brothers, including
R. J. and E. G. Morrissey, became the owners of
this corporation, and the business is being success-
fully continued at the same address.
In 1904, Mr. Morrissey married Miss Cecelia M.
Hooke, a native daughter of Sacramento. He belongs
to Parlor No. 26, of the Native Sons of the Golden
West, and Lodge No. 6, of the B. P. O. Elks, and is a
Mason of the third degree.
ANTON INDERBITZEN.— A man of enterprise,
public spirit, and progressive ideas that he put into
practical use, was the late Anton Inderbitzen, a na-
tive of Switzerland born in Canton Schwyz, January
12, 1870, who was left an orphan at the tender age of
ten years, thus being early forced to earn his own
livelihood. He worked on farms at dairying and
stock-raising, and learned the care of a dairy herd
and the growing of farm produce. By his work he
paid his own way through the local school, obtain-
ing good grammar-school education. He was not
satisfied with his environment; and having heard and
read of the opportunities awaiting young men who
were not afraid to work in the Land of the Stars
and Stripes, he determined to cast in his lot with
the Americans. So it happened that Anton Inder-
bitzen came to Louisville, Ky., in 1889, where he
spent a year employed in a dairy. In 1890 he came to
Sacramento City and soon went to work on the
Joerger ranch, near Folsom, where he continued for
about three years. During this time he studied
English, learning to speak and read the language of
his adopted country. Next he entered the employ
of A. Meister's dairy in Sacramento, where he con-
tinued steadily for nine years, serving with such
credit and diligence that he was made foreman, a
position he filled creditably and with ability for about
four years. While thus employed, he was married
in Sacramento, November S, 1899, being united with
Miss Marie Dettling, w^ho was also born in Canton
Schwyz, a daughter of Franz Carl and Elizabeth
(Steiner) Dettling, farmer-folk in the land of Wil-
liam Tell, where the daughter Marie was educated in
the public schools. In 1895 she came to Sacramento,
where she made her home until her marriage to Mr.
Inderbitzen. For two years after his marriage, Mr.
Inderbitzen continued as foreman for Mr. Meister
until November, 1901, when he resigned to engage in
business on his own account. They then leased the
Hanlon ranch on the Cosumnes River, where he in-
stalled a pumping plant and raised alfalfa, engaging
in dairying. He held the lease for twenty years, and
during all this time was engaged in the manufacture
of cheese under the well-known brand Imperial
Crown, a California full-cream cheese. His dairy
herd comprised from 125 to 160 head of milk cows;
so that on some days as much as a quarter of a ton
of cheese was made, the product being principally
sold in Sacramento. The herd of Holsteins had been
bred up with great care mitil they were of a very
high grade and were excellent milkers. In October,
1921, Air. Inderbitzen gave up dairying and moved
to Sacramento, purchasing a residence at 2016 Thir-
ty-sixth Street, where he resided with his family.
But he was not permitted long to enjoy the fruits of
his labors, for about five months later he was called
hence to that bourn whence no traveler returns, pass-
ing away on April 2, 1922. A man of great energy.
^C« c2^^^:&
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
567
enterprising and of pleasing personality, he was
mourned by his family and man^r friends.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Inderbitzen had proven
vcr3' happy, and was blessed with the birth of three
children. Antone is a graduate of Christian Brothers
College, Sacramento. From the age of seventeen
until he was twenty years old, he was actively en-
gaged in ranching with his father. Then he went
to San Francisco for further study, taking a course in
accountancy' for eight months in the San Francisco
Institute of Accountancy, after which he was em-
ployed at the offices of the Northern California Milk
Producers as assistant to the bookkeeper, remaining
with them for a period of eighteen months. He then
resigned to accept his present position as credit man
with the Dunn & Frazer Company, furniture dealers
in the capital city. A second son, Charles, was act-
ively engaged on the home ranch from sixteen to
twenty-one years of age, when he took a course at
Heald's Business College in Sacramento; but having
a strong predilection for the machinist's trade, he is
now in the employ of Arnold Brothers, Hudson and
Essex automobile dealers, as an automobile mechan-
ic. The youngest of the family is Marie, who is at-
tending the Sacramento high school.
Fraternally, the late Mr. Inderbitzen was a mem-
ber of the Red Men and a charter member of the
Sacramento Helvetia Verein; while politically he
was loyal to the Republican party and principles.
Since his death, Mrs. Inderbitzen continues to reside
at their home in Sacramento, surrounded by her
children and many friends, and is looking after the
interests left by her husband. A woman of much
business ability and great personal charm, she is
highly esteemed and respected by all who have come
to know her and to appreciate her many winsome
attributes of mind and heart. Mrs. Interbitzen is a
member of the Ladies' branch of the Sacramento
Helvetia Verein.
EUGENE L. McCUBBIN.— A World War vet-
eran, highly honored and respected among his many
acquaintances, Eugene L. McCubbin was born on
October 16, 1893, at Oleanda, Cal. His parents.
Hardy Lears and Lydia (Davis) McCubbin, came to
California in the nineties from Louisville, Ky. His
mother passed away in 1911; his father, a physician
and surgeon, has his offices in the Ochsner Building,
Sacramento, Cal.
Eugene L. McCubbin obtained his early education
in, the public schools. When he was a senior in the
University of Nevada he enlisted in the first officers'
training camp in the United States army. For seven-
teen months he saw active service in the front lines
of the French battle-fields. He was commissioned as
first lieutenant and saw service at St. Mihiel and the
Argonne offensive. He returned to the United States
and received his honorable discharge from Camp
Kearney. For two years he worked with his father
growing rice on their ranch in Sacramento.
Mr. McCubbin has been in the services of the city
since 1921. He figures prominently in all the athletic
occasions of his community, and is a loyal supporter
of the Y. M. C. A. athletic work. On January 1, 1922,
Mr. McCubbin was appointed physical instructor for
the Sacramento high school. Politically, he is a
stanch Republican. Being a World War veteran, he
is a member of the American Legion, and stands high
as an honorable representative of American manhood.
SPERRY W. DYE.— A lover of the water, Sperry
W. Dye has served for many years on bay and river
steamboats. He was born October 12, 1872, at Wal-
nut Grove^ one of the four children born to Sperry
and Elizabeth (Sharp) Dye. His maternal grand-
father, John Sharp, was one of the pioneers of the
county and the founder of Walnut Grove.
Sperry D3'e, the father, was one of the daring pio-
neers of 1863, who crossed the plains from Iowa by
o.x team and suffered hardships and privations while
opening up this beautiful territory. He settled at.
Walnut Grove, by the Sacramento River, and there
farmed and reared his family. During the early
part of the Civil War he was in the quartermaster's
department and in the government transport service,
and took part at the battle of Pea Ridge. He was one
of the first farmers to enter the asparagus industry,
and also planted the first cherry trees in this vicinity.
He succeeded John W. Sharp as postmaster at Wal-
nut Grove. Sperry Dye, Sr., passed away in 1912, aged
sixty-seven years. His widow survived him only a
year, passing away in 1913. She was born at Dry
Creek, Eldorado County, soon after her parents ar-
rived in California; but she received her elementary
schooling at Walnut Grove and finished her educa-
tion at Hesperian College, Woodland, after which
she engaged in teaching school till her marriage to
Sperry Dye, July 4, 1869, the ceremony occurring at
the Capital Hotel in Sacramento. Their union proved
a very happy one. They were successful as farmers
and horticulturists; and they reared a fine family.
Besides Sperry W. Dye, there are two brothers, Cor-
odon and Milo, and one sister, Am5', now Mrs. Brown,
all living at Walnut Grove. One brother, John Ira,
died in his youth.
Sperry W. Dye is a graduate of the Walnut Grove
grammar school and of the old college at Walnut
Grove. When eighteen years of age, after completing
his studies in the local schools, he started out for him-
self and obtained a position at steamboating on San
Francisco Bay and its tributaries. He followed this
life on the water, with the Union Transportation
Company, the California Transportation Companj',
and the Santa Fe Railroad Company boats, working
his way up from wheelsman to captain. When
he resigned, he was captain on the "Capital City." He
is still keeping up his captain's papers, and all these
years he has been a member of the Masters and
Pilots' Association of San Francisco, and its prede-
cessors. About ten years ago, he gave up steamboat-
ing and settled down on the old Elizabeth Dye ranch.
He nov/ has 150 acres of land devoted to general
farming, to orchards of pears, peaches, and plums,
and to asparagus. He is married and has one little
daughter, Marcella, eleven years of age.
While steamboating, Mr. Dye served on the fol-
lowing steamers: "Capital City," "Pride of the Riv-
er," "Onward," "Aurora," "Dauntless," "Capt. Web-
er," and also on the tug "A. H. Payson," the ferry-
boats "San Pablo" and "Ocean Wave," the Southern
Pacific Railroad Company's boat "Apache," and others.
He was associated with Captain Tyler, who married
Miss Mary Sharp, and with the late Capt. Thomas
Corodon Walker. Tyler Island of the Delta country
of .Sacramento County was owned by and named
after the father of "Captain Tyler of the River Boats."
These two captains built the noted passenger boat
the "T. C. Walker," that today plies between San
Francisco and Stockton. He was also associated with
568
H[ST(3RY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
the lafc Capt. William T. Forsman, who was pilot of
the large sidc-wheeler "Yoscmite," which ran be-
tween Sacramento and San Francisco in the days of
the gold-excitement in California. Sperry W. Dye's
uncle was Capt. Robert Sharp, who was a captain on
the river boats for many years previous to his death.
Mr. Dye is a musician. He plays both the cello
and saxophone, and is a member of the Walnut
Grove orchestra. In national politics, Mr. Dye favors
Republican policies; but in local matters he votes for
the men and measures he thinks best adapted to
serve the public welfare, regardless of party consid-
erations.
HARRY G. CHARLES.— An efficient, faithful
executive, never failing to do the best he can for the
interests of others entrusted to him, is Harry G.
Charles, the outside agent of the Dredgermen's
Union, at Sacramento. He hails from San Francisco,
having been born in that city on October 25, 1873,
the son of H. A. Charles, who came in 1848, and had
married Miss Martha G. Robinson, born in Missouri
and who crossed the plains, landing at Marysville in
1850. From 1853 to 1855, he was secretary of the
California Stage Company, and remained so until that
company was absorbed by the Wells Fargo Express
Company; and he was a charter member of the stock-
broking firm of Hall, Charles & Mackey, afterward
Hall & Charles, and a charter member of the first
stock board in San Francisco. He was also secretary
of the Julia Mining Company, at his death, which
occurred in San Francisco in 1882, it being his six-
tieth year. He was kind-hearted and beloved, and
was well-known.
The death of his father, while Harry was a mere
boy, compelled the lad to leave of? school studies at
the end of the grammar grades; and he soon got work
with the American District Telegraph Company.
Then he went to Mexico and Arizona, and for seven
years he rode the range. After that, he was with
the Wells Fargo and the Southern Pacific Companies,
and from 1896 to 1906 with the Market Street, now
the United Railroad, as foreman of the repairs
department. Then, for seven months he was in the
service department of the Pacific Gas & Electric
Company, in San Francisco, while from 1906 to 1909
he was in the transfer business in San Francisco.
The next year, he spent with the Home Telephone
Company, and he was then with the dredge depart-
ment of the state harbor board for eight years.
For the past seven years, Mr. Charles has been
outside agent of the Dredgers' Union, and so has been
active in labor movements and prominent in all that
has spelled progress to the hard worker. Mr.
Charles' relation, therefore, to both labor and capital
is one in which he is able to serve both sides and
parties.
On May 16, 1901, he married Miss Rose Callan,
a native of San Francisco, and also a member of an
interesting pioneer family; and three children have
blessed the union: Harry Martin; Ruth Martha,"
Mrs. Donald Alexander of San Francisco; and Naomi
Asa. Donna Alexander is the only grandchild.
Owing to their ancestors, and especially their par-
entage, both Mr. and Mrs. Charles are keenly inter-
ested in Sacramento County, in its most promising
future as well as in its historic past.
THOMAS RUDECH.^-A locomotive engineer of
long and valuable experience, Thomas Rudech well
merits the comfortable retirement he is now enjoying
at 1706 K Street, Sacramento, rich in friends, not
so badly off with respect to this world's goods, and
happy in the consciousness that his has been peculi-
arly a useful and a successful life.
He was born on a farm in Slavonia, Austria, on
July 15, 1842, and when a mere boy began to follow
the sea, visiting many interesting parts of the world.
On July 12, 1862, he sailed through the Golden Gate
into San Francisco harbor, on a voyage from Boston
by way of Cape Horn; and having decided to stay in
California, he tried fishing in San Francisco Bay for
eight moiiths, and then, in 1863, came to Sacramento.
He worked for a while on Charles Eisen's ranch,
and for a while in a Sacramento restaurant; and in
Ma}', 1869, he entered the emp'ov'of the Central
Pacific Railway, to work in the repair shops. Later
he was a fireman on a locomotive, and then, in 1874,
he was promoted to be engineer. He was fireman
on the first train running out of Sacramento for
Alameda, on September 18, 1869, and on that occa-
sion, marking the completion of the road, prominent
railroad officials and men who figured in the early
history of the state, including Governor Eeland Stan-
ford, Messrs. Mark Hopkins, Huntington, and Crock-
er, and others, rode on the train. He has driven loco-
motives burning wood, coal and oil, his first engine
being the "Andrew Jackson"; and he drove the first
coal-burning locomotive, the "No. 19," over the moun-
tains from Sacramento to Truckee. He has run from
Sacramento to Alameda, from Sacramento to
Truckee, and from Sacramento to Red Bluff. At
the end of forty-one years of devoted and successful
service, he was retired on October 1, 1910. He has
many interesting recollections, among them the driv-
ing of the golden spike, linking California with the
East, which occurred while he was in the Sacramento
shops. He joined the Brotherhood of Locomotive
Engineers in 1877.
Mr. Rudech bought lots at the corner of K and
Seventeenth Streets in early daj'S, and today he owns
four houses which he has had erected there. At that
time, that section was "out in the country"; and he
can remember when the business district ended at
Sixth Street, and there were only a few scattered
houses to the east in Sacramento.
Mr. Rudech was married in 1870, on the 3rd of
February, when he took for his wife Miss Mary
Brannan, a native of Ireland. She was a good and
gifted woman, who. proved most helpful as a wife,
friend and neighbor; and when she died on November
30, 1918, she was mourned bj' many. Mr. Rudech
is exceedingly active for his j'ears, and still drives
his own automobi'e.
JAMES S. DEAN. — For more than a decade James
S. Dean has been numbered among Sacramento's
successful architects and during this period he has
been intimately associated with building operations in
the city. He was born in Belton, Bell County, Texas,
December 27, 1885, a son of John A. and Eudora M.
(Ware) Dean, both now deceased. After completing
his high school course, he entered the Agricultural
and Mechanical College of Texas, from which he was
graduated in 1906 with the degree of Bachelor of
Science in architecture, and the next three years were
spent in the study of architectural design in the Massa-
iJ//1<^-nio^
/T^A^ole-cAy
HISTORY OF SACRAJMENTO COUNTY
571
chusetts Institute of Technology at Boston. He then
became instructor in architecture and drawing at his
alma mater in Texas, filling that position for four
years, and on the expiration of that period went to
Waco, Texas, where he opened an office, remaining at
that place for a year.
In 1912 Mr. Dean came to California, locating in
Sacramento, and for two years he acted as assistant
designer in the bureau of architecture in the state
departrnent of engineering. In 1914 he was made
assistant state architect, serving in that capacity for
six years, and from 1920 until 1922 he was chief deputy
for the firm of Hammings, Petersen, Hudnutt, Inc.
They were architects for Sacramento's new schools
and Mr. Dean had entire charge of the work of
planning, designing and construction, which was ac-
complished in a most efficient and satisfactory manner.
He is now practicing independently and, owing to the
prestige which he had previously won, his professional
services are now in constant demand. He has the
ability to combine utility and convenience with beauty
of design and there is no phase of his profession, in
either its technical or practical lines, with which he
is not thoroughl5r familiar.
Mr. Dean married Miss Ruth Cook, of Iowa, and
they now have a daughter. Charlotte Eudora. Mr.
Dean is a Republican in his political views, but is
not bound by the narrow ties of partisanship, placing
the qualifications of the candidate above all other con-
siderations. He is a member of the Sigma Alpha
Epsilon college fraternity, and in Masonry he has
attained the thirty-second degree. He is fond of out-
door sports and is president of the Sutter Lawn Ten-
nis Club. Whatever touches the welfare of his city is
to him a matter of deep concern, and his professional
colleagues bear testimony as to his character and
pronounced skill.
HARVEY S. DANIELS.— An up-to-date, thor-
ough!}' progressive rancher and a public official w'hosc
success must be attributed to a combination of favor-
ing circuinstances and conditions, commanded by his
own industry and optimism, is Harvey S. Daniels,
well-known in Gait, operating as he does a couple of
miles to the north of that fast-growing town, at the
Twin City Colony corners. He is a native son, and
was born near Elliott, in San Joaquin County, on
July 24, 1870, the son of Robert Marion and Mary
(Peck) Daniels. His father came to California from
Illinois in 1859, a native of the Prairie State; but Mrs.
Daniels hailed from Texas. They reached the Golden
State independently, the Pecks having come out in
the sixties, and they were married in California.
Mr. Daniels was a farmer. He became the father
of two bo}'S, our subject's brother being named Henry.
who died aged four. Mrs. Daniels died in San Joa-
quin County, while the family were still residing
there, in October, 1888, aged forty-seven years.
Mr. Daniels married a second time, in 1892, choosing
for his wife Miss Mina Noble, a native of Ireland,
by whom he had six children: Ethel, of Modesto;
James Budd. of Gait; Effie, who is Mrs. Ross Allen,
of Lockeford; Mina, now Mrs. T. Ward, of Elliott;
Robert M., of Acampo; and Elsie. Mr. Daniels
passed away on August 5, 1914, at the age of sixty-
four, in Arno, Sacramento County.
Harvey Daniels attended the Telegraph district
school and at the age of twenty started to lease
land. His father had a half-section of land in San
Joaquin Count}', and he sold this and removed to
Arno, where he ran a threshing machine, on which
Harvey began working when eight years old; and he
carried on the business himself after he was fifteen.
Harvc}' Daniels leased 1,200 acres of the McCauley
ranch for three years, and then he farmed the Lauren
ranch of 240 acres near Arno, for nineteen years. He
then purchased twenty acres in the Twin City Colony
devoted to a vineyard, and in 1920 he moved onto it.
With the exception of caring for his twenty acres,
Mr. Daniels has quit ranching and he has taken
charge of the road construction in a part of the
fifth district of Sacramento County. Unmarried, Mr.
Daniels lives with his stepmother and sister Elsie,
on the Twin City ranch, where those favored are de-
lighted to enjoy their home comforts and genuine
California hospitality.
A wide-awake, fearless deputy sheriff for the past
fourteen years, Mr. Daniels is always ready to do his
duty in the maintenance of law and order. He is a
Democrat, when matters of national political import
are in the balance, but a first-class booster of the
good old non-partisan sort when local issues are at
stake.
REINHARDT G. KAESER.— Kaeser's Bakery
at Oak Park, Sacramento, a well-known establish-
ment, was started in 1903 b}' Reinhardt G. Kaeser,
who is a native son of the capital, and has always
been in intimate accord with its life, and social and
commercial spirit. He was born on April 15, 1870,
the son of Andrew and May (Frey) Kaeser, the
foimer a pioneer of 1869, who is still living at the
age of eighty-four, as is the mother, who is also of
the same age.
Reinhardt Kaeser attended the public schools of
Sacramento, and as a youngster sold newspapers in
the streets of Sacramento. He then teamed, and
after that was in the dairy business. Then he found
employment in the Southern Pacific shops, and in
1890 he started to learn the baker's trade. In 1897,
he went to the Towle powder mill in Placer County,
and then to the mines of Shady Run. Returning,
he became a fireman in the Florister Paper Mill,
and then he went to Truckee, icing railroad cars.
In 1901 he was back to Sacramento, and he resumed
baking in Rice Brothers' Pacific Bakery and in the
Golden Eagle Bakery.
On July 15, 1903, Mr. Kaeser baked the first loaf
of bread in his own bakery, at Oak Park, which
was known as the Oak Grove Bakery, turning out
thirty loaves, and he peddled the output himself,
with an old horse and buggy. In 1914, he had a
fine concrete building erected, and he changed the
name to the Kaeser Bakery and in 1921 he had his
new addition built. He was baking over 12,000
loaves of bread a day, and employed twenty-seven
people to do the work, and sold by wholesale only,
with the use of eight delivery cars. He also main-
tained a branch at 3417 Second Street. He is a
Republican, and believes in legislation of the kind
that steadies and conserves trade. He sold the busi-
ness on January 1, 1923, to the Pioneer Bakery Coiii-
pany and in May, 1923. he traded the property ^ for
the London Bakery property at Eighth and L Streets.
In 1896, Mr. Kaeser was married to Miss Alice C.
Bundock. a native daughter of Oakland, and they
have had several children: Rosie; Alice Ruth, now
Mrs. M. Scott, and the mother of a daughter. Lillian
572
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Dolores; Walter E.; Lillian E.; Wallace R.; and
Vcrna J. Kaeser. Mr. Kacscr belongs to the Eagles,
the Knights of Pythias, and the Sunset Parlor of the
Native Sons of the Golden West.
IDA POOL GARDINER.— California has never
been remiss in honoring such worthy pioneers as Mrs.
Ida Pool Gardiner, now one of the distinguished res-
idents of Sacramento County, and a natural leader at
Isleton. She was born on Andrus Island, three miles
above Isleton, on the Pool Rancho, the daughter of
Josiah and Sarah (Freeman) Pool, the former a native
of Tennessee, the latter born in Illinois. Josiah Pool
was a veteran of the Mexican War. He came to
California about 1852, and for a couple of 3'ears mined
in the Calaveras and San Andreas country. In 1857,
he settled on Andrus Island, on the Sacramento
River, and at first acquired 164 acres. In 1869 he
moved to a ranch near Rio Vista, remaining until
1874, when he traded it for an 800-acre ranch at
what is now Isleton. Mr. Pool laid out the town of
Isleton in 1875, and he and his old friend, John
Brocas. named it Isleton, from its site on the island.
The flood of 1881, however, ruined him, and he lost
his property. He later went to Tucson, Ariz., to
live, and died there at the age of eighty years. His
gifted and devoted wife, Sarah Freeman Pool, died at
a very young age. Mrs. Gardiner is the only surviv-
ing member of a family of three children born of this
marriage. Ella passed away at the age of eighteen;
and Grant breathed his last some ten years ago, at
the age of forty-five.
After the death of his lamented first wife, Mr. Pool
married a second time, choosing for his mate Mrs.
Anna Ehza (Carter) Wells, a widow of a Civil War
soldier who had died during the great struggle, and
by whom she had one daughter, Laura, who died in
1879. By his second marriage Mr. Pool had eight
children: Frank, deceased; Margaret and Joseph;
Anna, deceased; John and William (twins), the latter
deceased; and Adolphus and May, both deceased.
Ida Pool attended the public school of Andrus
Island, and on July 3, 1878, was married at Isleton to
Philip Hogate Gardiner, a native of Unionville, now
Aura, in Gloucester County, N. J., where he w^as born
on August 29, 1846, the son of John W. and Sarah
(Hogate) Gardiner. John W. Gardiner's father,
Andrew, lived to. be seventy years of age; and his
mother, who was Uphan (Dubois) Gardiner, was
eighty years old when she died. Sarah Hogate Gar-
diner's father lived to be ninety-three. Philip Hogate
Gardiner's mother died in 1853; but the father, who
was born in August, 1818, lived to be eighty-five
years old.
Philip Hogate Gardiner arrived in San Francisco
on January 1, 1868, and worked for about a year on
a farm in Contra Costa County. In 1869 he went to
Nevada, and spent two years prospecting in the White
Pine Mountains; but he did not strike anything rich
enough to induce him to stay. In the spring of 1871
he returned to the Sacramento "Valley, and leased a
farm near Rio Vista for one year. On June 17, 1872.
he began farming on his own account, and rented
250 acres at Brannan Island, where he raised grain
and vegetables. Early in 1874, in partnership with
J. F. Wilcox, he built the store at Isleton, the first
business enterprise in that settlement; and on March
5 he opened it for trade, with a liberal stock of gen-
eral merchandise, under the firm name of Gardiner &
Wilcox. On Januarj' 9, 1878, he bought out his part-
ner, and from that time until his death, in 1906, he
was independently engaged in general merchandising.
After his demise, his sons took charge of the busi-
ness. From the time when a postoffice was estab-
lished at Isleton, on March 13, 1879, Mr. Gardiner
was the postmaster, having been instrumental in
securing a postoffice for the place; he served for
seventeen year in that official capacity, to the satis-
faction of everyone. He was agent for the California
Transportation Company and the Southern Pacific
Railroad Company until his death, and the Gardiner
Company are still agents; and he was also agent at
Isleton for the Wells Fargo Express Company. He
was one of the citizens instrumental in establishing
a school district for Isleton, and he served as a trus-
tee of the school for many years. It was natural that
with all this hard work, during many years of venture
and responsibility, he should acquire considerable
land, and he left as part of his estate some 1,000 acres
of delta lands, which are still held by the family.
He died on March 1, 1906, esteemed and mourned by
a wide circle of friends and associates. In keeping
with his record for pioneer enterprise, he aided mate-
rially in building the levees, at first with Chinese
labor and the use of the wheelbarrow; and at length,
about 1881, he was instrumental, as a member of the
district, in the building of the first levee by means
of a dredger, following the flood of that time. In pol-
itics, he was a Republican. He was a veteran Odd
Fellow of Sacramento, and about 1900 built the Odd
P'ellows hall in Isleton, being a charter member of
the lodge there, and a past grand. He was also a
member of the Masonic order. He thus left an envi-
able record and an honored name to his children, of
whom he had seven: Eva May, born on August 21,
1879, passed away on January 8, 1881; Lucretia was
born on July 5, 1881; John Wilbur first saw the light
on February IS, 1884; Philip Herbert was born on
February 8, 1886, and died on October 22, 1905;
Lester Pool was born on October 3, 1891 ; Verda was
born on April 20, 1900, and died on August 3, 1900;
and Ida Jewell was born in 1901. Lucretia was mar-
ried at her home, on December 31, 1903, to Paul G.
de Back, a native of Holland, where he was born in
1879, and the son of J. W. de Back* and his goodwife,
Marie. His parents brought him to California when
he was nine years old, and in 1888 they settled at
Vorden, where Mr. de Back was a carpenter. Paul
was reared at Vorden, and attended the Walnut Grove
schools and the night school, or business college, thus
acquiring a more advanced education largely through
his own efforts. Now for years he has been the rep-
resentative of the Pioneer Fruit Company for the
Sacramento Delta section. Mr. and Mrs. de Back
have one son, Philip Gardiner, who was born on July
5, 1909. Paul de Back is a member of the Odd Fel-
lows of Isleton, and the B. P. O. Elks of Sacramento,
Lodge No. 6. Mrs. Lucretia de Back is a past noble
grand of the Rebekah Lodge; and her sister, Ida
Jewell Gardiner, is also a member of the Rebekahs.
JOHN WILBUR GARDINER. — Prominent
among the financial leaders in Sacramento County
who are steadily contributing much toward the rapid
cievelopment of this favored portion of the Golden
State, is undoubtedly John Wilbur Gardiner, the
president of the popular Bank of Isleton. He was
born in Isleton on February 15, 1884, and is the son
HISTORY OK SACRAMENTO COUNTY
D//
of Philip Hogate and Ida (Pool) Gardiner, whose
interesting life-stor}' is narrated elsewhere in this
work. He was sent to the Isleton schools, and has
grown up in the town, being identified even in his
youth with the development of the locality, so that
ky reason of birth and early association he has the
interests of the community at heart. His maternal
grandfather, and a friend of his, named the town
Isleton, and his folks are inseparably connected with
the histor3- of the promising burg. In 1900, Philip H,
Gardiner erected the Odd Fellows Building, and
moved his general merchandise business to its lower
storj^; and since the elder Gardiner's death, our sub-
ject has been in charge of the ranch, and the expand-
ing interests there, and has otherwise pushed forward
enterprises bound to be of great importance to all
who settle here.
The building for the Bank of Isleton, for example,
was put up by John W. Gardiner in 1918, with fine
apartments in the second storj'; and upon the organi-
zation and opening of the bank in 1919, he became
its logical president. In 1921 he also erected, just
across the street from the bank building, a business
block known as the Gardiner Improvement Company
Building, in the second story of which there are well-
appointed apartments. In addition, he is one of the
promoters and builders of the new cannery establish-
ment for the putting up of asparagus and vegetables
at Isleton, and is a inember of the advisorj^ board of
the Bank of Italy at Sacramento. The Gardmer
Rancho is devoted to the growing of fruit and gar-
den truck, and being under exceptionally skilful
management, it is a profitable investment. Mr. Gar-
diner is intensely interested in the upbuilding of
Isleton and the Delta country, and has been presi-
dent of the Chamber of Commerce since its organiza-
tion. He w-as chairman of the committee that se-
cured the permit from the United States government
for the construction of the new canti'ever bridge
across the Sacramento River at Isleton. Believ-
ing cooperation to be the most practical method
of marketing farm produce, Mr. Gardiner, with
W. A. Heckman of Sacramento, founded the Cal-
ifornia Asparagus Growers' Association, in which
he is a director and vice-president. He has been a
member of the California Pear Growers' Association
from the time of its organization, and also of the
California Canning Peach Association. During the
World War Mr. Gardiner was chairman of the local
Liberty Loan drives, as well as of most of the Red
Cross and other war drives, and each time had the
pleasure of seeing his district go over the top.
At San Francisco, on June 30, 1909, Mr. Gardiner
was married to Miss Ethel Elizabeth Jacobs, who was
born at Dutch Flat, in Placer County, and was edu-
cated at the San Jose State Normal School. In na-
tional politics Mr. Gardiner is a Republican. In fra-
ternal affiliation he is a member and past grand of
Isleton Lodge, No. 108, I. O. O. F., and also a mem-
ber of Sacramento Lodge, No. 6, B. P. O. E.
THEODORE EDWARD BROWN.— A live wire
in the local motor world who is not only wide-awake
in forwarding the particular business interests he so
well represents, but is ever alert to lending a hand
to advance the welfare of both motordom generally
and the commercial interests of Sacramento, town and
county, is Theodore Edward Brown, popularly spoken
of as Ted, the efficient and enterprising assistant
manager of Sacramento Branch of the Moreland
Truck Company. He was born on a ranch near
Perkins, about six miles east of Sacramento, on April
13, 1901, the son of James S. and Alice A. (Poole)
Brown, a native son and native daughter, respectively,
and each a member of an old and honored pioneer
family. They have been extensively engaged in the
hop industry and are still living to enjoy the fruits of
their honest labors.
Trained in the public schools, and at Heald's Busi-
ness College, Mr. Brown was secured by the More-
land Truck Company, as its office manager, in 1917;
and it is doubtful if a better man could be found.
He belongs to Sacramento Parlor No. 3, N. S. G. W..
in which he is first vice-president; Sacramento Lodge
No. 6, B. P. O. Elks; and Court Fort Sutter, Foresters
of America; and he is also a member who makes his
presence felt in the Lions Club. Mr. Brown has been ,
a good booster for the county in which he was born,
all his life, and he expects to live to see Sacramento
the real metropolis of northern California.
DAROLD D. DE COE.— Among the leading busi-
ness men and public-spirited citizens of Sacramento
CountA^ Darold D. De Coe is well-known as one who
occupies a position of influence in the community.
His success has been well-earned, and his numerous
friends take an especial pride in his rise in the business
world. He was born, a native son of the Golden
State, at Woodland, Yolo County, on June 25, 1891,
the son of Prof. C. A. and Laura Addie (Tisdale) De
Coe. The latter was the daughter of the late James
B. Tisdale, a pioneer of California, who settled in
Sutter County, in 1856, at Cranmore, and there lived
and labored to aid in developing that section of the
state until 1911. when he removed to Sacramento; here
he lived until his death in 1914, when he was seventy-
eight years old. Professor De Coe arrived in Santa
Rosa in 1881, and three j^ears later moved to Wood-
land. In 1889 he was married to Miss Tisdale. She
was born in California, and has always taken an active
part in the affairs of the Native Daughters, being a
past president of that organization.
Darold D. De Coe received a liberal schooling in
the public schools and the Brothers College, graduat-
ing from the latter in 1912. He then entered the law
office of Charles W. Thomas in Sacramento, and on
February 16, 1914, was admitted to practice at the
bar of California. He continued to practice law as a
member of the firm of Thomas, Thomas and De Coe
until his enlistment in the National Guards of Califor-
nia, after which he saw service on the Mexican bor-
der from June 19, 1916, until November of that year,
when he enlisted for service in the World War and
became sergeant major in the 316th Field Signal Bat-
talion. He arrived in France in June, 1918, and saw
active service in four major engagements, receiving
two battlefield citations for courageous service. After
the armistice was signed he returned to the United
States and was discharged at Camp Kearney on May
4, 1918. Upon his return to Sacramento he embarked
in the insurance business and later was made district
manager of the West Coast Life Insurance Company,
continuing in this position until he became associated
with the Western Union Life Insurance Company as
their branch office manager, a position he still holds.
His uprightness and his square dealings with the pub-
lic have won for him the favor of his patrons, and
success has crowned his untiring efiforts.
57S
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
The marriage of Mr. Dc Coc, in June, 1917, united
him with Miss Coiisuelo Peart, a native daughter of
Sacramento; and they are the parents of two sons,
Darold D., Jr., and Tisdale P. In politics, Mr. De Coe
is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a Scottish Rite and
Knight Templar Mason and a Shriner; and he also
belongs to the Elks, the Native Sons of the Golden
West, the American Legion, and the Kiwanis Club of
Sacramento.
EDWARD J. O'DONNELL, SR.— A well-,im-
proved and valuable farm in the San Juan belt pays
tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by its
owner, Edward J. O'Donnell, Sr.. who has resided
within the borders ot the Golden State for a quarter of
a century. He is a representative of one of the old
and prominent families of Ireland and traces his an-
cestry in a direct line to the owners of Castle Donegal.
. There the family have lived for generations, and it
was at Ardara that Mr. O'Donnell was born, on June
9, 1855. He is the youngest son and only surviving
member of the family of James and Ellen (Carbarin)
O'Donnell, and was reared and educated at Ardara.
Mr. O'Donnell remained on the Emerald Isle until
he reached the age of twenty-two years, and then
sought the opportunities of the New World, taking
out his first citizenship papers at Rochester, Minn., in
1877. On leaving that state he went to the Puget
Sound country, locating in Seattle, Wash.; and in
1895, while a resident of that city, he became a nat-
uralized American citizen. For three years Mr.
O'Donnell was employed at the Lake Stevens lumber
mill on Lake Stevens, in the capacity of steam en-
gineer. Thereafter he purchased a farm, which he
continued to operate until 1898. He then came with
his family to California, and is now the owner of a
productive farm of 160 acres, situated eleven miles
northeast of Sacramento, in the San Juan belt. He
has made a close study of soil and climatic conditions
here, and specializes in the growing of grain, in which
he has been very successful, his methods being both
practical and progressive. Mr. O'Donnell was the
only member of his family to come to the West, but
he has never had occasion to regret his choice of this
location. His brother, Patrick O'Donnell, preceded
him to America, settling in Hartford, Conn., where he
conducted a blacksmith shop until his death, which
occurred about twenty years ago.
In 1879 E. J. O'Donnell married Miss Lucy I. Mor-
ris, who w-as born in Indiana and was but five years
of age at the time her parents made the journey to
Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. O'Donnell have five chil-
dren: Edna D., who married George G. Strickland,
of Santa Cruz, Cal.; Edward J., Jr., who assists in
operating the home ranch; Roselle Ellen, the wife of
John F. Barrett; Alice, who married J. E. Stanley.
of Lake County, Cal.; and Delia I., who is the wife
of E. M. Tucker and resides in North Sacramento.
There arc now fourteen grandchildren in the family
circle.
Mr. O'Donnell is a progressive Republican of the
Roosevelt type, and has always taken a deep and help-
ful interest in community affairs. He is a strong ad-
vocate of the cause of education and served for four
years as a trustee of the San Juan school. He is a
lover of good literature and keeps abreast of the
times in every way. He has worked diligently and
persistently as the years have passed, and his present
success is well merited, for it has been won through
methods that neither seek nor require disguise.
EDGAR D. TURNER. — Great changes have taken
place on Andrus Island since Edgar D. Turner located
there in 1899. From a wild and swampy condition,
of unpromising aspect, this island has developed under
the untiring industry of well-to-do farmers into one
of the garden-spots of this locality. His birth oc-
curred in St. Albans, Maine, on January 20, 1863.
His parents were N. B. and Alice (Reed) Turner, also
natives of Maine, where N. B. Turner was a manu-
facturer of shovel handles. Edgar Turner is one of
eight children born in his parents' family. The father
passed away in Maine in 1891; the mother had pre-
ceded him, having passed away when Edgar Turner
was eight years old.
Edgar D. Turner received a good education in the
grammar and high schools in St. Albans, Maine;
Pittsfield Institute, a;t Augusta, Maine; and the busi-
ness college in that place. After completing his edu-
cation, he entered his father's business. In California
he cast his first vote as an American citizen for James
G. Blaine. In 1885 he removed to Guerneville, So-
noma County, where one of his brothers had pre-
viously located and had established a sawmill; he
worked for his brother for ten years, most of the time
in a store. In 1899 he removed to Sacramento
County and purchased forty acres a half mile above
Isleton on Andrus Island; since then he has added by
purchase 143 acres, and in addition has bought 120
acres below Isleton and another sixty acres in the
Holland tract near Clarksburg, all of the land being
devoted to fruit and asparagus.
In San Jose, on November 20, 1897, Mr. Turner
was married to Miss Anna M. Talmadge, born on a
ranch near Vorden, Cal., a daughter of C. V. and
Marjorie Talmadge. Mrs. Turner was a graduate of
the normal school at San Jose, Cal., and for a number
of years previous to her marriage was engaged in
teaching. Mr. and Mrs. Turner are the parents of
one son, Edgar D., Jr., a graduate of the law depart-
ment of the University of California. In political
views Mr. Turner is a stanch Republican. Frater-
nally, he belongs to the Sacramento Lodge, No. 6,
B. P. O. Elks. Mr. Turner gave the right of way
for the new drawbridge connecting Grand Island with
Andrus Island, which is now nearing completion.
JOHN FRANKLIN DALE.— California's fame as
one of the most desirable states in the Union in
which to live has undoubtedly been due, in part, to
the superiority of her excellent educational system,
and that educational system has seldom or never been
better represented than by the high school of Sac-
ramento, whose principal is the successful pedagogue,
John Franklin Dale. He was born at Arkabutla,
Miss., on February 15, 1878, the son of Edward Hill
Dale, a progressive and prosperous farmer who came
to California when our subject was four years old.
He had married Miss Virginia Catherine Thompson,
a charming lady of accomplishments, who has con-
tributed much to making their home circle one dis-
tinguished for its refined atmosphere and inspiring
ideals. Under such an environment, John Franklin
Dale grew up, attending the public schools and a
private college, and taking up teaching after passing
the examinations required for the grammar grades.
John Franklin Dale also went to college for four
years, and in 1898 he came into Tulare County,
where he was principal of a school for four years.
He then became vice-principal of the Tulare high
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
583
school, and held that responsible post for five years.
In 1908 he came to Sacramento, and was vice-prin-
cipal of the high school for nine j'ears. He was next
principal of the Harkness Junior School for three
years, and in 1920 he became the high school's prin-
cipal. While in Tulare County, he was president of
the county board of education for eight years.
Mr. Dale was married in 1920, to Miss Sarah Maud
Green, the ceremony taking place at Sacramento;
and the happy couple have since enjoyed the best of
life, largely because of what they have put into it.
They are fond of tennis, and Air. Dale likes hunting
and fishing. He is a thirty-second degree K. C. C.
H. Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner, an Odd Fellow
and a Red Man, and he belongs to the Rotary Club.
In national politics a Democrat, Mr. Dale has
always sought to act as independent of political party
trammels as possible in pureh' local affairs, and in
that way has become one of the effective and appre-
ciated boosters.
MRS. RUTH SHERFEY.— A high'y-esteemed
resident of Sacramento County is Mrs. Ruth Sherfey,
of Clay Station, a native of McMinn County, in east-
ern Tennessee, where she was born into the family
of Jasper Ware and his good wife, who was Miss
Elizabeth Cate before her marriage, the Wares being
old Tennessee planters, while the Cate family also
dated back in the stirring history of that state. Mr.
Ware was a farmer, and when our subject was twelve
years old, he moved to the northern part of Arkansas.
He homesteaded land, which he never improved;
and having disposed of his holdings there, he moved
into the southern part of the state. Mr. and Mrs.
Ware had five children, among whom Ruth was the
eldest; Susan Elizabeth, Allen, and Emma and
Simeon, both deceased, being the younger brothers
and sisters.
On May 7, 1875, Miss Ware was married to John
Wi'son, the ceremony taking place at the Ware home-
stead in Arkansas. John was the second eldest of
six children, Francis being older, and Samuel, George
(now deceased), Anna, and Robert being younger.
Mr. Wilson was a native of Camden, Ark., and was a
farmer.
In 1889, Mrs. Wilson came to California with her
husband and he leased land at Clay, and cultivated
it for eleven years, returning then to Arkansas for
two years, when they came back to California. He
worked on ranches and farmed for himself; and he
worked at Forest Hill, getting out mining timber,
and then farmed at Auburn. While living in Arkan-
sas, he was justice of the peace. He died at Auburn,
March 30, 1907, aged fifty-seven, esteemed and
mourned by all who knew him.
In December, 1908, Mrs. Wilson was married at
Auburn, Cal., to Allen Sherfey, a native of Illinois,
who was seven or eight years old when he reached
California with his parents. He grew up in this
county and later he raised sheep, and had about 2,000
in his flock. He was a Democrat, and a member of
the lone Lodge of Odd Fellows. Mr. and Mrs.
Sherfey lived at Clay, and there the home in which
Mrs. Sherfey is now living was built in 1915. He
was the center of a circle of very devoted friends,
and was also truly mourned when he died, on Aug-
ust 12, 1918, when in his sixty-third year.
Sacramento County may well be proud of such
pioneer families as these, and every resident of this
region will join in doing honor to this very repre-
sentative Tennessee lady who has done so much, in
her day and generation, to make the world better
for her having lived in it.
JOSEPH MARTINEZ BORBA.— A successful
asparagus and fruit grower on Grand Island is Jos-
eph Martinez Borba, who owns a 205-acre ranch
two miles above Isleton. He was born on Terceira,
one of the Azores Islands, October 8, 1878, a son
of Joseph Martinet and Anna Felicia (Ignazia) Bor-
ba. His father was born in 1853, and his mother in
October, 1858. Joseph M., of this sketch, is the eld-
est of ten children, the others being Mary, John,
Jesse, Rosie, Ignacia, Francis, Frank, Manuel, and
Joseph. Both parents are living at the old home on
the Azores Islands, aged seventy and sixty-five years,
respectively.
Joseph M. Borba received a public-school educa-
tion in his native land and remained at home with
his parents until he was twenty-two years of age,
when he came to California and worked for wages
on a dairy farm at Menlo Park, San Mateo County,
working long hours and each day for $15 a month.
Then he settled in the delta, near Isleton, on the
Sacramento River, where he leased forty acres for
three years and raised vegetables. He then bought
fifty-five acres of his present ranch two miles above
Isleton on Grand Is'and, and four years later bought
a 15S-acre ranch half a mile away from the home
place, which is also equipped with an electric pump-
ing plant, both places being improved to orchards.
He has improved his farms with a fine residence and
other farm buildings, and is successfully raising
fruit, asparagus, beans, potatoes, etc.
At Sacramento, in March, 1906, Mr. Borba was
married to Miss Mary Caroline de Rosa, a native of
Pico, in the Azores Islands, a daughter of Joseph
and Anna de Rosa and the youngest of four chil-
dren. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Borba was blessed
with one child, Anna. Mrs. Borba passed away in
1917, and subsequently Mr. Borba was. married to
Miss Mary De Mello, born on Andrus Island, Cal.,
a daughter of Luiz De Mello, a farmer on Andrus
Island. She received her education at the Georgiana
school. They are the parents of five children: Jos-
eph, Mary, Manuel. Vernal, and Edna. Mr. Borba
is a member of the Isleton Lodge, I. D. E. S., and
the Ryde Lodge, U. P. E. C, being treasurer of both
lodges.
Mr. Borba worked very hard to get a start. He
put in long, hard hours each day in the dairy at
small pay, and later worked on the California Trans-
portation Company's boats at $35 a month; but he
saved his money, and in that way was able in time
to purchase a small ranch, since which time he has
been very successful. He has become a prosperous
and well-to-do rancher, and is now enjoying the
fruits of his labors. In 1905 Mr. Borba made a trip
back to the Azores to visit his father and mother
and other relatives, and spent five delightful months
going over the scenes of his childhood and visiting
the old swimming-hole. On his return to California
he was more pleased than ever that fortune had
caused him to cast in his lot with the land of sun-
shine, gold, and flowers. Mr. Borba owns a fine
residence at 551 Junipero Street, Pacific Grove, to
which the family make frequent trips. Mr. Borba is
liberal and enterprising, and is ever ready to assist
worthy objects for the improvement of the county.
584
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CAPT. PETER BENJAMIN GONZALES.—
Probably one of the best-known and most expert
captains on the Sacramento River, one whose genial
manner has made him a host of friends, is Peter
Benjamin Gonzales, who was born on May 2, 1878,
at Oakland, Cal His father, Martin Gonzales, who
was one of the oldest captains on the Sacramento
River, and whose sketch is also included in this
volume, was married to Charlotte Swenson. Both
parents are now deceased.
Peter Benjamin Gonzales was educated in the pub-
lic schools of Oakland and the Oakland Business
College, where he was graduated. In 1895 he started
out to work as a cub pilot for the Sacramento Trans-
portation Company, now the Sacramento Navigation
Company, and was employed for two years without
wages while learning navigation. After serving two
years as a barge pilot, he received his pilot papers
and was employed by the Sacramento Transportation
Company, whom he has served ever since. For three
years he was on the steamer Red Bluff, with Cap-
tain Allen, and in 1911 he took charge of the steamer
Dover as captain. It is interesting that his father
was the oldest captain and he was the youngest on
the Sacramento River, both working for the same
company. Since then he has been master of all
the company's boats — the Colusa, San Joaquin No. 1,
San Joaquin No. 2, Jacinto, Dover, Red Bluff, Flora,
San Joaquin No. 3, which was burned, and the
steamer Verona, which was also burned. He is
now the senior captain in actual working service
with this company. He has had a successful career
as master of boats, and is highly esteemed as a
navigator.
In Sacramento, Captain Gonzales was united in
marriage with Miss Gertrude Horn, of San Fran-
cisco. They were blessed with a little girl Muriel,
who is now the wife of Mr. Edward T. Dudley of
Los Angeles, and the mother of one child, Edward
Dudley. Mr. Gonzales is a member of the National
Mates and Pilots' Association. Pohtically he affih-
ates with the Republican party.
JOSIAH ARVIN POLHEMUS.— A broad-minded
and pubhc-spirited man, ever ready to cast his influ-
ence on the side of any movement for the good of
the community as a whole, is Josiah Arvin Polhemus,
a worthy, honorable official, who has served for twen-
ty-four years as justice of the peace. He was born
on April 9, 1859, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of
Cornelius B. and Emma (Kennedy) Polhemus. In
1850, his father, a carpenter and miner, crossed the
plains and came to California; here he remained for
five years. He then returned to Iowa and married
Emma Kennedy. In 1859, after the birth of their
son, Josiah A., they crossed the wide expanse and
settled in the Golden State. Mr. Polhemus' father
passed away in 1886; his mother is also deceased.
Josiah A. Polhemus was educated in the public
schools in the vicinity of Elk Grove. He started
working on the farm when a mere boy and has been
at this work ever since. He purchased a farm and en-
gaged in grain-raising; he now owns twenty-four
acres he has improved to vineyard and orchard.
Since 1897 he has served as justice of the peace.
Josiah A. Polhemus was united in marriage near
Elk Grove, October 10, 1883, to Miss Emily Stickney,
a native of Princeton, 111., the daughter of Edwin
W. and Mehitable (Fifield) Stickney, who brought
their family across the plains in 1863. Mr. and Mrs.
Polhemus are the parents of seven children, five of
whom are living: Elbert, Josiah Arvin, Jr., George,
Mrs. Emma Burney and Clarence. All of the sons
except Elbert served in the World War. Mr. Pol-
hemus is a stanch Republican and belongs to the fra-
ternal order of the Foresters of America. He is also
a member of the Elk Grove Grange.
HARRY G. KREBS.— The commercial activities
of Sacramento find an able representative in Harry G.
Krebs, a native son of the capital city, who, as a life-
long resident thereof, has acquired a breadth of in-
formation regarding local conditions that is equalled
by few and perhaps surpassed by none. The business
to which he has given the larger share of his time
has proved a lucrative investment, and has attained
high standing among establishments of a similar
nature in the city. A large stock of paints and wall
paper is kept on hand, the sale of these being in-
creased by the fact that contracts are also taken for
interior decorating and exterior painting. It is the
aim of the proprietor to keep in stock a complete
assortment of paints and preparations for interior
finishing, and the very latest styles of papers. Strictly
up-to-date in the stock carried, and strictly honorable
in the methods of conducting his business, Mr. Krebs
has won the confidence of a large circle of patrons.
A member of an old family of California, and him-
self a native of Sacramento, he was born June 9, 1880,
a son of Charles Henry and Charlotte (Mueller)
Krebs. He received a public school education in this
cit5% and since leaving school has devoted his attention
to business pursuits. The father crossed the plains
to California in 1850, and ten years later the mother
came via the Isthmus of Panama. The father passed
away in 1892, but is survived by his widow, who
makes her home in Sacramento. On March 18, 1909,
the business, which had been established in 1854 by
the father, Charles H. Krebs, and named after him,
was incorporated as C. H. Krebs & Co., of which
Harry G. Krebs was made treasurer. His brother,
Franklin H. Krebs, was also interested in the busi-
ness until his death in 1913. In 1919 the Krebs build-
ing was remodeled and modernized, thus enabling
Mr. Krebs to carry a larger and more complete stock,
the new entrance and location being changed to
Seventh Street, where they occupy numbers 1008-1012,
but in the same building.
The marriage of Mr. Krebs took place on January
15, 1908, and united him with Miss Lillis N. Swan-
ston, also a native of Sacramento, and the daughter
of George Swanston, a wholesale butcher and well-
known citizen of Sacramento. Three children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Harry G. Krebs: Swanston,
Ward, and Nancy Jane. Mr. Krebs is active frater-
nally, being a member of the Sacramento Parlor,
N. S. G. W., a Knight Templar Mason, and a charter
and life member of Ben Ali Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.
He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and
has been a director and is also an ex-director of the
Rotary Club and a member of the Del Paso Countrj'
Club. The Republican party has received his ballot
in all national elections since his majority. He has
manifested in all his undertakings, whether in private
or in civic affairs, a spirit of progressiveness and enter-
prise which has brought him success and the confi-
dence of all with whom he has dealings.
^.u.
cUlA^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
5S9
FRANK E. GRAY. — An expert plasterer who is
an experienced contractor, is Frank E. Gray, of 3660
First Avenue, Sacramento, the city in which he was
born on April 15, 1891. His father, George Gray,
came out to California bj' wa5' of the Horn, in 1856,
while his mother, who was Miss Ida Steele, followed
in 1861, accompanying her parents across the Kit
Carson trail; and at Oleta they were married. Grand-
mother Lucas is still active at the age of eighty-five.
Mr. Gray mined for a while, and then he became a
railroad conductor on the Southern Pacific; and when
lie died, full of honors and rich in friends, in 1909,
he was the oldest railroad man on his division.
Frank Gray attended the public grammar school,
and then went for a short time to the high school,
and when old enough to do so, he learned the plas-
terer's trade, which he has followed ever since. From
the beginning, he made a record for good, faithful
work; and by 1914 he was able to establish himself
in business, and ever since he has continued on his
own responsibility. He has plastered all the new
schoolhouses except three in Sacramento, the County
Hospital buildings, the Mull Building, the Sutter Hos-
pital, and many of the finest residences; and to carry
on this work, he has employed ten men regularly, and
sometimes more. He belongs to the Builders' Ex-
change, and is a Republican.
Mrs. Gray was Miss Hannah F. Rhoden before her
marriage, and she came from Minnesota, although
she was reared in Sacramento. Four children have
been born of this fortunate union; and they are El-
mer, Marion, Jack and Robert. Though a very busy
man, Mr. Gray still finds time to enjoy an occasional
outing, and his chief hobbies are hunting and fishing.
Mr. Gray is ever read5' to give of his time and means
for the moral, civic, and material upbuilding of his
native citj'.
CHARLES S. SMITH.— For more than half a
centur} a resident of Sacramento Countj', Charles S.
Smith is well known especially in the Gait district,
where he has for many years extensively engaged in
lanching. New York was Mr. Smith's native state
and there he was born in Fulton County, October 4,
1848, his parents being Arthur A. and Sarah (Van-
derburg) Smith, both natives of the Empire State.
The father, who was a merchant in Fulton County,
lived to be seventy-four years old, Mrs. Smith pass-
ing away when sixty-two.
One of a family of three children, Charles S.
Smith spent his boyhood days near the scene of his
birthplace. In 1867, when eighteen years old, he
started for California via the Isthmus of Panama,
leaving New York on March 7, and landing at San
Francisco on April 2, 1867. He soon made his way
to the Reese River country near Austin, Nev., work-
ing in the mines and quartz mills there for two years.
Coming to Sacramento County from there, he has
ever since made his home here except for one year
spent in Mendocino County, Cal. After raising stock
and poultry in various parts of Sacramento County,
he purchased a ranch of 640 acres about ten miles
northeast of Gait and there he engaged in farming
until about two years ago, when he disposed of his
farm property and removed to Gait, where he is now-
living, retired from active business after a busy life.
At Sacramento in June, 1880, Mr. Smith was mar-
ried to Miss Dalila Robillard, born in iMontreal. Can-
ada, of French ancestry, her parents being Alexis
and Louise (St. Denis) Robillard. Mrs. Smith, who
was one of a famih' of twelve children, came to Cali-
fornia in 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents
of five children: Alexis and John of Gait; Sarah,
Mrs. Howery of Acampo, Cal.; George of Gait;
Joseph, the youngest, is deceased, giving his life for
his country while a member of the American forces
in Siberia during the World War. He was honored
by his comrades in the American Legion, the Gait
organization being called the Smith-Lippi Post. Mrs.
Smith died at Gait, August 15, 1921, aged sixty-four.
Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics and is promi-
nent in Masonic circles, being master of the Gait
lodge, and a member of the Eastern Star.
WALTER C. CARR.— Though, retired from active
participation in business afifairs, Walter C. Carr is one
of the strong and influential men of the Fruitridge sec-
tion adjacent to the city of Sacramento, having for the
past twenty-five years been associated with its best
moral and material growth. He was born on his
father's farm near Plymouth, N. H., February 16,
1842, the youngest of four children born to Jacob and
Harriet (Beattie) Carr, both natives of New Hamp-
shire. Jacob Carr was of Scotch descent, while Har-
riet Carr came from an old English family who
settled in America in early colonial days. Jacob Carr
and his wife were reared, educated and married in
New Hampshire, where they became prosperous farm-
ers and continued to reside until their demise. Walter
C. Carr received his education in the public schools of
New Hampshire, and after completing his school
course was associated with his father on the home
place until his twenty-first year, w-hen he began farm-
ing on his own account.
The first marriage of Mr. Carr united him with Miss
Muriella York; and they were the parents of one
daughter, now Mrs. Alice D. Mason, who resides in
New Hampshire. Mrs. Muriella Carr is now deceased.
Mr. Carr was married the second time, to Miss Emma
Pearl, a native of Maine. He followed farming in
New Hampshire for many years, and then learned
the shoemaking trade, in which he was engaged for a
time. Afterwards he worked in the lumber camps of
New Hampshire, removing later to Parsonfield,
Maine, and again engaging in farming.
On account of impaired health, Mr. Carr came
West to California and located in Sacramento County,
on the Freeport road; and later, in 1898, he purchased
his present ranch of fifteen acres in the Fruitridge sec-
tion of the county. Here, in 1899, he built a fine resi-
dence; and he has otherwise improved his ranch, set-
ting out an orchard and vineyard, and through unceas-
ing industry has now become independent. Mrs. Carr
passed awaj' at the family home; and some time after
his wife's death, Mr. Carr went to New Hampshire
to visit his daughter, and while there was married
the third time, to Miss Emily Frances Door, born in
New Hampshire, and a daughter of Stephen D. and
Melvina Frances (Staples) Door, both natives of New
Hampshire and well-to-do farmers of that state.
Stephen D. Door was supervisor of Milton Township,
N. H., for many years. Nineteen years ago Mr. Carr
returned to Sacramento. He has since resided on his
home place at Fruitridge, and is now contemplating
subdividing his ranch into acre lots, making a desir-
able .investment for home-builders in this section of
Sacramento County. In politics, Mr. Carr aligns him-
self with the Democrats.
590
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ROBERT PORTER.— Among the well-known
native sons of Sacramento County is Robert Porter,
who has long been successfully engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits; he is now the proprietor of the Point
Lookout Ranch, consisting of twenty acres, located
eighteen miles northeast of Sacramento and three
miles southeast of Roseville. He was born on his
father's ranch in 1875, a son of Henry S. and Amelia
(Brow-n) Porter, both natives of Ireland and both
now deceased. Robert Porter had the advantage of
a good education in the public schools of Sacramento
County and from early manhood was associated with
his father in ranching. At twenty years of age he
became superintendent for Hall, Luhrs & Company
on their extensive ranch located at Orangevale, and
was occupied until 1906 in that capacity. Then he
returned to the home ranch to be with his parents,
remaining there until 1911, when the parents removed
to the E. C. Bedell ranch near Roseville, where they
made their home until they passed away.
On October 23, 1911, Mr. Porter was married to
Miss Maude A. Chapman, a graduate of Wesley
Hospital. Mrs. Porter passed away in 1918, and on
June 4, 1919, Mr. Porter was married to Miss Pearl
Simpson, a graduate nurse of White Hospital in
Sacramento. Mrs. Porter is a daughter of the late
Dr. William Simpson, a prominent physician and
surgeon. She was born in Florida and grew to young
womanhood there. She came West in 1911, and was
graduated from White's Hospital in 1916. Mrs.
Porter specializes in surgical cases, and is very suc-
cessful in her profession. She is an active member
of the Rose Chapter of the Eastern Star, at Roseville.
Mr. Porter is past president of Granite Parlor No.
83, N. S. G. W., in Folsom City, and is also a mem-
ber of the local farm bureau. The ranch home of
Mr. and Mrs. Porter is highly improved wath all
modern equipment, and is highly productive.
JAMES BYRON ROWRAY.— Since 1918 James
Byron Rowray has served in a creditable and able
manner as general manager of the Sacramento-
Northern Railroad. His birth occurred in Jerseyville,
111., on November 7, 1873, his parents being James B.
and Margaret (Pittenger) Rowray. James Byron
Rowray acquired his education in the grammar and
high schools of his native city and when he had laid
aside his textbooks began his independent career as a
telegraph operator with the Chicago, Peoria and St.
Louis Railroad, following this occupation for three
years, when he took up the duties of station agent
and dispatcher, which he followed for two years. On
February 1, 1897, he resigned to come to California,
where he became ticket agent with the Pacific Electric
Railroad at Pasadena; two years later he became dis-
patcher for the same company and in 1901 became
train-master. In March, 1902, he was made superin-
tendent of the suburban lines in Los Angeles; in
February, 1904, he became superintendent of the inter-
urban electric lines in Los Angeles, a position he oc-
cupied until 1911, when he removed to Sacramento
and on May 1 of the same year entered upon his
duties as superintendent of the Sacramento-Northern
Railroad, occupying that position until July, 1918,
when he was made general manager of this company.
The marriage of Mr. Rowray occurred in Pasa-
dena in 1901 and united him with Miss Agnes Petrie,
a native of Eldorado, Kans., who came to California
in 1890. Fraternally Mr. Rowray is a thirty-second-
degree Mason and a member of the Shrine; he is a
charter and life member of B. P. O. Elks Lodge No.
672 in Pasadena; in Sacramento he is a member of
the Sutter and Del Paso Clubs. He gives his political
allegiance to the Republican party.
JAMES LOUIS KERCHEVAL.— Fortunate is the
community that numbers among its citizens such a
sturdy, far-sighted and highly esteemed public official
as was James Louis Kercheval, born August 13, 1858,
on Grand Island, the son of Reuben and Margaret
Kercheval. Mr. Kercheval obtained his early educa-
tion in the Onisbo grammar school, and the California
Military Academy at Oakland, and began to shift for
himself when he was eighteen years of age. In 1876
he became a clerk on the Sacramento River boat "Old
Pioneer." He worked on the Sacramento River for
eight years and for the California Transportation Com-
pany for seven years, and also for the Stockton Line.
He served on the "J. D. Peters," running to Stockton.
In 1889, on his inheritance of fifty-seven acres from
his father, he came to Walnut Grove, where he there-
after made his residence. His father, Reuben Ker-
cheval, who was at one time a member of the legisla-
ture, spent years of his life endeavoring to reclaim
the property. Untiringly, he built up levee after levee,
which as often would be washed away. On the erec-
tion of thte dredger levee, however, the land was fin-
ally brought to its present stage of development. Al-
though the land was at first all laid out as an orchard,
James Louis Kercheval recently began taking out
some of the orchard and planting the land to aspara-
gus. When he received the property, there were no
buildings on it, and he erected a fine hovise and barn
and the other needed farm buildings.
Mr. Kercheval performed many official duties, be-
sides managing his farm. He served as deputy county
assessor for fifteen years, first under Thomas H.
Burkee and later under A. J. Kay; and in this capa-
city he made a commendable record. From 1908 on,
he was the secretary of Reclamation District No. 3, of
Grand Island, which district einbraces appro.ximately
16,500 acres of land. For seventeen years he acted as
trustee of the Walnut Grove school district. He was
a member of the Elks, in Sacramento; a past grand of
the Odd Fellows, in San Francisco; and a member of
the Encampment and Canton in Sacramento, and of
the Rebekahs, in Isleton.
Since the date of the interview from which this
biography was written, Mr. Kercheval was called to
the Great Beyond, on March 25, 1923. He is sur-
vived by his widow and a daughter by his former
marriage, Josephine, now Mrs. George H. Thomas.
Jr., of San Mateo. Mrs. Kercheval was in maidenhood
Hazel Nurse. She was born in Capay, Yolo Coun-
ty; and in that county her marriage took place on
January 23, 1920. She is a daughter of Mack C. Nurse,
a native of Ohio, who crossed the plains in an ox-team
train with his parents in pioneer days. Here he after-
wards married Miss Jennie Clark, who was born in
Yolo County, a daughter of Columbus Clark, one of
that county's earliest pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Nurse
are now deceased. They had a family of seven chil-
dren: Arthur, of Capay; Maude, Mrs. Hogeboom, of
San Francisco; Wade, of Capa^^; Mabel, Mrs. Lov-
gren, of Sacramento; Hazel, Mrs. Kercheval; Ethel,
Mrs. Wait, of Sacramento; and Archie, who lives in
Tracy. By a former marriage, Mrs. Kercheval had
three children: Mae. Harvey (deceased June 23,
^>^,t;?2-^^ <z-<^y_
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
595
1923), and June Denning. Since her late husband's
death, Mrs. Kercheval is assuming the management
of his affairs and carrying out, as far as she is able,
his plans and ambitions for the ranch,
DAVID A. WILLIAMSON.— For many years of
his life identified with the lumber business, David A.
Williamson has for some years been the manager of
the T. S. Ferguson Lumber Companj^ one of the
principal business firms of Gait. A native of Indi-
ana, he was born in Whiteside County, January 21,
1858. His parents, John and Amanda Williamson,
were both natives of New York, the father being a
physician. The Williamson family are of Holland
descent, settling many 5'ears ago in New York, where
many members have attained prominence. One of
them, D. D. Williamson, was elected to the office
of comptroller of New York City during the early
part of the nineteenth century and was thereafter
elected to this office for thirty terms without opposi-
tion, a tribute to his ability and the p'ace he occupied
in the confidence of the people. He was one of the
founders and the first president of the Farmers' Loan
& Trust Company, holding this office for many years.
Another member of the family whose talent won
prominence for her was Miss Mary Williamson, a
sister of the subject of this sketch, her death occur-
ring recently at Berkeley, Cal. She was an artist
with the needle and a designer whose work took the
grand prize at a number of world expositions.
John Williamson came to Indiana in its early, front-
ier days and practiced medicine in the vicinity of
Lafayette for a number of years. He died there at
the age of seventy-six, his wife living to be eighty-
one. One of a family of eight children, three of
whom are living, David A. Williamson attended the
Lafayette schools, and at sixteen he went to work
in the lumber business, and thus he was steadily
engaged until in 1886, when he went into this busi-
ness for himself in Indianapolis, Ind. He met with
success and continued there for the next seven years,
but as with thousands of others, the panic of 189.3
ruined his business. He then became a bookkeeper for
a wholesale meat establishment and was with them
for three years, then went to New York, where he
worked in a similar capacity for a year, when he
became the western representative of the National
Provisioner, having its headquarters in Chicago for
a year., Next he went to Toledo, Ohio, and spent a
year in the lumber business and then came to Berke-
ley, Cal., in 1902, where for two years he was asso-
ciated with Henry W. Taylor. He then engaged in
contracting in Berkeley and from there went to Wil-
lows, Glenn County, where he continued in the build-
ing business. In the fall of 1917 he came to Gait and
here he became manager of the T. S. Ferguson Lum-
ber Company.
In Lafayette, Ind., September 7, 1887, Mr. William-
son was married to Miss Sally Ayers Ford, born at
that place, the daughter of William and Lida (Ayers)
Ford, her education being completed at Purdue Uni-
versity. Mr. and Mrs. Williamson have three chil-
dren: Geneve is the wife of Dr. Harms of Gait;
Bartlett R. is a berry-basket manufacturer at San
Francisco; John A. resides at Sacramento. Mr. Wil-
liamson is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Gait
and both he and his wife are members of the Eastern
Star; he belongs to the Sacramento division of the
National Lumbermen's Association known as the
"Hoo-Hoos" and is the oldest member of the order
on the Pacific Coast. He is a past master of the
Grange and is now clerk of the board of trustees of
Gait union high school district.
JEROME NICHOLAS FRANCIS.— Born on a
farm situated on Sutter Island, Sacramento County,
January 19, 1867, Jerome Nicholas Francis is a son of
Nicholas and Mary (Comer) Francis, among the earli-
est settlers of that locality. The father was born in
Alsace-Lorraine, and the mother was a native of Ire-
land. Nicholas Francis brought his wife to Sacra-
mento County in 1857, and for three years ran a livery
stable and feed yard on J Street, Sacramento. Then
he invested his savings in 160 acres on Sutter Island,
and began its development; but owing to its being
swampy land the flood of 1862 destroyed all his im-
provements. He then sold this farm and removed to
Rio Vista, where he purchased 160 acres of land; and
there he continued to farm until his death at the age
of seventy-nine. His wife passed away in her thirty-
sixth year. They were the parents of seven children:
Jerome Nicholas, of this sketch; Anna, Mrs. Joy of
Dixon; Thomas and, Mary, both deceased; Coroline,
Mrs. J. W. Crone of Sacramento; Barbara, deceased;
and Mrs. Elizabeth Blackwell, also of Sacramento.
Jerome Nicholas Francis received a good education
in the public schools, and at the age of tv\-elve years
he began to make his own way. He worked for two
years in the Rio Vista livery stable, receiving fifteen
dollars per month for his work; at the age of fourteen
he took a job at driving a header team, and received
$1.25 a day; he then took up ranch work at Isleton,
where he remained for five years. Later, when he re-
turned to the delta section of Sacramento County, he
began his work among fruit trees, and as the years
went by he became -an expert in budding and grafting
seedling fruit trees; this he followed until 1885, when
he became superintendent of a large ranch for Trask
& Meyers in the Pierson district. He then ran a
nursery on Grand Island, and later one at Courtland,
raising trees, and also budded trees for orchardists
and took contracts to prune and graft orchards.
On . August 1, 1889, Mr. Francis was married to
Miss Margaret McCarthy, born in San Francisco, a
daughter of John and Hannah McCarthy. John Mc-
Carthy settled on 160 acres above Isleton in 1867. Mr.
and Mrs. McCarthy were the parents of five chil-
dren, all now deceased with, the exception of one son,
John C, who resides in Stockton. Both Mr. and Mrs.
McCarthy are also deceased. After his marriage, Mr.
Francis went to Shasta County, where he superin-
tended a ranch for four years; then he removed to
San Joaquin County and was superintendent of a
ranch below French Camp for three years. Returning
to Sacramento County, he became superintendent of
the lower delta road district, having about 125 miles of
road to look after. Mr. Francis had, during the years,
accumulated considerable money, but owing to the
critical illness of his wife he spent the greater part of it
for medical aid. He was unable, however, to save her
life, and she died in 1909. In 1913 Mr. Francis was
married the second time, in San Francisco, to Miss
Lillian Huntley, a native of Boston, Mass., and a
daughter of David and Fannie (Richards) Huntley,
natives of Vermont and New Salem, Mass., respective-
ly. Her father was a traveling salesman, and died in
Massachusetts. Mrs. Francis was educated at the
New Salem Academy, and then trained at the Massa-
chusetts General Hospital, Boston, where she was
596
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
graduated. Coming- to San Francisco in 1904, she
practiced her profession in that city until her mar-
riage. Mr. Francis purchased a thirty-four-acre ranch
on the Sacramento River. He and his wife have
made all the improvements, building their home and
other farm buildings, setting out the orchards, and
making the needed changes to bring the ranch to a
high state of productivity. Mrs. Francis, under her
husband's instruction, learned to bud the trees, and
is now considered as expert as anyone at budding.
She enjoys the work greatly. They have ten acres in
orchard, five acres being in pear trees. Mr. and Mrs.
Francis have an adopted boy, Richard Francis. In
politics, they arc Republicans.
FRED GIER FAWCETT.— A well-known con-
tractor and builder of Gait, who is also successfully
engaged in ranching, is Fred Gier Fawcett, who
after many years spent away from his native state is
again located close to the place of his birth. He was
born at Liberty, San Joaquin County, just across the
line from Gait, November 21, 1864, the son of George
and Harriet (Gier) Fawcett. The father, who was
a native of England, first resided in Ohio on coming
to the United States, later going to Illinois, and dur-
ing the gold rush he came to California, making the
journey across the plains in an ox-team train. He
first settled in Sacramento County near Gait but
later purchased property at Liberty, San Joaquin
County, and removed there. He then went to Colfax,
Nev., where for three years he was the proprietor
of a sawmill, and after selling out there he went to
Nebraska, where he lived until his death. It was
while the family were living at Colfax that Mrs.
Fawcett passed away, when only twenty-eight years
of age, leaving two small children, Fred Gier, of this
sketch, and his sister, Ora. His sister was sent to
the home of relatives in Ohio, while Fred went to
live in Iowa, being reared and educated at Wyoming,
Jones County, and there he also learned the carpen-
ter trade.
In 1889 he returned to California, settling at Stock-
ton, where he worked at his trade for five years. He
then went to Tuolumne County, where he engaged
in carpenter work for a few years and in 1898 he
came to Gait, where after working for others for a
time, he established himself as a building contractor;
and he has ever since been successfully engaged in
this line. On June 10, 1891, at Stockton, Mr. Faw-
cett was married to Miss Weltha Hawley, born at
Tecuinseh, Nebr., the daughter of R. A. and Eliza-
beth Hawley; both parents are still living at Stock-
ton and have passed the ripe old age of eighty. The
Hawley family came to Stockton from Nebraska
about twenty-eight years ago. and Mr. Hawley for
a number of years had a store and potato-chip factory
on Main Street. Mrs. Fawcett is one of a family of
nine children, six of whom are living.
Mr. and Mrs. Fawcett are the parents of seven
children: Harry Gier of Los Angeles; Robert of
Gait; Fred of San Francisco; and Margaret, Ger-
trude, William and Richard of -Gait. Mr. Fawcett is
a Republican in his political views and is prominent
in the ranks of the Odd Fellows, being a past grand
of the Gait Lodge, while Mrs. Fawcett is a past noble
grand of the Rebckahs. Nine years ago Mr. Fawcett
erected the comfortable residence in Gait where they
have .since made their home, and he also owns and
operates a good ranch of sixty acres one mile from
Gait on Dry Creek.
JAMES PELLANDINI. — An experienced dairy-
man who has met with good success since coming to
the Gait district is James Pellandini, a native of Swit-
zerland, born at Arbedo, Canton Ticino, October 3,
1874. His parents were Fulgenzio and Angelino Pel-
landini, both natives of that country, where the
father passed away at the age of fifty-eight, while
the mother still makes her home there. They were
the parents of ten children: Cecil, James, Mary, Eliza-
beth, Peter, Louis, Joseph, Josephine, Maggie, and
Germano.
Educated in the schools of his native canton, James
Pellandini made his way to the United States in 1892.
After a short time at San Francisco, he went to Liver-
more and for one season worked in a large winery.
He then went to Olema, Marin County, where he was
employed on a large dairy ranch, and thereafter spent
five years at Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County.
After three years in Plumas County in the same line
of work, he was for two years on a dairy ranch at
San Bruno, and from there came to Gait, running the
old Gates ranch on shares for three years. He then
started in the dairy business for himself, leasing the
Thomas ranch of 700 acres four miles northwest of
Gait; and here he still makes his home, having a fine
dairy of 120 cows and prospering steadily, so that he
has been enabled to purchase a ranch of 330 acres on
the Lincoln Highway at Arno.
On December 8, 1903, at San Francisco, Mr. Pellan-
dini was united in marriage with Miss Rosie Raggem-
bos, born in the same village in Switzerland as her
husband. Her parents were Gottard and Angeline
(Pellandini) Raggembos, her father being an official
of one of the Swiss railways. He passed away at the
age of eight}', but Mrs. Raggembos is still living in
Switzerland, the mother of three children, Lucy,
Pierre and Mrs. Angeline Pellandini. Mr. and Mrs.
Pellandini have had eight children: James, who died
when ten years old; Julius, Albert, Angeline, Lilly,
and Ida; Minnie, now deceased; and William. Mr.
Pellandini is a Republican in his political affiliations.
Fraternally, he is a niember of the Odd Fellows,
at Gait.
ALBERT W. WRIGHT.— The son of one of Sac-
ramento County's earliest pioneers, Albert W.
Wright has himself been a resident of this county
since 1853, contributing his share to the development
that has taken place here in the intervening years.
A native of Illinois, he was born in Will County,
April 25, 1849, the son of Willis and Angeline (Van
Amberg) Wright, both parents being natives of Ver-
mont. The father came to Illinois in the frontier
days and was a pioneer farmer there, and also en-
gaged in carpentering. In 1852 he started across
the plains and after a long journey of six weary
months, reached California in 1853. He settled near
the present site of Gait when it was in wild, unculti-
vated state, with elk, deer and bear in the timbered
regions, and established himself in ranching and in
the stock business, and had hundreds of acres in
Sacramento County and in the mountains. He lived
to be seventy-three years old, Mrs. Wright passing
away before him, the mother of seven children:
Frederick, living at Gait; Albert W., of this sketch;
James C, Eva and Frank Milton, deceased; and Ed-
ward E. and Hattie M., also residing at Gait.
Albert W. Wright attended the old Dry Creek
school in the "Pocket" and until he was twenty-six
remained on the home place, assisting his father in
9?U .<^ '^^ . ^l^TZ^ cJ^M>^Z-<P^^C^^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
599
the dairy business. Starting out in harvesting, he
later leased land and engaged in grain farming, and
for a time was in the general merchandise business-
at Gait. After two more years of ranching he went
into the well-boring business and has so been engaged
for the past forty years, drilling wells for domestic
use and having both a hand and power rig for this
purpose.
Mr. Wright's first marriage united him with Miss
Mary Goodyear, a native of Benicia, Cal., and a dis-
tant relative of the famous rubber manufacturers of
that name. She lived but a short time after their
marriage, and in 1882 Mr. Wright was married to
Miss Alice M. Somers, the daughter of Daniel B. and
Eliza A. (Arnold) Somers, the father an early set-
tler here, who was extensively engaged in ranching.
Mr. Wright is a Republican in politics and a stanch
friend of education, having served on the school
board of Gait for the past twelve years, and was a
trustee at the time the old school was moved and
the new one built. For forty-five years he has been
a member of the I. O. O. F.. and is a member of Elk
Grove Encampment and past chief patriarch. With
his wife he is a member of the Rebekahs, Mrs.
Wright being a past noble grand of the Gait Lodge,
and she was also a charter member and the first
president of the Native Daughters of the Golden
West at Gait. The3r reside in their comfortable
home at Gait and Mr. Wright is also the owner of
other propert}' here.
W. W. HINSEY.— The name of W. W. Hinsey is
well-known throughout the Sacramento Valley in
connection with the fruit industry, and his progressive
spirit and executive powers have had a stimulating
effect upon business activity and growth in general.
A native of Iowa, he was born at Dahlonega in 1862.
His opportunities for attending school were very
limited, as he early began providing for his own live-
lihood. As a boy he worked for the Ottumwa Starch
Company, and won promotion to the position of ship-
ping clerk, leaving their employ to accept a more
advantageous offer from the general mercantile firm
of W. A. Jordan & Sons. Twelve months later he
started for the Pacific Coast, California being his
destination. He arrived in Elsinore, San Diego
County, at a time when the entire West was suffer-
ing from business depression, many industries being
closed down; and in search of an opening he drifted
up to northern California. He came to the Fair
Oaks colony in 1898, about two years after it was
established, and has since been identified with its
development, with the exception of four seasons
which he spent in Placer County with George D. Kel-
logg, of Newcastle. He has operated a number of
small ranches in Fair Oaks, and in 1910 completed
a beautiful home, which is situated on a tract of one
and a half acres. His attention, however, has been
chief!}- given to his duties as secretary, treasurer and
general manager of the Fair Oaks Fruit Company,
which he has made one of the leading concerns of
the kind in the state, displaying initiative, enterprise,
keen sagacity and notable executive ability in direct-
ing its affairs. Mr. Hinsey has made a close study
of the business in which he is engaged, and has con-
tributed many interesting and valuable articles on
horticulture and fruit-raising to local papers and farm
journals, being recognized as an authority in this
field.
Mr. Hinsey is married, and is the father of six
sons, viz.: Charles M., a veteran of the World War;
George L., a resident of La Moine, Shasta County,
Cal.; Walter Blaine, an accomplished musician; Don-
ald M., who also enlisted in his country's cause in
the war against German autocracy; Philip H., who
spent six months with the United States Army in
Siberia; and Ralph, in high school.
Mr. Hinsey is keenly interested in radiography and
has a complete receiving outfit at his home. He gives
his political support to the Republican party. He has
served as school trustee and as a member of the
church control board, and has done everything within
his power to exploit the resources and promote the
welfare of his community. He was one of the organ-
izers of the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, of
which he became the first president, serving for
some years on its board of directors; and he is also
a member of the Fair Oaks Civic Club and chairman
of the committee on the Plaza and Auditorium build-
ing program. From early boyhood he has furnished
a correct solution to the difficult problem of self-
support and has demonstrated the fact that prosperity
is ambition's answer. His breadth of view has en-
abled him, to recognize opportunities not only for his
own advancement but also for the development of his
community, and his loyalty and public spirit have
prompted him to utilize the latter as quickly and as
effectively as the former.
FAIR OAKS FRUIT COMPANY.— Richly en-
dowed by nature with fertility of soil, an abundance
of water and salubrity of climate, Sacramento County
has become famous for the production of citrus and
deciduous fruits; and one of the leading agencies for
the marketing of this commodity is the Fair Oaks
Fruit Company. On February 25, 1901, a local co-
operative association was formed under the name of
the Fair Oaks Fruit Association, which ceased to
function owing to the non-payment of assessments;
and on November 2, 1902, the Fair Oaks Fruit Com-
pany was incorporated with an authorized capital of
$25,000. It paid the debts of the old association,
taking over its plant, which comprised a one-story
building 30 by 50 feet in dimensions. The company
now owns a large modern plant, supplied with steam
equipment for sterilizing purposes and operated by
electric and water power. The buildings now erected,
not including the almond-bleaching warehouse, cover
44,000 square feet.
The olive-oil mill, which produces the San Juan
brand of oil, is of reinforced concrete, and in it are
installed the latest and most-improved types of ma-
chinery and equipment for work of this character.
It has a capacity for crushing fifteen tons of raw
olives daily, and particular attention is paid to sani-
tation, the oil being carefully protected at every stage
in the process of manufacture. It is conducted
through pipes to the settling vats, which are
thoroughly coated with paraffine, and fitted with
siphons so that the water is carried out, thus pre-
venting the overflow of the oil. It is then sent by
pipe-line to the curing cellar, where it precipitates
matter held in suspension, and is next pumped to the
filtering machine, supplied with fiber discs, afterward
passing into a closed tank, from which it is weighed
into cans and is then ready for the market. The oil
is obtained from the flesh of ripe olives of choice and
carefully selected varieties, and this careful selection
600
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
accounts for the fine flavor and popularity of the San
Juan brand. The processing houses have been
doubled this year, and will again be doubled next year
to meet the demands of the new orchards and in-
crease in crops. The orange house, with facilities for
packing three carloads daily, is frequently taxed be-
yond its capacity; and the almond house adjoining,
with its 5,000 feet of floor space, is used as a tem-
porary storeroom.
The rush of crops commences in the latter part of
August with almonds, and in 1922 about 200 tons
were marketed through the Almond Exchange. This
commodity is followed quickly by olives for shipment
fresh and for canning, and at this time there are
available for such purposes over 100,000 gallons. Be-
fore the processing of olives is over, the oranges are
ready, all being usually shipped before the end of the
year. Oil-making ends the busy season, generally in
February or March. Approximately sixty people are
employed in caring for the different crops. Local
labor is used, and the earnings of the company as
well as the wages of its employees are spent at home.
This means much to Fair Oaks, and the industry is
also of substantial benefit to Sacramento City and
County. During the twenty years of its existence, the
enterprise has enjoyed a continuous growth, and the
little frame building valued at $1,000 has been re-
placed by a substantial, well-equipped plant worth in
the neighborhood of $150,000. The success now at-
tending the activities of the company is directly due
to the untiring eiTorts and administrative powers of
W. W. Hinsey, secretary, treasurer, general manager
and moving spirit of the enterprise.
LAWRENCE B. KIERNAN.— Among the con-
scientious and capable employees of the city of Sac-
ramento Lawrence B. Kiernan has for the past nine
years served in the capacity of superintendent of
South Side Park. He is well known and highly es-
teemed by all who know him and the patrons of the
South Side Park appreciate his eiiorts in the improve-
ment of this pleasure resort. A native son of Cali-
fornia, he was born in Sacramento January 21, 1883,
a son of John and Mollie (Shields) Kiernan. John
Kiernan has spent the greater part of his lifetime in
newspaper work and is still active along that line.
Both parents are still living.
Lawrence B. Kiernan was educated in the public
schools of Sacramento and at the age of sixteen
learned the boiler-maker's trade, which he followed
for fourteen years; following this he was employed
as a detective by the Southern Pacific Railroad Com-
pany, and one year was spent in the employ of the
Ebner Hotel in Sacramento. On October 14, 1914,
he was appointed by the late E. J. Carragher, late
commissioner of education, as superintendent of the
South Side Park, a position he has filled to the entire
satisfaction of the city, and through his efforts this
park has become one of the most beautiful in the city
of Sacramento.
Mr. Kiernan's marriage. May 31, 1918, united him
with Miss Florence Laverone, a native of Santa
Rosa, Cal. He gives his political allegiance to the
Republican party and fraternally is connected with
the B. P. O. Elks, the Eagles and the Sacramento
Parlor, No. 3, N. S. G. W.
FRANK J. NEWMAN. — A wide-awake man quite
representative of the leaders in the development of the
automobile industry in Sacramento County is Frank J.
Newman, the proprietor of the Folsom Garage, on
Sutter Street, Folsom City, the authorized Ford and
Fordson headquarters in that locality. As the mana-
ger of one of the oldest garages owned by an indi-
vidual in the county, he wields an enviable influence
among motor men; and those who know him need
not be told that his influence is always for progress
and the public good.
He was born at Winnemucca, Nev., on February 1,
1883, and accompanied his parents, Julius and Pauline
Newman, to Winters, Cal., in 1885, just when the
Golden State was awakening to its great "boom."
His father was an expert shoe- and harness-maker,
and when he passed away, in 1908, at the early age of
forty-nine, he left behind a record for usefulness and
practical accomplishment which could not fail to in-
crease the regret of those who knew him that he had"
not been permitted to live and work longer. Mrs.
Newman, the center of a circle of devoted friends, is
now a resident of Dixon, in Solano County. The
worthy couple had four sons and two daughters, and
among these it has been the privilege of Frank New-
man to minister to the main support of his mother for
years, giving her every care and attention. A brother,
Charles F., a resident of Sacramento, is also an expert
in automobile mechanics, and is in charge of the
garage at the Globe Mills in the capital city.
Leaving home at the early age of sixteen, Frank
Newman went to San Francisco, where he entered the
employ of the machine shop at the Union Iron Works,
spending four years in his apprenticeship; he com-
menced at four dollars per week, and gradually
worked up. Afterwards he worked for a short time
as a journeyman, and in 1906 came into the shop at
Natoma for the Natomas Company of California, to do
general machine and auto-repair work; and although
the automobile was yet in its infancy, he awoke to the
understanding that if he was to make good for some-
bodjr in this line, that somebody ought to be himself.
Hence, he made a start, with a partner; and by work-
ing very hard they maintained an auto stage line from
Folsom City to the capital, and in 1910 opened the
present garage.
Mr. Newman has been identified in various interest-
ing ways with the development of automobiling in
northern California, owning one of the original four-
cylinder Reo motor cars, which, after it had traveled
some 365,000 miles in stage service in this county, was
much commented upon in articles accompanied by the
usual illustrations. Some of these well-written tributes
appeared in the Scientific American in 1914, and the
following year in the Popular Mechanics magazine.
In 1916 Mr. Newman effected the dissolution of the
partnership by buying out his colleague's interests;
and as the garage business was becoming the more
important factor, he gave up staging and devoted
himself exclusively to the wants of the motorist. In
that same year, 1916, he added the Ford to his agency
list, and he has been very successful in the disposal
of many of these popular vehicles, doing well also
with the later product, the wonder-working Fordson.
Twice Mr. Newman was able to enlarge his garage,
making over into a workshop what was formerly a
hotel; and such has been his success in salesmanship
that he holds the record for contracts effected at both
the highest and the lowest levels. On the morning of
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
603
March 13, 1923, the garage was completely destroyed
by fire. A new garage, with twice the former capacity,
has been built, and will be occupied in June, 1923.
Socially, Mr. Newman is popular, being a familiar
figure in Granite Lodge, No. 63, of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He is a Republican in matters
of national political moment, and believes in wise
legislation, designed to steady and foster industry and
commerce. First, last and always, he is a good fellow,
and one of the reasons for his ever-increasing patron-
age is this, that he looks upon every customer as
another good fellow, and tries to hand him out a
square deal.
WILLIAM P. DWYER.— A well-known citizen of
Sacramento, and the representative of a pioneer fam-
ily, is William P. Dwyer, president of the Sacra-
mento Transportation Company, which has grown
and flourished under his management. Sacramento is
his birthplace, where he was born on October 30.
1876, a: son of Captain Thomas and Ellen (Flana-
gan) Dwyer, both natives of Ireland. Thomas Dwyer
was born in 1831, and was endowed with a spirit of
enterprise; and when, in 1848, some acquaintabces
tried to persuade him to go with them to the New
World, he readily consented. He came to Toronto,
Canada, in all the vigor of his young manhood, and
there commenced the battle of life. He engaged in
the lumber trade, working at that during the winter,
and on a farm during the summer. In 1852 he came
to the United States, going to Ohio; and there he
obtained his first contract work, the getting out of a
certain number of railroad ties. After this he went to
Lake County, 111., and again worked on farms in
the summer, going to the pine woods of Wisconsin
in the winter, where sometimes for six weeks contin-
uously the sun never melted the snow from the sides
of the trees nor from the roof of his shanty.
In 1859, during the Pike's Peak excitement, in
company with a party of friends, Thomas Dwyer
started for the gold diggings; on reaching the Mis-
souri River at Council Blufifs, they learned that the
Pike's Peak gold excitement was a humbug, and
some of the party turned back; but Thomas Dwyer
and his partner struck out boldly for California, the
land of gold and sunshine. They came with ox teams,
and after a journey of five months arrived in Susan-
ville on September 3, 1859. He spent a year in the
mines of Shasta County, and went to Chico during
the following summer and ran a thrashing-machine
in Butte and Colusa Counties. When the season's
farm work was over, he bought some timber-land on
the Sacramento River in Colusa County, and com-
menced cutting the wood; he got together about 2,500
cords, taking in a partner to share the expense,
bought a wood barge, and brought the wood down to
Sacramento, where he could dispose of it to the
schooners in the river. This was the origin of what
is today known as the Sacramento Transportation
Company. He afterward bought a small steamer to
tow his barges. About this time, in 1866, J. H. Rob-
erts, H. L. Miller, Michael Rigney, N. McNear, and
C. Clots were added to the firm, which was then
known as the Sacramento Wood Company. In 1879
the name was changed to the Sacramento Transporta-
tion Company, and the firm was incorporated under
the laws of the state.
Notwithstanding the California Steam Navigation
Company was running in opposition to them, their
business steadily grew from year to year. Increased
towing facilities being required, the "Verona" was
added to their fleet in 1873; the "San Joaquin No. 2,"
in 1877; the "San Joaquin No. 4," in 1882; the "Gov-
ernor Dana," "Dover," and "Flora," in 1883; and in
1889 another steamer was added. At that time the
company operated a fleet of twenty barges, which
have been added to from time to time to accommo-
date their fast-growing trade.
In 1881 the company engaged in the manufacture
of brick, erecting kilns on the Riverside road, five
miles below Sacramento, where they used the most-
approved appliances. In 1888 a new patent system
was introduced, called the continuous kiln, with a
capacity of 60,000 brick per diem; they also had in
operation four Quaker brick machines, with a capacity
of 140,000 daily.
In 1868 Thomas Dwyer was married to Ellen Flan-
agan; and they had five children: Francis Thomas,
Mary Ellen (Mrs. Robert T. Devlin), John Jeffrey,
William Patrick, of this sketch, and Thomas Edward.
Mr. Dwyer died in 1890, and Mrs. Dwyer in 1896.
William P. Dwyer obtained his education in the
Brothers' College and at St. Mary's in Oakland,
graduating with the class of 1891. When he
reached young manhood he was taught the transpor-
tation business, so that when his father passed away
it was an easy matter for him to continue the busi-
ness along the lines inaugurated by his father. In 1923
the plant was remodeled and the most modern equip-
ment w-as installed to replace the old, the capacity
being increased to 30,000,000 brick annually. All
hand work is eliminated, and a superior product is
manufactured; the plant runs continuously, the year
round.
William P. Dwyer was united in marriage in San
Francisco with Miss Ethel Clare, a native of that
city; and they are the parents of four sons: William
Patrick, Jr., Thomas Robert, Richard Collins, and
Peter Guilford. Mr. Dwyer is a Republican in pol-
itics; and fraternally he is a member of the Elks, the
Sutter and Del Paso Country Clubs of Sacramento,
and the Family Club of San Francisco. He has con-
tributed in a large measure to the upbuilding and im-
provement of the part of the county in which he
makes his home, for he belongs to that class of rep-
resentative American men whot while promoting
their individual progress and success, also contribute
substantially to the general prosperity.
ROBERT L. UPHAM. — A most interesting rep-
resentative of an old pioneer family is Robert L.
Upham, the rancher of Sherman Island, who has 180
acres of about as rich and choice farm land there
as may be found anywhere in Sacramento County.
He is prominent as a Republican, and also as a mem-
ber of both the Knights of Pythias, of Rio Vista, and
the Eagles, of the same place, enjoying a popularity
in those fraternal orders such as must always come
to the man who accords honor and fraternity to
others. He was born on the Upham Ranch, on
Sherman Island, on July 6, 1880. the son of Lorenzo
M. and Elizabeth (Brown) Upham. highly-esteemed
farmer-folk of Sherman Island who owned and oper-
ated some 500 acres and had six children, among
whom our subject was the second in the order of
birth, Mary Elizabeth, Mrs. Eraser of Rio Vista,
was older; and Clarence Irwin, in Hayward. de-
ceased. Celeste, and Lester, of Portland, and an
604
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
infant, wi-rc younscr. Rol)i.Tt went to the Rio \ ista
schools, as well as to the schools in CoUinsville and
in San Francisco, where he attended the Lincoln
School, and in Santa Clara; and when fifteen years
old he began to make his own way in the w^orld. He
worked on the dredger of the San Joaquin and Sac-
ramento River delta island levee, which took about
fifteen years to build, rising to a position of leverman
operating the dredger, and then for a couple of
years was superintendent of the Rio Vista water-
works. His father had sold his farm on Sherman
Island to a Mr. Ober, and in 1916 Robert L. and
his sister. Mrs. Fraser, bought back from Mr. Ober
180 acres of the old home place. This ranch has
until recently been devoted to the raising of alfalfa,
and also vegetables, but Mr. Upham is putting it
into asparagus.
Mr. Upham was married at Rio Vista to Mrs.
Emma Elizabeth (Nevin) Jose, the ceremony occur-
ring on December 9, 1911. An accomplished lady,
she was born at Rio Vista, the daughter of Joseph and
Emma (Joy) Nevin, the former a native of County
Antrim, Ireland, the latter of Deptford, County Kent,
England. Her parents were married abroad, and
came out to California in 1868, where Mr. Nevin
busied himself at his trade as a carpenter. Mrs. Nevin
passed away at thirty years of age; while Mr. Nevin
lived to be fifty-three. They had four children: John,
who is in Ukiah; Jennie, deceased; Emma E., Mrs.
Upham; and William, who also is deceased. Mrs.
Upham went to the Rio Vista grammar school, and
she is now a past most excellent chief of the Pythian
Sisters' Lodge at Rio \'ista.
CLARENCE B. CUNNINGHAM.— A very popu-
lar representative of one of the greatest industrial
organizations in California, controlling important
commercial and financial interests in Sacramento
County, is Clarence B. Cunningham, the efficient
district manager of the Earl Fruit Company, from
1891 to 1922. He is a native of the state of Massa-
chusetts, and was born there on March 26, 1871. His
father was Richard Cunningham, of Nova Scotia,
and he married Miss Carrie A. Whitman, of the same
picturesque country along the Atlantic.
Clarence B. Cunningham attended the public schools
of the East, and in 1891 came out to California and
joined the Earl Fruit Company, and located at River-
side. In 1896, however, he was transferred to Mills
Station, where he now resides. He married a daugh-
ter of Joseph Studarus, an old settler of Mills Station,
and so identified himself with a California famil}';
and he is at present building his new home on the
I'air Oaks road.
Mr. Cunningham introduced the Chester White
hog into California, and for ten years was president
of the State Swine Breeders' Association. During
the war, he served on Merritt's staff, and was one of
three "dollar a year" men of the federal live-
stock commission. However, because of his work
for the government, his health broke down. He is
very much interested in the development of Sacra-
mento County, and for years experimented with
grapes, which he received from the United States
department of agriculture, and he has come to enjoy
the distinction of adding no less than five commercial
varieties to the products of the state, an accomplish-
ment of much practical value.
Mr. Cimningham married Agnes Barbara Studarus,
November 14, 1904, at the residence of Joseph Stu-
darus, her father. Mr. Cunningham is a member of
the Kiwanis Club, Sutter Club, and Del Paso Country
Club, all of Sacramento. He likes baseball, fishing
and out-of-door life generally.
DONALD McCLAIN. — A popular young business
man, and enterprising, progressive citizen, was the
late Donald McClain, a native son proud of his asso-
ciation w-ith this great commonwealth. Born near
Franklin, Sacramento County, November 4, 1884,
he was a son of Frank McClain, a rancher of
that vicinity. Donald McClain attended the public
school at Franklin as well as at Elk Grove, and after
being graduated from the latter he entered Atkin-
son's Business College in Sacramento, where he pur-
sued the regular course, and w'as duly graduated.
He then entered the office of the secretary of state,
Charles F. Curry, where he spent several years in
pleasant and profitable employment. Resigning his
position, he spent four j'ears as assistant in the city
auditor's office under Fred Carey; and on the con-
solidation of the city assessor's and city auditor's
offices under one head, he served in the same capac-
ity under Ed. Haynes. His fidelity, and the in-
creasing value of his experience were much appre-
ciated, and he continued in his position for a further
period of eight years, making twelve years of service
in the city hall. He then resigned to take up farm-
ing at Walnut Grove, being interested with his aunt,
Mrs. Sol Runyon, and his brother Harry, as owners
and operators of the Point ranch on Andrus Island,
devoted to the raising of fruit and asparagus.
Mr. McClain was married in Sacramento on Au-
gust 10, 1911, to Miss Bertha L. Russell. She was
born at Lakeview, Lake County, Ore., a daughter of
Robert and Josie (Chatfield) Russell, native son
and daughter of California and both representatives
of pioneer families. Robert Russell was a lumber
manufacturer, a member of the Russell Lumber Com-
pany, and was also a farmer and stockman in south-
ern Oregon. Mrs. McClain was the oldest of their
three children, and received her education in the
Sacramento schools. Mr. McClain was greatly in-
terested in the civic and social affairs of the county.
He was secretary of the Farmers' Protective Asso-
ciation, and was also one of the organizers and the
secretary of the California Asparagus Growers' As-
sociation, working zealously and filling the office
until the association was well established, when he
resigned a short time before he was called away.
He was also secretary of Andrus Island Reclama-
tion District until the time of his passing. He was
not permitted long to enjoy the fruits of his labors,
for he was called from the scene of his constructive
efforts on Februarj' 4, 1923, at thirty-eight years of
age, deeply mourned by his famil5' and friends.
Mr. McClain was a prominent Mason, being a past
master of Tehama Lodge, F. & A. M., of Sacramento,
and was also a Knight Templar and a thirty-second-
degree Scottish Rite Mason, as well as a charter
member of Ben Ali Temple, Nobles of the M3'stic
Shrine, in the same city; and with his wife he w-as a
member of Onisbo Chapter. O. E. S., of Courtland,
of which he was a past patron and Mrs. McClain a
past matron. Mr. McClain was also a popular mem-
ber of Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W., and of the Rotary
Club in the capital city. In national politics, he was
a Republican.
/(2^2yCa^y?f-'l£^^i^^
5^ Scvtit,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUX'J'V
609
GEORGE W. HACK.— Among the oldest settlers
r.ow living in Sacramento County. George W. Hack
is well and favorably known and highly respected.
He was born in Canastota, N. Y., April 25, 1846, a
son of George and Mary Ann (Jenkinson) Hack, born
in England, who came to New York on their honey-
moon and for a time followed farming in Canastota.
Afterwards they removed to Calhoun County, Mich.,
settling near Albion, and continued to reside there
until 1852, when he crossed the plains to California.
In 1855 the mother and three children came via
Panama and joined him on his ranch, just south of
Freeport on the Sacramento River. Here they im-
P'-oved a farm and resided until their death, the father
at eighty-four and mother at sixty-two years. Three
of their children were born in the East and four in
California, making a family of seven children, as fol-
lows: George W., the subject of this interesting re-
view; John T., who died at Freeport; Annie E.. Mrs.
Carrington, who died in Sacramento; N. D., on a part
of the old home; Mary Ann, Mrs. John Oswill of
Contra Costa County; Emma, Mrs. George Landis
of Sacramento; and Charles J., who died near Free-
port.
George W. Hack, while yet a young lad, came out
with the family to California via the Isthmus of
Panama. Living on the farm, he attended school in
the Union district, two miles away, the distance be-
ing covered by walking morning and evening. From
a boy he assisted his father till twenty-two years of
age. Meantime his father had purchased a ranch
on the lower Stockton road, which George W. Hack
farmed^
The marriage of Mr. Hack occurred near Antelope,
November 24, 1868, when he was united with Miss
Verdenia Frances Keys, a native of this county. Her
father, William Kej's, was a pioneer who crossed
the plains and arrived in 1850. He had started from
the East in 1848, but was obliged to stop over at
Salt Lake. He first engaged in farming near Free-
port, and then at Antelope, residing there until his
death; his widow survived him, passing away at the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Hack.
After his marriage, Mr. Hack continued farming
on the lower Stockton road. In 1878 he bought the
farm adjoining, and so acquired 515 acres; but later
he disposed of 150 acres, and now owns 365 acres,
which he devotes to the raising of grain, hay and
stock, being one of the thrifty ranchers of the
district.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hack was blessed with
one child, Clara, who became the wife of Dewitt S.
Slawson. She passed away in 1916, leaving five chil-
dren, who now make their home with their grand-
parents. Lulu assists in presiding over the Hack
household; Ethel, Mablc and Maude are teachers;
v/hile the youngest. Amy, is in the Junior High School
at Sacramento.
In May, 1901, Mr. Hack took a prominent part in
the organization of the Sacramento County Patrons
& Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, being
elected a member of the first board of directors. On
the organization of the board, he was elected presi-
dent of the company; and he has since filled that posi-
tion to the entire satisfaction of the patrons. He has
given much time to its interests, and it is now a large
and successful institution, with a membership of 925
and more than $2,000,000 of insurance. He has been
a member of the County Grange for forty-eight years.
and is a past master of the Subordinate Grange and
the County Grange. As a member of the organiza-
tion, he was the author of the preamble and resolu-
tion proposing to bond the county for the purpose
of building good roads, which was subsequently ap-
proved by the people, resulting in the building of ap-
proximately 175 miles of first-class permanent im-
proved highway, now one of the most valuable assets
of the citizens of the county.
Interested in the cause of education, Mr. Hack
served as trustee of Pacific school district for many
years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hack have been promi-
nent and active in the Pacific Methodist Episcopal
Church from its organization, and he has been a
member of the official board and a class leader for
many years. He is a strong temperance man, and
was an active worker for the passing of the Eight-
eenth Amendment. Mr. Hack has been a witness of
and taken a part in the remarkable transformation
wrought in this county, whereby it has been changed
from a wild and primitive state to a garden-spot of
fertile farms and orchards. He is optimistic, and
looks forward to still greater development of this
wonderful valley, with its remarkable resources of
soil, water and climate. In national politics, Mr.
Hack is a Republican, being a strong believer in the
principle of protection for national industries.
NATHAN D. HACK,— A very enterprising and
public-spirited citizen, a native son of Sacramento
County, is Nathan D. Hack, who was born at Free-
port, September ZZ, 1856, His father, George Hack,
Sr., is mentioned above, in the sketch of George \N'.
Hack. Nathan Hack, better known as Dock Hack,
was reared on the farm at Freeport, the same place on
which he was born and which he now owns. He re-
cieved a good education in the public school in Free-
port, which was supplemented with a course at At-
kinson's Business College in Sacramento, after which
he took up farming with his father. This partnership
was continued until his sire's death, after which Dock
Hack came into possession of 100 acres of the old
home place and there continued farming.
Meantime, Mr. Hack had married in Sacramento,
OK January 3, 1881, being there united with Miss
Lavina Kirtlan, who was born at Jenny Lind, Cala-
veras County. Her father, Thomas Kirtlan, a native
of England, was brought by his parents when an in-
fant in arms across the ocean to the land of the Stars
and Stripes, and was reared at Salem, Ohio, where
he learned the blacksmith's trade under an uncle.
When nineteen years of age he came to California
via Panama, in the pioneer gold days, and ran a
blacksmith shop in the mining camp of Jenny Lind.
continuing there until 1869, when he moved to the
capital city. There he conducted a blacksmith shop
on Twelfth and K Streets until he located at Free-
port, where he purchased the blacksmith shop in
partnership with Mr. Lee, which they conducted un-
der the firm name of Kirtlan & Lee until the death
of Mr. Lee. Selling out, he then removed to Diamond
Spring, where he followed the same business for a
period of eight years. He then went to Capay Val-
ley, Yolo County, and there ran a shop until he re-
tired to Oak Park, in the capital city. Here he re-
sided until his death in 1914, a man who was favor-
ably and well known all over this part of California.
Mrs. Hack's mother was in maidenhood Xarcissis
Tucker, a native of Louisiana, who crossed the plains
610
H[S'r()R^■ OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
tc Calit'oniia in an ox-toani train in tlic early days,
and here met and married Mr. Kirtlan. She passed
away in Capay, in 1910. Nine children were born to
this pioneer couple: Lavina, Mrs. Hack: Mary Allie,
Mrs. Stiners, who died in San Krancisco; Frank, liv-
iiiK in Sacramento: I'red. of Freeport; Mrs. Lizzie
Ulack, of Glcndalc: l-'lmer, at Courtlaud; Arthur, who
died at Diamond Spring; Mrs. Maggie Foster, living
in Oak Park; and Clarence, who lives in Visalia.
I.aviiia Kirtlan was educated in the pubhc school at
I'reeport, thus being a schoolmate of Dock Hack,
wlio afterwards became her husband. Their union
has proved a happy one, and has beeJi blessed with
five children: Hazel, the wife of R. B. Forsyth, a
rancher in the Ray district, San Joaquin County; Mrs.
Pearl York, of Sacramento: Nathan D, Jr., of Live
Oak; Mrs. Blanche Stokes, of Stockton; and Mrs.
Mabel Crawford, of Freeport.
Mr. and Mrs. Hack have been actively engaged in
farming, devoting their ranch to dairying and the
raising of beans and grain; and there they reared and
educated their children, who arc now nicely located
in homes of their own and are highly respected citi-
zens in their various communities. Mr. Hack is a
member of Eldorado Lodge No. 8, L O. O. F., Sacra-
mento; and for many years Mr. and Mrs. Hack were
members of the Grange. He was a school trustee for
twenty years, and has served as a member of the
grand jurj'. He has always been fond of the great
out-of-doors, his hobby being baseball. In religious
views, Mr. and Mrs. Hack are both of the Methodist
faith: while politically they are Republicans.
S. HENRY LETTNER.— Posterity will ever
lionor, as his contemporaries always highly esteemed
him, tlie late S. Henry Lettner, one of the sturdiest
and most progressive of the early pioneers of Sacra-
mento County. He was a native of Germany, and
after he came to America as a boy of twelve years he
lived in Washington, D. C, until in 1847, when he
went with a party to Mexico, and was a soldier in
the Mexican War, as a sergeant. Then, while still
very young, he crossed into California, in 1848. As a
youth of only nineteen, he went into the mines at
Coloma, and while in Sacramento he lived for a tiine
at Sutter's Fort. In 1849 he located in Yolo County,
and bought a Mexican land grant three miles east of
Davis. He farmed to grain for many years, and built
barns, etc., and in 1862 he erected a brick house,
which is still standing. This ranch was sold by him
in the seventies.
In 1854, Mr. Lettner returned to Europe and mar-
ried Louise Glockler, a native of Carlsruhe, bringing
her out to California by way of the Isthmus of Pan-
ama. Their three children were born in California.
Only one of the family is now living, Lena, now
Mrs. P. C. Drcscher, of 1423 H Street, Sacramento.
The other children were Louise, who died in early
youtli, and Fannie, who became the wife of Maj.
W'ni. Kopp, residing in Germany until her death.
.Mr. :ind Mrs. Lettner were splendid examples of
tlie heroic, thrifty, and progressive pioneers, who not
only encountered many obstacles and experienced
losses, but endured hardships botli for the sake of
their own kin and descendants and the benefit of all
who might come after them. Mr. Lettner was a
Mason and a Knight Templar, and he was also a
number nf the Society of California Pioneers.
HENRY MERRITT RICH.— Sacramento is for-
tunate in having efticient and experienced men at the
head of the many projects put forward to advance its
natural resources and promote the prosperity that is
rapidly spreading throughout the entire valley.
Among these must be mentioned Henry Merritt
Rich, in charge of the United States Engineer's ofiicc
in the city. Practically a self-made man, he has
attained to this position so early in life through native
ability along engineering lines, augmented by studi-
ous application and the determination and force of
character necessary to success in all walks of life.
Mr. Rich is a native of Wheatland, Yuba County,
born August 14, 1889, and a son of William Nicholas
and Priscilla (Best) Rich, both of whom are still
living, at the good age of seventy-five j'ears, having
celebrated their Golden Wedding in June, 1920. They
were born in Iowa, and came to California in 1887,
settling first in Sutter County, ten miles west of
Yuba City, and later moving to Wheatland. Yuba
County, where they still reside.
Henry Merritt Rich attended the Wheatland gram-
mar and high schools, graduating from the former in
1903, and from the latter in 1907. Upon completion
of his high-school course he went to Oakland and
there worked as a mechanic in a garage until Febru-
ary, 1909. In May, 1909, he entered the Vander Nail-
len Engineering School of Oakland; and from that
date until August, 1910, fifteen months of continuous
school, he devoted his entire time to the studies nec-
essary to fit himself for his chosen profession.
After completing the engineering course, Mr. Rich
began work for the United States Land Office, sur-
veying in Glenn, Tehama, and Mendocino Counties,
sectionizing government land. In May, 1912, he en-
tered the United States Engineer's office in Sacra-
mento, his duties consisting in the surveying of the
Sacramento River in 1912; and in 1913-1914 he was
on the complete survey of the San Joaquin River
from Herndon, near Fresno, to Stockton; in 1916 he
was on the Sacramento, surveying and also in charge
of wing-dam construction and repair; and in 1917 he
was in charge of the United States snag boat on the
Sacramento, until September, 1917. That year he
entered the \J. S. Army as lieutenant, and served in
that capacit3' in the Engineers until December, 1918,
though, to his disappointment, he did not get over-
seas. After finishing his military service, he worked
at various jobs with the Sacramento office until
August, 1919, when he w^as put in charge of engineer-
ing for the Sacramento District, which position he
still holds (1923); and his practical experience in the
work necessary for this particular district has been
of inestimable value to him in carrying on the afTairs
of his office.
The marriage of Mr. Rich occurred in Sacramento,
June 8, 1921, and united him with Mary Lorctta
Blackmer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Blackmer, of
Sutter County, where the mother still resides, one
mile below Meridian; the father was drowned in the
overflow during the winter of 1903. Mrs. Rich was
born and reared at the home place near Meridian.
Fraternally, Mr. Rich is a thirty-second degree Scot-
tish Rite Mason, and a Shriner. He is a member of
the American Association of Engineers, and polit-
ically is a Republican, actively interested in all civic
affairs, and particularly in all measures for the devel-
optnent of this section and the broadening of the
social and economic life of the communitv.
^^'^^^^f^'^^^^y
HISTORY' OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
615
CORNELIA DOUGLAS PROVINES.— Promi-
nent among the efficient librarians for whom Cali-
fornia ol recent years has come to be known in the
library world is Miss Cornelia Douglas Provines,
librarian of the Sacramento County free library. Well-
read and well-traveled, and therefore well-posted, she
is a graceful and interesting conversationalist and
easily impresses one with her fitness for such a post
of varied possible service to the public at large, and
especially to that considerable number desiring some
mental stimulus.
She was born at St. Louis, Mo., the daughter of
Alexander Provines, also a native of that city, and
the granddaughter of William Provines, who was
born at Londonderry, Ireland, and was a descendant
of a Huguenot family originally driven from France
at the time of the revocation of the Edict of Nantes.
This grandfather William was a graduate in medicine
of the famed LIniversity of Edinburgh, then as now
one of the greatest medical schools in all Europe, and
also a graduate of the University of Glasgow, and
he applied for a commission as surgeon in the French
navy under Napoleon. He did not wait for it, how-
ever, but concluded instead to come to the United
States; and having arrived here, located in Kentucky.
There he received the desired-for commission; but he
had established himself this side of the ocean, and so
never made use of the honor.
He was married in Kentucky to Miss Mary Brook,
a native of Scotland, and after practicing medicine
for a while in the Blue Grass State, he went north
and located in St. Louis. Later he removed to Co-
lumbia, Mo., w'here he was prominent in the Uni-
versity of Missouri, and where he also practiced med-
icine and was distinguished as a fine physician and
surgeon, and a leader in Presbyterian circles. The
father of our subject graduated from that university,
and then became a merchant in St. Louis. He was a
wholesaler in coffee and tea, and known throughout
the Mississippi Valley.
About 1882 he brought his family to California and
located for a w'hile in Sonoma County, near Clover-
dale, where he had a farm; and then he took to
ranching near Healdsburg, at which place he passed
away in 1909. He had married Miss Cornelia Doug-
las Bissell, a native of St. Louis and the daughter of
Captain Louis Bissell, who was born in New York of
an English family, founded in New Amsterdam, N. Y.,
in 1615 by John Bissell. Captain Bissell, after gradu-
ating from West Point, served in the United States
Army in the War of 1812; and three years later he
retired and located at St. Louis, where he became a
large planter, owning a farm now in the city of St.
Louis, which he sold to help establish a city water-
works. His second marriage was to Mary Douglas,
a native of St. Louis and also a member of an old
St. Louis family. Five girls and three boys, all living,
made up the Provines family.
Miss Cornelia Douglas Provines was educated at
the St. Louis Collegiate Institute and in the collegiate
department at Stewart Hall, in Virginia, after which
she returned to California and served as librarian of
the Healdsburg public library. Desiring to still better
equip herself for that important field of professional
activit\', she took a course at the University of Cali-
fornia, making library work her specialty, and then
put in three years at the Stanford University library.
Next she served in the state library at Sacramento,
and during that time attended the State Library
Training School. For six months she was librarian
in historic San Luis Obispo; then she resigned to
accept the position as librarian of the McHenry Public
Library at Modesto, as well as county librarian of
Stanislaus County, a position she assumed in July,
1911, continuing until December 30, 1919, when she
resigned to accept her present position as county
librarian of Sacramento Countv, the responsibilities of
which she assumed on January 5, 1920. Through her
experience and efforts she has built up the library,
making it one of the best of its size in the state;
while she has come forward into leadership and influ-
ence as a member of the California Library Associa-
tion.
JAMES FRANCIS GAFFNEY.— Another distin-
guished representative of the Bar of northern Cali-
fornia is James Francis Gaffney, whose offices are in
the Ochsner Building, in Sacramento. He came from
the Prairie State, which has given to the Pacific
Coast so many of its best citizens, having been born
at Quincy, 111., on January 23, 1886. His father and
mother, James F. and Louise Gaffney, both natives
of the same town of Quincy, came to California in
1893. The elder Gaffney purchased a ranch near
San Bernardino, where he continued ranching a few
years; but he was soon drawn back into railroading,
which he had followed for many years in the East,
again entering the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad
with whom he had been while in Chicago, 111. He
ran out of Los Angeles as conductor, for manj' years,
later becoming division superintendent. He is now
division superintendent for the Southern Railway at
Columbia, S. C.
James Francis Gaffney, our subject, enjoj'ed the
educational advantages of both the grammar and the
high schools of Los Angeles. After graduating from
the high school, he went to Needles for a short time,
and thence to Chicago, where he took a two years'
course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College.
Thereafter, for a time, he was engaged as a sales-
man in El Paso, Texas, and in Old Mexico.
In 1912, Mr. Gaffney came north to San Francisco;
and on the 13th of June, of the following year, he
was installed as manager for the Holland & Funk
Company, in one of a chain of their stores. When
this company went out of business, Mr. Gaffney
joined Lavenson's Company, in Sacramento, with
whom he remained , for three years. Meantime, he
was studying law privately, and on October 1, 1918,
he took the Bar examination and was admitted to
practice in the courts of California. He has been
practicing law for himself ever since, and has been
unusually successful. Always public-spirited, he has
sought to do what he could to improve civic condi-
tions, and has accomplished much in that direction.
As a Republican, he has been a candidate for the
city council.
Mr. Gaffney married Miss Helen Mary Sparr of
Chicago, the ceremony taking place at St. Louis, Mo.;
and the talented lady shares his popularity in the
circles of the Elks, and of tlie Chamber of Com-
merce and the County and State Bar Associations,
of which organizations he is a member. Mr. Gaff-
ney has also reached the fourth degree in the Knights
of Columbus. Both he and his wife enjoy outdoor
616
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
life, and in this respect have found their residence
in Sacramento County particularly delightful. They
are loyal citizens of the county, always eager to for-
ward the interests of this favored portion of the state.
HAROLD S. KIERNAN.— l"or the past twelve
years Harold S. Kiernan lias held the position of pri-
vate secretary to R. A. Herold, and since July, 1921,
has occupied the position of councilman in Sacra-
mento and can always be counted upon to support
any measure for the advancement and progress of
his native city. His birth occurred in Sacramento,
November 6, 1886, and he is a son of J. H. and
Mollie (Shields) Kiernan, early settlers in Sacra-
mento, and both still residing there.
Harold S. Kiernan began his education in the
public schools of the capital city and after completing
the high school course read law in private offices;
following this he took up secretarial work and for
twelve years consecutively he has satisfactorily filled
the position of private secretary to Mr. Herold. Mr.
Kiernan was a member of the park board of the city
of Sacramento at the time of his election in July,
1921, to the position of councilman and keeps in close
touch with the development and advancement of Sac-
ramento and surrounding country. Fraternally Mr.
Kiernan is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden
West, the Knights of Columbus, third degree, and
the Eagles, and his political allegiance is given to
the Republican part}'.
FREDERICK W. WING.— A leader among
Gait's progressive business men, Frederick W. Wing
has done much to mould pubUc opinion through the
columns of his live weekly paper, the "Gait Herald."
He was born in Syracuse, N. Y., August 24, 1886,
the son of Abel and Anna (Ripley) Wing, both
natives of the Empire State. The father, who was
for many years a well-known undertaker, is now-
deceased and Mrs. Wing now makes her home in
Calgary, Canada. They were the parents of nine
children, five sons and four daughters, and seven of
the family are still living.
Although not favored with great opportunities for
an education, Frederick W. Wing did not allow this
to handicap him, but by vigilant night work and
constant study he acquired a broad foundation that
I'.as been the basis of his success in the journalistic
world. At the age of thirteen he started to learn the
printing business, working for some time at Fayette-
ville, N. Y., and then going to Courtland, N. Y..
where he worked on the "Courtland News." From
there he went to Buffalo, N. Y., and then to Chicago,
111., where he worked on the "Examiner" for some
time. He then traveled extensively, doing newspaper
work all over the United States and Canada, adding to
his store of knowledge and gaining an invaluable ex-
perience. For three years he lived in Fargo, N. D.,
where he w-as business manager of the "Fargo Daily
News," and on coming to Gait in 1920 he purchased
the "Gait Herald" from WiMiam Botzbach; and he has
built up a splendid weekly paper with a subscription
list of 1,150, and steadily growling. Mr. Wing has
been selected by the California Transit Company as
manager of the stage depot, which through his efforts
has been moved from its location on the highway to
the Sawyer b'ock in the business district of Gait.
Progressive and public-spirited, Mr. Wing organized
and conducted the Gait "Booster" trip in 1921 and
had twenty-five automobile loads of people who trav-
eled over Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties, ad-
vertising the advantages that Gait has to offer; in
1922 forty car loads made the trip and much interest
was evinced by the local people in this excellent
publicity. Mr. Wing also started the movement
through the columns of his paper that eventually
defeated the late county charter. He organized and
conducted mass meetings in various parts of the
county, debating with the proponents of the charter,
and the sentiment against it grew until the final
election showed his efforts successful.
At Terre Haute, Ind., August 11, 1907, Mr. Wing
was married to Miss Emily S. Walter, born at Am-
herst, Ohio, the daughter of Waldemar Alexander
and Selma (Gundert) Walter. Her father, who was
a Presbyterian minister, is now deceased and her
mother makes her home at Ann Arbor, Mich. Mr.
Wing is president of the Gait Chamber of Com-
merce and he is giving his best efforts and time to
constructive measures that will make for the progress
of his adopted city.
HENRY FINNIGAN.— Another man of affairs in
Sacramento who has "done his bit" in helping to put
the city and the county of Sacramento in the front
rank in the industrial development of California, is
Henry Finnigan, of the enterprising firm of Herndon
& Finnigan, general contractors, whose headquarters
are at 1814 Seventeenth Street, Sacramento. He was
born in Nicolaus, Cal., on August 2, 1885, the son of
James and Annie (Carnej') Finnigan, the former a
sturdy pioneer of 1871, who in that year came out to
the young state and established himself as one of the
ablest plasterers here. He was called upon to plaster
most of the early business blocks. He passed away
in 1914, and the following year his devoted w-ife also
breathed her last.
After pursuing his studies in the grammar school
courses, Henry Finnigan learned the brick-mason's
trade, and for ten years worked for Mr. Herndon.
For a time Mr. Herndon was away, and Mr. Finni-
gan took over the business; but when Mr. Herndon
returned, the two men formed the partnership that
has since become widely know'n, and together under-
took general contracting. Some idea of their years of
activity and accomplishment may be gathered from,
the interesting life-storj' of Mr. Herndon, printed
elsewhere in this book. Mr. Finnigan is a Democrat,
and looks to the Democratic party to remedj', by wise
legislation, many of the ills in the industrial and com-
mercial world.
At San Francisco, on September 25, 1915, Mr. Fin-
nigan was married to Miss Dora E. Congdon, of
Sacramento, who was born in Brainard, Minn., but
was educated in Sacramento. Mr. Finnigan belongs
to Sacramento Lodge No. 6 of the Elks, and Sacra-
mento Parlor of the Native Sons, formerly having
been a charter member of Guadalupe Parlor, in San
Francisco. He is also a member of the Master
Builders' Association and the Builders' Exchange, in
the capital city. He is especially fond of hunting,
fishing and outdoor life in general, is public-spirited
to a large degree, and is very much interested in the
historv of his native state.
isyyinJAPC-
HISTORY OF SACRAMEXTO COUNTY
621
RAYMOND E. BRODER.— A California free-
liolder whose enviable position affords him an inesti-
mable and far-reaching influence, which he never fails
to exert for the public good, is Raymond E. Broder,
one of the representative citizeiis of Folsom City.
He is half-owner of the old Jacob Broder homestead
on the Natoma Yalle}' road to Coloma, about twent)--
six miles east of Sacramento City, where he was born
on December 2, 1895, the youngest child of Jacob
and Mary (Sludarus) Broder. The father was born
in Sargas, Switzerland, on February 22, 1833, and
died at Hayward on December 9, 1917. The mother
first saw the light in West Virginia on July 31,
J851, and ivas brought by her parents across the great
plains to California when she was a little girl
only two years old. She died on May 3, 1922, at Krull
Hospital, Sacramento, survived by seven children.
May, who was born on November 3, 1870, is now
Mrs. Quinn of Oakland; Frances, who entered the
familj' on October 31, 1873, is at home in San Jose,
where she is now Mrs. Hopkins; Joseph, who was
born on December 17, 1877, lives in San Francisco;
Irene is Mrs. Medau of San Lorenzo, and she was
born on September 3, 1880; Walter w'as born on June
7, 1883, and lives in Oakland; Edith, who was born
on September 20, 1885, is Mrs. Meininger, of Hay-
ward; and Raj'mond E. is the subject of our review.
A brother, Jacob, Jr., who was born on July 9, 1875,
was accidentalh' killed at the railroad crossing at
Folsom City on January 16, 1908.
The senior Jacob Broder followed to California
his brother, Oswald, who had come out here as a
gold hunter, in 1849, and had built one of the first
cabins at Mormon Island, in Sacramento County.
Later, disposing of this by sale, he bought land in
Natoma Valley, where, in 1864, he erected the first
house, since destroj-ed by fire. Jacob came into Cali-
fornia and started in a small way as a placer miner;
then he began to buy land, and he added to his origi-
nal purchase, from time to time, until his estate con-
sisted in part of 1,080 acres of choice farm area, in
what was know-n as Natoma Valley, together w-ith a
desirable ranch of 140 acres near Mills Station, at
the Kinney schoolhouse. His life was a very active
and busy one, and many stories were connected with
it. The Studarus family, on the other hand, arrived
in California in 1853, having crossed the great plains
with ox-teams, and for a few months they conducted
a public house at Mud Springs. Later, they settled
near Perkins, where they took up farming.
Mr. and Mrs. Broder reared their family at Na-
toma Valley, where Oswald Broder had one of the
earliest vinej'ards in the state and made choice Cali-
fornia wines which were sent to the mines and sold
at high prices; and the father, Jacob Broder, served
as a trustee of Mormon Island school, to which our
subject w-as sent, preparatory to his going to the
public school at Oakland. Up to 1908, Raymond had
not embarked upon farming; but the death of his
father in that year led him to take up the work
where the old gentleman had left off. Since then he
has made the ranch-house his home, caring for his
aged mother in her declining years until her death
May 3, 1922. The valuable estate has passed into his
hands and into his brother's, share and share alike.
Jacob, Jr., was for a short time a retail merchant of
meats at Folsom City, and had established his well-
appointed shop about a year and a half before his
death; he was a very likable young man, and had a
host of friends who mourned his passing.
In 1922, Mr. Broder began to develop an orchard,
of forty-five acres of pear-trees and vineyard. The
balance of the ranch is farmed to stock and grain
and hay. Irrigation is carried on in the orchard by
water leading from the Natoma ditch which trav-
erses tke ranch. The spacious home on the Broder
hill is remarkable from the fact that the stone-work
was laid over fort}' years ago, and recently, in 1917,
a complete remodeling of the interior has taken
place, making the home place a most comfortable
residence. Mr. Broder is popular in social and fra-
ternal circles, and is a live wire in the Natoma lodge
of Masons.
JOHN KAMMERER.— A man of splendid judg-
ment and keen business ability is John Kammerer,
successful rancher and viticulturist, a native of the
southern part of Russia, born near Neidorf in the
Odessa district, November 7, 1870. His grandfather
Jacob Kammerer was born in Wiirttemberg, Ger-
many, and was among the early settlers who came
from Germany and located at Neidorf. The father of
our subject was named Eberhardt and was a success-
ful farmer. He was married three times, the last
time to Margaret Long, who was John Kammerer's
mother. The father passed away in 1884 at the age
of seventy-eight, his widow surviving him until 1893.
He had a very large family, there being children born
of each marriage. The last union was blessed with
twelve children, seven of whom grew up, John being
the fifth from the oldest of these.
John Kammerer was reared on the farm and was
early set to work, learning habits of industry and fru-
gality, as was necessary in that country. When he
was fourteen }'ears of age, his father died; and after
that he worked out on farms until he was twenty-one
years of age, when he responded to the call to mili-
tary service and served in the army from 1891 to 1895.
During this time he was stationed at Bender and
learned the shoemaker's trade and also studied and
learned to read and speak the Russian language. He
became an expert rifleman, and during his service
made a record as a rifle shot for which he was given
a first medal as a prize for proficiency.
Soon after his discharge from military service, Mr.
Kammerer was married, on November 21, 1895, be-
ing united with Miss Eva Maria Lippert, who was
also a native of Russia, born August 24, 1874, a
daughter of Jacob and Christina (Schlipp) Lippert,
the former a cabinet-maker, who ran a furniture fac-
tory, where he continued in business until his death
in 1918, at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife
had preceded him many years before, dying at the
age of fortj'-seven years. They had a famih' of fif-
teen children, of whom Mrs. Kammerer is the sixth
in order of birth. She was educated in the public
schools in the vicinity of her home. After his mar-
riage, Mr. Kammerer followed his trade for some
time. He had become deeply interested in the Land
of the Stars and Stripes, however, on account of the
good reports that came to him through friends, as
well as through the newspapers; and wisliing to get
away from the oppression of Russian militarism, he
decided to cast in his lot with the LTnited States. So
in April, 1898, he arrived in North Dakota with his
wife and two children, having $300 in his possession
622
HlS'l'om- OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
after paying their passage. Soon afterwards, he
homcstcaded 160 acres in McLean County, which he
improved, fulfilling the requirements of the law, and
obtained title to the property. Later he added forty
acres of land to it; and this homestead he operated
until 1907, when he sold to come to California.
That year he had made a trip to the Pacific Coast to
look over the country, and liked it so well that^he was
satisfied to move. He brought with him $9,000 when
he located in Sacramento County, in 1907; and here
he purchased 168 acres two miles east of Franklin,
which he improved. He installed three different
pumping-plants, set out a fifty-four-acre vineyard, and
also engaged in dairying and raising alfalfa, success
crowning his efforts. In 1918 he purchased the old
William Bradford ranch near Bruceville, whither he
moved his family and where he now lives; while
his old ranch is now operated by his son David. On
the Bradford ranch he has 110 acres of vineyard in
full bearing, and all in shipping grapes, making a
very valuable property, to the operating of which he
gives all of his attention, the place being irrigated by
five pumping-plants. He is a member of the Elk
Grove Vineyard Association and the Florin Fruit
Growers' Association, and a stockholder of the King
Tire & Rubber Company in Oakland, and the Brad-
ford Telephone Line, of which he is a trustee.
Mr. and Mrs. Kammerer have had eleven children:
Mrs. Eva Waits, of Franklin; Mrs. Catherine Wei-
gum, of Victor; John, who is farming a part of Mr.
Kammerer's ranch; David, who is running the old
home place; Benjamin, assisting his father; Gotlieb.
attending high school; Rheinhold, deceased in in-
fancy; Theodore and Tobias, twins; and Edwin Gus-
taf and Fredrick, twins, the latter deceased.
On November 21, 1920, Mr. and Mrs. "Kammerer
celebrated their silver wedding at their residence,
when over 100 of their friends gathered to make the
evening pleasant. In 1922 Mr. Kammerer and his
wife made a trip to the Dakotas, and also throughout
the East, visiting the larger cities and various points
of interest.
Mr. and Mrs. Kammerer were one of the three
families that founded and built the Baptist Church
at Franklin, the other families being those of Fred
and Phillip Kammerer; and it is now a prosperous
and large congregation. Mr. John Kammerer was a
trustee of the church for many years, and the Sunday
school superintendent as well.
As soon as Mr. Kammerer had been in this country
the required time, he became a citizen of the United
States. He is very loyal to his adopted country,
and proud and happy in the thought that he had the
good fortune to cast in his lot with the land of sun-
shine and flowers. He and his estimable wife and
helpmate are enterprising and progressive, and give
of their time and means, as far as they are able, to
worthy objects that have for their aim the building
up of the community and the enhancing of the com-
fort and happiness of its people.
FRED FEIL. — The successful manager of the
Superior Feed Company, located on Stockton Boule-
vard is Fred Feil, wdio is also a part owner in this
thriving business. He was born in Adams County,
Illinois, August 9, 1881, a son of August and Agnes
(Bassett) Feil. Fred Feil received his education in
the grammar and high schools of his native county;
when he was fourteen years of age he had the mis-
fortune to lose his mother. He engaged in farming
and also learned the carpenter's trade.
While residing in Illinois, Mr. Feil was united in
marriage with Miss Eva Bliven, also a native of
Illinois, and they are the parents of six children:
Myrtle, Otis, Elvis, Katherine, Evan, and Loren.
In 190S Mr. Feil brought his family to California
and located in Sacramento; and five years ago he
became associated with the Superior Feed Company
and for the past three years has beeo the capable
manager as well as part owner of the company.
While Mr. Feil believes in the principles of the
Republican party, he' does not restrict his vote, but
supports the candidate best suited to perform the
duties of the office which he seeks.
PETER L. OLSON. — Peculiar interest always at-
taches to the life-history of the American of foreign
birth who, identifying himself with his adopted coun-
try, loyally takes up arms in defence of its institu-
tions. Such is the life-history of Peter L. Olson, a
Spanish-American War veteran, who for years served
his country in camp and field. He is a native son of
Sweden, born in the city of Helsingborg, on August
1, 1872. His father was a well-known Swedish con-
tractor and builder. Both parents passed away in the
old country and were laid away to rest in a quiet,
favorite spot. Peter L. Olson was the oldest of their
nine children. He was reared in his native city in
Sweden, and there attended the excellent schools
for which that country is noted. In May, 1888, he
emigrated to America and located at Manchester,
Iowa. Although educated in the schools of Sweden,
he here attended the public day schools at Delaware,
Iowa, the evening schools in Dubuque, Iowa, and
later the army school in Augusta, Ga. He came to
have a great love for the land of the Stars and Stripes,
and in 1894 he became an American citizen. For
several years he was employed at railroading in Min-
nesota and Illinois. In 1897 he enlisted in the United
States Army, in the Hospital Corps, being stationed at
Augusta, Ga., and also served in Cuba. At the end
of three years he was honorably discharged at Au-
gusta, and the same day he reenlisted in the same
corps. He was sent on the hospital ship "Relief"
through the Mediterranean Sea and Suez Canal to
Manila, P. I., where he took part in subduing the
Filipino insurrection. Afterwards he served on
transports between Manila and United States ports,
making nine trips across the Pacific, and one round
trip from Manila to New York. He also served on
the "Relief" on its trip to Taku, China, at the time of
the Boxer War, in 1900. On being returned to the
United States he landed at San Francisco and was
sent to Fort Snelling and later to Fort Keogh, Mont.;
and while there his second enlistment expired. On
being mustered out he immediately reenlisted and
obtained a furlough of four months, with permission
to go beyond the seas. He made a trip to his old
home in Sweden, where he spent a pleasant time
visiting his relatives and friends, and on his return
he again reported for duty. He had been given per-
mission to report to any post in New York harbor.
Thus it came to pass that he reported for duty at
Governor's Island, and later he was stationed for
eight months at the Statue of Liberty, a very instruc-
tive and agreeable experience. Thence he was trans-
ferred to Fisher's Island, where he served the balance
of his third enlistment, being mustered out on Feb-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
625
ruary 12. 1905. During his eight years of service in
the United States Army he had traveled much and
circumnavigated the globe twice, gaining useful expe-
rience and imbibing much general knowledge which
has since served him in good stead. He served as
a non-commissioned officer, and also studied at the
government school for nurses and pharmacists.
On settling down to civil life, Mr. Olson was mar-
ried in New York City, in 1905, to Miss Signe G.
Johnson, of that city. She was a womanly woman,
and their union has proved a happy one; and their
home at 3158 C Street is the scene of cordial hospi-
tality. After his marriage, Mr. Olson immediately
took up his residence in Sacramento. He was for
one year in the employ of the Southern Pacific Rail-
road shops, and then for a period of six years was in
the freight depot of the same company. He then
entered the employ of the city of Sacramento in the
cemetery- department, and there continued efficiently
until 1920, when he resigned to accept his present
position as superintendent of the Masonic Lawn Cem-
etery, which had then just been started. Mr. Olson
has since planted the trees and shrubbery, and com-
pleted the many improvements that make the Ma-
sonic Lawn Cemetery one of the most beautiful cem-
eteries in the capital city, and one in which the citi-
zens, as well as himself, take much pride.
Mr. Olson was made a Mason in Tehama Lodge
No. 3, F. & A. M., Sacramento; and he is also a Scot-
tish Rite Mason. He is a past commander of J. Hol-
land Laidler Camp No. 5, United Spanish War Veter-
ans; while Mrs. Olson is a member of Cynthia Moore
Auxiliary, the United Spanish War Veterans, as well
as of the Eastern Star. Both are members of Zion
Lutheran Church in Sacramento, of which Mr. Olson
is secretary and trustee. Mr. Olson has been a close
observer and is well-read and well-posted; and it is
a pleasure to visit and converse with him and his
interesting wife.
JOSEPH BUSHART.— A pioneer of the Carmi-
chael district, Joseph Bushart has probably done more
development work here than any other of its resi-
dents, as he was the first member of this colony to
purchase land and settle here, in 1910. A native of
Germany, he was born in Wiirttemberg, March 24,
1857. He received a good education in the public
schools and then entered the lumber camps of his
native country as a mill hand, continuing until he
was twenty-one, when he entered the German army.
After three years he was given his honorable dis-
charge, and he immediately set out for the United
States, arriving in New York in April, 1881.
Here Mr. Bushart went to work for the packing-
house of D. J. Keefe, and two years later was put in
complete charge of the pickling and curing depart-
ment of the large Brooklyn plant of this concern.
He remained with them for twenty-five years, becom-
ing one of their most capable and trustworthy em-
ployees, and seeing the capacity of the plant more
than doubled. When the plant was acquired by
Swift & Company, Mr. Bushart remained with them
for five years longer, and it was with a marked de-
gree of reluctance that his resignation was accepted
when he decided to take up his residence in Cali-
fornia. On arriving here he purchased land in the
Carmichael district and immediately set to work to
develop it to orchard. He not only has been an eye-
witness to the transformation of this region, formerly
a wild pasture and stubble-field, but has done much
contract development work for others in setting out
orchards, and now after eight or ten years they arc
ready to locate on their properties, which in the
meantime have been given such excellent care by
Mr. Bushart.
In New York, in 1891. Mr. Bushart was married
to Miss Bertha Strickland, also a native of Germany,
who became acquainted with her future husband
while on a visit to her sister in New York. One
daughter was born to them, Augusta, who married
E. W. Jones; her husband passed away in July, 1921,
survived by five children: Beberle, Robert, Wendell,
Hazel and Alma. Mrs. Bushart passed away in 1913
at their home at Carmichael, and her loss was deeply
felt by her family and the whole community. Mr.
Bushart received his United States citizenship papers
in New York in 1891, and has ever since been a
stanch citizen of his adopted country. He has for
many years been a member of the Ancient Order of
United Workmen.
HARRY DEWEY.— Many Hfe histories prove the
fact it is under the pressure of necessity and the
stimulus of adversity that the best and strongest in
the individual are brought out and developed. The
truth of this statement is forcibly illustrated in the
career ot Harry Dewey, whose early life was one of
hardship and privation, but whose indomitable pur-
pose and untiring effort have enabled him to rise
superior to circumstances and take his place with the
successful orchardists of Sacramento County.
Mr. Dewey is one of California's native sons. He
was born in Grass Valley, Nevada County, August
6, 1864, and at a very early age was left alone in the
world, both parents passing away in the sixties. He
was the eldest of three sons, and his early childhood
was spent in the Protestant Orphans' Home at Sac-
ramento. When a mere lad he was taken from that
institution by a pioneer rancher of Placer County,
who compelled him to perform tasks far beyond his
strength; and in consequence his boyhood was a per-
iod of hard and unremitting labor, devoid of every
pleasure and pastime of youth. In such an environ-
ment he grew to manhood, and subsequently he
v\-orked at odd jobs in various parts of the county,
accepting any employment that would afford him an
honest livelihood. He carefully saved his earnings
and at length acquired a capital suiificient to enable
him to embark in business on his own account. In
1889 he went to Rocklin, Placer County, where he
secured work in the quarries, but abandoned that
position as he was unwilling to join the union which
was then being formed, for he has never been in
sympathy with the methods of organized labor.
In 1889 Mr. Dewey returned to Sacramento County
and located on the Heintz farm, which he operated
in partnership with Jacob Heintz until the latter's
death in 1896. After Mr. Heintz's death he was as-
sociated in business with Mrs. Heintz until 1901.
when he took over her interest in the ranch. For
some years previous to the death of Mr. Heintz, Mr.
Dewey engaged in farming on the San Juan grant,
cultivating at times as many as 4,000 acres, on which
they grew large quantities of wheat, barley and hay;
and they also operated extensively on the Haggin
grant, contributing in notable measure to the agri-
626
lllS'roR^■ OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
cultural dcvc-lopuK'nt ot this region. He always has
preferred the American type of worker, and was ever
just, considerate and tactful in the treatment of his
employes, who remained w-ith him from season to
season. Since the advent of land-colonization pro-
jects, the men who formerly operated large tracts of
arid land have gradually withdrawn from this field,
and of ll-.e 38S-acrc farm which Mr. Dewey originally
owned he now has about 180 acres, having sold some
200 acres. This tract is now known as Citrus
Heights No. 1, and seven ranches have been de-
veloped by irrigation and the planting of fruit trees.
Mr. Dewey's ranch, Oaklavvn, is situated twelve miles
northeast of Sacramento, in the San Juan belt. In
1912 he began his development work, setting out
twenty-five acres to almond trees. By subsequent
plantings he now has eighty acres under almond cul-
ture, and in blossom time his trees are a beautiful
sight, giving promise of bountiful harvests. The
marketing problem has been a difficult one for every
grower, and since 1910 Mr. Dewey has given much
time and thought to its solution. He has an expert
knowledge of his occupation, and since 1917 has been
a director of the Fair Oaks and Orangevale Almond
Association. He is now serving for the third term
as president of the organization, w'hich is connected
with the State Exchange and is now operating a
newly completed modern plant at Fair Oaks. He
reads broadly and thinks deeply, and is well-informed
on the subject of the cooperative marketing of farm
liroduce.
Mr. Dewe3' has made business but one phase of his
life, and his influence has been a dominant force in
community progress and upbuilding. He is a stanch
and sympathetic friend of children, whose welfare
is close to his heart; and he has worked untiringly
to promote educational standards and facilities. He
has served as school trustee, and it was largely owing
to his efforts that the San Juan High School was
erected on the site most advantageous to all in the
district. His political support is given to the Republi-
can party, and at various times he has served on the
county grand jury. He is prominent in local fraternal
circles, being a charter member and past president
of Roseville Aerie, No. 1582, of the Order of Eagles,
and also an Elk and an Odd Fellow, belonging to
Lodge No. 6 in the former organization and to Capi-
tal Lodge No. 87, in the latter. He is intensely loyal
and patriotic, and at the time of the war against Ger-
many gave liberally of his time and means to further
the interests of his country.
In 1888 Mr. Dewey married Miss Bertha Heintz,
a daughter of the late Jacob Heintz, and to her help-
ful cooperation, advice and sympathy he attributes
much of his success. Four children blessed their
union, but Letha L., the first-born, died in infancy.
Harold J., the second in the family, married Miss
Gladys Coppin, of Pleasant Grove, Sutter County,
Cal., and they have a daughter, Esther Jane. In
June, 1918. during the progress of the World War,
he enlisted in the United States Army, joining Bat-
tery G, Second Heavy Artillery, and was honorably
discharged at Fort McArthur, Los Angeles, on De-
cember 14, of that year. He is identified with Capi-
tal Lodge No. 87, I. O. O. F., and acts as manager of
the orchard ranch at Oaklawn, having charge of the
planting of new almond trees. Alta W., the next in
order of birth, also resides at home. Joseph H, en-
listed for military service in 1918 and w-as sent to the
officers' training school at Camp Fremont. He is
now a salesman for a wholesale house in Sacramento.
Mr. Dewey is modest and unassuming in manner,
but public-spirited and progressive in thought and
action. He has constructed his own success and the
most envious could not grudge him his prosperity,
so worthily has it been won, and so well used.
GRANT FRANKLIN GILLENWATER.— That
many of the notable industrial establishments in Sacra-
mento prosper in part because of the expert super-
vision given them, is suggested by the prosperity of
the Sacramento Welding & Machine Works, at 1406
J Street, whose proprietor is Grant Franklin Gillen-
water, a gentleman now w-ell-known in the capital city.
He was born in historic old Placerville, Eldorado
County, on February 9, 1865, the son of Thomas and
Mary (Craig) Gillenwater, of an old Southern family
descended from Scotch and English forebears, the
former a pioneer who came over the great plains in
the famous Argonaut year of 1849, and on arriving
here went to work in the mines. He was a carpenter
by trade, and as such he was in constant demand in
the early settler days. He died, however, when his
son Grant was a child; and his good wife, whom he
had married in Tennessee, is also with him in the
Silent Land.
Grant Franklin Gillenwater went back East with
his mother to Indiana, and there attended the public
schools. The death of his parents when he was a small
boy necessitated his early entry into the hard school
of experience, and on starting out to make his own
way he first worked for three years in a furniture fac-
tory. Then he farmed in the East until he was six-
teen years of age, when, in 1881, he returned to Cali-
fornia, his native state. Arriving in California, he
worked on a farm for a while at College City, Colusa
County; and then for eight years he was with the
Southern Pacific Railroad Company, running out of
Sacramento, and became a conductor. After that he
went north to Oregon, and for eighteen months was
with the Oregon Railw'ay & Navigation Company, in
the train service. He next bought a transfer business
in Sacramento, and conducted that for twelve years.
During this time he was also engaged in ranching.
His farm was located on J and Fifty-third Streets, and
he eventually sold it at a good profit. His success was
such that he was able, in 1912, to establish his present
business of welding and machine work, in which he
is assisted by his son, Niles Franklin, who is an ex-
pert machinist. They employ eight men, and it is ap-
parently only a question of time when they will be
compelled to enlarge their staff. The business is con-
ducted under the firm name of the Sacramento Weld-
ing & Machine Works.
In Anderson, on March 9, 1886, Mr. Gillenwater
married Miss Nellie Palmer, a popular belle of Pilot
Hill, Eldorado County, but born at Coloma, Cal. One
son, Niles Franklin, already mentioned, is associated
with his father in business. Mr. Gillenwater is a Mas-
ter Mason, and he also belongs to the Odd Fellows,
in which order he is a past grand. He is public-
spirited, and has served acceptably as a school trustee.
x/^~^(^^..^^..^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
631
JOHN B. DUFFY.— A successful vineyardist of
Gait whose younger days were spent in Texas riding
the range, where he had many interesting experiences
in that free, outdoor life, is John B. Duffy, who was
born in Cabell County, W. Va., September 21, 1858,
the son of Patrick and Martha (Wade) Duffy, the
father a native of County Galway, Ireland, while the
mother was born in Lynchburg, Va., and reared in
Virginia. They were the parents of seven children:
Mary, deceased; John B. of this sketch; Ellen, Anna
and Dora, deceased; William lives in Texas; Mar-
garet Olive lives at Cincinnati, Ohio. The mother
passed away at the age of thirty-six and in 1860 the
father removed to Bath County, Ky., where he fol-
lowed his work as a stone mason and macadamized
road builder, and lived to be seventy-eight years old.
John B. Duffy was reared at Bethel, Ky., and when
he was nineteen he went to Texas and started out
for himself. He became a rider on the catt'e range
and helped drive the first cattle north into the Pan-
handle of Texas in 1898. Mr. Duffy made his home
at Sherman, Texas, during the greater part of his
cowboy life, residing tliere from 1877 to 1889. Com-
ing to Gait he became interested in the orchard and
fruit business and since then he has developed three
places. The first was a six-acre place on Frank
Street, and after he disposed of this he improved a
place of seven and a half acres near Gait. His pres-
ent holdings consist of seventeen acres one mile
southeast of Gait, and this he has partly set to vine-
yard and has completed a new residence there, with
many other improvements.
At Sherman, Texas, August 22, 1880. Mr. Duffy
was married to Miss Anna Brown and three chil-
dren were born to them, Ray, Rub}' and Don. On
January 24, 1921, his second marriage occurred at
Sacramento, when he was united with Mrs. Emma
(Covell) Taylor; she is a native of Michigan, but
came here with her parents when about fifteen years
old, her father engaging in farming near Santa Cruz
and Redding. By her first marriage she is the mother
of two children, C. W. Taylor and Mrs. Frona Smith
of Boise, Idaho. During the World War the former
entered the R. O. T. C at Coos Bay, Ore., and was
sent to the University of Oregon for training; he
was later transferred to the R. O. T. C. at Camp Pike,
Ark., and here he received his discharge in Decem-
ber, 1918. Mr. Duffy is a Democrat in politics and
in fraternal life is a member of the Knights of Py-
thias, being past chancellor of the Gait Lodge; he is
a charter member of the local Grange and was one
of its officers during its organization. At the time
the United States entered the World War, on the
14th day of April, 1917, Mr. Duffy was a mem-
ber of the 1st Regiment, National Guard of Ari-
zona, and on July 1, 1917, this regiment was mus-
tered into the Federal forces as the lS8th Infantry,
40th Division, and he was sent to Naco, Ariz., for
border patrol work immediately upon enlistment. In
November they were transferred to Camp Kearney
for overseas training and on November 25, 1917, Mr.
Duffy received his discharge there, not being eligible
for overseas service on account of his age; he was a
member of the supply company and was a wagoner.
He is a member of Smith-Lippi Post of the American
Legion at Gait and is its chap'ain and historian.
HOWARD D. KERCHEVAL.— An orchardist
whose scientific, progressive efforts, and eminently in-
teresting and satisfactory results, have contributed to
extend the fame of Sacramento County as the garden
spot of California, is Howard D. Kercheval, of Grand
Island, three miles to the south of Courtland, where
he was born on December 22, 1860, the son of Reuben
Kercheval, a native of Eaton, Ohio, born December 1,
1820, and his good wife, Margaret White Brodie.
The Kercheval family are traced to France, the fam-
ily' being Huguenots who, at the time of the revoca-
tion of the Edict of Nantes by Louis XIV, fled from
France, and coming to the New World, settled in Vir-
ginia. Members of the family became prominent in
colonial days and served in the Revolutionary War.
Afterwards members of the family drifted into Ken-
tucky and thence to Ohio, where, as stated, Reuben
Kercheval was born ; and there he was reared and
educated.
As a young man Reuben Kercheval came westward,
moving to Joliet, 111.; and on the discover}' of gold in
California, he hastened to the new Eldorado, cross-
ing the plains in 1849 in an ox-team train. He set out
to try his luck at mining, but did not like the experi-
ence and after two and a half hours quit the gold-
seeking game. He had an uncle, Armistead Runyon,
living on the Sacramento River in Sacramento Coun-
ty; so he came hither, and in January, 1850, he pur-
chased a place on Ryer Island, where he followed the
early dry farming. Meantime he had purchased 134
acres at the northeast point on Grand Island for his
brother, but this brother turned it back to him. He
also had 200 acres adjoining; so he sold his Ryer
Island place to Sol Runyon and moved onto his Grand
Island ranch in 1855, and this became his home dur-
ing the rest of his days. He built a residence and be-
gan improvements that eventually made the property
very valuable. In 1856 he set out an orchard of pears
that is still bearing and is probabh' the oldest on the
river. In 1857 he returned to Illinois and at Joliet
was married to Margaret White Brodie, a native of
Urbana, Ohio, of Scotch and English descent. Re-
turning to his California ranch with his bride, via the
Isthmus of Panama, he threw himself into the im-
provement of his property. Seeing the great need of
reclamation of the waste lands, he became one of the
pioneers in the great work of reclamation that has re-
sulted in the marvelous agricultural development on
the islands in recent years. He served in the assem-
bly of the state legislature during the session of 1873,
and voted for Gov. Newton Booth for LTuited States
senator. In 1877 he again served in the assembly, dis-
playing marked ability in obtaining needed legislation.
He was a Knight Templar and a thirty-second de-
gree Scottish Rite Mason. He passed away on May
5, 1881, aged sixty years, five months and four days;
while Mrs. Kercheval, who shared the esteem and
good-will accorded her industrious husband by all who
knew them, breathed her last on November 17, 1904,
at the age of seventy-one. Their family consisted of
six children, among whom Howard D. Kercheval was
the second in order of birth. James Louis, the eldest,
was born in 1858, and died on March 25, 1923, at Wal-
nut Grove. Edward H. S. Kercheval followed How-
ard, in 1863; he was drowned when six years of age.
Mary Josephine was born in 1865, married W. H.
Metson, and died in 1911. Hartley, born in 1868, and
Gholdsen, born in 1875, are also deceased.
Howard Kercheval attended the Onisbo district
school. When a young man, he took up stcamboating.
632
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
entering the service of the Cahfornia Transportation
Company on the Sacramento River, and remaining
with that enterprising concern for ten years. He then
returned to the home place and engaged in farming;
and he has Hved there since, owning today 200 acres
of the Grand Island Rancho, where his father settled,
which is devoted to the raising of pears, plums and
peaches. He is at present manager and secretary of
the Delta Telephone Company, which was started in
a small way after a meeting among neighbors, and
which now has some 500 subscribers. The patrons
arc residents of the entire Sacramento River Delta
section, from Sacramento to Rio Vista, and the ap-
praisement of the company is now about $250,000 — a
neat sum which speaks for itself in praise of Mr.
Kercheval's management. In matters of national po-
litical import, Mr. Kercheval is a stanch Republican.
At Sacramento, in July, 1882, Mr. Kercheval was
married to Martha Barkley, a native of Newark, N. J..
and the daughter of John and Sarah (Merwin) Bark-
ley, who came to California in 1858, by way of the
Isthmus of Panama. John Barkley was connected
with the hardware firm of Massol-Merwin of Sacra-
mento for many years; he died on the Kercheval ranch
in 1891, following his affectionate wife to the grave
six years after her demise. They had three children,
Minnie, Henry, and Martha. Four children blessed
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kercheval: Reuben, Elbert.
Howard G., and Helen Eugenie. Reuben married
Miss Dell Banta, and the}' have one daughter. Elbert
married Miss Elizabeth Finnie, and they have one
child, Joan. Howard married Juanita Lauppe, and
they are the parents of two children: John Howard
and Robert. Helen Eugenie is now Mrs. Wallace, of
San Francisco.
Mr. Kercheval is past master of Franklin Lodge
No. 143, F. & A. M., at Courtland, and is a member
of Sacramento Chapter No. 3, R. A. M.; Sacramento
Commandery No. 2, K. T.; and Islam Temple, Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, in San Francisco; and he is also
a member of Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks,
and belongs to the Native Sons of the Golden West
of Courtland.
GEORGE C. NEED.— A large landowner and
prosperous dairyman of the Gait district is George
C. Need, who has spent all his life in his native
county. He was born on July 2, 1873, on the Need
ranch northwest of Gait, his parents being George
and Sarah (Eiler) Need. The father came with his
parents from his birthplace in Bavaria, Germany, to
the United States when only four years old. They
settled in Indiana; and there Mr. Need engaged in
grain- and stock-raising before coming to California,
where he became one of Sacramento County's influ-
ential ranchers.
George C. Need attended the Grant district school
in his boyhood and remained on the old home place
until his marriage in December, 1912, to Miss Agnes
Wegat, the daughter of August and Mary Wegat,
who are represented on another page of this history.
In 1914, 474 acres of the home place was set aside
for Mr. Need and here he erected a comfortable
home and farm buildings and made other improve-
ments and it has since been the family home. Here
he is extensively engaged in raising stock, having an
average of 100 head of feeding stock, and he also has
a fine dairy herd of eighty cows. Mr. Need also has
an interest in the Need estate, which comprises some
2,000 acres of land north and west of Gait. Mr.
and Mrs. Need are the parents of two sons, George
Henry and Lloyd James.
JOHN WESLEY McCUISTION.— A hustling
Californian of varied enterprise, who did much to
place Sacramento on the map, was John Wesley
McCuistion. for years the proprietor of the Original
California Emploj'ment Agency. He was born at
Georgetown, in Williamson County, Texas, on August
11, 1851, the son of Noah and Nancy T. (Merguson)
McCuistion, worthy pioneers who braved all the in-
conveniences and dangers of frontier life and came out
to California in 1852. They left Texas on March 14,
but had the misfortune to miss the caravan they ex-
pected to accompany through Mexico, and so were
among 150 people to charter a sailing vessel. On the
way up, they were becalmed, and their water and
provisions ran low, but they met some fishing-boats
and got relief. Some of the party got out to walk,
and beat the boat into San Diego. Again the boat
ran out of provisions, but the party finally reached
San Francisco, on August 18, 1852.
Noah McCuistion and his good wife went into the
mines in Mariposa County, and for two 3'ears he fol-
lowed mining in various places. He then went to
Oakland and became a buyer of stock for Messrs. Mil-
ler & Lux. Selling out his place in Oakland, he next
went to Martinez, in Contra Costa County; and in
1857 he came into Sonoma County. The year 1859
found him in Mendocino County with a large number
of cattle, and there he stayed until the Civil War. In
1861-1862, he was at Tulare, and after that he went to
El Monte, near Los Angeles; but he soon had to go to
Lower California to get 10,000 head of cattle, and re-
turned to Mendocino Counts' in 1863. There he was
disturbed by the Indians, but was rescued by the sol-
diers. Getting back to Los Angeles, he bought the
block of land between Broadway and Hill, and Fifth
and Sixth Streets, and located on 160 acres of land at
Hollywood, becoming one of the first settlers there.
Members of the McCuistion family were prominent in
the various walks of life; among them was Edward
McCuistion, who for many years served as mayor of
Paris, Texas.
John Wesley McCuistion acquired his education
largely in a log schoolhouse and in the school of
actual experience. When a youth he learned the
printer's trade. Instead of working at his trade, how-
ever, he peddled jewelry in Lower California, and
with the money thus earned he bought thirty-five
acres near Downey, after which he hauled freight to
San Bernardino. Selling out, he came to Kernville,
and next went to Sierra Gorda, where he was in the
smelting works for eighteen months. His next move
was to Columbus, Nev., and then to Reno; and after
that he went east to Cheyenne, W\'0., where he was
a scout for the government, remaining in the govern-
ment service for six years. In 1875, he went to the
Black Hills and established the town of Custer; and
he freighted in and out of that country', returning to
California in 1877. At Sacramento, he joined William
Lind; and then he came to San Francisco. He did
not stay there long, but went into Mendocino County
and located land, which he later sold. He then
crossed the border again to Nevada, and farmed there
for two years. Later he came to Los Angeles, and
then went to New Mexico, where he remained until
1882. He went to Chloride and there engaged in busi-
M'-^^^-^^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
635
ness, and then to Grant County, N. M., driving the
first wagon into that place; and he took up a town-
site and was made postmaster. He also engaged in
mining, and sold the Percha Chief Mine for $36,000.
He then went to Kingston and was postmaster there;
and after that he was at Hot Springs, Ark. For six
years he engaged in the cattle business in Colorado;
and next he went to Billings, Mont., where he re-
mained for two years. He bought land in Orange
County, Cal., and organized the school district and
built a schoolhouse at Talbert. For a year and a half,
he sold and bought land at Corona. Disposing of this,
he established an employment agency in Los Angeles,
and then went to Santa Cruz, where for five years he
continued in the business, until 1907, when he came to
Sacramento and established the business here. He
called it the California Employment Agency, and later
on changed the name to the Original California Em-
ployment Agency. In the business he was ably as-
sisted by his wife, who kept his books, made the re-
ports, and aided him in every way she could. His
offices were in the close vicinity of Second and J
Streets, for fifteen years.
In Woodland, in 1912, Mr. McCuistion married
Mrs. Margaret T. Averell, a native of Philadelphia,
Pa., and the widow of Isaac Seymour Averell, of New
York, who. was with the Southern Pacific Railroad
Company until his death, which occurred in San Fran-
cisco. Mr. and Mrs. Averell's union was blessed
with a son, Edward, who is connected with the
United States Shipping Board in San Francisco. He
is married and has three sons: Edward A., J. Vincent,
and Harrison Tate. Mr. McCuistion had a daughter
Teresa, now Mrs. Edgar Cox of Los Angeles, who has
a daughter Yvonne. Mrs. McCuistion is a cultured
and refined woman of a pleasing personality, and
presides gracefully over her home, located at 2931 S
Street, Sacramento, the scene of much hospitality and
good cheer.
On October 28, 1922, since the interview from
which this sketch was prepared, Mr. McCuistion
passed away, mourned by his family and many
friends. He was one of the best-known men in the
county, being known and loved by rich and poor alike.
He was especially loved and esteemed b}' the children,
who all called him "Uncle John," and to others
throughout the county he was known as "Honest
John." In politics, Mr. McCuistion was a Democrat.
Of good pioneer stock, he' was much interested in the
county's historic past, and had full confidence in its
promising future. He belonged to the Fraternal Bro-
therhood, and the Sacramento Pioneers, in whose
circles he enjoyed an enviable popularity.
MRS. LIDA SPARKS BOWMAN WARD.—
Nothing is more typical of the present generation
than the place that women have taken in civic and
political life, thus contributing a new and valuable
viewpoint to the real democracy of government.
Well qualified for the office of justice of the peace
of Gait which she is now holding, Mrs. Lida Sparks
Bowman Ward has thoroughly demonstrated her
especial fitness for her task by the fair and impartial
justice she dispenses. She is the daughter of Merritt
A. and Mary (Driscol) Sparks, old-time residents of
Gait, the father coming to California in 187S. He
was born in Crawford County, Pa., the son of Mer-
ritt S. and Angelina (Kettle) Sparks, both natives of
New York. When he was nine months old the family
moved to Clay County, Ind., and here and at Bowl-
ing Green he received his education and learned the
carriage maker's trade, which he followed in Cincin-
nati, Ohio, St. Louis, Mo., Peoria, 111., and Craw-
fordsville, Ind. In 1875 he came to California and
lor a time was at Sacramento, then went to Dutch
Flat, where he followed his trade for a year and a
half. In 1878 he came to Gait and for twelve years
worked along the line of his trade, but is now retired
from active business.
Reared and educated at Gait. Lida Sparks was mar-
ried on February 5, 1903, to William W. Bowman,
who was born at Downey, Los Angeles County,
where he was reared by his grandparents, his father
and mother having died in his childhood. For the
past ten years Mrs. Bowman has been agent for the
Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company at Gait.
Prominent in the social and civic life of the com-
munity, she is a member of the Rebekah Lodge and
is president of the Women's Civic Improvement
Club, to which position she was duly reelected. She
is now serving her second term as justice of the
peace of Lee Township most capably and to the en-
tire satisfaction of her constituency. She is the
mother of two children, Grace Florence and William
Aierritt.
Grace Florence was married March IS, 1923,
to Mr. Frank E'mer Anderson of Gait. Mrs. Bow-
man was married a second time April 26, 1923, to
Mr. La Fayette Ward, prominent rancher and dairy-
man in the Dry Creek district in San Joaquin County.
WALTER C. ANDERSON.— Having spent his
entire business career in banking circles, Walter C.
Anderson is especially well fitted for the responsible
post he occupies as president of the Bank of Gait
and stands high in financial circles in Sacramento
County. Mr. Anderson is a native of Nebraska and
was born at Aurora, Hamilton County, March 14,
1888, the son of Charles and Christina (Carlson)
Anderson, both natives of Sweden, the former born
at Stockholm, while the mother was born in Skor-
bosland. The parents came to the LTnited States
when j'oung people and settled near Aurora, Nebr.,
where the father engaged in farming on a half-sec-
tion of land; he lived to be seventy-three years old.
Mrs. Anderson survives him, and now resides at the
home at Aurora, Nebr.
One of a family of six children, three of whom are
now living, Walter C. Anderson attended the public
school near Aurora and later a commercial college
at Aurora. At the age of nineteen he started out
on his business career as a clerk in the Aurora Bank
and later went to Chicago, where he was with the
Continental & Commercial Bank, one of that city's
largest financial institutions, where he gained an ex-
cellent experience. From there he went to the Sheri-
dan Trust & Savings Bank of that city, and after
spending some time with them came out to the
Coast, where he became assistant cashier of the
First National Bank of Camas, Wash. Subsequently
he was offered the post of cashier of the bank at
Aumsville, Ore., remaining there until he came to
California, locating at Glendale, Los Angeles County,
where he was cashier of the First National Bank of
Glendale. In 1920 he came to Gait and soon became
president of the Bank of Gait, and through his splen-
did executive ability and years of experience, this
institution has taken a leading place among the
banks of this district.
636
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
On l-'cbriiary 11, 1913, at Chicago, Mr. Anderson
was married to Miss Minnie B. Clarke, a native of
Portland, Maine, who was reared and educated in
Chicago, where her parents, Albert E. and Belle
Clarke made their home. The mother died in Los
.Vngelcs, in 1917, while the fatlier, a professional
musician, is the leader of the Clarke Sacramento
Band and lives in Sacramento, able and active at
sixty-four. A Republican in politics, Mr. Anderson
is prominent in Masonic circles in Gait and belongs
to the Elks of Stockton.
CHARLES H. HANNUM.— A proficient federal
officer whose efficiency, together with his affability,
has made him very popular, is Charles H. Hannum,
now in charge of the Lhiited States Immigration Bu-
reau at Sacramento. A native son, he was born in
Yolo County, California, on February 11, 1860, the
son of W. W. Hannum, a sturdy pioneer and a na-
tive of Tennessee, now deceased, who had crossed
the great plains to the Golden State in 1850. He
mined in Placer County, and was the first deputy
sheriff there. Later, he engaged in farming and the
raising of cattle, in Yolo County, where our subject
very naturally first went to school. After a while,
growing older, he attended the old Christian College,
at College City.
Lip to the age of twenty, Charles Hannum was on
his father's ranch in Yolo County, eight miles north-
west of Woodland, and in 1880 he located in Wash-
ington Territory, now the state of Washington. He
engaged in cattle-raising and grain-farming, in Lin-
coln County, remaining there until 1894, when he
took an active part in politics and served in two
offices, first as clerk of Lincoln County, and sec-
ondly as county surveyor in the same shire. From
1894 to 1900, he was attached to the engineering
corps of the Great Northern Railroad, and from 1900
to 1903 he was clerk in the Seattle post office. In
October, 1903, Mr. Hannum became an inspector in
the United States Immigration Service at Sumas,
Wash., and in Januar}', 1913, he was appointed in-
spector in charge of the Sacramento office. This
appointment was made when the office was first
established there, and it fell to Mr. Hannum's lot
to throw open the door to the public, and ever since
then he has been continuously in charge. Lip to
January 1, 1922, the territory assigned him included
the district north of San Francisco Bav, and all the
state of Nevada; and he has handled many cases for
the government, requiring him to travel thousands
of miles. Some 4,161 investigations were made dur-
ing the past ten years, and eighty-three deportations
of insane and criminals. Mr. Hannum is interested
as a stockholder, director, and otherwise in the Gold
League placer mines in Nevada County.
Mr. Hannum is married to Miss Sarah C. Ludy,
the ceremony taking place at Moscow, Idaho; and
their union has been a happy one, Mrs. Hannum,
who crossed the great plains in 1864 with her par-
ents, proving the right kind of helpmate in such a
country in the making. Four daughters have come
tp bless their hearth. One is Mrs. Elma Young, of
San Francisco; another, Mrs. Vesta Bartoo, of Su-
mas, Washington; and the others are Mrs. Sadie
Grant and Mrs. Elsie Grant, of Sacramento. Mr
Hannum is a Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of
Lodge No. 40, F. & A. M. He also belongs to the Fra-
ternal Brotherhood, and the Atodcrn Woodmen.
N. N. S. MATCOVICH.— An experienced hotel-
man who has made his hostelry one of the most
important headquarters for lodgers in Sacramento,
and has also rendered good service by opening a
first-class employment agency in connection with
the hotel, is N. N. S. Matcovich, the proprietor of
the St. George Hotel at the corner of Fourth and J
Streets, and also of the St. Nicholas Billiard Parlor
at 1116 Fourth Street, the largest ground-floor parlor
in the world, containing fiftj' tables. He was born
in Dalmatia, Jugo-Slavia, on March 12, 1884, the son
of N. N. S. and Lucy Matcovich, industrious folks
who made their way to America and Chicago, where
the good mother died.
Our subject attended the common schools in his
native land, and continued his English studies after
he came to the United States, when he was thirteen
years of age. He remained in Chicago until 1905,
, and then came West to California, stopping in San
Francisco, Oakland and Los Angeles; and he also
was interested in a large cafe in Sausalito.
In 1914, Mr. Matcovich came to Sacramento, and
on August of the following year he bought the old
St. George Hotel, formerly the Dawson House, built
in 1852, which was the center of all activities of the
prominent pioneers. This hotel has 340 light, airy,
clean rooms, with baths and showers, and makes a
specialty of catering to agricultural laborers; and in
connection with his hotel he has an office whose busi-
ness it is to find employment for those wishing work.
The rooms are offered at from 35 cents to $1.50
per night; and so successful has Mr. Matcovich been
with his practical enterprise, that he has constructed
the first unit of an entirely modern and up-to-date
structure which, when completed, will be of eight
stories, to cost $100,000, and to be known as the St.
Nicholas Hotel, located at 1116 Fourth Street, be-
tween K and L Streets. In connection with this
structure Mr. Matcovich conducts a billiard parlor,
known as the St. Nicholas Billiard Parlor, with fifty
tables on the ground floor. After making a thorough
investigation through various sources as to the num-
ber of billiard tables on the ground floor in any bil-
liard parlor of any city in the world, he found one
city with a parlor that had thirty-three tables, while
in his own parlor there are fifty tables on the
ground floor alone, which makes his place the largest
ground-fioor parlor in the world. He has installed, at
great expense, in the basement of his building, a mod-
ern gymnasium and training quarters for wrestlers
and boxers, with steam, Hamman tub and shower
baths, the latter open to the public. He has a very
large banquet room, capable of seating over 200 per-
sons, lounging and rest rooms, full and complete
kitchen equipment, barber shop and lunch counter;
in fact, every modern convenience is to be found
under the roof at 1116 Fourth Street. Mr. Matco-
vich spares no expense to make of his property one of
the most modern hotels and billiard parlors to be
found in Sacramento. In addition to these interests,
Mr. Matcovich is the owner of Estella No. 2, a pro-
ducing gold mine on Weaver Creek, near Weaver-
ville. Trinity County; and he owns the famous Pen-
nington Mineral Water Springs at Helisma, Cala-
veras County, This w-ater is a high-grade medicinal
water, and is bottled and shipped in car-lots to their
headquarters at 2319 Wentworth Avenue, Chicago,
where it is then distributed throughout the country.
(T^r"^
'*<iA-o-£Io^
•S,
yjytoJ^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUxNTV
639
He is also a car-lot distributor of California fruit and
produce, making a specialty of grape products; he
contracts direct with the growers, packing and ship-
ping his own products to the headquarters in Chi-
cago, where they are disposed of.
In 1910 Mr. Matcovich was married to Miss Flor-
ence Bigley, and she shares his social popularity in
the Jugo-Slav Sokol in Sacramento, an athletic asso-
ciation with 14.000,000 members scattered all over
the world in its different branches. He takes a lead-
ing part in all movements for the betterment of the
conditions of his fellow-countrymen, both in their
native land and in America, especially in California.
During the World War Mr. Matcovich did his "bit"
by aiding in the construction of the Mather Field
equipment. When the committee were unable to se-
cure laborers and carpenters to put the field in shape.
they came to Mr. Matcovich's employment agency
to secure men. He advertised in the Sacramento and
San Joaquin Valley papers and in four weeks had
800 men in Sacramento ready to work. This was
200 more than needed, and he shipped the surplus to
various parts of the Pacific Coast to other jobs. He
has always done his part to promote the best inter-
ests of Sacramento, and is held in high esteem by
all who know him.
PETER R. LYDING. — A widely known authority
on poultry of whom the poultry-fanciers and agri-
culturists generally in Sacramento County are justly
proud, is Peter R. Lyding, the clever inventor of the
Lyding System of handling poultry, including what
is known as the Lyding Building and a number of
patented devices. He was born in the seaport of
Faaborg, Denmark, on the Baltic, on May 27, 1865,
the second child and only son of Nils Ras-
mussen of Lyding Gaard and Karoline Hans-
datter, natives of the same place. He stud-
ied at night and made up for what he could
not get out of the schools by day, for when
he was seven years of age, he began to earn his liv-
ing. He left home at the age of fourteen, drifted
about and learned the brick and plasterer's trade,
serving three years of apprenticeship, and finally, at
the age of seventeen, made his way to America, ac-
companying an indulgent aunt. And in the spring
of 1882, he arrived at Webster City, Iowa. Single-
handed, he started out on the prairie, then sparsely
settled, with a company of young fellow-countrytnen,
to work on a hay-press, and he did so well from the
start, that in three years he was able to take con-
tracts for hay business on his own account. In the
meantime, spending his hard-earned savings as judi-
ciously as he could in the closed winter seasons, he
attended school at Blairsburg, Iowa, and he also took
_the necessary steps to become a citizen, attaining
that goal at Reno, Nev., in 1890, after five years in
Truckee and Reno, and that vicinity. While in a
lumber-camp at Truckee, in 1885. he suffered his first
severe illness, pneumonia, and he was just able to
get down to Reno, in May. Jobs were hard to get,
he had only $14, and was near the end of his rope,
and he was determined to get, if possible, steady
work.
Mr. Lyding started on foot out of Reno, on the
Reno road, applying at many farmhouses, until he
met a man in the field, who hired him, but only after
he had sold himself for thirty days on the basis that
if he did not prove the best workman ever hired on
Morton's ranch, he was to go without pay. This
proved a bonanza, for he gained Mr. Morton's confi-
dence, and the faith on either side was never broken.
Making his home at that ranch, Mr. Lyding began
in 1885 to contract for press work in the hay-fields,
and for several seasons made money. In 1888, he
entered the sheep- and wool-growing business, with
fine success, until the terrible winter of 1889-1890,
recalled by stockmen as the most severe in history
on the Pacific slope, when he lost all of his sheep
near Wadsworth, Nev., and the next spring and
summer the countryside was literally covered with
the bleaching bones of cattle and sheep. Worse than
that, he was himself brought close to death, trying
to save his flocks. However, after being half-frozen
from head to toe, Mr. Lyding was able to direct the
rescuing of the sheep of a friend, the only flock
saved in that region during 1889-1890. Having lost
everything, he returned to Reno, in 1891, and bought
back the hay-press. In the meantime, he plunged
into development work in Reno, first buying seven
lots without money, which were prior to this time
thought to be worthless, because of the huge bould-
ers. Blasting them in the close business section had
never been thought possible by engineers, but our
subject accomplished the feat, and despite great odds,
cleared the lots by covering the rocks so that the
debris could not fly, to the amazement of the Reno
onlookers. Thus, in a few months, he had accumu-
lated a competency out of what was regarded by
most people as a white elephant, and Mr. Lyding
put up a fine home in Reno upon part of the cleared
land. The hotel at Upper Pyrmont Lake, Nev., forty
miles away, was with great difficulty moved to Reno,
the corps of workmen from the hay-press lending a
helping hand. His prosperity was short-lived, for
all this valuable property went for securities a few
years later, when the mining industry into which he
put his entire faith, became insolvent.
In 1892, at Reno, Mr. Lyding married Miss Han-
nah Waller, a native of Sweden, who came out to
Illinois as a girl with her parents, and her younger
brother, P. A. Waller. He became a multimillion-
aire manufacturer of Kewanee, 111., and a prominent
figure in political circles, and in 1920 he was an un-
successful candidate on the Democratic platform for
United States senator from Illinois. Mr. Lyding en-
tered the employ of Governor Sparks as general su-
perintendent of the Alamo Hereford Farm, three
miles south of Reno, in 1893. There was a menage-
rie of buffalo, elk and other wild animals, and the
poultry farm embraced all varieties from fighting
cocks to Brahmas. Here Mr. Lj'ding did much
of his best work, at the same time that he had ample
opportunity for study and experiment. In 1896,
Sparks' fatted steer sold off the block at the Inter-
national Live Stock Show in Chicago, with a depre-
ciation of only twenty-nine per cent, a mark never
equaled up to that time.
In 1896, Mr. Lyding made up a party for a rush to
Alaska, and helped to chart the old brig "Novo" at
San Francisco, and arrived in the frozen North in the
early spring of 1897. He was joined by his devoted
wife in 1900, who accompanied him on many trips.
However, there he was again close to death's door,
to say nothing of his thrilling experiences, one of
which was finding a tribe of Indians who had never
640
IIISTOKV (-)F SACRAxMENTO COUNTY
licforc seen a white man. He figured in numerous
lucky adventures, but lost much of what he acquired
through the duplicity of the governor of that Cana-
dian province, the Klondyke.
Mr. and Mrs. Lyding returned to California and
Nevada, coming out of the frozen interior, over the
ice, on a memorable trip. They had to have their
baggage transported by mail, at fifty cents per
pound, and they paid $500 fare for each person, the
Canadian Development Company, that owned the
charter to carry United States mail from Dawson to
Skagway, taking the boodle. This trip required six
days of travel, with six nights, and there were only
six hours of stop along the way. The party had to
brave the perils of the ice, and the risk of losing all,
but they successfully made the hazardous trip.
In 1902, Mr. Lyding returned to Reno and bought
160 acres, and within the short period of five years,
he came away from Reno with a considerable for-
tune, thanks to Governor Sparks, who signed his
notes, and helped him to regain his competency. In
the hope of regaining his health, in 1906, he removed
to Sebastopol, in the Santa Rosa VaUey, and bought
a ranch adjoining that owned by Luther Burbank,
and he started in the poultry business. And in 1907,
he built the first Lyding chicken-house, in Sonoma
County, the result of years of close study of both the
hen and the poultry business. The deplorable con-
dition of the egg market in California and the West
at that time had greatly concerned him; and one of
the results was the organization of the Sonoma
County Fruit and Produce Company, in which he
served as a charter member and a director, evidence
of the awakening of the commercialized poultry-
raiser. In Sebastopol, in 1908, he was elected presi-
dent of the local exchange, and after rendering sev-
eral years of service there, he- received, on leaving,
a hall clock, with an engraved inscription of appre-
ciation. In 1913 Mr. Lyding again assisted in organ-
izing another poultry producers' association, this time
under the name of Sonoma Producers' Association,
with headquarters in Petaluma, which finally devel-
oped into the big poultry association of central Cali-
fornia. He served as vice-president and director, and
succeeded the late Charles Romwall to the presi-
dent's chair. During the last year of Mr. Lyding's
term in office, this association transacted $5,000,000
worth of business. In 1919, he resigned the presi-
dential office, desiring to retire; but at the solicita-
tion of friends, he continued to serve in an advisory
capacity until, late in 1919, the Sacramento Suburban
Fruit Lands Company sought and obtained his serv-
ices as their poultry adviser at Rio Linda. He main-
tains his ofiice at 617 J Street, Sacramento, and also
spends a large portion of his time on the grounds, vis-
iting the new and fast-growing poultry colony at Rio
Linda. He is president of the Rio Linda Poultry
Producers' Association, a purely cooperative body
for the handling of feeds and other supplies, at a
low figure to the grower. In all such work as this,
Mr. Lyding is but carrying' out an idea that has in-
spired him since his boyhood, that man is placed
upon the earth in the discharge of a duty, that of
serving mankind; hence, in his wonderfully success-
ful poultry endeavors, he is less of a scientific expo-
nent, and more of a man among men.
MRS. DAGMAR ELEANORE HANSEN VOLL-
MAN. — A representative of one of the oldest families
in the Delta section of Sacramento County, who is in-
tensely interested in the development of this wonder-
fully rich and fertile region, is Mrs. Dagmar Eleanore
Hansen Vollman, a native daughter proud of her con-
nection with the Golden State. She was born in
Petaluma, a daughter of Edward Hansen, a native of
Copenhagen, Denmark, who came with his father to
San Francisco in early days, when a youth. Accom-
panying them was also his brother Charles E. The
two brothers became interested in navigation on San
Francisco Bay and the Sacramento River for the Cali-
fornia Transportation Company, and being adept and
ambitious, they soon worked their way to captain,
and for many years continued in their chosen profes-
sion and were well known as the most conscientious
and careful masters on the Bay. They both, in turn,
were captain of the steamer "Onward," at various
times. Some years after they reached California, they
sent for their sister Eleanore, who soon joined them,
a bright, winsome young lady, who made the acquaint-
ance of Mathew Madge, to whom she was married in
San Francisco. Mr. Madge was a native of England,
and came to California in pioneer days.
After their marriage, Mathew Madge and his bride
located on the Sacramento River, purchasing a prop-
erty of 160 acres from Dr. Fowler, across the river
from Walnut Grove, where they took up their resi-
dence, the house having been erected in 1850 and
used by Dr. Fowler for his residence as well as for a
hospital. Here Mathew Madge and his wife spent
the remainder of their days. Meantime, Capt. Charles
E. Hansen had purchased 149 acres on the river just
south of the old Madge ranch, which became known
as Hansen's Lower Landing. On the death of Mrs.
Madge, Charles E. and Edward Hansen inherited her
ranch, and while Edward continued as master with
the California Transportation Company, Charles E.
took up the management and improvement of their
ranches, aiding in the construction of the levees,
which was first accomplished by shovels and wheel-
barrows, until in later years they were finished and
made permanent by the use of the big power dredges.
They passed through the flood of 1862; and each time
their lands were flooded, they again took up the
work of reclamation and improvement, setting out
orchards which today are a monument to their in-
dustry and foresight.
In Petaluma, Edward Hansen married Mrs. Mary
(Ross) Brown, a charming young lady who was born
in the Highlands of Scotland and came hither with
her parents in 1872, first locating in Oregon, but soon
coming on to Petaluma. Capt. Edward Hansen con-
tinued in his profession until the time of his death.
At his passing, on June 23, 1899, the shipping interests
of northern California lost one of the best-posted and
most-liked of the old-time river captains, who was
sorely missed. He was survived by a widow and an
only daughter, Dagmar Eleanore, to mourn his loss.
Some years later his widow married his brother,
Capt. Charles E. Hansen; and they continued to re-
side on the home place until he passed away in 1904,
a man who was highly esteemed and loved by all who
knew him. After his death Mrs. Hansen lived on her
place at Hansen's Upper Landing, looking after her
interests and obtaining much enjoyment in her mem-
bership in the Eastern Star. She was a remarkable
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
6-1 .S
woman, and carried on her affairs successfully until
I'.er demise, on December 26, 1918.
Dagmar Hansen was educated at Walnut Grove,
and at Mt. St. Gertrude's Academy, Rio Vista, after
which she continued her musical education at the
Oakland Conservatory of Music.
At Sacramento, in 1910, occurred Miss Hansen's
marriage with Clarence T. VoUman, a native of
Arkansas, born in Perry County, on March 29, 1884, a
son of L. G. and Sarah E. (Bland) Vollman, who
brought their family to California in 1900, locating at
Clay Station, and who now make their home with
Mr. and Mrs. Vollman.
Clarence Vollman was educated in the public
schools of his native state and at Howe's Business
College in Sacramento. From 1900 to 1904 he was
employed in a store at Clay Station; and then he
clerked in Gardiner's store in Isleton until 1907, when
he entered the employ of Walter M. Brown at Ryde.
After his marriage, he took up ranching. Mrs. "Voll-
man owned a half interest in the Lower Hansen
Ranch; and as soon as they were started, thej^ pur-
chased the balance, thus becoming owners of the
entire ranch of 149y> acres. After her mother's death
Mrs. Vollman came into possession of the home
ranch, or Upper Hansen Ranch, a beautiful place on
the Sacramento River opposite to Walnut Grove.
Mr. and Mrs. Vollman devote their land to the raising
of fruit and asparagus; and in their lovely home they
dispense the old-time California hospitality. Their
union has been blessed with the birth of two children,
Dagmar Elaine, born June IS, 1911, and Edward Clar-
ence, born December 24, 1915. Mr. Vollman, from
1918 until 1923, was field superintendent for the
Spreckels Sugar Company in the Delta country, un-
til he resigned to give all of his attention to their
farming and horticultural interests. Mr. and Mrs.
Vollman take an active part in the civic and social
affairs of their community, where they are deserved-
ly popular. Mr. Vollman is a member and past grand
of Isleton Lodge No. 108, I. O. O. F.; while Mrs. Voll-
man is a prominent member of Onisbo Chapter No.
164, O. E. S., at Courtland, in which she is a past ma-
tron. She is a cultured and refined woman of a very
pleasing personality, who presides gracefully over
their home; and she is greatly loved by all who know
her, for her kind and generous nature and her wo-
manly attributes of mind and heart. She is worthily
following the traditions of her honored ancestors
and, like them, is carrying on the development which
is rapidly making this favored section the garden-
spot of the world.
ARTHUR BENJAMIN.— The proprietor of one
of Gait's thriving business houses, Arthur Benjamin
brings to hjs business many years of successful expe-
ience in the mercantile business, especially in the
line of men's furnishings, in which he is now en-
gaged. He was born at Mamaroneck, N. Y., Janu-
ary 6, 1885, the son of Harry and Sarah (Solomon)
Benjamin, the father born at Posen, Germany, while
the mother was a native of England. Harry Benja-
min came to the United States alone when a lad of
but fourteen years and settled at New York, where
he first worked as a butcher's delivery boy, then
began in the clothing business and learned to be a
cutter and designer. Removing to Mamaroneck, N.
Y., he established himself in the clothing and men's
furnishing business and there continued for ten years.
He now resides in Tarrytown, N. Y., where he is
engaged in the real estate business and is now sixty-
seven years old. Mrs. Benjamin passed away at the
age of fifty-six, the mother of ten children, five now
living: Lilly, Mrs. Rummelsburg, of Toledo, Ohio:
Arthur Benjamin, who is the subject of this sketch;
Pauline, Mrs. Immerman of New York City; Joseph
Benjamin of Tarrytown, N. Y., in the real estate
business with his father; and Bertha, the wife of
Mr. Murry Berkeley, of New York City.
Arthur Benjamin's boyhood was spent at Tarry-
town, N. Y., and at the age of fifteen he started out
for himself, his first two years in business being
spent with the Hackett-Carhart Company of New
York. He then went to Chicago and while there was
associated with The Fair, The Hub, Seigel & Cooper,
and Kuppenheimer & Company. In 1907 he came to
San Francisco, Cal., and was with S. M. Woods
& Company, then with Morris Rosenthal as a travel-
ing salesman over the entire state of California as
his territory. For the next six years he was with
Kuh Brothers, wholesale dealers in women and
children's clothing, and then went into business for
himself at 3519 Chestnut Street, Oakland, handling
ladies' and men's furnishings. Six years later he -soM
out his business and removed to Bakersfield, where
he was with Henry Bergman for a time, going from
there to Stockton, where he was associated with L.
Alderman, and then was transferred to Mr. Alder-
man's Gait store in 1920. Looking over the field
here, Mr. Benjamin soon decided to go into business
for himself and opened his store, in which he han-
dles a fine line of ladies' and men's furnishings, and
he has built up a business that is steadily increasing.
At Oakland, January 1, 1911, Mr. Benjamin was
married to Miss Helen Happ, a native daughter of
San Francisco, whose parents were Marcus and Au-
gusta Happ. Her father was for twenty-five years
engaged in the men's furnishing business at 481 Sev-
enth Street, Oakland, the family having lived in that
city since Mrs. Benjamin was five years old. Mr.
Happ passed away at the age of sixty-five, but the
mother is still living and is now eighty-two years
old. They were the parents of four children: Mor-
ris Happ of Oakland; Mrs. Eddie Hirsch of San
Francisco; Mrs. B. Nurok of San Francisco; and
Mrs. Arthur Benjamin. Two children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin, Marian and Julian.
Since locating at Gait Mr. Benjamin has identified
himself with its progressive interests. He is a mem-
ber of the executive committee of the Chamber of
Commerce of Gait, being its capable secretary, and
also an officer of the local Grange, I. O. O. F., and
Masons. In politics he is a Democrat.
PAUL H. STEUDE.— In the final analysis, farm-
ing is the basis of prosperity in America. It is the
very beginning of the intricate operations which fur-
nish man with food. Paul H. Steude, of Sacramento,
has made a life study of the science of agriculture; and
his expert knowledge thereof has not only resulted in
the attainment of individual prosperity, but has been
of great benefit and value to his fellow-men.' A native
.of Germany, he was born December 25. 1860, and his
parents, Edward and Paulina Steude, arc both de-
ceased.
644
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Mr. Steude acquired his education in his native
land, attending the public schools and later complet-
ing a course in the Freiburg Agricultural College. In
1882, when a young man of twenty-two years, he
emigrated to the United States, arriving in this coun-
try on August 20, and he first located in Texas.
He followed the life of a cowboy and engaged in the
raising of sheep and Angora goats, later turning his
attention to the nursery business. He lived for four
years in the Lone Star State and in 1886 made his
way to California. He spent three months at Fresno
and nine months at Santa Rosa, later going to New-
castle, where he operated a fruit ranch. From the
time of his arrival in the state he has taken a leading
part in the development of its fruit industry upon
which he is regarded as an authority. He called
the meeting which resulted in the organization of
the California Fruit E.xchange, and in association with
J. G. Boggs contributed three-fourths of the contents
of the first carload of fruit shipped to the California
Fruit Exchange, paying the freight charges and
making a gift of the shipment to that organization.
Mr. Steude also had the largest Tragedy prunes at
the Paris Exposition, that were presented to the
president of France; and the fruit grown upon his
ranch was of the highest quality. He had the largest
exhibit of any deciduous fruit grower in the United
States, at Portland, Ore., at the Lewis and Clark
Exposition.
Since 1900 he has been a resident of Sacramento
and his activities have been attended by a gratify-
ing measure of success. He gives expert advice on
orchard lands and their adaptation to the growing
of fruit; his office is situated at No. 609 J Street.
During the World War, when the conservation of
food was of the greatest importance, he introduced
the use of potato flour in the United States.
Paul H. Steude has been called the "world's cham-
pion small farmer." He is, without doubt, the most
successful small-space farmer in California. His res-
idence at 3039 Sixth Avenue, in Sacramento, is situ-
ated on a lot 40 by 151 feet. On it in 1922, he pro-
duced 156 different products valued at more than
$600. While his main business is real estate and
farm expert work, yet he does all the labor on his
place himself, and the knowledge that he acquired as
a student and later as an instructor in the agricul-
tural colleges in his native land stands him well in
hand. He has never been afraid of hard work, and
the two hours a day spent in his garden is a matter
of delight to him, as it keeps him in excellent health
and gives play to his generous disposition. He gives
away to his friends and neighbors great quantities of
his choice fruits, nuts and vegetables. Mr. Steude's
garden has thirty-seven types of vegetab'es, seven
kinds of berries, eight kinds of melons and roses of
thirty varieties. Twenty-five grape-vines are twined
about his house and garage, and there are twelve
kinds of fruit trees. Flowers and herbs of sixty-five
species are also grown on the property. Cotton was
tried with success, as were a number of tropical and
other vegetables. The city agriculturist estimates that
he gave away bulbs and young plants valued at
$700 during the season. Mr. Steude leaves for his
office every morning at 8;30 o'clock and tends his
garden in his spare time at the end of the day.
Mr. Steude married Miss Anna Klette and they
have become the parents of two sons. Max and Bruno.
The former acts as manager of Hart's lunch room at
Fresno, and the latter is associated with his father in
business. Mr. Steude gives his political support to the
Republican party, as he believes that its principles
constitute the best form of government for the ma-
jority. He is a lover of flowers, of which he has many
fine varieties, and was awarded first prize at the
local flower show. He is broad in his views, pro-
gressive in his standards and high in his ideals, and
his life has been an intensely active and useful one,
characterized by the successful accomplishment of
valuable results.
ROBERT POWELL.— What builders have done
to develop their systems, so that they may the more
successfully carry out extensive contracts, is well
illustrated in the operations of Messrs. Robert Pow-
ell & Company, progressive contractors located at
1309 Sixth Street, Sacramento. Robert Powell was
born at Manitowoc, Wis., on October 17, 1869, when
he entered the family of George and Margaret
(Woodfield) Powell, the former born at Shrews-
bury and the latter near Manchester, ICngland. The
parents emigrated to Rhode Island in 1842, and later
to Wisconsin as pioneers of the Manitowoc region.
George Powell responded to the call to the colors
from his adopted country and served in the 44th
Regiment of Wisconsin Infantry in the Civil War.
Both he and his estimable wife are now deceased.
Robert Powell attended the public schools of his
locality, and then, as a young man, set out for Mas-
sachusetts, where he remained twelve years. There
he learned and followed the carpenter's trade. After-
wards he lived for five years in Colorado Springs,
Colo. He had been associated with a brother in
contracting in Massachusetts, and when he came to
California in 1905, he located in Sacramento and
engaged in contracting and building. At the same
time he continued his business with his brother in
Massachusetts until about 1911, when he sold his in-
terest. In California he has done a large business and
been very successful. Among the buildings contracted
and erected by him are the Yolo and Rio Linda
schools. He also made improvements in the New-
ton Booth school, and he has executed a large
amount of residence work. In these activities, he
has as a partner his son, Milton. The firm is one
of the oldest building firms in Sacramento.
In 1889, Robert Powell was married to Miss Eliza
Birdsall, born in Manitowoc, Wis., a daughter of
Coe and Margaret (Spencer) Birdsall, natives of
Clitheroe, England, who emigrated to Rhode Island
and later to Wisconsin, where they were farmers
near Manitowoc. There Mrs. Powell grew up, and
there, too, she met and married Mr. Powell. Their
union has been blessed with three children. Mar-
guerite is the wife of L. M. Miller, of Sacramento.
Milton married Miss Winnifred Kime, and they have
two children, Jean and Barrett; he is now a partner
of his father in the building business. Evelyn is still
under the parental roof. In national politics, Mr.
Powell is a Republican. He is a member of the
Builders' Exchange and the Master Builders' Asso-
ciation, and also of the Chamber of Commerce.
chnA—
a^
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^^^Y^ y>7 />-^z^*e^ ^^I<^C^/r
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
649
PETER S. CHORICH.— A very enterprising, pro-
gressive business firm, whose special knowledge of
local conditions in Sacramento County has proven a
valuable supplement to their general scientific knowl-
edge of engineering, is that of Messrs. Chorich &
Dider, the well-known irrigation engineers of Sacra-
mento, so well represented by Peter S. Chorich. He
was born in Serbia, and there attended the thorough
schools of his native country, and at the age of six-
teen he came to the United States, where he studied
privately, for five years, with a professional engineer.
Then he commenced to work for himself. He was
fortunate in having the best opportunity for both
theoretical and practical training, and it was inevita-
ble that, when he came to be given a larger field,
greater opportunity and increased responsibilities, he
should rise to the occasion, and from first to last
fulfill all expectations.
In 1920, with L. G. Dider, Mr. Chorich estabhshed
the above-named firm, which manufactures cement
pipe of all kinds, and installs complete irrigation sys-
tems. Their plant is located on the Folsom Boule-
vard at Perkins, where they employ twelve men, and
they have made it a busy headquarters, having dem-
onstrated the practicability and scientific advantage
of modern irrigation systems, after frequently fur-
nishing their plants to the most progressive and most
successful of farmers. They have become widely and
favorably known, especially in northern California,
and their work may be inspected on the estates of
E. F. Dalton, H. W. Bartell, W. W. Bassett, W. E.
Holmes, Ed Boyles, L. B. Landsborough, the West-
ern Fruit Company, and the Earl Fruit Company,
all notable and extensive properties. Mr. Chorich's
natural trend toward advancement in industry and
in business is reflected in his Progressive political
views, and his independent attitude toward men and
measures; and he gives his strongest endorsement to
all that affects the real welfare of Sacramento County.
EDWIN TAYLOR WALL.— A wide-awake, op-
timistic executive, whose heavy responsibilities and
tasks have been lightened through his invaluable ex-
perience and his genial temperament, is Edwin Taylor
Wall, the superintendent of dredges, with the Na-
tomas Compan5r. He was born in Pendleton, Mad-
ison County, Ind., on February 2, 1867, the son of
John Taylor and Phoebe Louise (Wynn) Wall, the
former a division superintendent of the Bellefontaine
Railroad, and also a man of wide experience, who,
with his good wife, is now deceased, the worthy
couple being recalled with esteem by all who knew
them.
Edwin Taylor Wall received a grammar-school and
high-school training, the Indiana schools of his
district being unusually good. Because his father
had died when he was se^S^.y,^ears of age, he lived on
the farm of an uncle untVrEe was eighteen and had
finished his studies. Therf^ W|^»ent to work on a
dredge, digging a canal in Warrerp County, Ind., and
he was in the employ of this county for ten years,
after which he worked on a section of the drainage
canal in Chicago, where for three years he had charge
of steam-shovels and locomotives. Next, he went to
Avon, Mont., to work on a gold dredge for W. M.
Johnson, and then, in 1898, he went for two years to
Oroville, for John W. Ferris.
Twenty years ago, Mr. Wall came to the Natomas
Company, and with the exception of a short period
when he had charge of the blacksmith shop, he always
acted as foreman. A man of e.xceptional, acknowl-
edged ability, and one very devoted to whomever or
whatever he associates himself with, Mr. Wall has
come to be equally acceptable to his employers and
his fellow employees.
Mr. Wall married Miss Jane Wallace, of Indiana,
and they have had four children: R. B. is the eldest;
John T. went to France as one of the United States
aviators; William Wallace was chief electrician in the
navy; while the youngest is Beatrice Elair, born in
California. In politics, Mr. Wall is a Republican;
fraternally, he is a Mason of the thirty-second de-
gree and a Shriner, belongs to the Woodmen of the
World, and for the past thirty-five years has been
an Odd Fellow.
ALBERT MILES THATCHER.— The people of
Sacramento, and the public in general, are much in-
debted to Albert Miles Thatcher and his well-organ-
ized and well-managed Acme Transfer Company, lo-
cated at 826 Second Street, one of the most efficient
agencies for busy folk in the capital. A native of Bar-
ton County, Kans., he was born on July 21, 1882, the
son of George W. and Mary Ann (Fores) Thatcher.
The father, a real estate and insurance broker, is still
living at Great Bend, Kans. Albert took high stand-
ing in his grammar school and high school courses,
and was graduated in 1901, after which he went to
the Great Bend Normal College. For a time he fol-
lowed dairying in Colorado and in California; and hav-
ing come here permanently in 1906, he located at
Sacramento.
In 1906 he bought the Acme Transfer Company,
which he has so developed that he now uses three
trucks. He gives careful attention to contracts for
city-to-city moving, making long-distance hauls his
specialty. He gives every want of his patrons his
personal attention, and as a consequence has the
hearty good-will of the people served. Being studious
by nature, he studies and writes on current topics in
his spare time. He was an early advocate of flood
control and furnished the government with statis-
tics and detailed information on the subject. As a
result, the project carried and the State of California
has been greatly benefited thereby. This is only one
of the many and varied subjects investigated by Mr.
Thatcher and brought to the notice of the public
through his writings. He also maintains a live inter-
est in politics, and supports Republican candidates.
He is athletic, and is especially fond of outdoor life
and sports. «,, ^. '
WILLIAM J. HUNdfflL;— Prominent among the
most experienced and cn'wprising of California mer-
chants must be numb^^ William J. Hunger, the
sole proprietor of the retail shoe store of Messrs.
Caselli & Hunger, at 527 K Street, Sacramento, and
decidedly* one' of the most successful business men
of the city. A native son, he was born at Placer-
ville, in JiTdorado County, on April 2, 1878, the son
of Fred 'and Caroline (Wertz) Hunger, both natives
of Cincinnati, the former now deceased, and the
latter still living at the age of eighty-one. The father
crossed the great plains in the early fifties and
located at Placerville, in Eldorado County, where he
engaged in the butcher business. The old butcher
shop is still standing, and is now the City Butcher
Shop. He owned 300 acres of land, on which stood
650
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
his sUuiglitor-housc. and one-half of the land occu-
pied by the race track was donated to the town of
Placerville by him. He helped to build up the town,
and was one of the community's most esteemed pio-
neers. He was a member of St. James Lodge, No.
16, F. & A. M. Ten children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Hunger, of whom eight are still living.
William Hunger attended school at Placerville
and Sacramento, having come to the latter place at
the age of twelve with his mother, who had been a
widow for six or seven years. He started in the
shoe business at the age of sixteen, entering the
employ of Messrs. Geiser & Kaufman, at 603 J
Street. Later, he was with the Lavenson Shoe
Company, and then with Charles P. Nathan &
Sons.
Some seventeen years ago, Mr. Hunger entered
the employ of A. Caselli, the shoe merchant, and in
1919 he became a partner in the business. Three
years later, in October, he purchased the establish-
ment. At one time, Mr. Hunger owned a poultry
farm near Brighton; but he sold this and invested
his money in Sacramento real estate.
In 1904, Mr. Hunger was married to Laura
Renschler, a native of Sacramento, whose father was
a sturdy and esteemed pioneer of early-settler days.
Four children have blessed this union: William F.
L.. Loraine Clayton, Leavitt, and James, all natives
of Sacramento. Mr. Hunger belongs to the Knights
of Pythias and to Sunset Parlor, No. 6, Native Sons
of the Golden West, and is a member of the Cham-
ber of Commerce.
MRS. MAUDE L RITZ.— Descended from a pio-
neer California family, Mrs. Maude L Ritz can well
lay claim to being a native daughter of Sacramento
County, for she has lived in the vicinity of her birth
all her life. She is the daughter of James and Mary
(Swift) Ferguson, the father a native of New York,
while the mother was born at Leeds, England. James
Ferguson first came to Califronia in 1851 and mined
a short time, returning to New York where he was
married. After living in various states he and his
wife came to California in 1868, settling in Santa
Clara County where they remained until 1874, then
moved to Gait, where the family have since resided.
.\ brother of James Ferguson, William Henry Fer-
guson, was also an early settler of California; he
was extensively engaged in freighting to the mines
and was known throughout the country as "Harry of
the West." James Ferguson passed away at the
age of sixty-six and Mrs. Ferguson when fifty-six.
Seven children were born to this pioneer couple:
Mildred died in childhood; Emma J. resides at Gait
with Mrs. Ritz; Thomas S. is deceased; Elizabeth
died in childhood, as did Anna and Charles; Maude
I., now Mrs. Ritz, was educated in the schools of
Gait and then w^as connected with the Gait post
office for twelve years, and was perhaps the best-
informed person concerning the names of the resi-
dents of the south part of the county. At Sacra-
mento, on October 15, 1913, she was married to F.
J. Ritz, a native of New York, born at Rochester,
the son of Carl and Anna Ritz. Mr. Ritz came to
California when a young man and has been engaged
in business in Gait for many years, handling gasoline
engines, pumps and well supplies. They are the par-
ents of two children, Cleora and Martha.
Mrs. Ritz's brother, Thomas S. Ferguson, was well
known as a building contractor at Gait and in 1914
he purchased the business of Don Ray & Company,
the firm then being known as the T. S. Ferguson
Lumber Yard, and he built up a splendid lumber
business in north San Joaquin and south Sacramento
Counties. Mr. Ferguson passed away July 3, 1919,
leaving a w'ide circle of friends. His lumber business
is now owned by Mrs. Ritz and her sister. Miss
Emma J. Ferguson, with D. A. Williamson as man-
ager. Mrs. Ritz is prominent in ChaboUa Parlor,
N. D. G. W., and Miss Emma Ferguson has been
secretary of the Rebekah Lodge at Gait since its
organization in 1888. They own and operate a ten-
acre vineyard of Tokay grapes near Gait, the land
ly'"g just across Dry Creek, in San Joaquin County.
LEO KNEELAND LOBNER.— The attraction of
Sacramento for both the permanent resident and the
suburban visitor, who naturally depends upon the cap-
ital for markets of an up-to-date character, is well
illustrated in the clothing emporium of Leo Kneeland
Lobner, of 905 K Street. Mr. Lobner hails from
Placer County, the birthplace of so many energetic
native sons, where he first saw light on July 5, 1886,
the son of William B. and Margaret (Kneeland) Lob-
ner, both of whom were born in California, the father
at Georgetown and the mother at Colfax. Grandfather
Kneeland came out here in 1850, settling first in Iowa
Hill, Placer County; and three years later, Grand-
father Lobner came to Georgetown, removing after-
wards to Colfax. William B. Lobner died in 1905,
leaving an enviable record for usefulness; but Mrs.
Lobner is still living, the center of a circle of devoted
friends, and makes her home with our subject.
Leo Lobner was graduated from the Portland,
Ore., high school, and then entered Stanford Univer-
sity; but because of the death of his father, he had
to go into business and seek an immediate income.
His father had been with the Wells Fargo Company
for a long time, and he at first followed in his father's
footsteps; but after a couple of years he became an
automobile salesman, and in 1919, after some years
in the latter field, he joined a partner, Walter A.
Clark, and established his present business as a
clothier. In 1921, he bought out Mr. Clark, and in
his management of the business since that time he
has been very successful. He carries only the best of
everything for the prices offered; and inasmuch as it
is now widely known that one may get full value at
Lobner's Clothing Store, and at the same time obtain
the latest in fashions and novelties, the patronage of
the emporium has been steadily increasing, and now
Mr. Lobner serves a select public, such as would be a
compliment to any merchant, however ambitious.
In San Francisco, in 1917, Mr. Lobner was married
to Miss Laura Roberts, a native of Kansas, who grew
up in California; she was a daughter of Ben Roberts
and his good wife, Louie (Thomas) Roberts. Two
children have been granted to Mr. and Mrs. Lobner:
Kneeland and Ann. Mr. Lobner is a Republican.
Fraternally he belongs to the Elks, and is also a mem-
ber and past president of Sutter Fort Parlor, Native
Sons of the Golden West. Besides being fond oi
hunting and fishing, Mr. Lobner is much interested in
the Winter League Baseball Club, which boasts a
membership of some 500 men and boys; and he gave
the Leo Lobner trophy, the first cup offered.
^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
653
R. E. MUNSON. — A popular executive who has
done much to advance certain agricultural interests
in Sacramento County, is R. E. Munson, the general
manager of the Rio Linda Poultry Producers' Asso-
ciation, dealers in grains and poultry supplies at Rio
Linda, who has been in charge of this rapidly expand-
ing establishment since Maj', 1922. The history of
the organization dates back to July 30, 1920, when it
was incorporated by a group of poultry-raisers of
Rio Linda. Today, it is looked upon with pride bj^
all northern Californians, and its fame has reached
far beyond the confines of the Golden State.
Mr. Munson was born in Marshall Countj', Iowa,
on October 31, 1892, the second of three sons of M. N.
Munson, a native of Illinois, where he first saw light
in 1864. In 1901 the family moved to Minnesota and
located at Montevideo, and there our subject and his
father were formerly engaged in extensive stock and
grain raising. The lad attended the thorough schools
of Montevideo, and also the Windman Academy, and
entered the agricultural department of the State Uni-
versity at St. Paul, and was there occupied one term.
During the World War, Mr. Munson was engaged in
extensive farming. He is one of the organizers of
the Cooperative Farmers' Stock Exchange of Monte-
video, and served as president for a term; and he
still has an equity in the Cooperative Exchange of St.
Paul. He was also a inember of the Montevideo Co-
operative Elevator Company, of which his father was
the president for five years, and he has also figured
in all farm circles of Minnesota.
In February, 1920, Mr. Munson left the farm, and
accompanied his father to California on an extended
visit; and while en route they purchased eighty acres
of choice land in District No. 1000, in Sutter County,
which R. E. Munson farmed in 1921, and has since
leased out. He had brought his famih' out to Cali-
fornia in September, 1920, making the trip overland
in nineteen days b\r automobile, following the Lincoln
Highway. They also brought along Mr. Munson's
six-months-old son Lynn.
The poultry plant at Rio Linda has more than
doubled its volume of business since Mr. Munson
became general manager, and he recalls with satis-
faction the time when three men and one truck were
all that was necessary for the entire business, w-hereas
seven men and two trucks are now necessary. The
capacity of the warehouse, too, at one time far too
large, has been so overtaxed that it is proposed to
add materially to the warehousing space, and it is
not surprising that the ten thousand dollars of stock
has turned twice recently. P. R. Lyding is president
of the Rio Linda Poultry Producers' Association;
James Gimblett is vice-president; N. B. Harris, treas-
urer; M. L. Nelson, secretary; and R. E. Munson,
manager. The directors are: M. Blocher, Daniel M.
Nash, John Matushak; P. R. Lyding, James Gim-
blett, N. B. Harris, and M. L. Nelson.
On June 20, 1917, Mr. Munson was married to
Miss Ada M. McKay, a native of Minnesota and a
graduate of the Montevideo high school, who had
followed her profession of teaching for two years in
Chippewa County, Minn. She is the daughter of
T. G. McKay, of Montevideo, a retired merchant,
held in high esteem by his former patrons, and is the
eldest of four children. She is a very accomplished
lady, and takes great interest in her husband's suc-
cess. Both are members of the Methodist Episcopal
41
Church. Mr. Munson became president of the Rio
Linda Boosters' Club, formed in November, 1922,
with fift3' charter members; and this has grown under
his guidance to a thriving organization of eighty
members in March, 1923. Mr. Munson is a Repub-
lican, and a member of the Blue Lodge of Masons
at Montevideo, J^Iinn.
WESLEY B. LEWIS.— A corporation representa-
tive whose ability, experience, devotion to his em-
ployers and never-failing attention to the wants and
comforts of the public have not only made him many
friends, but have contributed to effecting and main-
taining a better working understanding all around,
is Wesley B. Lewis, the popular station master in
the service of the Southern Pacific Railroad at Fol-
som City. He was born, a native son, at Rocklin, in
Placer County, on August 8, 1890, the son of George
L. and Isabel (Burt) Lewis, the former a native of
historic England, and a seaman for years on mer-
chant ships. He arrived at the Golden Gate in 1880,
and was married in San Francisco to Miss Burt; and
they came to Rocklin, a newly built railroad town
on the Southern Pacific, where for fifteen years he
conducted a furniture store. Then he took up gold-
mining. He was an honored member of the Forest-
ers and Druids, and his declining years were spent
in the care of his son, our subject, at Folsom City,
where he died, in November, 1918, at the ripe age
of sixty-six. Mrs. Lewis, the devoted wife and
mother, passed away at Newcastle, in 1913, at the
age of fifty-two. She was survived by three children:
Venus Holman lives at Klamath Falls, Ore.; Wesley
B. Lewis is the subject of our review; and R. George
makes his headquarters at San Francisco, and is iden-
tified v\'ith the lumber business in Eastern Oregon.
Wesley B. Lewis attended the public school at
El Dorado City, to which place his parents had moved
in 1896, and at the early age of thirteen entered the
employ of the' Southern Pacific Railroad as an ap-
prentice under Agent C. E. Duden, at El Dorado City.
At the end of twenty-two months, he began to go
out as a relief agent on the Southern Pacific. Sac-
ramento and Stockton divisions, filling offices in
eighty-four different stations, where he acted as agent,
up to and including Folsom City, thereby gaining a
wealth of knowledge in railroad routing and the
handling of traffic. He now belongs to the Telegra-
phers' Union. He is distinctly progressive in politics,
favors wise legislation that alike safeguards the in-
terests of the public and those of the investors in
corporation stock, and is first, last and all the time
for his native land and state. He has been located
at Folsom City since 1916, and has been most suc-
cessful in caring for the public both in respect to
train service and in the freight and express business.
In 1911, Mr. Lewis was married at Auburn to Miss
Clara Flannery, a native of Virginia City and the
daughter of Maliche and Nellie (Blake) Flannery.
The latter, born in San Francisco, still resides at Vir-
ginia City, an honored pioneer of sixty-nine years.
Mrs. Lewis was graduated from the University of
Nevada in 1909. Having taught school for a year
when she was only seventeen, after graduation she
pursued her professional work for a couple of years.
One son, George E. Lewis, who was born at Colusa
in October, 1912, and one daughter, Muriel Arlene.
born in Sacramento on March 28, 1923, have blessed
654
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
their union. Mr. Lewis belongs to Lodge No.
6 of the B. P. O. Elks at Sacramento, and to Lodge
No. 123 of the Knights of Pythias at Loomis. He
has certain hobbies, and one of these is baseball, in
which he has figured prominently in many amateur
teams and games, acting as a crack catcher and a
heavy hitter. He is also fond of hunting and fishing,
in which he well demonstrates his natural inclination
to sport.
HERMAN A. MUNDT.— An experienced, effi-
cient and dependable public official who enjoys an
enviable popularity because of his Rooseveltian prin-
ciples, which assure every man a "square deal,"
is Herman A. Mundt, the wide-awake constable of
Granite Township, who was elected to office on No-
vember 7, 1922. For years he was in charge of the
outside crews of men for the gold dredgers of the
Natomas Company of California, at Folsom City.
A native son of the Golden State, Mr. Mundt
was born at Auburn, in Placer County, on October 8,
1873. His father, Albert Mundt, was a native of
Germany, who came from that country about the
time of the migration to the United States of such
splendid German-Americans as Karl Schurz, and
reached California in 1850, as a prospector for gold;
he spent his early days in placer mining, and his de-
clining years as a claim-holder in Placer County,
where he died in 1888, at the rather early age of fifty-
eight, his shorter tenure of life having been due to
the hardships incidental to pioneer experiences. Mrs.
(Myers) Mundt was also a native of Germany, who
had been permitted to marry in her native country
and to share with her husband all his adventures
while accompanying him on his way to the Golden
State. The old Mundt home is now owned by Emile
Mundt, the eldest son, who is a farmer and a horti-
culturist.
Herman Mundt received a good training in the
public schools to which he had been sent, and filled
with unusual ambition for a lad in his teens, he set
out for himself at the age of sixteen to mine for
quartz near Auburn, joining the Three Star Com-
pany, and he has followed mining ever since. He
spent eighteen years in quartz-mining in Nevada, and
in the Montana copper fields, and during most of
that time he held the position of foreman. In 1908
he removed to Folsom City, and was employed by
the Natomas Company of California till January 1,
1923. He is a Democrat with respect to his bias in
matters of national import; but he is first, last and
all the time a broad-minded, broad-shouldered Amer-
ican, and never al'ows partisanship to interfere with
his duties either as citizen or constable.
While at Butte, Mont, in 1898, Mr. Mundt was
married on April 22 to Miss Julia Sullivan, a na-
tive of Black Hawk, Colo., where she was born
on August 27, 1876, the daughter of Patrick Roger
and Julia (Regan) Sullivan, of New York and Michi-
gan, respectively, her ancestry being Irish. Mrs.
Mundt was reared in the home of her grandmother
Regan, where she went to live after the death of her
mother, in 1886. Five children have been granted
Mr. and Mrs. Mundt. Edna S. was born on August
5, 1900; Albert H, on January 27, 1903; Kenneth F.
on January 22, 1906; Aileen on April 23, 1908; and
Geraldine F. on December 29, 1917. Mrs. Mundt
is a past noble grand of Rebekah Lodge, and also a
past senior warden, and Mr. Mundt is a member of
Granite Lodge No. 62, I. O. O. F., and of the Re-
bekahs, and alsd of the Encampment, and is a past
noble grand, and was also a delegate to the grand
lodge convention. The Mundts own their own com-
fortable residence on Percifer and Wool Streets,
which was completed about nine years ago.
FRANZ DICKS. — A distinguished representative
of the German school of music, who has found a
cordial welcome in the American land of his adoption,
and who has, through his musical genius, amply repaid
for whatever of American cheer has heartened him
on his way, is Franz Dicks, the popular director and
music teacher, of Sacramento. He was born at
Duesseldorf, on January 16, 1868, the son of Henry
and Augusta (Oterman) Dicks, the father a merchant
in good standing, and both father and mother highly
esteemed in that famous art center, with its many
German-American art associations. Both of these
worthy folks are now deceased.
At an early age, Franz Dicks showed a more than
ordinary talent for music, especially for the violin,
securing when only fifteen years old a notable prize at
the Cologne Conservatory, where he was a pupil of
Gustav Hollaender for three years. His instructors
in pianoforte and theory were Arnold Kroegel and
Gustav Jensen. After having been graduated from the
conservatory, Mr. Dicks remained for several years
in Cologne, as first violinist under the conductorship
of Dr. Franz Wullner; and during that time, he was
frequently heard as a concert soloist. In 1890, he
became concert master at the Staedt Theater in Er-
furth, and later he was first violinist in the Staedtis-
chen Orchestra in Duesseldorf, his native city. When
Mr. Dicks toured Germany, the "Tageblatt," a
newspaper of Cologne, spoke of his pleasing, con-
genial personality, and said that "the gifted young
violinist played with a beautiful, full tone"; the
"Westphaelischer Courier" of Dortmund said that "he
scored an unqualified success," and that "his Bee-
thoven especially was fine — so dignified, majestic and
sympathetic"; the famous "Koelner Zeitung," also of
Cologne, affirmed that "he did full justice to his Bee-
thoven master-work"; and the "Universitaets Nach-
richten," of the old university town of Marburg, could
not have said more in praise when it declared of him:
"We had anticipated hearing a good violinist — and we
heard an artist."
Until 1920, Professor Dicks was engaged with the
Minneapohs Symphony Orchestra, with which he
played, in March, 1920, at Sacramento; but he then
resigned his contract and returned here in August,
following. He bought a five-acre ranch at Rio Linda,
became leader of the Loew's State Orchestra, and is
director of music in the Sacramento County schools.
His school-work takes him here and there, and he has
become one of the best-known of musicians in this
locality. His studio is located opposite the governor's
mansion, corner of Sixteenth and H Streets. He is
fond of gardening, and is already deeply devoted to
Sacramento, which he deems the garden spot of the
world. In politics he is a Republican.
In Minneapolis, Minn., Professor Dicks married
Miss Antoinette Plessman, a gifted daughter of the
Fatherland, and also a local favorite; and one son,
named Otto Edmund, has blessed their union. He is
a member of the Rio Linda Country Club.
/f^T^^sAc^uJ^ /S^iC^Jj^^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
659
FRANCIS ELTON MASON.— A popular execu-
tive whose influence among his fellow-workers is al-
ways in the line of progress, is Francis Elton Mason,
the superintendent of the American River Division of
the Natomas Company, at Natoma. He was born
at Athlone, Merced Countj', on August IS, 1879, and
his parents were D. C. and Martha Jane (Sumner)
Mason, the former a native of New Jersey, the latter
a native daughter. Mr. Mason came out to California
in 1872, and his folks are all old-timers. The grand-
parents, both paternal and maternal, came across the
great plains in 1852, and they all became extensive
sheep-raisers. Mr. Mason has closed his useful and
fruitful career, but Mrs. Mason is still living, the cen-
ter of a group of admiring and devoted friends.
Francis Elton Mason went to the public schools of
Tulare Count}', and in that time was fortunate in pur-
suing high school studies for two years. Then he
learned the plumbers' trade and followed it for four-
teen years. In 1907, he joined the Lincoln Hardware
Company, and was with them for four years as half-
owner and manager. He then went to Willows as
manager of the hardware and implement department
of Hocheimer & Companjr, and continued to hold that
post for three years; and becavise of his selling power
farming machinery, he got into development work.
Then he linked up with the Mills Orchard Company,
of Hamilton City, and he was three years there as
foreman. In 1917, he came to the Natomas Company,
to take charge of development work in this division;
and he superintends vast tracts of farm-lands, which
are set out to orchards and then sold. Owing to the
many problems involved, it is doubtful if the Natomas
Company, now recognized as a concern of great im-
portance here, could have secured a better man.
Mr. Mason was married, in 1901, to Miss Lena Rose
Hoxter, a native of Ohio; and three children have
blessed the union: Ruth, Naomi and Frank. Mr.
Mason is an Elk, and he is a member of the Mac-
cabees. He also belongs to the Farm Bureau. He
is fond of music, and within his own family there is
an orchestra of five pieces.
ELLIS WESLEY JfONES.— The sheriffs of CaH-
fornia have long been famous for their sterling quali-
ties, and Ellis Wesley Jones, the present incumbent
in the office of sheriff of Sacramento County well
sustains the interesting and enviable traditions. He
was born near Florin, Sacramento County, on June
16, 1874, the son of George H. and Lilly (Simons)
Jones, his father, who was born in Illinois, having
come across the plains to California in 1870. Mr.
Jones and Miss Simons were married here later, and
for years they engaged in agricultural pursuits, and
also in the management of an hotel. They had the
well-known hostelry, "Florin," the place named on
account of so many flowers. His father now resides
with him, but the mother passed on two years ago.
After receiving his public school education and
having grown to manhood, Mr. Jones took over the
management of the hotel, and after that he entered
the sheriff's ofiice as a deputy under Sheriff Reese.
He put in four years in that capacity, learned the
ropes, also a deal about human nature, and made
many friends. In 1914, he was elected constable of
Sacramento Township for four years; and four years
later, in 1918, he was elected sheriff by a large ma-
jority. In 1922 was reelected by an increased ma-
jority. Although a stand-pat Republican, Sheriff
Jones is also out for Sacramento, city and county.
every time; hence he does not allow any narrow
partisanship to interfere with his hearty support of
the best-endorsed men and measures for the locality,
in this respect endeavoring to look at local issues in
the broader and more independent vein. It is not
surprising, therefore, that the sheriff numbers some
of his warmest supporters outside of the Republican
ranks. He is a member of the Sheriffs' Association
of California.
Ellis Wesley Jones was married in Sacramento,
taking for his bride Miss Susanna Haiden, who was
born in Sacramento, and their fortunate union has
been blessed with two children, Doris and David.
The sheriff is fond of hunting and fishing, and is a
member of the Fraternal Life, of the Masons, the
Sciots, and the Elks, while Mrs. Jones is a member of
the Eastern Star. Mr. Jones also belongs to the
Chamber of Commerce.
REV. MICHAEL BLOCHER.— A long-active
pioneer, successful in attaining comfortable prosperity
while making his life useful to the world, and one
therefore well-meriting his quiet retirement, is Michael
Blocher, proprietor of three acres and a modern resi-
dence, recently erected at Rio Linda. He came to
Sacramento County on October 2, 1912, from Perth,
in the extreme northern part of North Dakota, in or-
der to find a milder climate. He was born near Green-
ville, Darke County, Ohio, on October 6, 1864, the son
of Christian and Sarah (Specht) Blocher, both natives
of Ohio, where the father was born in 1836, and the
mother eight years later. Mr. Blocher came of Dutch
ancestry, a branch of the family having migrated from
Hanover, Germany, to Hanover, Pa. His father, a
tanner, came West to Ohio, then a wilderness, and
settled in Darke County; as an expert tanner, Mr.
Blocher always had plenty of patronage. Of the
Specht family, little is known, save that the mother
came from German farmer stock. Michael Blocher is
the third in a familj' of fifteen children.
In 1886, the family moved to Johnson County, Mo.,
and Michael Blocher followed in the fall of 1887.
There he rented land for general farming, in which
he engaged for three years. Moving to Ogle County,
111., in 1892, he attended school for two and a half
years at the Theological Seminary, the Brethren Col-
lege, at Mount Morris, 111.; and in 1897, he moved on
to North Dakota, to take up 160 acres of land, which
he proved up. In the meantime he entered the min-
istry. He helped organize the first church in that
sparsely settled region; and he worked most untiring-
Ij' for the development of the Brethren Church there.
In 1903-1904 he again attended school at Mount Mor-
ris, 111., and in 1909-1910 he attended the Bethany
Bible Institute School at Chicago. He served as trus-
tee of schools, and as clerk of the board of trustees
in the township of Ellsworth for many years. Preach-
ing and public speaking have been his main interest;
but when farming was not good, he added to his in-
come by carpentering, meanwhile preaching at Perth.
He is still active in the ministry in his community.
He organized the Sunday School, and also the Church
of the Brethren at Rio Linda, in 1914, with a mem-
bership of twelve; and here the work has since gone
steadily forward. For eight years he has served as
an elder of the church.
Mrs. Blocher was Mary Elizabeth Mayfield before
her marriage. She was born at Louisville, Ky., on
January 24, 1869, the daughter of William Mayfield, a
660
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
native of Bullock County, Ky. He wore the blue dur-
ing the Rebellion, and received wounds at Perryville,
Ky. His father, Judge Mayfield, also served in the
Union forces, and fell one hour before the wounding
of the son. Nevertheless, father and son were planta-
tion owners and slaveholders. Mr. Mayfield married
Miss Mary Ann Collins, of Bullock County, Ky. He
died in Missouri, in October, 1918, when seventy-four
years of age. Mrs. Mayfield was born in Kentucky,
and died }'Oung, survived by four children. Mr. May-
field moved his family to Indiana, and was again mar-
ried, to Miss Mary Boyd, a native of Kentucky. He
became a farmer near Crawfordsville, and lived there
for about eight years. Then he moved to Missouri
and bought land, and later removed to Sedalia, where
he is now survived by his widow.
Michael Blocher was married on September 1, 1889,
near Warrensburg, Mo. On coming West, he bought
land in the Rio Linda section, and was the first to
complete a home on the west side of the S. N. R. R.;
and since 1912, he and his good wife have braved the
hardships of such a thinly settled region, and have
done all within their power to further the social and
spiritual welfare of their community, and to make the
colony a success. He has given liberally, and perhaps
seven-eighths of the sales of land have been effected
indirectly through him. Mr. Blocher also owns twen-
ty acres of rich bottom land near the village of Rio
Linda, and he is a stockholder and director of the Rio
Linda Poultry Producers' Association.
EMMETT PHILLIPS.— The eminently success-
ful career of Emmett Phillips, the widely-known and
popular attorney in Nicolaus Building, Sacramento,
forms another chapter in the long and ever interest-
ing and instructive history of the bench and bar in
California. Born at Sacramento, on March 14, 1892,
Emmett Phillips grew up a native son, proud of his
birthrights in a natural association -with the great
empire of the Golden State. His father, also named
Emmett, was a native of San Francisco, and he mar-
ried Miss Nellie Hayes, of the same seaport town.
His was an old family, and worthily he represented
it, rounding out a useful and an honorable life. Mrs.
Phillips is still living, beloved by all who know her,
Emmett Phillips went to both the grammar and
the high schools, in Sacramento, where his parents
had been residing many years, and was duly gradu-
ated from the University of California, in 1917 with
the degree of A. B. He then took some post-gradu-
ate work, and having studied law for some time, he
passed the necessary bar examinations in 1918 'and
HI March of that year was admitted to practice in
the courts of this state. His subsequent practice
has been crowned with moderate but substantial suc-
cess, a satisfaction alike to him and his clients.
Emmett Phillips. Sr., was an old California news-
paper man, the editor of the "Sunday News" for a
quarter of a century, and also the guiding spirit of
the "Sacramento Valley Monthly." From his father
our subject imbibed a keen interest in daily Hfe
generally, and especially a fondness for all athletic
contests. He has, therefore, done what he could to
promote legitimate, healthful sport, and to forward
the welfare of the public generally. He belongs to
the Elks; and no member is more welcome in their
circles.
ALBERT H. MOELLER.— Among the enterpris-
ing and progressive business men of Sacramento, one
who is optimistic for the great future of California
and takes an important part in the utilization and
development of the wonderful natural resources of
the state, is Albert H. Moeller, who is winning a
gratifying measure of popularity by reason of his
business ability and his comprehensive knowledge of
his chosen line of work. He was born in Davenport.
Iowa, April 27, 188S, a son of F. A. and Mary Moel-
ler, who aided materially in developing the farming
interests of Scott County, Iowa, where they raised
their family and were substantial farmers until they
located in California, They are now living in com-
fortable retirement in Sacramento, surrounded by
their six children, five boys and one girl, as follows:
Gustave H., Hugo P., and Ferdinand A., who are
assisting their younger brothers in the business of
their Ford and Lincoln automobile agency; Mina,
who is competently assisting her mother in presiding
over the home; and Albert H. and Richard R., the
owners of the Moeller Auto Sales Company in Sac-
ramento.
Albert H. Moeller completed the grammar and high
school courses in his native state, supplementing his
secondary education with a business course. He first
engaged in farming in Iowa; then, after taking his
.business course, he became an accountant, and was
so engaged until 1911, when he removed to Los
Angeles, Cal. There he spent six years with the Ford
Motor Company, entering their employ as a book-
keeper. Year by year he steadily advanced, his appli-
cation and talent being appreciated. He was pro-
moted first to traffic manager, then to sales manager,
and then was made assistant manager, a position he
held until 1916, when he was transferred and became
manager of the company's branch house in Sacra-
mento.
In 1917 Mr. Moeller formed a partnership w'ith his
brother, Richard R., under the firm name of the
Moeller Auto Sales Company, purchased the Sacra-
mento branch of the Ford Motor Company, and con-
tinued business at the old location, 1906 M Street.
They soon saw the necessity for larger and permanent
quarters; so they selected a central location, purchas-
ing the site at the southeast corner of Twelfth and
K Streets, where they erected a substantial three-
story brick building, 80 by 160 feet, one of the finest
automobile buildings in northern California, with
large display rooms and offices, store or supply rooms,
and a large and most complete repair departinent.
They employ sixty men; and as agents for the Ford,
Fordson and Lincoln cars, they are demonstrating
themselves to be among the most alert and success-
ful in their line in the Golden State.
Mr. Moeller was married in Los Angeles, Decem-
ber 25, 1922, to Miss Geraldine Pabst, a charming
woman, who is a native daughter of California, born
at Oakland, but reared and educated in San Francisco.
Mr. Moeller is a prominent Mason. He was made
a Mason in Sunset Lodge, F. & A. M., Los Angeles,
and became a member of South Gate Chapter,
R. A. M., and Los Angeles Commandery No. 9, K. T.
On his location in the capital city he demitted from
the Commandery to Sacramento Commandery No. 2,
K. T. He is also a thirty-second degree Scottish
Rite Mason, being a member of all the bodies of the
consistory in Sacramento, and is a charter member
of Ben AH Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
663
Sacramento, in which bodj' he is serving as chief
raban. With his wife he made the pilgrimage to
Washington, D. C, and attended the shrine conven-
tion in 1923. He is a popular member of the Sutter
Club and also of the Del Paso Country Club. A iirm
believer in protection as the fundamental principle
for the success of American business, he is naturally
a supporter of the Republican party. Active in civic
affairs, he is an active member of the Sacramento
Chamber of Commerce, appreciating the wonderful
resources of the Sacramento Valley and the great
commonwealth of California, in richness of soil and
abundance of mineral wealth. He is enterprising and
public-spirited; and movements that have for their
aim the building up of his community and the en-
hancing of the comfort and happiness of its people,
receive his hearty cooperation and support. He has
great admiration for the state of his adoption, and
full confidence in its continued development.
MISS MARY JUDGE.— Probably one of the best
informed of the comparatively few who have made
a stud}' of the needs of the poor people of the county,
is Miss Marjr Judge, the capable secretary of the
county charities. She is a native daughter of Sac-
ramento, born in the family residence located at
Eighth and K Streets, a daughter of Michael and
Celia (Kane) Judge. Michael Judge was the first
settler on the Sacramento River in 1852, where he
farmed for fifteen years; the floods of 1861-1862 were
so disastrous that he moved to higher ground, where
he continued his farming operations. He was em-
ployed on the state Capitol building, and later be-
came an employee of the Southern Pacific Railroad
Compan}' and was finally pensioned; he passed away
in 1909, his wife having preceded him in 1900.
Miss Judge began her education in the public
schools of Sacramento and completed her education
in a Catholic convent in that city. On February 1,
1911, she became secretary of the county charities,
which position she has so capably and conscien-
tiously filled that the entire community is indebted
to her; she takes an active part in the affairs of the
Relief Society, the Woman's Club and the Daugh-
ters of America. Miss Judge supports the principles
of the Democratic party.
JOSEPH T. MAGUIRE.— Well-known in Sacra-
mento as an experienced blue printer, Joseph T. Ma-
guire has demonstrated his ability in many ways as
a progressive citizen of California. A native of Ire-
land, he was born October 10, 1889, the son of John
F. Maguire, a distinguished attorney of Cork, Ire-
land, and the grandson of the patriot and writer of
note, John Francis Maguire. His mother, Elizabeth
T. Maguire, is still living; but his father died in Jvme,
1922.
Joseph T. Maguire received his education at the
Christian Brothers' School, the Jesuits' College, and
the Royal University of Ireland, graduating with the
degree of C. E. in 1909. The following year he spent
in doing newspaper work in his native countrj' and
then decided he would seek the broader field of
America for his talents and in 1910 arrived in San
Francisco, where he was employed for a short time.
He then went to Willows, Glenn County, and for the
following three years was in the employ of the Sacra-
mento Valley Irrigation Company as a civil engineer.
Mr. Alaguire then made an extended trip of six
months back to his native land and upon returning to
California located for one and one-half years in
Marysville, and later followed his profession with the
state reclamation board for two years. We next
find him in Stanislaus County in the employ of the
county engineer, then back again with the state
reclamation board until he ventured upon his present
career. In April, 1923, Mr. Maguire disposed of his
blue print business to return to the practice of his
profession as a civil engineer. His office is located
at 908 Seventh Street. He has been fairly successful
since becoming a Californian and has never regretted
the move that brought him to the Golden State, in
which he is interested in all that pertains to its
growth and development. By all who know him he
is highly respected as a man of ability and public
spirit.
The marriage of Mr. Maguire united him with Miss
Amelia Luhrman and they have three children, Cyril,
Maureen and Milton. He belongs to the Chamber
of Commerce and is a lover of all clean out-of-door
sports, and especially is an enthusiastic golf player.
OLE ANDERSON.— Coming to Sacramento Coun-
ty, California, more than a quarter of a century ago,
Ole Anderson has made good use of his time and
opportunities here and is now numbered among the
successful ranchers and dairymen of the Gait section.
A native of Sweden, he was born in Wermland, Janu-
ary 21, 1864, the son of Andrew and Christina (Olson)
Anderson, who have both passed away. They were
the parents of six children: Andrew, John, Ole, Chris-
tina, Caroline, and Mangus. Ole Anderson received
a good common school education in the schools of his
district, and when nineteen he left his native land to
try his fortune in America. Coming directly to
Sacramento County, Cal., he located first at Frank-
lin, where he worked on a dairy farm and then came
to the Gait district. After his marriage he farmed for
four years on Staten Island, leasing 600 acres of land
and raising grain and beans, then leased the McKune
ranch, where he engaged in general farming, stock-
raising and maintained a large dairy, employing twelve
men in his operations. About eleven years ago Mr.
Anderson purchased 311 acres five and a half miles
northwest of Gait and here he has developed a fine
home place, devoting it to general farming and operat-
ing a large dairy with sixty head of high-grade milk
cows.
On September 18, 1891, at Sacramento, Cal., Mr.
Anderson was married to Miss CaroHne Olson, who
was also born in Wermland, Sweden, the daughter of
Andrew and Mary (Olson) Olson, both of whom have
passed away at their home in Sweden at the ages of
sixty-two and sixty years, respectively. They were
the parents of five children: Caroline is Mrs. Ander-
son; Eric John; Mary is Mrs. Jack Long; Christina
is Mrs. Becker of Sacramento; and Hilda is Mrs.
Albert Johnson of Sacramento. Mrs. Anderson came
to America alone in 1882, joining her brother who
lived at Sacramento, Cal. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are
the parents of three children: Edna Margaret, Lester
Edmund and Frank Elmer. The family have many
friends in the neighborhood where they have perse-
vered and prospered.
664
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
FRANCIS M. JANES.— An enterprising and suc-
cessful rancher, whose neat farm of forty acres has
become one of the show-places round about Gait, is
Francis M. Janes, who' lives about two and one-half
miles east of that town. He is a native of Missouri,
and was born in Andrew County, on June 3, 1863, and
Kis father was Thomas Jefferson Janes, a native of
Wisconsin. Grandfather H. F. Janes built the first
house in Janesville, Wis., and also that town, whose
name is now so historically famous, was named in
his honor. He later removed to Andrew County,
Missouri, and there his son, Thomas Jefferson, the
father of our subject, was married to Miss Ellen
Flesher. In 1852, Grandfather Janes and his family
came across the great plains to California in a prairie
schooner, and settled at Camp Curtis, in Humboldt
County; this was a government camp, where soldiers
were stationed to protect the immigrants from the na-
tives. Grandfather Janes acquired 400 acres of land,
and spent on it the balance of his days. Thomas Jef-
ferson Janes returned to Andrew County, and there
Francis M. Janes first saw the light.
In 1871, Thomas Jefferson Janes and family re-
turned again to Humboldt County, where he then had
a farm of eighty acres, upon which he lived the bal-
ance of his days, dying at the age of seventy-six. Mrs.
Janes, who was a native of Illinois, passed away in her
eighty-fourth year. The worthy parents had five chil-
dren, Mary, the eldest, now being Mrs. Bradford, of
Humboldt County. Thomas Jefferson is at Santa
Margarita; Francis M. is the subject of our story;
Ella is Mrs. Brotchie, of San Diego; while Joseph
Theodore is deceased.
Francis M. Janes attended the Janes district school,
a district named after the family, and when still very
young, he went into Del Norte County, and worked
for two years in the Hobbs & Wall box factory. Then
he returned home, and worked around there for an-
other two years. After that he rented his father's
farm, and managed that for seven years, raising grain
and running a dair\'; and then, with a partner, he con-
ducted a shingle mill at Ryan's Slough in Humboldt
County, for two years. He next worked in a saw-
mill at Scotia, Cal., for eight months, and then went
to work in a store at Alliance, Cal., and continued
there for three j'ears.
Mr. Janes now bought a half-interest in the Alliance
business, and was a partner with R. A. Green for ten
years; but selling out, he removed to Oakland, where
he had a grocery store on 38th Avenue, for two years.
Following that experience, he purchased his present
location, about two and one-half miles east of Gait,
acquiring fortjr acres in 1912, known as the Lem Kane
ranch. He moved to this ranch with his family, and
here he has resided since. He owns a lot at Berkeley,
and he has eighty acres at Fremont, in Fremont
County, Idaho, and Mrs. Janes has a quarter-section
willed her by her father. These 240 acres in Idaho
are under cultivation, and are devoted to general farm-
ing. The home-ranch of forty acres east of Gait is
largely devoted to a vineyard, thirty-two acres being
set out to vines, while eight acres are in pasture.
On June 29, 1887, Mr. Janes was married at Eureka,
Cal., to Miss Elizabeth Otilda Ernestina Giesler, a na-
tive of Elizabeth, N. J., and the daughter of William
and Mary (Holtz) Giesler, both natives of Germany,
the former a native of Baden, the latter of Hamburg.
Her father was a potter by trade, and the last years
of his life he was a farmer in Idaho. In 1873, he came
out to California, and settled first in Mendocino
County, and from there removed to Humboldt County,
and later to Fremont, Idaho, and after a while he re-
tired and passed away, at the home of our subject and
his wife in Humboldt County, breathing his last in his
sixty-ninth year. Mrs. Janes' mother was fifty-one
years old, when she died at San Francisco. Three
children made up the Giesler family: Elizabeth, Mrs.
Janes; Charles, who is deceased; and Bertha, Mrs.
Nelson, of Walnut Creek. Mr. Janes is a Republican,
and he was a school trustee for a year in Humboldt
County. He belongs to the Ancient Order of For-
esters. He is a stockholder and a director in the Bank
of Gait and he belongs to the Grape Growers' Asso-
ciation, and Poultry Producers' Association of Central
California.
LEONARD B. LANDSBOROUGH.— An energet-
ic, progressive and experienced manager of an im-
portant commercial concern of constantly increasing
significance to horticultural interests in Sacramento
County, is Leonard B. Landsborough, popularly
called Ted Landsborough, the genial and accommo-
dating secretary of the A. B. Humphrey Company,
fruit-growers, packers and shippers at Mayhews. A
native son of the Golden State, he was born at Sac-
ramento, on June 11, 1887, the son of Leonard M.
and Agnes (Rutter) Landsborough, whose life-story
is given elsewhere in this work. They are numbered
among the pioneer folk now most honored in our
country's annals, who struggled hard, endured much,
and sacrificed for years in order that the way might
be made easier for others, and that the foundations
might be securely laid for the superstructure of pres-
ent-day progress and civilization.
Ted Landsborough attended both grammar and
high school, and in 1906 was graduated from the
latter institution with honors. Then he spent seven
years in Mebius & Drescher Company's wholesale
grocery, where he acquired much valuable informa-
tion and experience. On leaving their employ, he
entered upon the duties of his present position, as
secretary and manager of the Mayhews ranch, hand-
ling fruit and livestock for his company. The com-
pany own 380 acres at Mayhews, devoted exclusively
to fruit, and 1,000 acres at Escalon, in San Joaquin
County. They use only the most scientific and eco-
nomic methods, and have the most up-to-date p'ant
and apparatus. They have their own independent
selling force in the East, and their sales total as high
as 125 cars. The fruit of the A. B. Humphrey Com-
pany is well-known and in great demand in New
York. Mr. Landsborough is also the manager and
secretary of the Ja:nes Rutter Company, controlling
240 acres of vineyard land.
In 1911, Mr. Landsborough married Miss Winnifred
Humphrey, the daughter of A. B. Humphrey; and
they have three children, Gladys, Leonard and An-
toinette. Mr. Landsborough is a Republican, and
was foreman of the Sacramento County grand jury
for 1919. He also belonged to the Board of Free-
holders that drafted the proposed new county charter.
He is a Mason of the thirty-second degree,- and be-
longs to the Scottish Rite and the Shrine. He is also
a member of the Rotary Club, and was a member of
the board of directors, in 1920, and chairman of the
Fruit and Agriculture Bureau, of the Sacramento
Chamber of Commerce.
'^:::>^^^'^^ ^\\<^«5«>-^--^>--^c;?-<i-^-«>-^^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
667
JOSEPH CHARLES HOBRECHT.— When Jo-
seph Charles Hobrecht opened his electrical store in
Sacramento at 1012 Tenth Street, in the spring of
1909, it was with a thorough knowledge of his own
qualifications for the management of such a business,
and his success has come from his natural abilitj' in
the line of his specialty, supplemented by education
and study, which has secured for him recognition
among men of his occupation throughout the entire
West. Born in Germany, April 21, 1876, he was a
very small child when brought to the United States
by his parents, Lawrence and Theresa (Kremier)
Hobrecht. After landing in New York City, the fam-
ily traveled as far west as Nebraska and settled in
Omaha, where the father, a skilled mechanic, secured
employment at his trade. During 1903 he joined the
other members of the family, who had preceded him
to California and settled in San Francisco. Both par-
ents are now deceased. An education acquired in the
public schools of Omaha and Creighton University of
Nebraska qualified Mr. Hobrecht for the duties of
the business world. In early life he assisted his
father in a machine shop and thus acquired a compre-
hensive knowledge of such work, becoming a skilled
mechanic; and he continued for eight years in that
occupation. Going to Montana, he started to work as
an electrician, and continued to operate a plant in
that city for some time. During the year 1900 he
came to Sacramento, where he worked in the employ
of the Bay Counties Power Company for eighteen
months; then he entered the eniploj' of the Electrical
Supply Company, with whom he continued for seven
years, or until he had determined to engage in the
electrical merchandising and construction business
for himself.
Mr. Hobrecht's first marriage united him with Miss
Mary Farrell, who passed away, and subsequently
he was married to Mrs. Lillian (McCarthy) Hanford,
of Sacramento, daughter of Patrick McCarthy, a pio-
neer of Eldorado County. During the World War,
Mr. Hobrecht was a member of the draft board. He
is public-spirited and has always taken an active part
in civic affairs, is a director of the Chamber of Com-
merce and a past president of the Rotary Club, and
fraternally is affiliated with the Elks, the Y. M. L
and the Knights of Columbus, having attained to the
fourth degree in the latter organization. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Hobrecht are earnest members of the Cath-
olic Church.
JAMES M. HASTINGS.— A rancher of wide ex-
perience who has come to make a specialty of high-
grade pears, is James M. Hastings, whose model
farm is situated some eight miles north of Sacra-
mento, on the Natomas Boulevard, in Reclamation
District No. 1000. He has forty acres there of rich
orchard land, and grows other fruit besides pears.
He was born in Sacramento on March 25. 1864, the son
of Daniel E. and Kathryn (Cunningham) Hastings,
who were pioneer settlers of the Golden State.
Other connections of his family were also identified
with the building of the West in a very interesting
way; a great-uncle, Lansford Hastings, was the offi-
cial guide who piloted General Fremont to California
in 1846. His father was formerly proprietor of the
American Union Hotel and stockyards of Sutterville,
known as Old Sacramento, and he was also promi-
nent as a successful placer miner, and prospector, and
our subject owns many priceless heirlooms of those
early days, left by his parents. His father returned
to Ohio with his brother, James, in 1862, and he
served with the 147th Volunteer Infantry, while Uncle
James was a prisoner of war at Andersonville, and
died in Ohio, in 1878. The worthy couple had seven
children, and our subject was the fifth in the order of
birth.
Growing up, James Hastings became a building
contractor in Sacramento, and during his activity
there, he constructed many of the finest residences.
Later, he spent nineteen years in Alaska and the
frozen North, so that he has had a great many thrill-
ing experiences. In 1896, he left Sacramento with a
party of forty-five young business men like himself,
all eager about the "gold rush," and the next spring
started out with a partner and followed to its head-
waters the Koyukuk River, being the second white
man ever known to have returned alive from that
region. He found traces of Lieutenant Allen, who
had preceded him into the region, but who was lost,
the Indians recovering his bodj^ from the ice-flow,
years later. He spent nineteen years in Alaska, and
still owns much desirable property there, and he is a
personal friend of ex-Governor Stone, of Alaska. He
is also the founder of Hammond River Diggin's, in
Alaska. Mr. Hastings returned to the Golden State
in 1913, and he has since made Sacramento his home,
notwithstanding that he has twice returned to the
"Treasure-Box of the World," as he terms Alaska,
since 1915. and in the meantime has developed a mod-
ern fruit ranch near Sacramento. He is a prominent
member of both the Pioneer Society of Alaska and
the Pioneers of the North.
At a point above parallel sixty-eight, north, Mr.
Hastings was married to Miss Mary Boysen, a native
of Elkmont, Wyo.; and their fortunate union has
been blessed with the birth of three children: Helen,
Ruth and James Hammond. Mr. Hastings belongs
to the Native Sons of the Golden West, and is affili-
ated with Parlor No. 3, of Sacramento.
GEORGE F. MAY. — A native son of California
whose life has been spent near the scene of his birth
is George F. May, who was born at Stockton, May
2, 1878, the son of George and Sophie (Beckman)
May, both parents being natives of German^'. One
of San Joaquin County's early pioneers, the father
came to CaHfornia across the plains in 1854 and Mrs.
May arrived here soon after, their marriage occur-
ring in Stockton. Mr. May engaged in teaming from
Stockton to the mines and in later years farmed near
Gait and also ran a hotel there which has since
burned down. He lived to be seventy-four years old,
the mother passing awaj' when fifty-three.
George F. May went to the Henderson school
south of Lodi in his boyhood and when fifteen years
old started out for himself, working on the Saner
ranch on Dry Creek in Sacramento County for about
nine years. He then started in the drayage business,
at first using horse-drawn trucks but now using motor
trucks for both his local and long-distance hauling.
He has now been engaged in this business for sixteen
j^ears, and in addition handles ice, wood and coa',
having built up a splendid patronage. Mr. May is
one of a family of seven children, his brothers and
sisters being as follows: Fred G., Mrs. Kate Fox
and Henry T., all of Gait; William, who died at the
668
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
age ot twenty-six; Mrs. Myrtle Crosby of Reno, Nev.;
and one child who died in infancy.
At Sacramento, March 10, 1907, Mr. May was
married to Miss Louise Biederman, born in Sacra-
mento, the daughter of Henry and Magdalena
(Auwater) Biederman, the father a native of Con-
necticut, while the mother was born in Wittenberg,
Ck-rmany. The parents came to Sacramento, Cal, in
1876, and here the father was engaged as a cabinet-
maker for many years; he passed away at the age
of sixty-five, but the mother still lives in Sacramento.
They were the parents of seven children: Theresa,
residing at Sacramento; Mrs. May of Gait; Mrs. Alice
Haven of Sacramento; Henrietta and Etta, deceased;
John Henry of Dunsmuir; and Richard George,
who died in childhood. Mr. and Mrs. May have
one son, George Henry, and they reside in the old
May home at Gait. In fraternal affiliation Mr. May is
a member of Lodi Lodge, Foresters of America,
is president of Gait Parlor, N. S. G. W., is a past
grand of Gait Lodge, I. O. O. F., and with his wife
belongs to the Rcbekahs. He takes a strong interest
in the civic life of the community and has served an
unexpired term as justice of the peace and has been
deputy constable. In politics he is a Republican.
LELAND C. KIMBALL.— That twentieth cen-
tury science, aiding practical American technology,
has made possible the most wonderful advancement
in the field of irrigation, is demonstrated by the
extensive, successful activities of Messrs. L.- C.
Kimball & Company, of Elk Grove, who have sunk
about 95 per cent of all the large wells in the com-
munity during the past five years. This sort of en-
viable performance one might expect very naturally
of a native-born Ca'ifornian; but if, by any chance,
say accidentally, a Californian could not be found
handj' at the time that the service was called for by
progressive humanity, then a good, old-fashioned
Yankee, such as comes from New Hampshire, would
be the next individual most likely to fulfil expecta-
tions.
Leland C. Kimball, the head of this firm, came
from Lebanon, N. H., where he was born on May
13, 1893, the worthy descendant of Herbert J. and
Lena (Comings) Kimball, who left their Eastern
environment in 1908, came out to California, and
stopped at Elk Grove, when it was in its infancy.
They were farmers, and so they threw themselves
into agricultural pursuits. Leland C. Kimball at-
tended the high school, and made a specialty of
both chemistry and geology, and although at first
he embarked on a modest business venture, he prof-
ited a good deal, in a scientific way, from his studies,
which led him to look ahead into larger fields. He
opened a candy store at Elk Grove, but soon sold
it and joined the J. Breuner Company of Sacramento,
where he learned interior decorating, which he fol-
lowed for five years. In 1917 he took over the busi-
ness which had been established by his father, who
had come to make a specialty of well-drilling, and
had perfected the finest system of irrigating by
pumps and wells; and they have done almost all the
important work in that field called for by those
residents wishing to improve their property with
better irrigation. They handle the Byron Jackson
turbine and centrifugal pumps and electric motors,
provide well-casing, irrigation pipe, windmills,
tanks and gas engines, and sink deep-water wells
and furnish complete installations of irrigation plants
with pressure systems.
Mrs. Kimball, before her marriage on August 11,
1915, was Miss Rowena Baker, of Elk Grove, and
they have two children, Leland C. and Doris Ruth.
Mr. Kimball belongs to the Odd Fellows; politically
he is a man above party, and supports enthusiasti-
cal!y all approved local movements. When in need
of recreation, he goes fishing and hunting.
WILLIAM W. PRINGLE.— A native son of the
Golden State who, in his enterprising and progressive
wa}r, has become a man of affairs in Sacramento
County, is William W. Pringle, who was born at
Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, Cal., May 27,
1868. His father, William Graham Pringle, was born
in Kingston, Canada; w'hile Grandfather Pringle
was a native of Scotland and emigrated to Canada.
William G. Pringle was a saddler and harnessmaker
by trade, having served his apprenticeship in Mont-
pelier, Vt. In the autumn of 1859 he came to San
Francisco via the Isthmus of Panama, and in the
spring of 1860 he settled at Half Moon Bay, and es-
tablished a harness and saddlery business that he
continued without interruption until his death in 1909,
having lived in California just fifty years. His wife,
the mother of our subject, was Eliza Dunn, a native
of Holyoke, Mass., whose parents came from Belfast,
Ireland, to Holyoke, where she was reared and edu-
cated. A cultured and refined woman, she wielded
an influence for good, and at the time of her passing,
in 1873, was greatly loved by all who knew her. Five
children were born to this pioneer couple, of whom
William W. was the third in order of birth.
Reared in the pleasant environment of Half Moon
Bay, William W. Pringle received a good education
in the public school; and then he learned the harness-
maker's trade with his father. How-ever, having a
liking for nature and the great out-of-doors, he chose
ranching and horticulture for his occupation and,
having arrived at eighteen years of age, left his trade
to start for himself. Coming to Contra Costa County,
he took up the study of horticulture and soon became
foreman for the J. P. Ames orchards in Alhambra
Valley, continuing in charge until 1900, when he re-
signed and located in Sacramento County. Here he
purchased the old Tom Johnston ranch, on the river,
which he has improved until he now has thirty-five
acres all devoted to the raising of pears, plums, and
cherries. Since then he has purchased forty-six acres,
a part of the old Warner ranch, also on the river,
located in Reclamation District No. 744. This is also
in orchards of pears, plums, and peaches. With great
care he sees to the cultivation, pruning, and spraying
of the orchards, as well as the picking and packing
of the fruit, and is obtaining satisfactory and profit-
able results. Mr. Pringle is well posted as a horti-
culturist, and his advice is frequently sought by
others. A firm believer in cooperation as the best
method of marketing the product of his orchards, he
is a member of the California Pear Growers' Associa-
tion. Fraternally, he is a member and a past grand
of Martinez Lodge No. 297, I. O. O. F., and a mem-
ber of the Rebekah Lodge at Half Moon Bay, as well
as of Seaside Parlor, N. S. G. W., in the same city,
and of Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks. Be-
lieving that protection is the fundamental principle
for the success of American industries and institu-
tions, Mr Pringle is naturally a strong Republican.
.^-^^^/^^r/^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
671
JAKE SMALL. — For many years identified with
the mercantile business, both in Kentucky and Cali-
fornia. Jake Small has of late years been engaged in
the real estate business, maintaining an office at Gait
and handling considerable property in this vicinity.
A native of Germany, he was born at Wittenberg
March 11. 1865, the son of Sol and Jette (Erlanger)
Small, all their lives residents of that country. The
father, who was a merchant, died at his home there
at the age of fifty-four, the mother passing away at
forty-eight.
When a young man Jake Small came to the United
States and settled at Hartford, Ky., where he en-
gaged in the general merchandise business. From
there he removed to Owensboro, Ky., where he
opened up another store which he conducted for ten
3'ears, when he sold out and came to Redwood City,
Cal., where he was in the same line of business for
ten j'ears. He then came to Gait and entered the
employ of Whitaker & Ray, going from here to
Nome, Alaska, where he was manager for the Ames
Mercantile Company. He only remained there one
year, however, and came back to Gait, where he be-
came purchasing agent for Whitaker & Ray and later
for the Don Ray Company. Several years ago he
established himself in the realty field at Gait and he
has demonstrated his ability by his success in this
line of activity.
Mr. Small's first marriage, which occurred at San
Francisco, united him with Miss Julia Erlanger, a
native of that city, and one daughter was born to
them, Helen Small, who resides at Gait. In 1906, at
Sacramento, Mr. Small was married to Miss Ernina
Rowland, who was born at Honolulu, but who has
made her home in the United States. In his politi-
cal affiliations Mr. Small is a Republican.
FREDERICK G. RENNIE.— A highly-respected
public official and resident of Sacramento County,
Frederick G. Rennie is sincerely interested in beau-
tifying this state of sunshine and dreams. He was
born on October 14, 1865, at Keithley, Yorkshire
County, Eng'and, one of eight children, five sons
and three daughters that brightened the home of
Patrick and Helen (Judson) Rennie. In 1882 the
family left their home in England and came to the
United States and California, locating in Tehama
County. The parents are now deceased.
Frederick G. Rennie began his education in Eng-
land and finished in the schools of Tehama County;
and he also learned the practical side of 'andscape
gardening and the nursery business while still a
young man and followed that business until coming
here to Sacramento. In March, 1893, he came to
the capital city and secured employment with the
state as a gardener in the grounds of the capitol, re-
maining in that occupation until 1911, when he en-
tered the employ of the park department of the city
of Sacramento, for four years having full super-
vision of all the city parks. When the department
was reorganized he was made assistant park super-
intendent, which position he now occupies.
In 1890, Frederick G. Rennie and Miss Etta A.
Eby were united in marriage, and since they located
in Sacramento their circle of friends has ever been
on the increase. Mrs. Rennie is a native daughter,
born in Tehama County, the daughter of Jackson
Eby, a pioneer of that part of California, and a well
known politician, having served as assessor of
Tehama County for over twenty years. Few citi-
zens of that section of the state had a more inti-
mate association with the growth and development
of its resources than did he. He died in Sacramento.
Mrs. Eby now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs.
Rennie, and at the age of eighty is hale and hearty
and a most enjoyable companion.
Politically, Mr. Rennie is a Republican; fraternally,
he is a Red Man. His favorite pastime is fishing and
hunting. The beauties of nature forever call him
onward, uplifting him in his worthy cause, that of
bestowing upon the citizens of California a few
moments of quiet content under the blue sky and on
the soft, mossy carpet of Mother Earth.
RALPH ELLIS MARSH.— A very experienced
poultryman, whose success has contributed to the ad-
vancement of an important industry in California, is
Ralph Ellis Marsh, the enterprising proprietor of the
Hatchery and Poultry Farm situated on the Gait
road, about two and one-half miles east of Gait. He
is a native son, having been born at historic Vallejo,
on November 17, 1870. His father was Archibald
Marsh, a native of New York State, and a descendant
of Sir Francis Drake; he migrated to Illinois when
he was fourteen years old, and in 1852 came out to
California as an emigrant, traveling by means of the
prairie schooner and the ox team. He reached Placer-
ville without even a shoe to cover his worn feet, and
there mined until about 1868, when he removed to
Vallejo, to work in the navy-yard. Ha married Miss
Melville McConnaha, a native of Illinois, from an old
family of the Prairie State, originally a branch of the
Wagners; and she also came to California, in 1851,
accompanying her parents, while crossing the plains.
Her father settled at Volcano, in Amador County,
where he had a hotel. In 1872 Archibald Marsh re-
moved to Santa Clara, and there followed the car-
penter trade, doing considerable contracting; and
there he died at the age of seventy-nine. His good
wife is still living in Santa Clara, enjoying her
eightieth year.
The worthy couple had eight children, the eldest of
whom, Frank, died in infancy, as did also Georj*e, the
second-born. Bruce H. lives in Nebraska; Asa L.
is at Santa Clara; Ralph E. is the subject of this
sketch; Zadie E. has become Mrs. William M. Ab-
bott, and lives at San Francisco; Archie W. is at Santa
Clara; and Carl O. is at San Francisco.
Ralph Marsh attended the Santa Clara grammar
school. At the age of eighteen he began to make his
own way in hotel work at Tacoma, Wash., continuing
thus for three years. He then went to the new town
of Everett, where he worked for a year, and after that
he was at Spokane for a short time, and then in Port-
land for a year and a half, doing hotel work.
Returning to Santa Clara, he learned the house-
painting trade and followed that until April, 1912,
when he bought ten acres two and one-half miles east
of Gait, which he at once began to develop, and where
he has resided ever since. This ranch is devoted to
poultry-raising and the hatching of baby chicks, and
Mr. Marsh has twelve incubators, and disposes of his
choice chicks rapidljr at wholesale. He built all the
structures, and made all the improvements on the
place himself, so that he may take pardonable pride
in what he has accomplished. He hatches about 14,000
67.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
chicks a season. He Ijtlongs to the Grangers of Gait,
and is a member of the Poultry Breeders' Association
of California, the American Farm Bureau and the
Chamber of Commerce, of Gait.
At Santa Clara on February 1, 1903, Mr. Marsh was
married to Miss Blanche E. Harper, who was born
on the old Ingleson Ranch, on the Alviso-Milpitas
road, seven miles north of San Jose, the daughter of
Francis and Mary (Ingleson) Harper. Her father
was born and reared in Santa Clara Valley; and
Grandfather Ingleson was an early pioneer who came
from Maryland to California. Her folks were berry
growers in Santa Clara County. Blanche Harper,
the second in order of birth in a family of ten, was
sent to the Alviso school. Frank is deceased; Lulu,
the third-born, is Mrs. Fischer, of Berkeley; May is
Mrs. McCreedy, of Lancaster; Gertrude is next;
Charles is also deceased; James lives at Oakland;
Stella is married, and is Mrs. Mockley, of Oakland,
where live also Walter, and the youngest of the fam-
ily, Lois, or Mrs. Pearson. Mr. Harper died in 1919,
aged sixty-nine. Mrs. Harper now lives at Oakland.
Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Marsh:
Ralph Ellis, Jr., and Orton Worth. Mr. Marsh is an
Odd Fellow, and belongs to the Lodge and Encamp-
ment at Santa Clara; and he is also a member of the
Woodmen of the World of that place. He is a mem-
ber of the Gait Lodge of Masons, while Mrs. Marsh
belongs to the Eastern Star. In national politics he is
a Republican, and he is a trustee of the Brown School
district. Mrs. Marsh belongs to the Neighbors of
Woodcraft and to the Women's Civic Improvement
Club of Gait.
JOHN CRAWFORD JOHNSTON.— A dairyman
who prides himself on his practical methods and his
up-to-date, thoroughly sanitary plant, is J. Crawford
Johnston, living six miles east of Gait. He is a native
son. and was born at Pleasant Grove, in Sutter Coun-
ty, on November 7, 1899, the son of John and Ella
(Metcalf) Johnston. John Johnston is also a native
son, and first saw the light at Fort Sutter, his father
having come to California across the great plains
about 1858. Mrs. Ella Johnston was born north of
Sacramento, the daughter of a pioneer who came to
California when he was a small child, and near Pleas-
ant Grove his folks settled, and there Ella Metcalf was
born. Her maternal grandfather, Calvin James,
crossed the continent in 1853, and settled near Hay-
ward, and there her mother was born. Calvin James
was the first man in that district to have a registered
lirand for his cattle; and he chose the design of a dia-
mond, with a letter J in the center. He was a large
property-holder at Hay ward; but he sold his hold-
ings, and purchased a small place at Pleasant Grove,
where he spent the balance of his days. Mr. and Mrs.
John Johnston were married at Sacramento, on Octo-
ber 22, 1897. Mr. Johnston had a ranch eight miles
south of Lincoln, and he later removed to Riego, and
established himself in sheep-raising. When he sold
the Riego place, he moved his stock to Eldorado
County, north of Placerville; and there he has about
4.000 acres at present, and deals in sheep.
In 1920 John Johnston purchased a 450-acre ranch
six miles east of Gait, and there he placed sixty head
of choice cattle; and our subject, J. Crawford John-
ston, conducts this ranch for his father, while John
Johnston spends most of his time on his Placerville
ranch. A brother and a sister of J. Crawford John-
ston make up the rest of this progressive family, and
each boasts a circle of good friends. Norma is a grad-
uate of the San Jose Normal, class of '23 in home
economics, and Stanley is studying at Gait. J. Craw-
ford Johnston is a supporter of the Democratic party.
IVAN KNOX HAMILTON.— A representative
business man of Sacramento County, whose extensive
operations are of increasing importance to California
agriculture, is Ivan Knox Hamilton, a native of Rio
Vista, where he was born on September 13, 1884. His
parents were James and Margaret (Cook) Hamilton,
natives of New Brunswick, where they lived on the
Carlo River. His father came to California about
1861, and in 1867 settled at Rio Vista. He had large
holdings of land on Sherman Island, including much
swamp and tule land. About eleven years ago the
father died at the age of sixty-seven; but his devoted
and highly-esteemed wife is still living at the old
home place at Rio Vista.
Ivan went to school in his home district, and then
joined his father in farming in the delta region. Now
he is a partner with Libby, McNeill, Libby & Com-
pany in the cultivation of 1,077 acres of land on Tyler
Island, all devoted to the growing of asparagus; and
he is also associated with his brother, N'^il R., as a
partner, in farming extensive!}' in the Sacramento
delta country. They have 1,200 acres devoted to
asparagus, beans, barley and wheat, and never fail to
get excellent results. On the incorporation of Isleton,
Mr. Hamilton was appointed the first city recorder;
and as in all matters he undertakes, he is filling the
position of city judge with dignity and fairness.
In San Francisco, on May 6, 1922, Mr. Hamilton
was married to Miss Ella R. Hardy, a native of the
Bay City. Her father was born in England, and for
years was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Austra-
lia. Then he came to California, and the Standard Oil
Company, ever alert for the superior man, drew him
into their service. Mrs. Hamilton is the 3'oungest in
a family of five children. Arthur, the eldest brother,
is an architect and builder; Leslie is a lumberman in
Humboldt Count}'; and the others are Ethel, now Mrs.
Ballsmeier. and Melba. Ella Hardy attended the
San Francisco grammar and high schools. Mr. Ham-
ilton is a past master of the Rio Vista Lodge of
Masons; he is a member of the Royal Arch Chapter
in Suisun, and of the Vacaville Commandery, Knight
Templars, and a life member of Islam Temple, Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, in San Francisco, as well as of
the Order of the Eastern Star. He is also a member
and a past grand of Rio Vista Lodge No. 180, I. O.
O. F., and with his wife is a member of Isleton
Rebekah Lodge. Indorsing cooperation as the best
method of marketing farm produce. Mr. Hamilton has
been a member of the California Asparagus Growers'
Association from the time of its organization.
JOHN LINCOLN MAYDEN.— In the estimation
of those who are familiar with the conditions which
have surrounded his successful career. John Lincoln
Mayden, the owner of the Sutter Candy Company,
is entitled to great credit, and richly deserves the
high esteem in which he is held by his fellow-towns-
men of Sacramento. He is one of California's native
sons, his birth having occurred at Plymouth, Amador
County, January 28, 1876. His parents, John and
Mary (Derickson) Mayden, crossed the plains to
California together, and the father engaged in min-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
677
ing ill the Golck'ii State until his deatli in 1919; the
mother is also deceased.
John Mayden pursued his studies in the public
schools, but the school of hard knocks served
to increase his knowledge and ability to such an
extent that he has always been prosperous and suc-
cessful in whatever line he has undertaken. He was
the general manager of a wholesale hardware busi-
ness in Sacramento until 1913, when he invested his
savings in the Sutter Candy Coinpany, then a small
concern. He has devoted his time and energies to
his business until he has built up one of the largest
and most lucrative of its kind in the city, employing
fiifty people and manufacturing all the candy and ice
cream sold by the company. In connection he con-
ducts a high-class cafe and soda fountain. He receives
the patronage and appreciation of a large part of the
city, and is widely known for his reliable and con-
scientious business methods.
Mr. Mayden's marriage united him with Miss Ella
Darrow Hatch, a native daughter of Sacramento, and
they are the parents of two children: Helen and
Eleanor. Mr. Mayden is affiliated with the National
Union in Sacramento. He is the owner of a hand-
some residence property within the city.
FRED STAUFFER. — Among the prominent pio-
neer families of Sacramento is that of Fred Stauffer,
who was one of the early settlers in this part of the
state. A native of Switzerland, he emigrated to Amer-
ica when a youth of seventeen, in 1850, and after
stopping in St. Louis for two years, crossed the plains
to California in 1852. A butcher by trade, he en-
gaged in that business in Sacramento, in that year, and
later had a contract with the Southern Pacific Rail-
way to furnish meat for the workmen engaged in
building the railroad through the Sacramento Valley.
Mr. Stauffer later engaged in cattle raising! in Ore-
gon, Idaho and Nevada, and became one of the promi-
nent cattlemen of the West and very successful in his
undertakings. His untimely death occurred some
twenty-five years ago, June 20, 1898, and cut ofif the
activities of a man who had been prominent and useful
in building up the state. Fraternally he was an Odd
Fellow and a Knight of Honor. The marriage of Mr.
StaufTer uaited him with Susana Blattner, also a na-
tive of Switzerland, who had come to California at
the age of twenty, via the Isthmus of Panama. Of
this union the children now living are: Mrs. Mira
Henry; Ida A.; Tillie B.; Edward A., in the stock
business in Nevada; and Harry C, of Fair Oaks, Gal.
Mrs. Stauffer has been a resident of Sacramento for
over fifty years, and has seen the city grow from a
village to its present size. When she arrived here the
Southern Pacific Railway ran only as far as Folsom
on the north, and during her early years in the city
General Sutter was a resident of Sacramento. She
has stored in her mind many of the incidents and hap-
penings which are now known as pioneer history, and
preserved in the archives of the state as the early be-
ginnings of our now prosperous commonwealth.
Among other work in regard to the welfare of her
community, Mrs. Stauffer has always been active in
the German Lutheran Church. As a young girl in
Switzerland she was reared in church surroundings,
and since coming to Sacramento she has continued
her interest, and has been one of the prominent mem-
bers of St. John's Lutheran Church of Sacramento,
and was one of the first presiding officers in the La-
dies' Aid of that denomination. She attended the
church when it occupied the site now occupied by
Hale's department store, on K Street, and since those
first days has always given freely and helped in all
the good works carried on by the church. Her name
is on one of the Memorial Windows of the church
edifice. It is just such worthy pioneers as Mr. and
Mrs. Stauffer who laid the foundations, firm and true
for future generations in California, and to them all
honor is due.
WALTER DAY McKOY.— An eminently practical
business man, inspired, Ijy high ideals, is Walter Day
McKoy, proprietor of the Property Owners' Protect-
ive Association, with offices at R and Twenty-fourth
Streets, Sacramento. A native son, enthusiastic for
everything pertaining to the welfare of the Golden
State, he was born at Georgetown, in Eldorado Coun-
ty, on November 9, 1869, the son of Gaudenchio Hub-
bard and Mary Frances (Day) McKoy, born in Scot-
land and Ohio, respectively, the former a pioneer
v.ho came across the great plains by means of the
ox-team train in 1850. He went into the mines, but
soon found a better prospect for getting gain in the
transportation of freight, with a pack-train, from
Sacramento to Georgetown. He also had several
sawmills, which he ran with success. Both Mr. and
Mrs. McKoy endured the usual privations of pioneers,
sacrificing not a little in their work of helping to open
up the new paths of civilization; and it is pleasant to
record that they are still living, in the enjoyment of
a comfortable old age, making their home with their
son.
Walter D. McKoy attended the public schools of
Santa Cruz County, and supplemented his preparation
with an excellent business college course. At the same
time, he learned the carpenter's trade from his father,
as also plastering" and bricklaying, and for years fol-
lowed these trades. In 1898 he located in Los Angeles,
and besides engaging- as a contractor plasterer he also
handled plasterer's and bricklayer's material. Here
he was burned out, and sustained a loss of $6,000,
without insurance. He plastered the Lankershim
Hotel, the largest job of its kind in Los Angeles up
to that time. In 1900, he hung out his shingle at
Long Beach, Cal., as a contractor; and five years later
he removed to San Francisco, to continue the same
enterprise there, and was settled and actively operat-
ing in that city when the great earthquake and fire
caught him, while building three- and four-flat build-
ings, and caused him a total loss, again cleaning him
out, financially. He again went to work at his trade,
successfully engaging in business as a contractor, and
accumulated means with which to build an apartment
building on a lot which he owned; and having sold this,
he removed to Sacramento in 1908, and started over
again. Here he also engaged in building, but con-
fined himself to the construction of residences. He
has built and sold no less than 400 houses in Sacra-
mento— an exceptional record for any contractor, any-
where. He erected the Casa del Rey Apartments at
the corner of Seventeenth and I Streets, the Oneida
Apartments at the corner of Eleventh and F Streets,
and many four-flat buildings of a superior type, all
adding to the ornate appearance, as well as to the
wealth, of the city, and affording to many additional
comfort and safety. He is still engaged in the erec-
tion of buildings, all being, however, his own property.
On June 21. 1921, Mr. McKoy established the lum-
678
HISTORY OF SACF^AMENTO COUNTY
ber yard with which Ik- has become more and more
actively identified, and which on August 22 of the
same year was. burned, compeUing him to rebuild and
restock. He is a large landowner, but in his business
he is satisfied to sell at a fair profit, and much below
the price exacted by "The Trust." He belongs to the
Republican party, and in his attitude toward public
questions stands always for progress. Mr. McKoy
has two children: Mabel, the wife of Albert Wohlken,
of San Francisco: and Alfred, a graduate of Heald's
Business College, who is assisting his father in the
management of his business.
WHITE HOSPITAL.— Among the prominent
and helpful institutions of Sacramento the White
Hospital located at Twenty-ninth and J Streets is
doing an outstanding work among the afflicted of
the capital city. This institution was founded Janu-
ary 12, 1910, by the late Dr. John L. White, a promi-
nent and successful physician and surgeon. The
main building was erected in 1910 and accommo-
dated fifty patients; one year later the annex was
built, and eighty-five patients can be properly cared
for. Dr. White passed away in March, 1917, and
three years later the hospital was incorporated with
Mrs. Camille P. White, the widow of Dr. White, as
president and Miss Florence Klaeser, secretary and
manager. The hospital serves the city of Sacra-
mento and surrounding sections of the county; a
school for nurses is carried on and everything is
done for the best possible training of the student
nurses. The buildings are finely equipped in every
detail and the location of the hospital is conducive
to the well-being of the patients within its walls.
JOHN H. CUMMINS.— A widely-known con-
tracting plumber, who is also a sanitary engineer of
note, even beyond the confines of the county in
which he is most active, is John H. Cummins, of
Sacramento, who was born at Dutch Flat, Placer
County, Cal., on June 14, 1869, the son of John H.
and Margaret Elizabeth (Parry) Cummins. His
father came to California across the great plains in
the early fifties, driving cattle, and he not only
came once, but, accompanied by our subject's grand-
father, he made no less than three trips. He first
teamed in the mining country, and then he engaged
in building bridges for the Central Pacific, and he
constructed for that railway corporation the first
turntable. Later, he established himself as a con-
tractor and builder. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cummins
are deceased, the worthy couple having completed
lives of real service.
John H. Cummins attended school both in Califor-
nia and Arizona, to which state the family had re-
moved in 1880, and after that he rode the range
even in Mexico, and had interesting dealings with
the Indians. In 1887, when California was being
talked of throughout America on account of the
realty boom, the family returned to California, and
then he stopped at San Diego and learned plumbing.
By that time, Mrs. Cummins had died, and this
doubtless contributed to his wandering throughout
the United States, and to the City of Mexico, for six
years, affording him a wide, practical experience of
great value.
Mr. Cummins engaged in business in Los Angeles
for a number of years; then he went to Mexico again,
and in 1912 came to Sacramento, since which time
he has been so successful tliat he employs ten men,
and does all classes of work for dwelling houses, flats
and other buildings. He has been president of the
Sacramento Builders' Exchange; and in national
political matters, he prefers the principles of the
Democratic party.
Mr. Cummins was married to Miss Sadie A. Don-
kin; and they have two sons: John H., 3rd, and
Joseph L. Cummins. Mr. Cummins belongs to the
E'k order, and is a member of Lodge No. 6.
AMEDEO LIPPI. — A successful vineyardist who
won his way to prosperity entirely through his own
efforts was Amedeo Lippi, who was born in [he
province of Lucca, Italy, December 17, 1861, the son
of Miguel and Rosina (Micholoni) Lippi, who had a
family of eight children. The mother passed away
when only forty years old. In 1874 the father left the
family in Italy and came to San Francisco, Cal.,
where he engaged in the hotel and restaurant business.
Later he established himself in this same line in Sacra-
m.ento, and there he died at the age of sixty-two.
Amedeo Lippi was educated in the schools of Italy,
and in 1879 made his way to the United States, com-
ing to San Francisco, Cal., where he worked for three
years. He then removed to Sacramento, and there
worked in the Southern Pacific Railroad shops. In
1891 he came to Gait and leased land there, conduct-
ing a vegetable garden, and continued successfully
there, saving his money, so that in 1906 he was able
to purchase the present home ranch of twelve acres,
which he brought to a high state of improvement.
The place has been planted to fruit and vineyard,
a good irrigation system has been installed, and he
here erected a comfortable residence with many
modern conveniences.
In Gait, on March 1, 1886, Mr. Lippi was married
to Miss Judita Marengo, who was born in the prov-
ince of Genoa, Italy, the daughter of Augustino and
Teresa Marengo. In 1879 she came to America
with her parents, crossing on the same steamer as
Mr. Lippi. The Marengo family settled three miles
east of Gait, Cal., where her father became well-
known as a stockman. Five children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Lippi. The eldest son, George, entered the
United States service during the World War in Com-
pany L, 363rd Infantry, and was in training at Camp
Lev\'is. On going overseas, he saw much active ser-
vice at the front and gave his life for his country
while taking part in the Argonne offensive. Pio, the
second son, was killed in an automobile accident in
1922, near McConnell Station; he was formerly with
the Bank of Italy at Sacramento. Clara, Mrs. Fugazi
of Gait, has two children, Beatrice and Georgia; Syl-
via is at home; Rosie is with the Bank of Italy in San
Francisco. The family are members of the Roman
Catholic Church. Mr. Lippi took a public-spirited
interest in all community affairs, and served on the
board of trustees of the Gait grammar school; he was
a Republican in politics. Mrs. Lippi, who contributed
much to her husband's success, is the owner of fifty
acres of good land east of Gait, a part of the old
Marengo estate, which she inherited from her father.
After the close of the war Mr. and Mrs. Lippi made
a trip to Europe, and while there went over the battle-
fields of France and visited the American Cemetery at
Montfaugon, where their son was buried. Mr. Lippi
died at his home at Gait, February 27, 1923, and was
buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery, at Sacramento.
lyfC<^'A.
J- uoAd O-^yneJ'^c^ ^^
^/f^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
681
ROBERT T. SWAN.— The son of a pioneer at-
corney-at-la\v, who later was a minister of the Gospel
in Cahfornia, Robert T. Swan was born at Heakls-
burg, Sonoma County, September 21, 1878. His par-
ents were William G. and Evalyn (Sanford) Swan,
the father a native of Trenton, Canada, who later
removed to Colorado and came from there to Cali-
fornia in the early days, about 1870. He had been
educated for the law and for some time practiced in
Healdsburg, then entered the ministry of the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church, South. He passed away at
the age of forty-five, but Mrs. Swan is still living,
making her home at Richmond, Cal., and is the
mother of four children: William G., Jr., is de-
ceased; Ernest R. lives at San Francisco; Robert T.
of this sketch; Sanford is deceased.
Robert T. Swan received his early education in
the different places where his father was located in
the ministry and this was supplemented with a two
years' course at the Pacific Methodist College at
Santa Rosa. When he was twenty years old he
learned the horseshoeing trade and for three years
worked at San Francisco in this line, and then was
conductor, motorman and mechanic for the old Mar-
ket Street Railway. Next he was a blacksmith for
the Illinois Pacific Glass Company at San Francisco,
and then went into the printing business there, but
was burned out in 1906. He returned to work in the
shops of the Market Street Railway, continuing there
until 1913, when he came to Gait. Here he pur-
chased fourteen acres of land one mile west of Gait
and has built a home and made many improvements.
At San Francisco, June 26, 1901, Mr. Swan was
united in marriage with Miss Alice M. Cook, a native
daughter of that city whose parents were Pardon A.
and Elizabeth J. (Hilton) Cook. The father was one
of California's early pioneers, coming here in 1850
from Massachusetts and was a building contractor.
He passed away in 1902 and Mrs. Cook in 1912.
They were the parents of five children: Alvira,
Laura, Avie, Alice M. and Inez A., Mrs. Swan being
now the only one living. Mr. and Mrs. Swan have
one daughter, Evalyn, named for her grandmother.
Mr. Swan casts his vote with the Republicans and
takes a public-spirited interest in all civic matters.
He is a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias of
Gait and past president of Gait Parlor, N. S. G. W.
MRS. MARY McFARLAND ORR.— One of the
large landowners of the Gait district, Mrs. Mary
McFarland Orr has demonstrated unusual business
ability in the management of the large estate which
she inherited, comprising 1,600 acres two miles west
of Gait. A native of Canada, she was born near
Guelph, Ontario, the daughter of Duncan and Janet
(Taylor) McFarland, both natives of Perthshire, Scot-
land. The father came to Canada when he was only
ten years old and passed away in Ontario, having
become a substantial farmer there. They were the
parents of twelve children; Janet, Anna and John
are deceased; George; Duncan, deceased; Margaret;
Jane, deceased; Susan; Isabelle, deceased; Mary,
Mrs. Orr; Elizabeth; and Robert.
In 1884 Mrs. Orr came to Gait, Cal., and made her
home with the family of her uncle, John McFarland,
who gave the town of Gait its name, from his old
home town. Gait, Ontario. On April 29, 1885, she
was united in marriage with George Orr, who was
born near Gait, Ontario, the son of Robert and Mar-
garet Orr, both of Scotch descent, being one of a
family of nine children: Mary; John; Janet; Robert;
George; Andrew; William; Lida; the sixth child
passed away in infancy. George Orr came to Cali-
fornia in 1883 and first settled at Santa Clara, but
soon afterwards came to Gait. Here he was in the
employ of John McFarland, and after he was married
he bought 700 acres of the McFarland ranch, which
consisted of 1,600 acres, and now Mrs. Orr is the
owner of the entire place, sixteen acres being devoted
to vineyard, and the balance to grain and pasture.
Mrs. Orr also conducts a large dairy, having a herd
of about seventy-five cows. The house now occupied
by Mrs. Orr was built by John McFarland in 1879-
1880 and is one of the old, substantial California
houses, well constructed in every way.
Mr. Orr passed away in 1919, leaving his widow
and five children to mourn his loss: Anna, Mrs. Cota
of Gait, has three children — Varien, Mary and Myrna
May; Gladys, Mrs. C. G. Woods, who lives on the
home ranch, has two children — George and Wini-
fred; Eda is Mrs. Carter of Gait; Evelyn and Beatrice
are at home. Mr. Orr was for years a trustee of the
Gait school district and was past chancellor of the
Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Orr is a member of the
Rebekahs of Gait, her uncle, John McFarland, hav-
ing been prominent in the Odd Fellows.
WILSON D. BENNETT.— How much of the suc-
cess of the California Fruit Exchange in its render-
ing of an exceptionally efficient service to the public,
directly and indirectly associated with it, has been
due to the proficiency of Wilson D. Bennett and his
fortunate qualifications for the office of sales-mana-
ger, those who are familiar with the interesting his-
tory of that wide-awake and far-reaching organiza-
tion, may testify. Born in Brooklyn, then the city
of churches across the East River from New York
City, on August 6, 1872, our subject grew up in the
refined home circle of his parents, William Remson
and Annette (Duryee) Bennett, both of whom are
now dead, and who rounded out their useful lives in
a manner highly creditable to them and their near
of kin. They were progressive in every sense of the
word, and so it happened that, in addition to the
public school courses, Wilson enjoyed the training
of the nationally famous Brooklyn Polytechnic, and
in time came to be a valued employee of the Earl
Fruit Company in the East.
Having by that experience established an enviable
reputation, Wilson Bennett in 1903 joined the dis-
tributors for a couple of seasons, remaining in the
great city of New York; and next he was with
Messrs. Steinhart & Kelly in the metropolis. He
next entered the office of the California Fruit Grow-
ers' Exchange, in New York, acting as assistant to
the district manager; and when Mr. Nagle became
manager, he came to the Sacramento ofiice of the
California Fruit Exchange. He has been in Cali-
fornia since 1910, and during the intervening years
has more, and more mastered the many and intricate
details of California life and traditions. He attends
conventions, in which his voice and his counsel are
heard. He is a former director of the Chamber of
Commerce, belongs to the Rotary Club, and devotes
himself especially to activities designed to forw-ard
fruit growing and other agricultural interests.
At Brooklyn, N. Y., in the year 1897, Mr. Bennett
was married to Miss Rebe Schenck, and their union
6S2
HISTORY OF SACRAiNlKNTC) COUNTY
has been blessed with the birth of a son, Adolphus,
now in New York in tlie cotton trade, and a daugh-
ter, Elletta. In national politics Mr. Bennett is a
Republican. He is anions the most popular mem-
bers of the Sutter Club.
OSCAR G. HARTIG.— Sacramento and vicinity
was the Mecca for many Argonauts of early days,
drawn there primarily by the gold fields near by, and
often remaining to enter mercantile or ranch life, and
build up the city and surrounding country by their
labors, carried on when pioneer conditions brought
forth all the sturdy character inherent in human na-
ture, and meant only the survival of the fittest.
Among these may be mentioned Oscar G. Hartig, who
came here in early hfe and became a part of the warp
and woof of the new state.
Born in Breslau. Germany, May 5, 1841, at the early
age of thirteen, in 1854, the enterprising lad sailed for
America, and located in Dubuque, Iowa, where he be-
came an apprentice painter in a furniture factory of
Hancourt & Co., with wages, to start, of $3.50 per
week. For ten years he remained with this" same com-
pany, mostly engaged in varnishing furniture, and be-
came expert in the work he followed so diligently.
In 1864, one of a party of twenty-two men and two
women, Mr. Hartig crossed the plains to California;
four wagons, drawn by mules, carried the brave little
band, and they drove fifty-three horses over the long
trail, landing in Sacramento, August 7, 1864, after 107
days of weary hardship, interspersed with the danger
and adventure which made these pioneer journeys to
be remembered for all time. After his arrival, Mr.
Hartig worked for John Breuner for a time, varnish-
ing the interior of his store; he then worked for an
undertaking company, finishing coffins, and was the
first man in California to put the rosewood finish on
cofiins. Later he worked in a carriage painting shop,
and from there entered the employ of C. H. Krebs
Company, painters and dealers in paints. With twelve
men, he operated a cooperative paint shop for a time.
After these initial business ventures, for the next
thirty years Mr. Hartig was in the employ of the
Ruhstaller Brewery, painting kegs, this company own-
ing 140.000 barrels and kegs, and in 1918, he retired
from active business hfe, and now spends his time in
looking after his property interests in Sacramento,
which have accumulated through years of steady ap-
plication and thrift.
The marriage of Mr. Hartig, which occurred De-
cember 24, 1869, united him with Mrs. Margaret
Hagelstein. Mrs. Hartig was also an early settler in
Sacramento and owned considerable property in the
city. Her death occurred in 1902.
During his long residence in the state capital city
Mr. Hartig became prominent in fraternal life, and
he is the second oldest living member of the Turn-
verein, now rounding out his fifty-eighth year, and he
was presented with a diploma when his membership
in the lodge aggregated fifty years; for the past thirty-
five years he has been a member of Schiller Lodge,
I. O. O. F., of Sacramento. A fine bass singer, for
thirty years he was bass soloist in the German Luther-
an Church here, and in all good works he has taken
a willing part, a firm believer in the wonderful future
in store for this part of the Golden State.
CLAUDE RICHARD SPICKARD.— Sacramento
owes much to such far-seeing and expert organizers of
industry as Claude Richard Spickard, the efficient and
popular president of the Motor Carrier Terminals,
Inc., which has already proven the greatest possible
boon to the Capital City and its immediate environs.
He was born at Spickard, Grundy County, Mo., on
May 8, 1887, the son of Benjamin F. and Amelia
(Custer) Spickard, and grandson of George A Spick-
ard, a sturdy pioneer who came out to California
as a doughty Argonaut in the famous year 1849,
crossing the plains and, as a result of the privation
and rigors of the hazardous journey, losing his devoted
wife, the grandmother of our subject. Grandfather
George A. Spickard had served in the Mexican War
before coming to California. During the early days,
he was in the California mines for several years, meet-
ing with good success, and then returned to Mis-
souri, where he purchased a large tract of land in
Grundy County and engaged in farming and stock-
raising. He served in the Union army in the Civil
War as captain of a company in a Missouri regiment.
He also served as judge in Grundy County. He gave
the right of way through his lands to the C, R. I. &
P. Railroad when it was built through Grundy Coun-
ty, and the town that sprang up was named Spickard
after him. Benjamin F. Spickard, the father, passed
away in Missouri, when he was only twenty-nine years
of age, leaving an enviable record as a railroad en-
gineer who stuck to his post, was severely injured
while on duty, and died as the result of the unfortu-
nate accident. Mrs. Spickard, his esteemed wife, is still
living, the center of a devoted circle in Sacramento.
Claude Spickard attended the public schools of Mis-
souri, came out to Montana, where he worked on a
cattle ranch for two years, and after returning to Mis-
souri and resuming study there, came West again,
this time to Colorado, where he arrived in 1904. In
July of that year he enlisted in the United States
Navy, for a four-year service; and so it happened that
it was not until 1908 that he came out to California
and located at Sacramento. He went to the Capital
City Business College for four months, and then
learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked
until 1915, when he started to run a jitney on the
streets of Sacramento. He then established a pioneer
stage line between Sacramento and Stockton; and now
he has a line of stages between Sacramento, Auburn
and Nevada City.
On October 4. 1921, the Motor Carrier Terminals,
Inc., was formed, with Mr. Spickard as president;
and their new, commodious station was opened at
Fifth and I Streets, on May 1, 1922, under the addi-
tional direction of W. M. Sanford as secretary and
treasurer; B. Gibson, vice-president; and Chas. Elliott,
Geo. W. Tatterson, A. L. Richardson, directors. The
structure cost $150,000, and was designed to care for
the rapid increase in the number of passengers. It has
proved a wonderful convenience for the patrons of
stages, and is the direct result of the forethought, the
public-spiritedness, and enterprise of the gentlemen
just named. This beautifully designed and modernly
constructed station may easily and quickly be reached
from the busy center of the city; but what is more, it
not only will relieve much congestion in motor travel,
but adds decided beauty to the surrounding section.
There is a basement with a restaurant which will seat
appro.ximately .300 people, and also rest rooms, and a
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
685
lounge rotunda spacious enough to accommodate 1,200
passengers per hour. Storerooms with entrances from
both street and rotunda will also prove of the greatest
convenience to the hurrjdng public, since provision is
thus made for last-minute purchases of home necessi-
ties, and the supplying of personal needs.
Included in the organization of the Motor Carrier
Transportation Terminal, so the "Sacramento Union"
tells us in a highh' flattering notice given the new and
welcomed enterprise, are the California Transit Com-
pany, operating stages between this citj' and Oakland,
and Stockton and San Joaquin Valley points; the
Shasta Transit Company, operating between Sacra-
mento and Redding; the Sacramento-Auburn Stage
Company, operating between Sacramento, Auburn,
Grass Valey, and Nevada City; the River Auto Stage
Company, with lines running to Rio Vista; the Judy-
Elliott Stage Company, handling transportation be-
tween here and Winters; and the Fierce-Arrow Stage
Company, operating between Lake Tahoe, Placerville
and this city. Every convenience is afforded by these
new companies, which now maintain daily schedules
in and out of the splendid new depot created by the
genius of Mr. Spickard and his associates. There is no
strap-hanging, no sitting on the arms of seats, nor
any uncomfortable crowding of fellow-passengers.
Plenty of room and comfort for each passenger, is
the key-note of auto-stage travel as arranged for by
the managers of the Motor Carrier Terminals; and
every modern convenience and absolute bodily safety
are to be found in the building of the Terminals, to
which the bus-going public must come for transfers
and for necessary waiting. Built with reenforced con-
crete beams and floors, and faced with wire-cut faced
brick, the structure has been officially declared abso-
lute!}' fire-proof. With the exception of the slender,
isolated window-frames, there is nothing to burn; and
as a consequence the distressing catastrophes that
have frequently occurred through fire in noted ter-
minals in populous centers, are rendered impossible
here. The entrances, too, are spacious, and there is a
lobbj' for passengers on the Fifth Street side, and
two wide stairways leading to the loading pits be-
low. A charming and instructive feature of the wait-
ing room proper is found in the decorative mural
panels containing scenes of the "days of '49," and of
places reached by the stage fines. The depot is said
to be the finest in northern California, and is much
larger than that used for similar purposes in other
parts of the state. President Spickard and his col-
leagues well deserve the congratulations so lavishly
bestowed upon them for this marked accomplishment,
one of the most accurately indicative measures of Sac-
ramento's substantial growth.
Mr. Spickard was united in marriage, in Sacramento,
with Miss Effie E. Duren, born in Missouri; and the}'
have been blessed with two children, A. Franklin and
Claudie Juanita. He resides with his family in his
home at 1S23 G Street. Mr. Spickard is a member of
the Lions Club; Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O.
Elks; and the Colusa Outing Club. He takes much
pleasure in sports, especially in hunting and fishing,
and in baseball.
WILLIAM GEORGE FERGUSON.— A prosper-
ous rancher and dairyman who has large holdings
in the Gait district is William George Ferguson, who
was born on the old Ferguson ranch four miles north-
•13
west of Gait, January 20, 1879, the son of William
Henry and Eliza Jane (Uren) Ferguson. The father,
who was of Scotch descent, came to California from
Pennsylvania in the very early days, and for years
drove, a ten-mule wagon from Sacramento and Stock-
ton to Carson City and Virginia City, Nev. When
the wagonmaker who built his wagon had finished it
he suggested putting a name on it to identify it. It
being left to him, he painted "Harry of the West"
on it, and by this name Mr. Ferguson became known
far and wide. After teaming for a number of years,
Mr. Ferguson settled northwest of Gait and acquired
700 acres of land, which he farmed until his death,
at the age of sixty-eight, Mrs. Ferguson continuing
the management of the ranch up to the time of her
death on February 8, 1913, at the age of fifty-five.
There were two children in the Ferguson family,
Anna, Mrs. Louis Christensen, who passed away in
1912, and William George. The latter spent his
boyhood attending the Grant district school and
assisting on the home place. On the death of his
mother, he took charge of it and through his capable
management he has brought it to a high state of
development. He owns 560 acres here with the old
home buildings his father had erected many years
ago, and these are now used to house his employees.
Mr. Ferguson also purchased 225 acres adjoining on
the east, and here in 1914 he built a fine modern home,
where he has since resided.
Mr. Ferguson's marriage at Sacramento, Septem-
ber 17, 1913, united him with Miss Angle M. Stro-
man, born at York City, Pa,, the daughter of Ben-
jamin Franklin and Sultana J. (Martin) Stroman;
the father was at one time county recorder of York
County, Pa., and well known throughout that coun-
try. Both parents are still living and to them were
born four children: Alpheus; George W. ; Angie M.,
Mrs. Ferguson; and Chauncey. Mrs. Ferguson came
to Sacramento, Cal., in 1912, and it was here that she
met Mr. Ferguson. They have one daughter, Alary
Jane. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Ferguson is a
past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias of Gait.
WILLIAM S. HOWE.— A member of one of the
oldest law firms in Sacramento, and the descendant
of one of the prominent educators of the state, Wil-
liam S. Howe was born in Sacramento, January 7,
1874, the son of E. P. and Ella P. (Sunderland)
Howe. E. P. Howe was born in Marietta, Ohio, in
1838, and was taken by his parents to Mt. Pleasant,
Iowa Territory, when a child; his father was a prom-
inent teacher and opened a school, and there the son
was trained to be a teacher, beginning his profession
at fifteen. When twenty years old he was placed in
charge of the Mt. Pleasant union high school with
200 pupils; next he was principal of the Normal
school at that place. Farmington high school and
Bonaparte College were put in successful operation
by Professor Howe, and later he was connected with
the public schools of New York and Michigan.
While at Bonaparte, Iowa, he was induced to visit
California, and in 1872 he was elected principal of
the Sacramento union high school. In 1873 he
established Howe's High School and Normal Insti-
tute, which became one of the leading institutions
of the state for the training of teachers.
William S. Howe was educated under the tutelage
of his father, and then entered the law offices of
686
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Oatmaii & Hughes, on J Street; and later he was
with Alexander & Joseph, the authors of Alexander
it Joseph's proliatc book. He received his exam-
ination and was admitted to practice in 1897, and
since that date has followed his profession in. asso-
ciation with his brother, Luke, the firm becorn-
ing well-known throughout the county during their
years of successful practice.
The marriage of Mr. How^e, occurring September
11, 1905, united him wath Miss Mable S. Siller, daugh-
ter of L. G. Siller, a capitalist of Sacramento, and
one child has blessed their union, William S., Jr., a
student at the Sacramento high school. Endowed
with social talents, Mr. Howe has been prominent
in fraternal and musical circles in the city; he is a
member of the Elks, of the Sutter Club, and belongs
to both the county and state organization of Native
Sons. A musician of note, he was formerly a mem-
ber of the McNeil Club, and of the Orpheus Quar-
tet; he now confines his talent to more informal
occasions. He finds his pleasure also in the great out-
of-doors, in motoring and kindred amusements, and
he is an expert billiard player.
LEWIS C. HUNTER.— Prominent among the na-
tive sons of California is Lewis C. Hunter, well and
popularly known in Sacramento, where for a decade
and more he has been manager of the local branch
house of W. P. Fuller Company, the leading paint
and glass supply house in California. He was born
in San Francisco on July 4, 1869, the son of L. C.
Hunter, who came out to California in the early
sixties, and married, at San Francisco, Miss Mary
Lee, of the Pennsylvania branch of that renowned
family, whose father was a cousin of Robert E. Lee.
They were known to their intimates as exceptionally
refined, intelligent and progressive, and properly rep-
resentative of their noted lineage. This enviable as-
sociation with one of America's most honored sons
has opened many a door to our subject. He began
his schooling in San Francisco. When fourteen years
of age, it became necessary for him to lay aside his
studies and devote himself to helping his mother.
Entering the service of W. P. Fuller Company in
1890, he rose steadily until he had rounded out twenty
years in their field of operations; and then, in 1910,
he moved inland to Sacramento, where he was made
manager of the local house. By this time, he had
mastered the details of the enterprise carried on by
the firm. He became a member of the Chamber of
Commerce, and he was a vice-president for a number
of years, and also a director. He has never failed to
improve an opportunity to do Sacramento city and
county a good turn, and in turn Sacramento has re-
ciprocated with an enviable patronage. He has re-
mained a man above party and independent of nar-
row, restricting partisanship; and this has given him
greater influence for good as chairman of the Free-
holders, w'ho framed the present city charter.
When Mr. Hunter married at San Jose, in 1898, he
took for his wife Miss Florita Peet, a native of Sac-
ramento; and their union has proven fortunate in the
birth of three children, Mary L.. Doris, and Lewis
Warren, the elder two of whom are graduates of the
University of California. Mr. Hunter is a Knight
Templar Mason, and he belongs to the Sutter and
Del Paso Country Clubs. He is fond of golf, which
is another way of saying that he is a good mixer and
accessible to all men.
H. J. E. GELLING. — The progress made in artis-
tic, dependable automobile painting, a matter of such
vital importance to all owners of good cars, is daily
illustrated in the work of the H. J. Gelling Co., the
enterprising firm represented by H. J. E. Gelling, an
Illinoisan who has more than made good in California.
He was born at Quincy, 111., on July 31, 1886, the
son of John and Selma (Seifert) Gelling, worthy
parents now living in Stockton, where they enjoy the
esteem of all who know them.
H. J. E. Gelling attended the public schools, and
later worked at various odd jobs until he learned the
trade of automobile painting, repairing and upholster-
ing, after which he had a shop for seven years in
Quincy. Selling out, in 1919, he came out to Sacra-
mento, and for a while was with S. Albright. Later
he had his own shop, in the building occupied by the
Miller Auto Company. After that, he was located at
1225 Seventh Street, until, on account of an increase
in business, he moved to larger quarters at 721-723 M
Street, where he ha!s an up-to-date enameling oven
and all modern equipment — the only enamel-baking
plant, in fact, in this section, and one of the best-
equipped in northern California. Much of his pat-
ronage comes from the surrounding territory, al-
though now and then an interesting special order is
sent from some distant point, indicating the promi-
nence given to Sacramento as an industrial and com-
mercial center through such enterprising representa-
tive firms as that of Mr. Gelling. To handle his
steadily increasing trade, Mr. Gelling employs at least
seven men, and often has use for more.
Mr. Gelling was married, .in 1909, to Miss Rose
Lepper; and they have one child, Wilbur J. L. Mr.
Gelling is a Mason, affiliated with Herman Lodge, No.
39, A. F. & A. M., at Quincy, III, and is also a member
of the Sciots, in Sacramento.
MRS. MARGARET K. JOHNSON.— Success is
determined by one's ability to recognize opportunity,
and to pursue this with a resolute and unflagging
energy. Through such means Mrs. Margaret K.
Johnson has attained a leading position among the
representative orchardists and poultry raisers of the
Rio Linda district of Sacramento County, where she
owns and operates a ranch of twenty-two acres. She
was born in Germany, a daughter of Louis and Kath-
erine (Dennes) Becker, also natives of the same
country. Louis Becker left his native land and came
to America, where he located near Lancaster, Wis.,
and there farmed for fifty-five years until he passed
away. At the age of sixteen, Mrs. Johnson went to
live with a brother in Des Moines, Iowa, and while
there she learned the tailoring trade and spent a
number of years in this profession.
On March 21, 1885, Miss Becker became the wife
of Charles R. Johnson, a native of Missouri of Eng-
lish descent and a machinist by trade. Two children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson: Carrie
Amelia is Mrs. Renneker, living at Yorba Linda, and
has five children; Edwin Charles is married, has one
son and resides at Rio Linda. In 1914, Mr, and Mrs.
Johnson located on their Rio Linda ranch, which they
planted to French prunes and meantime began to
raise poultry, first in a small way and gradually in-
creasing until they now have 2,000 hens, which are
the source of a fine income. Mrs. Johnson is greatly
interested in all comniunitj' welfare work, and since
the organization of the Rio Linda farm-home depart-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
689
ment, a department of the farm bureau, six years
ago, she has served as chairman for five years of the
department. Mr. Johnson has been a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America for the past thirty
3'ears, and his son, Edwin C, is a member of the Rio
Linda Lodge and is serving as escort officer of the
lodge. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the California
Prune & Apricot Association, the Central California
Poultry Producers' Association and is a stockholder
in the cooperative Rio Linda Poultr}- Producers' As-
sociation.
ago, Mr. and Mrs. Eskridge located on their ranch
of ten acres on the M Street Road where they first
engaged in the dairy and poultry business, but later
developed a fine orchard; they conduct a successful
hatchery on their ranch. For eleven years Mr. Esk-
ridge has conducted the poultry department at the
state fair; for one year he served as director of the
Central California Poultry Producers' Association
and his work for the benefit of the poultrymen of
Sacramento County has been productive of much
good.
LEONARD W. ESKRIDGE.— Among the leading
agriculturists in the vicinity of Sacramento is Leonard
W. Eskridge, who for twenty-eight years has been
actively engaged in the great work of reclaiming a
portion of the "arid zone'' of Sacramento County.
He was born in Sacramento, August 29, 1870, the
youngest son of Alexander W. and Elizabeth A.
(Zumwalt) Eskridge. Alexander W. Eskridge was
born in Virginia in 1829 and was bereaved of his
parents at an early age; at seven years of age he was
bound out to a family in New York and was taught
the trade of cabinet maker. When he grew to young
manhood he was one of a party of five young men
who went to Illinois; from there they organized a
party to cross the plains, driving 150 head of stock,
which they -traded en route. Late in the fall of 1849,
the}- arrived in California and Alexander W. Eskridge
mined on the Cosumnes River for a time, but soon
gave it up for the more substantial industry of farm-
ing on land now known as the Taylor place. In 1851
he erected buildings which are still standing; he also
built many homes for the settlers who came to
Cosumne during the fifties.
Alexander W. Eskridge next located at Knight's
Landing in Yolo County, where he became an ex-
tensive wheat raiser; later he removed to Sacramento,
where he was a general contractor and builder, spe-
cializing in fine interior finish; he did the interior
woodwork of the state capitol building and many of
the fine residences of Sacramento; he gave his time
and the material for the fence around the Kilgore
Cemetery, which is still standing. He was a charter
member of the Sacramento Lodge of Odd Fellows,
and in politics was a Republican. He passed away
September 20, 1908. survived by his wife and three
children: Mrs. E. H. Tryon, a widow who has one
son, Loren H. Tryon of San Francisco; C. J. Esk-
ridge who is married and has two children and re-
sides in Eldorado County; and Leonard W., of this
review.
Leonard W. Eskridge was reared in the family
home in Sacramento and there attended school until
he was fifteen 3'ears of age; then he left home to seek
his fortune. He stopped at Portland, Ore., w-here he
was employed on the stock ranch of David Cole and
in the meantime learned the plumber's trade. While
in the employ of David Cole he learned to ride the
range and his experience along this line extended
from the Canadian border to Old Mexico; at one
time while in Portland he was employed under Joseph
Werter of the United States secret service during the
Dunbar, Blum and Laton exposure.
The marriage of Mr. Eskridge united him with
Miss Martha Wilke, a native of Pennsylvania, a
daughter of the late Charles Wilke, whose sketch
will be found in this history. Twenty-eight years
FRED ELLSWORTH AW ALT.— A civil engin-
eer of exceptional experience and accomplishment is
Fred EUsworth Await, the general superintendent of
field operations of the Natomas Company and Rec-
lamation District No. 1000. He was born in Han-
ford, Kings County, on September 10, 1885, the son
of Frank Marion and Belle May (McCann) Await,
the latter a native of San Francisco. Frank M.
Await accompanied his parents across the great
plains in an ox-team train, with covered wagons, in
the early days, his folks locating near Hanford. He
grew up there, a pioneer rancher in the sense that
640 acres were developed out of a wild and raw coun-
try; and he engaged in grain- and stock-raising on
an extensive scale. As such a pioneer, he could
recall the Mussel Slough tragedy, so notable in early
Hanford historj', having known well the participants.
The family moved to Santa Cruz, in 1888, to reside,
but in the meantime the parents were identified as
ranchers with Hanford and vicinity.
The second eldest in a family of four children,
Fred Await attended and was graduated from the
Santa Cruz high school, in 1902, and then he put in
some time at Stanford, as an electrical engineer. Fin-
ishing his studies here, he left school, to hire out as
an employee of the Sunset Telephone Company at
Palo Alto, as an outside man on a construction crew;
and he was an inspector for twelve months in Palo
Alto. He became foreman of the maintenance de-
partment of the Sunset Telephone Company in the
San Mateo-Burlingame district; and from 1906 to 1908
he was superintendent of construction of the present
underground system at San Jose, having a crew of fifty
men under his supervision. On the completion of
this job, he was transferred to Contra Costa County
as superintendent of construction of the telephone
system at Port Richmond, and installed the Union
Oil Company's telephone system at Oleum; and from
1909 to 1910 he was electrical engineer with the Port-
land Cement Company at Santa Cruz, in charge of
construction. In 1911, he took up the superintendency
of construction at Livermore for the Water & Power
Company' there, prior to that company's being ac-
quired by the Pacific Gas and Electric Compan3^
From 1912 to 1914, Mr. Await was superintendent of
the entire construction in reclamation of districts No.
900, 999, and 847, including over 11,000 acres, all rich
delta in the Sacramento Valley.
In 1915, our subject came to the Natomas Reclama-
tion Districts No. 1000 and 1001 as electrical engineer,
and since 1917 he has been general superintendent of
construction here, this time constructing and main-
taining the engineering work on the 60.000 acres of
District No. 1000. He has resided part of the time in
Sacramento, and for the most part since 1921 in the
district. He has recently become vice-president of
the Sacramento Valley Construction Company, in
690
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
partnc-rsliip with R. G. Clifford, and they are doing
contract irrigation development throughout northern
California. He spent the early six months of 1903
in the Panama Canal zone, during the construction
of the Mira Flores locks, and he has since then also
twice visited the canal zone. He is a member of the
American Association of Engineers, and also of the
National Exchange Club of Sacramento, and is a
Republican. He recalls some interesting experiences
as a naval militia man at Santa Cruz.
On May 9. 1907. Mr. Await was married to Miss
Olive M. Sanderson, the daughter of Captain Mat-
thew Sanderson, a native of England. He was a sea
captain, long in charge of merchant ships; and on
retiring, he came out to America and California; and
settled at Livermore, where he built the town hall
and engaged in other building by contract. The
Captain was the father of eight children, all born in
Livermore. Mr. and Mrs. Await have a son, Francis
Marion, born at Livermore, on February 16, 1908.
On his father's side, Mr. Awalt's ancestry is German;
on his mother's, Irish. Grandmother McCann
Brown is still residing at Hanford, at the good old
age of ninety-six.
JOHN SCHENK.— Since 1891 John Schenk has
been a resident of California, and the greater part of
the thirty-two years has been spent in Sacramento
and in many substantial ways he has assisted in its
upbuilding and progress. He was born in Milwaukee,
Wis., May 29, 1857, the .voungest son of five children
born to John and Mary Ann (Metzler) Schenk, both
natives of Germany. The father passed away when
our subject was one year and fifteen days old.
It was a hard task to rear five children, so John
was obliged to go to work when only twelve years
of age to help support the family. In' 1869, the fam-
ily removed to Racine, Wis., where the eldest son,
Charles, was employed. At the age of fifteen, Charles
enlisted in the service of his country as a captain's
aide; later he was a seaman on the Great Lakes.
John was employed with J. I. Case as a machinist
for three years; later he worked as a journevman for
the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, and
then went to Rockford, 111., w^here he was engaged as
a machinist in a jobbing shop, after which he worked
m Milwaukee for the Corliss Engine Works. John
Schenk from boyhood had taken a great interest in
athletics, and in 1887 he joined the Turner's Club
in Racine. Recognizing his ability as an instructor
in athletics, the Y. M. C. A. employed him in 1890
and he came to the Pacific Coast and located in
Fresno, where he took charge of the athletic work of
the Y. M. C. A., remaining there for a year, when
he removed to Sacramento and was occupied for ten
years in traveling about the state in the interest of
the Y. M.C. A, and as instructor for the Athletic
Club in Sacramento.
The marriage of Mr. Schenk occurred in Racine,
Wis.,_ in 1877, which united him with Mary Speichi
a native of Racine, and they were the parents of nine
children: Christinia, Ernest and Eleanor are de-
ceased; Amanda is the wife of Monty Newbert and
they have five children; Millie, the deceased wife of
Horace Clark, is survived by one child; Karl is
married and has two children; Robert is married and
has one child; Clara is the wife of Victor Garibaldi
and they have two children; John Lewis is a machin-
ist in Sacramento. In 1905 Mr. Schenk organized a
vaudeville troupe composed of four sons, one daugh-
ter and two members from the outside, and for a
number of seasons they played on the J. D. Constan-
tine circuit throughout the United States. The sud-
den death of his eldest son, Ernest, at Kansas City,
put an end to their show business. Meantime Mr.
Schenk had purchased twenty acres of land at Fruit-
ridge, which he began to develop to fruit and where
the family have since resided. In 1911, Mr. Schenk
erected a store building and put in a complete line of
groceries which he has since handled with fine results.
For forty years Mr. Schenk has been a member of the
I. O. O. F., and he is a member of the B. P. O. Elks
Lodge No. 6 of Sacramento; since early manhood he
has been a member of the Turner's Club in Racine,
Wis. In politics he is a Republican. For two sea-
sons he served as a member of the state fish and
game commission. For the past four years he has
sponsored the Fruitridge Boy Scouts troop No. 15; he
is also chairman of the troop committee for the Elks
troop of Scouts in Sacramento.
LEWIS D. HOPFIELD.— Whoever happens to
fall in with Lewis D. Hoptield, the affable manager of
the gold dredge department of the Natomas Com-
pany, will not fail to find the gentleman exceptionally
interesting, with whom a chat, however brief, will
prove peculiarly profitable. He was born on a farm in
Wisconsin, on April 24, 1869, the son of John and
Sarah (Clow) Hopfield, who moved to Oregon, where
Mr. Hopfield farmed all the rest of his life, rounding
out a well-directed and honorable career. The father
is now dead, but Mrs. Hopfield is living at McMinn-
ville. Ore., at the age of seventy-five j'ears.
What Lewis Hopfield did not get from his teachers
in the public schools, he made up through studies by
correspondence, and in the great school of practical
experience; and until he was fifteen years old, he
worked on the farm with his father. After that he
tried various occupations, such as work in a lumber
camp, in Washington, and then he took up the work
of the mechanical millwright, and followed it with the
railroad company for eight years. Later he went into
shipbuilding at Portland, continuing in that field for
five .years, and in the autumn of 1903 he came to
California, where he was engaged by the Ashburton
Company to help construct a dredge at Fair Oaks.
Then he was with the Folsom Development Company
on the construction of dredges; and afterw-ard with the
Boston Machine Shop Company, at Oroville, on con-
struction, spending four months as assistant foreman
and two years as foreman. The Yuba Consolidated
Gold Field then secured his services as superintendent
of dredgers, and after two successful years there he
became superintendent of construction with the Yuba
Construction Company. In 1912, he was transferred
to Natoma, first as assistant superintendent, under
Mason Derby; and on the latter's resignation, nine
and a half years ago, he became superintendent.
Politically, Mr. Hopfield is a Republican. Fratern-
ally, he is an Odd Fellow; a Mason of the thirty-
second degree, belonging to the Scottish Rite and the
Shrine; and a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America, the Elks, and the Sutter Club. He is fond
of hunting and fishing; and in social life as well as
in business, in sport as well as in labor, he is "a jolly
good fellow," and as such is welcomed everywhere.
^?U.u^ ,*/#^?^^^^^^
^J2Jl (D Jt^CA/lAA^Cn/K
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
695
LOUIS CHRISTENSEN.— A representative of a
pioneer family established at Franklin. Sacramento
County, more than half a century ago, Louis Chris-
tensen has spent practically all his life in the county
of his birth. He was born at Franklin on October
12, 1872, his parents being Robert and Lena Chris-
tensen, both natives of Schleswig-Holstein, German}-.
The father came to California in the sixties and set-
tled at Franklin, where he became a large grain and
stock farmer, living to be sixty-eight years old, Mrs.
Christensen passing away at the age of sixty-nine.
One of a family of eight children, Louis Christen-
sen attended the Carroll school in his boyhood and
remained on the home ranch until he was twenty-six,
when he went to San Francisco and for the next
twelve years was with the George W. McNear Com-
pany there. Upon returning to Sacramento County,
he worked for five years in the Southern Pacific roll-
ing mills at Sacramento and then came to Gait and
purchased 225 acres three miles northwest of town.
He has since made this his home and has added
many improvements, devoting his acreage to general
ranching, with the exception of twelve acres which
is in orchard.
At Sacramento, April 15, 1891, Mr. Christensen was
married to Miss Anna May Ferguson, who was born
at the old home place northwest of Gait, the daugh-
ter of William, Harry and Eliza Jane (Uren) Fergu-
son, her father being a well-known pioneer resident
of this section. Mrs. Christensen has one brother,
William George Ferguson, who resides on a part
of the old Ferguson ranch. Mr. and Mrs. Christen-
sen had two children: Irene died at the age of
eighteen and Cleonice is a student at the Gait high
school. Mrs. Christensen passed away in 1912, deeply
mourned by her family and many friends. A Repub-
lican in politics, Mr. Christensen is a member of the
Odd Fellows and the Native Sons of the Golden
West at Gait.
JACOB ZUMWALT and ELIZABETH A. ESK-
RIDGE. — A venerable pioneer woman, who is now
deceased, was Elizabeth A. Eskridge. a native of Ill-
inois, the youngest child of Jacob and Susan (Smith)
Zumwalt, both natives of Ohio. Jacob Zumwalt's
ancestors came from Germany and settled at York.
Pa., in 1768; a member of this family was a fur trader
and settled in the Middle West, where he built the
first log house on the north bank of the Missouri
River in 1798. The maternal ancestors of Elizabeth
A. Eskridge were of English descent and members of
the family were prominent in the early history of our
commonwealth, being identified as office holders dur-
ing the years from 1770 to 1790 in Massachusetts.
The Zumwalt family removed to Illinois in 1834 and
settled near Joliet, where they became successful
farmers; there they reared three sons and three
daughters. An uncle of our subject, Joseph L. Zum-
walt, also settled in Illinois, where he farmed until
1844, when he left for California as a military scout
and spent five years, returning to Illinois in 1849.
Soon after, an ox-team train started across the plains
to California and the Zumwalt family arrived in Sac-
ramento, then a thriving mining town, in 1850. With-
in two weeks after their arrival in California, Jacob
Zumwalt had located on a place near Dixon. There
is only one of this pioneer family living. John D.
Zumwalt of San Mateo. Daniel K. Zumwalt was one
of California's prominent attorneys; be was called
the father of irrigation in the Tulare district, as he
was one of the builders of the Tulare canal in 1876.
The marriage of Elizabeth A. Zumwalt united her
with Alexander W. Eskridge, a pioneer contractor and
builder and an expert cabinet-maker. They were the
parents of three children: Mrs. E. H. Trj'on of San
Francisco; C. J., residing in Eldorado County; and
Leonard W., a retired rancher near Sacramento. Mr.
Eskridge lived to be seventy-nine years old, w-hile
Mrs. Eskridge survived him for a few years.
LEVI O. HANSON.— A rancher with an interest-
ing family history is Levi O. Hanson, born January 1,
1859, in Waldo County, Maine, a son of Levi and Abi-
gail (Bowen) Hanson. Our subject's grandfather,
Amos Hanson, was one of the first settlers of Maine.
His father, a native of New Hampshire, owned a small
farm in Maine. He came to California in 1872, and
passed away at the age of seventy-one years. The
mother, a native of Maine from old Quaker stock,
passed away in Maine at the age of eighty-two years.
They had twelve children: Amos, after serving in the
Thirteenth Maine Regiment, in the Civil War, left
home and was never heard from; his welfare and
whereabouts are unknown. Dora and Ezra are de-
ceased; Sarah is still living; Marj^ is deceased; Will-
iam, Roscoe, Levi, Abigail, Charles and James are all
living; and Almira is deceased.
Lee Hanson, as he is familiarly called by all of his
friends, attended the public schools in his district until
eleven years of age; the balance of his education was
obtained in the school of the axe and the plow. At
eleven years of age he began to make his own living
by working at odd jobs. Determined, however, to
educate himself, he sought opportunities for self-in-
struction and obtained books which he studied in the
evenings after his tasks for the day were finished.
In 1875 he came to California and secured a position
at Rio Vista, Solano County, where he worked for
wages for a couple of years. He then leased a farm
on Sherman Island, and soon after came to Walnut
Grove, and has remained in that vicinity ever since.
Eight years ago he purchased his present place, a
farm of fifty-one and a half acres, devoted to pears,
peaches and plums; and here he built his home. This
ranch is situated on Georgiana Slough, Tyler Island.
Formerh", he owned another farm; but this he recent-
ly sold to Sperry Dye, of Walnut Grove.
On April 15, 1887, Levi O. Hanson was married to
Elizabeth Gardiner, of Isleton. She was born near
Camden, New Jersey. Their union was blessed by
two sons, Marion G. and Leland O. Marion G. Han-
son graduated from the Oakland Polytechnic School
of Electrical Engineering. He enlisted in the navy
and was placed on the revenue cutter "Bear" and
made a cruise to Alaska. On his return from this
cruise, he was sent to the Long Beach Navy Yard
(during the late World War), and while there became
assistant superintendent of the Long Beach navy
wireless apparatus, taking charge of the inspection
of wireless apparatus on board ships. Leland O. Han-
son is a graduate of Heald's Business College, and is
now assisting his father on the ranch. Mr. Hanson
was bereaved of his wife on June 1, 1912. Her death
was a great loss both to her family and to the entire
community. She was a woman much loved and highly
esteemed, whose life was devoted to her family and
to the welfare of the community in which she lived.
She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
at Isleton.
696
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
JAMES EDWARD ROBINSON.— Not every siic-
ccssful farmer enjoys the stimulation of such varied
farming pursuits as does James Edward Robinson, of
Perkins, who devotes his energies, and also his valu-
able experience, to the cultivation of a grain-ranch.
an orchard and a vineyard. He is a native son, and
was born at Mills, in Sacramento County, on July 12.
1892, when he entered the family circle of P. M. and
Elizabeth (Kelly) Robinson, both worthy represen-
tatives of old, pioneering families. James Edward
thus started life with a valuable heritage, which no
change of fortune may ever take away.
James Robinson attended first the rural schools, and
then the high school at Sacramento, from which he
was graduated in 1908; and from that time on, for a
while, he was on the home-farm, assisting his father,
who had promised to deed the ranch to him, when he
was twenty-one, if he would continue to help operate
it until that time. It is pleasant to record that this in-
teresting bargain, evidencing the most delightful un-
derstanding, and also implicit confidence, on both
sides, was carried out to the letter by each of the in-
terested parties. Mr. Robinson belongs to the Grange.
and he is also a Republican, deeming the platforms of
that old. historic party most favorable to promising
California agriculture.
In 1914, Mr. Robinson was married to Miss Mar-
garet McDonell, daughter of George McDonell, and
his good wife, who was Miss Elizabeth Fisher before
their union. Two children have made the home
happier; the daughter is named Ruth, the son is James
Edward. Mr. Robinson belongs to the Sunset Parlor
of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and he is an
enthusiastic admirer of the world of natural beauty
and richness, in Sacramento County. In sport, he
thinks there is nothing ecjual to baseball.
CHARLES WILKE.— For thirty-two years of his
active career Charles Wilke was identified with the
jewelry business in Sacramento, where he passed
away in 1908, honored and esteemed by all who knew
him. His birth occurred in Hofif, Bavaria, Germany.
July 31, 1841, a son of John and Elizabeth (Zinn)
Wilke, both natives of the same country. John Wilke
was a gifted musician, the leader of a military band
and a composer of note. Charles Wilke was reared
ill his native vil'age, where he attended the public
school and spent three years as a student in the poly-
technic school of that place; then he was apprenticed
to learn the jeweler's trade and five and a half j'ears
were spent in mastering the trade. On September
3. 1863, he boarded a sailing vessel bound for New
York, where he landed October 25, 1863. He worked
at his trade for a couple of months; then removed to
Pittsburgh, Pa., where he worked for three years. In
1870, he opened his own shop in Pittsburgh and con-
ducted it for five years, when he sold out and came to
California, locating in Sacramento. Here he soon
commenced business in an upstairs room at Fifth and
J Streets and spent seven successful years at his trade.
In January, 1883, he established a jewelry business
at Seventh and J Streets, where he remained until
his death in 1896. He did much of the diamond set-
ting and ring mounting for the leading jewelers of
San Francisco and other cities and was considered
an expert judge of stones.
The marriage of Mr. Wilke occurred in December,
1863, which united him with Miss Louisa Dietrich,
a native of Bohemia, and six children were born to
them: Chris, Emma; Martha, Mrs. Leonard W. Esk-
ridge; George; Nellie; and Charles. Mr. Wilke was
a Republican in politics and fraternally was a member
of the California Lodge, Knights of Pythias; Har-
mony Lodge, K. & L. of H.; Walhalla Grove No. 6,
A. O. D, and Verein Eintracht; and he belonged to
the Lutheran Church.
AMOS McGEE. — In the life record of Amos Mc-
Gee there is a creditable and interesting military chap-
ter. A veteran of the Civil War, he has been a resi-
dent of Orangevale for the past twenty-two years,
where he owns a beautiful orchard and vineyard of fif-
teen acres. He was born on November 21, 1841, in
New Brunswick, Canada, the eldest son of John Mc-
Gee, also a native of New Brunswick, who was a
tanner by trade. John McGee later moved his family
to Ontario, Canada, and there Amos received his edu-
cation. In 1855 the family removed to Morrison
Count3% Minn., where they were pioneers, clearing the
forest for a home place. The frontiersmen were an-
noyed by the depredations of the Indians in 1862 and
1863, and at the age of twenty years Amos McGee en-
listed in Company I, 7th Minnesota Volunteer In-
fantry, under Col. Stephen Miller; however. Colonel
Miller was elected governor of Minnesota in 1862,
and so Col. William R. Marshall was put in charge of
Company I. The fall months of 1862 and 1863 were
spent in pursuit of the Sioux Indians through the
Dakotas under Col. H. H. Sibley, and the company
covered over 2,500 miles. Company I, of which Mr.
McGee was a member, was on guard duty when the
hanging of thirty-eight convicted Sioux Indians oc-
curred on December 26, 1862, at Mankato, Minn. In
the spring of 1864 Company I was sent to Memphis,
Tenn., and took part in the battle of Tupelo, in which
Mr. McGee received a wound in the head, and the
loss in the company was sixty-two men. The com-
pany was afterwards in the battle at Nashville, Tenn.,
and participated in the capture of Hood and some
4,000 prisoners on December 16, 1864, with a loss of
sixty-four men. Then they went into camp at Muscle
Shoals, in the Tennessee River, remaining there for
three weeks, after which they were ordered to march
on New Orleans. Later they were at Mobile Bay and
old Spanish Fort; and the remainder of the time Mr.
McGee spent at Montgomery and Selma doing guard
duty. He was mustered out at Fort Snelling, Minn.,
on August 16, 1865. Mr. McGee then engaged in
farming and homesteaded a tract of land near St.
Cloud, where he spent thirty-eight years of his active
career; he also owned a farm in Benton County for
twenty years. He was postmaster at Rice, Minn.,
and resigned from this position when he decided to
remove to California.
On November 5, 1881, Mr. McGee was united in
marriage with Miss Ida Sutliff, a native of Minnesota;
and seven children have been born to them. Harriet
A. is now Mrs. Smith, residing in Marysville, and has
three children. George A., a graduate of the Bible
Institute in Los Angeles, Cal., is now a missionary in
Belgian Congo, South Africa. Mary Ida, a graduate
of the Chico Normal and Theological Seminary at San
Anselmo, is now a teacher and missionary at Wood-
stock College, Mussoore, India, at the foot of the
Himalayan Mountains. Blain is a rancher at Orange-
vale. W. Stewart was in the naval reserve in the
World War, and is now engaged in ranching on the
home place. Ulysses and Anson are deceased. Mr.
HIST(3RY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
699
McGee has been a trustee in the Methodist Episcopal
Church for many years, both in Minnesota and in
Cahfornia. He is a charter member and past com-
mander of Phil. Sheridan Post, No. 157, G. A. R., of
Royalton, Minn., and at the present time is a member
of Sumner Post, No. 3, G. A. R., at Sacramento. In
politics he is a stanch Republican. On November
26, 1901, Mr. McGee arrived in Orangevale, where he
purchased a home place of fifteen acres, which he has
developed to orchard and vineyard. When he located
in Orangevale, there were but s.ix homes in the
town; and he has witnessed the remarkable growth
and advancement of this communitj' and has taken an
active part in its development.
JOHN CAMPBELL.— A native son of Ireland,
who by his industry and perseverance won for him-
self a prominent place in the community, is John
Campbell, the oldest son of John Campbell. He was
born in Belfast, Ireland, on September 18, 1850.
With his uncle, John Moreland, he set sail for the
United States. In July, 1869, they arrived in San
Francisco and went directly to his uncle's ranch in
Colusa County. For some time he was employed by
John Moreland, working on the farm, and for eight-
een years he was in the service of Fred Hedrick,
who later became his brother-in-law. Mr. Campbell
was very thrift)', inasmuch as he desired to have all
his folks about him once more. He soon saved
enough money, which he sent to his parents, brothers
and sisters, so that they could come to California. In
1886, his brother James passed away, leaving his vast
estate in the care of John Campbell, who showed his
keen business ability and knowledge by settling all of
his brother's affairs.
John Campbell received his education in the school
of experience. Morally, he is a fine example for the
young men of the present generation. In the year
1875, he became an American citizen, and on May 29,
1885, at Colusa, he was united in marriage to Miss
Helen Thomas. Mr. Campbell has resided in Sacra-
mento since 1904. During this period he has served
on the grand and trial juries. He is a well-known
figure in the school district, and is regarded as a
loyal champion of the rights of the children of his
community, and he has served as trustee on the school
board. This worthy couple have been blessed with
one daughter, Mary Ellen, who received her diploma
from the Sacramento High School in 1916. She
married RoUa S. Rice, the son of a pioneer family,
whose father, Frank S. Rice, conducted a life in-
surance business in Sacramento, and was the brother
of Judge William Horace Rice. Rolla S. Rice w-as
reared in Modesto, receiving his early education in
Modesto, and was credited with his diploma in 1912
by the Modesto High School. For two terms he
was a student of the San Luis Obispo Poh'technic
School. During his school training, he assisted his
father as a clerk in his Modesto store. On June 27,
1917, he enlisted at Stockton in the United States
Navy. From there he was sent to San Pedro, and
later to Colome Bay, N. Y. He made three trans-
Atlantic voyages on the U. S. S. freightter "Cape Hen-
ry" and received his honorable discharge on March
19, 1919, at New York. He made his way westward
to Sacramento and started out selling insurance with
the West Coast Life Insurance Company. Mr.
and Mrs. Rolla S. Rice have one son, Frank,
who was born on December 15, 1921. On Oc-
tober 29, 1920, Frank S. Rice passed away in
Modesto, greatly mourned by Mrs. Fannie Ml' (Tre-
gea) Rice, his widow, and her three children. Rolla
S. Rice's brother, Arba, a graduate of the University
of California, '1922, served for three years w'ith the
Marines in the A. E. F. After he had been wounded
three times and had made an enviable record, he
was honorably discharged in 1920. In 1923, Arba
Rice was married, and with his bride made a trip
to Japan. Rolla's sister, Arline, also a graduate
of the University of California, 1920, is now a
teacher in the public schools of Petaluma. Rolla S.
Rice and his wife reside at the home of her parents,
at Sacramento, and' he has an interest in the small
ranch on Parker Avenue. He is a stanch Republican.
HENRY H. BROWN. — The most important fac-
tors in public" life in any community are the men who
occupy responsible positions in successful business
interests; and such a one is Henry H. Brown, the
capable sales manager for the firm of National Com-
mercial Securities Company. His birth occurred at
Lathrop, Cal , October 27, 1880, a son of James H.
and Matilda (Cozens) Brown. At the age of two
years James H. Brown was brought by his parents
across the plains in an ox-team train in 1854 and
settled in San Joaquin County, Cal., where he was
educated, and later removed to Roseville, where he
still makes his home; the mother of our subject
passed away in November, 1911.
Henry H. Brown was educated in the public schools
of San Joaquin County; then made his own way by
working on ranches in the vicinity of his home until
he was nmeteen years old, when he enlisted in the
United States Marines and was in the Philippine
Islands for four years, and during his service was
promoted to the rank of sergeant; he was discharged
October 8, 1905. He then returned to Sacramento
and again engaged in ranch work, meantime joining
the National Guards of California, serving as lieuten-
ant; he then became a salesman for the Hood Im-
provement Company until 1912, then accepted a posi-
tion with the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce
where he remained for three years. In June 1916*
he went to the Mexican border as a captain, serving
until November of the same year; then he was mus-
tered out of the service, but on March 26, 1917 he
returned as a captain and on April 8 he was made a
major at the Presidio, San Francisco, and was sent
to Camp Kearney on September 25. On the organ-
ization of the 40th Division, Major Brown's battalion
became the second of the 160th Infantry, composed
of parts of the 2nd and 7th California Infantry; on
July 27, 1918, Major Brown went to France and there
his division became the First Army Reserve; at the
signing of the armistice, he was made a lieutenant-
colonel and recommended for permanent position with
the regular army. Upon returning to the United
States his division was mustered out and Lieut.
Colonel Brown was assigned to the 32nd Infantry of
the regular army and on July 28, 1919. returned to
private life; he then accepted a reserve commission
of heutenant-colonel. Having been promoted in June,
1922, to the rank of colonel, he is now commanding
the 361st Infantry of the 91st Division, with head-
quarters in Sacramento. In May, 1920, after having
served as president of the Western Film Corporation,
Colonel Brown entered the sales force of the National
Commercial Securities Company at Santa Ana, Cal.,
7Q0
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
;iii(l in JaniiHry, 1921, lie became sales inaiiagcr for
the same company in Sacramento.
The marriage of Colonel Brown united him with
Miss Genevieve Purcell, a native of New York. He
is affiliated with the Spanish War Veterans, Veter-
an.s of Foreign Wars and tlie American Legion.
VIGGO CHRISTIAN PINGEL.— Among the tal-
ented men who liave contributed much toward the
upljuilding of California, mention must be made of
Viggo Christian Pingel, who was born April 8, 1869,
in Copenhagen, Denmark, a son of the Danish army
official Johan Christian Von Pingel and Maria EUza-
lieth (Von Dreyer) Von Pingel, of Copenhagen.
His mother was a daughter of Major Von Dreyer, of
the Danish army. Her mother was a daughter of a
Danish princess, who was married to a Danish gen-'
eral. The subject's paternal grandfather was the
governor of the island of Barnholm, Denmark.
Viggo Pingel comes from a line of aristocrats.
The Danish family of "Von Pingel," knighted by the
Danish king, is a family of French origin. In France
the name was "De Pingel," and the family were
extensive landowners, who were driven out of
Prance about the time of the French Revolution,
their lands having been confiscated by the Roman
Catholic Church. They were French Huguenots and
were compelled to take refuge in Denmark. In this
country they started life anew, won favor with the
Danish king, were knighted "Von Pingel," and be-
came prominent militarj' men. Great-grandfather
Baron Von Pingel was made Knight of Danneborg
by the Danish king, but retained his French coat-of-
arms. This coat-of-arms is still in the family. He
also received a charm or royal insignia, and this
charm is in the possession of the subject, who has
had it made into a charm for his watch-chain. The
father was a great mathematician and was the in-
ventor of the pointed bullet. He fought in the War
of 1848-1850 and also in the War of 1864. He became
powerful in politics and served in the Danish Rigs-
dag for twenty-four years, being a Liberal in his politi-
cal views. Viggo Pingel was oire of nine children in
his parents' family, seven of whom grew up. Two
died in infancy. Of the seven that grew up Johan
Christian died unmarried in the West Indies, while
in the British naval service. Claudius is in the in-
surance business in Copenhagen, where he is a
prominent Mason. Dagmar married Col. Waldemar
Gronning, of the Danish Cavalry, and lived and died
in Copenhagen. She was a woman of unusual talent
and a finished musician, a pianist and organist, and
played for King Christian at the Royal Palace.
Htlga became the wife of Commander Carl Berg, of
Ft. Lynetten, Copenhagen. Like her sister Dagmar,
she died and left no children. She was an unusually
gifted woman, being an author and playwright of
note, and some of her drainas had successful runs
at the Royal Theater in Copenhagen. After the death
of her husband, she spent three years in India as a
missionary. Hjalmar Ingolf was a prominent rail-
road man, and for several years was the station master
at Copenhagen. He was married, but left no children
at his death, which occurred when he was twenty-
nine years old. Viggo Christian is the subject of this
review. Regnar is the proprietor of a drug store and
a prominent physician and surgeon in New York
City.
Viggo Pingel was educated in the grammar and
high schools, and attended the Royal Academy of
Arts for five years, where he learned painting and in-
terior decorating. He followed this work in Denmark
until he was thirty years old, when he came to Ameri-
ca. On his arrival here, he located in New York,
where he remained for three years. After staying in
Chicago for six months, he came West to San
Francisco, where he did some excellent work of the
more pretentious kind. He also does much work on
dwellings. In 1916 he came to Sacramento. His
work has been exhibited at the State Fair, and has
received commendation.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Pingel are refined, considerate,
generous-hearted, Christian people. Mrs. Pingel is a
very motherly woman, and they have recently adopted
two orphaned boys, and are providing a good home
for them. Mrs. Pingel also comes from a very pro-
ininent Copenhagen family. She was educated in
Frokem Thaarup's private school for girls, and her
maiden name was Minnie Grondahl. When only fif-
teen years of age she made the trip alone from
Copenhagen to Butte, Mont., where for three years
she lived in the home of an uncle, the Rev. N. Jor-
gensen, of the Lutheran Church. When eighteen she
returned to Copenhagen and was married to Capt.
Carl Clausen, paymaster in the Danish navy, by whom
she had one child, Carla Clausen, who is now the
wife of Mr. J. P. Howell, contractor and builder, and
resides at 1837 Forty-seventh Street, Sacramento.
When Mr. Clausen died, his widow resolved to return
with her child of three years to America, where she
made her home in New York City, and where she
met and married her present husband, Viggo Pingel.
Mrs. Pingel's father was Julius Grondahl, who was
an importer and wholesale dealer in cattle and live-
stock, iinporting beef and cattle from England. Her
mother's maiden name was Catharine Jensen; she is
still living at the advanced age of eighty-five in Den-
mark. Her father died in that country. Mrs. Pingel
has one brother and two sisters. They are Walde-
mar, in the Danish postal service at Copenhagen;
Ivaura, who became the wife of Christian Anderson,
wholesale jeweler in Copenhagen, and died in that
city at thirty-four years of age, leaving, besides her
husband, two children, Lillian and Carl; and Agnes
Emily, who is now the wife of Wilhehxi Jefferson,
chief of the Danish-American Steamship Company,
and resides in Copenhagen, the mother of two child-
ren, Werner, a bairker in that city, and Ebba, a den-
tist, also of Copenhagen. Mr. and Mrs. Pingel are
the parents of one child, Helga Maria Elizabeth Pin-
gel, a junior in Sacramento High School.
Deeply religious in thought and life, Mr. Pingel has
always been a Bible student; while an art pupil at
the Royal Academy he also pursued theology. Since
Captain Matthews, the late leader of the Volunteers
of America, died, in March, 1923, Mr. Pingel has
been the leader of the Gospel work in Sacramento.
Mr. Pingel is especially interested in the collection of
antique curios, of which he has many interesting
specimens. He is also very fond of music, and
occasionally contributes solos, having studied for the
opera when he was a young man. He is non-partisan
in his political attitude, and casts his ballot in favor
of the man and principle, rather than the party. He
is deeply interested in his community, and does much
for its betterment and uplift.
■^^^^^ z^
HISTORY OF SACRA^rENTO COUNTY
703
FRED RASCHEN. — Prominent for over fifty-two
years in the business life of Sacramento, Fred Raschen
became well-known as a man of liberal spirit and
progress, and one who could be depended tipon to do
his share in promoting both the financial and civic
life of the city. A native of Oldenberg, Germany,
born in the year 1845, he left there when a young man
and traveled through Europe, Asia and Africa, see-
ing the world and working at whatever he found to
do to pay his expenses, and in this w-ay gaining the
broadening outlook on life wliich travel alone can
give.
In 1870. via the Isthmus of Panama. Mr. Raschen
came to California, and after a few months in San
Francisco he came to Sacramento, with but $2.75
in his pocket to start a business career. He first
w'orked as clerk in the grocery store of August
Heisch. on Second and M Streets, and later for the
produce and commission house of Hammer and
Keber, on K Street. Finally, in 1872, he went with
Weinreich. Lohse & Co.. wholesale liquor dealers
located at 514 J Street; this firm was later succeeded
by Weinreich & Bartels, and finally became H. Wein-
reich & Company. Mr. Raschen became a partner,
and later purchased the business, when the name was
changed to Fred Raschen, Wholesale Liquors, and in
1907 was incorporated under the name. F. Raschen
& Company. For forty-six years Mr. Raschen was
in this same location, continuing until 1918. and dur-
ing this period of time he took an active interest in
the growth of Sacramento, and in the development
of its resources as one of the largest cities in the
state.
After his retirement from business life. Mr. Raschen
decided to devote his time to the development of
'and, and on March 8. 1918, purchased 1,100 acres in
Yuba County, near Marysville, from the estate of
Hammond & Forbes. 600 acres of which vi'as rich
river bottom land. "Raw" land, and mostly covered
with Cottonwood trees, its cultivation w'as no easy
task, but he devoted his entire time to the project,
giving it the same detailed attention which he had
devoted to his business enterprises in the past. Trees
were grubbed out, the land leveled, and peach trees
planted, and over two hundred acres of the ranch
are now under cultivation; this work has been well
rewarded, as the rich river bottom soil is some of
the most fertile in the Sacramento Valley and the
trees in one year's time attain a three years' growth.
The ranch has a fine, concrete pipe irrigating system,
and, in fact, every modern appliance and method has
been used in making of it one of the model ranches
for which the state is noted.
In the midst of his busy life, Mr. Raschen has
always found time for recreation, and has been par-
ticularly interested in hunting; and in early days he
was one of the well-known and successful horsemen
of the Valley, owning many trotting and driving
horses, some of the best blooded horses in the state;
he was a member of the old State Fair Association,
and the Sacramento Driving Club and raced his
horses at the fair grounds, winning many races and
thoroughly enjoying this "gentleman's sport," In
his hunting activities he was a member of various
shooting clubs, shooting quail, plover, wild pigeon,
etc., in the vicinity of Sacramento. He only recently
sold his membership in the Sacramento Outing Club,
of which he was an organizer, the club owning large
shooting preserves in Sutter County at the foot of
the Marysville Buttes; on his last visit there Mr.
Raschen made the limit of doves, fifteen out of eight-
een shots, a record which speaks well for his marks-
manship, long recognized as expert, Mr. Raschen is
a typical Californian, for he has spent all of the pro-
ductive years of his life here, has aided materially in
developing and upbuilding, and has been a loyal citi-
zen, with the best interests of his community always
at heart.
G. A. BROCK.— Forty-five years ago. G. A. Brock
located in Nevada County, Cal.. where he taught
school for eleven years; then he removed to Stanis-
laus County and taught for seven years, after wdiich,
for seven years, he taught in Contra Costa County. In
November. 1903, he settled on his present property,
located on Fourteenth Avenue and Sixty-fifth Street,
Sacramento. Here he is engaged in the poultry
business, and at the present time has a flock of
2,000 hens and a four-incubator hatchery, from which
he supplies young chicks throughout the county. He
was born near Mansonville, Quebec, East Canada,
July 3. 1854, the eldest son of Alexander and Eliza-
beth (Taylor) Brock, both natives of Canada, born
in 1829 and 1831 respectively. G. A. Brock was
reared on his father's farm; his father was also
engaged in the dry-goods business in Waterloo
and Mansonville. and was the ow'ner of a large farm
in Broom County, a portion of which was in Vermont.
Four sons and four daughters were reared on the
shores of Memphrimagog Lake, then a sparsely set-
tled region, but now a favorite summer resort.
G. A. Brock remained at home until he was nine-
teen years of age; then went to Bolton as a teacher,
where he remained for three years. Removing then
to Council Bluflfs, Iowa, he there taught for one year.
In 1878 he came West to California, and taught
school for four years at Spenceville, another four
years on "Rough 'n' Ready," two years at Indian
Springs and one year at Old Columbia Hill. In 1889
Mr. Brock removed to Modesto, where he remained
for seven years as principal of the Modesto grammar
school and also served on the board of education.
In 1896 he removed to Martinez and became the prin-
cipal of the grammar school at that place and was
also a member of the board of education. Meantime,
in 1887, he had purchased his present home place of
twenty acres near Sacramento, which has since been
taken into the city limits.
On June 23, 1890, Mr. Brock was married to Miss
Lizzie Walker, a daughter of William Walker, a
native of Iowa who came to California in 1849; he
returned to Iowa and enlisted and served as a first
lieutenant in Iowa's volunteers. In 1874, he brought
his family of seven children to California and settled
in Nevada County; he was prominent as justice of
the peace at Spenceville and lived to be seventy-four
years old. Two children have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Brock. Earle A. is a graduate of the University
of California, class of 1915, and took a postgraduate
course the following year. In 1917 he received the
degree of C. S. E. at Ann Arbor, Mich., and the same
year enlisted for service to his country, serving as
first lieutenant at Edgewood arsenal as a chemist and
inspector in the manufacture of deadly gases, and
was in charge of construction of the chlorine plant
at Charleston, S. C. He married Miss Katherine N.
Risser of Lebanon. Pa. Evelyn A. is at home with
her parents. In 1903 Mr. Brock and his family lo-
704
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
cated at lluir present lionu', where he lias made a
decided success of the poultry business. For the past
Iwenty-tivc years, Mr. Brock has been a member of
the W. O. W. Lodge at Martinez; he is also a mem-
ber of the Hlue Lodge of Masons of Georgeville,
Canada. In 1882 he received his United States citi-
zenship and has since voted the Republican ticket.
DAVID REESE.— .'\mong the pioneers of Sacra-
mento County, who aided materially in improving
and building up this section of the Golden State,
and who rose to a position of prominence and influ-
ence, was the late David Reese, sheriff of the county
at the time of his passing away in February, 1910,
at the age of si.xty-one years. David Reese was born
in Wales, and coming to the United States when a
young man, he crossed the plains in the early days,
locating at Florin, Sacramento County, California,
where he engaged in farming. In this county he was
married, being united with Mira L. Kilgore, of an
old and prominent family in- the Sacramento Valley.
Mr. Reese was a pioneer in the field of viticulture,
setting out one of the first vineyards in this section,
and subsequently adding to it until he had one hun-
dred and twenty acres in vines, which are now full-
bearing and still owned by his estate. They are a
monument to his energy and thrift. He also owned
a large grain ranch eight miles north of Colusa as
well as valuable business property on Ninth Street
between J and K. A man of pleasing personality
and affable manners, honest and upright in all of his
dealings, David Reese was known as a square-shooter
and became very influential and there was probably
no man in the county who had a larger or more
favorable acquaintance. When Sheriff Johnson passed
away, David Reese was appointed sheriff to fill the
vacancy and at the next election he was elected sheriff
and then re-elected, serving acceptably and well, per-
forming the duties of the office fairly and impartiallj^
until his demise. He was mourned by the people of
the whole county, leaving a name that "his descend-
ants will always be proud of. He was a Republican
and was elected on that ticket the first time; but
then he would not subscribe to the party calendar
and failed of renomination. Then he ran independent-
ly against the Republican and Democratic candidates
and was elected by a large plurality, showing his
popularity and the great confidence the people had
in him. Mr. Reese was a friend to every one.
Sheriff Reese was a member of the Odd Fellows
and Elks. Personally he was a man of great energy
of action and lived by the Golden Rule. His wife
passed away in 1915. Their union was blessed with
seven children, six of whom grew up, and five of
whom are living: Edward E.; Ethel M., who was
Mrs. Frank Didion, and passed away in Sacramento;
Percy D.; John K.; Frank L.; Nell L., Mrs. Rooney,
all of Stockton.
Since David Reese's death his children have incor-
porated the David Reese Estate Company, and in
1918 carried out his ideas of land holdings as the
best possible investment. They have sold the C.olusa
ranch and purchased a splendid ranch of 285 acres
eight miles up the Sacramento River in Yolo County,
devoted to alfalfa and dairying, and have also pur-
chased additional property on Ninth and J Streets,
in Sacramento, increasing the valuable holdings start-
ed by their estimable pioneer sire.
CHARLES H. HAYWOOD.— A rancher well
known to have long borne the burden and the heat
of the day is Charles H. Hayw'ood, whose many
friends rejoice that he is now able to live in well-
earned, comfortable retirement. He was one of the
most practical of California agriculturists, from youth
ver3' fond of the harness horse, on which he has be-
come one of the best authorities in America.
A native of Vermont, he was born at Springfield on
December 15, 1832, the youngest son of the late
Paul and Lucy (Martin) Haywood, both born in Ver-
mont; and he was reared in his native state on a stony
hillside farm near the old Crown Point road. He
received a good public school education, and married
Miss Ellen Stimson of Vermont, by whom he had
one child, S. S. Haywood. The family continued to
farm, our subject owning his ranch and raising sheep
and wool on' an extensive scale. He also later had a
fine dairy near Springfield.
In 1877 he bought his first harness horses, from
the Morgan horse stable in Vermont. For many
years, in both Vermont and Nebraska, father and son
were closely associated in their business dealings.
They never trotted these horses, their interest being
solely in the rearing of them, and choice blooded
stock. The natural result followed, that our subject
became an authority on harness horses, and was con-
ceded to be in his day the authority in Nebraska, and
widely known as the man who developed the splendid
strain of western Nebraska horses.
Mr. and Mrs. Haywood had long desired to live in
the Golden State, but it was not until 1913 that they
took up their residence at Orangevale, where they
were permitted to live just two happy years before
Mrs. Haywood passed away. She was deeply
mourned, as she had been widely esteemed and loved,
and her devoted son took her ashes to Vermont for
pious burial in her native state. Mr. Haywood con-
tinues to enjoy the helpful climate and the unique
pleasure of picking oranges off his own trees at the
age of ninety, passing his days quietly in the home
circle of his son, who cares for his father as only a son
can do. Known as a man of sterling worth, and of in-
flexible, high principles, he is a typical down-East
Yankee, always welcome among the Masons, with
whom he has been affiliated since 1872.
CHARLES H. WIXSON.— A very popular execu-
tive, whose professional efficiency is all the more ap-
preciated because of his rare personal attributes, is
Charles H. Wixson, the secretary of the Scottish Rite
bodies, and also of the Scottish Rite Cathedral As-
sociation, at Sacramento. He is a New Yorker by
birth, having been born at Poughkeepsie, on March
15, 1856, the son of David and Frances A. (McDer-
mott) Wixson, worthy folks held in the highest es-
teem in that fine old Hudson River town; and he
attended the schools of Dutchess County, and later,
the Pelham Business College. At the same time that
he was spending his early days on his father's farm,
he learned the carpenter's trade; and having attained
the proficiency of the journeyman, he moved to
Rochester, Mich.
For a year and a half, Mr. Wixson contracted for
building, and then he married Miss Jennie Hammond,
of New York, an old neighbor, and in 1879 left
Michigan for Nebraska, and there organized a district
school, which he taught for two terms. He was then
elected superintendent of schools of Holt County,
j-j fj^^<^^~t>^t^
hn. J^. (R o~c.^uT..<L^
HISTORY OF SACRA.MENTO COUNTY
709
Nebraska, helping to organize tlie scliool system in
an entirely new section of country, and filled that re-
sponsible position to the satisfaction of everyone, and
with great advantage to the expansion of the school
system, for two years.
Mr. Wixson was next appointed chief clerk of the
United States land office, at Niobrara, Nebr., and
served the government for the following four 3'ears;
and then he was for another four years in the bank-
ing business at Atkinson. Another four 3'ears found
him chief clerk in the United States land office at
Salt Lake, Utah; and for eight years he was an as-
sistant in the state treasurer's office at Lincoln, Nebr.
Returning to Salt Lake, he was made secretary-
treasurer of Elgin Creamery Company. In 1903 he
went to San Francisco and in 1904 he came to Sac-
ramento for the Earl Fruit Company, and he con-
tinued with that firm for thirteen years. He took
charge of the Scottish Rite interests in 1916, when
their building was first contemplated, and is still in
charge. He is a Republican in national political af-
fairs, but a good non-partisan "booster," ready to
help all worthy local endeavors, Mr. Wixson is
a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a
Knight Templar and a Shriner. He also belongs to
the Odd Fellows, and is a past officer in both the
Lodge and the Encampment. Mr. and Mrs. Wixson
have had two children: a daughter, Mabel, now Mrs.
G. W. Barr; and a son, Sanford.
JESSE M. DERR. — An enterprising man of excep-
tional experience in his field is Jesse M. Derr, of
the J. M. Derr Lumber Company, of Elk Grove, one
of the most valued agencies in the development of
this section of favored Sacramento County. He was
born at Charleston, Iowa, on January S, 1863, the
son of M. V. and Lucinda R. (Overton) Derr, who
came here to live, and who finalb' closed their
careers, with the satisfaction that they had, despite
pioneer obstacles, accomplished something worth
the while.
Jesse M. Derr attended the excellent rural schools
of the Hawkeye State, and after finishing school
work successfully, the lad took up the carpenter
trade; and for three years he was with R. E. Smith
of Keokuk, as a bridge-builder. Satisfied, however,
that California, with its less rigorous climate, and its
still greater influx of population demanding the serv-
ices of good artisans, would offer more than did his
native state, Jesse came out to the Coast; and having
looked at many other promising communities, he
pitched his tent at Elk Grove, in 1883, and here
worked as a contractor for eighteen years, during
v.'hich time he erected nearly all the dwellings here.
About 1909, however, Mr. Derr discontinued con--
tracting and established his lumber company, with
office and yards, and he has since continued to carry
more and more of a varied stock, not only meeting
the demands of the steadily growing neighborhood.
but anticipating the wants of those here and those
likely to come. LTnlike some dealers, Jesse Derr
has not sought the highest tariff from the average
run of trade; and in making his terms as reasonable
as possible, he has encouraged town development,
and has thus in a sense become a public benefactor.
Mr. Derr was married in Iowa to Minnie Finnertv,
who died in Elk Grove in 1903. In 1906 Mr. Derr
married Mrs. Daisy (Johnson) Derr, a native of
Ohio, but a resident of Sacramento County from
childhood, and they have one child. Jessie Mae Derr.
He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and the Encampment, and has attained all the
chairs in the various branches; belongs to the Inde-
pendent Order of Foresters, and for twenty-five
years has been the Odd Fellow secretary here. He
and his wife are both Rebekahs. He was also one
of the organizers of the Elk Grove Bank.
MANUEL L. ROGERS.— Numbered among the
successful farmers on Grand Island, Sacramento
County, is Manuel L. Rogers, whose seventy-seven-
acre farm is devoted to orchard and the growing of
asparagus, and to general farming. He was born on
the Isle of Pico, in the Azores, in February, 1865, a
son of Manuel and Marian (Joseph) Rogers, natives
of the same country. They were the parents of eight
children: Marj-, Manuel L., Antone, John, Henr3\
Joseph, Serafine, and Rosie. The mother passed away
in 1918, but the father is living, aged eighty.
At the age of eighteen, Manuel L. Rogers left his
native country and came to California, first locating
at Pleasanton, where he worked for wages. On Jan-
uary 29, 1893, at Sacramento, he was married to Miss
Flora Smith, born on Grand Island, Sacramento
County, a daughter of John and Mary (Joseph) Smith.
John Smith was a native of Fayal, in the Azores, but
was reared on the Isle of Pico; and his wife was born
on St. George Island, of the Azores. As a young
man, John Smith was engaged in whaling; and while
on a whaling-trip to the Arctic Ocean he came to
California, and was content to remain here. He was
married over fifty-two years ago, and settled with his
wife on Grand Island, on the Sacramento River.
About 1886 he bought 185 acres below Ryde; and
here he built a home and spent the balance of his
days. Of this tract he sold forty acres, but the bal-
ance of 145 acres is still owned and operated b\^ his
wife and children. He also bought 155 acres on
Georgiana Slough, about three miles below Walnut
Grove; and this is now owned b\' the two daughters.
Rose and Josephine, who reside there with their fam-
ilies. Six children were born to this pioneer couple:
John and Mary are deceased; Flora is the wife of
Manuel L. Rogers, of this review; Rose is Mrs. Sar-
ment; Josephine is Mrs. Joseph Neves; and Joseph
resides in Oakland. John Smith is now deceased, and
his widow makes her home on the farm on Grand
Island, which is jointly owned by herself and Mrs.
Rogers. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents of
eight children: Manuel, Clara, Joseph, William,
Angie, Edward, Violet, and Ernest. Of these, Clara
and William are deceased. Manuel and Joseph
served in the World War. The former now lives in
Walnut Grove; the latter served overseas until he
was returned home and mustered out of service.
Manuel was a sergeant, and trained at Fort Russell.
He married Chloe Alves and resides in Berkeley;
while Joseph married Theresa Alves, and they have
a child, Geraldine. Angie is the wife of Frank
Pimentcl. Mr. Rogers is a member of the U. P. E. C.
Lodge of Rio Vista. Mrs. Rogers is a member of
the U. P. P. E. C. of San Francisco.
710
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
JOHN B. TAYLOR.— Another pioneer whom
Californians will recall with natural and sincere grat-
itude, both on account of his rare character and
also because of the value of his labors, was the late
John Brown Taylor, who was born on August 30,
1826. and died in September, 1889. He first saw
light in Baltimore County, Maryland, and he was
eighteen years old when he removed to Ohio. His
parents were Benjamin and Margaret Brown Tay-
lor, and both were natives of that county. Benjamin
Taylor removed to Ohio in 1844, and farmed there
until bis death, in 1865.
John Taylor worked at the carpenter trade until
he joined a party of fifteen young men at Tifiin,
Ohio, coming overland with mule-teams to Califor-
nia. .\t Independence, Mo., they bought their sup-
plies, and from there they set out on May 2, 1849.
They crossed the backbone of the continent at the
Southern Pass, and camped at Fort Hall, in what is
now Idaho, 600 miles from Sacramento. While
there, a party of Mormons came along on their way
to Salt Lake, and they exhibited bags of gold dust
they had picked up in California. The travelers
feared that the gold would be all gone before they
1 cached the Land of Promise, and they took a vote
as to whether to abandon their wagons or not. The
result of the balloting was in favor of leaving their
wagons, so they abandoned the uncomfortable and
clumsy vehicles and hurried on, on mule-back, mak-
ing about forty miles a day. They reached Sacra-
mento on August 15, 1849, when the "city" con-
sisted of only one frame building, and a large num-
ber of tents. The party now divided, and went to
the mines. Mr. Taylor went to Beale's Bar, on the
north fork of the American River, and engaged in
mining; and then he 'went to Kelsey's, in Eldorado
Count)', and wintered there. In the spring of 1850,
he went to Yuba, Nevada County, and took up some
mining claims; but being sick, he was not able to
work there. He sold out, determining to return
East; but on coming to Sacramento, he met John
N. Goetschius, a merchant from Cold Springs, El-
dorado County, who offered to rnake him a partner.
Mr. Taylor accepted the offer, and remained with
him until the autumn of 1852; and then he sold out
and returned to Tiffin, the following February. Buy-
ing a herd of horses and cattle, he returned to Tiffin
and married, March 17, 1853, Miss Ann E. Goetschius.
Shortly afterward, accompanied by his wife, Mr.
Taylor took a train for Cincinnati, and from there
a steamer up to St. Joseph, Mo., completed his out-
fit with the cattle and horses he had purchased, and
on May 3 started again across the plains and moun-
tains for the West, arriving in Placerville in 120
days. He settled on the Coloma road, fourteen
miles from Sacramento, on September 20, 1853; and
from that time until his death, he followed agricul-
ture. In 1857-1858, he engaged in mining on his
own property, on the border of the river, and found
that it paid. During that time, he was a member of
the county board of supervisors. His farm consisted
of 488 acres, and it was always well cultivated. He
was a member of the Pioneer Society, and was also
a Mason. Mrs. Taylor passed away in Februarj-, 1917,
leaving a blessed memory. Three children had been
granted this worthy couple. Alice Amelia is Mrs.
M. L. Wise. .-Vnna Florence is Mrs. Charles Studa-
rus; and the third daughter is Margaret Isabella. Mr.
Taylor died Sept.'mlu-r 3. 1889.
CHARLES WILLIAM PALMER.— A promi-
nent, influential contractor of Sacramento County,
who has earned the right to leadership, is Charles
William Palmer, who was born January 23, 1884.
at Walnut Grove, Cal., the son of Charles E. and
Julia E. (Lewis) Palmer. His parents came from
the state of Maine in 1875 to San Francisco, where
they remained for two years, and then came to
Walnut Grove. His father, who was a carpenter for
the last twelve years of his life, passed away in
1919; and his mother died two years later.
Charles William Palmer was educated in the
schools of Sacramento, attending Sacramento high
school, from which he graduated in 1902. He
learned his father's trade, and in 1913 was engaged
as foreman for Barton & Hite, with whom he re-
mained for six years. In January, 1923, he went
into business for himself as contractor and builder.
He draws the plans for the residences he erects, and
is a meinber of the Builders' Exchange.
Mr. Palmer married Miss Rose E. King, a native
daughter of Ryde, Cal. In his political views, he is
non-partisan, voting for the inan rather than the
party. Fraternally, he is a Modern Woodman and
a Native Son of the Golden West. He is very fond
of hunting and fishing, and is a good booster and
stalwart supporter of the many movements for the
betterment of the county.
GUIDO A. BERTOLUCCL— A highly respected
representative of important commercial affairs, whose
wide and varied experience enables him to serve his
fellow-citizens with signal ability is Guido A. Berto-
lucci, who was born in Italy, on Maj' 22. 1890, the
son of A. P. and Policama Bertolucci. In 1895 his
parents came to Sacramento, where his father, a well-
known cement worker, is now residing. Mrs. Berto-
lucci died in December, 1921.
Guido A. Bertolucci was educated in the public
schools of San Francisco and Sacramento. He
learned the cement business with his father, and
when he was sixteen years of age started out for
himself. He has built some of the largest garages
and wineries in California, and has also paved a
great many streets in Sacramento. On the average,
he employs about eight men and does a general con-
crete construction work.
He joined the United States Army in April, 1918,
trained at Camp Lewis for six weeks and then was
sent to Fort Riley, Kansas, where he was promoted
to the rank of sergeant. June 12, 1918, he left
for France and upon his arrival went to Paris, where
he was made a member of the Third Unit of the
Mobile Hospital Corps, organized there. His com-
mand was sent to the front and he served at Chateau
'Thierry, Meuse-Argonne, St. Mihiel and at Toule,
four of the most active fronts during the war. He
was practically under fire the entire time of his serv-
ice and at the signing of the armistice he was re-
turned to the United States and received his dis-
charge at the Presidio at San Francisco, Tulj' 18,
1919.
On December 23, 1921, he married Miss Leona
Hardt, of Los Angeles. Mr. Bertolucci is a director
of the Builders' Exchange, a member and treasurer
of Lodge No. 1020 of the Moose, and a trustee of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is a very enthu-
siastic baseball fan and is very fond of deer hunting.
Politically he supports the best men and measures,
HISTORY OF SACRA:\IENT0 COUNTY
713
regardless of party lines. He has always taken an
intelligent interest in the public matters of his com-
munity, and is highly respected among his many ac-
quaintances. He bought property in the Dreher tract
and built a modern bungalow at 1605 Dreher Avenue,
where he resides, and intends to build several more
residences on lots adjoining his home.
MALLORY E. ENOS. — An enterprising manager,
thoroughly conversant with the field in which he is
so successfully operating, is Mallory E. Enos, who
has charge of Ennis-Brown Company, at 100 J Street,
which was established and incorporated in 1900. The
Company devotes itself to the wholesale produce
business, and is well regarded as one of the most pro-
gressive and prosperous business concerns in Sacra-
mento County. On account of the success attending
this enterprise, which is the result of steady support
by those familiar with the promoters, it is not sur-
prising that Mr. Enos is one of the most public-
spirited citizens working for the advancement of the
great Golden State.
Mallor}' Enos was born at Davis, in Yolo County,
on St. Valentine's Day, in the year 1879, the son of
William S. Enos, a native of California, and the son
of sturdy pioneers, w-ho had married Miss Cornelia
Helen Russell, also of fine old pioneer stock. W. S.
Enos has long since been deceased, but his devoted
wife has survived him, to be the center of a circle
of admiring friends. Both Mr. and Mrs. Enos were
enlightened, progressive people, and they spared
neither effort nor expense to give their son the best
of educational advantages.
Mallory Enos went to the grammar and also the
high schools of his neighborhood, and in 1898 com-
menced his business experience with Henderson &
Brown, the wholesalers. In 1896 the family came to
Sacramento; and for the past quarter of a century,
Mr. Enos has been in the same business, in the same
location. He is a Republican in matters of national
political import.
In 1905, Mr. Enos married Miss Willette Rae Blas-
ingame, a native of Georgia, and their fortunate union,
solemnized at Chico, Cal., has been blessed in the
birth of two daughters, Helen and Ruth. Mr. Enos
is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and
a Shriner; he belongs to the Sutter Club, and also the
Del Paso Country Club, being fond of golf. During
the war he was one of the "Four-minute Men"; and
he was a member of the committee engaged in hand-
ling potatoes and onions.
JOHN K. REESE. — A native son who is follow-
ing in the footsteps of his father, the late David
Reese, and becoming a man of affairs, and display-
ing the same traits of character and business acumen,
is John K. Reese, rancher and district agent for the
Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford, Conn.
He was born at Florin. Sacramento County, Decem-
ber 30, 1878, a son of David and Mira L. (Kilgore)
Reese, pioneers represented on another page in this
work. The fourth in a family of seven children, five
of whom are living, John K. Reese was educated
in the public school and the high school. After his
graduation from high school he entered the Univer-
sity of California and while attending was a member
of the Phi Gamma Delta, a national fraternity, as
well as the Skull and Keys honor society. He was
in his junior j-ear at the university when his father
died and he then returned to Sacramento. He en-
gaged in the real estate business and also in farming,
leasing the Leeman ranch. In 1919 he engaged in
raising hops; but after three years the market fell
so low that the place has since been devoted to gen-
eral farming. He is still managing the Leeman ranch.
In 1912 Mr. Reese began the insurance business and
has been very successful in that field. As stated
above, he is the district agent for the Travelers In-
surance Company, of Hartford, and to it he devotes
his attention and energies.
Mr. Reese was united in marriage in 1915 with
Miss Gertrude Leeman, a native of Sacramento, and
a daughter of William H. Leeman, and two sons have
been born to them. John K., Jr., and Richard.
Mr. Reese was made a Mason in Concord Lodge
No. 117, F. & A. M., and he belongs to Sacramento
Chapter, R. A. M. He is also a member of Sacra-
mento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. E. He takes an active
interest in civic and social matters, and is a member
of the Rotary and Sutter Clubs, as well as the Del
Paso Country Club.
Mr. Reese is an example of what well-directed
energy and application can accomplish, and he is one
of the native sons of which the county may well be
proud.
LOUIS E. HALVERSON.— A decidedly practical
family, of wide and valuable experience, has been
that of the late Louis E. Halverson, who was
a native of Christiania, Norway, where -he was
born on the day before Christmas, 1854, the son and
second child of Halver Pederson, and grew up to be
a carpenter by trade, and to own a small farm near
Christiania. He attended the good schools of Norway,
and, as was the habit with so man3f boys in that
country, famed for its sea-faring men, spent three
years of his youth on a freight vessel, sailing around
the world. He then came to the United States, and
here followed the carpenter trade for a couple of
years. Coming West to Wisconsin, Mr. Halverson lo-
cated at Marinette, and for a few years engaged in
building by contract. After that, he became foreman
for a large planing mill, and continued in that capacity'
for twenty years. Wherever he went, or whatever he
undertook to do, he demonstrated his exceptional fit-
ness and his absolute dependabilitj'.
At Marinette, Wis., on October 8, 1882, he was
married to Miss Agnes Miller, a native of Drum-
mond. Norway, and the daughter of Jacob and Karu
( Christopherson) Miller, her father being a moulder
by trade. Eleven children made up the happy fam-
ily. Agnes being the ninth, and she came with her
parents, when nine years old, and her father settled
at Marinette, and followed his trade until his death,
at the age of seventy-one. Mrs. Miller lived to be
ninety.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Halverson
moved to Grand Rapids, Wis., and there he started
a planing-mill business of his own, which he con-
ducted for four years, when he sold out and moved
to Sacramento in 1911, bringing his wife and family
along with him. He again resumed carpentering as
a journeyman, and found plenty to do. an account of
his superior skill, in Sacramento and vicinity. In
October, 1920. the Halversons moved onto a forty-
acre ranch at Wilton, which he had previously pur-
chased; and this ranch is now known as the Wilton
714
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Demonstration Farm, being equipped with the largest
irrigation plant in that section of the country. There
is a six-inch irrigation pump driven by a fifteen-
horse-power electric motor; the well is 500 feet deep,
and there is an abundant supply of water. The ranch
has about twenty-five acres of fruit trees, and four
acres of berries; while the balance of acreage is in
grain; both horses and tractors are used for power.
Mr. Halverson built modern, electric-lighted poultry
houses, furnished with running water in each build-
ing, and put up all the buildings on the place, except
the home, which was on the place, and in various
ways made it a model farm. And there, where he
had scored some of his greatest successes, he died,
on December 30, 1922, and since that time the famous
ranch has been managed by his son, George, with
the help of the other five brothers.
There were eleven children in the Halverson fam-
ily, and ten of them are sons, and they are all living.
Charles is with Wood-Curtis Company of Sacra-
nienlo; George started out for himself in a law office
in Marinette, Wis., and became, in Sacramento, man-
ager for the Jacobs Motor Company, and was with
them for two years; William is a mechanic with that
firm, in Sacramento; Edwin is on the ranch; Clar-
ence is also on the home ranch, although he used
to be a switchman on the Western Pacific Railroad;
Ernest is a rancher at Elk Grove; Mabel is Mrs. Carl
Morlath, of Sacramento; Elmer is an apprentice to
the auto-painting trade, in Sacramento; Henry is
learning the auto-mechanic trade in the same city;
and Arnold and Alton are on the ranch. The family
are all Republicans. Elmer has married Miss Chris-
tina McKinnon; and Ernest is the husband of Miss
Nettie Ehrmann, by whom he has had three children,
Fay, Richard and Betty.
MARK HOPKINS EBEL. — A wide-awake, pro-
gressive florist whose combined experience and artis-
tic taste have aflforded him an enviable success and
prosperity, is Mark Hopkins Ebel, widely known
throughout and even beyond Sacramento County. He
was born in the capital city on November 10, 1874,
the son of F. A. and Doris (Stehr) Ebel, the father
a pioneer who came to California in the early sixties
and married into one of the old Sacramento families.
Mr. Ebel died in 1920. esteemed by all who knew
him; but Mrs. Ebel is still living, the center of a
circle of devoted friends.
Mark Hopkins Ebel went to the ordinary public
schools, and rather young joined Messrs. C. B. Strong
& Company, and when they failed, he took over the
floral department. His father had been a florist for
fifty years before him, and he thus came to acquire
through his father much of the experience now so
valuable to him. He grows practically all of his
cut flowers, and in this respect has an advantage over
some competitors. He is deeply interested in his
enterprise, and at his store at 916 K Street carries a-
complete line of all kinds cut flowers and plants. He
is a life member of American Florists and Orna-
mental Horticulturists, and of the Florists' Telegraph
Deliverj'. Mr. Ebel is an Elk, and also a Forester;
and he belongs to Sacramento Parlor No. 3, Native
Sons of the Golden West, being pardonably proud
of his association with the Golden State. He is a
member of the Chamber of Commerce and of the
Rotary Club.
CHARLES W. JONES.— The transformation of a
stretch of land along the Sacramento River, adjacent
to Steamboat Slough, which was swamp land in 1892,
when Charles W. Jones first located there, to one of
the most attractive and remunerative farms in the
delta section of the county, represents the untiring
eff^orts of this energetic farmer. His birth occurred
near Cincinnati, in Hamilton County. Ohio, August
16, 1857, in the family of David and Mary Ann
(Sabin) Jones, natives of New York and Maine,
respectively. David Jones lived to be eighty-four
years old, and his wife was fifty-two when she passed
away. Seven children were born to them, Charles W.
being the only one in California.
Charles W. Jones came to California in 1877 and
settled at Coleville, Mono County, where he mined
for eight years. In 1892 he located in the delta sec-
tion of Sacramento County, where he leased 600
acres of swamp land; he also leased other farms, and
at one time cultivated 1,600 acres to beans, grain and
vegetables. In 1898 he bought 400 acres on Steam-
boat Slough, where he now resides. He has built a
house and other farm buildings, and has set ninety
acres to orchard of pears and peaches; and 200 acres
is devoted to asparagus-raising. Mr. Jones siphons
the water from Steamboat Slough for irrigation pur-
poses, except about sixty acres which he irrigates by
a pumping-plant. In partnership with Mr. Batcher
he owns 800 acres of land on Liberty Island, Solano
County; and he individually owns 250 acres near
Verona, Sutter County. A believer in cooperation for
-marketing farm products, he is a member of the As-
paragus Growers' Association, the California Pear
Growers' Association, and the California Bean
Growers' Association.
In Stockton, on October 19, 1884, Mr. Jones was
married to Miss Emma Brower, born in San Jose,
Cal., a daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Martha
(Griffin) Brower, born in Indiana and Ireland, respec-
tively. Her mother came to New York when nine
years of age, and had grown to young womanhood
when, in the early fifties, she came with her married
sister and brother-in-law in a sailer around Cape Horn
to California. She married Mr. Brower in San Jose
in 1858, and four children were born to them: Hannah
and George, both deceased; Mrs. Jones; and Thomas
Jefferson Brower, of Tracy. The father of Mrs. Jones
passed away in 1869, her mother surviving until 1922,
when she died at Lodi, aged eighty-seven years. Mr.
and Mrs. Jones are the parents of five children,
Leanna is Mrs. George H. Jensen, and has two sons,
Charles Seymour and George H. Edna is Mrs. E. C.
Emigh, and has three children: Edna Mae, Edgar
Clyde, and Olive Louise. Frederick C. married Miss
Flavia Stuber, and they have three children: Charles
Frederick, Betty, and Marjorie. George D. married
Miss Verna Sivils, and they have two children, Charles
and George. Carl W. is attending the agricultural de-
partment of the University of California at Davis, Cal.,
where he has made a record as an athlete. Mr. Jones
is a Democrat in his political affiliations. Fraternally,
he is a member of the Isleton Lodge, I. O. O. F., and
of the Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks. He
has been a trustee of Reclamation District No. 3 of
Grand Island, and for some years was president and
manager of the Venice Island Land Company of San
Joaquin County. He served as clerk of the Walker
school district, and is now clerk of the board of the
Beaver union school district.
e/rrfm-^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
717
CONRAD K. HARDER.— A widely experienced
public official of exceptional initiative and executive
ability is Conrad K. Harder, the inspector in the
Department of Motor Vehicles, at Sacramento. He
was born on April 23, 1886, near Koenigsberg, Ger-
many, the eldest son among four children of the late
Otto J. and Pauline (Wiersbitzky) Harder, both na-
tives of Germany. They emigrated to America in
1888, bringing with them two children, and arrived
in San Francisco, where they remained until their
two younger children were born, and in 1892 they
came to Sacramento.
Mr. Otto Harder was an expert marble and granite
cutter, and with the assistance of his sons, he con-
ducted a business for many years thereafter at the
corner of Tenth and X Streets, under the firm name
of Harder & Sons. They did much important work,
and Mr. Harder was emp'oyed to finish the fancy
stone-work on the post-office or Federal building,
which stands today a splendid memorial to his artistic
taste and his technical skill. He died on January 7,
1913, highl}' respected by all who knew him and one
of the most esteemed among the eminently worthy
German-American citizens in the county, survived
by his widow and four children, Mrs. Harder, the
center of a circle of devoted friends, having continued
to live here ever since.
When only twelve years of age, Conrad Harder
left school to enter upon his apprenticeship under his
father to the marble and granite trade, and for four
years thereafter he was a partner with his father and
brother. On moving to San Francisco, however, he
sold out his interests, in order to work at his trade
in the bay city; but he returned to the capital. The
San Jose Marble and Granite Works then sought his
services as road salesman, and for two years he was
their representative in the Southern California field.
Early in May, 1908, Mr. Harder returned to Sacra-
mento, and on May 30 he suffered an accident
when a falling live-wire struck him dow-n, and 11,000
volts of electricit}' passed through him. He luckily
recovered; but the experience was the turning point
in his career. He took up mechanical engineering
through a course of study by correspondence with
the American Correspondence Schools of New York,
and for a few months ov^'ned and operated the Del
Monte Auto Livery, which he sold, in order to go to
Natoma as the automobile mechanic for the Natoma
Consolidated Company there. He became the official
driver, and the following four and one-half years were
occupied in the transporting of gold bullion from
Natoma to Wells Fargo & Company, at the corner of
Sixth and K Streets in Sacramento, the alloted time
given for the run being thirty-two minutes, Mr.
Harder driving a sixty-horse-power Thomas car.
During all this time, he was never put under bonds,
nor did he ever have a mishap, although he thus
transported many millions of dollars worth of gold
bullion from the dredge headquarters at Natoma to
Sacramento. In 1918, he left the Natoma Company
to better himself by accepting the position of master
mechanic at the Ruhstaller Brewery at Sacramento.
On January 2, 1919, Mr. Harder was appointed by
the state of California as inspector of motor vehicles,
for which he had qualified b\' the successful passing
of the civil service examinations in the preceding
December. For four years, he continued to discharge
the arduous and responsible duties of this office, and
his official trips compelled him to cover the common-
wealth, from the northern boundary at the Oregon
line to the southern border at Mexico. He added
greatly to his invaluable experience, and in January,
1923, was able to enter upon his new office of man-
ager with the state department of Motor Vehicles
at Sacramento, since which time he has remained
about as busy a man as may be found in the capita!
city. He is a member of the North Sacramento
Chamber of Commerce, and through many other
affiliations is enabled to exert an enviable influence
in favor of progress generally. As early as 1914, he
became a pioneer in this new subdivision, and he was
among the first settlers who located upon and im-
proved home-property. He belongs to Lodge No. 6
of the Elks, and also to the Eagles, and is a member
of the Fraternal Brotherhood.
On January 1, 1907, Mr. Harder married Miss Ella
M. Clark, the ceremony taking place in San Fran-
cisco. The bride was the daughter of Mrs. Ellora
(Neely) Clark, of North Sacramento. Born in
Kansas, she was brought by her parents, when she
was a little girl, to Panoche, San Benito County, the
journey across the great plains being made in 1889 in
huge, covered wagons. Her grandfather and father
brought out many head of thoroughbred stock, cattle
and horses, and spent the first winter in Oregon.
Mrs. Harder was thus reared in the open, and grew
up in the saddle on the range, in the San Benito
mountains. She completed a short course at the San
Benito high school, and accompanied her parents to
Sacramento in 1900. One son, Karl Harder, has
blessed this fortunate union.
Mr. Harder has a real hobby, centered in the Aire-
dale dogs, and he is proprietor of the "Regular Aire-
dale Kennels," which were started early in 1917 with
four animals of high, registered blood. He now
owns fifty-one thoroughbred Airedales, and has
shipped stock to all corners of the United States,
Canada, Mexico, South America, Japan and the
Orient. He received ribbons at the annual Califor-
nia State Fair on three different showings. He has
become a well-know'n authority on the Airedale dog,
but he admits that there are new things to be learned
every day about the animal and his care.
Mrs. Harder must also be accorded her share of
credit for her own endeavor. In 1916 she took up
the breeding of goats, and she has since been very-
busy breeding thoroughbred and high-grade Toggen-
burg milk goats. She studied the problems of the
undertaking carefully, and has, as a reward, won
many blue ribbons at the State Fair. Today, she is
one of the largest breeders of exclusively thoroughbred
Toggenburg milk goats in northern California. In
1922, the herd sire was purchased by the state of
California, to be added to the state herd at the So-
noma State Farm; and in 1923, one of the finest thor-
oughbred does was selected and shipped to the State
Agricultural Society of New Mexico. Mrs. Harder
takes special pride in her business, and has also be-
come well and pleasantly known through her varied
writings published widely to the goat-fancying world.
These contributions from her pen to farm journals
and newspaper periodicals have done much to in-
crease a healthy interest in thoroughbred Toggen-
burg goats and their breeding in the West.
Mrs. Harder is also Librarian at the North Sacra-
mento Public Librarv, and the branch of the Countv
718
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
I'"rcT- Library on Sixtli Street, near Auljurn Boule-
vard, the library having been opened on April 8,
1922, and since then, under Mrs. Harder's able nian-
aKement. having steadily grown. Formerly Mrs. W.
Harris had devoted a corner in her store to county
library books, which were loaned, and afterward
Mrs. J. Dorman and Mrs. VVeiner took over tlie
place, but found it too much trouble. Private indi-
viduals liave been encouraged to add to the library
by individual contrilnitions, but these gift-books are
catalogued and kept at the library headquarters and
do not circulate. A list of the magazines on hand
has also been prepared, and these magazines are
loaned out for thirty days, under the same rule gov-
erning the books. Mrs. Harder was associated, prior
to her recent appointment, with library work at the
County Free Library, in the courthouse at Sacra-
mento, and the experience gained there is now of
greatest service to her, and through her to the library-
users seeking her cooperation. She has also, for five
years, been the North Sacramento correspondent of
the "Sacramento Bee," and it is interesting to note
that she has been eminently successful in thus keep-
ing this section of the county in vital touch with the
capital city, and has thereby attained a very honor-
able place among the well-known women journalists
of Sacramento County.
WILLIAM H. H. GLENN.— Among the native
sons of California William H. H. Glenn is achieving
prominence in a business way in Sacramento County,
where he has been interested in the manufacture and
sale of soft drinks for the past thirty-three years in
Sacramento, and he well deserves the success that is
the reward of strict integrity and a firm determina-
tion to progress. He was born at Lincoln, Placer
County, on April 3, 1877, the son of John and Hattie
(Hood) Glenn, both of whom were born in Erie, Pa.,
and who were among the early settlers of Lincoln.
They came to Sacramento in 1884, and here Mrs.
Glenn passed the balance of her life; Mr. Glenn died
in San Francisco. Both were highly esteemed by a
large circle of friends.
William attended the Sacramento public schools
and when a young lad began to learn the soft drink
business \vith C. Schnerr & Company, and he has fol-
lowed this line of business ever since in this city,
working for others until he decided he would start
a business for himself, which he did in 1909, in a
place on T Street. His square and honest dealings
with the public soon increased his business and he
purchased the property at 1017 V Street, erected a
suitable building, and moved the Glenn Soda Works
to his new plant. This he has equipped with the
most modern and scientific machinery and here he
makes his own products, giving the business his per-
sonal supervision. He thoroughly understands every
detail and by experimenting he puts up a superior
product. He believes in cooperation and is a member
of the American Bottlers' of Carbonated Waters, and
of the California Bottlers' Association. He has also
become the agent for the popular and satisfying
"50-50" drink.
Mr. Glenn married Miss Maude Dinsmore, of
Fresno, though born in Michigan, and they have one
daughter, Bessie Glenn. He is a Republican and
fraternally is a member of the Eagles, representing
the local Aerie at the Grand Convention in San
Francisco in 1910. He is deeply interested in the wel-
fare of Sacramento Countj' and is alert to exert his
influence for the upbuilding of both city and county.
MANUEL F. TERRA.— Business enterprise has
found a sturdy exponent in Manuel F. Terra, whose
progressive spirit and determination have been man-
ifested in all his undertakings. He was born on
December 26, 1880, at Ribeirinha, Pico, Azores
Islands, the son of Manuel and Marian Terra. His
father came from the Azores to New York City and
in early days crossed the plains to California and
lived and mined here for about twenty years. He
then returned to the Azores Islands, where he was
married and engaged in farming, and there he raised
his family and resided until his death.
Manuel F. Terra was educated in the schools of
the Azores. In 1902 he came to San Leandro, Cal.,
and two years later made his way to Sacramento.
Back in his o'd home, at the age of sixteen years,
he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, and
he followed his trade till he came to California.
After coming here he worked as a journeyman. In
1909, he went into the contracting and building
business with a partner, but since 1914 he has been
in business for himself. He has become a successful
contractor and builder of fine residences, flats, cot-
tages, and apartments. Mr. Terra has been a stu-
dent and is a man of great energy, and one never
finds him idle. He has studied architecture, and
thus is competent as a draftsman. He makes de-
signs and plans for residences and buildings of all
kinds, and he has built hundreds of residences and
buildings of his own design here and in this vicinity.
In the Azores Mr. Terra was united in marriage
to Mary Egnaicia. They have been blessed with
three children: Arthur, George, and Fernando. Mr.
Terra is a Republican, but his political allegiance
does not bar him from giving his support to a
worthy candidate. He is a member of the I. D. E. S.
and of the Builders' Exchange, and Master Builders'
Association. He is very fond of outdoor life, taking
keen jjleasure in hunting and fishing.
SCOTT F. ENNIS.— A very efficient executive,
whose experience has proven of great value to other
concerns besides that which he has the honor to rep-
resent, is Scott F. Funis, the president of the Pacific
Fruit Exchange of Sacramento. He was born in
San Francisco on August IS, 1872, the son of Wil-
liam H. Ennis, a native of Washington, D. C. He
came to the Coast at the close of the Civil War, and
after he had settled in California, Miss Susan D.
Coates arrived, from Louisiana, and they were mar-
ried in San Francisco. When the Civil War broke
out, Mr. Ennis enlisted in the United States navy;
and he did patriotic service in behalf of the preserva-
tion of the Union. Both parents, honored through
the record of their useful lives, are now deceased.
Scott F. Ennis attended the schools of San Fran-
cisco and Sacramento, the family removing to the
capital when William H. Ennis was made deputy
surveyor general. He was then fifteen years old,
and he went to the high school, later attending a
business college. His first work for wages was in
the service of the Capital Packing Company, and
then he was with Hale Bros, in their county auditing
department. After that, he was with Messrs. Wa-
terhouse and Lister, and next with Henderson,
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
721
Brown & Company. In time, he l)ought out Mr.
Henderson, and the firm became the Ennis-Brown
Company, with headquarters at 100-110 J Street.
This firm has been in business for twenty-two years,
and is very properly regarded as one of the most pro-
gressive and representative business concerns in
northern Cahfornia. Mr. Ennis belongs to the United
Commercial Travelers.
Public-spirited to a high degree, Mr. Ennis served
as a volunteer in the state militia for eight years. At
the age of twenty-one, he was sent to the Cali-
fornia state legislature as a member of the assembly,
to represent the southern half of Sacramento. He
is a Republican in matters of national import, but too
broad-minded to allow partisanship to interfere with
his whole-hearted support of things local. He belongs
to the Native Sons of the Golden West, is a Mason
and a Knight Templar, a Shriner and a member of
the Scottish Rite, and also an Elk; and he belongs
to the Sutter and the Del Paso Country Clubs. He
was active in all World War work, and served on
all the drives. He is fond of golf, and is also a
devotee of horseback riding.
EDWARD T. HART.— A rancher long active in
a successful career, and who has earned the comforts
and delights of a quiet and secure retirement, is
Edward T. Hart, the once extensive farmer of Mor-
mon Island, Folsom Cit}'. He is the proprietor of
a stock-farm embracing eighty acres there, twenty-
four miles east of Sacramento, where he has re-
sided for thirty-five years. He was born on Mc-
Dowell Hill, in Eldorado County, on February 19,
1853, the son of Hugo T. Hart, a pioneer of placer
mining in the historic year of the Argonauts, '49,
and our subject is the only surviving member of
that sturdy family. His father died on McDowell
Hill, in 1901, at the age of seventy-four, while Mrs.
Hart survived him eight years, and passed away at
the still riper age of eighty-one.
Edward Hart attended the Mormon Island school,
and when old enough to do so. took up farming as
a vocation, entering into a partnership, at an early
age, with his parents and helping them to run the
home farm. In 1878 he was married at Sudan Sta-
tion to Mrs. Ida Knight, the daughter of Cy Schafif,
a pioneer who came to Mormon Island in 18S2 and
was a popular hotel-keeper there. This old hotel had
really been built in 1850 of materials brought from
the East all the way round Cape Horn, then by boat
from San Francisco to Sacramento, and finally by
freighting teams to Mormon Island. Mrs. Hart was
born in Sacramento in 1853, and from childhood
was intimately associated with the growth of that
district. For the past eleven years, the raising of
stock and the maintaining of a first-class dairy have
been the forte of Mr. Hart, and those having most
dealings with him know best how well he has suc-
ceeded in his chosen field. This enviable position
as an experienced man of affairs able to attend both
of his own and the community's business, has brought
its honors and responsibilities, and for the past twen-
ty-five years Mr. Hart has been a trustee of Mormon
Island school.
Four children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Hart. Albert, a rancher and the right hand man of
his father, is an active member of the local farm
bureau in Orangevale, and besides being a very bright,
progressive young man, is a capable agriculturist.
keeping himself well in touch with the latest move-
ments in the science of husbandry in the West.
Claude is a blacksmith of Yuba Cit}'. Ina has be-
come the wife of Charles Morrison; and Edna is
Mrs. Zack Darrington of Red Bank. Mrs. Hart has
a daughter by a former marriage, Mrs. Sadie John-
son.
Owing to his long residence and continued activ-
ity hereabouts, Edward Hart has no end of good
stories concerning the past. He recalls the early life
on Mormon Island as a good deal different in con-
trast to present-day conditions, for at one time pub-
lic gatherings would be attended by as many as
3,000 people, while today, in the district so lively in
the golden days of yore, only forty-four persons are
registered voters.
JOSEPH SANER.— As manager of the Saner
ranch two miles southwest of Gait, Joseph Saner is
displaying those same qualities of thrift, perseverance
and industry that characterized his father, one of
Gait's most esteemed citizens. He was born on the
old McClaughrey ranch near Gait on April 14, 1893,
the son of the late Joseph Saner and his wife, who
was Mary Bisig before her marriage. Both parents
were natives of Switzerland. Joseph Saner, Sr., was
born in Canton Solothurn, March 23, 1860, while the
birth of Mrs. Saner occurred September 24, 1865.
Reared in the same environment, they both cherished
the same ambitions for the greater opportunities of
America, and this desire was gratified in 1883, when
they both reached Sacramento County, Cal., their mar-
riage occurring four years later, on March 9, 1887.
At first they rented land and engaged in farming,
and as a result of their industry they were enabled
to purchase a place of their own four years later, and
to add to it by subsequent purchase until their hold-
ings totaled over 900 acres. Mr. Saner passed away in
the prime of life on October 14, 1908, when only forty-
eight years old, leaving a record of industry and good
citizenship in which his family may well take pride.
Since then Mrs. Saner, assisted by her children, has
carried forward the enterprises begun by her husband,
demonstrating splendid business acumen and a
thorough knowledge of every detail of ranching. Mr.
and Mrs. Saner were the parents of eight children:
Frieda, Mrs. A. J. Wright of San Francisco; Amelia,
Mrs. E. S. Glanville of Tracy; Joseph; Robert, who
died when twenty-one; Lilly, Mrs. M. J. McKinstry
of Stockton; Harry, living at Stockton; William, re-
siding at Gait; and Evelen, the youngest daughter,
who met a tragic death when their home was burned
on October 27, 1905, a deep bereavement to the entire
family that only time could heal.
Joseph Saner attended the grammer school at Gait
in the pursuit of an education, and from his boyhood
days assisted with the farm work. He was only fif-
teen years old at the time of his father's death, but he
manfully assumed his portion of the responsibility and
for several years has had the management of the large
Saner ranch of over 900 acres, a task he is success-
fully accomplishing. For some time he has main-
tained a large dairy there, and now has about fifty
cows.
On October 20. 1920. at Sacramento, Mr. Saner
was married to Miss Irene Davis, the daughter of
John and Elizabeth (McKnight) Davis. She was born
at Santa Rosa, but the family moved to Woodbridge
when she was a young girl and there she was reared
and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Saner have one daughter.
/I
9 7
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Eleanor Berenice. Mr. Saner is popular in fraternal
circles, being a member of the Alasons and the Odd
Fellows, and a past grand of the latter order. He is
also a past president of Gait Parlor, N. S. G. W., and
with his WMfe belongs to the Rebckahs at Gait. Mrs.
Saner is also a member of the Native Daughters of the
Golden West, at Gait.
MRS. SARAH MUGFORD.— For the past ten
years Mrs. Sarah Mugford has resided on her three-
acre home place on Fruitridge Road, where she con-
ducts a small dairy. Mrs. Mugford has witnessed
the wonderful growth and progress of this section of
Sacramento County, for it was but sparsely se'aled
when she purchased her home place. She is a n itive
Californian, born at Placerville, then known as Hang-
town, on August 18, 1857, the eldest daughter of
Henry J. and Mary (Thomas) Hartley, natives of
England and South Wales, respectively. Henry J.
Hartley w^as married in 1856, and shortly after started
across the plains with an ox-team train to California,
arriving at Hangtown in the fall of the same year.
He prospected in the vicinity of Folsom, but gave up
mining to follow his trade as a stone mason. Ten
children were born to them, eight daughters and two
sons, of whom six survive: Mrs. Mugford, of this
sketch: Mrs. Edner, of Placerville; Mrs. Pilotti, of
Diamond Spring: Mrs. Mary Pritchard, residing in
Oakland; Mrs. Alice Johnson, residing in Berkeley;
and Hattie Hartley, of Marysville. Mrs. Hartley,
the mother, was one of the first of the pioneer Cali-
fornia women to help in getting a public school
started in Eldorado County; the first school was held
in an old building in 1857, and each family paid
twenty-five cents tuition per week.
On January 19, 1874, Miss Sarah Hartley was mar-
ried to John Mugford, w-ho was born in Cornwall,
England, in 1835. He accompanied his brother Samuel
to California via Panama in 1855, and was engaged in
mining until 1869, when he received an injury which
caused him to seek a different occupation. Removing
to Carbondale, he bought 160 acres of land; but after
paying for it, he w-as obliged to turn it over to the rail-
road. The family then removed to Sutter Creek, where
they later bought land. From this land he cleared the
timber, yvhich he hauled to Sutterville for fuel in the
mills at Sutter Creek. Mr. and Mrs. Mugford were
the parents of eight children. William is married and
has three children, one of whom is married and has
one son five years old. William Mugford and his
family reside in Sacramento, w-here he is foreman in
the bolt shop of the Southern Pacific Railroad Com-
pany. Leona is now Mrs. Frank Carroll, and they
liave two sons and one daughter. Jane is the widow
of James Langdon; she has three children, and the
family reside in Sacramento. Samuel has a wife and
six children; John is married and has one son; Bessie
is Mrs. Frank F. Silva, and they have six children;
Arthur is at home, and is one of the stockholders in
the Northern California Milk Association; and Minnie
is deceased, survived by five children. Mr. Mugford
became a United States citizen in 1867, and there-
after voted the Republican ticket; he passed away
May 6, 1898. Mrs. Mugford has been an active mem-
ber of the Free Methodist Church for more than
twenty years.
THEODORE ERICKSON.— A practical painter
and artistic decorator who has so successfully devel-
oped his business that he has become an extensively
operating contractor, is Theodore Erickson, a native
of Sweden, where he was born on February 1, 1883.
the son of Thuve and Elena Erickson. The father,
a Scandinavian by birth, came across the ocean
when a boy, married in the United States, and re-
turned to Sweden, where he and his devoted wife
both rounded out well-spent lives, and merited and
received the esteem of all who knew them. For
most of his life, Thuve Erickson was a carpenter,
although he took up agriculture toward the end of
his career.
Theodore Erickson attended the excellent public
schools of Sweden, a part of that educational system
so famous throughout the world, and when fourteen
years old commenced to learn his trade, at which he
worked steadily until he came to the United States.
He located at first in Chicago, where for eight years
he found employment as a journe^'man painter; and
then, migrating West to San Francisco, he worked
there for some of the larger firms for another eight
years. Wherever he worked, whatever he did, he
demonstrated both his knowledge in every ordinary
detail of his trade, and considerable original artistic
gift as well; and his faithful service to his employ-
ers graduall}' built up for him a reputation that
proved of great value to him when he established
a business of his own.
In April, 1912, Mr. Erickson came to Sacramento,
and for the past eight years he has been well estab-
lisiied here in business for himself. He does general
painting of residences of all kinds, and makes interior
decorating his specialty. He employs five men to
care for his various contracts, and through con-
scientious oversight of his work, has been able to
build up a prosperous business. Mr. Erickson be-
longs to the Master Painters and to the Builders'
Exchange. In politics, he is a Republican. Fond
of outdoor life, he especially enjoj's a day's outing
with rod and reel. In fraternal life, Mr. Erickson
:s a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, and he is also a member of the Swedish lodge,
"\"asa."
JOHN T. HUNT. — A general contractor of wide
experience, whose constructive work, carried on
with unremitting enterprise and through the use of
considerable capital and the very best appliances
and devices for rapid, up-to-date accomplishment,
entitles him to be classed as one of the real builders
of both city and county^ is John T. Hunt, the pro-
prietor of the well-known establishment at 3781
Sixth Avenue, Sacramento. He was born at New
Castle, in New Castle County, Del., on February 26,
1884, the son of Jacob K. and Mary J. (Ready)
Hunt. In the home of these pioneers, John T. Hunt
began his preparation for the tasks of life, attending
the schools in Sacramento, to which city he had
come at an early age, in 1893.
As a youth, he worked in clerical positions in
local stores, and in 1907 joined his brother, T. B.
Hunt, in contracting for work, the two continuing
together for some years. Then, for a while, he
worked as a journeyman carpenter, and of late
as. a general contractor. Seeing the need for better
work, more satisfactory both to the prospective
owner and a'so to the prospective dweller or tenant,
in the building of houses and flats, he has confined
Ol'
uyui^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
727
liimself largely to such residences, studying to give
the city something late in style and modern in con-
veniences, and at the same time at the lowest possi-
ble cost compatible with artistic and enduring work.
In this he may be said to be more than ordinarily
successful, and in consequence he has secured a
handsome share of patronage. He belongs to the
Builders' Association and to the Master Builders,
and has been steadil}' active in promoting the best
interests of the entire Sacramento region in the mat-
ter of structural development. He has also done
some prospecting, hoping to open up new channels
for enterprise.
In Auburn, Mr. Hunt w"as married to Miss Pearl
Ma 3' Tauzer, a native daughter of Woodland, an
accomplished lady, moving in a circle of devoted
friends. Mr. Hunt belongs to the Eagles and the
Woodmen of the World. In politics he holds himself
aloof from any fixed party affiliation, seeking rather
the best interests of the community in which he lives.
MICHAEL O'NEIL. — A successful nurseryman,
Michael O'Neil has established himself on a ranch at
Arcade Park, northeast of Sacramento, and has re-
cently completed a modern residence there for his
famih". A native son of California, he was born at
Marysville, Januar\' 13, 1881, the son of John and
Mary O'Neil, both natives of Ireland. The father,
who was a longshoreman in New York City, came to
California in 1852 and entered the employ of the
Greeley Flour Mills; and later he helped in the build-
ing of the levees at Marv'sville. He passed away in
1882, the father of five children, of whom Michael was
the youngest. Mrs. O'Neil was afterwards married
to L. Borrel, a native of France, who had come to
California in 1865; he was for years a blacksmith in
Marj'sville, but spent his latter daj's in Sacramento,
where he passed away in 1913. Three daughters were
born of this union: Cecilia, Grace and Esther Borrel.
Starting out for himself at the age of fourteen,
Michael O'Neil entered the employ of W. R. Skinner
in one of the' earh' canneries at Marysville, where he
learned the packing business in all its branches, work-
ing each season in the cannery, and on neighboring
ranches in the meantime. In 1901 he came to Sacra-
mento with his brother, John O'Neil, who came there
to take charge of the soldering of fruit cans for the
California Cooperative Canneries. At this time this
was all done by hand, and his brother held the record
for handling 1,000 cans an hour. Entering the employ
of the Southern Pacific Railroad shops at Sacramento,
Michael O'Neil had charge of the boiler and furnace
rooms, and also worked in the rolling mills, working
in the shops until 1909, when he started in as a clerk
in a grocery store, later becoming the owner of a
grocery in Sacramento. In 1915 he sold out his
business, and with a partner, C. J. Millgate, estab-
lished himself in the nursery business, growing young
trees for the Kirkman Nurseries, and for others;
and in this he has met with good success from the
start.
In 1919, Mr. O'Neil was married to Miss Ethel
Sanderson, born in Sacramento County, the daughter
of Marion and Minnie Sanderson, pioneer residents of
this county, Mr. Sanderson being connected with the
Southern Pacific Railroad shops. Mr. and Mrs. O'Neil
have one daughter, Ethel Bernice. Mr. O'Neil is a
member of Sheridan Lodge, No. 312, I. O.O. F.,
while Mrs. O'Neil belongs to the Rebekahs.
ALFRED E. PIERSON.— An interesting display,
both of builders' materials and of workmanship, is
that of Alfred E. Pierson, the hard-wood floor ex-
pert, at 865 Santa Ynez Way, Sacramento. He was
born at Aurora, 111., on November 5, 1887, the son
of James P. and Matilda (Anderson) Pierson. The
mother breathed her last when our subject was a
boy of five years of age. In October, 1916, Alfred
Pierson came out to California with his father, who
established himself in business in Sacramento, where
he is highly esteemed as a carriage wood-worker.
Alfred E. Pierson attended the public schools of
Iowa, going for a year to the Cedar Rapids high
school. Then he learned the wood-working trade,
as it applies to carriage-building, under his fathers
guidance, and followed that line of technical work for
six years. Then he took up the specialty now oftener
in demand, the laying of hardwood floors, and from
1907 to 1911 was with the Inlaid Floor Compan3' of
San Francisco. In the latter year, he joined the
Sacramento Hardwood Floor Company'. After a
couple of 3'ears, feeling that he ought to build and
develop for himself, he estabHshed his own hard-
wood-floor business, and since 1913 he has enjoyed
an ever-increasing volume of trade. Successful from
the start, where formerly he emploj'ed one man, he
now keeps eleven busy. He has furnished all the
hardwood flooring for most of the better class of
residences recently constructed in Sacramento, and
he also contracts both to furnish and to lay the
flooring. H" belongs to the Builders' Exchange and
the Exchange Luncheon Club. In politics he is a
Republican.
When Mr. Pierson married, in 1912, he chose for
his bride Miss Mable Jensen, a native daughter and
one of the popular belles of Sacramento; and they
have one child, Richard. Fraternally, Mr. Pierson
is a member of Capital Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of
Aerie No. 9, of the Eagles; and in the social circles
of these organizations, and elsewhere, he and his wife
enjoy an enviable popularity'.
FRANCISCO F. SILVA.— The latter part of the
active bfe of I'rancisco F. Silva has been associated
with fruit raising on his home place of seven and a
half acres on the Fruitridge Road, and his success in
this industry is as marked as was his success for
fifteen years in the feed and fuel business in Sacra-
mento. He was born in Fayal, Azores Islands, April
7, 1864, a son of John F. and Mar\' (Pacheota) Silva,
the former a native of the Isle of Pico and the latter
of Fayal. John F. Silva came to California first in
1846 and prospected in Sonoma Count}-; then he re-
turned to his native country and his second journey
to California occurred in the late fifties; he again re-
turned to Fayal, where he was married and where he
passed away, survived b}' five children and his widow.
In Ma}% 1878, Francisco F. and his brother Charles
arrived in California and located at Sutterville, where
Francisco F. Silva worked on a dairy farm for fifty
cents per day; the following spring he went to Davis-
ville, where he received two dollars per day, working
in the harvest fields; later, with his brother John, he
went into the dairy business at Fremont, which was
successfull}- conducted until 1893, when Francisco F.
Silva sold his interest and moved to Fallon, Nev.,
where he engaged in farming and stock raising for
eight years on a 500-acre ranch. In 1901, Mr. Silva
made a trip to Fayal to close his parent's estate. This
728
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
occupied liini lor eight months, and upon returning to
CaHfornia he located at Sacramento, where he estab-
lished a feed and fuel yard at 15 Front Street, which
he conducted for fifteen years, when he sold out and
retired to his fruit ranch on the Fruitridge Road.
About four years ago he purchased range land in the
vicinity of Toll, Cal., from which the timber is being
removed and the land planted to orchard.
On September 22, 1908, Mr. Silva was married to
Miss Bessie Mugford, a daughter of Mrs. Sarah Mug-
ford, a pioneer of Sutter Creek, Cal. The late John
Mugford, father of Mrs. Silva, was a pioneer rancher
in Amador County. Mr. and Mrs. Silva are the par-
ents of six children: Bessie L., Hazel, Sarah, He'en.
Ada, and Frank F., Jr.
LOUIS SPOSITO. — The recent marvelous develop-
ment of Sacramento County is undoubtedly due in
part to the keen forcsightedness and bold enterprise of
such leaders in the field of transportation as Louis
Sposito, the wide-awake and ever accommodating
proprietor of the Sacramento, Roseville, and Lincoln
Auto-Truck Freight Line, and one of the owners of
the Bjltwell Garage. He was born in San Francisco
on July 6, 1885, the son of Frank Sposito, and his
good wife, Madeline. His father became a pioneer
settler in the Bay City when it was a mere village.
Both of these worthy folks are still living, and have
been eye-witnesses of the marvelous changes they
themselves helped to bring about, in the growth and
development of the state.
Louis Sposito went to the local grammar schools,
and continued his training for life in the larger school
of actual, practical experience. He worked at various
jobs, even trying railroading, and came at last, in
1910, through a kindly destiny, to Sacramento. He
liked the town, and made friends there; and soon he
decided to establish what was then much needed, an
auto-truck freight line running between the capital
and the city of Auburn. Compelled to start in a
modest way, he began with his one truck, and he was
soon doing most of the transporting required between
the two points; and as business gradually and steadily
increased, he added to his equipment, until he was
operating four trucks and four trailers. With this
superior outfit he was well able to handle the largest
amounts of freight needing transportation. For a
handsome consideration he was induced to sell the
line to Snyder Brothers, the sale taking effect on
April 1, 1922.
With a partner, Anthony Breverly. Mr. Sposito then
purchased the Biltwell Garage, at 830 L Street, where
he engages in a general garage business. The Biltwell
Garage is one of the best-built garages in the capital
city, and is thoroughly fire-proof. On May 8, 1923,
with J. L. Fithian, he bought the Sacramento, Rose-
ville and Lincoln Auto-Truck Freight Line, and has
continued the business, selling the old equipment and
purchasing new. He has a five-ton White truck; and
his headquarters are located at 501 I Street, where
all the freight trucks leave. His business is growing
rapidly, necessitating an increase in his equipment,
and his headquarters are seldom other than busy.
In Sacramento, April 25, 1923, Mr. Sposito was
united in marriage with Miss Lyla Bentley. a native
daughter of the state, born at Vacaville, and he resides
with his wife in his comfortable residence at 2000 E
Street. Non-partisan in his political affiliations, he
supports the best men and the best measures. Frater-
nally he is a popular member of the Eagles and the
Red Men. He is fond of sports, particularly enjoying
the national game of baseball, and when business per-
mits he is also not averse to a lively boxing-bout.
WILLIAM A. THIELBAHR.— An experienced,
progressive bui'der who has become one of the most
successful general contractors at the capital city,
and who does business also throughout Sacramento
County and Valley, is William A. Thielbahr, located
on the Auburn Boulevard in North Sacramento. He
was born in Sacramento, at the corner of Twenty-
seventh and P Streets, on August 10, 1884, the son
of Charles J. and Julia (Deterding) Thielbahr, of
good pioneer stock. Charles J. Thielbahr was
brought to Sacramento as a child three years of
age, and lived with his folks where the Bufifalo
Brewery now stands. This was in 1855, and our
subject's maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. De-
terding, conducted a hotel at Mills for the drivers
of oxen, teaming to the mines. Charles J. Thielbahr
was a cooper. He learned his trade with John
Ochsner, and followed it until he was forty-five
years of age. He then took up carpentering, which
he still follows, rendering excellent service. Mrs.
Thielbahr, whom many will recall with gratitude,
affection and esteem on account of her estimable
qualities as a Avoman, died at the age of thirty
years.
William Thielbahr was sent to the public schools
until his fifteenth year, when he learned his trade —
with more than the usual thoroughness of artisans
of today. In 1907 he engaged in contracting and
building on his own account. He was foreman of
construction on the Sacramento Hotel, and also on
the Weinstock & Lubin Building, and the Hale
Bros.' store; and he erected C. E. Johnston's home
in North Sacramento, and also the Prentice Burtiss
residence, one of the finest in the city. He employs
eight men, and be'ongs to the Master Builders and
to the Builders' Exchange, where he welcomes pro-
gressive ideas and methods, and is himself known
for the aggressive manner in which he carries
through anything he once undertakes.
Mr. Thielbahr was one of the pioneers of North
Sacramento. There were only three families living
there when he built his residence, and since then he
has aided materially in building up the city. He
was one of the three original men that obtained the
lighting district for North Sacramento; and later on
they succeeded in forming a fire district. He is now
serving as lighting commissioner and also as fire
commissioner for North Sacramento.
In the capital city, June 24, 1903, Mr. Thielbahr
was married to Miss Laura Cushman, who was born
in Shenandoah VaUey, Amador County, a daughter
of William and Stella (Harrell) Cushman, born in
Massachusetts of an old New England family, who
became pioneers of California. Grandfather Harrell
was a pioneer of Hangtown, now Placervil'e, and
as a placer miner helped in the hydraulic mining at
Coon Hollow, where they cut out the whole moun-
tain. Mrs. Thielbahr received her education in Ama-
dor County. She is a woman of pleasing personality,
and presides gracefully over her husband's home.
They have two children: Elaine Florence attending
Sacramento high school, class of 1924, and William
M., attending the grammar school. In politics, Mr.
Thielbahr is a Democrat.
o[ CUtA^t (^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
731
LEO STEPPAN. — An Austro-American who has
more than made good in California, and who, since
coming to Sacramento, has become a general favor-
ite, enjoying an enviable reputation throughout city
ai.d county, is Leo Steppan, who was born in Austria
on May 7, 1870, the son of Martin and Katherine
(Butler) Steppan, of old German families, who
crossed the ocean to the United States when Leo was
seven years of age. They located near Ottawa.
Franklin County, Kans., where Martin Steppan.
who was also a musician, found it necessary- to take
up agricultural pursuits, if he would support his fam-
ily after their accustomed manner of living; and now
that these worthy folks are both dead, it is a pleasure
to record that they sought to do their duty, in their
modest sphere in life, and that they undoubtedly did
make many others more comfortable and happier
through their lives and good works.
Leo Steppan gave the public school teachers all
that they asked of him as the price of a popular edu-
cation, but he added to his curriculum the study of
music, determined some day to be a real musician;
for his father had been bandmaster in the Austrian
army, and the son inherited from him no little genius.
There were five boys in the musician-farmer's family,
and the father formed an orchestra b}' the aid of his
sons, and they furnished the music for country dances
and such local affairs. Leo Steppan also traveled with
Forepaugh's Circus as solo cornetist for four years.
and then he was with a dramatic company for two
years. Then he entered the service of an institution at
Kankakee. 111., as leader of the orchestra and band,
ai.d traveled with another circus when they featured
the band for a season. He next located at Topeka.
Kans., for a short time, and at Glenwood, Iowa, and
was the leader of the band for the Institution for the
Feeble-minded at Glenwood, the largest school for
the feeble-minded in the world, having charge of the
children's band, which took prizes for three years,
and teaching band instruments.
In 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Steppan came to Sacramento;
and here he joined the 2nd Regiment Band, and was
made bandmaster under Colonel Sejmiour. He has
also played, and still plays, in theaters in Sacramento,
where he has his own orchestra and band. He usually
handles the cornet, by preference; but he can play all
instruments, more or less. In 1917, the "Pacific Coast
Musician" said: "The State Fair closed on Septem-
ber 15, a blaze of pyrotechnical glory. Probably the
prize contests for bands thrilled the music-lovers
more than any other musical feature. Some eighteen
bands participated; among these were several well-
known organizations, including several Native Sons'
bands, the Naval Training Station Band of Vallejo,
the Naval Volunteers' Band of the Battleship Oregon,
and the winner of the first prize in Class A, Steppan's
Concert Band of Sacramento. In all, $2,600 was
divided among the winners in the several classes.
The fact that the three judges were non-residents,
and that patriotic sentiment naturally favored the
naval bands, strongly emphasized the musical ability
of the winning band, and its director, Leo Steppan.
The band has a membership of fifty-five men, all but
two or three being residents of Sacramento. . . .
Director Steppan elected for his selection the well-
known and popular 'Jubel Overture,' of Weber."
In Topeka. Kans., in 1894. Mr. Steppan was mar-
ried to Miss Alice Heft, a daughter of Ferdinand Heft,
a world-famous musician with a specialty for the
violin. She studied violin under her father and others,
including Ralph Wylie of Kansas City, and became a
postgraduate of Highland Park College at Des Moines
in 1898. After her marriage, Mrs. Steppan taught
violin and orchestral instruments at the Glenwood
institution for eight years. She was born in Neu-
chatel, Switzerland. Her father was a graduate of
the Leipsic Conservatory and as a finished violinist
did concert work and teaching. He married Marie L.
Wuthier. who was of French descent; and they
migrated to Dixon. 111., where Professor Heft taught
at the Dixon Normal School, and Mrs, Steppan stud-
ied the violin under her father. Mrs. Steppan is now
doing professional work in inusic. She is leader of
the Ladies' Orchestra of the Tuesday Club, and in
1921 won the silver cup. One child, Carl, is going to
school. Mrs. Steppan is a member of the Tuesday
and the Saturday Clubs; and Mr. Steppan belongs to
the Red Men.
MRS. CATHERINE MOSHER.— A very enter-
prising, public-spirited and successful woman, who is
n^aking progress in agriculture and horticulture, is
Mrs. Catherine Mosher. who in maidenhood was
Catherine Glenn, a native of the state of Iowa, born
at Ottumwa. Her father, Patrick Glenn, was a na-
tive of New York State, who emigrated to the Middle
West and became an early settler in Mahaska County.
Iowa, where he followed agriculture, becoming the
owner of a farm near Ottumwa. There, too, he was
married, being united with Miss Margaret Moore,
who was born in Ireland, where she was reared until
ten years of age, when she accompanied her parents
to St. Louis, Mo. Having become .interested in Cali-
fornia, Patrick Glenn decided to cast in his lot with
the Pacific Coast region; so he came hither, and after
looking around, he decided to locate near Walnut
Grove, Sacramento County, and was joined by his
wife and daughter Catherine in 1877. He engaged
in grain-raising, expanding his operations until he was
raising grain on a very large scale on Staten Island.
Later he removed to a farm near Madera; but after a
scries of dry years, he returned and made his home in
Sacramento, where he resided until his death in De-
cember, 1915. His wife had passed away the preced-
ing year, leaving two children, of whom Catherine is
the only one now living.
Catherine Glenn came to California with her
mother when she was a little girl of seven years and
attended school at Walnut Grove, after which she
entered Mt. St. Gertrude's Academy at Rio Vista,
where she was graduated. She was married in 1887,
at the age of seventeen years, being united with Wil-
liam Mosher, who was born in St. Paul. Minn. His
father. Jacob Mosher, was a Nova Scotian. Emigrat-
ing to the West, he became a pioneer in St. Paul,
and there his son William was educated in the public
schools. In 1883 William Mosher came to Sacra-
mento County, Cal., where he followed farming. Af-
ter his marriage he farmed on different ranches on
Merritt Island until 1903, when he purchased the
ranch where Mrs. Mosher now resides, on the Sacra-
mento River, about twelve miles south of the capital
city, in Reclamation District No. 744, just north of
Hood. There was an old orchard on the place, and
he set more trees and became active and much in-
terested in horticulture. However, he was not long
permitted to enjoy the fruits of his labors, for he
732
HISTORY OF SACRAAIENTO COUNTY
passed away on June 2&. 1908, at tUu age of forty-six
years, leaving six eliiklren to mourn liis loss. Nor-
bcrt Glenn, who was educated at Christian Brothers
College in Sacramento, is a horticulturist and farmer
on Tyler Island. Frances was a graduate of Mt. St.
Gertrude's, and is now the wife of W. A. Creed, re-
siding in Napa. Grctta, a graduate of the San Jose
State Normal School, was engaged in teaching until
she became Mrs. Lloyd Coons; they make their home
in San Francisco. VVilliam was educated at Christian
Brothers College, and is now a farmer at Walnut
Grove. Myrtle also attended Mt. St. Gertrude's, after
which she married H. F. Hapgood, and now resides
near Clarksburg. The youngest daughter, Carmel,
also a graduate of San Jose State Normal School,
has shown much ability as an eflicient teacher in the
Sacramento schools, and is now the wife of George
R. Arthur, of Sacramento.
Since her husband's death, Mrs. Mosher has oper-
ated the ranch, continuing the improvements they had
planned, with a view to putting the whole place into
fruit. She has been very successful and has purchased
the old Osborn ranch of fifty-eight acres adjoining,
and also a ranch of eighty-two acres at Walnut Grove,
devoted to orchard and asparagus. The home place
comprises 200 acres devoted to raising fruit and vege-
tables. The last six years, she has made a specialty
of raising vegetable seed for large seed houses, which
she has found not only interesting but also profitable.
To accomplish these results, she oversees and super-
intends the work in the various departments, her
natural ability and business acumen, coupled with her
years of experience, making for her success. Her
place is well improved, the residence being large,
palatial and modern. A woman of culture and re-
finement, coupled with a very pleasing personality,
she presides over her home competently and grace-
fully, her hospitality and good-will being much appre-
ciated by her many friends. A stanch Republican in
matters of politics, she is patriotic and took part in
flie various Red Cross and allied war drives. A be-
liever in cooperation, she is a member of the Cali-
fornia Pear Growers' Association.
WILLIAM VORTRIEDE.— Throughout a period
of residence in California dating from 1887, William
Vortriede has filled a number of positions of trust
and responsibility in his special line of work, that
of landscape gardener. Since 1911 he has held the
position of state gardener and at the same time is
advising gardener for all the state institutions. In
the laying out of public and high school grounds his
advice and cooperation is sought and readily given
without any thought of compensation.
William 'Vortriede was born in Germany, Octo-
ber 24, 1861, a son of Edward and Paulina (Berger)
Vortriede. both natives of Germany, now deceased.
Mr. 'Vortriede received his education in the schools
of Germany and at an early age decided to take up
gardening as a trade. He remained at home with
his parents until he was twenty years old, and then
came to the United States and went direct to Toledo,
Ohio, where he worked for his uncle for four years;
then he came West and was employed at Coronado
Beach from the beginning of laying out the grounds,
for four years, working at his trade during that
period. He then removed to Stockton, where he was
employed at the state hospital for thirteen j'ears.
He was placed in charge of the grounds of the
public schools of Stockton, and for four years wa;
landscape gardener for George West & Sons; then
for two years he was with Dr. Samuel Langdon in
orchard work at Stockton. In 1911 he was made
state gardener at the capitol grounds in Sacramento,
where he has given entire satisfaction.
The marriage of Mr. 'Vortriede united him with
Miss Christina Jergensen, and they are the parents
of two children, Paulina and Edward. At seventeen
years of age, Edward Vortriede volunteered for
service in the U. S. Navy, and he served through
the World War, and is now in the Sacramento
Transportation Company service. In politics Mr.
Vortriede is a Republican. His hobby is the study
and cultivation of plants and flowers.
HAROLD H. HUSBYE. — A very enterprising,
well-eciuipped concern, always ready for any emer-
gency, and always in demand by the most responsi-
ble interests in Sacramento City, and County, is
the contract-hauling and sand-producing firm of
Husbye & Reeves, so efficiently represented by the
alert Harold H. Husbye, a native of Norway who has
more than made good in California. He was born
on December 20, 1882, the son of Hans and Bredine
Husbye, now deceased, both of whom enjoyed the es-
teem of their fellow-men.
Harold H. Husbye was fortunate in having en-
joyed the advantages of the excellent schools in his
native land, and wlien he came out to the United
States in 1902, at the age of twenty, he was well-
prepared to take up the struggle for a livelihood.
He spent a few years in the city of Philadelphia,
and in 1908 came out to San Francisco, where he
was busily engaged as a sea-faring man up till 1911,
when he began trucking and hauling material in
San Francisco. Meeting with success, he increased
his equipment until he had six trucks. In 1917 he
located in Sacramento, where he engaged in the
same business, soon associating himself with J. R.
Reeves under the firm name of Husbye & Reeves,
Contract Hauling and Sand Producers. They have
ten trucks and now do much of the hauling for the
general contractors, being engaged on city work as
well as on private contracts. The firm owns a sand
plant at the Twelfth Street Bridge across the Amer-
ican River (the plant being located on the north side
of the river), and are thus able to furnish their own
sand. They have a drag-line cableway with which
they take the sand out of the American River. The
sand is then screened and washed, after which it is
elevated to the bunkers, from which it is loaded by
gravity into the trucks for distribution. This plant
was built and installed by Husbye & Reeves, and
has proved a success, as it provides them with an
abundance of excellent sand, in which they are the
largest local dealers.
In San Francisco, in 1913, Mr. Husbye was united
in marriage with Miss Valborg Larsen, who was
born on the beautiful Lake Mjosen, the largest in-
land body of water in all Norway. There she was
reared to womanhood and received a good educa-
tion, after which she came to La Crosse, Wis., in
1905. In 1910 she came to San Francisco, and it
was there she met and married Mr. Husbye. Their
union has been blessed with the birth of a daughter,
Evelyn. Mr. Husbye belongs to the San Francisco
Aerie, No. 5, of the Eagles.
HISTORY OF SACRA.MENTO COUNTY
735
JOHN A. McGRATH. — A young man who is a
successful farmer of Andrus Island is John A. Mc-
Grath, who with his brother Eugene farms the 112-
acre fruit and asparagus farm belonging to their
mother. He was born in Sacramento City on June
12, 1901, a son of Patrick Henry and Mary Jane (Fos-
ter) McGrath, both natives of Newr York State. When
Patrick Henry McGrath was fifteen years of age, he
came to California and worked in San Francisco. He
married Miss Mary Jane Foster in Sacramento. He
became identified with the prison board; and later,
when he removed to San Francisco, he was secretary
for many years of the Bear Gulch Water Company.
When John A. was a baby of nine months, his parents
removed to Berkeley, Cal., where they resided for
nine years. The3' then removed to San Francisco and
there made their home for the following ten years.
Patrick Henrj- McGrath passed away in San Fran-
cisco, April 4, 1922, aged sixty-two. The mother of
our subject makes her home in San Francisco.
Grandfather James Foster came to California in
an early day and settled on Andrus Island, where he
purchased 112 acres of land. There he resided to the
time of his death, when he willed the place to his
daughter, the mother of our subject. Besides the 112
acres on Andrus Island, she ow-ns 600 acres eighteen
miles north of Marysville which has a twenty-acre
vineyard on it, the balance being used for general
farming purposes.
John A. McGrath is the youngest of a family of
six children, the others being: James Foster; Walter,
deceased; Frank, deceased; Gertrude, now Mrs. A. J.
Reed, residing in San Francisco; and Eugene. Mr.
McGrath was educated in the grammar school in
Berkeley, and attended Star of the Sea Business Col-
lege in San Francisco. He spent his summer vaca-
tions on the ranch on Andrus Island where he learned
fruit-growing. The ranch is irrigated by an electric
pumping-plant, and the crops raised are beans, as-
paragus and fruit. He also operates his mother's
ranch at Marysville. Mr. McGrath is a Republican
in politics. Fratffnallv, he is a member of Courtland
Parlor No. 106, N. S. G. W.
WILLIAM R. SELKIRK.— Reared on the links of
one of Scotland's well-known golf courses, it is but
natural that William R. Selkirk should occupy a fore-
most place as an instructor among the devotees of
golf; and he is known as the Sir Harry Lauder of
California among his many friends. A native of the
land of the heather, he was born at Musselborough,
six miles east of Edinburgh, on October 6, 1882, the
youngest son of a family of five children born to
James and Margaret (Dickson) Selkirk. The father,
who was keeper of the greens at Musselborough golf
links, passed away in 1883, and his widow passed
through many a hard struggle in rearing her family.
She was a woman of remarkable personality and
strength of character, and from her our subject in-
herited many of the winning characteristics that have
brought him success.
Mr. Selkirk's first remembrance of golf dates back
to his fourth year, when he first began to handle a
club, although at that time he was nearly as broad
as he was long. At the age of ten he started to work
in the mines during the winter seasons, spending his
summers on the golf course; and his enthusiasm for
the sport enabled him to make rapid strides, so that
at sixteen he entered his career as a professional
golfer. He also took up his work as instructor and
continued in Scotland until 1906, when he came to
California. Arriving in San Francisco at the time of
the great fire, he at first busied himself in reclama-
tion work there and did his part in the rebuilding of
the city. The following eight years were spent as
instructor at Lincoln Park links there, and he then
came to Sacramento as instructor at the municipal
links for two years.
In 1917, Mr. Selkirk was importuned to become
instructor for the newly organized Del Paso Country
Club, near Sacramento; and he has since continued
with them, enjoying an ever increasing popularitj'.
In 1920 he was called to the bedside of his mother in
Scotland and was away for five months, although it
was not until two months after his return that the
sad news of her death came. On the eve of his de-
parture he received from the members of the club a
handsome leather wallet and autographed script set-
ting forth the high esteem in w'hich he was held per-
sonally, as well as for his splendid services; and on
his return he received an equally appreciative greet-
ing. His ability as a golf instructor is known
throughout the Northwest, and he holds the unique
record of having given a complete set of thirty-six
lessons in golf instruction within a twenty-four-hour
day, starting on the links at six, a. m., and completing
on the indoor course at two, a. m. Mr. Selkirk is
also an authority in the laying out of golf courses.
In 1922 he completed several courses in northern
California, as follows: For the Napa Club, Oroville
Club, Marysville Club, Davis Club, Red Bluff Club
and Chico Club; and these stand out as the most
beautiful in that part of the state.
GEORGE BELENEY, SR.— From his young
manhood, George Beleney has been a resident of
Cahfornia; and the greater part of his life since his
nineteenth year has been spent in the commission
business in San Francisco. He was born in France,
August 9, 1855, and in his nineteenth year came to
California and located in San Francisco, where he
first worked for wages. Then he went into the whole-
sale commission business on Washington Street, and
this business has since engaged his attention. In
1900 he built a home at Lockspur, near San Rafael,
Cal., where he has since made his home; but his
business headquarters are in San Francisco. In 1903
Mr. Beleney purchased 560 acres on Grand Island,
two miles northwest of Ryde, 100 acres of which is
in orchard, and 250 acres in asparagus, while the
balance is devoted to beans, beets and general
farming.
The marriage of Mr. Beleney occurred in San
Francisco, and united him with Miss Marie Blanche,
also a native of France, who came to California a
short time previous to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs.
Beleney are the parents of four children. Blanche is
now Mrs. Ussery; Jeanette is deceased; George, Jr.,
is the trustee of the ranch on Grand Island which
is leased to Lee Chong; and Marie is Mrs. Strong of
Healdsburg.
George Beleney, Jr., was born in San Francisco,
August 13, 1893, and was educated at the Belmont
Academy, where he was graduated in 1912. After
his graduation he entered the Bank of Italy in San
Francisco, and worked his way up from the bottom
to the position of receiving teller. On March 8,
1918, he entered the United States Armv and was
736
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
sent to Camp Lewis in Company M, 363rd Infan-
try, of the 91st Division. He sailed for France on
June 20, 1918, and was in all the battles which his
regiment engaged in. He was among the reserves
at St. Mihiel, was wounded by shrapnel, and sus-
tained a severe laceration of his left leg during the
Meuse-Argonne battle and was sent to the hospital
at Bordeaux. Following his recovery he rejoined his
regiment just as the armistice was signed. Return-
ing to the United States with his regiment he was
discharged in April, 1919, at the Presidio. On his
return he resumed his old position as receiviiig teller
in the Bank of Italy, and continued there until March-
19, 1921, when he resigned his position to take charge
as' trustee of his father's ranch at Ryde. He is a
member of the American Legion of San Rafael.
George Beleney, Sr., is a member of the Masonic
order; and both father and son are active members
of the Asparagus Growers' Association.
FRANKLIN L. YOUNGMAN.— Much of the
attraction of California, and especially of Sacra-
mento County as a place of residence, is undoubtedly
due to the adequate facilities for medical treatment
and service furnished by such representatives of
the drug-trade and the medical profession as Frank-
lin L. Youngman, the popular druggist of 2700
Twenty-fourth Street, Sacramento. He was born at
Lake View, Mich., on July 1, 1876; and his parents
were George C. and Julia. (Kilborn) Youngman,
who came out to California in November, 1907.
George Youngman was widely known as a very
progressive ranchman, and he is now enjoying a
well-earned retirement.
Franklin L. Youngman was given the advantages
of both the grammar and high school courses of
study, and after that he worked for a while on the
home ranch. He then clerked in a drug-store, studied
and became a registered pharmacist; and for a while
he was active in the general inerchandise business
in the East. Returning to Sacramento he established
a drug house at the corner of Fourteenth and J
Streets, but at the end of three years he sold out,
and reopened at 2700 Twenty-fourth Street, where
he founded his present well-known house. At that
time, there were only a few people in that section,
but now it is thickly populated, the streets are paved,
and there are other modern improvements, due in
part to Mr. Youngman. He also had a store at 3826
Stockton Boulevard, and these stores he is now
converting into general merchandise headquarters.
He employs six people, and is very successful. A real
pioneer at Highland Park, he feels a particular inter-
est and pride in the locality. He is a Republican,
and as such has always tried to effect legislation
likely to prove beneficial to the community.
When Mr. Youngman married, in 1903, at Lake
View, Mich., he chose for his life companion Miss
Jennie A. Royce of Michigan; and their union has
been blessed with four children: Beatrice, Rosa-
mond, Hugh (now a registered pharmacist), and
Bertha. George C. Youngman, the father, was a
supervisor of Cato Township, Montcalm County,
Mich., for fifteen years and he himself served as jus-
tice of the peace for four years, and still takes a deep
interest in public aflfairs. In Masonry, too, he is
active, and is a master Mason, being a member of
Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 380, F. & A. M., of Lake View,
Mich.
WILLIAM DOUGLAS.— A very efficient execu-
tive who has again and again proven of great service
to others, and especially to those in affliction, is
William Douglas, the superintendent of St. Joseph's
Cemetery, and one of the most public-spirited of
men in Sacramento County. He was born in Ireland,
on July 15, 1869, the son of John and Ellen (O'Gor-
man) Douglas, and came to the L'nited States in
1889, followed later by his parents. His father owned
large quarries in Ireland, and was a man of affairs.
William Douglas attended the excellent Irish
schools, and then learned the trade of a stone-cutter,
following it for sixteen years. Coming to Sacramento,
he established a marble and granite yard, equipped to
turn out headstones and inonuments, but on January
1, 1905, he accepted the post of cemetery superinten-
dent, and since then he has made many improvements
at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Mr. Douglas was superin-
tendent of this cemetery for nineteen years under
Bishop Grace, and during that time a strong attach-
ment sprang up between them and they came to have
great confidence in each other.
In Sacramento, Mr. Douglas was married to Miss
Katie Brennan, a native of Ireland, who had lived in
California from her twelfth 3'ear, thus growing up in
intimate understanding of Californian institutions.
Three children have blessed their union: Helen, the
eldest; Loretta, Mrs. William Van Maren, of Fair
Oaks; and William Thomas, now attending school.
Mr. Douglas is a member of Sacramento Lodge No. 6,
of the Elks, and belongs to Council No. 953, Knights
of Columbus, and to Bishop Manogue Assembly,
fourth degree, and is a member of the Ancient Order
of Hibernians, and also of the Y'. M. I. Mr. Douglas
is deepK- interested in the history of Sacramento
County, where he has come to own considerable
property of value. In politics he is a Republican.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Douglas have a host of friends.
WILLIAM BOTZBACK.— Well-known to the
residents of Gait and vicinity, William Botzbach has
served as the efficient postmaster here since 1916, and
is identified with all the progressive movements of the
community. He was born at Lodi, Cal., March 7,
1888, the son of Henning and Helene (Neun) Botz-
bach, the former a native of Schleswig-Holstein, while
Mrs. Botzbach was born at Frankfort-on-the-Main,
Germany. Henning Botzbach came to California in
1882 and settled at Lodi, where he was a baker and
confectioner; later he removed wdth his family to Gait,
where he continued in this line of business until his
death. On board the steamship coming to America
Henning Botzbach met his future w'ife, Helene Neun,
who was a fellow-passenger on the same ship bound
for America. He went on to California, which was
the place of his destination, while his fiancee stopped
in New York City, where she secured employment for
one and one-half years before coming on to California.
They were married at the M. E. Church at Lodi, Cal.,
April 12, 1884. Henning Botzbach died June 8, 1900.
Mrs. Botzbach built the modern Botzbach two-story
frame hotel building in Gait in 1906. It has twenty-
one guest chambers and Mrs. Botzbach is still its suc-
cessful and genial proprietress. Of their five children
four are now living, a daughter having passed away.
William Botzbach received his education in the Gait
grammar school and spent a short time in the Stock--
ton high school. When he was nineteen he started
.X^^L^ /^.J^i^^o^^^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
741
out to make his own way, and entering the newspaper
business conducted a weekly paper at Gait called the
"Weekhf Witness"; later the name was changed to the
"Gait Herald" and Mr. Botzbach conducted it until
1921, when he sold it to the present proprietor, F. W.
Wing. Mr. Botzbach also conducted the "Elk Grove
Citizen" for a time, but was compelled to give it up
on account of his health.
On July 16, 1916, Mr. Botzbach received the ap-
pointment as postmaster of Gait under President Wil-
son, and he was reappointed by President Harding on
October 21, 1921, a just recognition of the faithful and
efficient service he has given. Besides his own home,
Mr. Botzbach owns other real estate in Gait; and as
secretar3' and ex-secretary of the Chamber of Com-
merce there, he is a leader in all that concerns the
progress of the city. He is a member of Stockton
Lodge No. 218, B. P. O. E., past grand of the Knights
of Pythias of Gait, past president of Gait Parlor. N. S.
G. W., and belongs to the Patrons of Husbandry.
ROY H. BROWN. — An aggressively progressive
man who made himself felt in the automobile world,
is Roy H. Brown, now residing at 1229 L Street, Sac-
ram.ento, in w-hich city he was born on Septem-
ber 26, 1896, the son of Henry P. and Anna Rose
(Mier) Brown. Both the father and the mother w'ere
natives of California, and came from old Sacramento
families. H. P. Brown was secretary of the J. P.
Breuner Company, and died in 1902, when our sub-
ject was only four years of age. This misfortune left
the lad with a serious handicap, but with his natural
resources he was able, nevertheless, to forge ahead.
He not only went through the usual grammar school
courses, but also enjoyed the excellent high school
training at his disposal, and then he matriculated at
the California Agricultural School, at Davis. The
great World War, however, making its wide appeal to
humanity because it so widely involved the nations
and the whole cause of liberty and progress, led Roy
Brown to enlist, on April 7, 1917, in the United States
Nav3', where he saw eighteen months of vigorous ser-
vice; and when he had returned home, honorably dis-
charged and with the satisfaction of feeling that he
had fulfilled a sacred duty and lined up with the rest
of young American manhood, he engaged in farming
for a year. He always made a success at whatever he
undertook; but it was evident that agriculture was not
his forte, and he returned to the city and commenced
to sell automobiles.
On March 12, 1920, Mr. Browai and C. W. Bormuth
established the Biltw-ell Garage, at L and Ninth
Streets, where their service and repair w^ork of the
highest standard and most reliable character steadily
brought them more and more patronage. They con-
tinued this partnership only a short time, and then
disposed of the business and Mr. Brown began taking
contracts for cement work. Mr. Brown's name is
found on the roster of the Sacramento Chamber of
Commerce, and also as a member of the Progressive
Business Club; and he endorses the platforms of the
Republican part}-, making as they do for better trade
conditions.
On October 15, 1919, at Sacramento, Mr. Brown
was married to Miss Irene Burns, one of the popular
belles of Sacramento; and she shares with her hus-
band the society of a wide circle of devoted friends.
FRANK M. FULLER.— Sacramento has always
been fortunate in numbering among its citizens many
men of marked constructive ability and thorough
experience, well qualified to undertake extensive and
important contract work. Such a man is Frank M.
P'uller, the widely operating plumber, who well rep-
resents this class of industrial leaders, so closely
associated with the growth of both city and county.
He was born at Woodland, Cal., on March 30, 1889,
and came to Sacramento early enough to enjoy the
exceptional educational advantages of the city's
schools. His father, Robert H. Fuller, came around
the Horn to California; while the mother, w'ho was
Miss Hattie Nichols before her marriage, came
across the great plains and mountains to the Golden
State. They were married here, and here they are
still living, the father now being seventy-five years
of age. He worked in the Southern Pacific shops,
and in time received a pension; and he enjoys the
good name of a steady, first-class workman upon
whom his employers could always depend.
Frank Fuller was apprenticed to the plumbing
trade, and for some years worked as a journeyman;
and in 1920, after patriotically serving in the avia-
tion branch of the United States Armjr for nine
months during the World War, he established him-
self in business. He undertakes general contracting
in the plumbing line, using only the most up-to-date,
sanitar}' methods, and only first-class materials and
appliances. He renders careful personal service, for
which he expects to be fairly paid. His shop is at
2010 M Street, and is one of the model workshops
of the town.
On July 15, 1920, at Sacramento, Mr. Fuller w-as
married to Miss Genevieve Douglass, a popular belle
of Sacramento, and the daughter of James and Eliz-
abeth (Thellwell) Douglass; and they now have two
children, Phyllis Mae and Marion Thellwell. In
politics, Mr. Fuller i§ an Independent. Fraternally,
he belongs to the Odd Fellows and the Woodmen
of the World.
FRANK H. SCHARDIN.— Sacramento owes
much of its fame, not only as the capital of Califor-
nia, but as one of the most progressive, artistic
cities in the United States, to such gifted leaders in
the architectural world as Frank H. Schardin, whose
work has long been in agreeable evidence here. A
native son, he was born near Woodland, in Yolo
Count}', on August 22, 1862, the son of Nicholas
Schardin, one of six brothers who came out to Cali-
fornia in the early fifties. The six j'oung men en-
gaged in mining, and spent, with other venturers,
over $1,000,000 in hydraulic mining; and one of our
subject's uncles was killed as the result of a blast.
Nicholas Schardin married Miss Mary H. Polar, and
engaged for a while in farming in Yolo County; he
died in 1888. Mrs. Schardin breathed her last in
Sacramento, on November 20, 1915, at the age of
seventj'-five.
The public schools of Woodland gave Frank
Schardin his elementary education, and in 1880 he took
up the study of architecture with N. D. Goodell, a
pioneer architect in the city of Sacramento. Four-
teen years later, enriched by years of additional study
and much practical experience, Mr. Schardin estab-
lished himself in business, succeeding Mr. Goodell.
Mr. Schardin has specialized in residential work,
and has designed many of the notable new homes in
742
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Sacramento, including the residences of J. L. May-
den; William H. Devlin, at No. 1214 O Street; Mrs.
Anna Yule, Fifteenth and M Streets; Fred and
George Yoerk; and Samuel Leake. In Sacramento
he also remodeled the old Crocker home, and con-
nected it with the Crocker Art GaHery. For years
he has so labored that he has not only come to enjoy
an enviable reputation as one of the best architects
in northern California, but has contributed what he
could to the advancement of architectural study and
taste generally. Mr. Schardin is a member of the
American Institute of Architects.
In 1883, Mr. Schardin was married to Miss Marion
Negel of Canada, by whom he has had three chil-
dren. Roy K. Schardin studied vio'in in Germany,
and is now in charge of a studio in Sacramento;
Helen K. Schardin is a student at Stanford Univer-
sity; and Herljcrt died aged two years.
CAPT. EDGAR F. ROGERS.— One of the many
interesting citizens of Sacramento County and a
trusted employee of the Sacramento Navigation
Company, is Capt. Edgar F. Rogers, who was born
on September 2, 1894, at Sacramento, the son of
Charles H. and Lizetta (Strickett) Rogers. His
father, a native son of the Golden West, was a sea-
faring man; and his mother, a native daughter of
Marysville, Cal., comes from a pioneer family of
dauntless courage. They are now residing at 1310
S Street, in the city of Sacramento.
Edgar F. Rogers received his education in the
public schools. For five years he was employed as
a clerk in a shoe store, and thereafter employed in
the shipyards. A man of integrity and alertness,
attentive to business, and of studious habits, he
received his captain's papers in 1919. Politically,
Captain Rogers favors Republican principles, and
takes a lively interest in the affairs of his party. He
is a member of the National Mates and Pilots' Asso-
ciation. Fond of outdoor life, he is especially inter-
ested in hunting and baseball.
LEMUEL OSCAR LUMRY.— Prominent among
the most popular of efficiently conducted dental of-
fices is that of Lemuel Oscar Lumry, proprietor of the
Pacific Dental Laboratory at 314 Hagelstein Building,
1109 Ninth Street, Sacramento. Born at Platteville,
Colo., on October 27, 1889, Mr. Lumry is the son of
Lemuel and Nellie (Pettee) Lumry, the former un-
known to him personaly as a parent, for he died be-
fore our subject was born. Mrs. Lumry and the
family later moved to Denver, Colo., where Lemuel
Oscar Lumry was reared and went to the grammar
and high schools. While only sixteen years of age, he
entered a dentist's office, and there learned the me-
chanical end of the professional work; and when
twenty years old he came to California and located in
Sacramento. In 1911 he bought his present business,
and now he employs thirteen men, and conducts a
branch at Reno. Part of his trade is local, and part
is a mail-order business, and in both he has been very
successful.
Mrs. Lumry was Miss Sadie Clyma before her mar-
riage to Mr. Lumry in Sacramento. She is a popular
native daughter, born at Pennington, Cal. Mr. Lumry
is a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar
and a Shriner, and also belongs to the Lions Club.
He is public-spirited, broadly non-partisan in all local
political afifairs, and is ever ready to put his shoulder
to the wheel and "boost" for both the city and the
county of Sacramento.
RICHARD R. MOELLER.— A young man who.
seeing the great natural resources and the business
opportunities in California, brought hither his re-
sources and threw himself into the hustle of business
life in Sacramento, is Richard R. Moeller, junior
member of Moeller Auto Sales Company. He was
born in Davenport, Iowa, on July 13, 1887, and was
reared and educated in the excellent grammar and
high schools of his native city, completing also the
course of study at the Davenport Business College.
Having ably assisted his father on the farm from his
youth, and wishing to branch out into the work of
producing on a larger scale, he removed to South
Dakota and took up ranching near Aberdeen in that
state, engaging in grain-raising on a large scale.
After a period of six years, in which time he had
met with gratifying success, he was attracted to Cali-
fornia, where greater opportunities seemed to be of-
fered. Disposing of his holdings in South Dakota,
he came to Sacramento in 1917, joining his brother,
A. H. Moeller, in business under the firm name of
Moeller Auto Sales Company, and purchasing the
Sacramento branch of the Ford Motor Company,
since which time they have continued the business
and built up one of the best agencies in northern
California. The large brick building they erected and
own at Twelfth and K Streets, which is used en-
tirely in their business, well indicates what they have
accomplished. Mr. Moeller is giving all of his time
to furthering the interests of the company and to
enlarging the scope of their usefulness.
In Sacramento, on August 30, 1920, occurred the
marriage of Mr. Moeller and Miss Annabelle Mac-
Donald, a popular young lady born in the capital
city, and their happy union has been blessed with one
child, Annabelle. Mr. Moeller was made a Mason in
Tuscan Lodge, No. 81, A. F. & A. M., in Frederick,
S. D. He is now a thirty-'second-degree Scottish
Rite Mason, and is a charter member of Ben Ali
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. Active in civic and social
affairs, he is a member of the Sutter Club, the Del
Paso Country Club, and the Sacramento Chamber of
Commerce. He is ap automobile enthusiast and
thoroughly appreciates the wonderful motoring routes
of California, which pass through the most beautiful
country in the world, resplendent with scenery of
mountain, sea and plain. He is throwing his every
effort into the systematizing and building up of their
business, at the same time assisting, as far as he is
able, any worthy enterprise that has for its aim the
development of this wonderful garden spot of the
world.
FREDERICK NICHOLAS SCATENA, M. D.—
A physician of broad and comprehensive training,
who has devoted his time and talents to the study of
the human system, is Dr. Frederick Nicholas Sca-
tena, who was born on October 20, 1888, at San
Francisco, the son of Fortunato and Teresa (Mas-
soni) Scatena, who in 1874 came to San Francisco.
Fortunato Scatena was a commission merchant and a
member of the Scatena Bros. Wine Company of
Healdsburg, Cal., pioneer wine-makers.
Frederick Nicholas Scatena was educated in the
public schoo's of San Francisco and in 1914 he grad-
\aAAv>o w V^ uuuM.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
747
uated from the University of California, receiving
his B. S. and M. D. degrees. He served at the
County Hospital. San Francisco, for fifteen months,
and then practiced in his own offices in San Fran-
cisco for one year. In 1916 he came to Sacramento,
where he has remained ever since. Dr. Scatena has
a thorough knowledge of medicine, and his kind and
considerate disposition has made him a valuable ac-
quisition to Sacramento County's medical fraternity.
In July, 1916, Frederick Nicholas Scatena was
united in marriage to Miss Lucile Margaret Winter,
who passed away in 1919. They were the parents
of one child, Frederick Nicholas, Jr. Dr. Scatena
was married a second time, in February, 1921, to Miss
Mae Winter, the sister of Lucile M., his former wife.
Mr. Winter was the man who located the Portland
Bench mine in Nome, Alaska, which he sold for
$50,000. He was one of the pioneer miners in Nome
and was killed accidentally in San Francisco in 1913.
Dr. Scatena is a member of the advisory board
of the Bank of Italy, Sacramento branch, and is
vice-president of the Italian-American Club, a mem-
ber of the board of directors of the Sacramento
Tubercular Association, and the senior member
of the Tubercular Clinic. He has held this posi-
tion for six years. Fraternally he is an Elk, a Native
Son of the Golden West, Sunset Parlor, and an
Alpha Kappa Kappa, Sigma Chapter of San Fran-
cisco. He is very fond of all athletics, especially
out-of-door sports.
BENTLEY J. DUNWOODY.— Popular among
the effective agencies for the promotion of human
comfort and social life among the working classes
is undoubtedly Lafayette Hall, the well appointed
and well conducted club managed personally by the
proprietor, Bentley J. Dunwoody. He was born in
Chester County, Pennsylvania, on July 27, 1856, and
is the son of Edwin Perry and Rebecca (Buckwalter)
Dunwoody, both of whom are now deceased.
Bentley Dunwoody was trained in the public
schools of Pennsylvania, and gave five of his best
years as a soldier in the United States Army, being
a member of Company A, 1st United States Cav-
alry. He joined the army in Nevada, in 1878, and
was in active service all the time, under Capt.
Thomas A. McGregor, who retired as a brigadier-
general. He participated in many Indian fights, and
was wounded once; and as one of a sheriff's staff,
he lived for years on the frontier.
In 1912, Mr. Dunwoody located in Sacramento,
and became a bookkeeper, and then was manager of
Lafayette Hall; and in November, 1914, he bought
the establishment. He has since devoted his best
energies, a great deal of time and considerable capi-
tal to the steady improving of these cosy and cheer-
ful clubrooms, where the poor and hard-working man
has a chance to obtain well-cooked, appetizing and
nourishing food and to enjoy the best of entertain-
ment.
Mr. Dunwoody was married, on November 24,
1895, to Miss Jessie Bernard, of Boston, by whom
he has had three children. Bentley Russell is a
graduate of the University of California and now
manages his father's business. Donald K. is taking
the university law course. Kenneth H. graduated
from the high school, and entered the University
of California in August, 1923. Mr. Dunwoody is a
life member of the Spokane Elks, Lodge No. 228.
JAMES W. BREECH.— The proprietor of Breech's
Welding Works in Sacramento, James W. Breech, is
well known as a conscientious worker. He is a na-
tive of Iowa, born at Imogene on July 1, 1884, the son
of Charles S. and Ada M. (Bradburn) Breech, the
former now deceased. James W. Breech received a
public school education, and after leaving high school
decided to become a locomotive engineer. Beginning
at the bottom, he gradually worked his way to the top
until he had fulfilled his ambition, and served for six
years as a fireman and an engineer. His next step on
the rounds of the ladder of life was in the welding
and electrical business in Utah, where he continued
until 1913.
In this year he arrived in Sacramento and was
employed at his chosen vocation until 1921, when he
concluded that he had worked long enough for others
and decided to enter business for himself. He started
his present business, now located at 1516 J Street, in
February, 1921, and now employs two men of experi-
ence to carry on the work brought to his establish-
ment. He has a modern equipment, and no job is too
extensive for him to undertake; and he gives each
and every job his personal supervision.
James W. Breech was united in marriage with
Miss Ada E. Thompson, a native of Utah, and they
have the following children: Bertram, Donald, and
Charles Glenn. Mr. Breech is a Republican in na-
tional politics, while locally he supports the men and
measures he considers best for the good of the whole
community. He lives in his own home and enjoys the
confidence of a wide circle of friends and business
associates. His recreation is found in the ranks of
the followers of Izaak Walton, and he also enjoys a
good wrestling bout with his friends.
FRANK JAMES COYLE.— A man of valuable ex-
perience pertaining to the motor world is Frank
James Coyle, the popular manager of the Auto-Car
Sales and Service Company of California, with head-
quarters at Sacramento. He was born at San Fran-
cisco, on May 6, 1890, the son of Thomas John and
Elizabeth M. (Krenkel) Coyle; her father having
been a native of St. John's, New Brunswick, while the
mother came from Sonora. They were married in
Nevada, for Mr. Coyle had come West, into the
United States, when a boy. He had a stage-line, in
early days, and played an historic part in the develop-
ment of the West; he was laid to rest in 1905. Mrs.
Coyle died in September, 1920. Both were esteemed
by all who knew them.
Frank Coyle went to the public schools of Gait and
Sacramento, and then served his apprenticeship as a
machinist; and this trade work he followed until May
6. 1918, when he accepted the above-named post as
manager for one of the favorite organizations cater-
ing to the motoring public in California throughout
the territory from San Joaquin to the Oregon line.
He has been as successful in this as his company has
been progressive; and he belongs to the Auto Asso-
ciation, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Exchange
Club.
On Augut 1, 1918, Mr. Coyle was married to Miss
Amelia Westkamper, a native of Kentucky who later
came to live in Sacramento, the ceremony taking
place in Sacramento; and their union has been a pecu-
liarly happy one. Mr. Coyle belongs to the Elks,
the Woodmen of the World, the United Commercial
Travelers and Motor Truck Dealers' Association,
748
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
and the California State Automobile Association. He
is fond of fishing and baseball, and enjoys boxing.
CLINTON HENLEY CANTRELL.— An ener-
getic rancher who worthily represents ])0th the spirit
and the enterprise of Sacramento County, an ideal
section for the progressive farmer, is Clinton Henley
Cantrell. He was born on January' 15, 1855, near
the Cosumnes River. His father, Darbey Cantrell,
was one of the early pioneers who came to California
before the discovery of gold enticed other prospect-
ors; his mother was Hannah Kirby before her mar-
riage.
Clinton Henley Cantrell received a very liberal
education in the rural schools and in St. Mary's
College, of San Francisco. On completing his
course at college, he worked on his father's ranch,
and on the death of his father he took the heavy
responsibilities of the mortgage on his young shoul-
ders. Through his life of thrift and effort he has
now become the owner of the ranch, which is clear
property. In addition to this, he also has a 420-
acre ranch on the upper part of Stockton Road,
and altogether is the owner of appro.ximately 770
acres of land, which is devoted to farming, stock-
raising and dairying.
Mr. Cantrell has one child, Minnie, now Mrs. Cas-
tella, who has one child. Mr. Cantrell is a home-
loving man, but is very fond of outdoor life and
sports, and he is especially interested in well-bred
horses.
GEORGE VICE. — Among the county officials
who are serving in an efficient and conscientious
manner is George Vice, who is serving in the capac-
ity of purchasing agent for the county. He is a
native son of the Golden State, born in San Ber-
nardino County, May 25, 1871, a son of David and
Laura Vice, both pioneers of California. David
Vice came to California from Ohio in 1855 and en-
gaged in mining; the mother also came to the West
in an early day and they were married here; both
parents are now deceased.
The education of George Vice was begun in the
public schools of his native county, but he was
forced to earn his own living at an early age. For
seven years, Mr. Vice was employed as a fireman for
the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. His ap-
pointment by the board of supervisors dates from
May, 1914, and the responsible position of purchas-
ing agent for the county has been handled by him
in a most careful and capable manner. Mr. Vice
is among the most prominent Democrats in the
county, wdiere for a quarter of a century he has
served as chairman of the county central committee.
At all county and state conventions he takes an
active and prominent part; he was alternate to the
national Democratic convention at Baltimore in
1912, and was delegate when President Wilson was
nominated at St. Louis, and also delegate to the
national convention in 1920 at San Francisco. Mr.
Vice was a director on the committee that restored
Sutter's Fort and erected Marshall's Monument at
Coloma.
Mr. Vice's marriage united him with Miss Edith
Meiss, a native daughter of Sacramento, Cal, and
they are the parents of one daughter, Helen. Fra-
ternally Mr. Vice is a member of the Native Sons of
the Golden West and the Eagles Lodge of Sacra-
mento.
LUDWIG GREGOR. — Representing the contribu-
tion of chemistry to the oil industry, Ludwig Gre-
gor, well-known chemist of Sacramento, has eight-
een acres of land on which he has been prospecting
and drilling for oil, near Clay, Cal., with every indica-
tion that his experimental work will become a demon-
strated reality. He was born in Czecho-SIovakia, on
January 28, 1865. His father was John Gregor, a
hotel man, at Butschowitz; and although he eventu-
ally died as the result of accident, he lived to be about
sixty years of age. He had married Miss Anna Wit-
tek, and she was permitted to see the Biblical three
score and ten years. They were the parents of seven
children, who bore the names of Ludwig, Edmund,
Sophie, John, Karl, Conrad and Frank.
Ludwig Gregor attended first the public schools,
then college and finally the University of Vienna, and
in the latter famous institution of higher learning he
specialized in chemistry. He commenced to work in
laboratories, passed his examination as a pharmacist,
and then worked in pharmacies; and he was a chem-
ist in a cane-sugar factor}^, in Queensland, Australia,
for five years. He was next in the appraiser's divi-
sion of the United States Customs at Manila, in the
Philippine Islands, for two years; but having returned
to his native land, he leased a pharmacy and became
the manufacturer of pharmaceutical products. When
this lease had expired, he came to the United States,
in 1906, and for a while lived in San Francisco, reach-
ing California by way of India and Australia; and he
arrived at the Golden Gate, six days before the San
Francisco earthquake. He then went on to New
York, and remained in the metropolis from 1906 to
1912, where he worked as a professional chemist in
laboratories. In 1912, he came West again, to San
Francisco, where he stayed for a short time, when
he came on to Sacramento, and he was four years
with Helke's Pioneer Pharmacy. Then he came to
Clay and purchased eighteen acres of land, and
started to prospect for oil. He drilled to the depth of
1,357 feet; but lacking funds, he suspended opera-
tions and then took up work at the Grey pharmacy
and other pharmacies in Sacramento. Mr. Gregor is
about to form a new oil company, to resume the drill-
ing on his land. He is a member of the Pharmacist
Association of America, and is a stanch Republican
in favor of a high-wall tariff.
While at Brunn, in Moravia, Czecho-SIovakia, on
November 17, 1890, Mr. Gregor was married to
Miss Anna Chytil, a native of that district, and the
daughter of Dr. Joseph Chytil, and his good wife,
who was Miss Marie Malish before her marriage.
Her father was the chief justice of the province of
Moravia in Czecho-SIovakia, and he died at the age of
sixty-seven, while his wife, who passed away only a
short time ago, attained to her seventy-eighth year.
There was one other daughter in the famih' besides
Mrs. Gregor, and her name was Mary Chytil. One
son has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gregor,
and they have called him Otakar; and he is now
living at Elliott, on a ranch in Christian Colony,
where a Lodi company is now drilling for oil. The
Gregors have built a good residence on their tract
of eighteen acres, and there they maintain a cultured
home and dispense a true Czecho-Slovakian hospi-
tality.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
751
GUY S. PATTERSON.— Thanks to such men of
affairs as Guy S. Patterson, the wide-awake proprie-
tor of the popular "Auto-Lot" at 1419 J Street, Sacra-
mento, the motorist of today, both resident, in need
ol secure parking, and tourist, in need of privacy and
comfort, or wanting a first-class used car, is provided
with accommodations unthought-of in the early years
of the automobile. Mr. Patterson was born at
Waveland, Ind., on October 26, 1884, the son of James
and Jeannette Patterson. He was educated at the
Waveland high school; and having been duly gradu-
ated, he went to Fort Worth, Tex., where he was with
Stromberg-Carlson in the construction of the Inde-
pendent Telephone Exchange. Then he returned to
Indianapolis, and from 190S to 1908 engaged in elec-
trical contracting; and after that, he was in the Parry
Motor Company's building department, and then in
the road-test and repair department, until 1910, when
he was with Bob Burman in the racing team, as his
repair man, having charge of the Buick repair crew
racing team. In 1911, Mr. Patterson went to Lafay-
ette, Ind., and opened a garage for himself, which he
continued to manage until 1915; and then he estab-
lished a wholesale accessory store, which he sold in
1918. In 1915, he raced with a "Saxon" car, taking
part in eighteen races, and won money in sixteen of
the contests; and his office today is adorned with sev-
eral cups. Then he went to Los Angeles, and became
manufacturers' agent for automobile accessories.
The year 1920 chronicled Mr. Patterson's advent in
Sacramento, where he took charge of the sales de-
partment for George F. Buell; and the following year
he bought him out. Now he has the best headquar-
ters in Sacramento for used cars, in which he deals
exclusively. His wide experience with automobiles,
including the various motors themselves, his acknowl-
edged dependability, and his willingness to be satis-
fied with a modest profit, have contributed to make
him a favorite dealer in the second-hand car sought.
On September 29, 1912, Mr. Patterson was married
to Miss Clara Kiltz, of Mt. Vernon, Ind., by whom he
has had one child, Guy K. He is a thirty-second de-
gree Scottish Rite Mason, a Shriner and an Elk.
BENSON F. BACHELOR.— A popular official
who bears his well-earned honors with becoming
modesty, is Benson F. Bachelor, the efficient harbor-
master of Sacramento. He hails from Cincinnati,
where he first saw the light on October 26, 1895, the
son of William F. and Susie H. (Ferguson) Bachelor,
who came out to San Francisco with their family in
1899, and eventually removed inland to the capital.
Here Mr. W. F. Bachelor became the financial man-
ager of the Wood-Curtis Company, of Sacramento.
Both parents, the center of an enviable circle of de-
voted friends, are still living, December 7, 1917, Mr.
Bachelor enlisted at Camp Fremont, in the field hos-
pital service. Studying at the base hospital at Palo
Alto, he successfully passed the examination for sur-
gical assistant and obtained the rating of surgical as-
sistant. He served in the base hospital at Camp Fre-
mont at the influenza emergency hospital during the
"flu" epidemic of 1918. Late in 1918 and early in
1919, he served at the post hospitals at Camp Mills,
N. Y., and Camp Lee, Va., being stationed at the latter
place, and was under orders to sail for service abroad
when the armistice was signed, November 11, 1918.
He was honorably discharged at the Presidio in San
Francisco, February 15, 1919, and lost no time in get-
ting back to the duties of private life.
The grammar and the high schools of San Fran-
cisco afforded Benson F. Bachelor an excellent prep-
aration for life, so that when in Januarj', 1916, the
Bachelors removed to Sacramento, he was ready to
assume considerable responsibility. He had been
fortunate, while in San Francisco, to work in the Ad-
ministration office of the Panama-Pacific Exposition,
then for Bradstreet's, and finally in the wholesale gro-
cery trade; and after that, he was emploj'ed by the
city of Sacramento to take charge of the garbage
problems, and still later, to investigate water-charges
and complaints.
On May 10, 1922, clearly as reward of merit, for
ability and fidelity, Mr. Bachelor was appointed to his
present position, which carries with it many new and
serious responsibilities. That he will not fail to meas-
ure up to whatever may be expected of him is clear,
and his many friends rejoice with him in his steady
advancement.
WILLIAM M. MAXWELL.— A very interesting
couple, representing worthy pioneer families, are Mr.
and Mrs. William M. Maxwell, enterprising stock-
raisers of Sacramento County. William M. Maxwell
was born at Placerville, CaL, November 14, 1859.
His father, William Maxwell, was born in Kentucky
and came across the plains to California in 1850. He
mined at Placerville; and there, too, he married Miss
Catherine Parsons, who was also born in Kentucky
and had crossed the plains in the early gold days.
William Maxwell, the father, died in Placerville, while
the mother died in Douglas County, Nev. Of the
five children born to them, William M. is the third-
born and the only one now living.
William M. Maxwell was reared in Placerville and
in Alpine and Mono Counties, receiving his education
in the public schools in the various districts where he
lived. When ten years of age he went to work for
T. B. Rickey, a cattleman in Mono County, and with
him learned to ride the range and to rope and brand
cattle. He continued with him twelve or fifteen
years, during which time he acquired such adeptness
and thoroughness in all that pertained to the cattle
business that Mr. Rickey made him foreman of his
ranch. During these years he became known as one
of the best riders and horsemen on the range, and
was an expert at breaking horses and training them
for cow-ponies. Those were indeed good old times,
as he now says when, in reminiscent mood, his
thought turns back to those early and glorious days
of his career.
At Woodfords, Alpine County, on Christmas day,
1883, Mr. Maxwell was united in marriage with Miss
Emma Trimmer, a native daughter of the Golden
State, born in Diamond Valley, Alpine County, a
daughter of Robert and Sarah (Hunsaker) Trimmer,
natives of England and Utah respectively. They
were married in Utah, and in 1849 crossed the moun-
tains to California, locating in Alpine County, where
they were successful farmers and stock-raisers until
they sold out to enjoy the fruits of their industry
and labor. They are now living in well-earned re-
tirement in Santa Barbara, a wonderfully well-pre-
served old pioneer couple. They were blessed with
twelve children, nine of whom are living, Emma being
the third in order of birth. She spent her child-
752
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
hood on the home farm and grew up to enjoy the
great out-of-doors, acquiring the health and strength
that have enabled her to do for her family and be an
able helpmate to her husband. At the same time she
acquired a good education in the local schools and
then remained at home and assisted her mother indus-
triously until her marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell started in the stock busi-
ness in Alpine County, preempting and homestead-
ing land; and as they prospered they added to their
holdings until they became the owners of 700 acres,
liesides leasing considerable range-land where they
ran their stock. They met with deserved success;
but meantime the years of strenuous work and the
hardships of frontier life told on Mr. Maxwell, and
his health became poorly. So in 1920 they sold out
and located at Carbondale, Sacramento County, pur-
chasing the present ranch of 204 acres, where they
run sheep and cattle. Mrs. Maxwell also owns a
ranch; so together they ov^ai 640 acres, a splendid
holding located on Lagoon Creek, with running water
the whole year through, making it a splendid stock
ranch. Their union has been blessed with two chil-
dren: William, who makes his home with his par-
ents; and Mrs. Emma Jauch, who also lives on the
Maxwell ranch. They also reared, as their own
child, Irma Eona Maxwell Archer, now the wife of
Don Shields, of Oakland.
Mr. Maxwell is a member of Gardenville Lodge
No. 36, at Gardenville, Nev., and also of Carson
City Lodge No. 4, K. of P.; wdiile Mrs. Maxwell
is a member of lone Lodge of the Rebekahs. Both
are members of the Church of Latter Day Saints.
Mr. Maxwell in early days followed sheep-shearing,
in which he was ver}^ adept, being considered ver3'
expert and rapid in his work. While shearing for
Joseph Giraud at Markleyville, Alpine County, his
photograph was taken while at work; and this is
reproduced in the eighth grade school history. He
speaks Spanish fluently. During his years of range-
riding and horse-breaking, he has had many excit-
ing escapades and has met up with many interesting
characters. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell are great home
folks, full of the milk of human kindness, and it is
a pleasure to visit them and enjoy their hospitality.
They are firm believers in protection as the funda-
mental principle for the success of the nation, and
accordingly are strong Republicans in their political
views.
ALEXANDER H. SMITH.— How Americans have
materially advanced the science of dentistry is well il-
lustrated in the progressive operations of Alexander
H. Smith, the wide-awake and popular proprietor of
the Great Western Dental Laboratory. He was born
at Sacra:nento on August 31, 1892, the son of Alex-
ander R. and Teckla (Hanson) Smith, and often heard
his father tell how he came here early in the sixties.
Mrs. Smith was a native of Sweden, and came with a
sister; and our subject's parents were married at
Sacramento. Alexander R. Smith was with the South-
ern Pacific for forty-nine years; and the worthy couple
are at last enjoying a deserved retirement, and in No-
vember, 1922, he was pensioned.
Alexander Smith attended both the grammar and
the high school, and at the early age of fourteen he
took up the prosthetic end of dentistry. In 1917, the
Great Western Dental Laboratory was formed by Mr.
Smith and a partner, E. T. Griffing. The laboratory
employs eight men, and is rated among the best in
the dental field in Northern California. In January,
1923, Mr. Smith bought Mr. Griffing's interest and is
now sole owner of the Great Western Dental Lab-
oratory.
An exemplary patriot, Mr. Smith enlisted in the
United States Navy for the World War in January,
1918, and saw one and one-half years of actual ser-
vice, and now belongs to the American Legion. A
brother, Wallfred R. Smith, was in the aerial service,
and died from pneumonia. In October, 1919, Mr.
Smith was married to Miss Mary J. Stranmau, a na-
tive daughter of Sacramento; and they have one child,
Alexander H., Jr.
JOHN L. ANDERSON.— A resident of Sacra-
mento County since the spring of 1866, almost his
entire life, having been brought hither by his par-
ents when he was a babe, John L. Anderson was
born at Waukon, Allamakee County, Iowa, Septem-
ber 12, 1865. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth
(Vile) Anderson, natives of Yorkshire and Devon-
shire, England, respectively, their marriage occur-
ring in New York State, whither they had immi-
grated. Later they removed to Allamakee County,
Iowa, where he was a farmer. In 1866 Mr. Ander-
son brought his wife and two children via New York
City and the Panama Isthmus to San Francisco and
soon afterwards they located on a 160-acre farm just
north of Franklin. He w^as successful as a farmer
and added to his holdings, owning 290 acres. He
made his home on the place until he died in 1911,
at eighty-two years of age, his widow surviving him
two years. Two of the four children born of their
union grew up, but John L. is the only one living
and was reared in Sacramento County from the time
he was six months old, so is to all intents and pur-
poses a native son, as this is the scene of his first
recollections. The only thing standing in the way
of his claiming membership is the fact that he was
born just before his parents started for the Golden
West. Receiving a good education in the local
school, at the same time he was assisting his father
and making himself generally useful, he learned
farming in its various details and became an adept
at driving the big teams used in grain-farming. His
father brought the first header used in the vicinity
of Franklin about the year 1871. For five years Mr.
Anderson had a foothill ranch where he resided, but
he sold and returned to his valley ranch. When the
Western Pacific Railroad was built through they
gave right of way through their ranch, and after-
wards Mr. Anderson subdivided a portion of his place
as Franklin Farms Subdivision No. 1, having sold
ofif about 100 acres in small tracts.
Mr. Anderson is a liberal and enterprising man
and believes the best way to build up and improve
the county is to supply the new settlers with smaller
farms, so that by intensive farming production will
be increased many fold and thus sustain a much
larger population, as well as making the county a
great deal richer. He is well posted on early day
history and landmarks, has a retentive memory and
is an interesting conversationalist. Fraternally, Mr.
Anderson is a member of Sacramento Lodge, No.
1020, L. O. O. Moose.
^J^'^'::^?;^, ,-^^ -^f^^^^P^^^^^y'TV.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
757
FRANK N. KILLAM.— In public affairs Frank
N. Killam takes an active and helpful interest, and
as superintendent of operation and maintenance of
state buildings he is doing effective service for the
general good. He is one of California's native sons
and was born in Petaluma, Sonoma Coimty. October
13, 1876, of the marriage of John Cornelius Killam
and Elizabeth Hawkins. They came to California
in 1873 and settled in Sonoma County. The father
is a mechanic by trade. The mother passed away
in 1919.
Frank N. Killam attended the public schools of
California and afterward studied electrical engineer-
ing, in which work he engaged for twenty-four years,
also acting as a salesman during that time. Subse-
quently he passed the civil service examination and
on ]March 1, 1922, was appointed to his present posi-
tion b^' Governor Stephens. He is faithful to the
trust reposed in him and his duties are efficienth'
and conscientiously discharged. He is also interested
in agricultural pursuits and is the owner of a well-
improved ranch in Butte County, this state.
Mr. Killam is a veteran of the Spanish-American
War and saw service as corporal of Company B,
Eighth California Volunteers. He is an Elk and has
passed through all the chairs in the Odd Fellows
Lodge. He is a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite
Mason, and is also a member of the Ben AH Tem-
ple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is fond of fishing and
hunting and is a inember of the South Butte Gun
Club of Live Oak. He is a loyal, public-spirited
citizen, deeply interested in the welfare and progress
of his community and commonwealth, and brings
to his various duties in life a broad mind and keen
intelligence, which are the basis of his success.
WINFRED D. WINTERS.— A spirit of enter-
prise and progress has actuated Winfred D. Winters
in all the activities of life: and as junior member of
the firm of Wallace & Winters, construction engin-
eers, he is well known in his line of endeavor. A
native son of California, he was born in San Jose,
May 17, 1868, a son of Johni D. and Sarah E. (Har-
man) Winters. John D. Winters was a mining en-
gineer and for a number of years was superintendent
of the Yellow Jacket Mine; he also engaged in farm-
ing and from 1878 until 1884 was a manufacturer of
farming implements.
Winfred D. Winters began his education in the
public schools; then he entered the Yander Naillen
School of Mechanical Engineers in San Francisco
and was graduated in 1895. After his graduation he
worked in the mines as master engineer for a num-
ber of }'ears; then he became construction engineer
with Allis Chalmers. In September of 1920, in part-
nership with Mr. Wallace, he entered business for
himself, which has proven a lucrative undertaking,
the firm being cal'ed to different parts of the state
in construction work.
Mr. Winters' marriage united him with Miss Freda
F. Huber, and the}' are the parents of one son, Em-
mett B. Politicalh', Mr. Winters casts his vote for
the candidate best fitted for office, rather than to be
bound by party lines; fraternally he is a Mason and
a member of the B. P. O. Elks of Sacramento. In
the B. P. O. E. he holds membership in Lodge No.
288, at Pendleton, Ore., where he joined several years
ago and has never demitted. In Masonry he holds
a membership at Neuman Hills Ferry Lodge No. 88.
HARLEY W. FREDERICK.— An expert photog-
rapher who has done much to develop his chosen in-
dustry, and to raise it to the dignity of high art, is
Harley W. Frederick, the wide-awake and progressive
proprietor of the popular Frederick Foto Service at
718j/^ J Street, in Sacramento. A native of California,
he was born at Oakland on July 26, 1892, the son of
Harlej- W. and Belle (Henderson) Frederick, the for-
mer a native of New York, of fine old Knickerbocker
Dutch stock. On the paternal side, Mr. Frederick is
a lineal descendant of Anneke Jans, who came from
Holland to New York City, being of the fifth genera-
tion removed. He has a copy of her original will,
dated January 29, 1663, a ver^' interesting document, .
describing in detail her property, which is now in the
heart of New York City, with Trinity Church located
on a part of it. This property is still in litigation, and
is now worth approximately $860,000,000. His mother
was a native daughter, who first saw the light at
Sacramento, where she entered the family of that hon-
ored old pioneer James Henderson, a native of Scot-
land and a soldier of fortune who came around Cape
Horn in a sailer in the days of gold and followed min-
ing here. Later he was a pioneer gold miner in
Alaska, after which he attached himself to the L^nited
States Army, serving in the Philippines, where he
died. Harley Frederick, Sr., was an actor, and for
many years traveled in vaudeville, until his eyes failed.
Thereafter he engaged in business in Sacramento un-
til he retired. Both parents are still living, the center
of a circle of devoted admirers and friends. Harley
Frederick, Jr., is the oldest of three children. His
brother, Raymond D., served in the L^nited States
Navy for five years. During the World War he was
sent overseas and was in the convoy service. He was
on the U. S. S. Schurz when she was rammed and
sunk, but fortunately escaped in a boat. After his five
years of service he located in his home town of
Sacramento, where he now resides. A sister, Thelma,
is Mrs. Edson Gapen, also of the capital city. She has
for many years been in the emploj' of the State Board
of Health, and is in charge of the Bureau of Vital
Statistics, having acquired a wide range of knowledge,
and is one of the best-posted emplo3'ees in the de-
partment.
Harlej' W. Frederick, Jr., attended the school at
Broderick, across the river from Sacramento City, and
grew up in the capital city. When fifteen ^-ears of
age he entered the employ of the McCurrj- Foto
Company under William H. McCvirry's preceptorship,
and there learned the business in all of its details, con-
tinuing with him for ten years. When the L'liited
States entered the World War, although a married
man, he resigned and on February 20, 1918. enlisted
in the Photo Section of the Signal Corps in the United
States Army; and after training at Columbia Univer-
sity, New York City, he was appointed first-class
sergeant, and in the same letter in which he received
notice of his appointment was ordered overseas, leav-
ing New York in June, 1918. Arriving in France, he
served there for a 3'ear, much of his time being spent
in securing photographic records and publicity pic-
tures used by the Committee of Public Information
for American Propaganda. He had the satisfaction
of seeing scores and scores of his photos reproduced
in leading papers, journals and magazines in the
United States and England, as well as in France.
While taking pictures in the vicinity of Metz. just
before the taking of that city by the allied forces, he
758
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
was gassed and severely burned, and was out of ser-
vice for about two months. Returning to liis native
land, lie landed in New York City, May 30, 1919, and
was honorably discharged at Washington, on June 6
of the same year, immediately returning to his home
in Sacramento to rejoin his wife and circle of friends.
all greatly rejoiced that his life had been spared. He
was delighted to get back to his native state and to
civil life, although now that it is all over he has no
regrets at having had the experience in the war and
at the front.
On his return, Mr. Frederick established his own
enterprise as a commercial photographer; and he is
today an aggressive leader in his field. He finds his
study at Columbia University and his experience over-
seas very valuable, and a great assistance to him, en-
abling him to work up a big business and a most
satisfactory clientele. His business is not confined to
California alone, but extends into the different states
and even to England.
When Mr. Frederick married he chose for his wife
Miss Irene Gapen, a native daughter of California,
born at Rio ^^ista, Solano County, whose parents
crossed the plains in pioneer days. Mr. and Mrs.
Frederick had one child, a bright little boy named
Donald L., who passed away at the age of eight
months. Mrs. Frederick is a member of the East-
ern Star. Mr. Frederick belongs to the Sacramento
Chamber of Commerce, and to the National Exchange
Club, and is a live wire in each. He is also active in
the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and in Sacramento
Post No. 61, American Legion. Fraternally, he was
made a Mason in Washington Lodge No. 20, F. & A.
M., and is also a Scottish Rite Mason and a Sciot.
He belongs to the ranks of the Republican party, but
endeavors to be non-partisan in local affairs. Mr.
Frederick has always been greatly interested in ath-
letics, particularly baseball and basketball. He is a
member of the Young Men's Christian Association
and takes a prominent part in their athletics. He also
enjoys outdoor sports, particularly hunting and fish-
ing. He is a good shot, and excels in revolver prac-
tice. He and his wife are thoroughly public-spirited,
and have become the center of an enviable social
circle.
UNA W. GARY.— Una W. Cary, daughter of J. S.
and Mary K. Waggoner, was born in McGregor,
Texas, and early in life came to California. After at-
tending the public schools of Texas and California,
she took up professional nursing, which work she
followed for several years. Being of an ambitious
nature she decided to become an osteopathic physi-
cian and in 1912 was graduated from the Los An-
geles College of Osteopathic Physicians and Sur-
geons. Since her graduation from that institution
she has practiced her profession in Sacramento. From
time to time she has taken special courses, interesting
herself especially in women's and children's diseases.
Not only has Dr. Cary been interested in her
chosen field, but she has found time to be forcefully
identified with the upbuilding of Sacramento, helping
to organize the Business and Professional Women's
Club and acting as its first president; she also worked
with the Y. W. C. A., serving as a board member.
She is a member of the California State Osteopathic
Association, and has served on a number of its boards.
Fraternally, she belongs to the Eastern Star, and is
also a member of the Soroptomists Club. Dr. Cary
is a very popular woman, and is always welcome in
business, religious, and fraternal circles.
BINGHAM C. BRIER.— The extraordinary effi-
ciency of the leading California courts is undoubtedly
due in part to the proficiency of the California official
reporters, prominent among whom is certainly Bing-
ham C. Brier, of Sacramento, who resides at 1116
Thirteenth Street, in the capital city. A native Hawk-
ej'e, he was born in Fayette County, Iowa, on May
20, 18S6, the son of George and Jemima (Templeton)
Brier, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of In-
diana. Both are now deceased, and their memory is
cherished by all who knew and esteemed them for
their industrious, influential and useful lives.
Mr. George Brier, with his family, crossed the great
Plains by ox-team in 1862, and arrived in Sacramento
the year of the big flood. He followed his trade of
carpenter and cabinet-maker, and was an assistant
architect at work on the plans and construction of the
State Capitol. Later, he was employed in the shops
of the Southern Pacific Railroad. He belonged to
the Odd Fellows, and also to the Veteran Odd Fel-
lows Association. The worthy couple had eight
children, and four are still living: Charles B., Nora
S., Bingham C, and Mrs. Catherine Veach.
Bing Brier, as he is familiarly known by his nu-
merous friends all over the state, attended and grad-
uated from the Sacramento grammar and high
schools and Atkinson's Business College, after which
he farmed for two years During this time he took up
the study of stenography, studying at night with E.
B. Willis; and stenographic work he has followed
ever since. His first position as official reporter was
in Placer County under Judge E. B. Myers. He con-
tinued there as official reporter of that county for
several years, after which he returned to Sacramento
as official court-reporter He is also official reporter
for the coroner of Sacramento County. His accom-
plishment with respect to both accuracy and celerity,
together with his affability and culture, have made
him a general favorite. He belongs to Eureka Lodge
No. 4, I. O. O. F., at Sacramento, of which he is past
grand, and also to the Veteran Odd Fellows Associa-
tion. For many years he was a member of the En-
campment and Canton, in which he served as captain
under General Sherburn. Mr. Brier is enthusiastic
for the preservation of California history and pioneer
landmarks. So it is but natural that he became an
active member of the Sacramento '49 Whisker Club,
that put on the '49 celebration in May, 1922, which
has done much to spread the fame of the capital city
all over the United States, and throughout the world.
At Jackson, Amador County, Mr. Brier married
Miss Mary C. Bogardus, now deceased, who was born
in San Francisco, the daughter of J. P. Bogardus, a
California forty-niner, and a printer by trade. He
conducted a restaurant on Twentj'-sixth Street, Sacra-
mento, in 1850. Later he removed to San Francisco,
and while there printed and published the first al-
manac put out in California, sending it forth in 1857.
A copy of it owned by the family is still in a good
state of preservation, and is a very valuable heirloom.
Two children do honor to their worthy parents. One
is Mrs. Hazel Thompson, who presides over the
home; and the other is, Charles Jack Brier, engaged
in the automobile business.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
763
J. LEONARD NILSSON.— A poultry fancier, par-
ticularly well acquainted with Sacramento County con-
ditions affecting the raising of high-grade fowls, is J.
Leonard Nilsson, the proprietor of the Stirling Farm,
near Sacramento. He was born in Sweden, on Sep-
tember 3, 1877, the son of L. C. and Charlotte Nilsson,
and often heard his parents tell how they came to San
Francisco, when he was five years old. spent a year
there, and then moved to Redding. They were thus
pioneers at a period when an immense amount of the
settler's work still reinaincd to be done; and as such
they deserve, and doubtless always will receive, all
credit and honor.
Leonard Nilsson was fortunate in going through
both the grammar and the high schools and then in
taking up stock-raising under the guidance of his ex-
perienced father. He kept at that until he came to
Sacramento, when he bought, on January S. 1910, this
place of thirty acres so favorable to his poultry enter-
prise, where he started with a few chickens, and stead-
ily made improvements. He now has 12,000 laying
hens, having only recently again increased his com-
plete and model plant. He also has gone into, and
been successful with the hatching of chickens, ship-
ping one-day chicks to several of the Eastern states,
and thus turning out, the past year, about 150,000 of
the feathery dots. He produces all the eggs he un-
dertakes to have hatched, is fortunate in having or-
ders in advance, and calls to his aid no less than eight
employees. He has built commodious and modern
homes for his help as well as a model bunk house, and
by kind treatment and generous compensation suc-
ceeds in keeping his well-trained help permanently.
He has, in short, the largest plant north of Petaluma.
Mr. Nilsson, in 1904, married Miss Jennie Palm,
a native of Illinois who had become a social favorite
in Sacramento. He belongs to the Moose, and he is
a Republican.
MRS. JENNIE GOULD.— Born in San Francisco,
Mrs. Jennie Gould is a daughter of Volney W. Still,
a native of New York State, who during his first
year was taken by his parents to the vicinity of Kala-
mazoo, Mich., where he was reared. He was a
cooper, and followed his trade until 1850, when he
came around Cape Horn to San Francisco, in which
city he became one of the pioneer grocery merchants,
and was a member of the Vigilance Committee. In
1858 he married Anna M. Pearson, born at Kennett
Square, Pa., who came to California with her uncle,
George Pearson, via Panama in the early fifties. In
1870 Mr. Still removed with his family to Placer
County, where he farmed; and later he located on
a ranch at Auburn, engaging in horticulture. He was
also in the building business. He spent his last days
with Mrs. Gould, passing away on the ranch near
Antelope, aged seventy-nine; while Mrs. Still died in
Sacramento, aged seventy-six years. Mr. Still was a
very pleasant and affable man, always jovial and
optimistic, looking on the bright side of life. He was
strong for temperance, and gave all of his influence
towards civic righteousness and higher morals. Mrs.
Volney W. Still was descended of good old Quaker
stock. Their union proved very happy, and resulted
in the birth of these children: Jennie, of this review;
Mrs. Lucy Annette Armbruster, of Spokane; William
Chester, of Rochester, Wash.; George, of Sacramento;
Mrs. Sue Farman, of Roseville; Mrs. Elizabeth Sage-
horn, of Sacramento; Frederick, of Spokane; and
Mrs. Grace King, of Sacramento.
Jennie Still attended school in San Francisco and
at Roseville. She was married in 1877, when John
D. Gould became her husband. He was born near
Lansing, Mich., coming to California with his par-
ents when he was four years of age. He was a son
of Josiah and Catherine Gould, who were pioneer
farmers near Antelope, Sacramento County, until
they passed on.
John D. Gould's early education was received in
the local public schools, after which he supplemented
his preparation with a course at a business college in
San Francisco. After his marriage, Mr. Gould lo-
cated on 160 acres of the old home, of which he had
become the owner, and added to this until he had
320 acres, w^here he engaged in farming and horticul-
ture, setting out an orchard of peaches, apricots and
almonds, and also a vineyard. Here he was actively
engaged until 1907, when he rented the ranch and
retired to Sacramento, where he owned a comfortable
residence. There he resided until his death, in Octo-
ber, 1913, passing away at the age of sixty-four years,
mourned by his family and friends, a man esteemed
for his enterprise, uprightness, and high ideals. Five
children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Gould. Raymond and Arthur are partners in farm-
ing near Antelope; Ernest was for some years an as-
sistant in the State Purchasing Department, and is
now farming near Antelope; Harvey is farming the
home ranch; and Ora Grace is the wife of P. E. An-
derson, of Sacramento.
Since her lamented husband's death, Mrs. Gould
continues to reside in Sacramento, looking after her
afifairs. Besides her other interests, she is a stock-
holder in the California Life Insurance Company.
Mrs. Gould is a member of Grace Methodist Epis-
copal Church, and contributes generously to its
benevolences. She is a charter member of the
Daughters of America, having served as financial
secretary of the organization for many years. Her
political affiliations are with the Republican party.
A. W. CLIFTON. — The progressive, rapidly grow-
ing and attractive Oak Park section of Sacramento is-
well represented in its commercial life by the Oak
Park Furniture Company, whose proprietor, A. W.
Clifton, being a native son from Amador County, is
naturally in touch and sympathy with Californian en-
terprise. He was born at lone, on September 4. 1877,
the son of Joseph Thomas and Alice Nevada (Sim-
mons) Clifton, and his father came from Springfield,
Ohio, and was a great friend of Mr. Smith, who was
a survivor of the Shepherd party so terribly massacred
by Indians in Utah, during the Mountain Meadow
Massacre. Mr. Clifton was a farmer, and a substan-
tial, extensive one at that, and was for twenty years
superintendent of the lone Coal & Grant Company;
and he served as supervisor, in Township No. 2.
When, therefore, he passed away in 1812, he was
mourned as one who had been well-esteemed. Mrs.
Clifton is living on the home-ranch with her son,
Arthur, who is now supervisor of his township.
A. W. Clifton went to the public schools of Amador
County, and then continued such courses as gave him
a commercial training, and after that he worked for
his father, until he was twenty-one. In 1902, he came
764
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
to Sacramento and joined the John Brower Company,
with whom he remained four years; and then he was
with the Home Furniture Company, for two years,
and lie after that had charge of their branch for six
months. Then he bought out the branch business in
1910, which at that time was in a small shack. When
the present modern building was erected some eight
years ago, about 6,500 square feet of floor-space were
available, and were soon \yelI-stocked with up-to-date
furniture, for the Oak Park Furniture Company makes
it a boast that it carries everything necessary and de-
sirable to properly furnish the house. Not only does
Mr. Clifton wisely give his personal attention to
every detail of the business, and gladly respond to
any request on the part of a patron who may wish
this or that not immediately obtainable and requiring
some eiTort to procure, but he prides himself on antici-
pating, as it were, the wants of a community he now
rather intimately knows.
Mr. Clifton married June 1, 1907, Miss Jennie S.
Solomonson, of Amador County, at lone, Amador
County, by whom he has had two sons, Henry and
Morris. He has recently had constructed as a dwell-
ing for their own use a handsome brick residence on
Stockton Boulevard at No. 4300. Independent in
politics, Mr. Clifton is able to exert a good influence
for the upbuilding of the community.
TRUMAN LEWIS FASSETT.— Not every one
of the various commercial establishments in Sacra-
mento recognized as valuable to the growth of the
community can present such a record of service and
usefulness, in the great work of attracting would-be
residents to the capital city, as Fassett's Emporium,
popular as the headquarters for so much of what is
best, and what is constantly in demand. Truman
Lewis Fassett, the founder and proprietor of the
Emporium, is a native son, and was born on a farm
in Sacramento County, on February 26, 1873, the
Son of L. H. Fassett, long a well-known figure here.
He attended the rural schools, and then went into
Hale Bros.' store in Sacramento as an errand boy,
remaining with that establishment until 1907, when
he had become department manager and buyer.
Then he went to Berkeley and took charge of H. C.
Capwell & Company's, and in 1908 he returned to
Sacramento. He started his store in Oak Park in
1908 with the modest sum of $900 invested in stock,
and his first day's business amounted to $7.50; and
eight years ago, he removed to the present location
of the Emporium, He is the oldest in number of
years in continuous business, and his place is the
oldest under the same management in this district,
and he has been phenomenally successful, employing
five or more people, according to the season. Much
of this success is undoubtedly due to the personal
attention given by Mrs. Fassett to every detail of the
trade, and to even the most insignificant wish of the
customer; and this readiness of the Emporium to
cater to all classes, and to trouble itself to try to
procure just what is wanted, has undoubtedly con-
tributed to its increasing popularity. Mr. Fassett
belongs to the Business Men's Club of Oak Park,
and was one of its founders and has served as its
vice-president.
In Sacramento, Mr. Fassett was married to Miss
Maude Spurgeon, of Sacramento, and together they
have added to their wide circle of friends. Frater-
nall}', Mr. Fassett is a Knight of Pythias.
JOSEPH THOMAS.— The subject of this sketch
is a progressive and enterprising native son of Cali-
fornia who for the past eight years has been serving
as superintendent of the Pratt-Lowe plant at Ryde.
Joseph Thomas was born in Santa Clara, Santa
Clara County, Cal., December 31, 1882, a son of
Ignasius and Mary (Perry) Thomas, both natives of
the Azores Islands. Ignasius Thomas came to Cali-
fornia at the age of twenty years and followed the
trade of blacksmith in Santa Clara until his demise
in 1920, at the age of sixty years. The mother died
at the age of fifty-eight years. Twelve children were
born to them, of whom Joseph is the fourth.
Joseph Thomas received his education in the con-
vent at Santa Clara. His first job after finishing
school was with the Pratt-Lowe Company at Santa
Clara, where he began at the bottom and learned
the cannery business thoroughly; and in 1915, when
the Pratt-Lowe Company established their plant at
Ryde, Mr. Thomas was put in charge. This plant
runs for three months each year, and during the
past season 90,000 cases of asparagus were packed.
On December 22, 1913, in Santa Clara, Mr. Thom-
as was married to Miss Isabelle Santos, born in
Santa Clara, a daughter of Frank Santos. Two
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas,
Walter and Lillian. Mr. Thomas is a Republican in
politics. Fraternally he is a member of the Forest-
ers of America and the U. P. E. C Lodge of Santa
Clara. He is progressive and enterprising, and gives
of his time and means, as far as he is able, to for-
ward worthjf objects that have for their aim the
upbuilding of the county.
ERNEST A. THEILE.— The important brokerage
in real estate and insurance is well represented in
Sacramento by Ernest A. Theile, of the Ochsner
Building, wideb' known for both his experience and
dependability, and his willingness to serve. He was
born at Roseville, in Placer County, Cal., on June 9,
1881, the son of Robert and Anor (Dudley) Theile,
the father having been a settler of 1872, while the
mother is a native daughter and member of an old
pioneer family that settled in Placer County in the
very early days, the Dudley family being among
those early settlers who took refuge at Fort Sutter.
There they married, and Mr. Theile farmed for a
while, and during his latter years was a realtor. Both
of these worthy folks are now deceased, the golden
sands of their lives having run their course. They
were esteemed in their time, and mourned in their
demise.
Ernest A. Theile attended the public schools, and
then helped his father on the home farm; and in 1896
he came into Sacramento. At first, he engaged in
building, as a contractor, but later gave all of his
time to real estate transactions, so that he has now
been in the real estate game in connection with build-
ing for twenty years. He has a wide knowledge of
conditions pertaining to Sacramento City and County,
and has built up an enviably profitable patronage
through a reputation for placing his experience and
information at the service of all clients, without
favoritism.
In 1911 ^Ir. Theile was married to Miss Freda
Boething, of Sacramento, a native daughter now the
mother of a native son, Robert Dudley by name.
Mr. Theile is a Mason of the thirty-second degree,
and also a Shriner.
7/^^^^^:-:^^<^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
767
ELBERT F. ALDERSON.— A widely-experienced,
energetic and far-seeing agriculturist and able execu-
tive known beyond the confines of Sacramento Coun-
ty, is Elbert F. Alderson, the general superintendent
of the farms owned by Messrs. C. and L. Moreing, of
Natomas Reclamation District No. 1000, the most
extensive wheat-growers in the world, operating about
twelve miles north of Sacramento. He was born at
Hinton, W. Va., on December 18, 1889, the third in
the order of birth of five children of J. VV. and Mary
V. (George) Alderson, of English and Scotch ances-
try. J. W. Alderson was a merchant, a lumberman
and a legislator of West Virginia, and he died on Feb-
ruary 1. 1919, after a very active life, having won the
heartfelt esteem of many as a real benefactor to his
day and generation.
Elbert Alderson graduated from the Randolph-
Macon Military Academy in 1905, and then entered
the lumber camps of his father in Summers County,
West Virginia, where for three years he acted as
superintendent, thereby adding materially to his ex-
perience, particularly with human nature, and gaining
a thoroughly practical knowledge of handling men,
especially laborers, on a large scale.
In 1913, he came to San Francisco, and soon after
on to Sacramento, and entered the employ of the
Moreing Bros, as purchaser of supplies, and did for
them all the buying necessary of implements and pro-
visions for eight farm-camps and the cultivation of
from 15,000 to 27,000 acres of the land in Natomas
District No. 1000. In 1918, Mr. Alderson was made
general -superintendent, a fine tribute to his standing
with both employers and fellow-workers. The More-
ings carry on wheat-growing on what is probably the
most extensive scale, in the world, and Mr. Alderson
may modestly, but properly, claim a share in the suc-
cessful attainments by these famous ranchers, con-
tributing no small part of the foresight, enterprise and
experience necessary to meet all emergencies and har-
vest all crops. He makes a particular effort to get
and to hold the most desirable men, numbering from
forty to 100, according to the season, for the various
camps, of which he has full charge.
Democratic in the extreme, Mr. Alderson holds the
respect of everyone, and the good-will in particular of
those who work for and with him. During the World
War Mr. Alderson offered his service to the defense
of his native land, enlisting in Sacramento, but be-
cause of failing to come up to the physical require-
ments was rejected. He is a favorite member of
Lodge No. 6, of the B. P. O. Elks, of Sacramento.
ERWIN A. CORUM.— An efficient and popular
superintendent of construction, who has done much to
help develop the resources and wealth of Sacramento
County, is Erwin A. Corum, of the J. C. Carly Com-
pany, who resides at 2533 Portola Way in Sacra-
mento. He was born on a farm in Minnesota, on
April 12, 1886, the son of William Franklin and Mary
(Rosemurgy) Corum, who came out to California and
Sacramento in 1911, eleven years before Mr. Corum
died. Mrs. Corum, devoted wife and affectionate
mother, is still living in Sacramento, and around her
group many faithful friends.
Erwin A. Corum went to the public schools, in
Minnesota, and then helped on the home farm until
he was about thirteen years old. Mr. Corum had
moved on to Colorado where he lived for seven years,
and then to Tonopah, Nev., for six years. After that
he came to California, where he served an apprentice-
ship as a carpenter and joiner, completing w-ork suc-
cessfully begun when he was fifteen years old, in
Colorado and Nevada. In Sacramento, he worked for
six months as a journeyman, and then he became su-
perintendent for E. A. Pierce, carrying out various
contracts in construction for five years or more. After
that, he established himself in business, as a builder,
and was the owner of the Cutter Mill, and ran it for
one and one-half years; and on selling out, he engaged
with his present employers.
Mr. Corum has built many homes in Sacramento,
including the Casita Addition for the J. C. Carly Com-
pany. He also drew the plans and built the houses
for the Boxler tract; and he had charge of, and built
the first house in West Curtis Oaks, and the South
Curtis Oaks addition was also under his super-
vision. His work has been distinguished for its prac-
tical features and dependable artistic design, and he
has helped the interests he represented.
On June 20, 1911, Mr. Corum was married to Miss
Arelene Purcell of Tonopah, Nev., and they have one
child. Raymond Clarence. He belongs to the Knights
of Pythias and the Maccabees; and in politics, he is an
Independent. He built and owns a very attractive
bungalow residence at 2533 Portola Way, and has re-
cently been made a Master Mason.
ARTHUR WILLIS ELLIOTT.— An enterprising,
successful business firm of Sacramento, whose opera-
tions, varied and extensive, have helped to keep the
fame of Sacramento as a business center before a
wide-spread public, is that of Messrs. Elliott & Hus-
ton, of 1010 Eighth Street, Sacramento, Cal., whose
senior member is Arthur Willis Elliott, a native of
Alameda County. He was born on June 18, 1881, the
son of Andrew and Annie (Jones) Elliott, energetic
Australians, who came from Sydney, in 1867, and
settled, as farmer-folk, in the Livermore Valley.
They removed to Sacramento in 1885, and since that
time, in 1912, Mr. Elliott has passed away, meriting
and receiving the esteem of all who knew him.
Arthur Willis Elliott attended the grammar and
then the high schools of Sacramento, and later pur-
sued successfully the excellent commercial courses
at Heald's and Howe's Business Colleges in the capi-
tal city. He was then a bookkeeper for a year with
Henderson Brown Produce Company, and later book-
keeper at the California Winery, for two j^ears. After
that, in 1901, he engaged in the real estate and insur-
ance business, for a year with the Carmichael Com-
pany, and then he was with Frank Hickman in the
same field for eight years. He next joined W. L.
Reed, in conducting a real estate and insurance busi-
ness, and next he became the junior partner in the
firm of Reed & Elliott, of 1015 Fourth Street, con-
tinuing in that relation from September 1, 1907, to
July 1, 1916. when he bought out Mr. Reed's inter-
est, and the business w'as carried on under the old
name.
Early in 1918, Mr. Elliott enlisted for service in
behalf of his country in the World War, and he was
in the executive department of the Red Cross society,
and was in Winchester, England, during the war
period. After the signing of the armistice was an-
nounced, he remained abroad, busy liquidating for the
United States government in England, France, Bel-
gium and Scotland; and in January, 1920, he returned
to Sacramento. Then, on March 1, 1920. Mr. Elliott
768
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
took into partnership E. P. Huston, and the firm
since that date has been Elhott & Huston. While
in the government service — when his business was
successfully and faithfully conducted by trusted em-
ployees, in his absence — Mr. Elliott was commissioned
captain.
On April 17, 1907, and at Sacramento, Mr. Elliott
was married to Miss Rita Ward, who was born near
Rosevillc. a daughter of Robert and May Ward, who
crossed the great plains by oxen in 1849, locating on
the old Auburn road, four miles south of Roseville.
Mrs. Ward is still living, the center of a circle of
devoted friends; but Mr. Ward is dead, having in his
time more than made good as a sturdy pioneer. Mr.
Elliott belongs to the Sacramento Parlor of the Na-
tive Sons of the Golden West, and to the Elks. In
politics he is a Republican.
FRANK Z. AHL. — A very enterprising industrial
establishment which has helped to extend the fame
of Sacramento is that of Frank Z. Ahl, known as
the Sacramento Cornice Works. Mr. Ahl, who was
born in Sweden in 1879, came to Sacramento in 1903,
the son of A. and G. Ahl. He had been educated in
Sweden, and had learned his trade there; and when
only twenty-one he came to the United States.
On reaching Sacramento, Frank Z. Ahl labored as
a shect-mctal worker for seven years. Then he be-
came a partner in the firm of Ahl and McLoughlin,
with headquarters on J Street. In 1916 this partner-
ship was dissolved, and Mr. Ahl reestablished the
business in his own name, in his own two-story build-
ing, on Twenty-first, between P and Q Streets. He
has been successful from the start, and employs nine
men the year around; and among the fine jobs exe-
cuted by him may be mentioned the sheet-metal work
on the Y. M. C. A. building and the city jail and
Weimar Hospital. The list of fine residences and
imposing business structures put up in part by Mr.
Ahl would be indeed an extended one.
In 1905, Mr. Ahl was married to Miss Anna Zack-
rison, of Sacramento, a talented lady having many
admiring friends; and one daughter, Elva. has been
born of this fortunate union. Mr. Ahl is a thirty-
second-degree Scottish Rite Mason, and he also be-
longs to the Knight Templars and the Shriners. He
is affiliated with the Odd Fellows Encampment. He
is fond of outdoor life and especially fishing.
MARCO LUCICH.— A leader among those to
whom Sacramento owes much for its excellent cater-
ing is Marco Lucich, the genial and popular proprietor
of the Young American Restaurant, at 1026 Fourth
Street, Sacramento. He was born in Jugo-Slavia, on
September 8, 1878, and in 1894, or at the age of six-
teen, he came to America. He could not speak a
word of English when he reached Denver, Colo., and
the first work he was able to secure was the washing
of dishes in a restaurant. He then became a waiter,
and finally a cook.
In 1906, he came to Sacramento, remaining for a
short time, and then he went to San Francisco after
the big fire. In the autumn of the same year he
opened a restaurant at the corner of Second and
Townsend Streets. He sold out, and in 1908 came
back to Sacramento. On June 15 of that year he
opened the Young American Restaurant, and on the
15th of June, 1923, he celebrated his fifteenth busi-
ness anniversary here.
While in Colorado, in 1902, Mr. Lucich was married
to Miss Katie German, a native of Austria, by whom
he has had a family of five children, bearing the names
of Vincent, Mary, Lucile, Marco, Jr., and Paul. Mr.
Lucich has always been public-spirited and ever ready
to help along movements of benefit to the commun-
ity. Starting with a very small capital, he not only
owns his own home, but valuable real estate in Sacra-
mento, including an apartment house on O Street;
he has great faith in the future of the capital city,
as is evidenced by the fact that he has invested his
earnings right here.
WILLIAM ALBERT HOSKING.— Among the
well-known and popular business men of Sacra-
mento is William Albert Hosking, the owner and
general manager of the Peerless Ice Company,
among the foremost establishments in this line in
the capital city. He is one of California's native
sons, born at Whiterock, Eldorado County, May 13,
1882, a son of John GriiSth and Anna J. (Hopkins)
Hosking. John Grifiith Hosking came West and
settled in the state of Nevada in an early day. Anna
J. Hopkins was born in Iowa, and was married to
John Griffith Hosking at Virginia City, Nev. In
1891 John G. Hosking located in Sacramento, and
there engaged in the wholesale and retail fish busi-
ness at the corner of Ninth and P Streets. The
father is deceased, but the mother is still living in
Sacramento.
William Albert Hosking began his education in
the public schools of Sacramento, and finished with
a business course at Heald's Business College in
San Francisco. After finishing school, he entered
his father's store, Ninth and P Streets, in the city
of Sacramento, where he remained until he decided
to try railroading, and entered the employ of the
Southern Pacific Railroad "Company. After six
years with this company he took a trip to Alaska
and was engaged in mining for seven years. Thrifty
and industrious, he had now acquired the means to
embark in business for himself, which he believed
would yield him greater financial returns, and in
1909 he established the Peerless Ice Cream Com-
pany at 921 K Street. In 1919 he started to build
his new ice cream plant, located at 1115 G Street,
which was finished the following year. He now has
twenty-five delivery trucks and employ's thirty-seven
people to care for the steadily increasing business.
His product goes south to Lodi and Calaveras County,
west to Calistoga, and north as far as Weed.
The marriage of Mr. Hosking united him with
Miss Teckla Marie Erickson, a native daughter of
Ophir, Cal., and they are the parents of one son,
John Griffith. Being of a social and genial nature,
Mr. Hosking is popular with people in all walks of
life; and he is highly respected and esteemed for his
high qualities of character which are manifest in his
social and business relations. He is connected with
the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Native Sons
of the Golden West; and he is a member of the
Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and the
Del Paso Country Club, being one of the organizers
and a life member of the latter organization. Dur-
ing the World War, Mr. Hosking was active in all
the drives of his communitv.
^.^^.-J^
HISTORY OF SACRAAIENTO COUNTY
77Z
EUGENE HOUGH FRYE.— A very enterprising
citizen who is a native son of California is Eugene
Hough Frye, who was born on the old William H.
Frye ranch south of Franklin January 1, 1861. His
father, William H. Frye, was a native of Kentucky,
born near Frankfort, whose parents had emigrated
from Virginia to Kentucky in early da}'S and after-
wards moved to Louisiana, Mo., when William H.
Frye was twelve years of age; and there he grew up
and resided until he learned of the discovery of gold
in California. He immediately joined the band of
argonauts and in 1849 crossed the plains in an ox-
team train. The first two years he followed mining
at Salmon Falls on the American River; and in 1852.
having bought a squatters' title, he located on a farm
just south of Franklin, engaged in farming, and later
purchased more land and had 640 acres in a body. He
did general farming, raising fruits, grain, horses and
cattle. After a very long, active and useful life he
passed away January 2, 1906, aged nearly ninety-three
years. The mother of our subject was Sarah (San-
ford) Frye, born in New York State. She crossed
the plains in 1852 with her first husband, Charles
Hough, who died soon after their arrival in Sacra-
mento, without issue. By her union with Mr. Frye
she had five children, four of whom grew up. James
died in infancy. Edward is a rancher four miles north
of Franklin. Charles T. is with the Pure Milk Dis-
tributors in Sacramento. Eugene is the subject of
this review, and J. Henry is associated with Eugene
in their farming enterprise.
Eugene Frye received a good education in the pub-
lic schools. From a boy he assisted his father on the
ranch and early in life learned to handle the ten-horse
teams used in the grain fields, driving the header and
later the combined harvester and thresher, using
twenty-six horses for motive power. His father
divided his holdings between his sons and Eugene
came into possession of 240 acres, a part of the home
ranch, which is devoted to vineyard, alfalfa and grain.
He and his brother, J. Henry, operate their ranches
in partnership, the places being well improved with
pumping plants and the latest machinery, using both
tractors and horses for motive power. The latter was
born on the home place September 28, 1863, where
he has spent his entire life, during which time he has
been a partner of his brother. He gave the right of
way to the Western Pacific Railroad.
Henry Frye was married in Franklin in 1892 to
Miss Minnie Peak, who was born in Missouri, where
she grew to womanhood, after which she came to
Sacramento. He is a member of the Modern Wood-
men of America and she of the Royal Neighbors.
Eugene Frye was one of the organizers of the Elk
Grove Cooperative Vineyard Association in 1909.
They built the winery at Elk Grove with a capacity
of 500,000 gallons. Mr. Frye has been active in di-
recting its affairs, serving as president and manager.
Since the adoption of the eighteenth amendment the
farmers are shipping their grapes. He is a member
of the board of directors of the California Grape
Growers' Exchange, having their headquarters in
San Francisco. He has taken an active part in the
county farm bureau, serving as secretary of the
Franklin Local. As a son of a forty-niner Mr. Frye
is interested in preserving early history and pioneer
landmarks, and so we find him a member of Elk
Grove Parlor No. 41, Native Sons of the Golden
West.
LEON R. MILLER.— The flourishing celery indus-
trj" of California owes much of its increasing im-
portance to such progressive agriculturists as Leon R.
Miller, who owns ninety-five acres of very choice
celerj' land on Lower Andrus Island, below Isleton.
He was born near Winnemucca, Nev., on November
21, 1872, the son of Lafayette and Ellen (Richards)
Miller, the former a native of Texas, and a school
teacher, and the latter a native of Wisconsin. She was
brought to California, a babe in arms, in 1852, by her
father, John Richards, who was lured to the Coast
on account of the hope for gold. John Richards came
from Cornwall, England, to Shullsburg, Wis., where
he engaged in lead-mining. On learning of the dis-
covery of gold in California, he crossed the plains in
an ox-team train in 1849, and followed mining until
1852, when he returned to Wisconsin for his wife and
little child, and brought them across the plains. He
owned the old Potosi mine near Plymouth. Later he
located on the Cosumnes, where he became a large
landowner in the Sheldon district, and there he spent
his remaining days. Lafayette Miller also came to
California in early days, and then went to Nevada;
and there for a short time he engaged in raising and
selling cattle. He then returned to Amador County
and taught school at Volcano for a number of years,
and from 1879 to 1882 he was county school superin-
tendent of schools for Amador County. He also
taught the last year of his life in the Slough House
district, Sacramento County. He died at the age of
sixty-six j'ears, while Mrs. Miller attained her sixty-
eighth 3'ear. They had four children, Leon being the
eldest. Evelyn was Mrs. Dart, and died at Florin;
Emma J., who was Mrs. Rust of Sacramento, is now
deceased, as is also Lafayette, Jr.
Leon R. Miller attended the local grammar school
and Elk Grove High- School, and later went to the
business college at Sacramento, where he was gradu-
ated; and when twenty-one years of age. he started
out for himself. He served as assistant secretary, and
as secretary, of the State Agricultural Societjr for
thirteen years, and then put in seven years in the city
auditor's and collector's office at Sacramento. In 1918
he bought ninety-five acres, half of the old Donnelh-
ranch on Lower Andrus Island; and here he has since
resided, operating the ranch for the growing of celery
and truck vegetables. He is a Republican in politics;
and as a trustee of the Isleton union district school
he has done something for the elevation of public
ideals.
Mr. Miller was married at Sacramento on January
1, 1901, to Miss Blanche A. Gilliam, a popular belle
of Sacramento, born near Franklin, and the daughter
of Thomas and Accneth (Stephenson) Gilliam, born
in Chillecothe County, Mo., where they were mar-
ried. During the Civil War their farm was devastated
by the army, and their home was burned, and they lost
all they had. Soon after the war they came to Cali-
fornia. Here they met with success on their ranch
near Franklin; and on this farm Mrs. Miller was born.
Mrs. Gilliam was married a second time, becoming
the wife of George Bailey, a farmer in the Sheldon
district, and there the children were reared. By the
first union there were five children, the two eldest
having been born in Missouri. Arzela is Mrs. F. W.
Bond, of Elk Grove; Susie has become Mrs. Buell, of
Lodi; N. J. Gilliam lives at Sacramento; Archie is in
Franklin; and Blanche is now Mrs. Miller. By the
second marriage there was one child, Jas. O. Bailey,
774
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
of Isleton. Mrs. Miller attended the Reese school.
She is the mother of three children. Ruth is Mrs. R.
P. Everly. of Lower Andrus Island; and the others are
Leon Harry and Alma Marie. Mr. Miller is a char-
ter member of Oak Park Aerie of the Eagles, in
Sacramento. Mrs. Miller was active in the organiza-
tion of the Parent-Teacher's Association, and as presi-
dent she presides gracefully over their meetings.
ERNEST M. KIMBERLIN. — A successful, rep-
resentative Californian, whom the citizens of Sac-
ramento have come to esteem and also to admire, is
Ernest M. Kimberlin, the popular manager of the
Owl Drug Company, well known, as is his enterpris-
ing establishment, throughout and beyond Sacra-
mento County. On May 8, 1882, at Selma, in Fresno
County, he entered the family of Olin B. and Mary
D. (Bassham) Kimberlin, the grandson of J. M.
Kimberlin, who had come across the great plains to
California as early as 1845, and had become one of
the pioneer seed men in this section, and also one
of the first presidents of the University of the Pacific,
filling that office with distinction for several years.
He was a scholarly man, and was eminent as a lin-
guist. His father was a grain farmer in Kern County,
at one time, and he bought and sold cattle. He was
a native son, having been born in Santa Clara County.
Mrs. Kimberlin was also born in California, the
daughter of Senator Bassham, one of the first mer-
chants in San Jose, and the first senator from Santa
Clara; in earh' days, a man actively interested in
mines.
Ernest Kimberlin went to the lower grades of the
public school in Santa Clara, and pursued the high
school courses under private tutors. He followea
his father in raising grain, and then he was in the
oil business for two years on the property of the
family. Next he entered Heald's Business College,
and then he was with the Kern County Land Com-
pany. Next he traveled with his grandfather, hand-
ling seed. On his return, he finished his high school
work, and then he learned the drug business, as an
apprentice, in Selma. Then he entered the Univer-
sity of California, from which he was graduated with
the class of 1905, receiving the degree of pharma-
ceutical chemist.
After that, Mr. Kimberlin bought a business at
Kingsburg, in Fresno County, in 1910, and' while in
that town was elected and served as the first city
clerk, helped to form a charter, and became one of
the board of directors. He was also the first director
of the Union high school. Selling out his drug store,
he removed to Berkeley, where for eight years he
was the manager of the drug-store of Messrs. Powell
& Ellis. His increasing reputation as a man of expe-
rience in his field led to his associating himself with
the Owl Drug Company; and on July 7, 1920, he took
charge of the Sacramento store; and since then he
has had the real satisfaction of much increasing the
volume of the company's business. He is a member
of the Chamber of Commerce, the Retail Merchants'
Association, and also a director in the Ad Club.
At Cupertino, Santa Clara County, in 1907, Mr.
Kimberlin was married to Eldora P. Freeman, of
Santa Clara, a graduate of the high school of that
tov.n. and also of the Stanford LIniversity, which con-
ferred upon her the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Two
children have been born of this union, Dorothy E.
and Olin E. Kimberlin. Mr. Kimberlin has been
active in the Masonic order since becoming a Mason,
and is a past master. He is a director of the Y. M. C.
A., and also of the Boy Scouts, and he belongs to
the Lions Club.
FRANK E. LAUPPE.— A man well-versed as to
the many and difficult problems of particular interest
to the motorist, and how best to clear away the diffi-
culties, or to open up new and better paths, is Frank
E. Lauppe, the automobile dealer of 1321 K Street,
Sacramento. The son of J. D. and Jeanette (Shelley)
Lauppe, he was born on a farm near Sacramento, in
the same district in which his father first saw the
light. Mr. Lauppe's grandfather was a forty-niner.
His father was one of the earliest to enter the auto-
mobile field; he is now retired, enjoying life with his
devoted wife, who was born in Nevada County, and
has always been the center of a circle of appreciative
friends.
Frank Lauppe attended both the grammar and the
high schools of Sacramento, and then joined his
father in the automobile business, thus entering one of
the earliest automobile firms established here. When
J. D. Lauppe withdrew from active participation in
the business, the son bought out his interest; and he
has continued to develop the trade along the lines
laid down by the honored pioneer, adding many new
features of his own. He handles the Nash cars, and
his territory includes ten counties; he employs some
fifty people, and has one of the largest plants of the
kind in the city, covering three floors, and housing a
splendid equipment of the most modern appliances for
rapid and thoroughly first-class work. Every depart-
ment of the automobile industry is represented there,
and what the F. E. Lauppe establishment cannot un-
dertake, is not worth the trying. Mr. Lauppe belongs
to the Chamber of Commerce and the Sacramento
Automobile Association, and is one of the thousand
automobile men in the United States found worthy of
being accepted as a member by the National Auto-
mobile Dealers' Association; and in each of these or-
ganizations he seeks to do what he can in the cause
of general progress. Mr. Lauppe also owns consider-
able real estate in and about the city of Sacramento,
and is a director in several of its largest business en-
terprises. He was one of the principal men concerned
in the organization of the Certified Public Motor Car
Market in Sacramento, which disposes of all used
cars for the public on a non-profit basis, thus filling
a long-felt want in the automobile world. He is one
of its directors and devotes considerable time towards
making a success of the enterprise.
Mr. Lauppe has had many years of experience in
the automobile trade, and has been very successful;
and he is one of the few automobile dealers financially
able personally to carry 100 per cent of his time-pay-
ment contracts.
The marriage of Frank E. Lauppe and Miss Neva
Shore, a popular belle of Sacramento, took place at
Sacramento in 1915, and has proven one of exceptional
happiness. Two children have blessed the union, a
daughter named Jule Marie, and a son named Norman
Shore. Mr. Lauppe is a Master Mason and a mem-
ber of the Royal Arch Chapter; and he also belongs
to the Elks, the Sutter Club, and the Del Paso Coun-
try Club. He is fond of hunting and fishing; but he
also likes a quiet hour at good reading, and is inter-
ested in the history of Sacramento County as the
record of a section bound to be the richest and most,
attractive agricultural area in the Golden State.
HISTORY OF SACRA^IENTO COUNTY
779
OSCAR F. BROWN.— What progress has been
made by the moderns in the most practical and
economical methods of moving honses, is well illus-
trated by Messrs. Brown & Fredricksen, the popular
house-movers of 2108 I Street, Sacramento, so well
represented by the senior member, Oscar F. Brown.
He was born in San Jose, on August 25, 1879, the son
of Cornelius and Josephine (Crowley) Brown, and
often heard his father tell how he came to California
about 1870, and how Grandfather Peter Crowley had
come to San Francisco with his wife, in the gold-
rush days, landing here after a voyage of six months.
Cornelius Brown was a house-mover of early days,
and he built all the early bridges in Santa Clara
County. He is now dead, but his excellent record
for honest and efficient work survives him. Mrs.
Brown is living, and the center of a flattering circle
of devoted friends.
Oscar F. Brown went to the public schools of San
Jose, and then studied at St. Joseph's College; and
since then he has been continuously engaged in busi-
ness, for a while having been with his father. In
1918, at Vallejo, he formed the partnership with Mr.
Fredricksen, and the latter has charge there, while
our subject is in charge here. As a sample of the
kind of work they undertake and do, it may be men-
tioned that they moved eight large buildings one mile
for the United States government, at a cost of $24,000
to the authorities. This branch was opened in April,
1922, and is well established.
Mr. Brown married Miss Emily Nolan, a native
daughter of San Francisco, and their one child is
named Leona. He is a Republican in politics, a
Moose in fraternal circles, and a devotee of both
hunting and fishing.
JOHN HENRY ARNOLD.— The remarkable de-
velopment of the automobile industry in Sacramento
owes much to the experience, the foresight and the
broad-minded enterprise of such optimistic and level-
headed leaders as John Henry Arnold, the president
of Arnold Bros., the popular dealers in motor-cars,
with their attractive headquarters at 1300 K Street.
He was born at Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1875, and his par-
ents were Thomas and Martha (Wickman) Arnold.
They believed in a good training such as the public
schools afford, and encouraged the lad to get a broad
and practical education.
Coming early to California, with his parents, John
Henry Arnold lived for a while in Nevada, where his
father operated in the mines; and this may have had
something to do with his fortunate choice of the
machinist's trade, which he mastered, and at which
he worked for years, in the service of the Southern
Pacific Railroad. Then he embarked in the livery
business in Sacramento, and this was a very natural
step into the automobile field, with which he identi-
fied himself in 1906. He is now in partnership with
two of his brothers, H. D. and A. G. Arnold, and the
latter is foreman in charge of the shop.
Aside from an enviable reputation for expert re-
pair work, Mr. Arnold and his brothers have come
to be known widely for their thoroughly dependable
method in the sale of cars. They handle the Hudson
and the Essex, and have for their territory besides
Sacramento County, part of Sutter and Yolo, and all
of Placer and Eldorado counties. They employ
thirty-five men, and even with this rather largo force
of expert salesmen and mechanics, they are hardly
able to cope with the increasing demands upon them.
Arnold Brothers are the oldest dealers in automobiles
in Sacramento County; and they belong to the Sac-
ramento Chamber of Commerce and the Exchange
Club, and in both of these excellent organizations
find pleasure in making their influence felt in favor
of trade growth and stability.
At Sacramento, Mr. Arnold married Aliss Bessie
Bath, of Sacramento; and their union has been
blessed with the birth of two children, Raymond and
Gladys. Mr. Arnold is a Scottish Rite Alason and
also belongs to the Elks. Mrs. Arnold shares with
her husband his patriotism and public-spiritedness,
and both are often found actively engaged in various
movements for uplift and advancement of social con-
ditions.
H. F. GOODRICH.— A thoroughly experienced
automobile man, widely recognized as a leader in the
motor industry in California is H. F. Goodrich, senior
member of the firm of Goodrich & Ballard, of Seventh
and M Streets, Sacramento. He is a native of Michi-
gan, which has contributed so many men and women
of action and worth for the development of California,
having been born at Marshall, Colhoun County, on
April 25, 1883, the son of Bred and Louise (Kapser)
Goodrich, both of whom are still living, after busy,
useful lives.
H. F. Goodrich attended the public schools, and
then went to Clearj' Business College, Ypsilanti, from
which he graduated; and after that, for four years, he
was employed in the purchasing agent's department
at Detroit for the Michigan Central Railway. He
next went into the service of the great Ford organiza-
tion in Detroit, and served in the purchasing, manu-
facturing and producing departments for four years;
and then, coming out to Los Angeles in 1911, when
the Ford Motor Companj- opened their branch in that
city, he continued with the company there as sales-
man for another four j'ears. Since August, 1916, Mr.
Goodrich has been established as a dealer in Sacra-
mento, at first under the firm name of Goodrich,
Ballard & Rouse. Later, Mr. Rouse's interest was
taken over and the business was continued as Good-
rich & Ballard. Thoroughly familiar with every detail
in the automobile field, the firm of Goodrich & Ballard
have a growing business. They handle Fords and
Fordson tractors, and are among the largest dealers
in Ford cars in northern California. They are mem-
bers of the Motor Car Dealers' Association, the Na-
tional Automobile Dealers' Association, and the Auto-
mobile Club of Northern California.
Air. Goodrich's marriage occurred in Sacramento,
uniting him with Miss Mavis Scott, a native daughter
of Sacramento and a representative of one of the old
families. Mr. Goodrich belongs to the Chamber of
Commerce and also to the Sutter Club, and is a sub-
stantial pillar in the historic Republican party. He is
a Knight Templar Mason and a charter member of
Ben Ali Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Sacramento, and
is an active member of the Patrol Drill Team of the
Shrine. He is also a member of the Sciots and the
Grotto, while Mrs. Goodrich is a member of the
Eastern Star. He also belongs to Sacramento Lodge
No. 6, B. P.O. Elks; and being fond of outdoor hfe,
is an active member of the Del Paso Country Club.
780
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CHARLES S. CHALMERS.— A worthy repre-
sentative of the ranching industry in Sacramento
County is Charles S. Chalmers, who was born at
Chatham, Ontario, Canada, February 28, 1867. He
was the next to the youngest in a family of five boys
and three girls born to Peter S. and Catherine
Chalmers. The former was born in Scotland and
came to Ontario as a young man, and there he
was married, after which he followed farming. His
wife passed away in 1870. In 1883 Peter S. Chal-
mers brought his family to Sacramento, where he
entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad
Companj'. He soon became watchman of their
American River bridge, a position he filled so well
he retained the place. After eighteen years he re-
signed his place and retired, spending his last days
in Woodland. He died at the advanced age of eighty-
nine years.
Charles S. Chalmers is the next to the youngest of
their eight children. He attended the public school
in Ontario and in 1883 came to Sacramento, where
he completed his education in the public schools of
the city. Meantime during vacations he worked on
the farm. After his school days were over he was
emplo}'ed on the Haggin Grant and there he learned
the raising and curing of hops. In 1893 he leased
Dr. Caples' hop ranch of 100 acres on the Cosumnes,
and some years later he leased the whole ranch of
485 acres, which he has since operated successfully.
In 1923, finding no market for hops, he quit raising
them and now devotes the ranch to beans, grain and
stock. As a hop-grower he raised some big hop
crops, often averaging two tons of dry hops to the
acre. Years of experience and study made him an
expert in the curing of hops, for he came to know
the conditions of heat, etc., that were necessary. He
built the hop-houses, kilns and furnaces and superin-
tended the drying and curing himself. His experience
in hop-culture was recognized and his advice was
sought by others. In earlier days Mr. Pabst, of Mil-
waukee, would make the trip to California each year,
visiting the ranches and purchasing the hops.
Mr. Chalmers was married in Elk Grove, being
united with Nellie Davis, a native of that place, and
a daughter of Morrow Davis. He was proprietor
of the railroad hotel, but being a tanner he removed
to Napa and was emploj'ed in Sawyer's Tannery in
that city until his death. Nellie Davis was educated
in the public schools and at Napa College. Their
union has been blessed with three children. Rollo
served in the United States Army in the 91st Divi-
sion and was sent overseas, seeing active service at
the front, and he went over the top three different
times. He is now assisting his father on the ranch.
Then there are Arthur, also assisting on the ranch,
and Mrs. Harriette Huckleborn, of Elk Grove. Mr.
Chalmers and his two sons are members of the Odd
FelloAVS Lodge in Elk Grove, and each is a past
grand, the sons also being members of the Encamp-
ment; while all the family are members of the Re-
bekahs, the wife and daughter each having served
as noble grand, and the daughter now being secretary
of the lodge. Mrs. Chalmers and her daughter are
also members of the Elk Grove Parlor, N. D. G. W.,
the latter being a past president, and both sons are
members of the Native Sons of the Golden West.
Rollo Chalmers is a member of the American Legion.
Politically, the family are Republicans.
WILLARD PRESTON ROUSE.— Another expert
in the automobile field who has enthusiastically sup-
ported every forward movement, not only in the
development of those things making for the welfare
of the motorist, but also in the advancement of the
Golden State as the greatest center of motordom, is
Willard Preston Rouse, agent for Willys-Kiiight and
Overland automobiles, whose place of business is lo-
cated at 1301 K Street, Sacramento. He first saw
light at Saline, Washtenaw County, Mich., where he
was born on January 3. 1891, the son of Preston
Rouse, who had married Miss Minnie Forbes, a
charming lady who never failed to make friends, and
who, now that she has closed her earthly career, is
pleasantly remembered by many. Preston Rouse is
still living, and is also identified with the above-
named firm.
Willard P. Rouse went to the public schools at Ann
Arbor, enjoying also the advantages of the high
school there, and then he put in a year with the
Weston Motor Company at Flint, Mich., and later a
j'ear at Adrian College. After that, he joined the Ford
Motor Company at Detroit, with whom he remained
for three years, and then he accepted a place with
the Arizona Copper Company, in Morenci, Ariz.
Later he was tendered a position with the Los Angeles
branch of the Ford Motor Company, which he ac-
cepted, and when he had satisfactorily concluded an
engagement of three j'ears there, he came to Sacra-
mento in 1916, and with his partners, H. F. Goodrich
and M. J. Ballard, also experienced Ford men, estab-
lished the concern which did so much to advance the
Ford interests in this section. As Goodrich, Ballard
& Rouse, the company made a decided success. In
November, 1922, Mr. Rouse sold his interest in the
firm; and after taking a much needed rest, during
which time he traveled extensively over the state, im-
bibing new business ideas and becoming still better
satisfied with Sacramento as a commercial center, he
purchased the local branch of the Willys-Overland
Pacific Company in the capital city. This branch
covers the retail trade for Sacramento City and
County for the above cars. Centrally located at the
corner of Thirteenth and K Streets, he occupies a
three-story brick building 80 by 160 feet, with the
most elaborate and beautiful show-rooms as well as
a well-equipped and complete repair department; and
it is the consensus of opinion that the volume of his
business in the sale of autombiles is among the largest
in the city. The cars he represents are so well-known
and so popular that they need no special recom-
mendation; and by well-directed energy Mr. Rouse has
built up one of the best automobile-merchandising or-
ganizations in this city. As a rule he has about thirty
employes on his staff, and his business bids fair to
require an early increase.
When our country entered the World War, Mr.
Rouse joined the United States Army. Enlisting in
the month of August. 1917, he trained at Camp Lewis
and served in the 363rd United States Infantry, 91st
Division, being in the first contingent sent overseas.
He took part in the St. Mihiel offensive; in the Meuse-
Argonne, where he went over the top; and then on the
Belgian front, where again, with his comrades, he went
over the top. He was in Europe twenty months, and
was still serving there when the armistice was signed.
He remained in France till Maj', 1919, when he re-
turned and was mustered out in Battle Creek, Mich.,
the same month. Then, after visiting his family, he
^
HISTORY OF SACRAAIENTO COUNTY
783
returned to Sacramento and took up civil life, again
entering his former business. He received from Con-
gress the Victory Service Medal.
At Sacramento, in the year 1919, Mr. Rouse was
married to Miss Ruth Garrison, a native daughter of
that city, and they are now the parents of a son,
Allan Preston. Mr. Rouse belongs to Sacramento
Camp, No. 61, American Legion. Fraternally, he
was made a Mason in Union Lodge, No. 58, F. &
A. M., Sacramento, and is a member of Sacramento
Lodge, No. 6, B. P. O. Elks. He is a member of the
Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, and of the Lions
Club, the Sutter Club, and the Auto Dealers' Associa-
tion of Sacramento, and is also affiliated with the
Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He is a real baseball
fan, and is fond of outdoor life and sports generally.
SAMUEL W. CROSS.— California has never been
more fortunate in her distinguished members of the
bar than through those attorneys forming the legal
fraternity in Sacramento County, prominent among
whom may well be named the Hon. Samuel William
Cross, the able and popular referee in bankruptcy, a
Tennesseean by birth, but a Californian by adop-
tion. He was born in Manchester, Cofiee County,
on April 28, 1881, entering the family of Samuel A.
Cross, a business man, and his good wife, who was
Miss Anna Blanhon before her marriage. Both of
these good people, w-ho were highly esteemed for
their traits as citizens, neighbors, friends, are now
resting from their earthly labors.
Samuel W. Cross profited by the high school as
well as the lower educational courses, and on com-
pleting his studies, he went into business and worked
for some years. He then attended the LTniversity of
Tennessee, where he studied law; and in 1910 he was
admitted to practice at the Tennessee bar. He was
next associated with the attorney general of the
state in research work, so that when he came to
California in 1912, he had profited by an unusual
experience. The same year, he came to Sacramento;
and the following year he helped to form the partner-
ship of Hughes, Bradford & Cross, made up of J. R.
Hughes, Hugh B. Bradford and S. W. Cross, in
which undertaking he has been very successful. For
two years and a half he was assistant city attorney of
the city of Sacramento. He is now and for six years
past has been Referee in Bankruptcy, U. S. District
Court. He is a Democrat, and as such is influential
in the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, always
working for the broadest creed and aim.
In 1897 Mr. Cross was married to Miss Charlotte
Allume of Georgia, a talented, patriotic lady who
was very active in all the war drives. One child,
Samuel, has blessed their union. Mr. Cross belongs
to the Elks and the Eagles; and he is also a member
of the Del Paso Country Club.
JAMES A. GIBSON.— A New Yorker who has
made good as a dairyman in the Golden State, is
James A. Gibson, of Wilton, who was born on Janu-
ary 11, 1855, in Brooklyn, across East River from the
American metropolis. His father, Alexander Gibson,
a native of the North of Ireland, married Miss Jennie
Davis, also from that country; and as a hard-working
laborer he sought to provide for a family of ten chil-
dren, two of whom are still living, James and Wil-
liam. Mr. Gibson passed away at the age of forty-
five, and his devoted wife at thirty-five, in Kane
County III., whither they had moved in 1856.
When James Gibson was eleven years old, he
started out to make his own way in the world. He
soon found that he had to work hard, commencing
on dairy ranches; and he has followed dairying more
or less ever since. He grew up in Kane County, III,
and worked on farms near Elgin, and for three years
drove a milk wagon in Chicago. In 1874 he came
West to the Pacific Coast, and on reaching California,
settled in Sacramento County; and since then he has
spent all of the intervening years within eighteen or
twenty miles of his present home at Wilton. He
purchased sixty-four and one-half acres of land
near Wilton Station, and there he has carried on
general farming, with a dairy of about twenty-five
cows. He is a Republican in matters of national
political moment, but a good non-partisan booster
for everything of paramount concern to Wilton and
Sacramento County. He is a past grand of the Odd
Fellows, and is also a member of the Knights of
Pythias Lodge at Gait. Both he and Mrs. Gibson are
members of the Rebekah Lodge.
Mr. Gibson was married for the first time at Sac-
ramento, in September, 1883, when he became the
husband of Miss May Derr. a native of Elk Grove
and the daughter of Henry Derr, w-ho was a farmer.
One son, Percy Gibson, blessed this union. In the
same city, in October, 1890, Air. Gibson was married
to Mrs. Margaret Bell, who was born in San Joaquin
County, the daughter of Patrick Gleason. He was
a pioneer merchant of Stockton; and his wife, Mrs.
Gibson's mother, died when Margaret was an infant.
Another son blessed this second marriage. Elmer C,
who assisted his father in agricultural pursuits, and
.is now foreman of a ranch at Clarksburg. He mar-
ried Miss Madge lola Hooper, a native of Humboldt
County, California, and the daughter of William and
Effie Hooper. They have one son, James.
CLINTON E. HARDER.— As a worthy represent-
ative of the bar in California. Clinton E. Harber is
one of those exceptionally gifted and preeminently
accomplished gentlemen who would do credit to
any generation, or to any community, in which they
might be placed, and who could not fail in any pro-
fession they might enter, to attain to more than
ordinary success. He is the junior member of one
of Sacramento's most prosperous law firms, and with
his honored associates, enjoys the esteem of a wide
circle of clients.
Clinton E. Harber was born at Sacramento on
February IS, 1888, the son of George Edward Har-
ber, now deceased, of Des Moines, who had married
here Miss Mary Nicolai, of Wisconsin, who is the
center of a very devoted group. Owing in part to
the intellectual life of the family circle, Clinton was
given every grammar and high school advantage;
and when he came to take up the study of legal lore,
he read the law with Messrs. White & Miller. On
July 2, 1909, he was admitted to the bar, to practice
law in California, and after that he was a clerk under
Clinton L. White, when the latter was mayor. He
joined Messrs. White, Miller and McLaughlin as a
law clerk, and when this firm was dissolved, he asso-
ciated himself with Messrs. White, Miller and Need-
ham, and helped to form the firm of White, Miller,
Needham and Harber. He has been three times on the
executive committee of the county bar association, he
also be'ongs to the state and American bar associa-
tions, and, believing in extending his professional in-
784
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
flucncc where and when most helpful in the commer-
cial world, he is a director of the Chamber of Com-
merce. He marches under the banner of the Repub-
lican party, and he is one of the best boosters for
Sacramento, city and county.
At Sacramento, on May 14, 1908, Mr. Harber was
married to Miss Minerva Bell, a daughter of Henry
Clay Bell, of Oroville, and they are now happy in
the parentage of three children, Edith, Clarice and
Margaret, all of whom are still pupils in the schools.
He has been one of the most active promoters of the
Del Paso Country Club, and is fond of fishing and
golf. Few men, indeed, enjoy a more deserved pop-
ularity, and few carry their honors so modestly and
well. Mr. Harber is a member of Concord Lodge
No. 117, F. & A. M., of Sacramento, Sacramento
Chapter No. 3, R. A. M., Sacramento Commandery
No. 2, Knight Templars, and is a charter member of
Ben Ali Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at
Sacramento.
LESTER POOL GARDINER.— An enterprising
business man, in whom the people of the community
have such confidence that the public has become the
greatest asset to him and the important commercial
concern he represents, is Lester Pool Gardiner, the
able, far-seeing manager of the popular general mer-
chandise store of the Gardiner Company at Isleton,
where he w-as born, on October 3, 1891. He is a son
of Philip Hogate and Ida (Pool) Gardiner, whose
stimulating life-story is elsewhere sketched in this
historical work.
Lester Pool Gardiner attended the grammar school
at Isleton and the Sacramento high school. When he
had finished his formal schooling, he identified him-
self with the Gardiner Company of Isleton, and its
numerous interests there. He was among the first
to respond to his country's need, when the World
War involved the United States, and in August, 1917,
he entered the American Army, and was sent to
Camp Lewis, where he was placed in the 364th Am-
bulance Corps. He trained there until July, 1918,
and then went overseas to France with the 91st Di-
vision, via New York, Southampton and Cherbourg.
He served as a private in this contingent until May,
1919, and was then honorably discharged, upon his
return to the United States. He took part in the
Meuse-Argonne offensive, and the Lys-Scheldt offen-
sive in Belgium.
Since coming back to Isleton, Mr. Gardiner has
been manager of the General Merchandise Store of
the Gardiner Company, and he also looks after the
town properties of the estate. He is a director in the
Bank of Isleton, and politically he is a Republican.
Mr. Gardiner was married at San Francisco, on
July 10, 1913. to Aliss Esther Alice Beckman, a na-
tive of Sacramento, and their fortunate union has
been blessed with the birth of two sons, Lester Pool,
Jr., and John Wilbur. Mr. Gardiner is a member of
Franklin Lodge No. 143, F. & A. M., at Courtland,
and is a past master; and he is also a thirty-second
degree Scottish Rite Mason and a charter member of
Ben Ali Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., in Sacramento,
and with his wife is a member of Onisbo Chapter
O. E. S., at Courtland. Mrs. Gardiner is a member
and past noble grand in Hogate Rebekah Lodge at
Isleton. Mr. Gardiner has been a director in the
Isleton Chamber of Commerce since the time of its
organization.
CASPAR HAUSER.— What progress has been
made in the science of bee-keeping in California is well
illustrated by the successful operations of Caspar
Hauser, a native of Switzerland, and now one of the
best-known apiarists in Sacramento County. He was
born on July 8, 1868, when he entered the family of
Adam and Catherine Hauser, esteemed old-timers of
their native land, who lived and died there, never
having crossed the seas to see the Golden State. They
lived useful lives, and passing on, left the world the
better for having been in it.
Caspar attended the famous schools in Switzerland,
and at the age of twenty set out for the New World.
Having already mastered agricultural work, he found
no difficulty, when he reached Sacramento, in securing
employment, although for some years he found hotel
work more remunerative. Thereafter, for some time,
he was in the fish business; but in 1901 he took up
bee-keeping, starting with six colonies, and gradually
increasing his stock, so that now, with the aid of his
two sons, he is looking after some 1,700 colonies. In
1913 the father and sons produced forty tons of honey,
and todaj' they are members of the Honey Exchange.
They produce almost e.xclusively comb honey, and of
late have sold their output entirely in the Valley. Mr.
Hauser is a vice-president of the State Bee-Keepers'
Association. In politics, he is a Socialist.
In 1894, Mr. Hauser was married to Miss Christina
Walter, who also, as a girl, came from( the old coun-
try; and their union has been blessed with five child-
ren: Fred C, George W., Henry L., Bernard W., and
Christina A. Hauser. Mr. Hauser is a home man; but
he finds enjoyment in participating in the social gath-
erings of the Knights of Pythias, with whom he is
affiliated. Fred C. Hauser was in the naval aviation
corps, in France, during the World War; and George
W. was in the naval camp, but did not succeed in get-
ting into action, across the seas.
THOMAS EDWARD COYLE.— It is fortunate
for California, considering the important part played
in her history by the pioneering railroads, that such a
man as Thomas Edv\'ard Coyle, widely known as the
progressive superintendent of the Western division of
the Western Pacific Railroad, is actively identified
with the development of the great Pacific common-
w-ealth. He was born at Port Allegany, Pa., on
October 17, 1875, the son of Owen Richard and
Mary (Kelly) Coyle, worthy settlers who were na-
tives of the staid old Keystone State. Mr. Coyle
has been gathered to his fathers, having rounded out
a very useful and an honorable career; and Mrs.
Coyle continued to live at Tacoma, Wash., the object
of tender devotion on the part of a devoted circle of
friends, passing aw'ay there in 1922, at the age of
seventy-three.
Thomas Edward Coyle was fortunate in attending
both the grammar and the high school, and then he
went to work on the railroad as a telegraph operator,
and then as a station agent. In time, he was promoted
to be train despatcher, and then he was made chief
despatcher, and next he became assistant superintend-
ent on the Northern Pacific Railroad; and from the
Northern Pacific he came to the western division of
the Western Pacific. In 1920, he was appointed super-
intendent, with headquarters at Sacramento.
Mr. Coyle is a typical railroad man, and as such
takes a very live interest in both the historic past and
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
787
the promising future of Sacramento, and never neg-
lects an opportunity to cooperate in the building up
of both town and county. He belongs to the Pro-
gressive Business Men's Club and also to the
Y. M. C. A. Under the banners of the Republican
party, but with broad sympathies for non-partisan
movements for local aims, he seeks to support the
best men and the best measures.
On May 22, 1898, at Ellensburg, Wash., Mr. Coyle
was married to Miss Alice Cunningham, a native
daughter of San Francisco, who shares with him the
social life of the Masonic and Elks orders, to which
he belongs.
EDWARD PARRAMORE HUSTON.— A repre-
sentative business man of Sacramento, well and favor-
ably known in commercial circles far beyond the
confines of city and county, is Edward Parramore
Huston, of the popular firm of Elliott & Huston,
dealers in real estate and insurance. He was born at
Knight's Landing, on March 14, 1873, the son of
Walter S. and Sarah (Laugenour) Huston, of North
Carolina, while Mr. Huston came from Missouri. He
reached California, after crossing the great plains, in
December, 1849, traveling by the Santa Fe trail, and
then he journeyed by means of the steamer "Sena-
tor," from San Francisco to Sacramento. He mined
for a while, and Ihen settled in Yo'o County, in
1850; and taking up farming, he also engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits at Knight's Landing. In 1878, he
came to Woodland, in Yolo County; and held various
offices of public trust in Woodland and Yolo County,
and died there in 1893, leaving behind him an excel-
lent record. Mrs. Huston is still active, and enjoying
life to the full. Among their children, W. S. Huston
is in the stationery business at Woodland; and Ar-
thur C. and H. L. Huston are attorneys; while Ber-
tha L. Huston has become the wife of J. L. Hare, an
attorney of Woodland.
Edward P. Fluston got such schooling as he could
in a youth busy enough with the problems of prema-
ture earning, and then he went to the Hesperian Col-
lege, in connection with the Christian Church, and
to the Woodland Business College. His first position
when he was ready to do something was with Ed.
E. Leake, on the Woodland "Democrat," which he
held until 1896, and after that he engaged in the
general insurance business in Woodland, and met
with success, and was also secretary of the Wood-
land Chamber of Commerce for several years, and
served as city trustee for five 3fears. In 1905, he took
up life insurance as a specialty, and accepted the
managership of the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance
Company for northern California, and came to Sac-
ramento; and in 1906, he resigned, and joined G. S.
Turner, in the real estate business, and was after-
wards with the J. G. Carly Company, retiring from
their service only in 1920, when he purchased a half-
interest in the firm of Elliott & Huston, and became
a partner of Arthur W. Elliott.
In 1895, Mr. Huston was married to Miss Vena A.
Joslyn, of Woodland, born in Vermont, who came to
California as a girl, the daughter of Henry S. and
Althera L. Joslyn. Two children have blessed this
union. Arloa J., the eldest, is married and has be-
come Mrs. Marion L. Daviess, and they have a daugh-
ter, Jeanette A.; and Elizabeth is at home. Mr.
Huston belongs to the Masons, the Knight Templars,
and the Shriners.
CORNING DE SAULES.— An efficient, success-
ful and influential citizen, whose wide experience and
especial adaptability to the peculiar demands of his
responsible position have benefited the commercial
and financial life of this state, is Corning de Saules,
who was born oii October 28, 1880, at Washington,
D. C, the son of Julius Edward and Cora Hamilton
(Corning) de Saules. The father, a professional man,
is residing with his beloved wife in Sacramento.
Corning de Saules was educated in the public
schools, although he obtained the greater part of his
knowledge through private study of accounting and
in the practical school of experience. His first posi-
tion was as a ledger clerk in the Chesapeake & Poto-
mac Telephone Company. Through his keenness and
ability, he worked to the position of voucher clerk.
From 1902 to 1904 he was employed in the offices of
Geary Brown & Company, certified public account-
ants in New York City, then for one year he was the
auditor of the National Correspondence Schools, at
Washington, D. C. While serving this concern he
gleaned much information which proved of untold
value during his later life. He engaged in the prac-
tice of public accounting in Washington and practiced
for two and one-half years. In 1908 he was em-
ployed by the United States Department of Justice,
as a special agent, continuing until his resignation in
1909, when he came to California. On his arrival in
the Golden State he was employed by the Pacific
Telephone and Telegraph Company as an assistant to
the auditor. In 1911 he resigned and became asso-
ciated with Herbert M. Brace, a certified public ac-
countant in San Francisco. In 1912 he became an
accountant on the Board of Control for the State of
California and soon worked up to the position of
assistant superintendent of accounts and in 1917 was
appointed superintendent of accounts. On January 5,
1923, he was appointed city controller of Sacramento.
Corning de Saules was united in marriage to Imo-
gene Violet Belshaw, a native daughter of Antioch,
Cal., in 1911. They are the parents of three children:
Jeannette Elizabeth, Corinne B. and Margaret Eliza-
beth. Politically, Mr. de Saules adheres to the Re-
publican party. He is a member of the Chamber of
Commerce and of the Exchange Club. Mr. de Saules
has won the respect and good-will of all his associ-
ates, and many years of activity for the public good
have established his name among the high-minded,
dependable, and successful men of California.
LUPPE BARNES LUPPEN.— A highly-trained,
widely-experienced and aggressively progressive busi-
ness man is Luppe Barnes Luppen, senior member
and president of the firm of Luppen & Hawley, at
906 Seventh Street, Sacramento. He was born at
Pekin, I'l., on July 5, 1883, the son of Conrad and
Alice Rosella (Barnes) Luppen, worthy parents still
living in Sacramento. They were decidedly in favor
of the best educational advantages, and so sent their
son, Luppe, to both the grammar and the high
schools at Pekin, after which he passed three years
in Europe, taking special work there in noted schools.
When he returned to America, he matriculated at
the University of Minnesota; and after a year, he
shifted to Cornell University, where he finished the
junior year. Whi'e there, he was a member of the
Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
His strong bent for practical work led Mr. Luppen
to come West to Chicago and join the staff of the
Western Electric Company, engaged in outside con-
788
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
struction work; and he had charge of various under-
takings for them. Coming on to the Pacific Coast,
Mr. Luppen engaged with Messrs. C. C. Moore &
Company, of San Francisco, for the erection of two
cyanide plants at Millers, in Esmerelda County, Nev.,
a responsible assignment engaging him for a year
and a half; and he established a reputation for ability
in the operation of power plants and general outside
work. He next entered the employ of the Pacific
Improvement Company, and then he was with the
consulting engineer of the Palace Hotel work, at
San Francisco, and after that with the state depart-
ment of engineering, doing mechanical drafting for
state buildings.
Returning to San Francisco, Mr. Luppen was with
Mr. Tharp, city architect of the city of San Fran-
cisco, and was appointed mechanical engineer in the
Bureau of Architecture, at San Francisco, doing city
work, and during that period they erected in particu-
lar the Hall of Justice in the bay city. Resigning,
he was appointed by Mr. N. Ellery, state mechanical
engineer, and worked on state institutions; and when
he resigned from that post, he joined Frank C. Kel-
sey, the consulting engineer of Portland, Ore., and
worked on the Kittitass Reclamation service at El-
lensburg. Wash. In 1912, he was again appointed
mechanical engineer of the state of California, under
Hiram Johnson; and in 1918 he was appointed chief
engineer of the state, and had charge of all state
buildings, involving new construction to the amount
of one and one-half millions, and extensions to the
amount of three and one-half millions.
Resigning again, Mr. Luppen set about estab'ishing
a business for himself; and in the first year he had
all the heating and ventilating contracts for the
Fresno high school group, and also for the Hanford
high school, and he did much school work all over
the state. He still does consulting work for the
state; and he has been instrumental in laying out the
water-supply system of the Del Paso Club, and in
accomplishing much else for the improvement of
various localities, adding greatly to the comfort,
health, convenience and welfare of thousands of peo-
ple. As manufacturers' representatives, Messrs. Lup-
pen & Hawley carry a complete equipment for irri-
gation and water supply, including the Krogh single
and double suction centrifugal pumps, belted and
direct connected pumps, Krogh deep well turbines,
Krogh multi-stage turbines, Deming triplex and
heavy-duty pumps, Deming rotary pumps, Sampson
Hyatt bearing windmills, Vaile-Kimes pressure water
supply systems. Stover gasoline and kerosene en-
gines, motors, pump-jacks, cylinders, hand pumps,
casing and pipe; and they also carry a complete
mechanical equipment for buildings, including steam-
heating systems, hot-water systems, boiler plant in-
stallations, high-pressure and low-pressure steam
work, power plant equipment, pipe covering, refrig-
eration, vacuum cleaning, plumbing, crude oil and
distillate burners, air conditioning apparatus, tem-
perature control apparatus, sheet-packing, rod-pack-
ing, gaskets, etc.
At Sacramento, in 1910, Mr. Luppen was married to
Miss Emma Florette Hodgdon, and their happy union
has been signally blessed in the birth of four chil-
dren, Jeanne, Luppe, Peter and Florette. Mr. Lup-
pen is a Republican. He belongs to the Sacramento
Chamber' of Commerce and the Rotary Club, as well
as the Del Paso Club, and is a Royal Arch Mason.
DR. GEORGE JOYCE HALL.— P r o m i n e n t
among the distinguished members of the medical pro-
fession in northern California may be mentioned Dr.
George Joyce Hall, for several years one of the most
popular and successful practitioners at Sacramento.
He was born at Gridley, in Butte County, Cal., on
June 15, 1888, the son of W. H. and L. J. (Joyce)
Hall, the former a business man of Gridley, who
came to California about 1886 and opened a general
merchandise store, which he conducted until 1919.
In February of the following 5^ear he passed away,
highly honored by all who knew him. Mrs. Hall is
still living, the center of a circle of devoted friends.
George Joyce Hall received his elementary train-
ing in the grammar school at Gridley, and afterward
successfully pursued his high school studies, entering
Santa Clara College; and in 1908 he was granted the
Bachelor of Arts degree by that time-honored insti-
tution. He soon after matriculated at the Cooper
Medical School, and in 1912 he was the recipient of
the coveted M. D. degree. He was fortunate, during
this period of his professional preparation, to be as-
sociated with, and to study under, some of the most
eminent lights in medical science on the Coast, and
those familiar with his later work are well assured
that Dr. Hall profited by every opportunity.
For two and a half years he practiced with increas-
ing success in the bay city, and then he removed to
Siski3rou County, where he added to his laurels by
four years of advice and assistance to those there in
need of the latest and best medical attention. Next
he was in Colfax for a year, and then in January,
1920, he came to Sacramento. On July 1, 1921, he
was appointed by Mr. Seavey, city manager of Sac-
ramento, as health officer, and the arduous and re-
sponsible duties of this office he has since continued
to discharge to the satisfaction of the public gen-
erally. He belongs to the American Medical Asso-
ciation, and also to the state and county medical
societies; and he is now serving his second year as
secretary of the Sacramento County Medical Society.
Interested in all outdoor sports, he is especially fond
of hand ball. Politically, he has a preference for
Republican platforms, but he is too broad-minded
and too patriotic not to submerge partisanship when-
ever the standards of true American citizenship are
at stake.
In San Francisco, on October 10, 1912, Dr. Hall
was married to Miss H. Rita Weber, of Colusa, an
accomplished lady who shares her husband's enviable
popularity and esteem. They have two sons, William
H. and Thomas F. Hall. The Doctor belongs to
Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks, and to the
Knights of Columbus; and is also a member of Sac-
ramento Parlor No. 3, N. S. G. W. He is interested
in civic affairs and is a member of the Chamber of
Commerce and the Lions Club.
DONALD COY DALTON.— A young man en-
gaged in the work of agriculture and horticulture on
his father's ranch on the Cosumnes River is Donald
Coy Dalton, a native son born at Walsh Station,
twelve miles from Sacramento, July 30, 1897, the son
of Edward F. Dalton, who is also a native son born
on the Cosumnes River. The father is a very suc-
cessful farmer and orchardist owning large holdings
on the Cosumnes River near Slough House, which he
-^.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
793
has improved and developed until his ranch is now in
a high state of cultivation. He now makes his home
in the capital city.
The eldest in a family of five children, Donald
Coy Dalton was educated in the public schools in
Sacramento. From the Sacramento high school he
entered Heald's Business College in Sacramento,
from which he was graduated in 1918. He immedi-
ately took up ranching and has since assisted his
father in operating the ranch, which is largely devoted
to the growing of prunes and peaches. He is in-
tensely interested in horticulture and is a close stu-
dent of the care of fruit trees and the growing of
fruit and is carefully storing up knowledge and ex-
perience useful to a man engaged in orcharding. Mr.
Dalton is interested in the preservation of California
history and pioneer landmarks. He is an enthusiastic
member of Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W., and is also
a membep of Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. E.
EUGENE A. CROUCH.— A representative busi-
ness man of Xorthern California is Eugene A.
Crouch, of Messrs. Waters, Crouch & Waters, deal-
ers in real estate with offices at 620 J Street, Sacra-
mento. He was born in Winnebago County, Illinois,
on March 30, 1860, the son of Dr. W. T. and Mary
E. (Crissman) Crouch, his father having been a
physician, who enjoyed more than a local fame. He
served as a true patriot in the Civil War, doing he-
roic service as a surgeon, and it was while his father
was ofif at the front that our subject, one of twins,
was born. Dr. Crouch died at the early age of
thirty-eight; but his devoted wife survived, to breathe
her last in Sacramento, in 1921, having been tenderly
cared for by her son in her later years.
Eugene A. Crouch crossed the great plains with
his father and mother in 1866, and distinctly remem-
bers, young as he then was, many incidents of the
adventurous journe}', including more than one brush
with the hostile Indians. His parents stopped for a
while at Virginia City, but came on to Sacramento
in 1867, removing to Oakland, in 1876, in w'hich
town Eugene Crouch went to school. Having fin-
ished the high school courses, he engaged in rail-
roading at Sacramento for seven years; and after
that embarked, in 1884, or just before the big boom
in the Southland, in the real estate business; and he
is now one of the oldest in that field. He was also
deputy county auditor, and deputy county recorder,
and a school director or trustee. He resided in the
home of Mrs. E. B. Crocker for nine years, and en-
joyed enviable relations with the donor of the famous
Crocker Library and Crocker Art Gallery, a gift to
the City of Sacramento. Messrs. Waters, Crouch &
Waters sell real estate and insurance, and success-
fully developed the Elmhurst Addition of ninety
acres, near Sacramento.
In the year 1884, and at Sacramento, Mr. Crouch
was married to Miss Sophie Stevenson, the daughter
of Sophie Edwin, the California actress well-known
in the history of the California stage; and their union
has been blessed with two children, Edwina, now
Mrs. Thomas Simpson, of Burlingame, and Vera,
who has become Mrs. A. J. McNeil, of Alameda,
afifording in turn the joy of four grandchildren. Mr.
Crouch, who is a Republican, but a good non-partisan
booster for Sacramento, was the ninth exalted ruler
of the Sacramento Lodge of Elks.
MOTT PETERS.— A well-known representative
of the transportation organization so efficient in Sac-
ramento is Mott Peters, the good-natured and ever-
obliging proprietor of the Peters Draying Company,
with its busy headquarters at 217 O Street. What
he doesn't know about the possibilities of solving
this or that vexing problem in the busy life of Cali-
fornians and others resident or traveling here, isn't
worth considering; while what he does know about
conditions peculiarly Californian, and about the city
and county of Sacramento in particular, has eased
the mind and cheered the heart of many a weary and
care-worn traveler. He has become invaluable to the
district; and very naturally the town and county take
good care of him in a liberal patronage.
Mott Peters was born in Shasta County on Novem-
ber 1, 1888, the son of William Harrison and Eva
Peters, worthy folks now deceased. When he was a
lad he was sent to the well-conducted grammar school
in Marysville, and when old enough to begin work
and earn a livelihood, he took up clerking in a gro-
cery store, and followed that line of commercial ac-
tivity for ten years. In 1913 he came to Sacramento
and entered the employ of the Pacific Drayage and
Warehouse Company, continuing with them till 1918,
when he bought out George Uhl, the draj-man, and
started in a modest way to do business for himself,
opening his lines of service in October, 1918. He
knew what the public wanted, and from the start he
has made a success, now running five first-class
trucks. He was able to make his start in draying just
five years after he came to Sacramento; and with the
growth of the city and its suburbs his business has
increased in proportion.
Mr. Peters was married in Sacramento to Miss
Genevieve Miller, a native of Sacramento; and they
are the parents of a very promising child, a daughter
named June. Mr. Peters belongs to the Eagles, and
is a member of the Sacramento Chamber of Com-
merce. He and his famity are fond of the out-of-
doors, and often get out into the open and enjoy the
natural beauty for which Sacramento County is
famous.
WALLACE SHEPARD.— It is interesting to note
that the worthy representative of the federal govern-
ment in California, Wallace Shepard, the popular ex-
United States commissioner, is a native son, he hav-
ing been born at Auburn, in Placer County, on Au-
gust 28, 1895, the son of W. A. and Mattie Fan
(Hamilton) Shepard, the latter a daughter of Gen.
Joe Hamilton, whose record for gallantry is well
known. W. A. Shepard was at one time secretary to
Congressman J. E. Raker, in Washington; but being
by profession a journalist, he is in his right place as
proprietor of the wide-awake "Placer Herald," in
which he exerts an important influence in that sec-
tion for both local and state progress. Both parents
are still living, enthusiastic witnesses of the actual
growth of a commonwealth they used to confidently
dream of.
Wallace Shepard attended the grammar and the
high schools of his locality, and then went to the
George Washington University, at Washington, D.
C, from which he received, in 1915, the degree LL. B.
Continuing his post-graduate work at Columbia Uni-
versity, New York City, he received the following
year the coveted degree of LL. M. Returning to
California, he was made deputy county auditor, in
794
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Placer County, and then deputy county clerk, and
finally acting county clerk in the same county.
Enlisting, as an exemplary patriot, in the aviation
service during the World War, Mr. Shepard devoted
eighteen months to duty at Key West, in the exact-
ing division of patrol work. On coming back to
Sacramento, he joined the firm of Meredith, Landis
& Chester, attorneys, and continued there until Oc-
tober, 1919, when he was appointed United States
commissioner, which office he resigned January 1,
1923, for the purpose of devoting his entire time to
his law practice. He is a member of the American
Legion, of which he was an organizer, and is one of
the Legion's trustees. Socially, Ex-Commissioner
Shepard is as popular as with his colleagues in the
professional world; and in the Masonic order, the
Shriners, and the Elks, he has ample opportunity to
exhibit the rare qualities of his personality.
JOHN ALEXANDER GUISTO.— A native son
proud of his association with the Golden State is John
Alexander Guisto, born on Third Street near N in the
city of Sacramento, September 20, 1862, a son of
Frank and Maria (Raggo) Guisto, who were natives
of Genoa, Italy. John Alexander is the eldest
of their two children and was reared on a farm, receiv-
ing his education in the Sutterville school district, at
the same time assisting his father with the work on
the farm. When the elder Guisto purchased twelve
acres at Thirty-first and D Streets, John Alexander
engaged with him in growing asparagus, being one of
the first to grow asparagus in Sacramento. He con-
tinued in the business until he sold the land for
subdivision to the Carmichael Company in 1913.
Since then Mr. Guisto purchased seven acres at Thir-
ty-sixth and D Streets, where he raised asparagus for
some years until he planted it to a cherry and plum
orchard.
In Sacramento occurred the marriage of Mr. Guisto
with Miss Mary Ratto, a native of Eldorado County,
born in Irishtown. She was a daughter of John B.
Ratto, an early pioneer and miner in that county. He
and his estimable wife, who was in maidenhood Vir-
ginia Gabonni, now live retired in San Francisco.
Mrs. Guisto was the oldest of their five children, and
is a well educated and refined woman who presides
gracefully over her husband's home. Their union has
been blessed with four children: Frank is travelling
salesman for Ratto Bros., wholesale grain dealers, San
Francisco; Virginia is a graduate of San Francisco
high school and also of Hopkins Art Institute in that
city, and is supervisor of drawing in San Francisco
schools; Mary is a graduate of Sacramento high school
and is the wife of P. B. Ready, of Sacramento; and
the youngest, Evelyn, is also a graduate of Sacramento
high school.
Mr. Guisto is very fond of nature and the great
outdoors and enjoys hunting and fishing. He knows
of the interesting places and at various seasons one
finds him fishing in the rivers or mountain streams,
duck hunting on the river and lagoons, or trailing the
deer in the high Sierras. He was one of the organi-
zers of the Monitor Gun Club, owners of 1,000 acres
at Vernon, used for hunting purposes. They sold it
when it was reclaimed for farming purposes. He is a
splendid shot and has won many prizes in shooting
contests. Mr. Guisto's entire life has been spent in
Sacramento; he has seen it grow and develop, a mat-
ter in which he has also taken a part as well as pride.
WILLIAM JAMES CLIFFORD.— P r o m i n e n t
among the most successful of brick-contractors, who
take a very active role in the industrial life of Sac-
ramento County, is WilUam James Clifford, a native
son and also one of the Capital City's own boys. He
entered the family of Christopher and Hattie (James)
Clifford, on September 30, 1888. Christopher Clif-
ford came to California as a boy, driving horses
across the great plains for Colonel McMaster, with
whom he continued for years, in charge of his horses.
When William was seven years old, his father died,
leaving an excellent record for both ability and relia-
bility. Mrs. Clifford is still living, the object of ten-
der affection.
William enjoyed the privilege of attendance at the
public schools, and pretty early tried his luck at sell-
ing papers; for Mrs. Clifford had been left with six
children, and each necessarily contributed toward the
family support. After a while, he learned the brick-
laying trade, and for some years followed his trade
before engaging, in 1918, in business for himself.
Since he has been operating on his own initiative and
responsibility, he has usually had more than he could
comfortably do; and what he has done has given satis-
faction to all immediately concerned. He built the
Auto Stage Depot at the corner of Fifth and I Streets,
the Bowman Carriage Shop at the corner of Twelfth
and A Streets, the Igo Hospital, Norris Apartments,
Harvie Implement Company's building, Piggly Wig-
gly building. Born Bros.' building, the Japanese Hos-
pital, and the Spillman Garage, and has done much
residential and mantel work, generally employing
about eight men the year round. He is a director in
the Builders' Exchange, and a member of the Pro-
gressive Business Club. In politics, he prefers the
platforms of the Republican party, but maintains
independence in thinking and voting.
In the year 1910, occurred the wedding of William
J. Clifford and his fiancee. Miss Gertrude McBurney,
a native daughter and a worthy representative of one
of the old pioneer families of the state; and they have
had one child, Alda Wilma. Despite the pressure of
business, Mr. Clifford occasionally gets away to enjoy
the natural attractions of Sacramento County; and he
enjoys hunting and fishing, in particular.
FRED J. FREY.— A native son of the Golden
State, who is also a successful dairyman, is Fred J.
Frey, who was born near Franklin, Sacramento
County, August 15, 1880, a son of Henry and Eliza-
betha (Herzog) Frey, natives of Germany. The father
was born in 1839 and came to California in 1869; and
locating in Sacramento County, he engaged in dairy-
ing and farming in the vicinity of FrankHn. In time
he purchased a ranch and as he prospered he bought
other ranches, becoming owner of about 1,000 acres
of land which he operated until he divided it among
his children. He died in March, 1911, aged seventy-
two years, being survived by his widow, who now
makes her home with her children at the age of
seventy-three. This union resulted in the birth of
eight children, seven of whom grew up: Henry; Fred
J.; Julia, Mrs. Hansen; Elizabeth, Mrs. M. A. Smith;
John N.; Gesine, Mrs. F. A. Faist; Nellie, Mrs. Lut-
tig; all of Franklin except Henry, who lives in Placer
County.
Fred J. Frey was reared on his father's farm and
educated in the public school in his locality. He as-
sisted his father on the farm until his marriage, which
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
797
occurred in Sacramento May 10, 19Q9, when he was
united with Miss Ella Lippert, who was born in the
southern part of Russia, where she grew to woman-
hood, receiving a good education in the excellent
schools maintained by the people of German descent
in that country. When seventeen years of age she
accompanied her brother David to North Dakota and
two years later she came to Franklin, Cal., where she
had a sister, Mrs. John Kammerer, living and it was
here she met and married Mr. Frey, their union be-
ing blessed with five children: Fred J., Jr., Ida, Lil-
lian, Henry, and Edward.
After his marriage Fred Frey located on his pres-
ent ranch which he has improved with a fine resi-
dence and other farm buildings. He has installed two
pumping plants, enabling him to raise fields of alfalfa
and engage in dairying. He owns 100 acres and his
dairy herd is composed of high-grade Holstein cows,
the product being delivered to the condensed-milk
factory at Gait. Mr. Frey by close application has
made a success of ranching and dairying, and he and
his wife are appreciated and highly esteemed in the
community where they reside. Fraternally he is a
member of Franklin Camp, Modern Woodmen of
America, holding the office of manager, while Mrs.
Frey is a member of the Royal Neighbors, in which
she is an officer. In national politics Mr. Frey is a
Democrat.
BENJAMIN ROBERT MEISS.— One of the
most enterprising cattle-growers of Sacramento
County who is making a success of the enterprise as
president of the Meiss Estate Company, is Benjamin
Robert Meiss, a native son, born at Drytown, Ama-
dor County, November 6, 1869. His father was
Louis Meiss, a native of Germany, who came with
his parents to St. Louis, Mo., where he was reared
and learned the butcher's' trade. As a j^oung man he
crossed the plains in an ox-team train, arriving in
California in 1852, and locating at Drytown, where he
began the butcher business. Primitive methods were
the vogue in those days, as the' country was new and
equipment necessarily inadequate. The stock was
killed in the open and the dressed bodies were hung
in the trees, and the meat was peddled to the miners
at the various places, and packed on burros. Later
on he built the first butcher shop in Drytown and
continued in business for many years. Meantime he
had begun the stock business, in which he was very
successful. His first purchase was 160 acres, the
nucleus of the present large holdings, and to this he
added until he had 6,000 acres of land. He finally
gave up butchering to give all of his attention to his
ranching, cattle-raising and sheep-raising, running
about 1,000 head of cattle and 10,000 sheep, besides en-
gaging extensively in buying and shipping cattle and
sheep. He was thrifty and improved the ranch with
a substantial residence and farm buildings. Louis
Meiss made a trip back to Germany after he was
nicely started in business in Drytown; and in his
home land he married Miss Elizabeth Dorn. He
brought his bride to California, and their union
proved a very happy one until her death, which oc-
curred in 1899, at the age of sixty-nine. He survived
her until 1908, dying at eighty-four years of age.
Both were held in the highest esteem for their exem-
plary Christian lives, and they were mourned by
a large circle of devoted friends. This pioneer couple
were blessed with ten children, seven of whom are
living: John lives on the home ranch; Henry, Wil-
liam and Frederick live in Sacramento, as does Mrs.
Mena O'Hare; Benjamin R. is the subject of this in-
teresting review; and Frank S., the youngest, devotes
his time to the home place.
Benjamin R. Meiss was reared on the ranch, re-
ceiving his education in the school of the Buckeye
District. From a lad he assisted his father in his
sheep- and cattle-raising and learned to ride, rope and
brand the cattle, thus early in life becoming an adept
in the business. When he was twenty-five he and
his brother, Frank S., took over the management of
the ranching for his father until the death of their
honored and aged parent, when they incorporated the
Louis Meiss Estate Company, since which time he
has been president and manager of the large holdings
and stock interests. He has purchased lands adjoin-
ing until they now own 7,000 acres, which is watered
bj' Lagoon Creek and springs and various wells,
giving ample and never-failing water for their stock,
and making it one of the most valuable cattle ranches
in the valley. They also own a 2,000-acre ranch in
Eldorado County, as well as a 1,000-acre ranch in
Alpine County, where they range their flocks of sheep
and herds of cattle, their brand, "L M", being well
known on the range.
In Sacramento Mr. Meiss was married to Miss
Jennie Jones, a native daughter of the county, born
at Walsh Station. Her parents were very early set-
tlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Meiss- maintain a
residence at 2211 P Street, Sacramento, where the
family live, and the children are being educated in
the excellent schools of the capital city. Their union
has resulted in the birth of four children, Elizabeth,
Roberta, Genevieve, and Evelyn. Mr. Meiss is an
active member of the Eldorado and Amador Live-
stock Association and the California Cattle Growers'
Association, and cooperates heartily in their good
work. In national politics, he is a Democrat, but
locally he is independent, voting for the men and
measures he deems most acceptable to the best in-
terests of the county.
WILLIAM H. LARKIN.— Another energetic ex-
ecutive whose experience enabled him to direct the
business affairs entrusted to him with exceptional
foresight and skill, is William H. Larkin, now de-
ceased, the former manager of the well-known estab-
lishment of J. N. Larkin & Son, located at 2211
K Street, Sacramento. He was the proprietor of
that important house, and this gave him a freer hand
in the development of the firm's trade. He did some-
thing more, however, than develop his own business
affairs; public-spirited to an admirable degree, he
ahvaj'S stood ready to help along trade in general.
William H. Larkin was born at Sacramento on
December 17, 1866, the son of J. N. and Sarah (Fern)
Larkin. He entered the family of a pioneer who
came to California in 1852, and remained here until
the outbreak of the Civil War, when he returned to
hi; native state of New York and enlisted in a New
York Regiment, and fought throughout the great
conflict. After that he returned to California. Miss
Fern came about the same time, and they were mar-
ried at Sacramento. She is still living, while J. N.
Larkin is dead. Both made an enviable record for
useful pioneer work.
William Larkin went to the schools in San Fran-
cisco, and^ then attended the Oakland high school.
798
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
After that he came into his father's establishment
in Sacramento, and from him thoroughlj' learned
the printing trade, serving seven years at his trade.
When J. N. Larkin retired, in 1905, our subject suc-
ceeded him as both manager and proprietor. William
Larkin built a new building at 2211 K Street and
moved from the old location on J Street, between
Third and Fourth; at the time installing a new and
larger plant.
At Sacramento, in the year 1902, Mr. Larkin was
married to Miss Jeanette Cantrell, a daughter of
Yolo County, whose parents were Joab and Martha
Louise (Beeve) Cantrell, born in Tennessee and Mis-
souri, respectively, who crossed the plains to Cali-
fornia in 1852, later engaging in ranching in Yolo
County. Mrs. Larkin was educated in the Sacramento
schools, being graduated from the Sacramento
high school, after which she taught school until her
marriage. Mary Louise and Jeanette Larkin are two
attractive young ladies of the ensuing household. Mr.
Larkin was a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite
Mason, and a Shriner, an Odd Fellow, Red Man, and
Elk; he also belonged to the Native Sons of the
Golden West. In national politics he was a Repub-
lican. Since his death, Mrs. Larkin continues the
business and is meeting with deserved success.
MATTHEW A. SMITH.— Matthew A. Smith was
born at Clarendon, P. Q., October 31, 1871. His
father, William Smith, was born in Ireland, coming
to Quebec with his parents when he was eleven years
of age. He grew to manhood and married Frances
Hunt, who was also born in the Province of Quebec,
of Irish parents, and in that province they followed
farming, spending their last years there. Both were
devout Methodists. Of their ten children, Matthew
is the fourth oldest and the only one living in Califor-
nia. He was brought up on the farm in Quebec and
educated in the public schools. In April, 1891, when
nineteen j'ears old, he came West, making his way to
British Columbia. He remained there only three
months and then came to California in July, 1891. He
worked on a dredger engaged on river improvement
for a time and then returned to San Francisco, re-
maining until June 17, 1892, when he came to Sacra-
mento and entered the employ of the Southern Paci-
fic Railroad in the department of bridges and build-
ings, continuing steadily in that department for seven-
teen years. His close application to his duty made
him a very valuable man with the company and his de-
pendability was appreciated. He worked from San
Francisco to the Nevada line and from Dunsmuir on
the north to Los Banos on the south, and cou'd con-
struct anything in the building line. As stated before,
he was with them for seventeen years, except after the
big fire in San Francisco, when, in April of 1906, he
spent eighteen months doing structural iron work dur-
ing the rebuilding of San Francisco, after which he
returned to his old place with the Southern Pacific.
Mr. Smith was married on the old Frey ranch at
Franklin, Sacramento County, in 1911, being united
with Miss Elizabeth G. Frey, who was born at Frank-
lin, a daughter of Henry Frey. a pioneer farmer in
Sacramento County. After their marriage they made
their home in Oakland for a time but Mrs. Smith had
a longing for the country and the old ranch, and she
having become the owner of ninety-two and three-
quarters acres of the Henry Frey ranch, Mr. Smith re-
signed his position with the Southern Pacific in 1912,
wishing to give all of his time to ranching, and located
on their farm at Franklin. He built the comfortable
residence and other farm buildings, which are ade-
quate and convenient. He installed a pumping plant
driven by a fifteen-horse-power engine for irrigating
the ranch and a three-horse-power electric pumping
plant for domestic use. He raises alfalfa and has a
dairy herd of about twenty cows, supplying milk to
the condensed-milk factory at Gait. Mr. and Mrs.
Smith's union has been blessed with four children:
Frances, Irwin, Ernest and Charlotte. Mr. Smith
was made a Mason in Tehama Lodge No. 150, F. &
A. M., at Tehama, Cal., while Mrs. Smith is a mem-
ber of the Royal Neighbors at Franklin. Mr. and
Mrs. Smith are enterprising and progressive, being
optimistic for the future of this region so favored by
soil and climate, and are doing their part towards its
development and upbuilding. Politically they give
their allegiance to the Republican party.
AUGUST LOUIS RUHSTALLER.— Prominent
among the most successful managers of famous Cali-
fornia hotels, performing a most important part in the
social life of the Golden State, is undoubtedly August
Louis Ruhstaller, the guiding spirit of the Capital
Hotel, at Sacramento, in which city he was born in
1889, the son of Frank J. and Charlotte Ruhstaller,
whose interesting life-story is elsewhere given in this
historical work. He attended the public schools of his
native city, and topped of¥ his studies with courses at
St. Joseph's College in Oakland and Howe's Business
College, in Sacramento; and then he went into the
brewery with his father, learning the various stages
of the business under his guidance. His father passed
away in October, 1907, and the mother survived her
husband only until September, 1908. August Louis
Ruhstaller continued in the employ of the brewery,
working his way up to the position of shipping clerk,
and representing the firm as a local salesman, and so
enjoyed a wide and valuable acquaintance.
At the outbreak of the World War, August Ruh-
staller offered his services in defense of his country,
joining the infantry at first, and then getting trans-
ferred to the aviation section. No. 257, S. S. & C. He
did not succeed in getting across the sea, but was sta-
tioned at Camp McArthur, Texas, in training there,
and was under orders to go overseas when he was
honorably discharged and returned to Sacramento.
He then joined the service of the Capital Hotel, as
a clerk, and was soon promoted from his clerkship
and made cashier; and in June, 1921, he became man-
ager. He has been more than successful in what is
generally conceded to be a difficult role, and numbers
a wide circle of acquaintances as his dependable
friends. His experience, combined with a genial tem-
perament and a real desire to render needed service,
enables him to give satisfaction to all who are capable
of appreciation.
At Olympia, Wash., in the year 1910, Mr. Ruhstaller
was married to Miss Barbara Gresl, of Olympia, and
their union has been blessed with the birth of two chil-
dren, Doris and Barbara. Mr. Ruhstaller belongs to
the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Elks and
the Red Men. He is fond of deer-hunting and out-of-
door life generally. All the world comes to Sacra-
mento, sooner or later, and it is never the fault of
Manager Ruhstaller if the best part of the world does
not seek rest and refreshment at the Capital Hotel.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
801
PAUL GATEJEN. — A landscape gardener of note
who has helped to extend the fame of the Ca'ifornia
capital far bej'ond the confines of Sacramento County
is Paul Gatejen, a native of Hamburg, Germanj',
where he was born on March 4, 187S, the son of
Henry and Doris (Herring) Gatejen, substantial
people who enjoyed all the esteem of their fellow-
mortals such as anyone might wish for. His father
was a tax-collector, and they lived and died in their
native land. Paul attended the excellent German
schools, and while yet a youth was apprenticed to
the landscape gardener's art. What he there learned
so thoroughly, he added to later in other countries
where the opportunity for a development of his skill
was greater, and where, according to their varied
conditions and problems, they had different ways of
doing things.
When a young man of eighteen, with plentjf of
ambition, Paul Gatejen crossed the ocean already
traveled by so many of his fellow-countr3'men seek-
ing their fortune in the New World, and came to the
United States, locating in New York City for the next
six years; but when the Spanish- American War
broke out, he enlisted and served for three j'ears,
in the United States army. He saw active service
in the hospital corps, was in three engagements and
was wounded three times; but when the war was
over he came out to California and to Sacramento.
In 1906, he again took up his profession and for
years he did landscape work far and wide, in private
estates, and in school and other public grounds and
he is still in such demand that he finds it necessary
to refuse many invitations to laj' out or supervise
the grounds of those who would give much to secure
him, and to profit by his experience and taste. He is
a Veteran of Foreign Wars, is a Republican, and is
public-spirited.
On August 6, 1903, occurred the marriage of Paul
Gatejen and Miss Martha Cortsen of California, a
native daughter of an old familjr; and their for-
tunate union has been blessed with three children.
Charles, Paul and Doris. Mr. Gatejen is a member
of the Independent Order of Foresters.
GEORGE W. NEUBOURG.— A popular trans-
portation official whose efficiencj', together with his
genial cooperation, repeatedly proves invaluable to
Sacramento commercial and industrial interests, is
George W. Neubourg, the wide-awake freight
agent of the Western Pacific. He is a native son,
and was born at Sacramento on December 17, 1885,
the son of Leonard and Dorethea (Kissenbroeck)
Neubourg, the former a pioneer who came to the
United States in 1848, and to Michigan and Califor-
nia in 1852, traveling by way of the Isthmus, as did
Mrs. Neubourg, who reached here in 1863, after which
they were married here. Our subject comes, there-
fore, of the best of pioneer stock. Mr. Neubourg
was the proprietor of the Star Mills and Malt House,
and he was in that business for thirty years, under
the firm name of Neubourg & Lages, when he retired.
The worthy couple had six children, and George
was the youngest. "Mr. and Mrs. Neubourg both died
here, rich in friends and enjoying the good-will of
a wide circle.
George W. Neubourg profited by the advantages
of both the grammar and the high schools of Sacra-
mento, and was graduated from the latter in 1905;
and then for a year he was with the surveyor of Sac-
ramento County. After that, he was with the U. S.
Geological Survey for three months, leaving on ac-
count of his health; and on September 16, 1906, he
went to work for the Western Pacific Railroad as
chainman of a surveying party running out of Sacra-
mento. He thus saw this railroad built, finished and
in actual service; and he is the oldest man in the
Western Pacific's service. In 1908, he was made a
transit man; and on December 1, 1909, he was made
collector, under W. C. Dibblee, the agent here. On
March 1, 1911, he was promoted to be chief clerk,
and on December 1, 1918, he was office engineer for
T. L. Phillips, the engineer for the Western Pacific;
and on March 1, 1920, he was appointed freight agent
here. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and
the Lions Club; and in politics he is Republican.
On Ma3' 31, 1913, occurred the wedding of Mr.
Neubourg and Miss Norma Ketcham, a native of
Sacramento and the daughter of a well-known
Southern Pacific locomotive engineer. She passed
away March 12, 1923. There is one child, Anna
Maria. Mr, Neubourg is a Mason, and is senior
warden in the Commandery, and belongs to the Ben
AH Temple and the Shrine; and he is a Native Son
of the Golden West.
GEORGE J. HANLON.— A young man who is aid-
ing in the development and upbuilding of the ranching
interests of Sacramento County is George J. Hanlon,
a native son, born on the American River fourteen
miles east of Sacramento, October 1, 1885. His
father John Hanlon was also a native of Sacramento
County, while Grandfather George Hanlon was born
in Iowa, coming to California in the early fifties and
settling at Clarksville. He remained a few years, and
then established his headquarters at Fourteen-Mile
House, from which place he engaged in teaming to
Nevada. He was very successful and became the
owner of several large ranches. His life history is
recorded more fully in the biography of his daughter,
Mrs. Georgiana McDermott.
John Hanlon was the next to the youngest of four
children and learned farm.ing and cattle-raising, in
which endeavor he was very successful. However, he
was not permitted to enjoy the fruits of his labors for
he was stricken by death in August, 1886, aged only
twenty-six years. The mother of our subject was
Kittie Studarus, born in Sacramento County, whose
father, John Studarus, was an early pioneer farmer
and stockman. She passed away in Sacramento in
November, 1922.
George J. Hanlon was the only child and after his
father's death was reared by his Grandfather Hanlon,
receiving his education in the public schools and San
Jose high school, from which he was graduated, and
afterwards he attended school in San Francisco.
Removing to Minden, Nev., with his mother, where
they owned a ranch, he engaged in raising alfalfa for
three years. Returning to Santa Clara County he
purchased an orchard near Campbell and became a
fruit-grower for nine years, during which time he
was a member of the California Prune Growers' Asso-
ciation. He was the owner of lands in Sacramento
County. He sold his holdings in Santa Clara County
in 1920, and returned to his native county and has
since devoted his time to looking after his different
ranches and at present he is developing and improving
his Cosumnes ranch, comprising 680 acres. 350 acres
of which is valley land and is under irrigation. With
802
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
others he has taken out and constructed a ditch from
the Cosumnes of sufficient capacity to irrigate about
1,000 acres of land. He rents both his Deer Creek
and American River ranches.
In 1914 in Eldorado County, Mr. Hanlon married
Miss Florence Celio, a native of that county, a daugh-
ter of Frank and Amelia Celio, also a native son and
daughter, who were cattle-growers, as were the grand-
parents. Mrs. Hanlon received her education in his-
torical old Placerville.
Mr. Hanlon is a Knight Templar and thirty-second
degree Scottish Rite Mason, and is a charter member
of Ben Ali Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in
Sacramento, while Mrs. Hanlon is a member of the
Eastern Star.
SAMSON E. LIMA. — Industrial art in Sacramento
County is well represented by the talented Samson
E. Lima, of Twelfth Street road, in the capital city,
and his successful enterprise of making ornamental
plaster decorations. He is a Norwegian by birth,
and was born in that picturesque Northern country
in the city of Stavanger, October 26, 1871, a son of
Erik and Anna (Stueland) Lima; and in the schools
of Norway he received that fine educational training
which has proven of such inestimable value to him
in his path-breaking work.
When old enough to do so, Samson E. Lima
learned the wood-carver's trade; but he had no sooner
made himself proficient in that than he took up the
making of plaster decorations. Then he went to
British South Africa in 1903, and stayed there for
three years; and after that he returned to his native
country. All the while, he was acquiring more and
more practical experience of value and more thor-
oughly preparing himself for his present responsible
undertakings.
In 1907, believing that his future lay in the New
World, Samson Lima crossed the .ocean to the
United States, locating in San Francisco, where he
spent tw'O years and then one year at Lincoln as
model-maker with the Gladding McBean terra cotta
works. It was in 1910 that he came to Sacramento.
He was not long in establishing himself in the field
in which he is now a leader, and such is his ability,
his experience, and his devotion to the best interests
of his patrons, that he now does most of the orna-
mental plaster-work wanted in the city. He put the
artistic touches to the Forum Building, the Masonic
Temple at Tenth and J Streets, the County Hospital
and the principal theaters; and he has also done
much work outside of the city, including the orna-
mentation of churches and banks, and he keeps two
men employed all the time. His plant is located on
the Twelfth Street road, near the railroad, and it
is a busy art-center. He built his residence at 621
Fortieth Street, where he resides with his family.
In San Francisco, in 1909, Mr. Lima married Miss
Inga Person, a native of Sweden, near Stockholm,
and they have four children to gladden their happy
domestic life. Anny is the eldest, then come Eliza-
beth and Edith, while the youngest is Ruth; and
they are all attending the local schools. The family
belong to the Scandinavian Mission Church, and Mr.
Lima seeks to exert the best political influence as a
man independent of party. He is fond of the attrac-
tion and pleasures of outdoor life, and that means
that he is fond of Sacramento County.
PETER J. WILKIE.— A native of Scotland, Peter
J. Wilkie was born in the town of Paisley, on Janu-
ary 1, 1877. He is the only surviving son of John and
Nora (Monaghan) Wilkie, and is a descendant of
one of the oldest Scottish families, whose names
have helped to make Scotland famous. His was a
family of artists. One member of the family be-
longed to the Royal Academy, and by some of the
critics his paintings have been ranked with the fic-
tion of Scott and Burns; in 1836, he received the
honor of knighthood.
When fifteen years of age, Peter J. Wilkie came to
Canada and went to work on a farm; but after three
years he decided that farming would never satisfy
him as a permanent vocation, and going to the city
of Ottawa, he entered the employ of the Coles Na-
tional Manufacturing Company, dealers in art goods
and interior decorations. Finding the business to his
liking, he made rapid advancement, and the firm de-
cided to send him out as a traveling representative.
For a number of years thereafter he represented
them, until the Watson Foster Company, of Mon-
treal, Quebec, recognizing his ability as a salesman,
engaged him at what was then considered a very
high salary even for a commercial traveller. Later
still he was travelling representative of the Reg. N.
Boxer Company, of the same city. He has travelled
all over Canada, and is familiar with every city and
town of importance from Halifax, N. S., to Victoria,
B. C. Besides having a speaking acquaintance in
nearly every town in the Eastern States, he has also
visited many European countries; and being a close
observer of conditions and circumstances, he finds
California superior to any other country in which he
has ever traveled.
In the year 1901, Mr. Wilkie married Miss Maude
Woods, of Brockville, Canada, and by her he has had
four very promising children, Elsie, Harold, Lillis
and Leslie, the two last-named having been born in
Sacramento.
Mr. Wilkie came to California in 1913, and took
charge of the decorating department of the J. P.
Jarman Company, at San Jose. A year later he re-
moved to Sacramento, to take charge of the same
class of work for the C. H. Krebs Company, with
whom he remained until in 1916, when he went to
the Mexican Border with the United States Army.
As a boy, he had studied law, in the law school of
Walter Jenkins, near Campbeltown in Scotland, and
continued to read law and to be interested in that
profession for many years after his arrival in Canada.
In 1913 he became a student of La Salle University,
Chicago, 111., and four years later, in 1917, he was
successful in being admitted to the Bar, in this state;
and he is now a member of the State and County
Bar Associations.
Mr. Wilkie has gained state-wide, and indeed
nation-wide, attention by his fearless and tireless
efforts to defend a cause, in which he honestly and
sincerely believed; but which, upon discovering its
falsity, he assisted in prosecuting with the same de-
termination he had displayed in its defense. In 1917,
he became a member of the infamous American Ma-
sonic Federation, under the impression that it was
a regular Masonic bodjr. Shortly after his initiation
into the order, he became suspicious of the authority
which the organization claimed, and began a long and
comprehensive search of their credentials and records.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
805
but could find no flaw therein. The members' diplo-
mas came to them directly from Scotland, and mem-
bers both of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Scotland
and of other Masonic Grand Lodges, from foreign
countries, often visited the lodges of the American
Masonic Federation, some of them becoming regular
attenders. Mr. Wilkie, in his professional capacity,
was often called upon to defend the members of the
organization in the courts of California, on charges
of being clandestine and on charges of misrepresen-
tation ; and in every case he was successful in gain-
ing an acquittal, thereby becoming more firmly con-
vinced of the justness of his cause.
In 1919, he had been elected to the second high-
est office in the Supreme Lodge of this order for the
United States, and in the absence of the Supreme
Grand Master, who was then on a visit to Switzer-
land, Mr. Wilkie received information of an alarming
natvire. He awaited the return of his superior, and
then laid this information before him, obtaining a
complete confession of his guilt. Thereupon, Mr.
Wilkie immediately began to prepare the members
of the order in California for the disclosure which he
later made, in June, 1921; and before the end of that
year he had destroyed the organization utterly, and
in the month of May, 1922, he assisted the L'nited
States prosecutor in obtaining a conviction of the
parties responsible for the fraud which had been im-
posed upon the American public for over fourteen
years. They were sentenced to the Leavenworth
prison, and were fined in the sum of $5,000 each.
In this manner Mr. Wilkie not only vindicated his
character and reputation, but again proved his sin-
cerit}' and fearlessness. He will fight to the last
ditch, in the old Scottish style, for a cause in which
he has faith and confidence, and will just as sin-
cerely and persistently pursue and prosecute a fraud
or a faker. He is a friend to the poor and the unfor-
tunate, and believes that the chief end of his profes-
sion is to assist the courts to do justice.
MRS. ELIZABETH C. HEATH.— Among the
oldest settlers now living in Michigan Bar is Mrs.
Elizabeth C. Heath, a native of Arkansas, born near
Little Rock, on September 14, 1852, a daughter of
James Monroe and Faletia Warren Carter, who
crossed the plains in 1856 to California, locating at
Michigan Bar, where for a time he followed mining.
Later he purchased a small farm and followed ranch-
ing. The father died on March 13, 1894, while the
wife and mother died August 22, 1887. Of their ten
children, three are living: Julia, Mrs. Perkins, of
loxie; William A., of Sacramento; and Elizabeth M.,
the subject of this review.
Elizabeth M. Carter attended the local schools and
soon after completing her schooling she was married
in 1873 to John Wesley Heath, who was born in
Adams County, Ind., November 18, 1846, his father
being George W. Heath, who was born in Mont-
gomery County, Ohio, January 11, 1817, a son of
William and Amy (Watkins) Heath. In 1832 the
family moved to Adams County, Indiana. George
W. Heath was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He came to California in 1852 and became
one of the pioneer Methodist ministers in California.
He owned a 160-acre farm near Michigan Bar and
served as justice of the peace of his township. He
was married in Ohio December 3, 1837, to Miss
Rachel Jane Roebuck, born in Ohio, February 29,
1820. a daughter of John and Rachel (Russell) Roe-
buck. Mr. and Mrs. Heath have long since passed
to the great beyond. John W. Heath came to Cali-
fornia in 1854 and received a good education in the
district schools, and as a young man he followed min-
ing and clerking. In 1877 he became junior partner
in the firm of West and Heath, general merchants at
Michigan Bar, and in October of that year he was
appointed postmaster of Michigan Bar. In 1885 he
became sole proprietor of the business, continuing in
business and as postmaster until his death on De-
cember 21, 1917. He was a past master of the
Masonic Lodge at lone, and was also a member of
the Odd Fellows Lodge in the same place. He was
school trustee and manifested a deep interest in the
cause of education, while politically he was a Repub-
lican. Mr. and Mrs. Heath were the parents of eight
children: Nellie B., deceased; Lena Maud; Myrtle E.;
Mrs. Edna Alice Schneider; George Monroe; John
Edward; Bertha Faletia, deceased; and Mrs. Bessie
Beryl McCrea. After her husband's death Mrs.
Heath sold the stock of merchandise and also gave
up the post-office, devoting her time to the manage-
ment of her 200-acre ranch, which she devotes to
stockraising. She is now among the oldest settlers in
this section and is well posted in early-day local his-
tory', and is greatly interested in preserving land-
marks and happenings of the pioneer times in the
Golden State.
MRS. LUCINDA GIROLAML— A native daugh-
ter who has seen much of the improvement and
growth of her native city, the capital of the great
commonwealth of California, is Mrs. Lucinda Giro-
lami, a daughter of pioneer parents, Frank and Maria
(Raggo) Guisto, who were natives of Genoa, Italy.
Frank Guisto, when a lad of seven years, came with
his parents to Philadelphia, Pa., where he received
a good education in the public schools of that city.
In 1852 he came to California, around Cape Horn in
a sailer, to Jackson, Cal., and there he followed min-
ing, and there, too, he married Miss Raggo, who
was brought from her native Italy when a babe in
arms by her parents to Philadelphia and to Jackson,
Cal., when she was a girl of seven years, arriving
there in 1853 or 1854. In that pioneer mining
town she attended school, and grew to woman-
hood. Soon after their marriage they located in
Sacramento, so they were through the flood of 1861
and 1862. Mr. Guisto engaged in farming, purchas-
ing twelve acres of land, now in the city limits, where
he raised asparagus until his death in 1899. His
widow afterwards sold the place to Mr. Carmichael,
who subdivided and sold it as the Casa Loma Addi-
tion, and it is now built up. Mrs. Guisto lived to the
age of Seventy years, passing away in 1917. They
were granted two children: John, who resides in
Casa Loma, and Lucinda the subject of this interest-
ing review. She received her education in the River-
side school and assisted her mother competently in
presiding over the home until her marriage on De-
cember 25, 1881, being united with Constant Giro-
lami, who was born in Lucca, Italy. He made his
way to Sacramento, Cal., when thirteen 3'ears of age.
He began at the bottom and paddled his own canoe,
in time becoming a farmer, and he demonstrated his
ability to succeed and with the aid of his estimable
wife accumulated a competency and became in-
fluential in their community. They owned a ranch at
806
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Thirty-fifth and B Streets, and also one on Riverside
road, where they engaged in growing asparagus.
However, he was not permitted to enjoy the fruits of
his labors for he was called to the world beyond on
February 8, 1906, a man who was deeply mourned
by his family and friends.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Girolami was blessed
with three children: Estelle is the wife of Peter Lago-
marsino, of Sacramento, and has two children, Earl
and Doris; Eva is the wife of John B. Eagomarsino,
and also lives in the capital city, and has a son named
John Bert, Jr.; and the youngest of the family is
Justine, Mrs. Vincent Matteucci, of San P'rancisco,
who has a daughter, Justine Marie.
After her husband's death, Mrs. Girolami continued
farming, specializing in asparagus for a few years,
when she rented her ranches and now devotes her
time to looking after other interests. She manifests
a deep interest in civic and social conditions in her
native city, for whose prosperity she is very zealous.
During the World War she was active in the Red
Cross and other allied war work. Mrs. Girolami is a
member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and being a
firm believer in the principle of protection for Amer-
ica and Americans, she is a strong Republican is poli-
tical views.
CAPTAIN ROBERT H. DUNDAS.— Popular to
an exceptional degree for an ofiicial having so much
to do with a varied public. Captain Robert H. Dun-
das, of the Sacramento police, finds it relatively easy
to take charge of, and to direct and control the traf-
fic of the capital city. He is a Canadian by birth,
having been born in Ontario on October 10, 1888,
and his parents were Edwin and Emma (Aiken)
Dundas, who came to Sacramento as far back as
1890. He joined the Southern Pacific Railroad as
construction man, and helped to construct many of
their extensive snow-sheds; and now, cheered by the
companionship of his devoted wife, he is living re-
tired.
Robert Dundas pursued the curricula in both the
grammar and the high schools, and then joined the
United States army. He belonged to the marines,
and saw service in Asia and in the Philippines for
three and one-half years, and was awarded a con-
gressional medal for service there. He was then in
the transportation department of the Southern Pa-
cific for six years, and after that enlisted in the
World War, and was Lieutenant of Field Artillery on
the East Coast for one and one-half years.
In 1918, Mr. Dundas came to the Sacramento Po-
lice Department as a patrolman, and he was pro-
moted to his present position in September-, 1922,
when the traffic department was created, being ad-
vanced to captain; and he is the first to hold this
position. He is one of the most familiar figures at
the capital, is respected for his public spirit and his
fearless, but tactful administration of his office, and
he belongs to every traffic organization in California.
In politics he is a Repubican.
When Captain Dundas married, he chose for his
bride Miss Nellie Dimmick, of Placer County, and
they have one child, Robert E. Dundas. The 'Cap-
tam belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, and he is
a member of the Elks and the Red Men. He likes
fishing and hunting, and is quite at home with all
outdoors.
JAMES E. GORMAN.— Among the well-known
citizens of Sacramento is James E. Gorman, a native
son, wdio holds the position of captain of Truck No. 2,
of the Sacramento fire department. His birth oc-
curred in Sacramento, Cal., June 30, 1858, and he is
a son of James and Mary (McCormick) Gorman.
The father came to California from Massachusetts in
1856 and engaged in mining for a time, and then fol-
lowed teaming to the mines. Both parents are de-
ceased, the father living until he was eighty-two
years old, but the mother had passed away at the age
of thirty-eight years.
James E. Gorman, the oldest of the four children
in his parents' family, received his education in the
public schools of Sacramento. After finishing school
he was in the ice business for ten years, first with
the Pacific Ice Company and afterwards with the
Union Ice Company. Then, on April 1, 1894, he en-
tered the Sacramento fire department as captain in
charge of Truck No. 2; and he has remained in
that position ever since. In 1919 the firemen were
required to take the civil service examination, and he
passed the examination with the title of captain. His
sterling characteristics have justified the respect and
confidence in which he is held by the citizens of his
native city. During twenty-four years and ten
months of his term of service he put in twenty-four
hours a day at the station, but now they work a two-
platoon system. He is now the oldest captain in
years of service in the city's fire department.
The marriage of Mr. Gorman, in Sacramento,
united him with Miss Elizabeth Drumgold, a native
of Altoona, Pa.; and they are the parents of two
children, Ellsworth James, an employee of Laven-
son's store, and Norine. He built his residence at
2011 L Street, where he resides with his family.
Fraternally, he belongs to Sacramento Parlor No.
3, N. S. G. W., and to the Y. M. I. He is an ac-
tive and conscientious member of and worker for the
Firemen's Protective Association, and in matters of
citizenship is thoroughly public-spirited. In politics,
he votes the Republican ticket.
MESSINGER E. GATES.— A resident of Sacra-
mento since early days, Messinger E. Gates was
born in New London, N. H., July 6, 1842. He spent
the first score of his years in the East, but in 1861
came out to California, via the Isthmus, and for a
while clerked in a store at Drytown, Amador
County. On October 8, 1864, he enlisted for service
in the Civil War, in Company A, 7th California Vol-
unteers, attained the rank of sergeant, and also saw
service in Indian warfare, fighting the Apaches in
Arizona, and after serving his country faithfully and
well, was mustered out in San Francisco, April 12,
1866,
On returning to civil life, Mr. Gates started work
for the Sacramento Valley Railway, later the Cen-
tral Pacific, in Sacramento, April 20, 1866; he was
freight platform man, clerk, and later, agent at Sac-
ramento, and sold the first ticket to San Francisco,
in 1869, a happening which marks him as a pioneer
railroad man in the state. He later became agent of
the freight and passenger department, at the com-
pany's depot at K and L Streets, remaining in that
capacity until 1881, when he engaged as clerk in the
freight department. He held that position until 1907,
when he requested his owm retirement, after round-
ing out forty-one years and four months continuous
0yyn£4<
tT^xVi^ Pja^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
809
service with the railroad in Sacramento, a record for
stability, for "sticking to his last" which shows the
strength of his purpose. In his early days in the
state, before the war, he followed mining in Eldo-
rado County, and still has mining interests there.
The marriage of Mr. Gates united him' with Jennie
Messinger, a native of Brooklyn, N. Y., who came
to California, also via the Isthmus, in 18S0; one son
was born to this pioneer couple, Harry E., residing
in San Francisco, in which city Mr. Gates now makes
his home, though he makes frequent trips to Sacra-
mento to visit, and renew old-time friendships made
during nearl3' half a century of residence here. He
joined Sumner Post No. 3, G. A. R., in 1868, and has
gone through all the chairs of the order, making him
past commander.
ROBERT H. WEIL.— An experienced business
man whose study of a certain portion of the house-
furnishing field has built up a substantial and flour-
ishing trade because of his so successfully catering
to the wants of the housekeeper, is Robert H. Weil,
the manager of the Sacramento Glass & Crockery
Company. A native son, he was born at Downie-
ville, on December 23, 1876, the son of John and
Anna (Hickman) Weil, the former- a pioneer who
came here in early days, and supplied the mines with
necessary goods. He was later state treasurer, and
was also engaged in the insurance business; and
when the Sacramento Glass & Crockery Companjr
was incorporated on October 21, 1885, he was its
first president, and then the sole owner. He died in
January, 1912, esteemed by all vv'ho knew him.
Robert Weil finished with the grammar schools of
his district, and next pursued the excellent courses
of the near-by high school. His father at that time
was in the insurance business, and at the age of
eighteen he joined him. At the death of his father,
he assumed the office of president and manager of
the glass and crockery establishment, and continued
to supervise both a lively wholesale and retail trade.
In 1915 they gave up retailing and now they limit
their enterprise entirely to the caring for the wliole-
sale trade.
In 1918, Mr. Weil took into partnership his sister,
Mrs. Fred Broach, and together they have continued
to expand. They carry an extensive and a varied
stock, and pay particular attention to the wants of
this part of the state. Mr. Weil belongs to the Sac-
ramento Chamber of Commerce, and to the Pro-
gressive Business Men's Association, and in both of
these organizations he is ever ready to put his
shoulder to the wheel for the advancement of local
trade conditions generally. He is a Republican, and
favors the principle of a protective tariff such as
tends to steady and foster trade. In matters of fra-
ternal life, Mr. Weil belongs to the Odd Fellows
and Elks.
RASMUS CARSTENSEN.— A controller of one
of the important and very serviceable industries in
Sacramento is Rasmus Carstensen, the owner of the
well-organized Crystal Ice Company, doing business
at 1620 R Street in that city. He it is who has devel-
oped to the highest degree of efficiency one of the
most necessary lines of local trade, and by his wise
foresight and broad, common-sense views as to what
one organization in society owes to another, has con-
tributed much to the comfort and welfare of thou-
sands of persons bearing the burden and the heat of
the day. He was born in Germany on July 29, 1867,
the son of Hans and Annie (Yoerk) Carstensen, and in
that country long famous for its schools laid the foun-
dation of a knowledge and an experience he has often
found extremely useful. When, only fifteen years of
age, he came out to Clinton, Iowa, and there worked
on a farm; and having little by little made steady
headway, he moved on further westward, working on
ranches in San Joaquin and Sacramento Counties;
later he become a motorman, then conductor, on the
Howard Street Railway in San Francisco, and in
1892 came to Sacramento, where he engaged in the
liquor trade, at the corner of Fifth and K Streets.
In 1911 Mr. Carstensen established the ice busi-
ness of which he is at present the owner and head,
commencing at Oak Park with a twenty-ton plant;
and now he has a fifty-ton plant there. In 1921 he re-
moved to 1620 R Street, and built his modern ice
and cold-storage building, 120 by 160 feet in size,
and two stories in height; and in doing so he has
arranged for a possible additional two stories of cold
storage. He employs twenty-five men, and he is
constantly adding to his plant; and he has come to
ship his ice product all over this section of the state.
He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and to
the Merchants' Association; is public-spirited and al-
ways interested in civic affairs.
Mr. Carstensen married Miss Annie Stewart, in
1898, the ceremony taking place at San Francisco;
she is now deceased. In 1915 he was united to Miss
Marie Jensen, his second marriage occurring at San
Mateo. August is a son by his first marriage, and
he helps his father. Mr. Carstensen is a thirty-second-
degree Mason, belonging to the Scottish Rite, and is a
Shriner; and he also belongs to the Odd Fellows, and
is a life member of the Eagles.
MURDOCH ALEXANDER MacDONALD.— A
substantial and thoroughly dependable representative
of Sacramento County is Capt. Murdoch Alexander
MacDonald, who was born on June 25, 1869, in
Sutherlandshire, in the Highlands of Scotland, the
son of Kenneth and Catherine (MacGlashan) Mac-
Donald. His father was proprietor of the Tourist
Hotel until he passed on. The mother was laid to
rest in the native country.
Murdoch Alexander MacDonald, the third oldest
in a family of five children, was educated in the
schools of Scotland. For a while he helped his
father, who had a tourist hotel in the Highlands of
Scotland, there being thirteen lakes in easy distance
and noted for trout fishing. When he was eighteen
years old he emigrated to the United States and
located in San Francisco in 1887, where he stayed
for one year. He then went to Fresno County where
he stayed for a short time, and then came to Stock-
ton, Cal., and was employed on the dredges. He be-
came captain of dredges and worked on reclamation
of Rough and Read)', Union and Roberts Islands
and other islands in the Sacramento delta. He is
now captain of the "Lisbon," one of the largest
dredges employed in reclamation work. He has
made his residence for many years in Stockton, re-
siding with his family at 2916 E. Street.
The marriage of Capt. MacDonald occurred in
Stockton, and united him with Miss Cecil Metcalf,
born in Napa of pioneer parents of English descent.
They were blessed with four children; Myrtle, Ber-
810
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
nice, Jeanette, and Emerj'. The latter, when seven-
teen, joined the aviation section of the United States
army, being stationed at Kelly field for nine months,
until he was mustered out. Soon after his return
home he was accidentally shot and killed while hunt-
ing. Although a Republican, Captain MacDonald
maintains a nonpartisan attitude, voting for the man
rather than the party. Fraternally, he is an Eagle,
and has been a member of the San Francisco Caledon-
ian Club for twenty-six years, and is a member of the
Caledonian Club of Sacramento. He is very fond of
outdoor life, and is especially interested in hunting
and fishing.
RALPH MOORE. — A representative of an old
family in Sacramento County, who has aided in the
development and reclaiming of lands, is Ralph Moore,
a native son born January 28, 1872, on the old Moore
homestead, where he now resides, on the Sacra-
mento River, a short distance south of Freeport.
His father, James Moore, was born at Kunkle, Ohio,
where he was reared, and when a young man he came
to California, about 1850, via the Isthmus of Pana-
ma. He engaged in raising vegetables on the Sacra-
mento River and in teaming and freighting to the
mines in Nevada. In 1863 he purchased the home
place of sixty-four acres two miles south of Freeport,
where he set out an orchard, and then he engaged
in butchering, running several meat wagons through
the country and did a successful business for over
twenty years, or until his death in 1881 at the age of
fifty-four years. The mother of our subject was
Sarah (Lufkins) Moore, a native of Pennsylvania.
Her father, D. T. Lufkins, was a pioneer of Sacra-
mento County, locating at Eagle Point, and became a
large landowner in Sacramento and Yolo Counties.
He was also a pioneer in setting out orchards and
raising fruits. He also kept an hotel at Eagle Point,
a famous stopping place in the early days. He
served as justice of the peace for many years. He
sold his lands, and returned East, and resided there
for three years, or until he died at the age of eighty
years. Mrs. James Moore continued to reside on the
old home place imtil her death in 1909, aged sixty-four
years. Of the seven children born of this union, four
are living: Mrs. Annie Billups, Carl, O. H. and Ralph,
all residing in Sacramento, except Ralph, who owns
and operates the old home place.
After completing the grammar school in Freeport,
Ralph Moore supplemented his education with a
course at Howe's Business College in Stockton.
From a youth he learned farming and when seven
years old herded cattle on horseback in Yolo County.
He continued actively in all farm work until 1897,
when he began railroading. He was in this occu-
pation for four years, or until 1901, as brakeman be-
tween Sacramento and Truckee, when he quit to en-
gage in farming. Purchasing the old Bob Gurley
place of 180 acres he engaged in raising beans and
fruit. He was one of the organizers of Reclamation
District Number 744 and served as trustee from the
start for many j'ears; and now, after being out several
years he is again serving as director of the district.
The levees, as well as the finances, are in good con-
dition. After his mother's death Ralph Moore pur-
chased the interest of the other heirs in the home
ranch and sold 100 acres of his other ranch, so he
now owns 144 acres devoted to raising alfalfa, beans,
and cattle. For years he ran a dairy and had a fine
herd of Holsteins, but he sold all of his cows last year
and engages in raising hay for the San Francisco
market, shipping from the Moore Landing in
schooners.
Mr. Moore was married in Sacramento to Mrs.
Jennie (Minna) Souther, who w-as born in Jackson,
Amador County. Their union has proved to be a
very happj' one and has been blessed with one child,
Ralph, Jr. Fraternally Mr. Moore is a member of
Sacramento Lodge No. 6 of the Elks, and in national
politics he is a strong Republican.
ROBERT BERRY.— A master of an important
industry of the capital city is Robert Berry, the ex-
perienced proprietor of the well-equipped Berry's
Foundry, located at 1817 Twenty-ninth Street, in
Sacramento, one of the most essential establishments
in Sacramento Count}', and one alwaj's serving both
town and country folk in the most up-to-date fashion.
Robert Berry was born at Chorley, Lancashire
County, England, on September 9, 1863, the son of
Miles and Helen (Brewer) Berry, substantial people
in the district in which they lived; and he enjoyed
the educational advantages of his locality, attending
the district schools. After a while, in accordance
with the excellent custom in the older countries, of
having a boy learn a trade or otherwise enter upon a
career when he is old enough to do so, Robert learned
the founder's trade; and when he was ready to break
away from home and countr}^ he had a pretty good
idea of the foundry business.
When forty-three j'ears of age, he came to the
United States, reaching Sacramento, Cal., in 1907.
He worked at his trade here, and ten years later, in
April, 1917, he took over the Elliott Foundry at 2908
R Street, and conducted it until June, 1920. Then he
built his own foundry, located at 1817 Twenty-ninth
Street, where in the busy season he employs five men,
and with a full complement of machinery such as
only the best-arranged foundries afford, he is ever
ready to be called upon by the community for excep-
tional service. The capacity of the foundry is a
thirty-inch cupola, and it would employ sixteen men
if run at full capacity. It is the only foundry in the
city that makes brass and aluminum castings. The
product of the plant is shipped all over northern Cali-
fornia, and the concern does a very large and satis-
factory business. Mr. Berry built a comfortable resi-
dence at 2914 S Street, where he resides with his
family. He is independent in his political affiliations.
Loyal and public-spirited, during the World War he
took an active part in the Liberty Loan drives.
In the year 1892, in Northampton, England, Mr.
Berry was married to Miss Martha H. H. Eales, by
whom he has one child, a son named Robert Henrj'
Berry. This son went to the State University at
Berkeley, where he studied electrical engineering;
and then he served for three years in the British
navy as a wireless operator. He is now a Senior
at the University of California. Mr. Berry, like most
Englishmen, is fond of football and other manly
sports. He is treasurer of the Sacramento Valley
Soccer League, which had its inception sixteen years
ago and now has 1,500 training in the schools here.
In 1922 they took the California soccer ball cham-
pionship with their boys' team. He also belongs to
the Sons of St. George and to the Moulders' Associa-
tion of Sacramento.
JUi^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
813
DANIEL W. CARMICHAEL.— In every group of
men is found one man who, by his sterling worth of
character and achievements, is fitted for the place of
leader. Untoward circumstances may for a time pre-
vent such a man from gaining the recognition due
him, but sooner or later he comes into his own. Such
a man is Daniel W, Carmichael, president and gen-
eral manager of The Carmichael Company of Sacra-
mento, realty operator and Democratic leader. He
was born near Atlanta, Ga., in the year 1866, the son
of William and Evelyne (Fincher) Carmichael. His
father was a Southern planter and a well-known and
respected man of his community.
Daniel W. Carmichael received his early educa-
tion in the public schools of Georgia, but gave up his
studies at the call of the West, in 1885, to come to
California, where for two years he followed the usual
hardy life of the California rancher. Arriving in
California, he located in Stanislaus County, working
here and there and gaining experience of life among
the world of men. Ambitious, and perceiving the ne-
cessity of further education for the attainment of the
career which he had laid out for himself, he entered
the Stockton Business College and studied book-
keeping and business management. After a course in
this institution he became bookkeeper for Kendall
& Co. in 1887, in whose employ he was for five years.
In the year 189S Mr. Carmichael organized and be-
came a member of the firm of Curtis, Carmichael
and Brand, which was incorporated the following year.
This company was organized for the purpose of
acquiring and developing Sacramento Valley lands.
In 1900 Mr. Carmichael bought out his partners' in-
terests and the firm became known as The Carmichael
Company. As the head of this company he has
handled, developed and colonized thousands of acres
of Sacramento Valley lands. No company in Sacra-
mento has been a larger factor in the aiding of the
incoming settlers to acquire homes suitable to their
taste and means. In 1913 the company was active in
the development and settlement of a large tract of
4,000 acres of land known as the Carmichael Colony,
located between Sacramento and Fair Oaks. This
tract, W'hich is located along the west bank of the
American River, contains some of the best citrus land
in the Sacramento Valley and was cut up into small
farms of ten acres each. The colonization of land,
however, is not the only business activity in which
Mr. Carmichael is engaged. In 1899 he organized the
Sacramento Oil Company. This company purchased
oil lands in the Kern County oil district and sank one
of the first wells at Bakersfield. Some years later he
became one of the organizers and directors of the
Acme Development Oil Company.
In the political life of the city, county and state,
Daniel W. Carmichael has for many years wielded a
powerful influence. In November, 1895, he was
elected treasurer of Sacramento City on the Demo-
cratic ticket, which ofiice he held for two years. So
well did he fulfill the duties of this office and so
steadily had his reputation grown that in June, 1903,
he was elected county treasurer, which office he held
until 1907. In the intervening years his influence
among Democratic circles in California had developed
to such an extent that in 1900 he was elected delegate
to the national Democratic convention held in Kansas
City, Mo., where William J. Bryan was nominated for
President. At that time Mr. Carmichael and Mr,
51
Bryan became acquainted, which acquaintanceship has
grown with steadih^ increasing warmth throughout
the succeeding years. In 1904 he again represented
his party at the national convention, being elected
delegate-at-large from California to the convention at
St. Louis, where Alton E. Parker was chosen tc lead
the Democratic ticket.
For many years Sacramento has profited through
the untiring efiforts of Mr. Carmichael in behalf of its
semi-public organizations devoted to the upbuilding
of its industries and the forwarding of its b.st in-
terests. He became president of the Sacramento
Chamber of Commerce in 1910, which office he held
for a number of years. For eighteen years he has
been a director of the same institution. Possibly no
other man has given more time and money or done
more to put this organization on the firm and efficient
basis on which it now stands. In recognition of his
ability in matters relating to real estate development,
the State Realt3'' Federation of California elected him
president for the year 1910-1911. In 1913 Mr. Car-
michael served as chairman of the Panama-Pacific
Sacramento Valley Commission from Sacramento
County; and in 1917-1918 he served the city as mayor.
In 1892 Mr. Carmichael was married in Sacramento
to Miss Myrtie Robb, daughter of Charles S. Robb, a
well-known local railroad man, who for thirty-five
years was connected with the Southern Pacific Rail-
road Company.
Fraternally, Mr. Carmichael is well-known. Among
the various organizations with which he is affiliated
ma.v be mentioned the Masons, Odd Fellows, Elks,
and the Sutter Club. In addition to his justly earned
prominence in local business and political circles, he
has received state-wide recognition as a power in Cali-
fornia's business and political life, and it is not too
much to say that his record during the past thirty-five
years fully justifies any honor or recognition which
the people of California may see fit to bestow upon
him.
W. M. STILLMAN. — An executive of exceptional
natural ability and wide, valuable experience is W.
M. Stillman, the popular assistant superintendent of
the Southern Pacific at Sacramento. He was born
in New York City on February 5, 1878, the son of
Alfred and Anna (Hewitt) Stillman, worthy citizens
representing one of the oldest and most honored
families in America. Mrs. Stillman has passed away,
beloved by all who knew her; but our subject's father
is still living in New York City.
Coming out to the Pacific Coast when very young,
the lad attended school in San Francisco, commenc-
ing in 1884; and when old enough to do so, he took
the engineering course of the Sheffield Scientific
School of Yale University, and was graduated w-ith
the degree of Ph. B. in 1902. Then he returned
West and entered the engineer department of the
Southern Pacific Railroad; but on the breaking out
of the war between Germany and the United States,
he joined the American army, and served for four-
teen months, joining the transportation corps in
France, where he spent a year. Returning to Amer-
ica, he took up again the duties of his former posi-
tion of assistant superintendent at Stockton; and in
October, 1921, he was promoted to the still more
responsible position of assistant superintendent of
the railway at Sacramento. This responsibility Mr.
814
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Stil'man has since discharged with increasing favor
in the estimation of all with whom he has to deal,
and Sacramento County, as well as the Southern Pa-
cific Railroad, to which Mr. Stillman is devotedly
attached, may be congratulated on having encour-
aged this gentleman to cast his lines in such pleasant
waters.
At Stockton, Mr. Stil'man was married to Miss
Marie Cabncy, of Stockton, Cal., a lady of talent and
grace; and their fortunate union has been blessed
in the birth of three children: .(Mfred, Dixwell and
Patricia. In fraternal affairs, Mr. Stillman is a Mason.
T. J. PENNISH.— An expert plasterer who has
also won lor himself an enviable reputation as an
experienced contractor, able to carry out by himself
both extensive and most difficult work, is T. J. Pen-
nish, who was born in the city of Sacramento on
February 15, 1857. His father, Martin Pennish, had
married, in New Orleans, Miss Mary Corcoran, and
had come from Louisiana the year previous; and for
a while he tried his luck in the mines. Then, realiz-
ing that more of a fortune was likely to be made in
catering to the wants of the other fellow, digging
for gold under inconvenient circumstances, he en-
gaged in truck gardening, and he also commenced
to team to the mines and to haul freight and fresh
supplies for the miner. His was an eventful life; and
when he died in 1907, those who had known him
mourned his departure. Mrs. Pennish also made many
a friend through her exceptional nobility of charac-
ter, and she breathed her last in 1913. The worthy
couple had five children, and four grew to maturity.
T. J. Pennish, the eldest, started in to take the
usual public school courses, but owing to his frail
health, he had to leave somewhat early. He sought
outdoor, vigorous exercise in labor, and took up
the plasterer's trade, and having started as a lad,
he is now able to boast the longest service of any
plasterer in Sacramento County. He has been in
business for himself for the past forty-three years,
and that is a record of which any honest workman
may reasonably be proud. He has been an honest,
capable and faithful artisan, with the result that he
has worked on the principal buildings in Sacramento,
and for the state, and he has been so deservedly suc-
cessful that he is now about to retire. A Republican
in his political preferences, he took an active part
in politics as a young man, and once served as coun-
cilman of the city of Sacramento. He is very loyal
to Sacramento County, and never loses an oppor-
tunity to speak a good word for its past, its natural
attractions and its brilliant future, when it must
full}' come to its own.
In Sacramento, Mr. Pennish was married to Miss
Helen Flannigan, an accomplished woman connected
with one of the old and prominent families; and they
have had several worthy children. Frank passed
away at the age of twenty-nine, respected and la-
mented; Alice has become the wife of Charles Vance,
the Stockton attorney; and Howard, responding pa-
triotically to the call of his country, saw thirteen
months of arduous service, under severe exposure,
as a member of the ambulance corps in France.
Florence is Mrs. William Roberts; and the youngest
child is Fred. Two grandchildren give particular
joy to Mr. and Mrs. Pennish. Mr. Pennish is a
member of Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks.
WILDEY M. PORTER. — A representative bu.si-
ness man of Sacramento, who has done much to im-
prove industrial and commercial conditions here, and
so to extend the influence of the capital city as an
ever growing trade center, is VVildey M. Porter, the
senior member of the firm of Porter & Sprague, pro-
prietors of the well-known radiator and fender works,
with headquarters at 722 Twelfth Street. Mr. Por-
ter came to Sacramento in 1910, removing hither from
San Francisco; and having learned the tinner's trade,
he found no difficulty in establishing himself here.
He was born at Modesto, Cal., in 1886. His father,
John J. Porter, was a native of New York. He
was a member of the crew on a whaler, and reached
the Golden State by way of the Horn. Quitting the
whaler, he located in San Francisco in the pioneer
days of that city, and there learned the printer's
trade. He later came to Sacramento, and was in this
city at the time of the big flood, and in after years
told of going up the principal street in Sacramento in
a boat. He twice crossed the plains to the East, and
was in the Black Hills, mining, when the Indians tried
to run him out; and he bore the marks of his scrim-
mage with the redskins till his death. During his
seafaring days he traveled all over the world, and
twice circumnavigated the globe. He spent twenty
years in Modesto as foreman of the "Modesto Her-
ald" under the proprietor, Tom Hocking. After he re-
tired, he made his home in Oroville, and spent much
of his time in writing, in which he had much ability,
contributing to the local press and to fraternal maga-
zines. He was a prominent Odd Fellow, being a
past grand and district deputy grand master. While
residing in Modesto, he married Miss Mary E. Miller,
w-ho was born in Iowa and crossed the plains with
her parents in an ox-team train when a child. She
passed away while they resided in Modesto, leaving
besides her husband two children: Wildey M. and
Miss Grace Porter, a teacher, residing in Stockton.
Mr. John J. Porter continued to make his home in
Oroville until he died.
Wildey M. Porter attended school in Modesto. He
grew up in California, and has devoted his talents,
his best energies and much of his best years to the
hastening of the day when California shall come into
its own as preeminent in many lines among all the
states of the LTnion. In 1917 Mr. Porter was fortu-
nate in forming his present partnership with Edward
H. Sprague. also a native of California. Porter &
Sprague have wisely limited the output of their sheet-
metal works to the important industrial specialty of
fenders and radiators. They employ eleven men; and
although equipped with all the latest appliances, in-
cluding an electric hammer — one of only two in Cali-
fornia, they can hardh- supply the increasing demand
for their wares. Their establishment is termed the
Palace of Radiators and Fenders, and has become
a valuable addition to the industrial life of the city of
Sacramento.
In 1910, Mr. Porter was married to Miss Alice
Sibley, the ceremony taking place at Los Angeles.
Mrs. Porter is a native of Merced, Cal., and rightly
enjoys an enviable popularity quite her own. Mr.
Porter is an Odd Fellow; and he is one of the valued
members of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce.
In politics he is a Republican.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
8i;
GARRETT DAVID SMITH.— Born at Isleton,
November 26, 1863, Garrett David Smith is the son
of Hart F. and Maggie (McKever) Smith, who were
early settlers in Sacramento County and figured
prominently in the development of its resources. The
father was a native of Ilhnois, born April 16, 1832.
He came to California in 1852, crossing the plains
with an ox team, and settled on Brannan Island, buy-
ing what was supposed to be a section of land, but
upon being surveyed it was found to be 595 acres;
this was tule land and the pioneer rancher started in
reclamation work by building the first small levees
with Chinese labor and wheelbarrows. Every few
years these levees broke during high water and the
land was flooded and laid waste; it was only in the
later years of his life that the high levees were built,
and even then, in 1907, after his demise, the family
ranch was flooded out again. During his lifetime
Hart F. Smith took an active and helpful part in pub-
lic affairs, always interested in the welfare and ad-
vancement of the county, and he served for several
years as justice of the peace, and was known through-
out the locality as Judge Smith. A member of the
Masonic fraternity, he was buried with the rites of
that order at his death, which occurred October 3,
1902. His good w'ife died aged sixty-two; she was
born in Ireland, March 25, 1843, and had come to the
state a little later than he, and they were married in
California August 4, 1860.
Garrett D. Smith was the second child in a family
or ten children born to these worthy pioneers, and
received his education at the grammar school of Isle-
ton district, supplementing his studies with a course
at Clark's business college in Stockton. After finish-
ing his schoohng he worked with his father until the
age of twenty-two, and then started on his own way
in life, working for the next four years at the carpen-
ter trade and part of the time as engineer, running
and installing pumps in the Delta country. He then
went to ranching, and cultivated a sixty-acre ranch
on Grand Island, a part of the ranch known as the
John Kennedy place; he later fell heir to this acre-
age and his efforts have brought it to a high state of
cultivation, one-third of it being in fruit and the bal-
ance in asparagus and vegetables. In 1916 the home
he had built on the ranch was burned to the ground,
and he erected the new family residence. Mr. Smith
owns a ranch of 132 acres on Brannan Island, a part
of the old Hart F. Smith ranch, which he devotes to
growing asparagus and beans. He is a member of the
California Asparagus Growers' Association and also
of the California Pear Growers' Association and the
California Canning Peach Association. In 1913 Mr.
Smith purchased a residence at San Mateo, where he
made his home for several years until he returned to
again manage his ranch.
On Februar}' 2, 1886, at San Francisco, Mr. Smith
was united in marriage with Mrs. Marie Louise (An-
son) Garrett who was born at Muscatine, Iowa, the
daughter of Patrick F. and Anna (McCrow) Anson.
Patrick F. Anson was a captain in the 35th Iowa
Regiment, Volunteer Infantry, in the Civil War. Af-
ter the war he came to San Francisco, where he was
a business man. Mrs. Anson was a literary woman,
contributing articles to the local press and magazines.
Mrs. Smith was the eldest of seven children. She
came to California when three years old with her
parents and received her education at Notre Dame
Convent, in San Francisco. Mr. Smith was bereaved
of his affectionate wife January 15, 1922, when she
passed away mourned by her family and friends.
She had taken part in civic and social life in Grand
Island and vicinity, and was a member of the Daugh-
ters of Isabella. Three children had come to Mr. and
Mrs. Smith: Vida C, who was educated at Mt. St.
Gertrude's Academy, Rio Vista, presides competently
over her father's home. Warren A. was attending
Rio Vista high school when, at seventeen years of
age, he enlisted in the World War, serving in the 1st
air craft battalion. He was sent overseas, and served
thirteen months abroad, rising to the rank of first
sergeant. Returning to California, he was honorably
discharged as the youngest man in his company. He
then took a course at White's Preparatory School in
Berkeley and is now surveying in Washington. He
married Bernice Holman and they have one son,
Garrett E. Hart F., who is a graduate of Rio Vista
high, married Mabel Peterson and is ranching at
Isleton. By her first marriage Mrs. Smith had one
daughter, Charlotte M., also educated at Mt. St. Ger-
trude's Academy. She is now Mrs. L3'nch of San
Francisco and had seven children, six of whom are
living: E. Walter; Philip G.; Camelia; Donald D.;
Jack R.; Barbara I.; and G. Russell, deceased.
NILS OLAF LARSEN.— The valuable contribu-
tion made by the sons of Norway, toward the set-
tling up and the development of the great Golden
State, is well illustrated in the life and workmanship
of Nils Olaf Larsen, the popular and successful ce-
ment contractor of Sacramento. He was born on
October 23, 1886, and when about reaching maturity,
arrived in California. His parents were Lars A. and
Andrina Nelson, and long before our subject was
born, his father came to America and out West, and
prospected for gold. Then, when Nils was about
fifteen years of age, he returned to his Norwegian
home, but he once more came to the United States,
and in 1918 he expired. Mrs. Larsen survives him,
in the old country, where she enjoys life, the center
of a devoted circle.
Nils Olaf Larsen attended school in Norway, and
when sixteen and one-half years of age made his
first crossing of the Atlantic, to New York, where
he remained for a year. Migrating West, he spent
two years in Idaho, and pushed on to Oregon for
half a year. About sixteen years ago, Olaf thought
that California looked sufficiently beckoning to in-
duce him to drop down toward the South; and for
a year and a half he followed the stone-cutting trade
he had already learned. Then, aware of the great
future in artificial stone, he took up cement work;
and as it has always happened in whatever Olaf
undertook he made more and more of an established
reputation for thoroughly good work. He usually
confines himself to foundation and sidewalk work,
but he is prepared to execute almost any kind of
work in cement. Mr. Larsen has just invented and
patented a power feeder for sand and gravel for the
concrete-mixer which will do away with much labor
and revolutionize the mixing of concrete. His exten-
sive knowledge of Old and New World conditions,
particularly in industrial fields, has been an import-
ant factor in his favor.
In 1908, Mr. Larsen married Miss Christina Jolin-
sen, an accomplished and charming woman who died,
all to young, on February 29. 1920, the motlier of
four children, Anton, Bertha. David and Grace.
818
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Mr. Larson is a home man, and devoted both to his
own hearth and to that of the old family home; and
he has recently returned from a visit to his mother
in Norway.
CAPTAIN EDWARD JEWELL LEAVITT.— A
public-spirited man, who is one of the oldest captains
and pursers on the Sacramento River, is Capt. Ed-
v.ard Jewell Leavitt, who was born on February 18,
1858, at Fond du Lac, Wis., the son of Nathan and
Mary (Jewell) Leavitt, born near Waterville, Maine.
Mrs. Leavitt passed away when her son Edward was
a babe of a few weeks. Mr. Nathan Leavitt, a Civil
War veteran, served as captain of the 21st Wisconsin
Volunteers, and came to California in 1875. Then he
went to Texas as a prominent Republican. He was
a great friend of Cecil Lyon, and was a member of
the state Republican committee in Te.xas. He owned
a large acreage of land, and passed away at the age
of eighty-six on his ranch near Stanford. He was an
esteemed member of the G. A. R.
Edward J. Leavitt was educated in the public
schools of Wisconsin. He attended business college
at Oshkosh, Wis.; and after his graduation, when he
was seventeen years old, he came to California with
his father, who bought a large ranch near Susanville,
Lassen County. For a year and a half he was em-
ployed with the Lassen County Flume & Lumber
Company, being in charge of a sawmill. He went to
Red Bluff on horseback and was employed from
1876 to 1877 on Dr. Glenn's 55,000-acre wheat ranch,
the largest wheat ranch in the world. For two years
he farmed in Ventura County. In 1879 he was em-
ployed as a purser on a steamboat, and then was
occupied as a bookkeeper for a business house at
Princeton. He leased a flour mill, which he ran for
three years. He then built a flour mill in Willows
and ran it until he sold out. At this time he was em-
ployed a second time on Dr. Glenn's ranch. On July
14, 1887, he became purser on the steamboat "Vero-
na." One j'ear later he was appointed captain of the
United States snag-boat "Seizer." One year later he
returned to enter the service of the Sacramento
Transportation Company, now the Sacramento Navi-
gation Company, and he has been with them ever
since, except for one year when he was captain of
the "Neponset." He has of late been pilot or pur-
ser, and his business experience makes him a very
valuable man to the company. For the past thirty-
six years he has been employed by this one com-
pany, thus proving his stability and efficiency.
At Princeton, on p'ebruary 18, 1882, Captain Lea-
vitt was united in marriage to Mary C. Scott, who
was born in that vicinity. Her father, one of the
early pioneers of California, was a justice of the
peace and a business man of Princeton. They are
the parents of four children: Zoe, now Mrs. M. Hur-
ley, of Roseville; Winnie, wife of Capt. Alex. John-
ston, of the boat "Feather Queen"; Teddy, an agent
ai Loomis, with the Southern Pacific Railroad Com-
pany; and Vivian, the wife of Harry Wells, the as-
sistant manager of the Hippodrome, at Sacramento.
Captain and Mrs. Leavitt have nine grandchildren.
Captain Leavitt is very fond of literature and out-
door life, and is actively interested in community pro-
gress and uplift.
EDWIN BETSCHART. — A successful business
man who is making a name and a place for himself in
Sacramento County is Edwin Betschart, one of the
owners and proprietors of the Glenn Dairy, located at
3637 Folsom Boulevard. He is a native of Switzer-
land, born on June 17, 1891, the son of Balz and
Celestina Betschart, both born and still living in their
native country of Switzerland.
Edwin Betschart attended the excellent schools of
Switzerland, and when he was twenty-three years of
age decided to come to the "Land of Opportunity."
Setting sail for America, he stopped for a short time
in Minneapolis, Minn., and in 1915 came on to Cali-
fornia and found work on ranches in Sacramento
County, where he also became acquainted with the
ways of the people and learned to speak the English
language. He was careful with his money, and on
November 1, 1916, he and a partner bought a milk
business that had an output of only seventy gallons
daily, delivered to residents of the city and in part
sold at who'esale. At the entrance of the United
States in the World War, Mr. Betschart bought out
his partner's interest and carried on the business alone
until the fall of 1918, when he sold a half-interest to
C. P. Inderkum. Together, these men have gradually
developed a fine business, their output now being
2,000 gallons of milk daily. They employ eight people
and run five wagons to distribute their product, which
is sold at both wholesale and retail. They own their
own property; their plant is equipped with the most
modern machinery obtainable; and their sanitary
methods readily meet all requirements, so that their
many patrons may be assured of getting only the
very best that science can procure. As a consequence,
their milk and cream are favorably known both to the
tiade and to the hundreds of individual customers
whom they serve daily. The one aim of these wide-
awake young men is to give perfect satisfaction to all
with whom they deal.
Mr. Betschart was united in marriage with Miss
Bertha Schelbert, also born in Switzerland; and they
have one child, Edwin, Jr. Mr. Betschart is a mem-
ber of the Helvetia Lodge of the Swiss Verein, and of
the Foresters of America. He received his final citi-
zenship papers in June, 1922, and votes with the
Republican party, taking a live interest in all that
pertains to the development of Sacramento County
and California. He supports all progressive move-
ments for the betterment of the community' in which
he has cast his lot, and is a very loyal American citizen.
GEORGE W. BOTTORFF.— A spirit of enter-
prise and progress has actuated George W. Bottorff
in all the activities of life and has brought him today
to the prominent position of general foreman of the
Southern Pacific Railroad car shops. He was born
in Napa County, September 4, 1860, a son of P. S-
and Mary (Matlock) Bottorfif. P. S. Bottorff and
his wife are among the old-timers of California, hav-
ing crossed the plains with ox-teams in an early day
and settled in Mendocino County, where they re-
mained for one }'ear, then removed to Napa County
where they engaged in farming and stock-raising on
a large scale.
George W. Bottorff received his education in the
schools of Napa County and in the university at
Nashville. Tenn., where he attended for a year and
a half; then he took special work in Oak Mound
school, at Napa City, where he finished his schooling.
.^cfc^i^t^T^^^ /^^3^€^^z>^£c3y2^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
821
He then assisted his father on the extensive stock
ranch, continuing until reverses overtook the grain
farmers, when for several j'ears there was no market
for their crops; then he removed to Sacramento and
entered the shops of the Southern Pacific Railroad
Company, first as foreman of the car shops, then
for the past ten years as general foreman of the
department.
The marriage of Mr. Bottorff united him with Miss
Laura Haynes, a native daughter of California, and
they are the parents of the following children: Fred
resides in Alaska; Jessie is a teacher in the public
schools of Sacramento; Daphne holds a position with
the state of California and H. C. is city manager of
the city of Sacramento. Mr. Bottorff is a Republican
in politics, and fraternally is a member of the I. O
O. F. and the Maccabees.
PONA BROWN.— A native son who has had
much experience as a miner, farmer and stock-raiser
is Pona Brown, who was born near Michigan Bar,
on December 31, 1861. His father, Vanness Allen
Brown, who was familiarly known as Frank Brown,
was a native of Michigan, who when eighteen years
of age crossed the great plains in an ox-team train in
1852 to Michigan Bar, Sacramento County, where for
a time he followed mining and later on farming. He
died at Lodi at the age of sixty-seven years. He had
married Anna Baker, a native of Missouri, who had
come with her parents to Michigan Bar in the fifties.
She passed away at the age of fifty years. This
worthy pioneer couple had six children, five of whom
are living: Ora, of Sacramento; Pona, the subject of
this review; Phill, who lives at Michigan Bar; Allen,
in Stockton; and the youngest, Mamie, now Mrs. Dris-
coll, of Stockton.
Pona Brown was educated in the public school in
Michigan Bar district. Here, too, from a lad he
learned mining, which he followed ofif and on for
twenty years, first at sluicing, then hydraulicking, and
then as night foreman of Mr. Thomas' hydraulic
mine. Finally he quit mining to devote his time to
farming, having purchased the Derth ranch of nine-
ty-five acres in the vicinity of Michigan Bar, and
there he built his residence and has made his head-
quarters ever since. He has since purchased the
Breeding place of 120 acres, the John Andrus place of
160 acres, the Spooner place of 175 acres, all adjoin-
ing, and forty-five acres, a part of the Gill place,
niaking him owner of about 600 acres watered by
Arkansas Creek and numerous springs, which makes
it an excellent stock ranch. He devotes this area to
raising horses, mules and cattle, and he also runs a
small dairy. He devotes considerable time to the
duties of road overseer in his district.
The marriage of Pona Brown and Miss Maggie
Lowe occurred in Sacramento. She was born in Illi-
nois, coming to California when six years of age with
her parents, Thomas and Martha Lowe, who are old-
time ranchers at Michigan Bar. The father is now
ninety-seven years of age and the mother eighty
years old. Of their two children Mrs. Brown is the
youngest, the eldest being Mrs. Mintie Carpenter of
Sacramento. Mr. and Mrs. Brown's union has been
blessed with five children as follows: Frank served
overseas in the United States army and is now in
the employ of Sacramento County; Ernest died in
March, 1921, aged thirty years; Ira lives at Elk
Grove; Velma is Mrs. Rogers of Sacramento; and
Percy is assisting his father. Mr. Brov^-n was school
trustee of Michigan Bar district about twenty years
and Mrs. Brown is now serving as trustee and clerk
of the board. Mr. Brown is interested in civic and
social matters and is enterprising and progressive,
helping in all matters he deems beneficial to the
growth and development of his native county and
state.
JOSEPH W. SAUNDERS.— A painter known for
his thoroughly practical knowledge of his trade, and
for his initiative and executive ability as an experi-
enced contractor, is Joseph W. Saunders, of Sacra-
mento, who is also in constant demand as an accom-
plished decorator. He was born in London, England,
on September 16, 1852, the son of James John and
Maria (Wright) Saunders, a worthy couple who lived,
labored and died in their native land. They did the
best they could for their family, and sent young Jo-
seph to the best available private schools; but he
abandoned his studies and left school when still
young, and made off to sea.
Once embarked upon the career of a sailor, Joseph
Saunders followed the sea, off and on, for twenty-
five years; and during that time he visited South
Africa and practically every European country. In
1868 he crossed the Atlantic in a small schooner with
six men on board, and went to the coast of Green-
land for codfish, which they took to Italy. In 1870
he went to Guano, and in 1872 and 1873 he was in
South Africa, where he joined the police in Cape
Town. Then he went on an expedition, killing seals
and gathering guano on a group of islands under the
British protectorate. He was shipwrecked on the
coast of Jutland, but was saved by the crew at the
life-saving station. At one time his ship was jammed
in the ice in the Baltic for five months. He was the
purser of a steamer plying between London and the
Continent. In a collision, the boat was sunk; but all
the passengers were saved. While catching seals and
gathering guano, he with thirteen others spent twenty-
two months on an island. They had no fresh foods
nor vegetables, and their only eggs were penguins'
eggs. Fresh water had, to be brought 800 miles, and
the only staple foods were rice, flour, and sugar.
They had no butter, milk nor tea.
Meanwhile, Mr. Saunders had also learned the
painter's trade; so that when he landed in New York,
in March, 1882, he had a means of livelihood. He
followed his trade there, until May, 1890; and then,
coming out to the Northwest, he opened a bakery at
Seattle, and in time bought forty acres of land at Cot-
tage Lake, where he lived in the woods for four
years. In 1894, he left there and went south to Los
Angeles; but after six months in that city he came
north to Sacramento. For a 3'ear he worked by the
day at his trade, and then he opened a painting shop
for himself; and ever since venturing to do contract
work, he has met with success. He painted the Capi-
tal National Bank, all the buildings of the county hos-
pital, the county jail, the old high school, the city
hall, and many business structures and even blocks;
and as a member of the Master Painters and the
Builders' Exchange, he has grown in tlie esteem of
his colleagues. He is a Republican; and as a man of
affairs and a patriotic citizen of his adopted land, he
served as a school trustee in the state of Washington.
In 1888, Mr. Saunders was married. Twin sons
came of this union; and todav these boys, J. A. and
822
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
W. R. Saunders, arc themselves local contractors.
Mr. Saunders is a Mason, and took the third degree
as long ago as March, 1876; and he also is numbered
among the B. P. O. Elks. He is fond of music, and
would like to see Sacramento become the musical
center of the Golden State.
JOHN CHARLES ROWE.— Ever since the days
of the early pioneer, Sacramento has been noted for
its expert harness-makers, now worthily represented
by John Charles Rowe, of 919 Fourth Street, who
continues the old-time tradition of ready service,
willingly rendered. He is a native of Cornwall, Eng-
land, where he was born on July 9, 1871, the son of
vSamuel and Bessie (Stribley) Row-e, the former a
pioneer of such early date that he came out to Cali-
fornia when the Argonauts were swarming here, but
after a -while returned to his native land. Once
more, he sought his fortune in the Golden State, in
1880, and in 1884 his wife and children joined him
in Jackson, Amador County, and this time they set-
tled liere for good. He was twenty years with the
Southern Pacific Railroad as a blacksmith, and when
he retired, it was to enjoy the company's testimonial
in the form of a comfortable pension. Both parents
are now dead.
John C. Rowe attended the public schools of Jack-
son, and then in 1888 came to Sacramento and learned
the trade of a harness-maker, under Simon Ross;
and in 1892 he established himself in business, contin-
uing for four years. Then, for seventeen years, he
was w-ith Frank Gehring, and for two years, he helped
Mr. Potter; and he was also associated with Van
Voorhies and Company at various times.
On the 23rd of May, 1921, Mr. Rowe bought his
present place from Frank Wickwire, the old pioneer
harness shop here, and here he is fast building up a
desirable trade, doing all kinds of leather work, and
by his exceptional skill, and through his valuable
experience, affording his patrons fine and dependable
service. He keeps abreast of the times, avails him-
self of any new methods or inventions, and excels in
the thoroughness of his workmanship. Like most
such busy folks, for hours kept at the bench, Mr.
Rowe is fond of outdoor life, and especially of those
sports and recreations which one may enjoy to the
full in Sacramento, whose interests he is ever glad
to forward, as citizen, merchant and artisan.
JOHN W. ODELL.— Sacramento is justly famous,
not only as one of the most attractive gardening
centers of the Golden State, but also as a city of
superior markets, among which must surely be in-
cluded the poultry and produce headquarters estab-
lished and so successfully managed by John W. Odell,
who came here from Missouri, bringing with hirti
the valuable traditions of that great agricultural state,
and who has done what he could, since making this
the home of his adoption, to assist others to enjoy
California home life to the full.
John Odell was born on May 27, 1883, the son of
Cicero H. and Jeannette (Fletcher) Odell, who mi-
grated to California when our subject was a child,
and located in Sonoma County, at Sebastopol. There
John Odell enjoyed the advantages of the grammar
and the high schools, and grew up in the comfortable
surroundings of a dairy farm. His father and
mother were progressive folks, infused with true
Eastern spirit, and ready to contribute what they
could to the development of the more promising
West; and they left a record of great usefulness.
John helped his father on the home farm until he was
twenty-one years of age, and then went into a grocery
store, where he clerked for years. In 1917, he came
to Sacramento, and established the Sacramento Poul-
try and Produce Market, in the conducting of which
he has been successful. He is a Republican, in mat-
ters of national political import, although a non-par-
tisan booster for the city and county in which he lives,
operates and prospers.
In 1904, Mr. Odell was married to Miss Coosa
Saunders, of Texas, the ceremony occurring at Sebas-
topol; she was reared in California, and so is in sym-
pathy with the ideals and spirit of California institu-
tions. Two children, Lura and Mattie, atterd the
Sacramento high school.
CHARLES LESLIE VANINA.— P r o m i n e n t
among the general contractors in Sacramento County,
who are used to the undertaking of big things, and to
their successful completion when undertaken, is un-
doubtedly Charles Leslie Vanina, of the firm of
Vanina & Son, located at 2022 M Street, Sacramento,
but well-known beyond the confines of this section
of the progressive Golden State. He is a native of
Sacramento, and having grown up here, has had the
advantage of always having been in touch and in
sympathy with both city and county. He was born
on January 4, 1897, the son of Charles A. and Au-
gustine (Belltraminelli) Vanina. the former a pioneer
of forty years ago, who came here to Sacramento
and married. Both parents came from Swiss fami-
lies. Charles A. Vanina is now one of the oldest
contractors in Sacramento.
Charles L. Vanina is the only son and youngest
child of the family. He attended both the grammar
and the high school, and was graduated from the
latter in 1915; and then he took up studies at the
Polytechnic in Oakland, and remained there until he
entered the service of his country in the United
States Army. Glad to respond to the call of his
country, when the World War and its relation to
America compelled the United States to enter the
struggle, Mr. Vanina joined the 82nd United States
Infantry and served six months. Having received
an honorable discharge, he then returned home and
joined his father in the business of contracting, under
the firm name of Vanina & Son. Previously to en-
tering the army, he had had some valuable experience
as a deputy building inspector of Sacramento City.
This wide-awake firm, which makes a specialty of
residences and business houses, now employs twenty-
six or more men and does more remodeling than
any other concern in the county. Mr. Vanina be-
longs to the Sacramento Builders' Exchange. He is
in every way a public-spirited promoter of the best
interests of his native city.
In Sacramento, on September 29, 1920, Mr. Vanina
was married to Miss Elaine Goodman, a native
daughter, of Sutter Creek, Amador County, and
they have one child, a son named Robert Charles.
In politics, Mr. Vanina is a Republican; and in fra-
ternal affiliation, he is a member of Sacramento
Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks, and Sacramento Lodge
No. 40, F. & A. M. He is fond of baseball, which
indicates that he is the typical American.
CiyO-T^iyrtyCL^ .
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
825
ROBERT F. HUGHES.— An experienced builder
and jobber who has fortunately become a very suc-
cessful contractor in growing demand in and around
the California capital, is Robert F, Hughes, a native
Californian who first saw the light at San Rafael, on
October 28, 1871. His father was Judge William S.
Hughes, for a quarter of a century justice of the
peace in the old Spanish town, a pioneer of 1847,
who came across the great plains at a time when
traveling was anything but luxurious, and who tried
his luck in the mines, soon after the excitement about
gold agitated so many thousands. He married Miss
Frances Asburj', who had also braved the dangers
and survived the fatigue of a cross-country journey;
and both father and mother were of the right sort
of folks, with respect to both their habits and prin-
ciples, to help settle and develop the country.
Robert F. Hughes went to the schools in San Ra-
fael, then farmed for a while, next worked on the
railroad, and after a while joined the police force
in Berkeley, and during the World War period he
served as a deputy sheriff. He had learned the car-
penter trade, and with such thoroughness that he is
able to draw his own plans and to finish his designs;
and for the past twenty-five years he has been fol-
lowing carpenter work and contracting, with resvilts
that may well be pronounced successful. He has
erected a large number of attractive buildings, and
done innumerable minor and yet particular jobs in
alteration and repair, and he has thus been able to
render a definite service, in the most creditable man-
ner, to the community in which he is always deeply
interested. He is a Republican, but too broad-tnind-
ed not to give credit w-here credit may be due re-
gardless of party labels.
Mrs. Hughes was Miss Achsa Belle Woods before
her marriage, and she was born, a native daughter,
in San Joaquin County, near the town of Woodbridge;
and they have two children, Frances Willard and
Ruth. Mr. Hughes is a Mason of the third degree;
and he also belongs to the Knights of Security. He
likes to go fishing; but he is especia'ly fond of horse-
back riding.
ALEXANDER FRANCIS JOHNSTON.— A typ-
ical representative of the self-made men of this pros-
perous state, occupying a well-deserved place of
prominence in Sacramento County, is Alexander
Francis Johnston, captain and owner of the boat
"Feather Queen." He was born on a farm at Nico-
laus, in Sutter County, on August 7, 188S, the son
of Alexander and Mary (Hennessey) Johnston.
Grandfather William Johnston was known to the pio-
neers as Tula Johnston, and he came to Califor-
nia across the plains in 1852. At Salt Lake his son
Alexander was born, necessitating their remaining
over the winter, and then they came to California
the next spring, settling on a ranch twelve miles
north of Sacramento. Alexander Johnston was a
successful farmer until 1897, when he became part
owner of a fish market in Sacramento, which he con-
ducted until he passed away in 1917. His widow
now resides on a farm they owned at Nicolaus.
Alexander Francis Johnston w-as educated in the
grammar and high schools of Sacramento, and then
took a business course at Atkinson's Business Col-
lege, and for three years was emp'oyed by Shaw
Batcher Company. While living in Marysville,
as "Rube" Johnston he was a player on the Marys-
ville baseball team, and was employed in a wholesale
grocery concern operated by J. R. Garrett. He re-
turned to Sacramento and engaged in business with
his father under the firm name of Johnston & Son.
Soon after his father's death, he sold the business
and engaged in freighting and wholesale and retail
wood business, and for the transportation uses two
boats, the "Feather Queen" and the "Marie." His
business necessitates the employment of from ten to
forty men and the business extends from Colusa to
San Francisco.
In Sacramento, on February 7, 1908, Alexander
Francis Johnston was united in marriage with Miss
Winnie Isabella Leavitt, the daughter of Capt. E. J.
Leavitt, and a native daughter of the Golden State.
She was reared and educated in Sacramento, being
a graduate of Howe's Business College, and held a
position with Shaw Batcher Company of Sacramento
until her marriage. She is deeply interested in the
cause of education and is therefore a member of the
Parent-Teachers Association. They are the parents
of four children: Harvey Francis, Roy Edward„
Robert Alexander, and Irene Elizabeth. Mr. John-
ston adheres to the Democratic party. He is an
enthusiastic baseball fan and is very fond of the great
out-of-doors. Deeply interested in the welfare of
the community, he is an active worker and his public
spirit is well-known to all with whom he comes in
contact.
E. R. ZEIGERST.— An expert plasterer, thorough-
ly familiar with the latest methods in modern con-
struction, who has been in growing demand as a
contractor, is E. R. Zeigerst, a native of New York,
where he was born on March 1, 1870, the son of
Joseph and Hattie Zeigerst, worthy folks who are
now deceased. They belonged to the good, old-fash-
ioned school, and prided themselves on their rela-
tions as citizens, neighbors and friends; and while
ordinarily most people do not fare as well, it may
safely be said of them that they did not have an
enemy, were esteemed in their day, and mourned
when they were gone.
E. R. Zeigerst attended the ordinary primary and
the secondary schools, and then, when ready to go
to college, matriculated at the famous University of
Pennsylvania, after which he took up mechanical
engineering as a profession, and worked at that in
various states. He set before himself, when a young
man, the practical ideal of always doing whatever
he undertook as well as he could, regardless of the
immediate financial or other results; and with such
an ideal as that, he was sure to win out. When he
was ready to move westward, he had a valuable
equipment of professional accomplishments, experi-
ences, connections and references, and was unafraid
of the exacting life among a new and ambitious peo-
ple. He has mastered more than one specialty in
building.
In 1904, Mr. Zeigerst came out to California, and
for some years he settled in and around Los An-
geles, where he added to his experience. In 1917,
however, he moved north to Sacramento, and estab-
lished himself at the capital as a contractor of the
sort that the center of governinent needed. He con-
fined himself first largely to homes, although he is
now engaged in the full line of plastering, with
many of the largest buildings of recent construction;
and he is kept in such demand by an appreciative
826
HISTORY OF SACRA:\IENT0 COUNTY
public, that he is able to employ regularly about
fourteen men. He belongs to the Builders' Exchange,
and believes in the platforms of the Republican
party as best for trade. He never loses an opportu-
nity to say a good word, or do a good deed, for the
benefit of the section in which he lives, operates and
prospers; and it is not surprising that in many ways
the people of Sacramento and vicinity have proved
his stanch patrons.
JOHN N. FREY. — A young man, who, by indus-
try and good management, has made a success of
ranching and is rapidly forging ahead in his chosen
line of agriculture, is John N. Frey, a native son of
California, born at Franklin, Sacramento County,
July 25, 1886. His father, Henry Frey, was an early
settler of Franklin, devoting his life work to farming.
John N. Frey was reared on the home farm and
attended the local school. After completing the
grammar school he entered Elk Grove high school,
from which he was duly graduated in 1906, after
which for some time he was employed in San
Francisco and then on the steamer "Columbia" for
a period of six months. He left this position just
ten days before the vessel went down, having quit
the steamer to follow lumbering with the Hammond
Lumber Company of Eureka, continuing until his
father importuned him to return home and assist on
the farm. This John N. did. putting his shoulder to
the wheel, and continuing steadily and energetically.
In 1910 he came into possession of 102 acres of the
old home ranch and he improved the place with
residence and other buildings, until now it is a model
ranch with its herd of Holstein milk cows, pump-
ing plant and fields of alfalfa, as well as orchards
of cherries and peaches. It is generally conceded
that he has one of the finest dairy farms in the coun-
ty. In 1921 Mr. Frey bought fifty-two acres near
Thornton devoted to raising pears, plums, peaches
and beans. The whole acreage is irrigated with an
electric pumping plant. His farms are well improved
and he operates them with the latest improved ma-
chinery.
The marriage of Mr. Frey occurred in Sacramento
February 19, 1915, when he was united in marriage
with Miss Ethel Albright, who was born in Auburn,
Placer County, a daughter of Jacob and Emma
(Rollins) Albright, natives of New York State and
Nevada County, Cal., respective'y- Emma Rollins
was said to be the first white girl baby born in Ne-
vada County, Cal. Grandfather Dana Rollins was
born in Maine but crossed the plains in pioneer days,
and followed mining in Nevada County until his
death. Jacob Albright followed farming and fruit-
raising in Auburn until his death in 1921, while his
widow still makes her home on the old place. Thir-
teen children were born of the above union, of whom
Mrs. Frey is the tenth in order of birth. She spent
her childhood in Placer Count}' until twelve years of
age, when she came to Sacramento County to live
with her sister, Mrs. E. B. Owen, at Franklin, re-
maining until her marriage to Mr. Frey. Mr. and
Mrs. Frey's union has been blessed with four chil-
dren: Irma, John N., Jr., Clifford and Dol'y Jane.
Fraternally, Mr. Frey is a member of Franklin
Camp, Modern Woodman of America, having served
efficiently as clerk of the camp for ten years. He
is also a popular member of Elk Grove Parlor, No.
41, N. S. G. W.
HENRY WULFF. — A highly progressive ranch-
er, with an enviable experience in the cultivation of
a commodity of increasing popularity, is Henry
Wulff, who owns some 222 choice acres of celery
ranch on the Lower Andrus Island, at Isleton. He
is a native son, born near Bedney, in San Joaquin
County, on July 10, 1870. His parents were Hans
and Katherine (Moore) Wulff, natives of Bamstadt,
Germany. Hans Wuliif was a seafaring inan, and
came to the United States about 1859, locating in
New York. In 1861 he enlisted in the Civil War, as
a member of the 158th New York Volunteer Infantry,
and later was transferred to the United States Navy,
serving on the monitor "Chickasaw." He served
in defense of the American Union, and in behalf of
the freedom of the African-American slave, and when
the war was over he came out to San Francisco, and
received his honorable discharge in the Bay City.
He then went to Marin County and worked for a
short time, helping to build roads, at fifty cents a day,
and after that he went to Bedney, in San Joaquin
County, and took up government land. He proved
up on it, but the dry years "broke" him, and he was
compelled to go to the Webb tract, where he rented
some land. In 1872, he came to Brannan Island and
took the job of boarding the crew of a thresher and
header for a season; and in 1873 he came to Lower
Andrus Island, and rented land. There he lived for
the balance of his life, passing away at the age of
seventy-one. He had eight children: Henry, of this
sketch, who is the eldest; John, who died in infancy;
then another son named John; then Anna, who is
deceased; Peter, drowned when six years old; and
William, Dora and Frank.
Henry Wulff attended the Staten Island district
school, while he helped his father in farming; and
then he purchased 222 acres on Lower Andrus Island,
devoted to the raising of celery and truck-garden
vegetables, and irrigated by the siphoning of the
water from the slough. With two of his brothers,
John and William, Mr. Wulff owns this 222-acre
ranch, and they are jointly farming it.
Henry Wulff was married in San Francisco on
October 18, 1905, to Miss Anna Beulo, who was born
in Wisconsin. Her father was a native of Pommern,
while her mother came from West Prussia. Her
father was a farmer, who had lived in Wisconsin,
and died at the age of sixty-nine; while his good wife
saw only her fifty-third year. They had six children,
of whom Anna was the third in the order of birth.
Karl, the eldest, was drowned in his eighth year;
Matilda was the second in the family; and after
Anna came John, Emil and August. Anna Beulo
came to California in 1904, joining relatives in San
Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Wulff have two children,
Henry, Jr., and Louise. Mr. Wulff is a Republican,
and a member of the Sons of Veterans, Fair Oaks
camp. His father, Hans Wulff, was a patriot through
and through, and an amusing incident may here be
told to illustrate his loyal and independent spirit. He
had left Germany to escape military service, and
during the Civil War he was summoned by the Ger-
man authorities to return to the Fatherland and
serve in the German army. In answer to the sum-
mons he replied that if they wanted him they could
come and get him from the Union Army, and that
not until then would he be drawn away from the
land of his adoption.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
829
EDWARD C. KLOSS.— A self-made man who,
by his energy and enterprise, has made a success in
the stock business and has become a man of affluence
and influence is Edward C. Kloss, who was born in
Sacramento, May 20, 1875. His father, August Kloss,
Sr., came from his native country of Germany to
California, being first employed on the Colusa plains,
where he worked on the McFessel ranch, after which
he located in Sacramento, where he engaged in the
grocery business on Second Street. Having a liking
for the country and farming he purchased a ranch
at Franklin, sold his business and began raising
grain. In his progressive way he was one of the
first to use a combined harvester in this section.
His wife was Amelia (Rott) Frye, born in St. Louis,
who was an able assistant to her husband and much
loved and esteemed. She passed away in 1912, leav-
ing four children, of whom Edward C. is the oldest.
He was reared on the farm at Franklin from his
second year and in the local schools acquired a
good education. Meantime from , a boy he aided
his father in his ranching enterprise until sixteen
years of age, when he started for himself. He began
in the butcher business, soon drifting into the buying
of stock, increasing his business until he has become
a large wholesale butcher.
Mr. Kloss purchased a four-acre place, and then in
1907 he bought 350 acres Oi the old Terry ranch, =i
place he had worked on as a young man, and liking
the ranch he resolved he would some day own it;
so when the opportunity came some sixteen years
ago, he bought it and has since made it his home and
headquarters for his large stock buying and whole-
sale butcher business. It is well improved, for he
has built many buildings, rebuilt fences, and has two
pumping plants. The place is beautifully located on
the State Highway about three-quarters of a mile
south of Franklin. He also owns a stock ranch of
1,400 acres at Somerset, Placer County, as well as
320 acres at Slough House, besides leasing two sec-
tions on which he ranges his stock. He is active in
buying all kinds of stock as well as trading in horses
and is considered one of the best judges of stock in
the valley. His ability to judge the value of an ani-
mal, his quickness at decision, and his courage to back
his convictions, no doubt are the secret of his success.
In his wholesale butcher business he is well equipped
to handle all kinds of stock, having special trucks
he uses to convey live stock, while others are used
to deliver to the retail trade in the county and Sac-
ramento City.
Mr. Kloss was married in Franklin in 1904 to Miss
Leona Kennedy, who was born at Elk Grove. She
passed away, leaving him two children, Helen and
Harold. Mr. Kloss married a second time, the cere-
mony occurring in Sacramento and uniting him with
Miss Annie B. Waite, who was born in Perkins,
Sacramento County, a daughter of Thomas and
Minnie (Keema) Waite, born in Germany and New
Zealand respectively. They came when children from
their respective countries to California with their
parents. The father is dead, but the mother resides
in Sacramento. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Kloss
resulted in the birth of two children: Frances and
Edward C, Jr. Mr. Kloss is a very busy man, his
energy seemingly knowing no bounds, and few men
have been favored with as good a constitution as he
has. Besides he is also endowed with a pleasing
personality, which has mucli to do with his being so
well and favorably known. Fraternally he is a pop-
ular member of Elk Grove Lodge No. 274, I. O. O. F.
HON. DWIGHT HOLLISTER.— The descendant
of a long line of purely American ancestry, the
founder of Avhich migrated from England in 1642,
the Honorable Dwight Hollister during his lifetime
full)^ carried on the traditions of his family, and be-
came a forty-niner of California, and later prominent
in government ofiices in the state. His birth took
place near Marietta, Ohio, September 27, 1824, his
father, a native of Connecticutt, having moved to
Washington County, Ohio, near Marietta, in 1820,
and there married, February 22, 1823. The mother
was a native of the Emerald Isle, but was reared from
childhood in Ohio.
Grandfather Roger Hollister was born in Connec-
ticut May 23, 1771, and was there married to Miss
Hannah Stratton, October 11, 1792; he was the fifth
in descent from the Lieutenant John Hollister who
was born in England in 1612 and migrated to Con-
necticut in 1642, and his wife's family, the Strattons,
were also American for several generations.
Dwight Hollister was educated in the district
schools in Ohio and later took an academic course
at Marietta. At the age of twenty years be began
to work for himself and first became clerk in a dry-
goods store, for about three years, and then did some
flat-boat trading down the Ohio and Mississippi
Rivers. On account of ill health he came to Califor-
nia by way of New York and around the Horn in
1849, primarily -with the view of receiving some
direct benefit from the long voyage. Learning at
one of the South American ports that the discovery
of gold in California was an assured fact, he hurried
on to the gold Mecca and after arrival mined in
Placer County for one year. His success was noth-
ing phenomenal at mining, and he went to trading
among the miners, and for another year he conducted
a trading post and tavern in Placer County. A third
year was spent in the position of hotel clerk in Sac-
ramento. In 1852 he became a partner in the firm
of White & Hollister, in the nursery business in Sac-
ramento, which continued for twelve years. Mean-
while, in 1857, he returned to Marietta, and there
married, on December 8, 1857, Nannie H. Alcock, a
native of that city whose father was of English de-
scent and whose mother was a native of Virginia.
Returning to California, Mr. Hollister purchased a
ranch two miles from Courtland on the Sacra-
mento River, where he spent the rest of his days.
This ranch contained 600 acres, all bottom land and
some of it too marshy for cultivation; he conducted
a dairy of a hundred head of cows and raised all the
feed necessary to keep the herd. But the great work
of his life was in growing California fruits, and he
was widely known and esteemed as the "pioneer fruit-
grower" of the Delta country of Sacramento County
and also of northern California, for as early as 1852
he first engaged in the nursery business and it was
this foresight and faith in the undeveloped possibili-
ties of California as the fruit-raising center of the
world which brought him affluence, and the promin-
ence due one whose keen judgment and strength of
character led him to pioneer in so great and far
reaching an industry.
Mr. Hollister was called upon to fill many offices
s.^o
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
of trust and responsibility, and though often at great
personal inconvenience, he never shirked what he
considered his duty to public life; he was elected to
the legislature in the session of 1865. and again in
1884. and was known among his associates as a man
true to the best interests of his section, fearless in
expression of what constituted his idea of right, and
tireless in efforts expended toward the legislation
which best served the interests of his constituents.
He was a Republican since the organization of the
party. He was a Knight Templar of the Masonic
Lodge for many years and to his death, which oc-
curred September 7, 1904. at his home. He lies
buried in Pioneer Cemetery at Sacramento.
Two sons blessed the union of Dwight Hollister
and his wife: Edwin, who was president of the Bank
of Courtland when it was founded, and whose death
occurred shortly afterward; and Frank E., w'ho still
resides on the old home place and is a very influential
and successful orchardist of Sacramento County; and
one daughter came to the family hearth. Blanche. It
is to men of the caliber of the Hon. Dwight Hollister
that so much of the present-day prosperity and beauty
of our glorious state is due, and we gladly accord
them all honor and praise for the stepping-stones
they so ably laid for future generations.
M. L. WISE. — A highly-esteemed pioneer, whose
memory will be long cherished as peculiarly sacred
both by contemporaries who knew him and enjoyed
his companionship, and by others stimulated by his
example, was the late M. L. Wise, who was born in
Richland County, Ohio, on April 26, 1846, the son
of the Hon. Jacob Wise and his good wife, who was
Miss Lydia Hibbard before her marriage. They were
Pennsylvanians, and removed to Fayette, Fulton
County, Ohio, when our subject was eighteen months
old. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, he en-
listed in the service of the United States, although
only a boy, went to Camp Chase, and was assigned
to Company K, 38th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and
went into a battle for the first time, at Perryville,
Ky. He also took part in an engagement at Corinth.
and also at Triune and Murfreesboro; and he was
in the thick of the fight at Chickamauga, and after
the rendezvous at Ringold, Ga., proceeded to Atlanta,
and after that was in the battles of Dalton, Atlanta,
Jonesboro, Buzzard's Roost, and Tullahoma. He was
wounded three times at Jonesboro, in the left arm,
the left breast and the head, and was taken from the
field to Atlanta. He was next sent to Nashville, and
from there to Jeffersonville, Ind., where he lay in the
hospital for three w-eeks. He was then sent to Camp
Dennison. and discharged, June 18, 1865, having
served through the entire war. He was in the 3rd
Brigade, the 3rd Division, of the celebrated 14th
Army Corps under General Thomas; and he went
to Cincinnati after his discharge, and from there
returned to his home.
On September 12, 1868, he started for California by
way of New York and Panama; he crossed the Isth-
mus and took passage on the steamer "Santiago de
Cuba," for San Francisco, where he landed the 30th
of October, 1868. After stopping long enough in the
bay city to get some idea of the metropolis, Mr.
Wise pushed inland to Sacramento, to join his brother,
W. E. Wise, on the following Monday morning, to
learn the blacksmith trade; and he remained with his
brother for nine and one-half years.
Then he engaged in business for himself at the
Telegraph shops on J Street, between Thirteenth and
Fourteenth Streets, and on October 1, 1877, he pur-
chased a lease on the property at the corner of Elev-
enth and J Streets, and the firm of Wise & McNair
was organized, for the commencement of the business
of blacksmithing, and carriage- and wagon-making
and painting. In the fall of 1879, he bought out his
partner's interest and alone built up an enviable trade.
On October 20, 1875, in Sacramento County, Mr.
Wise was married to Miss Alice P. Taylor, the gifted
daughter of John B. Taylor, whose life-story is given
on another page of this historical work; and one
daughter, Mylinda Isabel, now Mrs. Theodore N.
Koening. of Sacramento, was born of their union.
Mr. Wise died November 17, 1909, and in his demise
the world lost a real man.
MRS. SEVERINA GIANNETTI.— The Ryde
Hotel, located at Ryde, Cal., is being success-
fully conducted by Mrs. Severina Giannetti, whose
well-prepared meals are known throughout the local-
ity. Her birth occurred in Lucca, Italy, and she was
a daughter of Stefano and Assunta Casella, both na-
tives of the same place. Stefano Casella was a fuel-
dealer, and lived and died in his native country; the
mother of our subject died when Severina was only a
year old. Mrs. Giannetti is the youngest of a family
of four children: Zaraide, Lelio, Julia, and Severina.
Severina Casella was educated in the grammar and
high schools in Lucca. In Lucca, on April 7, 1908,
Miss Casella was married to Caesare Giannetti, a na-
tive of Lucca, Italy, a son of Lorenzo and Georgia
Giannetti. He was the youngest of five children, the
others being Tobia, Antonetta. Grace, and Giacomo.
Caesare Giannetti came to California when he was
eighteen years of age, and was employed in hotels on
the Sacramento River until he returned to Italy,
where he was married. Immediately after his mar-
riage he brought his bride to California and again
found employment in a hotel in Sacramento. Then he
leased the Simoni Hotel at Vorden, which he operated
until 1917, when he took a ten-year lease on the Ryde
Hotel, a twenty-four-room hotel. With the aid of his
wife he had gotten nicely started in business here,
when he passed away, on July 4, 1918, aged forty-four
years. Just before his passing, however, on June 11,
1918, the hotel and all their belongings were complete-
ly destroyed by fire, and there was no insurance to
cover their loss. The owner rebuilt the hotel, but
Mr. Giannetti died before it was completed. Mr.
Giannetti was past president of the Druid Lodge of
Sacramento. Three children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Giannetti: Lorenzo, Grace, and Rinato.
Since her husband's death Mrs. Giannetti has con-
ducted the hotel along the same progressive and pleas-
ing lines and is making a fine success of the business.
The cooking and cuisine are most excellent, and the
fame of her good meals is known far and wide, draw-
ing trade from different parts of the adjoining coun-
ties. On Sundays many come to her place from
Sacramento, Woodland, Stockton, Suisun, and numer-
ous other places, even from Oakland and San Fran-
cisco. She superintends the preparation of the food,
and sees that it is served in courses in the most
appetizing way.
-<j--(^yU^t^u^--T^-'-^^~^p^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
833
CAPTAIN MARTIN GONZALES.— In the death
of Capt. Martin Gonzales. Sacramento County
mourned the loss of one of the oldest steamer cap-
tains on the Sacramento River. He was born in
Santiago. Chili, and came from a family of sea cap-
tains, following in his ancestors' footsteps from the
time he was able to climb a span. He loved the
water, and was at home only when pacing the deck
of a vessel.
In 1849 Martin Gonzales came to Sacramento in
a sailing vessel, and here he made his home until his
death. He knew the Sacramento River from the
waters of the bay to Red Bluff, better than any river
man. He led an active life, roughing it as a sailor
while a young man, working on steamers and sailing
vessels, and always doing his share of the hard labor.
He never shirked his duty at any time. Until his
final illness, ten weeks before his death, at the age
of seventy-six, he was active and strong, and able
to take his place on any steamer, but at that time he
was obliged to take to his bed and admit his weak-
ness. For more than twenty-five years he was em-
ployed by the Sacramento Transportation Company,
and was considered one of the best known river cap-
tains because of his ability and long service. Cap-
tain Gonzales was loved and respected by all who
knew him, and was highly valued by his employers.
His last run was made on the steamer "Red Bluff" on
a journey up the San Joaquin River, and he was com-
pelled to return home, from this trip, by train, on
account of an illness from which he had suffered at
intervals for two years, and which was the cause of
his death.
Capt. Alartin Gonza'es married Miss Charlotte
Swenson, a native of Sweden, who was also an earh'
settler of San Francisco, and their union was a happy
one. Her demise occurred in 1894. She left him two
children, both boys: Henr3% a druggist in Oakland.
who has a child, Artiero; and Capt. Peter B , whose
sketch appears in this historj% and who has a daughter
Muriel, now the wife of Edward Dudley of Los An-
geles, and the mother of a child named Edward Dud-
ley. Jr.
WILLIAM FRED BLASCH.— A wide-awake
business man whose progressive ideas, up-to-date
methods, and far-sighted alertness are reflected in
his prosperous business, is William Fred Blasch,
proprietor of the Reliable Electrical Works, which
he established in August, 1920. He was born at
Feldkirchen Kanton, in the ancient empire of Aus-
tria, on April 9, 1882, and his parents were John and
Mary (Zechner) Blasch. He attended the excellent
schools of his native land, and there, with the thor-
oughness of the Old World, learned his trade of
electrical mechanic, and learned it well. After hav-
ing served three years in the Austrian army he re-
solved to cast in his lot in the land of the Stars
and Stripes; so he came to this country in 1908, a fin-
ished mechanic, and his expert preparation was such
as to enable him to appreciate American advance-
ment, and rapidly to adapt himself to American pro-
gress. He spent a short time in Chicago, and then
proceeded to Indianapolis, Ind., where he remained
a'most three years, working at this t("ade. Then he
made his way to the Pacific Coast and in Seattle,
Wash., he busied himself for about a year. In 1912
he located in San Francisco, Cal., and was in the
employ of the Buzzell Electrical Works as electri-
cal machinist, continuing with them until in the
summer of 1920, when he came to Sacramento from
San Francisco. Having been for eight years in the
electrical field in the Bay City, he found it easy to
establish here a well-equipped shop for all kinds of
high-grade electrical work, original and repairing,
and for the best of service to motors requiring the
experience and cleverness of the up-to-date electri-
cian. He carries a large line of motors and his busi-
ness is not alone confined to Sacramento County,
but it extends into adjoining counties as well, and
into Nevada. Very naturally, as the result of his
prosperity here, Mr. Blasch has become deeply inter-
ested in Sacramento, town and county, and is second
to none as a first-class booster, keeping himself inde-
pendent and above partisan trammels in the realms
of politics, and so exerting a greater influence in
favor of anything he indorses.
A man of a famih^, Mr. Blasch divides his social
hours between his home and his business. He has
faith in the country of his adoption, and California
takes stock in him.
LOYAL CHAUNCY MOORE.— One of the most
popular of all the brave and devoted firemen of
northern California is Loyal Chauncy Moore, ex-
chief of the department at Sacramento, in which city
he was born on December 17, 1876. His father was
the well-known pioneer, John C. Moore, who came
across the great plains with his parent when a child;
while his mother, who was Mary E. Bell before her
marriage, also of splendid old pioneer stock, crossed
the prairies in her girlhood, and grew up to teach
school. The parents, therefore, were married here
in California; and ever since they never failed to do
their part in helping develop the Golden State.
Loyal Moore attended the excellent public schools
of his locality, and encouraged by his broad-minded,
progressive parents, continued his studies by pursu-
ing courses at the best business college accessible.
At the age of thirteen, too, he began to learn the
candy-making trade, which he followed for some
years; and then, having learned the carpenter trade,
he was for sixteen years a building contractor. Dur-
ing these years he studied architecture and in con-
nection with his contracting was a home designer.
He made a wide and creditable reputation as both
an enterprising and an experienced operator, and had
much to do with developing more than one locahty
and a great deal of valuable property.
In 1900 he entered the Sacramento fire department
force as a substitute callman, and four years later
he was appointed to the force. In 1918, he became
a uniformed fireman, and on July 1, 1920, he was
appointed chief of the fire department of the city
of Sacramento by C. A. Bliss, who was then com-
missioner of public health and safety, serving cap-
ably and with credit to himself and the public, until
the installation of the new manager form of govern-
ment, when he returned to the ranks. Soon after
this he was promoted to the rank of captain under
the civil service, leading the class by standing first
at the examination. He is now captain of Truck
No. 3 of the department. Mr. Moore is a tax-payer
and property owner in Sacramento, and is a member
of the Sacramento Chainber of Commerce, thus be-
ing a booster for the city and county. In national
political affairs Mr. Moore has always been a Repub-
834
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
lican. Mr. Moore also has the distinction of having
organized the fire protective bureau while chief of
the department. He has a good record for fire-pre-
vention work, both in what the department has done
and also in what the public has been persuaded to do;
and as a gratifying consequence, he has been able to
accomplish a good deal towards bringing about a
reduction in insurance rates.
At Sacramento, in 1900, Mr. Moore was married
to Mary E. Artz, a native of Sacramento, and their
union lias been blessed with the birth of four chil-
dren, Leslie F., Edgar L., Bernard and Jeanette L.
Moore. He is a member of the Firemen's Relief
and Protective Association, also of the Owls, and is
past president and ex-secretary of the Maccabees of
the World. He belongs to the Foresters of Amer-
ica, in which he is a past chief ranger. He is fond
of hunting and fishing, and thereby proves the healthy
character of his nature, and the naturalness of his
character. Years ago he served in the National Guard,
and as member of Company E, 2nd Infantry Regi-
ment, rose from private to be captain. On the break-
ing out of the Spanish-American War, he responded
to the first call of troops, and was mustered into serv-
ice with Battery B, 1st BattaUon of Heavy Artillery,
California Volunteers, on May 9, 1898. He served
until the close of the conflict, and was mustered
out on January 30, 1899, at Angel Island with the
rank of corporal. He is now a member of the J.
Holland Laidler Camp, Spanish War Veterans, in
Sacramento.
Sacramento may well be congratulated upon hav-
ing had as chief of her fire department a patriotic
American of such an enviable record in other fields
as to commend him heartily to the confidence of
every citizen of today.
Mr. Moore is never idle and believes in improving
the mind. He is first, last and all the time a stu-
dent, particularly along literary and historical lines
and in natural history and scientific subjects.
ROBERT M. SMITH. — An expert builder who
has come to have a valuable experience in his exten-
sive operations as a general contractor, is Robert M.
Smith, of 2633 Thirtieth Street, Sacramento, a native
of Ontario who adds one more to the imposing list
of Canadians doing well for themselves, and well for
California. His parents were James R. and Marga-
ret (Edmondson) Smith, and they came into the
States, and to California, and settled in Oakland; and
there our subject's father died.
Robert M. Smith was born December 19, 1864,
and he had the advantages of both the lower and
the high school courses, and then was apprenticed to
the watch-making trade; but when he had been .a
year ir. San Francisco and Oakland, he learned the
carpenter trade, and for seven years he worked as
a journeyman. In 1890, he came to Sacramento, and
as foreman he had charge of construction on several
buildings, being five years active in that responsible
work; and as long ago as 1895, he undertook con-
tracting on his own responsibility, and he has since
built many of the finer homes of the city, according
to the architectural styles of the period, and in
keeping with the increasing costs, adding apprecia-
bly to the attractiveness of Sacramento. He belongs
to the Master Builders, and is a Republican.
On March 25, 1891, Mr. Smith was married to
Miss Louisa E. Goess, a native daughter born in
Sonoma County, California; and they have one child,
a son, Robert Earl, who has a tire shop at 1228 K
Street. Mr. Smith is an Elk, and belongs to Lodge
No. 6, in the capital. He lakes a live intercut in civic
affairs, although never an office-seeker, and also a
keen interest in sports, being in particular a base-
ball fan.
WILLIAM H. GIBSON. — An enterprising busi-
ness man whose success may be ascribed, in part, to
his having made his name stand for something su-
perior and dependable in his field of industry, is Wil-
liam H. Gibson, proprietor of the sheet-metal works
at 417 Twenty-ninth Street. A Canadian by birth, he
was born at Brantford, Ontario, on April 8, 1867. His
parents were Alexander and Janet (Ritchie) Gibson,
both born in Scotland, the former not even a memory
to our subject, who was a babe when his father died.
Mrs. Gibson died at the age of eighty-six.
William Gibson was the youngest of seven children.
He attended the schools of Canada, and then, rather
early, learned his trade as a sheet-metal worker. In
1888, when the attention of Canada as well as the East
v/as riveted on California, on account of the great
"boom" in land and real estate here, Mr. Gibson came
out to the Golden State, and from that time on he
spent some ten j'ears in Sacramento, in the Southern
Pacific shops, and two years in a shop in town.
In 1901, however, he established his own business.
He first bought out an old firm, Messrs. L. L. Lewis
& Company at 504 J Street, and there he remained for
some j'ears. The Lewis Company dealt in merchan-
dise, but Mr. Gibson sold that department and con-
tinued manufacturing. Then, in 1906, he built the
shop where he is now located. His work is in de-
mand, and he employs five men to handle the busi-
ness contracted. He does general sheet-metal work,
and has been more than successful, his customers al-
ways appreciating his willingness to try to do for
them, especially when they are in urgent need.
Mr. Gibson was married on June 26, 1895, at Sacra-
mento, to Miss Farrie May Zimmerman, of Sacra-
mento, a descendant of an old English and German
family. Her father, Charles W. Zimmerman, was
born at Yellow Bud, Ross County, Ohio. He came
out to Peoria, 111., where he was an engineer on
steamboats on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. In
1852 he came via Panama to California. He had an
uncle, Capt. Jesse Zimmerman, who was a pioneer
captain on the river boats between San Francisco and
Red Bluff. Charles W. Zimmerman made his head-
quarters at Sacramento, and here he was married to
Catherine Hosselton, a native of Peoria, III, whose
acquaintance he had formed while in Illinois. She
made the journey to California in 1870, and they were
married in Sacramento. Her brothers all served in
the Civil War. Charles W. Zimmerman made his
home in Sacramento until his death. His widow is
now seventy-eight years old and makes her home
with Mr. and Mrs. Gibson. Mrs. Zimmerman and
her husband had two children, Farrie being the only
one now living. Farrie May Zimmerman received
her education in the Sacramento public schools and
Bainbridge Business College, from which she was
graduated; and after her graduation she was city
cashier for Perkins & Sons, until her marriage to
Mr. Gibson. Janet, a daughter, has become Mrs. F.
J. Wanamaker, of North Sacramento. Robert Z. is
assisting his father; he saw service in the World War,
^^
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
837
in the 8th Infantry band, and was in France. Charles
W. is also with his father; and Kathryn is at school.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Gibson are musically inclined, as
are all their children; and they appear together in
musical circles. Mr. Gibson is a Republican. For
twenty-five years he has been an elder and very ac-
tive in church work in the Westminster Presbj'terian
Church. He belongs to the Odd Fellows, is past chief
ot the Sacramento Caledonian Association and is also
a member of the Order of Scottish Clans; while Mrs.
Gibson is a member of the Daughters of Nile.
WILLIAM NELSON LINDSAY HUTCHIN-
SON.— The peculiar genius of industrial leaders who
have made Sacramento County famous far beyond the
confines of the Golden State, is well represented in
William Nelson Lindsay Hutchinson, of Walnut
Grove, who is part owner of a tract of some 660
choice acres, in the Holland tract. He was born at
Lindsay, in Tulare County, on December 7, 1892, the
son of Arthur J. Hutchinson, who emigrated from his
native England, where he was a veteran of the British
Army, retiring with the rank of captain, after which
he came to Virginia and was there married to
Sadie Lindsay Patton. From Virginia Captain and
Mrs. Hutchinson moved on to California; and reach-
ing here in 1881, they settled near Pomona in Los
Angeles County, and engaged in raising cattle and
horses, at the same time, also, conducting a first-
class dairy. They were there until 1898, when Cap-
tain Hutchinson decided to venture into Tulare
County; and he arrived so early that he was the first
man to plant a citrus-orchard there. He joined a
company making a specialty of developing and then
selling citrus-land, and he acquired fifty acres of
oranges; but in recent years, he sold off all but twelve
acres, which he still holds. Captain Hutchinson
started the town of Lindsay, in 1891, naming it after
his wife's middle name, an old family name. Lindsay
has since grown with the growth of its citrus indus-
try, until it is now the largest individual shipping
point for citrus fruit in the United States. In 1906,
the father moved to Palo Alto, and retired, and there
he is still living. Three children were granted this
worthy pioneer couple: Mary Lindsay, having mar-
ried, is Mrs. Post of Palo Alto. William N. L. Hutch-
inson is the subject of our review; Arthur John Lind-
say Hutchinson lives in Los Angeles.
William Hutchinson attended the primary and sec-
ondary schools of Palo Alto; then after two years at
Stanford, he entered the LTniversity of California, and
was graduated with the degree of B. S., as a mem-
ber of the class of 1915. Soon after graduating from
Stanford, he returned to Lindsay and engaged for a
year in the citrus industry. In 1916. he came into the
region of the Sacramento delta, and with Mr. Darsie
and Mr. Pettigrew he purchased 660 acres in the
Holland tract, near Clarksburg, now devoted to the
growing of asparagus and garden truck. He is agent
for the American Fruit Growers. Inc , for the delta
region.
In May, 1917, Mr. Hutchinson, in responding to
the call for Americans to stand by the United States,
entered the first officers' training camp at the
Presidio, San Francisco, and in August, 1917, was
commissioned second lieutenant of United States
Infantry, and at different times served with Compa-
nies D and H. He went overseas to France with his
regiment, and served as reserve in the St. Mihicl
drive, and he took an active part in the Meuse-
Argonne offensive, and was then moved up into Bel-
gium, and participated in the L^'S-Scheldt offensive.
He returned to the United States with his regiment,
and was discharged as first lieutenant from Fort
D. A. Russell, Wyoming. And then he returned to
his farming on the Sacramento River.
On April 20, 1921, Mr. Hutchinson was married to
Miss Doris Seymour, a native of Sacramento, and the
daughter of Col. H. I. and Grace A. (Brownlee) Sey-
mour, the latter a representative of the Brownlee
family, who were pioneers of the state, while Colonel
Seymour was a prominent business man in Sacra-
mento and w'as a colonel of the California National
Guards. He died September 1, 1913, being survived
by his widov^-, who makes her home in San Fran-
cisco. Two children were born to them: Donald
graduated from Stanford University in 1915 with the
degree A. B., and is a member of Sigma Nu frater-
nity. He is now with the Standard Oil Company in
San Francisco. Doris attended the Sacramento high
school and was graduated from Stanford University
with the degree of A. B., and there got that fine
foundation through which she has been able to help
her husband. She is a member of Kappa Kappa
Gamma and Phi Beta Kappa, while Mr. Hutchinson
is a member of the Onisbo Lodge, F. & A. M., Court-
land, and of the Sacramento Post of the American
Legion and Phi Kappa Psi fraternitj'.
ALFRED G. LABHARD.— An energetic, progres-
sive overseer in charge of one of the busiest depart-
ments of a noted California establishment, Alfred G.
Labhard. the genial superintendent for the popular
C. H. Krebs & Company, of 1008 Seventh Street,
Sacramento, has had the best of opportunities to
display executive qualities, nor has he failed to dem-
onstrate gifts such as should equip almost anyone
for a drive toward permanent success. He was born
in San Francisco on November 11, 1877, the son of
Theodore and Aramantha (Medows) Labhard, the lat-
ter a pioneer who was born at Placerville, one of an
old-time settler's family that had crossed the great
plains and resided for a time in Nevada. They were
married in Virginia City, the father having come
from Hamburg in the middle sixties. When Alfred
was two years old, his parents came to Sacramento
and Mr. Labhard was foreman for this same com-
pany, and he afterwards engaged in business for him-
self. Both parents are still living in the enjoyment of
many friends.
Alfred G. Labhard had the usual grammar school
training, and then he put in a term at the high school.
After that, he was apprenticed to the painter's trade,
and for seventeen years he followed it as a journey-
man. He next, in 1914, joined E. B. Chappell; they
established a business for themselves; and this part-
nership continued until May, 1922, when Mr. Lab-
hard took charge of Krebs' paint department. From
the first, he easily demonstrated that he was the right
man for the important post. The standing of the
firm is exceptional; and the quality and variety and
volume of their painting department's equipment is
above par.
In 1910 occurred the marriage of Mr. Labhard and
Miss Mabel Granger, a native daughter, now the
mother of several children. Ted and Alfred are twins;
and Euell is the youngest. Mr. Labhard is a past
838
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
president of Sunset Parlor of the Native Sons of the
Golden West, and a member of the Fraternal
Brotherhood, the Foresters of America, the Modern
Woodmen and the Masons, Union Lodge No. 58. In
politics, Mr. Labhard is a Republican.
JOHN CLEVELAND BELCHER.— A pioneer of
Sacramento County who became a successful farmer
and stock-raiser was the late John Cleveland Belcher,
who was born in Boston, Mass., March 20, 1820. He
was descended from an old New England family
of "Mayflower" stock, related to Governor Be'cher
of Massachusetts in Colonial days. John C. Belcher
was a musician, a finished violinist and teacher of
vocal music. He was married at Granby, Canada,
to Miss Sarah W. Kent, a native of that town, whose
parents came from New Hampshire. They moved
out to Morgan County, Illinois, and then to Exeter,
Scott County, and from 1855 to 1861 lived in Au-
drain County, Missouri. In the latter year, with his
family he crossed the plains in a horse- and mule-
team wagon-train. Leaving St. Joseph on April 20,
1861, they arrived in California June 26, 1861, a very
rapid journey over the California trail. Their cap-
tain was named Bociuier, who had previous'y made
six trips across the plains, and was well qualified to
pilot them. John Belcher brought his musical in-
struments and music with him but never taught here,
for he immediately engaged in farming. In 1862
he purchased the ranch that is still in the family. It
comprised 400 acres of land suitable for raising fruit,
including apples, pears, and plums.
In early days John Belcher hauled the fruit to
Virginia City, Nev., where he disposed of it among
the miners. He was successful in the fruit industry
and purchased the Cosumnes ranch, but rented it.
There also he set orchards of pears and prunes. The
pear orchard received his special care and is still
bearing; it is said by experts to be one of the finest
pear orchards in the state. His place was well im-
proved, his residence being located on an elevated
piece of ground, which is studded with seven large
oak trees. Mr.. Belcher was a member of the Union
Lodge of Masons and was a member of the first
school board and helped to build the first school-
house. He passed away February 8, 1878, whi'e his
widow survived him until March 20, 1918, her birth
having occurred June 16, 1829.
This pioneer couple were blessed with seven chil-
dren: Lucy E. died September 7, 1915. Alice J.
makes her home in Sacramento. She was educated
at Hunt's private school and taught school for many
years. She is a member of Naomi Chapter No. 36,
O. E. S., Sacramento. John Morton operated the
Cosumnes ranch. He married Miss Lena Cash of
Missouri. They passed away in 1888, he in February
and his widow in April, leaving two children, Harold
C. and Nancy S., who were reared by their grand-
mother, Mrs. Belcher. Nancy S. married Henry
Blavat, July 26, 1919, and has two children, William
Henry and John Clinton. Mary was the wife of F.
E. Winning. She died in Oakland on December 26,
1921. She was a teacher and had a life diploma.
William died in Missouri during his first year. Wil-
liam James married Mrs. Susan King, who taught
school in this county for eighteen years and made a
splendid record. She now holds a state life diploma.
Sadie W. owns the old home place, while the Cos-
umnes ranch is owned by Alice J. Belcher, Harold
C. Belcher and Mrs. Blavat. Sadie Belcher also
owns a ranch of 500 acres adjoining her Cosumnes
holdings, which is devoted to hops, grain and alfalfa
and which she rents to others. Both places are well
improved and very valuable. Miss Belcher is a mem-
ber of Columbus Chapter No. 117, Order of Eastern
Star, and also of the Rebekah Lodge at Elk Grove.
FRANK QUEIROLO.— An enterprise typical of
the twentieth century, and perhaps also peculiarly
characteristic of the progressive Golden State, is that
of the Sacramento Building Block Company, estab-
lished by Frank Queirolo in 1911, and incorporated in
1912, for the purpose of making cement blocks, irriga-
tion pipe and artificial stone. The company lays ce-
ment-block sidewalks, and takes sub-contracts for
various pieces of work. Their plant is at 1730 Twen-
ty-seventh Street, and there they employ about ten
men in the busy season, turning out a product far
superior, both technically and artistically, to that
which has hitherto been available in the local market.
Mr. Queirolo was born in Rappolo, Province of
Genoa, Italy, on November 13, 1875, the son of An-
gelo and Mary (Canevaro) Queirolo, w'orthy folks
held in esteem in the locality in which they lived.
The only son among three children, he attended the
public schools of Italy, coming to the United States
at the age of eighteen, and locating at Merced, Cal.,
where he farmed for a while. In Merced he began
manufacturing cement pipe and blocks, continuing
there until 1911, when he came to Sacramento. Here
he incorporated the Sacramento Building Company,
of which he has been secretary and treasurer ever
since. He had two partners at first; but they have
both sold their interest in the companj', and it is now
practically owned by Mr. Queirolo and his second
cousin, Peter Trabucco. The business was located
for a short time on R Street between Twenty-third
and Twenty-fourth, until March, 1914, when it was
moved to the present location. They have built up
a large plant and have installed electric machines for
the manufacture of cement blocks, and cement pipe.
They also manufacture ornamental vases and flower
pots, but these are made by hand. They lay cement
pipes and install irrigation systems for ranches, al-
falfa farms, and orchards, and also build foundations,
floors and cement walks. LTnder Mr. Queirolo's di-
rection, the Sacramento Building Block Company has
practically revolutionized this particular industry in
Sacramento County.
In 1902 Mr. Queirolo returned to his home in Italy
and there was married, on August 20, 1902, to Miss
Agnes Macero, who was born in Italy, a daughter of
James N. Macero, who lived in the South during the
Civil War and then located in Galveston, Texas.
There he was a successful restaurant operator until he
returned to Italy, where he made his home until his
death. After his marriage, Mr. Queirolo brought his
bride to California, and they located on his farm,
which he set out to orchard and vineyard. They have
been blessed with four children: Angelo, who is as-
sisting his father on the home place: Mary, attending
Stannard's Business College; Josephine, in Sacra-
mento High School; and Francis. Mr. Queirolo is a
member of the Chamber of Commerce.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
841
ANDREW CORBLY BLOOM.— A native son
proud of his association with the Golden State and
greatly interested in preserving its pioneer history
and interesting landmarks, is Andrew Corhly Bloom,
who was born on February 25, 1877, near Franklin.
Sacramento Count}', on the ranch which he now owns
and operates. His father, Andrew Corbly Bloom, Sr.,
was born November 13, 1849, near Bonaparte. Iowa,
his parents being William Henry Harrison and Delila
D. (Dye) Bloom. The great-grandparents were
Christopher and Elizabeth Bloom, their children being
Lewis, Anna, Emma, William H. H., and Samuel.
William H. H., or Harrison, as he was called, was
born at Cincinnati, Ohio, February 25, 1815, and was
married at Windsor, Ind., April 29, 1839, to Miss
Delila D. Dye, born in Miami County, Ind., August
27, 1823. Harrison Bloom, with his family, left
Bonaparte, Iowa, March 31, 1850, and arrived at
Diamond Spring, Cal., September 12, the same year,
where they remained about eighteen months. Mr.
Bloom built the second house erected at that place
and there kept a hotel and bakery. In the spring of
1852 he bought a claim of 480 acres on the Hubbs
ranch on the Cosumnes; but the title proved worth-
less, and in 1854 he returned to Diamond Spring,
where he resumed his old business with the addi-
tion of a dairy, hay-yard, and general store. On
March 25. 1855, he sold out and moved to the Pioneer
House on Lower Jackson Road, nine miles east of
Sacramento. Here he bought a half-interest in the
hotel and 320 acres of the Norris grant, only to lose
both when the land came to be surveyed a few months
later. He then rented the Keystone House, seven
miles from Sacramento, for two months. On Oc-
tober 25, 1855, Mr. Bloom bought 480 acres, since
known by his name, about two and one-half miles
southwest of Franklin.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Bloom who
reached their majority are as follows: Hetty, mar-
ried Joseph Morrow and is deceased; Arsinve M. is
Mrs. Thomas P. Taylor, of Sacramento; Adaline is
Mrs. Solomon Runyon, of Sacramento; Andrew C. is
deceased; Sierra Nevada is Mrs. William Lockhart;
Pacific Ellen married James Riley, and Eliza Oceana
was Mrs. A. M. Cain, both now deceased. Harrison
Bloom died on March 10, 1881, at his home. He had
served as constable of the township for many years
and was deputy sheriff at the time of his death.
Andrew C. Bloom, Sr., was married April 15, 1872.
to Miss Sarah Ellen Van Natta, a native of Grant
County, Wis., where she was born on June 23, 1853.
the daughter of George Philip and Mary Elizabeth
(McCormack) Van Natta. Her father came to Cali-
fornia in 1857 and settled at Placerville. He was born
on January 8. 1825, and the mother was born on Janu-
ary 29, 1833; and they were married on September 20,
1852. The mother died in 1865. Grandfather Henry
Van Natta was a farmer in Wisconsin and died in 1884,
at an advanced age. Grandfather McCormack came to
California with the Van Natta family and passed
away at Placerville, aged about sixty-five years. An-
drew C. Bloom, Sr., engaged in dairying and stock-
raising on the old Bloom ranch until his death 'n
1917, his wife having preceded him in 1912. Tlicir
three children are as follows: Harrison, who resides
near Placerville; Andrew Corbly. the subject of our
interesting review; and Clarence L., also residing on
a part of the old Bloom ranch.
Andrew C. Bloom was educated in the public
schools in the Franklin and Richland districts. He
was reared on the home farm, and so from a boy
learned ranching as done in the Sacramento Valley;
and he naturally turned to that occupation for his
life work. He was married in Sacramento on Octo-
ber 28. 1902, to Miss Ethel HoUenbeck. who was
born in Stockton, a daughter of Theron Hollenbeck.
Her father, a native of Pennsylvania, learned the
blacksmith trade when twenty years of age, and
coming to California followed his trade in the mining
region among the Southern mines. He was married
at old Fort Miller, or Millerton, to Susan May Van
Natta, born at Placerville on May 12, 1864. They
now live at Warrenton, Ore., and are the parents of
ten children: Mrs. Ethel Bloom; Edward, who died
of the influenza in 1919, leaving two children; Nella,
Mrs. Garner of Los Angeles; Esther, Mrs. Wingar-
der, living in Melbourne, Australia; Emily, the wife
of John Sprock of Franklin; Howard, a chiropractic
physician in Stockton; Mary, the wife of Frank
Sprock of Franklin; and Eldridge, Albert, and Robert,
who live in Oregon.
After his marriage, Mr. Bloom removed to San
Benito County, where he was in the stock business
at Paicines for a period of five years, after which
he returned to Sacramento County. He here became
the owner of 140 acres of the old home ranch, which
he has improved with a comfortable residence and
suitable farm buildings. He has installed two pump-
ing plants and is engaged in raising beans, corn, and
alfalfa, and has a dairy of twenty cows. He also
has a vineyard of White Malaga grapes, and is grad-
ually setting more of the ranch to vines. The ranch
is well watered, for Bloom Lake is located upon it.
Bloom Lake abounds in fish, and during the season
there is an abundance of wild ducks and geese, mak-
ing it a hunter's and fisherman's paradise. Politically,
Mr. Bloom is an independent Republican, and fra-
ternally he is a member of Franklin Lodge No. 7281,
M. W.of A.
HENRY BACKER. — An enterprising and success-
ful farmer, who has been a resident of Sacramento
County since he was a youth of seven years, is Henry
Backer, who was born in Rhein, Pfalz, Bavaria, Ger-
many, July 12, 1879, a son of Henry and Barbara
Backer, who were farmers in their native Bavaria.
Leaving his wife and children for the time being, in
1880, the father came to California, where a brother,
Fred Backer, had preceded him. He remained for a
period of four j'ears, and being impressed with the
countr}' and opportunities in the Golden State, deter-
mined to make it his future home. In 1884 he re-
turned to his home and, disposing of his interests
brought his family to Sacramento County in 1886.
Leasing land, he engaged in raising grain and stock
until his death in 1896, being survived by his widow,
who now lives in comfort in the home of our subject.
She was the mother of six children, three of whom
are living: Jacob died at the age of eighteen years;
Barbara passed away when nine years old; Bevela
died when very young; Maggie is the wife of Jacob
Backer; Adam is a farmer in the vicinity of Frank-
lin; while the youngest is Henry, the subject of our
interesting review.
As already stated, Henry Backer came to California
the year he was seven years of age. Attending the
842
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
public school, he received a good education, at the
same time assisting his father on the home farm,
learning to drive the big teams in the grain fields
and to follow farming as it is done in Califor-
nia. After his father passed away he assisted his
mother until he started for himself, leasing land and
growing grain. He was successful, and as soon as
he acquired some capital above his equipment he
purchased 320 acres and later added to his holdings
until he now owns a large farm all devoted to grain-
raising, except twenty-five acres which is in produc-
ing vineyard; and he also runs a dairy. His large
crops are harvested with a combined harvester pro-
pelled by a tractor. In all of his farming operations
Mr. Backer uses the most modern equipment.
Mr. Backer was married in the vicinity of his home
to Miss Louise Miller, who was also born in
Germany, but came when a child with her parents
to Missouri, being raised near St. Louis, and their
union has been blessed with three children: Henry,
Freda, and Laura. Mr. Backer is a very energetic
man and is never idle; his close application and good
business methods have brought him success, so that
while still a comparatively young man he has be-
come a man of affluence and influence, his example
being well worthy of emu'ation. Politically, he is a
Republican, and fraternally he is a member of Frank-
lin Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America..
ROBERT FORSYTHE GUNN.— A native of the
great prairie state who has made an enviably excel-
lent record since coming to California and casting his
lines in the pleasant waters of Sacramento County, is
Robert Forsythe Gunn, the wide-awake proprietor
of the Gunn Sheet Metal Works at 1315 Twenty-
ninth Street, in the capital city. He was born at
Onaga, 111., on December 15, 1864, the son of J. C.
and Emma (Matthews) Gunn, who migrated to Ten-
nessee, and there lived and died. His father was a
nurseryman and florist, and a clever inventor; and he
designed one of the first evaporated-fruit dryers, and
also one of the first taxicab indicators. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Gunn deserved well of their day and gen-
eration, and they enjoyed their share of good-will
from everybody.
Robert F. Gunn went to school in Tennessee, and
what he did not learn there, he tried to obtain from
the larger school of practical experience. When old
enough to do so, he was apprenticed to the metal-
working trade, in Knoxville, Tenn., and in time he
worked as foreman for a large manufacturing com-
pany. Then he was foreman for the Mountain City
Stove Manufacturing Company, of Chattanooga, so
that by the time he was ready to make his way west-
ward, he could boast of a valuable knowledge not
vouchsafed to every man. Reaching Los Angeles,
he had charge of a shop at Long Beach, and then he
went to Denver; and in 1906, he came to San Fran-
cisco as foreman for the Globe Sheet Metal Works.
In 1908, he removed to Sacramento and engaged with
the Latourrette-Fical Company, and after four years
of successful and pleasant experience there, in 1912
he established himself in business. He is now lo-
cated in his new modern shop, with far better quarters
than ever before for the handling of his steadily ex-
panding trade. He employs eight men, and they have
helped win the honors in such work as that for the
Grand Royal Ice Cream Company, the Consumers
Ice Company, the ventilating systems for T & D
Theater, as well as for the numerous hotel and kit-
chen installations. He belongs to the Builders' Ex-
change, and is rated as one of the substantial sup-
porters when it comes to "boosting Sacramento."
His home address is 817 Thirtieth Street.
In 1885 Mr. Gunn was married the first time, to
Miss Julia McCulIar, by whom he had the following
children: Robert F., Jr., was in the aviation corps
of the World War; Hobson, another son, went over-
seas and saw service in France; Essie has become
Mrs. P. E. Rice; Eleanor is the fourth; and the
youngest is Mrs. Silva. Mr. Gunn was married the
second time in 1916, to Miss Addie L. Utter, a native
daughter of California. Mr. Gunn is a Mason of the
third degree; and he also belongs to the Sciots. He
is fond of hunting and fishing.
PAUL R. OPDYKE. — The imagination may well
be given free play in a study of the contrasting differ-
ences between what the old-timers called "contract-
ing" and what an enterprising operator of today, such
as Paul R. Opdyke, of 1009 Seventh Avenue, Sacra-
mento, would consider a day's work for himself and
crew, with their up-to-date methods and modern ap-
pliances and machinery. He was born on a farm in
Shasta County, on February 20, 1889, the son of
Andrew Jackson and Olive C. (Wilcox) Opdyke.
The father was a sturdy pioneer of the seventies, who
crossed the great plains and mountains and finally
arrived, safe and sound, in the Golden State. He is
now deceased, having completed a very useful course
in life. Mrs. Opdyke, however, is still living, an ob-
ject of esteem and affection to many.
Paul Opdyke attended the local grammar school,
and then went to the Shasta high school. Afterwards,
he took charge of his father's ranch for a time, and
then learned the carpenter's trade, under a first-class
architect, serving a thorough apprenticeship of five
j'ears. During this time, he was also living on the
ranch, and was able to make some money on the side.
In all that he did, he set before himself a high stand-
ard; and his efforts, in the main, were attended with
success.
On September 30, 1921, Mr. Opdyke came to Sac-
ramento, and since then his career has been one of
steady progress. He is deeply interested in Sacra-
mento City and County, both in their historic past,
when substantial foundations were laid, and in their
promising future, when this is sure to be one of the
most attractive sections of the Pacific commonwealth.
Confining himself largely to residences, .he has erected
many of the finest homes, in one year having built no
less than seventy houses, most of them of superior
design, and all as well constructed as the allowances
of investment would permit. Residents, as well as
owners, never fail to take the dwellings put up by
Paul Opdyke.
At Redding, in 1913, Mr. Opdyke was married to
Miss Iva lone Tucker, a popular belle of Texas, with
all the accomplishments of a Lone Star lady; and
they have had three children: Paul R., Jr., Jasper
Jackson, and Elizabeth Opdyke. Mr. Opdyke belongs
to the Native Sons of the Golden West, being affiliated
with the Sacramento Parlor; and he is also a member
of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In poli-
tics, he is a Republican. He is fond of fishing, and
for that matter, of the alwaj's appea'ing outdoor life of
California in general, so much of which is at its best
in Sacramento Countv.
w'^^^^v^^/p^^^^:^^^^^^^^^^^^^
HISTORY OF SACRAAIENTO COUNTY
845
EDOUARD SANDERSON LOIZEAUX, M. D.
— Careful training, combined with broad practical ex-
perience and close study, have enabled Dr. Edouard
Sanderson Loizeaux to make continuous progress in
his profession. He is engaged in the general prac-
tice of medicine in Sacramento. Born in Vinton,
Iowa, April 1, 1877, he is a son of Paul J. and Celia
A. (Sanderson) Loizeaux. His father was born in
France and came to this country with his parents
when a boy and settled in Iowa. He was educated
at Chartier School in New York City; and there he
met Miss Sanderson, w-ho was attending Abbott
School in New York, and they w-ere married. For
a time they resided in Iowa, and then returned to
New York, where Mr. Loizeaux was in business until
his death. The doctor's mother was born in Greene
County, New York, of Scotch-Irish parents.
In the acquisition of an education. Dr. Loizeaux
attended the public schools of Plainfield, N. J., and
also Leal's school for boys, afterward becoming a
student at Columbia University, from which he was
graduated in 1901 with the M. D. degree. For two
years he w-as identified with New York hospitals,
and during the ensuing three years he was connected
with the State Hospital for the Insane at Middle-
town, N. Y. In 1907, Dr. Loizeaux came to Patton,
Cal., where he served as a physician on the stafif of
the state hospital for two and a half years. In the
fall of 1909, he located in Sacramento to accept a
position in the citj' health department, having charge
of laboratory work. He made a highly creditable
record, continuing until his resignation on March 11,
1919, to accept the position as medical superintendent
of the Sacramento County Hospital, a position he
filled with efficiency until the time of the death of
Dr. T. J. Cox, when he resigned to take over his
offices. He is now located at Seventh and I Streets,
engaged in the general practice of medicine.
Dr. Loizeaux's military record covers eight years'
service in the National Guard of California. While
connected with the public-health service, he joined
the Medical Corps, National Guard of California, and
was sent to the Mexican border as captain w-ith the
1st California Ambulance Company. Following his
return, he was commissioned major in the Medical
Corps, National Guard of California, and was at-
tached to the 143rd Field Artillery, United States
Army ("Mary Pickford's Own"), with which he went
overseas, remaining abroad for four months during
the progress of the World War. After the close of
the war he was discharged at the Presidio at San
Francisco, and immediateh' resumed his laboratory'
work.
Dr. Loizeaux was united in marriage in New York
City to Miss Vera L. Taft, who was born in Utica,
N. Y. He is a member of the Sacramento County
and California State Medical Societies and the Cali-
fornia Academy of Medicine. Fraternally, he is
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, and is a member of the Sutter Club. He is
also a member of the Sacramento Post. American
Legion, and the local post of the Veterans of For-
eign Wars, in which he is officiating as surgeon. He
supports all worth}' public enterprises and contributes
his share toward the progress of his city. He is an
able exponent of his profession, in which he fills a
place of broad usefulness.
HENRY SCHNEIDER.— A native son who has
made an enviable success in the stock business and be-
come a very influential man of affairs in his com-
munity is Henry Schneider, who was born in Pleas-
ant Valley, Eldorado County, April 24, 1866. His
father was also named Henrj' Schneider, a native of
Zurich, Switzerland, who emigrated to St. Louis.
Mo. He was a butcher by trade and followed that
business in the metropolis of Missouri until he re-
moved to Kansas City, where he ran one of the first
meat inarkets in that city. In 1855 he was butcher
for the LTnited States government on the plains,
spending two years on the frontier. He was in Utah
at the time of the Mountain Meadow massacre and
helped bury the dead. In the fall of 1857 he came
to Placerville, Cal., where he engaged in butchering;
then he went to Diamondville in the same business.
Purchasing a farm in Pleasant Valley, he engaged
nr stock-raising until his death in 1914. Fraternally
he Avas an Odd Fellow. He had married in Diamond
Spring Louise Schmidt, a native of New York City.
Her father, Eugene Schmidt, was born in German}',
while her mother was born in Paris. They crossed
the plains to California when Louise was a child,
arriving in San Francisco when it was a town of
shacks. She passed away in 1911.
Henry Schneider was the oldest of their seven
children and attended the local public school until
he was eleven years of age, when he took a man's
place, assisting his father in the stock business at
the same time he attended night school until he
was thirteen years of age. He continued buying cattle
for his father and also driving a meat wagon, retail-
ing meat through the country until 1889, when he
started in business for himself.
In February, 1889, at El Dorado Mr. Schneider
was married to Miss Hester M. Wheeler, who was
born in El Dorado, a daughter of Noah and Hannah
Wheeler, natives of New York and Mineral Point,
Wis., respectively, who had crossed the plains to
California in an early day. He was a wheelwright
by trade, but soon after locating in El Dorado en-
gaged in the building business; and both spent the
remainder of their lives there. After his marriage
Mr. Schneider engaged in the butcher and stock
business in El Dorado and in time became the owner
of a 1,100-acre ranch there. In 1906 he removed
his family to Sacramento, where his children at-
tended school, at the same time continuing his stock
business. In 1909, he purchased his present ranch
Dn the Cosumnes River, taking his son Leland into
partnership with him. He engages in raising grain,
alfalfa, sheep and cattle, running about 500 head of
high-grade Hereford cattle and about 2,500 head of
sheep. They have added to their holdings and now
own 5,200 acres on the Cosumnes River near Slough
House, besides mountain lands for summer range.
In 1920 he improved his ranch with a nice new resi-
dence, on a rise overlooking the beautiful Cosumnes
Valley, making a very sightly place. The union of
Mr. and Mrs. Schneider resulted in the birth of four
children: Leland W. is a partner of his father and is
a graduate of Heald's Business College; Am}- Irene
is the wife of Thomas Burke of Plymouth; Blanche
is the wife of Melvin Russell of Folsom; while the
youngest child, lone, is attending Heald's Business
College. Mr. Schneider and his son are members of
846
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Diamond SpriiiR Lodge No. 9. I. O. O. F., and of
the California Cattle Growers' Association, and be-
ing protectionists are naturally Republicans.
CHARLES S. SCHOECH.— An officer who is
doing his duty and who has been a resident of the
county for forty-five years is Charles S. Schoech, a
native of Iowa, born in Wapello County, October 1,
1857. His father, Gebhardt Schoech, was born in
Tyrol, Austria, coming to America when a young
man of eighteen years to Missouri with his father,
who died of yellow fever six months after his arrival.
In 1850 Mr. Schoech crossed the plains to California
and here he mined for four years and then he re-
turned to Germany via Panama, after which he came
back to the United States and located in Wapello
County, Iowa. Charles Walther, a comrade in the
mines in California, had made the trip with him to
Germany, being a native of Wtirttemberg, and on
Mr. Schoech's return to America, Charles Walther
and his sister, Emma, were fellow passengers, and
soon after their arrival in Iowa Gebhardt Schoech
and Miss Walther were married. Although a cabinet-
maker by trade, Mr. Schoech soon turned to farm-
ing for a livelihood, and purchasing a farm he raised
corn and hogs, becoming a well-to-do and substan-
tial citizen. The father died May 25, 1908, in his
eightieth year, his wife having preceded him about
1901 in her seventy-fourth year. They were the par-
ents of eleven children, ten of whom grew up, two
girls and eight boys.
Charles Schoech, who was the. oldest of the eight
sons, was reared on the Iowa farm and received
his education in the local schools. He had al-
ways been interested in California because of his
father's experience in the mines in the early gold
days, and when he had passed his twentieth year
he started for California, arriving in Sacramento in
February, 1878. He worked on a big ranch for
three years and then returned to Iowa, where .he
spent a year. While there he married Miss Eliza
Jane Davis, who was born in Schuyler County, Mis-
souri, a daughter of Gilbert and Jane (Darby) Da-
vis, natives of Ohio. Eliza Jane Davis was engaged
in teaching in Iowa until her marriage. Soon after
this happy event the young couple moved to Ne-
braska, locating a homestead and timber claim in
the Elk Horn country; but Mrs. Schoech's health
was not good there, so they decided to remove to
California. Selling their holdings they arrived in
Sacramento County in the spring of 1885, and soon
purchased a small ranch at Franklin and built a resi-
dence which has been their home ever since. For
many years he leased land and farmed to grain; but
he now engages in dairying on their fifty-five-acre
ranch, which is well improved with a pumping plant
and is now seeded to alfalfa.
For about tweny-five years Mr. Schoech was con-
stable of old Franklin Township before its consoli-
dation as San Joaquin Township. In 1922 he was
elected the first constable of the new township, a
position he is creditably filling, having his headquar-
ters in Elk Grove. One child has blessed the union
of Mr. and Mrs. Schoech, Roby, who married Miss
Elizabeth Backer and has had two children: Evelyn,
deceased, and Vivian. Roby Schoech is assisting his
father in operating the dairy and also driving a truck
for the Northern California Milk Producers' Associa-
tion. Mr. Schoech is a charter member of Franklin
Camp No. 7281, Modern Woodmen of America, and
has been a member of the board of managers since
its organization, while Mrs. Schoech is a member of
the Royal Neighbors.
WILLIAM E. KLEINSORGE.— A very success-
ful legal practitioner of the city of Sacramento is
found in William E. Kleinsorge, who was admitted
to the California bar in 1894. Sacramento, Cal., is
his native city, where he was born January 13, 1867,
a son of William and Emma (Stose) Kleinsorge.
The father of our subject came to California in 1862,
having been preceded by Miss Emma Stose by ten
years, and this pioneer couple were married in Cali-
fornia; the father was a wholesale groceryman and
was engaged in business in Sacramento until his
death in 1880. While spending his youthful days
under the parental roof William E. Kleinsorge at-
tended the grammar and high schools of Sacramento;
then he studied law under L. T. Hatfield and Albert
M. Johnson and in 1894 had completed his studies
and was admitted to practice in the state of Cali-
fornia.
The marriage of Mr. Kleinsorge united him with
Miss Louise Drescher, a daughter of P. C. Drescher,
wholesale grocer of Sacramento. Mr. and Mrs. Klein-
sorge are the parents of one son, William Philip. Mr.
Kleinsorge is a Republican in his political allegiance
and fraternally is a Knight Templar, Shriner and
thirty-second degree Mason; he is also a member of
the Sutter and Del Paso Clubs of Sacramento.
EDGAR FRANK KENNEDY.— A successful
business man at Franklin, who is a native son, is Ed-
gar Frank Kennedy, born near Florin, Sacramento
County, August 19, 1884. His father, Frank Ken-
nedy, was also born near Florin. The grandfather,
William Kennedy, a native of the state of Maine,
crossed the plains in the early fifties to California
and located two miles north of Elk Grove. How-
ever, it was not long until he removed to Oregon;
and then he went to southern California and after-
wards spent some time in various portions of the state,
but he spent his last da3rs in Florin. Frank Kennedy
has been a farmer and fruit-grower, and he now re-
sides on his home ranch near Elk Grove, whither he
moved in 1886. Mr. Kennedy's mother was Estella
Firth, before her marriage, a native of Pennsylvania.
A woman of culture and refinement, she still presides
over the old home, being the mother of five children:
Leona was the wife of Ed Kloss, but passed away at
thirty-four years of age; Edgar is the subject of our
interesting review; Mrs. Hazel King lives near Hood;
Mrs. Edna Lenore and Elmer are both residing in
Sacramento.
Edgar F. Kennedy spent his youth on the farm
and attended school in the Jackson district. After
his school days were over he followed orcharding,
which was his principal pursuit until 1910, when he
began working for Ed Kloss, and under his direction
he learned butchering and stock-buying, becoming
particularly adept at butchering. In 1918 he bought
out the old Ed Kloss butcheir shop in Franklin,
which in time he rebuilt and remodeled and opened
a new market, in which undertaking he has met with
great success. The place is well equipped with a
Blairco ice machine and refrigeration plant, with a
capacity of five tons, and the whole plant will have
a refrigeration capacity of fifteen beeves. In his
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
849
business he employs two Dodge auto trucks, the
routes covering a large territory, including an area
ten by twenty miles. This method is of great con-
venience and accommodation to the country cus-
tomers, the meat being sold at the same price as at
the shop. Mr. Kennedy is at the helm every day
and by his energy, close application, and enthusiasm
is making a decided success of the business.
Mr. Kennedy was married in Sacramento to Miss
Josephine Stewart, a native of Amador County, Cali-
fornia, a daughter of a pioneer family, and they make
their home in their comfortable residence just south
of Franklin. Fraternallv, Mr. Kennedy is a mem-
ber of Elk Grove Parlor No. 41, N. S. G. W. He
is liberal and enterprising, has great faith in the
future greatness of the Sacramento Valley, and in his
progressive way can always be counted upon to give
of his time and means as far as he is able towards
its upbuilding and development.
JESSE LEE REITH.— A native son of California,
Jesse Lee Reith was born on the old Reith home-
stead at LTnion House, eight and a half miles south
of Sacramento, on January 13, 1869. His father, John
Reith, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, July 2, 1828
His grandfather, also named John, was a clock-maker
and manufactured the big hall clocks. Jesse Reith
has one of these, which was made over 100 years ago.
As was the custom of the boys born and raised in
the seaport town of Aberdeen, John Reith chose the
sea and followed the coasting trade, in which he rose
to able seaman, and then sailed on deep water, visit-
ing the important ports of the world and circumnavi-
gating the globe. His last voyage was in a ship
bound to Australia and thence to San Francisco.
Arriving in March, 1850, he was thrilled by the gold
discovery, left the vessel, and like hundreds of others
rushed to the mines, making his way up the Sacra-
mento River in a small sailing vessel which he him-
self piloted. He was amazed at the magnitude of
the river and saw the possibilities of the vast river
bottoms. For three years he mined at Auburn
Ravine, Rattlesnake Bar, and other early mining
camps; but finding that the search for the elusive
metal was not so profitable as he had anticipated, he
determined to engage in farming. So, returning to
Sacramento County, he located 320 acres of govern-
ment land; and in time fulfilling the requirements of
the law, he obtained title to the land. It was splendid
meadow land, and he cut the grass, selling the hay
to the teamsters who were hauling to the mines; and
later he drifted into stock-raising and farming, He
raised some of the first wheat in these parts, set out
Cottonwood groves, built a residence and other farm
buildings, and in time had a well-improved farm and
dairy; and there he made his home until his death,
which occurred on December 9, 1921, at the age of
ninety-three years. He had served as trustee of
Perry school district for almost thirty years. The
marriage of John Reith occurred in Sacramento in
1860, when he was united with Miss Annie Boswell,
who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and came via
the Panama route to San Francisco in the early
fifties. She was a faithful wife and loving mother,
a truly good woman, who pioneered nobly with her
husband until her death in 1901. Eight children
blessed the union of this pioneer couple. Henry died
in San Joaquin County. John resides in Woodland
W. C. died in Sacramento. Jesse Lee is the subject
of our review. Fenelon M. died in Sacramento.
Charles E. resides in San Francisco. Mrs. Jane Rich-
mond and Anne reside in Woodland.
From a lad, Jesse Lee Reith assisted his father on
the home farm, early in life learning the rudiments
of farming. His education was obtained in the pub-
lic school in his home district, and at Napa College.
After completing his studies he selected ranching for
his life work, taking charge of his father's ranch;
and here he engaged in grain-growing and stock-
raising, in time becoming owner of the old home-
stead. He now has a well-selected herd of Jerseys
for his dairy, which he is conducting with gratifying
success. Greatly interested in preserving California
history and pioneer landmarks, he is a member of
Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W., in Sacramento. Polit-
ically, he is a stanch Republican, having been a
member of the County Central Committee. He is
active in the support of high public morals, and has
served as a member of the grand jury.
JOSEPH E. HICKS.— Representing the third gen-
eration of a family of California pioneers, Joseph E.
Hicks has spent his entire life in the vicinity of his
birth. He was born on the old Hicks ranch, near the
present location of McConnell Station, Sacramento
County, on August 20, 1884. His father, James B.
Hicks, was born in Tennessee on August 7, 1849, a
son of Joseph and Martha Hicks, both natives of
Virginia. Joseph Hicks came around the Horn with
his wife and four children when James was a small
boy. The family settled at first near Jackson, Ama-
dor County, then moved to Sacramento County and
acquired part of the Chaboya Grant on Dry Creek,
south of the present location of Gait. Here James B.
Hicks was reared, and on December 1, 1877, he was
married to Miss Etta P'rederick, who was born at
Sacramento May 29, 1855, the daughter of Louis and
Elizabeth (Geater) Frederick. Louis Frederick was
a native of Germany; and on coming to the United
States he settled in Lexington, Ky., where he mar-
ried Miss Elizabeth Geater. Four children were born
to them in Kentucky; and in 1853 the family came
around the Horn to California, and here four more
children were born, only two of whoin are now living.
Mrs. James B. Hicks, and William Frederick, who
lives at Rocklin, Cal. Louis Frederick was a tailor;
and he first settled in Sacramento, where he carried
on his trade. In 1867 he moved to a ranch three
miles from Roseville, Placer County, and farmed
there for a number of }rears. He died in Oakland at
the age of sixty-nine, Mrs. Frederick passing away
when fifty-nine.
After his marriage James B. Hicks established the
firm of Bottimore & Hicks, entering the butcher busi-
ness at Gait and continuing there until he sold out
his interest and moved to the old Hicks ranch, where
our subject, Joseph E. Hicks, was born. James B.
Hicks farmed this 1,100-acre ranch for fifteen years
and then returned to Gait, where he spent his last
days, passing away June 24, 1904; he was survived by
his widow, who is still living there. They were the
parents of several children: Fred, of Yuba City, Cal.;
Pearl, Mrs. C. F. Whitmore of San Francisco, who
has four children, James, Leslie, Helen and Emily;
Ralph M.; and Joseph E., of Yuba City.
850
HISTORY OF SACRAAIENTO COUNTY
Josepli 1^. Hicks received his education at the Gait
and Arno scliools and when sixteen started out for
himself. He worked for the Don Ray Company of
Gait as clerk for five years; then for a year and a
half he was in business for himself, and the following
ten years were spent in the store of Sawyer Bros.,
Inc.. of Gait. Upon the resignation of R. H. Brewster
as constable of Gait, Mr. Hicks was appointed in his
place, and he held this office to the entire satisfaction
of the public. On December 10, 1921, Mr. Hicks
opened up a soft drink business. This business was
sold on May 26, 1923, and Mr. Hicks is now man-
ager of one of fifty stores owned by the Martha
Washington Grocery Stores, Inc., at Yuba City, Sut-
ter County, his home address now being 404 B Street,
Yuba City.
On June 10, 1910, Mr. Hicks was married to Miss
Grace A. Sparks, the daughter of Merritt A. and
Mary (Driscol) Sparks. Her father, who was a native
of Crawford County, Pa., was a son of Merritt S.
and Angelina (Kettle) Sparks, both natives of New
York. When Merritt A. Sparks was nine months
old, the family removed to Clay County, Ind, and
there at Bowling Green he received his education
and learned the carriage-making trade, which he fol-
lowed in Cincinnati, St. Louis, Mo., Peoria, III, and
Crawfordsville, Ind. In 1875 he came to California
and remained for a time at Sacramento, going from
there to Dutch Flat, where he worked for a year and
a half. In 1878 he came to Gait and for twelve years
conducted a shop along the lines of his trade. He
and his w-ife still live at Gait. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E.
Hicks are the parents of three children: Melvin Max-
well, Josephine, and Mary Etta, who was named for
her two grandmothers. Mr. Hicks is a Democrat in
Dolitics. He is past chancellor of the Knights of
Pythias of Gait, and is also a member of the Native
Sons of the Golden West.
HIATT T. HIATT.— .A.n eminent, successful at-
torney who worthil}' represents the bar of California is
Hiatt T. Hiatt, a native of Woodland, Cal., where he
w-as born on December 15, 1889. He attended first
the local grammar school, and then the high school
of his home district; and when old enough to plunge
deeply into books and lore, studied law privately.
In January, 1910, Mr. Hiatt was admitted to prac-
tice in the state of California, and soon afterward he
entered the law offices of Messrs. DeLigne & Jones,
in Sacramento, where he remained until he was ready
to practice for himself. His patriotism led him to
abandon professional work and ambition, however,
when the World War came to involve his native
country; and for nine months he was in France as a
private. In Novcinber, 1919, he returned to Sacra-
mento and entered into partnership with Frank
Gafncy, w'hose office was in the Ochsner Building;
and he has contributed his share to the success of
the firm, which is considered one of the most de-
l)endable legal firms in northern California. He
was also admitted to practice in the federal courts,
and this has given him and his partner a real advan-
tage from which their patrons frequently profit. He
belongs to the state and county bar associations, and
is a valued pillar in the Republican party.
Mr. Hiatt is a Mason, of the York Rite, and a past
grand high priest of the Royal Arch. He is fond
of baseball and likes outdoor life especially.
ANDREW N. ANDERSON.— An energetic, pro-
gressive and very successful rancher, whose pros-
perity has become a source of pride to his friends as
well as to himself, is Andrew N. Anderson, who was
born at Rio Vista, on February 28, 1880. His father,
Neil Christian Anderson, was a native of Fyen, Den-
mark, and married Miss Anna Thorhaven, from
Schleswig-Holstein; he had come out to California
when he was eighteen years old, during the seven-
ties, and their wedding was one of the pleasant fea-
tures of the social life of their day in San Francisco.
He moved to Rio Vista with his bride, and first
worked for Mr. Toland, on his fartm there; and later
he embarked in farming for himself. He owns a
2,000-acre ranch in the Montezuma Hills, four miles
from Rio Vista, but he now lives retired in Oakland.
The worthy couple had nine children: Lulu, the
eldest; Andrew, of this review; and William, Holger,
Anna. Neil, Jr., Edward, Clarence and Iva.
Andrew Anderson attended the common school at
Rio Vista and Atkinson's Business College of Sac-
ramento, where he was graduated in 1900. He fol-
lowed clerical work for five years, for the Wood-
Curtis Company, of the capital city, and then became
shipping clerk for Baker & Hamilton, hardware mer-
chants of Sacramento, with whom he remained for
three years. Thereafter he had charge of the elec-
trical department of the Southern Pacific stores in
Sacramento, and from there he was transferred to
the supply train of the Southern Pacific Railroad,
and traveled over the Western Division. For two
years he worked under Mr. Fajs on the City of Sac-
ramento wharf. In 1912, Mr. Anderson came to
Sherman Island and began farming, and now he has
150 acres devoted to asparagus for the most part,
and the balance to grain. He is now serving his
eighth year as a trustee of the local school district.
Non-partisan in his support of measures for the ben-
efit of the community as a whole, in matters of na-
tional political moment Mr. Anderson is a liberal
Republican.
Andrew N. Anderson was married at Sacramento
on September 21, 1904, to Miss Minnie Nagle, a na-
tive of Sacramento and the daughter of William and
Mary (Sheehan) Nagle, who were early settler* at
Courtland, Cal. After marriage, Mr. Nagle farmed
Mr. Sheehan's ranch for a few years, and then he
was for years associated with the San Francisco
municipal railroads. Today he enjoys a pension in
retirement. They had two children: Annie, Mrs.
Dittus of Sacramento; and Minnie, now Mrs. Ander-
son, a graduate of St. Joseph Academy. One child,
Ila, has added to the happiness of Mr. and Mrs. An-
derson's married life. Mr. Anderson is a member of
Valley Lodge, No. 559, B. P. O. Elks.
CAPT. CALVIN H. SMITH.— A man of pleasing
personality and an interesting career is Calvin
H. Smith, who was born on a farm in Adams, Iowa,
on December 18, 1882, the son of Jacob and Deborah
(Bullock) Smith. Mrs. Smith visited Sacramento in
1916; her husband is deceased. They were both na-
tives of Ohio, and came to Iowa in an early day.
Calvin H. Smith was educated in the public
schools and graduated from the high school at Corn-
ing. Iowa, when he was seventeen years old. When
he came to California, in 1899, he located in Stock-
ton and resided there for ten years; and he started
to work as a deck hand on a steamboat, and was
^^i.<i^tr^<3
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
853
promoted until he became Captain in 1914. He
worked for the Farmers' Transportation Company,
and in 1918 he began with the Sacramento Transpor-
tation Company.
On November 18, 1912, Calvin H. Smith was
united in marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth Schade, a na-
tive daughter of the Golden State. Both of her par-
ents were born in Monterey, and were numbered
among the early pioneers of California. Mr. Smith
is a member of the National Mates and Pilots'
Association of America. He is very fond of outdoor
sports, being especially interested in hunting.
GEORGE T. RYAN.— A young man of much
promise who passed away in the prime of life was
George T. Ryan, one of the representative business
men in Sacramento and a man who was always ready
to lend a helping hand to those less fortunate than
himself. A native son, he was born in Sacramento
on April 2, 1879, the son of the late Capt. Thomas
A. and Clara S. Ryan. George attended the local
public schools and when he had finished the high
school courses he began his life work on the river
boats, starting at the bottom and graduall5r working
his way up to the top until he received his papers
making him a Master of steamboats on the Sacra-
mento River. He continued on the river for about
eight years, when he left the water and embarked in
the grocery business.
George T. Ryan was married to Miss Ella Beitzel,
a daughter of Jacob and Caroline (Stark) Beitzel.
Jacob Beitzel came to California in 18S8 and was
employed for many years in the shops of the South-
ern Pacific, and here he spent his last days. Mr.
and Mrs. Ryan became the parents of three children.
Earl, Thomas and Bessie. Politically Mr. Ryan was
a man above party. After a useful career he passed
away in October, 1919.
MARTIN KNEPPEL.— An enterprising man and
successful farmer in Sacramento County is Martin
Kneppel, who was born near Hamburg, Germany,
June 11, 1882, a son of Peter and Katherina (Zor-
nig) Kneppel, who are still living in their old home
in Hamburg. Their family of ten children are as
follows: William lives in San Luis Obispo County.
Peter died in that county in November, 1921. John
lives at Clarksburg. Marcus, Herman, and Mrs.
Annie Zimmer live in Germany. Martin is the sub-
ject of our review. Jacob lives at Point Pleasant;
Mrs. Louise Dahlmeier, in Germany; and Henry, at
Franklin.
Martin Kneppel was reared to the vocation of
farming and received an excellent education in the
local schools. From his twentieth to his twenty-
second year he served in the German army, being
attached to the 31st Regiment of Infantry. Having
served the required time, he was honorably dis-
charged and was free to go wherever he wished with-
out hindrance from the government. He then con-
cluded to cast in his lot with the land of the Stars
and Stripes; so in 1904 he made the journey to Sac-
ramento County, Cal., where for a time he was em-
ployed in a livery stable in Sacramento, and then
began working on ranches in Point Pleasant.
In 1908, Mr. Kneppel made a trip back to his old
home, remaimng a year, and there he was mar-
ried, on September 19, 1909, to Lina Raulien, who
was born near Koenigsberg, Germany, a daughter
of August and Johanna (Kasmir) Raulien. Her pa-
rents are both living, the father being a tanner. Of
their six children, three are in California: Mrs.
Kneppel, the third in order of birth, John and Mrs.
Bertha Schmidtje.
Returning to Point Pleasant, Mr. Kneppel again
took up ranching; and in 1911 he bought his present
place of eighty acres, where he has since engaged in
dairying and by close application and well-directed
energy is making a success of the enterprise. He
has two pumping plants, one for domestic use and
the other for irrigating his fields of alfalfa. Aside
from dairying, he is also engaged in raising poultry.
Mr. and Mrs. Kneppel have two children, Richard
and Harry. In religious faith and affiliation, they
are Lutherans; and in politics they are ardent Re-
publicans.
JOHN DEE.— John Dee was born at Hartford,
Conn., May 31, 1852. His father, James Dee, a native
of County Tipperary, Ireland, migrated to Connecti-
cut, where he married Miss Johanna O'Donnell, who
was also born in Ireland. They moved westward, in
time locating in Chickasaw County, Iowa, having
spent some time in Ohio and Wisconsin. They were
successful farmers in Iowa, becoming possessors of
a 260-acrc farm, where they resided until their death.
John Dee was the oldest of the five living children,
out of seven children born to his parents.
As a boy, John Dee grew up in Connecticut, Ohio,
Wisconsin, and Iowa, having accompanied his par-
ents on their migration w'estward. During these years
he attended the local schools in the various places in
which they resided, and meantime made himself gen-
erally useful on the farm. He well remembers how,
when a boj', he drove an ox team to a breaking-plow,
while turning the virgin soil of the prairie in Iowa.
In 1878, Mr. Dee came to San Jose, Cal., where he
was employed until 1881, at which time he came to
the Sacramento 'Valley. He was married at Mills
Station, Sacramento County, being united with Miss
Isabelle Deterding, who was born there, her father,
William Deterding, being one of the pioneer farmers
of the county. A brief account of his life will be
found in the life-history of Mrs. Matilda Stahl, on
another page in this volume. Isabelle Deterding
attended school in the Kinney district and grew to
womanhood on her father's farm at Mills Station.
After marriage the 3'oung couple engaged in farming
on the old Deterding place, becoming owners of one-
half of the old place, where they remained until they
sold out to the Natomas Company and moved to
Sacramento. Mrs. Dee died in 1900. She was a lov-
able woman, of pleasing personality, who was greatly
missed by her family and friends. She left two chil-
dren: J. W. and Lawrence J., who with their father
now own and operate 301 acres at Freeport, where
they are engaged in dairying. They have improved
the ranch with suitable farm buildings, and have
installed an electric pumping plant. They arc raising
alfalfa and grain, and are making a success of their
dairy herd of high-grade Holstein cows. Enterpris-
ing and progressive, they arc aiding in the develop-
ment and upbuilding of their community. The sons
are both members of the Knights of Columbus.
Politically, both they and Mr. Dee are independent
of party trammels.
854
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
RAYMOND D. GOULD.— A prominent and
wealthy orchardist and grain farmer is found in Ray-
mond D. Gould, who owns a ranch of 105 acres at
Antelope. Cal.. thirty-five acres of which is in full-
bearing almond trees. He is the eldest of four sons
and was born March 28, 1879, near Antelope, across
the line in Placer County on the old Dry Creek home
place of his parents, J. D. and Jennie Gould, early
California pioneers. Raymond D. Gould began his
education in the district school in the vicinity of his
home, and after completing the course he entered the
Hu.xlcy Business College in Sacramento, where he
remained for six months. Returning to his country
home, he became closel}' associated with his father
in ranch work. Being thirfty, he saved his money
and when nineteen years of age purchased ninety
acres from an uncle, for which he paid $2,500; this is
a portion of his present home place.
The marriage of Mr. Gould united him with Miss
Olive Berry, a native of Sacramento County, a daugh-
ter of William Berry, pioneer settler of Sacramento,
who now resides at Roseville. Four children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gould: Adrian, em-
ployed in the California National Bank, Sacramento;
Donald; Phillis; and Mildred. For many years, Mr.
Gould lias been an active member of the State Grange
and is now serving his third term as president of the
Antelope Almond Growers' Association; he is also
a member of the State E.xchange. Mr. Gould was
one of the organizers of the Railroad National Bank
at Roseville, which was granted a charter in Febru-
ary, 1923. Mr. Gould serves on the board of direc-
tors; but his chief interest lies in his home ranch at
Antelope.
LESTER E. HOLT. — The encouraging progress in
artistic painting of recent years is shown in the in-
teresting displays, from time to time, of Messrs. Holt
Brothers, so ably represented by Lester E. Holt,
whose parents were Charles A. and Mary Elizabeth
(Bowden) Holt, the former a pioneer of California
who located in Butte County in the middle seventies,
and later was married to a native daughter from
Oroville. Mr. Holt was one of the early workers in
sheet-metal, and for a while he was established in
San Francisco; but later he removed to Sacramento,
and he is still living there, as active as ever in his
chosen field, determined to continue his record of ex-
ceptional usefulness as long as he is able. Mrs. Holt
is also among the living, and very much alive as the
center of a circle of devoted friends.
Lester Holt was born at Chico, on January 3, 1894,
attended the public schools, and then, from 1909 to
1915, engaged in the butcher business. After that, for
two years, he worked in a dairy. Just when he was
getting ready to determine his life labors, however,
the war called for his services, and he responded
patriotically by entering the LInitetd States Army,
and joining the 148th Field Artillery. He went to
l'"rance, and remained there eleven months; and then
he spent eight months with the Army of Occupation
in Germany. He was rated as a cook, when dis-
charged; and on regaining his freedom from military
service, he joined his brother, Percy La Rue Holt,
formed the firm of Holt Bros., which is a valued
member of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce,
and at 2735 Franklin Boulevard has since devoted
himself to artistic painting, with the result that more
and more his services have been in demand.
JOHN WOODWARD WOOLLETT.— The fame
of Sacramento as an ornate capital is due in part to
the eminent qualifications of her architects, among
whom Messrs. Woollett & Lamb certainly play an
important and an enviable role. The senior member
of this well-known firm, John Woodward Woollett,
was born at Londonville, N. Y., on July 11, 1876, the
son of William M. and Fannie (Nellegar) .Woollett,
the former also an architect, through which fortunate
circumstance our subject got the best possible pro-
fessional start in the world.
John Woodward Woollett went to the grammar and
high schools in Albany, and later, as a member of
the class of 1899, was graduated from the Massa-
chusetts Institute of Technology. For a while, he
was at Wilmington, Del.; and at Pittsburgh he
worked as a structural engineer. In 1894, he joined
his brother William, also an architect, at Albany.
In 1911 he left the Empire State and came West. In
California his ability was soon recognized, and in 1912
he was appointed state architect, a position he filled
with ability for about fifteen months. Since then he
has continued to follow his professional work in Sac-
ramento. In 1919, Mr. Woollett formed a part-
nership with Arthur H. Lamb, whose interesting life-
story is given elsewhere in this historical work, the
firm bearing the name of Woollett & Lamb; and
they have been so successful that they are doing
much of the best architectural work in Sacramento
and northern Ca'ifornia. Mr. Woollett is a member
of the Rotary Club, and a Republican.
Mr. Woollett was married, in 1906, and at Ando-
ver, Mass., to Miss Constance Somers of Boston,
and their happy union has been blessed with three
daughters and two sons — Harriette, John, Constance,
Charlotte and Frank. Mr. Woollett is a member of
the board of Westminster Presbyterian Church, and
a director in the Y. M. C. A. of Sacramento, his in-
terest in young men being particularly strong, and
his desire for social and religious service of a prac-
tical, effective kind, always marked.
LAWRENCE S. HALL.— Well-known among the
really progressive and therefore, very naturally, suc-
cessful dairymen operating along scientific and also
very practical lines, is Lawrence S. Hall, of Folsom
City, a native son proud of his association with the
great commonwealth of California. He was born at
Shingle Springs, Eldorado County, on January 3,
1881, the eldest child of the late Daniel T. Hall, and
as a child attended both the Shingle Springs and the
Sutter schools, the latter at Tv^'enty-first and L Streets
in Sacramento.
When thirteen years of age, Lawrence S. Hall
started out on the range as a rider after stock, and
so it may be said that, like a goodly number of the
finest type of Western men, he was reared in the
saddle. He is, therefore, a thorough judge of live-
stock, and enjoys an enviable reputation in respect to
that field of industry which is the result of hard work
for years, under conditions of exposure, fatigue and
the absence of many comforts enjoyed by those liv-
ing for the most part under more comfortable town
environments. In December, 1916, he entered the
dairy business as a partner of J. A. Russi, and he has
been successful to no small degree, both in dairying
and the raising of stock. He now has a string of
seventy-five milch cows of the Durham breed, and
Jri^^^ Iv. A/'aw^^^^^^^
HISTORY OF SACRA^IENTO COUNTY
857
goes into camp in tlie high Sierras every spring, re-
turning for winter range near Folsom in the fall.
At Sacramento, on September 2, 1904, Mr. Hall was
married to Miss Frances Russi, the youngest daugh-
ter of Antone Russi, tht pioneer now deceased, whose
memory is held so dear to all who knew him; and
one child, a son named Marion, has blessed the union.
He was born on December 17, 1906, and is attending
the Keeney school at Sacramento. Mr. Hall is a
member of Parlor No. 83, Native Sons of the Golden
West, of which he is ex-president; and he also be-
longs to Lodge No. 6 of the B. P. O. Elks at Sacra-
mento. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are fortunate in a wide
circle of devoted friends, and Mr. Hall exerts an en-
viable influence among those with whom he has deal-
ings, owing to their confidence in his experience and
integrity
CLYDE SHAPEL SIMMONDS.— An expert
painter who is called upon to do extensive contracting
for work in his line, is Clyde Shapel Simmonds, of
2726 Twenty-sixth Street, Sacramento, whose dis-
criminating taste has influenced to a considerable de-
gree the popular demand for artistic house-painting
and interior decorating in his city and community. A
native son, he was born at Benicia, on January 11,
1891. His father, William Shapel Simmonds, was
born and reared in Moline, 111., and there lived until
his mother came to California with her family, when
he was fifteen years of age. W. S. Simmonds' mother
was a second cousin of Cecil Rhodes. She brought
her family to Sacramento, where she made her own
waj' and raised and educated her children. She was a
wonderful woman, of strong character and dominant,
wholesome spirit, and had a wide influence for good.
During the last three years of her life she was blind.
She lived to the age of eighty years, passing awav on
February 20, 1920.
William S. Simmonds worked in various positions,
and studied privately; and then he found employment
in the plow-works at Benicia. While there he mar-
ried Miss Kate Demorest, who was born in Michigan.
Later he learned painting, and in 1892 he came to
Sacramento. Here he worked for a couple of years
for others, and then engaged in business for himself.
In 1895 Mr. Simmonds began to take an interest in
politics, and he became the "big man" in the fifth
ward. He was twice a candidate for the city com-
mission, but was defeated. He always took a very
active part in local affairs and made many friends.
He died on January 20, 1920, from the effects of a
pistol-shot, fired by unknown hold-up men, and his
murderers were never apprehended. W. S. Simmonds
was a very successful business man and accumulated
considerable property. He built the Del Paso Hotel
on Twelfth Street, between I and J, back of the
Masonic Temple. It was built as a hotel for working-
men. He ran a good, clean house; and the reputa-
tion he won has been continued by his estate since
his death, and there has never been an arrest in the
house. It is now owned by his heirs, four sons, name-
ly: Clyde S., Albert W., Harry and Harold, the last
two being twins. The father also owned a flat build-
ing at Twentieth and L Streets. He was a Knight
Templar and a Scottish Rite Mason, as well as a
Shriner.
Clyde Shapel Simmonds was educated in the pub-
lic schools of Sacramento and at the age of sixteen
went to work at electrical work on the capitol build-
ing. Eighteen months later he took up paper-hanging
and decorating with Schneider, Chappel & Jones, then
the foremost decorators in Sacramento, and continued
there for three years, learning decorative painting in
all of its branches; and then assisted his father in his
business. When twenty-one years of age he enlisted
in the LInited States navy, serving on the Cheyenne,
Colorado and Philadelphia and in the submarine navy
until 1914, when he purchased the balance of his time
and received an honorable discharge. This he did
for the purpose of taking over the business of his
father, who had retired. He continued the business
and has enlarged it from time to time. Of late, he
has done the painting of the East Sacramento School
and the Chamber of Commerce building; and he does
much work for the Sacramento Northern Railroad.
His business has so increased that he is able to give
profitable employment to about ten well-trained men.
In Stockton, on January 20, 1916, Mr. Simmonds
was married to Miss Doris Irene Pugh. She was born
at Perkins, a suburb of Sacramento, and is a daughter
of Charles L. and Minnie P. (Robison) Pugh, natives
of California. Her father served as justice of the
peace of Brighton Township for twelve years. He
installed the first incandescent electric lights ever put
in in Sacramento city. He is now engaged in well-
boring, accomplishing much and lasting good for the
irrigation of lands, and for increasing the yield of the
soil. He is a Master Mason. Mr. and Mrs. Simmonds
have three children, Ellen Maurine, Irene Olive, and
William Carleton. Mr. Simmonds is fond of boxing,
hunting and fishing. In politics he favors the plat-
forms of the Republican party.
THOMAS R. LANDSBOROUGH.— That the
twentieth century naturally calls for new and im-
proved methods of dealing with the increasingly
intricate and puzzling problems of industrial progress,
Thomas R. Landsborough, of Florin, sets forth in his
farm engineering service. And that what he has to
offer, as a native son thoroughly familiar with Cali-
fornia agricultural conditions, is especially applicable
to operations in Sacramento County, one may see
from a careful inspection of his prospectus. He was
born at Florin, California, on August 1, 1882, the son
of L. AI. Landsborough, a native of Australia, who
married Miss Agnes Rutter, a native daughter.
Grandfather James Rutter was an early pioneer in
Sacramento County. Mr. L. M. Landsborough is
now the manager of the Sacramento Berry-Growers'
Association.
Thomas R. attended the grammar and high schools,
and when old enough, he matriculated in the Uni-
versity of California at Berkeley, and in due time
was graduated. He had taken the engineering
courses, and so he received the degree of Bachelor
of Science in 1905. Then, wishing to master electri-
cal work, he became an apprentice in the Westing-
house shops in Pittsburgh, and from 1907 to 1918 he
was located at Tonopah, Nev., as a mechanical and
electrical engineer for a mining company. He was
with two companies, the Tonopah Extension Mining
Company, and the Tonopah Mining Company.
During the World War, he was in the shipyards in
San Francisco and then he returned to Tonopah for
half a year, coming from there to Florin, to establish
his own business, that of installing electrical pumps
for irrigation. Mr. Landsborough is a specialist in
his line, and is everywhere recognized as such. He
858
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
is interested in his grandfather's estate, known as the
James Ruttcr Company, owners of 250 acres devoted
to vineyard.
Mr. Landsljorough married Aliss Henrietta Bot-
eher, of Stockton, at Tonopah. He and his wife enjoy
outdoor life, he l)eing an enthusiastic fisherman. Mr.
I^andsborongh belongs to the Elks.
ST. FRANCIS PARISH.— Distinguished among
the devoted clergy of the Roman CathoHc Church
who have done much to advance the cause of sound
learning and popular education in California, may
well be mentioned the Franciscan Fathers of St. Fran-
cis Church, Sacramento, with its live center of activi-
ties at Twenty-sixth and K Streets, the magnificent
fruits of a movement, "for the glory of God and our
Country," begun at the Provincial Chapter held at
St. Louis, on August 22, 1894, when it was decided
to found a parish and Franciscan residence in the city
of Sacramento. The Rev. Fr. Augustine McClory,
O. F. M., was then chosen first pastor, and arrived in
Sacramento on October 16, 1894. He was warmly
received and kindly assisted by Rt. Rev. Bishop Mon-
oguc and began his work as assistant at the Cathe-
dral, taking part in all parochial duties. During Fr.
Augustine's stay at the Cathedral, he spent much
time in organizing the new parish: taking the census,
soliciting subscriptions, and selecting the site for the
new church. Finally, it was agreed to purchase the
site on K Street, between Twenty-fifth and Twenty-
sixth, and after all details had been attended to, Fr.
Augustine finally took possession of the deeds to the
property on the 31st of December, 1894. Ground was
Ijroken for a new church on February 7, 1895. On
the 19th of the preceding month, Rev. Fr. Pius Nier-
man, O. F. M., had arrived from Chicago as assistant.
Holy Mass was said for the time being at Union Hall
on Twentieth and O Streets, the first Holy Mass
being said there on Sunday, January 20, 1895. The
first Holy Mass was said in the new church on Palm
Sunday, April 7, 1895, in a frame building that served
its purpose for that time.
At the present day, St. Francis Parish is in a flour-
ishing condition, being fully equipped with all that is
called fo'r in a modern parish. The beautiful new
church which supplants the old wooden structure was
built under the direction of Rev. Godfrey Hoelters,
O.F. M., and dedicated October 23, 1910, by the Rt.
Rev. Thomas Grace, D. D., who has since passed
away. It is situated in the very heart of the residence
district, opposite Sutter's Fort. The present clergy
are: Rev. Ildephonse Moser, O. F. M., pastor; Revs.
Edward Lunney, Ferdinand Kenny, Anselm Boehmer,
O. F. M., assistants. Then there is the Parochial
School, which is in charge of the Franciscan Sisters,
who have their residence on the block next to the
church. There is also the Parish Auditorium, which,
is used for entertainments and whist parties. Finally,
there is also the gymnasium for the young men of the
parish, and this is constantly being made more attrac-
tive. The various societies and sodalities of the parish
are all in a flourishing condition, and this is because
their members are continually active for the religious
and social welfare of the parish. The Parish School,
which ofTers excellent grade courses, is conducted by
Franciscan Sisters, certificated teachers of the state
of New York.
JAMES KEANE. — Sacramento County may well
be proud of the contribution to business activity
furnished by James Keane, whose thoroughness, in-
dustry and trained business judgment have been a
factor in the permanent growth and advancement of
the community. For the past eleven years he has
devoted his energies to the insurance business and
at the present time is serving as district manager
of the Western States Life Insurance Company; and
under his able management the business has steadily
increased in proportions until he has charge of
thirty-three men who work throughout Sacramento
district. He is a native son of California, born near
Lotus, Eldorado County, May 26, 1877, a son of
James and Mary (Grogan) Keane. The father of
our subject was born in Ireland, came to Philadel-
phia, Pa., in 1851, engaged as fireman on a Pennsyl-
vania railway and came to California around the
Horn in 1855. He first engaged in mining; then he
turned his attention to agriculture and in the early
days of irrigation gave helpful assistance to all irri-
gation projects. He was active in politics, and lived
and died in Eldorado County; he passed away in
1903, his wife surviving him until 1906.
James Keane, our subject, received a good educa-
tion in the public schools and finished with a course
in a business college; he then began farming on the
home place, where he remained until 1908, when he
engaged in the fruit business which he followed for
four years. Removing to Sacramento in 1912 he
entered the life insurance business, working as solic-
itor throughout the county until he was made dis-
trict manager in 1918, having full charge of the Sac-
ramento district with offices in the Capital National
Bank building.
The marriage of Mr. Keane united him with Miss
Aimee E. Collins, born at Davis, Cal., and they are
the parents of one daughter, Carol Bernice. Mr.
Keane is a Democrat in politics, and fraternally be-
longs to Placerville Parlor No. 9, N. S. G. W., of
which he is a past president.
■WILLIAM LEE BROSIG.— A substantial citizen
of Sacramento, who is ably discharging the duties of
captain of Fire Engine Company No. 1, is William Lee
Brosig. He was born in Texas, December 19, 1889,
a son of Theo. L. and Marie (Hillmann) Brosig, also
natives of that state. William Lee Brosig attended
school in his native state and remained there until
1909, when he removed to Sacramento and followed
his trade of boiler maker in the Southern Pacific
shops. He became connected with the fire depart-
ment in July, 1914, first as a substitute, then on Octo-
ber 6, 1914, as a driver,, which occupied him until
1919, when in October of that year he was promoted
to the captaincy. The efficiency of his work and its
acceptability to the people of the city are indicated by
the fact of his continuance in the position for the past
four years. He is public-spirited, progressive and
energetic and in his public capacity has done bene-
ficial and far-reaching work, being today among the
most popular men on the roster of the city officials.
The marriage of Mr. Brosig united him with Miss
Mabel Caroline Godergast, a native of Sacramento.
Politically, Mr. Brosig is a Republican, and frater-
nally he is affiliated with the Red Men, Eagles and
Foresters and takes an active interest in the Fire-
men's Relief Association.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
861
GEORGE J. RAYMOND.— A Sacramento attor-
ney who has made his mark, as a well-trained, schol-
arly and high-principled lawyer, throughout northern
California, is George J. Raymond, of the Capital
National Bank Building, who has practiced law for
nearly a decade. A native son, always proud of the
Golden State, he was born in Eureka, Humboldt
County, on March 29, 1890, the son of Joseph and
Mar}' A. (Sheridan) Raymond, who settled in Cali-
fornia in 1881. Mr. Raymond was a lumberman, and
helped to develop the natural resources of the state,
and both parents are still living.
George Raymond went through the usual grammar
school courses, and then enjoyed the advantages of
high school study in Humboldt County. After that
he extended his reaching out after knowledge in the
school of actual, practical experience, and when he
was able he studied law privately under competent
tutors. For some years, he was an assistant at the
State Law Library, and that proved of the greatest
possible advantage to him. In 1915, he was admitted
to practice in the courts of California; and ever since
that year, he has hung out his shingle here. When
the great war broke out, he enlisted in the United
States Army, as a member of the Signal Corps; and
he served in France for sixteen months. On being
mustered out he came back to Sacramento and to his
own office; and after his return he organized here a
post of the American Legion.
Mr. Raymond is fond of hunting and fishing, and
out-door life generally; and belongs to the Elks and
the Knights of Columbus, being a member of the
third degree among the Knights. Patriotic and a
loyal citizen, Mr. Raymond never loses an opportun-
ity to improve civic standards, or to inculcate a love
of country and the cherishing of worthy ideals.
ISADORE KUBEL. — A progressive merchant,
whose efforts furnish a high-grade service for the
welfare and convenience of the wide-awake commun-
ity of Oak Park, is Isadore Kubel, the ambitious and
accommodating proprietor of the Greater Sacramento
Store, a popular establishment. A native of the ro-
mantic and historic land of Paderewski, Mr. Kubel
was born at Warsaw, on January 15, 1886, the son of
Noel David and Helen Kubel, the former a profes-
sional man, who lived for a while in New York, but
returned to Warsaw, and died during the World War.
Both father and mother, highly esteemed in their
circles, are deceased.
Isadore Kubel went to the public schools of Tren-
ton, N. J., and also to Horton's Business College, and
to night school there, and then, as a youngster, he was
in a commission house for a year, and after that, for
two and one-half years, with S. P. Dunham & Com-
pany, of Trenton. Then he was for four years in
Freedman's Department Store, and he was in business
for himself for eight months in Lambertville, N. J.
Selling out, he came to Chicago, and was for fourteen
months in the Boston Store; and in 1909 he migrated
still further, to San Francisco; then he was for some
time manager of a general merchandise store at
Boulder Creek, Cal., and coming once again to San
Francisco, he was for a year and a half in Hale's
Store.
In October, 1911, Mr. Kubel came to Sacramento
and opened his present emporium in a modest way,
commencing with a partner, whom he bought out, in
54
1918; and as the volume of trade has increased, he has
enlarged his quarters and added to his stock. The
Greater Sacramento Store is one of the oldest in the
locality, and carries the largest and most varied as-
sortment of goods, including a full line of shoes. Mr.
Kubel prides himself on his success in anticipating
the wants of the community, and in being able to
meet every emergency. He is president of the Oak
Park Merchants' Club, and votes the Democratic
ticket when seeking legislative reforms.
At Sacramento, in 1914, Mr, Kubel was married to
Miss Annie Goldstein, of that city; and three children,
Dorothy, Noel David and Howard Leo, have blessed
the union. Mr. Kubel belongs to the B'nai B'rith,
and also to the Eagles, in each of which he is a
favorite.
WILLIAM THOMAS BUTLER.— A venerable
pioneer of Sacramento County may be found in Will-
iam Thomas Butler, who now makes his home with
his son, William T. Butler, at Roseville. He was
born in Evansville, Ind., September 25, 1849, the
eldest son of Williatn Thomas and Elizabeth Butler,
both natives of England and now both deceased. In
1852 William Thomas Butler accompanied his par-
ents to the West, where they settled in Sacramento
County. He received a good education in the public
schools of Sacramento, but owing to the accidental
death of his father he was obliged to help in the sup-
port of the family. In 1880 he began to farm. Later
he engaged very successfully in contract harvesting,
which he followed for ten years. In 1890, while
threshing on the Hager Ranch, the engine of his
harvester blew up, causing the instant death of two
employees and a severe and painful injury to Mr.
Butler, which resulted in the amputation of his right
leg below the knee. Mr. Butler then discontinued
the harvesting business and removed to Roseville,
where he has since continued to reside.
Mr. Butler's marriage occurred in Roseyille, and
united him with Miss Sarah McKeown. Ten chil-
dren were born to them, seven of whom are now liv-
ing: William Thomas, the proprietor of a whole-
sale and retail butcher business in Roseville; George,
residing in Sacramento; Frank, Lillie, Lottie, Joseph-
ine and Gertrude. Mr. Butler was constable of
Roseville for eight years and at Rocklin for four
years; fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F.
Lodge of Rocklin.
FRANK BYRON MOSIER.— Among the most
enterprising of all industrial operators in and around
the California capital, Messrs. Mosier & Son, house-
inovers, so ably represented by Frank Byron Mosier,
enjoy an increasing patronage. Frank B, Mosier
was born at Lake City, Minn,, on February 5,
1883, the son of Doran H. and Leora (Penbrook)
Mosier, the former an experienced house-mover, for
over forty years, twenty-nine of which were passed
prosperously in Minneapolis, before he came out to
California and Sacramento, in 1912. He has been
here long enough, however, to become closely iden-
tified, in his special field, with the development of
this, the most favored section of the Golden State;
and they have done work in all the northern Califor-
nia counties as well as in the Santa Clara Valley.
Frank Mosier attended the public schools in Min-
nesota, and then joined his father in house-moving
862
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
in Minneapolis. No job lias ever been too big for
them, and they have tackled some hard tasks Not
only are they among the most experienced in their
line' along the entire Pacific Coast, bi:t they have
always been progressive enough to provide them-
selves, notwithstanding the heavy cost at times, with
the best equipment obtainable, thereby assuring their
own and their employees' lives and safety, and the
best-finished, quickest jobs possible. More than that,
they have tried, whenever it was desirable, to make
the most artistic result out of the whole undertaking,
and also to cause the least disturbance or inconven-
ience to anyone.
In April, 1922, Mr. Hosier was married to Miss
Gertrude Bridges, a native of Minnesota, the cere-
mony taking place at Sacramento. Mrs. Hosier
shares with her husband his liking for travel by mo-
tor, and for the pleasures of outdoor life. To keep
abreast of the times, Mr. Hosier belongs to the Build-
ers' Exchange. In politics he is a Democrat.
OTIS ROBERT EARLE.— The plumbing trade
is well represented in Sacramento by such an enter-
prising operator as Otis Robert Earle, who does
things on a more or less extensive scale, the result of
which may mean so much to both the comfort and the
safety of a whole city.
Mr. Earle is a native of Sacramento, born on
July 11, 1882, and his parents were Henry and Mary
(Amsden) Earle. His father came here about 1856,
by way of the Isthmus, and as early as 1858, he
established himself in Sacramento in the plumbing
business. He was a true pioneer, and he did much of
the work required in the town in those primitive
times, when it was harder to do things, and more im-
portant, in some ways, that they be done; and he
gave such satisfaction that for thirty years, or until
1888, he continued at the old stand. In that year
he died, and ten years later, or in 1898, Mrs. Earle
passed away, esteemed and beloved by those who
knew her. Grandfather Otis Robert Amsden had
a planing mill in Sacramento, and he provided the
first electricity used in the city.
Otis R. Earle attended the public schools, and
then joined his brothers, who had succeeded their
father in business, and continued to run the old
shop. In 1908, he established himself in business,
and he has met with the success he has always de-
served. He confines himself to residential work, in
houses, flats and other dwellings, and gives that
personal attention to every detail that must always
appeal to the particular patron. He employs eight
men, and among the buildings he has equipped with
up-to-date plumbing may be mentioned the Hotel
Sutter and the Capital Hotel.. He belongs to the
Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, the Retail Her-
chants' Association, the Haster Plumbers' Associa-
tion, the Kiwanis Club, and the Builders' Exchange,
In politics, he is a Republican.
In Sacramento, on June 28, 1905, Hr. Earle mar-
ried Hiss Rose Pierini, of Sacramento, the daughter
of George and Elvira (Lippi) Pierini, old-time ranch-
ers there. The father has passed away, but the
mother now lives at Roseville. Hr. and Hrs. Earle
have one child, Evelyn, attending the Keeney school.
She is a talented musician and dancer, showing much
skill in fancy dancing. Hr. Earle belongs to the
Woodmen of the World, and to Sacramento Lodge
No. 6 of the Elks. Mrs. Earle is a member and
second vice-president of the Business Women's Club,
and belongs to the Soroptimist and Tuesday Clubs.
CHARLES E. THORNTON.— A thoroughly up-
to-date English-American w^ho has made good in
California, is Charles E. Thornton, the genial pro-
prietor of the popular and prosperous Central Win-
dow Cleaners. He was born on March 28, 1874, in
Bedford, which lines the River Ouse, the old town
where John Bunyan, while languishing in jail there,
wrote his "Pilgrim's Progress," and is the son of
Charles Thomas and Frances (Vincent) Thornton,
the father being a Canadian, who was brought up in
England. These good folks both merited and received
the respect and the confidence of their fellow-men.
Charles E. Thornton attended the excellent Eng-
lish schools, and for ten years thereafter he was an
ordinary seaman on ocean-going vessels. Then he
engaged in picture-framing and window-cleaning;
and in 1900 he came to Sacramento and established
here his well-known business, operating under the firm
name of the Central Window Cleaners. He himself
does much of the store and office-work, but he em-
ploys help to assist him.
Mr. Thornton married, in England, Miss Beatrice
Gross, a daughter of Old England, and they now
have several children. Constance has become Mrs.
William Kohler, and there are Claude, Lawrence and
Glenn. Mr. Thornton is a Democrat, and he belongs
to the Red Men. As an Englishman, he loves sport,
and never loses an opportunity to encourage the real
sporting spirit.
ANTON L. JOHNSON.— A wide-awake, thorough-
ly progressive general contractor whose industry and
enterprise have entitled him to the success he now
enjoys, is Anton L. Johnson of Sacramento. He was
born on February 13, 1877, at Ystad, Sweden, the son
of John A. and Johanna J. Johnson, both of whom
were born, reared and married in their native coimtry.
The father came to the United States in young man-
hood and located 'at Rockford, 111.; then he made a
trip back to his native country, coming again to
America. He followed the builder's trade in Rcckford
and was recognized as a very expert craftsman. Mak-
ing a trip to California, at Burbank he constructed
a furniture factory for a syndicate in that city. He
made a second trip to Sweden, and when our sub-
ject was ten years old the family emigrated to this
country and settled in Rockford, where members of
the family still reside and where the parents lived
until their deaths, the father passing away in 1893 and
the mother in 1920.
Anton L. Johnson attended school in his native land
and completed his education in the Rockford city
schools; taking special courses in evening schools and
private instruction in architecture and drafting. When
not in school he worked at the carpenter trade with
his father, and when through school he began working
as a journeyman, remaining in Illinois until he came
to California and Sacramento in 1904. While in Rock-
ford he was a member of the National Guards of
Illinois and upon the outbreak of the Spanish-Amer-
ican War he enlisted and served through the Porto
Rico campaign. Upon coming to Sacramento he be-
gan working at his trade until he was familiar with
methods as used in California, then began taking con-
tracts, and while operating in Sacramento he has had
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
865
charge of construction and erection of many important
buildings in this vicinity. He speciaHzes in dwellings,
flats and buildings of like character. During the busy
season he employs about thirty men and has come to
be known as a very successful and reliable contractor.
Anton L. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss
Olga Dorothea Johnson and they are the parents of
one child, Dolores Verona. In national politics, Mr.
Johnson is a stanch Republican, and votes in accord
with the principles of that party. Fraternally, he is a
Mason and an Odd Fellow; and he is a member of the
Master Builders' Association and Builders' Exchange.
He is very fond of the great out-of-doors and is espe-
cially interested in fishing, hunting and baseball.
Deeply interested in the growth and welfare of the
coinraunity, he was appointed as the first secretary of
the Curtis Oaks Improvement Club, and was a pioneer
of the Curtis Oaks section.
JAMES LOUGHRIDGE, M. D.— A distinguished
representative of the medical profession in California,
who will long be pleasantly recalled for his enviable
record in public office, is Dr. James Loughridge,
formerly health officer of Sacramento County, during
1919-1920, now resident at Folsom City, where he is
well-known as a leading physician and surgeon. A
native of the Hawkeye State, he was born on Janu-
ary 12, 1867, at Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa,
and was the son of John Mitchell and Emily (Bean)
Loughridge, descending from Scotch-Irish ancestry
on his father's side, and Scotch-English ancestry on
the maternal side. When seven years of age, he be-
gan to attend the public school, at the same time that
he began to make himself useful on his father's farm;
and when he was old enough to do so, he attended
and completed the literary courses at a Presbyterian
institution of higher learning of excellent standing in
and be5'ond Iowa.
James Loughridge then returned to the farm, and
for nine long years successfulh' followed agricul-
tural pursuits; but owing to the dismal prospect of a
farmer's son in those days, he grew to dislike farm-
work and resolved to abandon the country and to do
something for which he was better fitted. Very for-
tunately, he was led to take up the study of medicine,
for he has not only demonstrated his native gifts, but
has come to find his highest pleasure in that field
in serving his fellow-men. He entered the medical
college of the state university at Kansas City in 189S,
and four years later he was awarded the coveted de-
gree of M. D., having evinced excellent scholarship
through all his academic courses, and passed the ex-
aminations with high honors. He served a short time
as interne at the State University Hospital under Dr.
Jabez N. Jackson, and in July, 1899, he removed to
Lincoln Center, Kans., where he opened his first of-
fices and for thirteen years actively practiced medi-
cine. During his stay at Lincoln Center he served
for four years as county health officer, and for the
last six years as official resident surgeon for the
LInion Pacific Railroad.
In 1912, he removed to California to reside in the
Golden State, and for a short time resided at Ontario.
In April, 1913, he passed the state board examination
at Los Angeles, and soon after that chose Folsom
City as his permanent place of residence. He is
active in the county and state medical societies, and
in the American Medical Association, whose conven-
tions he has attended on numerous occasions. He
has done considerable research work, and at present
is much occupied with the duties of public health
counsel of the American Health Association, cooper-
ating in their prime object, the attainment of the
immediate checking of all disease and contagion by
an accurate and prompt dispatch of reports, and the
quarantining of all cases which may come under
the observation of the members in their respec-
tive districts.
Dr. Loughridge has built up a lucrative practice not
limited to the city oi Folsom alone, but he is fre-
quently called upon to respond to appeals from outly-
ing territory. He goes to the north as far as Salmon
Falls, west for ten or twelve miles, south for twenty
miles, and to the east as far as Shingle Springs, and
some idea of the extent to which he has been called
upon to serve continuously in this exceptionally exten-
sive territory may be gathered from the fact that he
has worn out on business calls alone at least four
high-powered motor cars, having been overworked
during 1918-1920 on account of the prevalence of
influenza when it was epidemic. During the past
six years he has been retained by the Natomas Com-
pany of California as the company's physician. He
has one hobby, and one onljr — devotion to the sick.
At Abilene, Kans., in 1904, Dr. Loughridge was
married to Miss Anna Sholl, a native of Kansas,
where she was born the daughter of a prominent
farmer; and two children have blessed this
union: Jack Monroe is a student in the San Juan
high school, a member of the class of '24, and he is
popular for his excellent work and his interest in the
R. O. T. C; John S., who was also born in Kansas,
attends the Granite Grammar School at Folsom. Dr.
Loughridge is a member of the Odd Fellows and
the Encampment, belonging to Granite Lodge No. 63,
in which he is a past noble grand. He is also a
member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and a
past commander in that order. He is liberal in his
views, and delights in contributing, as far as he is
able, to charity. Mrs. Loughridge must be com-
mended on her untiring work in the establishing and
conducting of the Red Cross store at Folsom City,
and her leadership is never questioned. Her corps
of able assistants will also be remembered by hun-
dreds of people who patronized this store and its
remarkable exhibits, during the dark days of the
World War. In view of such a record, it is pleas-
ant to note that Dr. Loughridge has valuable ranch
property near Ontario in San Bernardino County,
embracing sixteen acres of fine citrus grove, nine
years old; and he also owns his residence at Folsom
City.
CHARLES D. PRITCHARD.— The name of
Charles D. Pritchard figures in the business life of
Sacramento in connection with the fire department
of that city, where he holds the position of captain
of Chemical Engine No. 1, his commission dating
from August, 1920. He is a native of Wales, born
November 9, 1871, a son of Robert T. and Sarah
(Jenkins) Pritchard, both natives of the same coun-
try. Charles D. was a lad of four years when his
parents left their native land and migrated to the
United States and directly to Sacramento, Cal. The
mother of our subject is deceased, but the father now
makes his home in Pacific Grove. Charles D. Pritch-
ard received his education in the public schools of
S66
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Sacramento and after finishing school became an
employe of the Rolling Mills; then he entered the
Southern Pacific shops and was employed for over
thirteen years. In 1904 he became a member of the
Sacramento fire department, first as a fireman; then
in June, 1912, took charge of one of the houses of
the fire department and acted as captain, and in
August, 1920, received his commission as captain of
Chemical Company No. 1 and his years of service have
been greatly appreciated by the citizens of Sacra-
mento.
The marriage of Mr. Pritchard united him with
Miss Lena Lacy, a native daughter of Sacramento,
where she was also educated. Mr. and Mrs. Pritch-
ard are the parents of one daughter, Eunice. Mr.
Pritchard votes with the Repuljlican party, having
supported its principles since becoming a naturalized
American citizen. He is affiliated fraternally with
the Moose. Red Men, I'oresters, and is a trustee in
the Firemen's Relief Association.
EDWARD LEE MARTIN DALE.— To the old-
time horse-owner and fancier, who well knows the
value of an expert, interested service in connection
with the noble beast that has long served mankind,
and still can do a few things not to be attempted
by any mechanical contrivance, the announcement
of Edward Lee Martindale that he has a livery, feed
and sales stable at 1228 Yale Street, will make a
peculiar appeal. He was born on a farm in Davis
County, Iowa, on October 18, 1869, the son of Joseph
and Susan (Tull) Martindale, who came out to Iowa
from Indiana, where they were born. The father
died in 1902, leaving an enviable record for real use-
fulness; and then Mrs. Martindale and Edward came
on to Los Angeles, in 1906, and a year later removed
to San Diego, and in 1908 went to Fresno, where he
lived four years, then went to Gunnison, Utah; then
spent a winter in Medford, Ore., and thence to Sac-
ramento.
Edward Martindale got all he could out of the
public schools, and then turned his attention to what
interested him more than teachers or school-books,
horses; and he was soon dealing in horses. Now, he
has been in business for himself for several years
past. When he first reached Sacramento, in 1914,
he had a stable at the corner of Thirty-fourth and R
Streets, and there he remained for two years. After
that, he went further north to Yakima, Washington;
but on his return to California, he settled at Gait for
a year, and then he went to Modesto for a short time,
and traveled and traded. For five months he worked
as a team boss at Knight's Landing, and then he
settled at Tenth and S Streets, then four years later
established the Pavilion Stables at Sacramento, com-
ing to his present location in 1922. He endeavors to
maintain a first-class livery, to handle only the best
of feed and supplies for the horse, and to be of de-
pendable service to anyone wishing to buy a good
steed or a good working horse. His reputation for
both experience and reliability has become a very
valuable asset, and he numbers among his patrons
some of the best citizens of Sacramento. In politics,
he is a Democrat.
Mr. Martindale married Miss Alice Coffelt, in 1905,
and they have a family of several children, Ernest,
Myrtle, Opal, Lewella, and Violet; Charles is dead.
Mr. Martindale is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows.
DEO CORDANO. — A far-sighted, progressive
rancher, who by hard work, strict integrity and
common sense has established a place for himself
among the citizens of Sacramento County, is Deo
Cordano, who was born on October 9, 1872, near
Genoa, Italy, the son of Joseph and Ann (Boitano)
Cordano, who passed away in their native land.
Deo Cordano was educated in the schools near
Genoa, Italy. He left home when he was seventeen
years old and emigrated to the United States, com-
ing directly to Sacramento. Arriving in June, 1889,
he started in business on Fourth Street, near the
old post-office, where he had his shoe-shining par-
lors, and followed the business for twelve years. He
then bought fifty acres of land on Fifth Avenue,
east of Stockton road, which he developed to grape-
vines. He has given his undivided attention to his
vineyard, and is making steady progress, thereby
contributing something definite toward the advance-
ment of the community, as well as toward the
advancement of his own interests. He has many
varieties of grapes, but principally Tokays, Muscats,
Rose Perus and Cornichons.
In Sacramento, on October 7, 1894, Deo Cordano
was united in marriage wath Miss Celeste Boitano,
who came to the Golden State when she was a child,
with her parents, John and Adelaide (Cordano)
Boitano, from the Province of Genoa. The father
was a miner at Sutter Creek, where Mrs. Cordano
received her education in the public schools. Mr.
and Mrs. Cordano were blessed with two children:
Enid, who is now Mrs. Peter M. Rooney of Sac-
ramento; and Alvin, assisting his parents. Mr. Cor-
dano is an adherent of the Republican party, and a
member of the Knights of Columbus. Mrs. Cor-
dano is a member of the Y. L. I. He is considered
one of the most patriotic and public-spirited citizens
in the community, and is very fond of outdoor life,
enjoying all clean sports.
CHARLES H. CHATTERTON.— A general con-
tractor who enjoys the enviable reputation of never
finding himself "stumped" when called upon to un-
dertake a new or difficult piece of work, is Charles
H. Chatterton, a native of Wisconsin, where he was
born on a farm near Larabee on October 28, 1882.
His parents were George and Grace (Anderton)
Chatterton, who removed first to Rhode Island and
then to Colorado Springs, Colo.; and from there
went to St. Paul, where Mrs. Chatterton died in
April, 1923, surrounded by faithful, appreciative
friends. Mr. Chatterton has also closed his useful
career, and left the world much better for his having
tried in a modest way to improve the conditions
around him.
Charles Chatterton attended the Wisconsin public
schools, and when old enough to do so, learned the
carpenter trade. In Rhode Island he worked with
one of the largest firms, Wilmot & McKillop, for
three years building cotton mills. In 1904 he came
to Sacramento, and for three years he was a partner
with his brother, after which time each one went into
business for himself. Charles has confined himself
to the erection of the finer type of dwellings and
flats. He is well-posted as to the latest and most
approved methods, and has long made it a practice
to use only the best equipment attainable, thereby
assuring such speed as may be compatible with the
work required; he also has an eye to the ornate and
'^
C^ \^S!>^zjjMyvU^ *
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
869
the dignified, and there is something satisfying,
something pleasing about his work when it is done.
In poHtical affairs. Mr. Chatterton is a stand-pat
RepubHcan.
In 1904, at Sacramento, Mr, Chatterton was mar-
ried to Katherine McCarthy, an accompHshed lady,
a native of Ireland, and thejr have had three children,
Grace Ann, Charles Elmer, and Newell George. Mr.
Chatterton belongs to the Builders' Exchange, and
when tired of too much work, or patriotically in-
clined to observe a holiday, he hies himself off on
hunting and fishing trips.
ANSONO CASELLI.— An esteemed Italian-Amer-
ican whom many friends are glad to hail is the retired
merchant of Sacramento, Ansono Caselli, an early
settler from the Tuscany province, in Italy. He was
born on a farm on December 1, 1853, and when
twenty-one years old, crossed the ocean to America.
Before leaving his sunny country, he had learned the
trade of a shoemaker; and for two years after reach-
ing San Francisco, he worked at that line of occupa-
tion.
In 1876, Mr. Caselli came to Sacramento, and for
a while worked for an Italian shoemaker in a small
store on J Street, and later he was in business for
himself there as a custom shoemaker. Shoes in those
days sold for sixteen dollars per pair, and when he
had been able to save some money from the fair
amount of profit, he opened a shoe-store of his own
at 527 K Street, in 1894. It was a small affair, at
best, but he later, in 1906, rebuilt the place and added
two stories, and he still owns the building, having
for forty years carried on his business at the one
location in Sacramento. He sold out his business,
however, in 1921, and retired, able to look back with
agreeable complacency to the day when he arrived
in California reallj' poor, and the ensuing years which
were years of success.
Since coming here. Mr. Caselli has seen many
changes in the capital city. When he arrived, Sev-
enth Street was the end of the retail business district,
and wooden sidewalks and muddy streets greeted the
eye. Law and order, however, were observed, albeit
the Vigilantes had to take a hand to effect the reform,
and our subject saw two men hanged in the court-
house yard. He knew all the leaders of great enter-
prises as they emerged to local and even national
and international fame, and became himself well-
known to many.
In 1888, at Sacramento, Mr. Caselli married Miss
Mary Stanton, a native of Sacramento and the daugh-
ter of Perin Stanton, the pioneer hardware dealer of
the city. In 1889, Mr. and Mrs. Caselli toured Eu-
rope, and among the many other places, made a visit
to Mr. Caselli's old home in Italy. Mrs. Caselli,
though from a long-line American family and unable
to speak European languages, nevertheless enjoyed
the trip immensely. Herself always a social favorite
and Mr. Caselli a baritone singer of note, they were
received with favor, and while in Sacramento they
were always prime favorites. Returning to Amer-
ica, they continued to reside at the old Stanton
home on Sixth Street between M and N, in Sacra-
mento, until 1910, when Mr. Caselli purchased his
present commodious residence at 1615 Twenty-sixth
Street. Here Mrs. Caselli passed away March 28,
1920, at an age of sixty-three. She is sadly missed,
not only in her own home, and in the Eastern Star
Lodge, of which she was past matron, but in her
entire native city, where she was a true type of the
capital city's daughters. Since her death, Mr. Caselli's
household has been presided over by Mrs. Giovanni
Salvetti, a niece of Mr. Caselli, who, together with
her husband and two daughters, is keeping up the
hospitableness of the Caselli home.
Although retired from active business, Mr. Caselli
continues to take a keen interest in the progress of
Sacramento City, of which for so many years he was
an active and successful business man, and in the
Masonic order, of which he is a Knight Templar.
"WILLIAM DREHER. — One of the successful
citizens of the capital city who has made his own
way in the world and has always put his shoulder to
the wheel when any project was brought to his notice
for the developing of the wonderful resources of Sac-
ramento County is found in William Dreher, resid-
ing at 403 Sixteenth Street. He was born in Ger-
many on June 7, 1882, on a farm operated by his
parents, Antone and Christina Dreher, worthy folks
who did their duty in their place and day and sent
the lad forth into the world with a far better equip-
ment than many a boy has had. He attended the
excellent schools of his native country and then he
learned the trades of harness maker and upholsterer.
After he had mastered them he went to England in
the spring of 1900, and for the next eleven months
he worked at the butcher business; the following sum-
mer he crossed the ocean to the United States and
in Washington, D. C, he followed his trade of up-
holsterer. At the early age of nineteen he was in
business for himself and when he sold out he came
West to Nevada, where he was one of the pioneers
in Manhattan, arriving there in 1905 and remaining
until 1909, during which time for the first three years
he ran a livery business and a harness shop. He is
well-posted on the pioneer conditions of that section
when the new mining camps were enjoying their
boom days and fortunes were won and lost overnight
at the gaming tables.
Leaving Manhattan he came to Sacramento, where
from 1909 until 1921 he conducted the old Turner
Hall cafe on K Street, headquarters for good things
to eat. In the meantime he began to invest in land
and bought a twenty-five-acre ranch out on Sixteenth
Street, which he began to develop from its virgin
state of pasture, and he built roads to make the prop-
erty accessible, he being the pioneer in this district.
In time he established a dairy with thoroughbred
Holstein cows and built up a good trade and at the
same time sold young stock, shipping to the Ha-
waiian Islands and other places. The bull at the
head of his herd. Sir Aggie Mead De Kol the Fifth,
is a half-brother of the champion at the California
State Fair in 1922. The ranch has now been sub-
divided and laid out in town lots and factory sites,
with fine improved streets, curbs and gutters, and is
being rapidly sold to home-makers. Besides his other
business interests, he conducts a service and oil sta-
tion on Sixteenth Street at the junction of the Marys-
ville Road at the American River Crossing, which
he has made a beauty spot at the entrance into the
city of Sacramento from the north. As success has
crowned his efforts, Mr. Dreher invested in property
near Lake Tahoe, buying 167 acres and establishin.g
a summer home which he has named Tamarac Park.
870
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
He is now siiljtlividing this tract and selling summer-
home lots and resort sites and is meeting with the
same success tliat lias been his since coming to the
Golden State.
In 191,1, Mr. Dreher was married to Miss Nellie
Ward, a native of Iowa, and she shares in the esteem
in which her husband is held by their many friends,
and they dispense an old-time hospitality at their
city home as well as at Tamarac Park. Politically,
Mr. Dreher votes with the Republican party in na-
tional issues, but in local matters he is broad-minded
and supports the man rather than party. For his
recreation he takes his gun and goes after game and
is thankful that his lot has been cast in the wonderful
Valley of the Sacramento.
SAM KENOURGIOS. — A busy establishment
greatly appreciated for its excellent service to Sacra-
mento and vicinity is that of Sam Kenourgios, head of
the London Baking Company at the corner of Eighth
and L Streets, in the Capital City. Our subject is the
senior member of the firm of Kenourgios Bros., who
own the baking concern. He is a native of Greece,
having been born in that country on March 28, 1888.
The other brothers are John and Frank; and the three
have been associated together ever since thej' started
in business.
Coming to the United States in 1909, Sam Kenour-
gios pushed on westward to Salt Lake City, where he
worked for wages for two years, and then, for a year
and a half, he labored in Oakland, and for another
year was in Benicia, in the last two named places
being in the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Coming to Sacramento in 1913, he and his brother
opened a small bake-shop on J Street, between
Twelfth and Thirteenth Streets, and having a capital
of only $2,000 between them, they had to start in a
small, unpretentious way. The)' worked hard, how-
ever, and after two years the business had grown so
that they were able to remove to a new, larger and
better store on Second Street, between K and L. But
even there they had their bakery in the basement,
while the ground floor was devoted to a grocerj' and
they still own and conduct this place of business:
On July 23, 1921, Kenourgios Brothers bought the
brick building at the corner of L and Eighth Streets.
In the south end of the block they have a modern
bakery plant, with modern ovens and thoroughly up-
to-date machinery for the carrying on of the business
in the most sanitary fashion; and the corner is the site
of their salesroom, where all their products are re-
tailed, and they maintain a first-class soda-water foun-
tain and ice-cream parlor. They also do a large
wholesale business, one of the best proofs of the high
quality of their wares. They use the trade-mark,
"London Made," and dispense four kinds of bread —
h'rench, Italian, twist and domestic. They employ
eleven people in the factory and salesroom, have three
auto delivery wagons, bake and sell 1,500 loaves of
bread daily, and make a large variety of fancy pastries.
Commencing with a small capital nine years ago, their
receipts now average from $6,000 to $7,000 per month.
They buy their flour in car-load lots, and secure their
other supplies and stock in the same wholesale fashion.
They have come to enjoy their merited prosperity
through their honesty of method in the transaction of
business, and their practice of buying, making and
selling only the best. Mr. Kenourgios is a member
of the Foresters of America.
HENRY GEORGE DUENSING.— Sacramento
naturally draws and holds the leading exponents of the
varied arts, prominent among whom is undoubtedly
Henry George Duensing, the well-known interior
decorator, of 1223 Twenty-eighth Street. He was
born in Sacramento, on November 10, 1883, the son of
Louis and Mary (Boney) Duensing. His father was
a pioneer of 1870, who here met and married Miss
Boney.' The mother is still living, highly esteemed by
the many who have profited, in one way or another,
through association with her sincere and gracious
personality and charitable ministrations. The father
has passed away, leaving a memory revered by those
who mourn his loss.
Henrj' Duensing pursued his studies in the grammar
school and high school of Sacramento. After finishing
his schooling, he apprenticed himself to learn interior
decorating; and after mastering his art, he went East
and there filled numerous complimentary engage-
ments, executing fine work. Returning to Sacramento,
he entered into business for himself, in 1915. His
finished work is of the highest grade, and is repre-
sented in many of the finest homes, not only in the
city and the Sacramento Valley, but also throughout
northern California.
Mr. Duensing is a member of the Chamber of
Commerce, and also of the Exchange Club, where he
is welcomed as an able special artist in his field.
His fraternal affiliation is with the Odd Fellows, Po-
litically, he is a Republican.
EDWARD M. THOMPSON.— One of the leading
nurserymen of northern California, Edward M.
Thompson v^as born in Fayette County, Iowa, May
11, 1861, on his father's farm, and there he was reared,
attending the district schools. When a boy of four-
teen he left home to make his own way in the world,
and found work on a farm, receiving ten dollars a
month for his first wages. In 1885, he came as far
west as Grand Island, Nebr., and there became agent
for the Adams Express Company, remaining with
them ten years, when he went to Deadwood, S. D.,
and took the same post in the company's office at that
place, until 1906. During the gold rush to Nevada
he went to that state, where he was in the employ
of Wells Fargo Express Company at Goldfield. Then
he was transferred to Millers, Nev., where he was
agent and later acted as agent at Alturas until 1911.
That year marks Mr. Thompson's arrival in Sacra-
mento, with the determination to start in business for
himself, if only in a small, way, and with a small
wagon and old bay horse he embarked in the nursery
business as a salesman, covering later several coun-
ties in northern and central California. He is asso-
ciated with the Silva-Bergtholdt Company and the
Newcastle Plant Company, the largest growers of
nursery stock in California, growing three million
trees yearly of the deciduous and shade varieties, and
their output is shipped throughout the country in
motor power machines all through the East, as well
as in California, using Ford, Studebaker, Lexington
and Buick trucks.
Mr. Thompson also has nursery yards in Sacra-
mento and he is the owner of a fifty-two-acre fruit
ranch which he has planted and developed, forty
acres in peaches, ten in pears and two in cherries in
the Natoma district. He has been very successful
in fruit culture, both in his personal operations and
HISTORY OF SACRAAIENTO COUNTY
873
in assisting others, and attributes his success to the
fact that he has made a careful study of soils and
irrigation, and he is recognized as an expert author-
ity in his line, for ranchers are beginning to realize
that it is this knowledge which makes a piece of
property a successful producer or a financial loss, and
when they find a man who has learned from actual
experience and experiments with trees and soils in
different districts, his opinion is valued accordingly.
RAYMOND C. ARLIN.— A native son of Cali-
fornia, and one who has spent his entire life within
the confines of the state, Raymond C. Arlin was
born in Lockeford, September 22, 1890, a son of
George F. and Maggie E. Arlin, who were the parents
of six children, as follows: Gleason, Raymond C,
Velma, Theresa, Neva, and Cyril. The father was a
butcher, and had a shop near the old Graham drug
store when Lodi was still in its infancy as a town,
before the beginning of the grape era. This pioneer
merchant died in 1900, but the mother is still living,
at Woodbridge, Cal.
Raymond C. Arlin was educated at the Salem
school in Lodi. Starting in life for himself, in 1909
he came to the delta country of the Sacramento River.
Since that time he has been at Walnut Grove, where
for thirteen years- he was with the general merchan-
dise store of Alexander Brown; and when the busi-
ness was taken over by Nelson Barry, he remained
with the new management, and is still ably filling the
position in life to which he has been called.
The marriage of Mr. Arlin, which occurred at Isle-
ton, March 29, 1913, united him with Pearl Hutton,
a native of Isleton, where she was reared and edu-
cated, and a daughter of William H. and Anna Hut-
ton. Two sons have blessed the union of Mr. and
Mrs. Arlin, Ray and William Vernon. Mr. Arlin has
witnessed many changes in this section of the state,
and is interested in the further development of its
possibilities for the benefit of generations to come.
WILLIAM P. LARACY.— Since 1907 William P.
Laracy has been connected with the fire department
of Sacramento and since 1920 has been captain of
Chemical No. 3. He is a native son of California,
his birth having occurred at Berkeley, February 21,
1886, a son of John J. and Margaret (Fitzpatrick)
Laracy. John J. Laracy served two enlistments in
the U. S. Army, the last one being in an Indian out-
break, and received his honorable discharge in Ore-
gon; he then came to California and was married at
Marysville and some years later settled in Sacra-
mento in 1884. John J. Laracy served as call man on
the Sacramento fire department until his death in
March, 1920; the mother of our subject passed away
in 1900.
William P. Laracy, the second eldest of three chil-
dren, received his education in the public schools of
Sacramento and was occupied in various lines of work
until 1907, when he became a member of the Sacra-
mento fire department, serving capably until 1913,
when he was promoted to the position of captain of
Chemical No. 3, and his devotion to every detail of
his office has made him an efficient man for the
position.
Mr. Laracy was united in marriage with Miss
Aileen M. Lacy, born in Los Angeles, and they have
two sons: John Edward and Ricliard K. He is a
member of the Red Men, and Firemen's Relief and
Protective Association, in which he has been a trus-
tee since its organization. Mr. Laracy has no polit-
ical preference, but always supports progressive legis-
lation.
PERCY LA RUE HOLT. — Another very interest-
ing representative of one of the best known of Sac-
ramento industrial firms is Percy La Rue Holt, of
Messrs. Holt Bros, the auto-painters, who is asso-
ciated with his brother, Lester E. Holt, whose life-
story is sketched elsewhere in this volume. He was
born at Chico, on July 10, 1889, the son of Charles
A. and Mary Elizabeth (Bowden) Holt, his father
having come out to the Golden State in 1875, while
his mother was a native of Butte County, having been
born near Oroville. Mr. Holt settled at Chico, and
they were married in that locality. He was a sheet-
metal worker, and one of the best of his day; and
for a while he led in that industry in the bay city.
Now he is living, and active in business, as of yore,
in Sacramento, enjoying the companionship of his
devoted wife.
Percy Holt had a public-school education, and then
worked in a drug-store. Next he engaged in news-
paper work, and then he learned the harness business.
In 1912, he took up painting; and for the past two
years, or since the end of the World War, he has
been associated with his brother, Lester, in the firm
of Holt Bros., and with him has been very successful
as one of the most artistic, practical painters in either
city or county of Sacramento. He is a lover of out-
door sport and enjoys fishing. In politics he is a
Democrat and is always a most patriotic citizen,
especially devoted to the locality in which he lives
and prospers.
GEORGE LUCICH.— That there are still fortunes
to be made in these times as well as in the "good
old times" when competition was not so keen, is a
fact amply proven by more than one representative
business man of today, and none more thoroughly
than by George Lucich, who came to this country
when a boy and has reached success through his own
efforts, directed along the lines for which he found
himself best fitted. Born in Jugo-SIavia, then a part
of Austria, October IS, 1882, when fourteen years
old he came across the ocean and located in Denver,
Colo., where an uncle lived. After going to school
for a time, he started to learn the restaurant business
with his uncle, in the latter's cafe. He learned to
cook and was chief cook for the establishment from
1897 to 1901, beginning with fourteen dollars a month,
and working from fourteen to sixteen hours each day;
a hard schooling, no doubt, but one which laid the
foundation for his future success.
He next moved to the mining camps of Colorado,
working as a cook, and experiencing all the thrills of
a gold strike while at Cripple Creek; then to Gold-
field, Nevada, during the boom there, when it was a
city of tents, arriving before a house had been erected.
Mr. Lucich first came to Sacramento in 1904, and
then he later decided to look over the possibilities of
San Francisco, arriving in time for the earthquake
and fire of 1906, which occurred just fifteen days
after he reached the city. Not discouraged by having
passed through the trying experiences of that period,
he later, in partnership with two others, opened a
874
HISTORY OF SACRA^IENTO COUNTY
restaurant and liquor store on the water front, at
Second and Townsend Streets.
In February, 1915. Mr. Lucich sold out his inter-
ests in San Francisco, and came to Sacramento, and
his first business venture in the Capital City was a
small lunch room, with just twenty-three stools.
located on Ninth Street, and again with two partners.
livery other store on the block, which was between
J and K Streets, was vacant at the time, but the lunch
room prospered and this site marks the place where
now stands the Rosemont Grill, Mr. Lucich's pres-
ent establishment and one of the best appointed cafes
in Sacramento, remodeled at a cost of $30,000 and
opened to the public in December, 1922. He has his
own cold storage plant on the premises, and five chefs
arc kept busy supplying the best the seasons afford
to its many patrons. The cafe is always open, day
and night; a key to the front door has never been
carried by Mr. Lucich or his partners, Peter Valerio
and Joe Ostoja, as the door is always open. They
also own the Annex Lunch Room at 911 K Street,
and in both places employ forty-two people, with a
payroll of $900 a week, thus adding materially to the
prosperity of the city and making it possib'e for its
residents to enjoy dining in surroundings which are
seldom equalled for artistic furnishings and correct
service outside of the larger cities. Mr. Lucich was
married in San Mateo, Cal.. to Katherine Grase, born
in Jugo-Slavia, and a resident of the United States
for about twenty-five years, and they have one daugh-
ter, Nicolena Lucich. Mr. Lucich is a member of
the Chamber of Commerce.
ERNEST A. COURT.— The excellent business
administration enjoyed by Sacramento is attested in
the efficient and conscientious management of the
office of City Plumbing Inspector by Ernest A. Court,
who for two years past has discharged that responsi-
bility. He was born at Black River Falls, Wis., on
November 25, 1875, the son of William Edward and
Elizabeth (Frost) Court, who came to California in
1883, and removed to Stockton, making their perma-
nent residence there. As a railroad man, Mr. Court
was foreman of car-repairers, and being very profi-
cient in his department of technical work, he provided
well for his family. Mrs. Court was always the cen-
ter of a circle of admiring friends, who appreciated
her domestic and neighborly qualities.
Ernest A. Court supplemented his training in the
grammar schools with a course in the more exacting
school of practical experience, and after trying one or
another line of activity, learned the plumber's trade,
and then, like the typical European journeyman, trav-
eled from city to city throughout the United States,
learning still better the same trade from different
angles. In 1900, he located permanently in Sacra-
mento, and until 1914 he worked as a journeyman
employed by private firms. Next he entered the serv-
ice of the city of Sacramento in June, 1914, joining
the sanitary department, and then taking up duties
in the plumbing department; and in July, 1921, he
was appointed chief plumbing inspector. He belongs
to the Republican party, and he is fond of all out-
of-door sports.
Mr. Court married Miss Jennie Steinauer, of Sac-
ramento, in 1904, by whom he has had three children:
Edward, Clovys and Bob. He is public-spirited, and
this attribute inspires him to do much for the public
welfare not strictly called for by his official duties.
EDWARD ALBERT STENEBERG.— A nature-
loving son of regal old Sweden who has more than
made good in America is Edward Albert Steneberg,
the well-known landscape gardener of Sacramento.
He was born at Lund, Sweden, on July 6, 1862, the
son of Carl and Caroline (Alstrom) Steneberg,
worthy folks of the industrial world. The father was
born in the province of Hanover, Germany; the
mother was born in Sweden. Carl Steneberg worked
in rattan and willow, and enjoyed a wide reputation
as a skilled craftsman. He learned his trade in Ger-
many, where he received an excellent education.
His ancestors had for generations before him been
men of education, expert craftsmen, and successful
tradesmen. Because of his scholarship and the su-
perior quality of his workmanship, and his qualifica-
tions in general, Carl Steneberg was tendered a posi-
tion as instructor in a reform school in Sweden. He
accepted the position, and there taught the boys bas-
ket-making and rattan w'ork; and this led to his be-
coming Sweden's first and foremost manufacturer in
his line. He and his good wife worked hard, but lived
well;, and they kept before their family high ideals of
life. As a result, when their son left the parental roof
he was well prepared to take up life's responsibilities.
In their family were three girls and four boys, among
whom Edw'ard Albert .is the youngest, and the only
one in America. Two brothers and two sisters are
still living in Sweden. Both parents passed away in
Sweden, the father at the age of eighty-seven years.
Carl Steneberg was prominent in Masonic circles.
As a lad, Edward Albert Steneberg attended the
Latin schools of Lund for four years, where he se-
cured a good understanding of botanj' and horticul-
ture. He served a four years' apprenticeship as gar-
dener, at the same time continuing his study of
botany, in which he took a two years' postgraduate
course, thus laying the foundation for his later success
as a landscape gardener. At the age of nineteen he
came to America, sailing from Malmo on the old
Thingvalla Line and landing at Castle Garden on
April 30, 1882. He worked for the Havemeyers and
McCormicks, and filled engagements in Lake Forest,
111., and in various important municipal centers,
where he planned and laid out much beautiful garden
work. After a few years he started in business for
himself at Riverside, a suburb of Chicago. Here he
lived and prospered for twenty-five years; and here
he built a residence and reared his family.
At Riverside, 111., on May 1, 1885, Mr. Steneberg
was married to Miss Emma Marie Schaper, born at
Elmhurst, 111., of German parentage. Her father was
William Schaper of Elmhurst. He was a railroad
man, and section foreman for the Northwestern Rail-
way. Thrifty and enterprising, he saved his money,
made some good investments, and became well-to-do.
Both he and Mrs. Schaper lived to be more than
eighty years old. Mr. and Mrs. Steneberg became
the parents of seven children who reached maturity,
as follows: Carl William, a restaurateur at Fresno;
Edvi-ard Albert, Jr., an expressman, residing in the
Steneberg home at Riverside, 111.; Florentin Schaper,
a machinist, of Chicago; George St. John, of Sacra-
mento, associated with his father in landscape garden-
ing; Harry Walter, in the mattress-renovating busi-
ness, residing in Sacramento; Arthur Clarence, in the
express business at Riverside, 111.; and Elmer Her-
bert, a machinist, residing at Riverside, 111. A daugh-
ter, Frances, died when ten months old. Mrs. Stene-
^^v
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HISTORY OF SACRA^IENTO COUNTY
877
berg died at Riverside III., April 2, 1910, at forty-one
years of age. At the time of her marriage she was
only sixteen years old, and Mr. Steneberg was then
twenty-two. She was a true helpmate, affectionate
wife, and loving mother.
About four years after his wife's death, Mr. Stene-
berg sold his property in Riverside to one of his sons.
Since then he has traveled quite extensively in the
United States, through the North, East, South, and
West. In July, 1920, he arrived in California. Com-
ing to Sacramento, he became construction foreman
for the Del Paso Country Club and laid out its golf
course, putting in its golf greens and fairways.
Since then he has been engaged in contracting, and
has done a great deal of landscape gardening in and
around Sacramento. His contracts have included
work on the estates of several of the city's most
prominent families.
In politics, Mr. Steneberg is an independent Re-
publican. In religious faith, he is a Lutheran, hav-
ing been brought up in the Lutheran Church. Fra-
ternally, he is an Odd Fellow, a member of Paxton
Lodge No. 48, in Paxton, 111. Mr. Steneberg is fond
of hunting and maintains an active interest in this
wholesome outdoor sport.
WILLIAM M. REEDER.— One of the most val-
ued citizens and progressive business men of Sac-
ramento is William M. Reeder, the proprietor of the
Reeder Welding and Machine Works. He is a
worthy representative of that class of citizens who,
while promoting individual interests, also advance
the general prosperity of the city. He was born in
Atlanta. Ga., on July 31, 1875, a son of William L.
and Katie (Maston) Reeder, born in Georgia and
Alabama, respectively. The father was a merchant
in Atlanta until his death, November 27, 1921, but
the mother passed away in 1887. William M. Reeder
grew up in the parental home in Atlanta, Ga., and
received his education in the public and private
schools of that state and also learned the machinist
and welding trade. In 1905 he removed to Sacra-
mento, Cal., and for four years was busy at his trade;
then he decided to establish his own business and in
1909 his present business was started in a small way
on Sixth and M Streets. An increase in business
has caused a stead}' growth until his establishment
is one of the largest welding concerns on the Pacific
Coast, and he has had to seek larger quarters on Ninth
and R Streets. The property is 240 by 160 feet,
and here he has built a large brick building. Forty
men are employed to take care of the rapidly increas-
ing business. The shop is complete and modern
in every particular, and his stock of welding supplies
is large and complete. He has built the business up
from the ground floor by using his profits to enlarge
the plant; the result is he has the most complete
welding plant west of Chicago. He has also installed
and equipped a machine shop, where he does machine
work, and cylinder and crank-shaft grinding. His
business not only extends all over California, but
over the entire Pacific Coast States and into Nevada
and Utah. He has originated many useful devices
and inventions which he uses in his plant, and has
patented and makes a Fordson brake, which when
applied enables the operator to make a shorter turn
with the Fordson Tractor.
Mr. Reeder's marriage, in Sacramento, September
13, 1907, united him with Miss Ruth Chapman, a
5j
native of Sacramento, and to them have been born
five children: Merlin; Edward; Beulah; Robert and
Lewis. Mrs. Reeder is the daughter of Alfred and
Katherine (Dickey) Chapman, born in Indiana and
Sacramento County, Cal., respectively. Grandfather
O. A. Chapman brought the family across the plains
to California in pioneer days. Alfred Chapman was
a carpenter and builder until his demise in 1907, sur-
vived by a widow and seven children, Mrs. Reeder
being the second oldest. Mr. Reeder is independent
in his political views and fraternally is a member of
the Odd Fellows and the Elks, both of Sacra-
mento-; he is also a member of the Chamber of Com-
merce and during the World War was active in the
local war drives and work.
RT. REVEREND PATRICK JOSEPH KEANE.
— Following a long, successful and highlj' bene-
ficial career in the service of Christianity as a priest
of the Catholic Church, Patrick Joseph Keane lo-
cated in Sacramento in 1921 as auxiliary bishop. He
was born in Ireland, January 6, 1872, a son of Jere-
miah W. and Mary (Kissane) Keane, both natives of
Ireland. Patrick Joseph Keane began his education
in the common schools of Ireland, then entered St.
Michael's College at Listowel, and later entered St.
Patrick's College at Carlow, Ireland; when he came
to the United States he entered the Catholic Univer-
sity in Washington, D. C, and was graduated with
the degree of S. T. L.
In 1896 the Reverend Keane came West to San
Francisco and for three years served as curate of St.
Patrick's Church in the bay city; then was trans-
ferred to St. Joseph's Church in the same city where
he served for ten years. He removed to Oakland,
Cal., and for eleven years was rector of St. Frances
de Sales Church; he was also dean of Alameda Coun-
ty while serving as rector in Oakland. In 1920 he
was consecrated titular bishop of Samaria and auxil-
iary bishop of Sacramento. On the death of Bishop
Grace he was appointed to the See of Sacramento,
March 17, 1922. Bishop Keane is well known
throughout California, having been a resident here
for twenty-seven years, during which time his genu-
ine worth, his active life and his high principles have
commended him to the good-will, trust and respect of
all with whom he has come in contact.
RAY T. COUGHLIN.— An attorney who seems to
enjoy an unusual meed of popularity, is Ray T.
Coughlin, in the Bryte Building in Sacramento. He
was an Oakland boy, born there on March 7, 1892,
and his parents were Timothy L. and Elizabeth
(Smith) Coughlin. His mother was an early pioneer,
while his father came out to California in the eighties;
he was an interior decorator, and left behind an en-
viable reputation for superior work done on the State
Building about thirty years ago. Mrs. Coughlin, like
her devoted husband, is dead, the worthy couple hav-
ing rounded out useful and honorable lives.
When the mother settled here after the death of
the father, who was accidentally killed, Ray Coughlin
attended Christian Brothers College and profited
there b}' both high school and college training. When
the mother w-as taken sick, our subject accepted the
post of bookkeeper with the telegraph company, a
job he kept eighteen months; and then having fitted
himself at a business college to become a stenographer
for Charles W. Thomas, he studied law at night, and
S78
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
at the end of the year was appointed secretary to the
District Attorney, Eugene Wachhorst. He contin-
ued to study law, and in 1915 he was admitted to
practice. After practicing for a year here, he went
to San Francisco with Theodore Bell, and on his re-
turn to Sacramento, he joined Martin Welsh. In
Jul}', 1921, Mr. Coughlin commenced to practice for
himself, and he has since been eminent in that field.
His national political preferences lead him to affiliate
with the Democratic party, but he can also throw
partisanship aside and unreservedly endorse a good
candidate or measure sponsored by another party.
When Mr. Coughlin married, on February 19, 1917,
at Sacramento, he chose Miss Eloise Daroux for his
wife, a gifted lady of Sacramento, the center of a
circle of devoted friends; and their union has been
blessed in the birth of one child, John R. Coughlin.
Our subject is a grand knight in the order of the
Knights of Columbus.
JOHN PATTERSON.— A liberal and enterprising
old-timer who has aided materially in the develop-
ment of Sacramento County is John Patterson, a na-
tive of Ireland, born at Kingscourt, County Cavan,
June 16, 1839. He came to Galena, 111., with his par-
ents when he was a boy, and soon afterwards was
left on orphan. He was adopted by Chas. Kidder and
his wife, who proved to be very kind foster parents,
and he came with them across the plains in 1852.
Starting on April 5, they came through with ox teams,
arriving on August 4, and locating in the mines on
Rabbit Creek, Sierra County, where Mr. Kidder also
ran a store. After nearly eight years in the mines the
family came to the Cosumnes River, in 1859. Mr.
Kidder purchased a ranch and engaged in farming.
John Patterson was twenty years of age when they
came to the ranch; and he entered enthusiastically
into farming and it was not long until the operating
ot the ranch depended upon him. He was equal to it
and continued faithfully, taking care of his foster
parents in their old age until their passing away.
Being the only heir, he became the owner of the
ranch.
On May 1, 1878, in Sacramento Mr. Patterson
was married to Miss Anna English, a native of Chi-
cago, 111., who had come to California when she was
a child with her mother. Mr. Patterson continued to
operate his ranch, making valuable improvements in
a large residence and suitable farm buildings, and
purchased land adjoining his ranch as he prospered.
He now owns 554 acres on Cosumnes River devoted
to raising fruit, hops, alfalfa, grain, hay and stock.
In 1918 he built a large new comfortable residence
where he now lives retired, having rented his lands to
others.
Mr. and Mrs. Patterson are the parents of seven
children, six of whom grew up: Ellen Kidder, now
Mrs. St. Clair, and Cyril both reside in San Francisco;
John is an orchardist; Mrs. May Eichenberger lives
at Gerber; Mrs. Genevieve Pierson lives at Co-
sumnes; William died in youth; and Lawrence Lyell
was in the United States army, being stationed at
Camp Lewis when he died, in 1918, aged twenty-two.
Mr. Patterson has always been interested in the cause
of education and served as trustee and clerk of Rhoads
school district. He also served four years under J.
W. Houston. He is a Democrat in national politics,
and has served as a member of the county central
committee.
CHARLES A. MOYER. — A successful artist of
Sacramento is found in the person of Charles A.
Moyer, proprietor of the Moyer Studios of Sacra-
mento and San Francisco, where are turned out the
most artistic show cards seen in these cities. A
native son, he was born in Sacramento, March 25,
1896, a son of Charles Hunter and Kate (Bailey)
Moyer. The father was a native of Missouri, from
which state he came to California. He was a well-
known capitalist and financier, and passed away in
1899, His widow is still living at Sacramento.
Charles A. Moyer received his education in the
public and private schools of his native city. When
his school days were over he engaged in ranching
for a short time, and also followed various other
occupations until he decided to become a commercial
artist. He then entered heartily into the study of the
art, becoming master of its details, and since 1912
has successfully engaged in the calling, for which
he displays a special aptitude. He has carried on
an independent business since 1914. When Congress
declared war on Germany, although a married man
Mr. Moyer closed his place of business, in 1917, and
volunteered his services, enlisting in the Medical
Corps of the United States Army, and serving in an
ambulance corps. He was stationed at the Presidio,
at Monterey, and afterwards at Camp Dodge. Iowa,
where he served as sergeant. After the armistice he
was honorably discharged, in January, 1919. Return-
ing home, he again opened his place of business and
received his old clients. He is a member of Sacra-
mento Post No. 61, American Legion. He purchased
a residence at 3616 Second Avenue, where he resides
with his family.
In 1922 Mr. Moyer established a branch studio at
1112 Market Street, San Francisco, and there he also
does a very satisfactory business. He specializes in
mail-order business, with the result that his work
finds a market throughout California, Oregon, Ne-
vada, and Arizona.
Mr. Moyer was married to Miss Harriett E. Ben-
netts, a native of Sacramento, and they have three
children. Rita, Charles and Mae. Prominent in fra-
ternal circles, Mr. Moyer is a member of the Odd
Fellows, Maccabees and Foresters. He takes a live
interest in civic affairs, and is a member of the Cham-
ber of Commerce and of the Exchange Club. Fond
of sports and of outdoor life, he is a baseball fan and
enjoys a game of tennis, and also finds recreation in
hunting and fishing. Wherever he is known he is
respected, and makes and retains warm friends.
REV. J. V. AZEVEDO.— In 1909 the parish of
St. Elizabeth's National Church in Sacramento was
created by Bishop Grace and Father Azevedo was
called as its first pastor. He had been in charge of
the Sutter Creek parish and its missions in Amador
County. When he assumed charge of St. Elizabeth's
parish he thoroughly organized it and immediately
began raising funds for the erection of the present
church, which is a fine mission style of architecture
and was dedicated on February 2, 1913. Owing to
the continued untiring work of Father Azevedo the
parish was free from debt in 1920.
Rev. J. V. Azevedo was born in Portugal on No-
vember 25, 1880, a son of the late J. V. and Mary
Azevedo. The father left his native land of Portugal
in the early sixties and came direct to the United
States and to California, where he engaged in ranch-
"JL^
b
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
881
ing at Freeport, Yolo County, for about eleven years.
He was very successful, and upon selling out he re-
turned to Portugal and there was married. He lived
there in peace and contentment until 1901, when he
once again felt the lure of the Golden State and with
his youngest son, Anthony, left Portugal and came
back to California, establishing a home in Sacra-
mento, where he was joined by his wife and daugh-
ter and our subject in 1902. The father died here,
respected by all who knew him, and the mother makes
her home with our subject, beloved by a wide circle
of friends. The son Anthony served in the United
States Army for two years during the World War;
eight months of the time he spent in France as a
member of Battery C, 347th Field Artillery. He re-
turned to Sacramento and is now serving as vice-
consul of Portugal for the northern California dis-
trict.
Rev. Azevedo began his classical and theological
studies in his native land, completing his theological
training at Menlo Park, Cal., and was ordained to
the priesthood by Bishop Grace at the Cathedral in
Sacramento in 1904. The St. Elizabeth parish com-
prises some 250 Portuguese families at the present
time, although formerly it included the families of
the Riverside mission. Rev. Azevedo is a member of
the Knights of Columbus, the U. P. E. C. and the
I. D. E. S. and is well known as a man of progressive
ideals, and his aid and cooperation can be counted
upon to further many measures for the public good.
HENRY AMES PRIEST.— Although born at the
far eastern end of the continent, Henry Ames Priest
has spent most of his adult life in Sacramento County,
and he has never had occasion to regret the change
from the rigors of the northeast climate to more pleas-
ant surroundings in California. He was born in
Palermo, Maine, April 11, 1846, and at the age of
ten, in 1856, was brought by his parents to Preston,
Fillmore County, Minnesota, and there raised on a
farm. He is the son of Otis and Martha (Ames)
Priest, natives ofi Maine, where the father was a
farmer. In 1856 they moved to Minnesota and in
1878 they came to California. There were ten chil-
dren in this family, six boys and four girls. William
was in the 11th Minnesota Regulars until discharged,
then enlisted in the 156th Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
serving a year, until he died. Arianna. Mrs. Lang,
died in Minnesota. Elethea is Mrs. F. Coe, of Maine.
Daniel served in the 2nd Minnesota sharpshooters
throughout the Civil War. He died in Oakland. John
also served in the 2nd Minnesota sharpshooters, and
now resides in Washington. Edmund was Captain of
Company C, 3rd Minnesota Regiment; he died in
Minnesota. James was in Company C, 3rd Minne-
sota Regiment and died in Oakland. Henry Ames,
the subject of this sketch, enlisted in 1864, as soon as
he had reached eighteen years, in the 2nd Minnesota
Cavalry, and served until the close of the war, being
mustered out on April 15, 1865. Henry Ames was de-
tailed for garrison duty at Fort Snelling, Minn., re-
cruited volunteers there and took one detachment to
Nashville, Tenn., during Hood's Raid at that place.
Mrs. Mary Dixon resides in Hayward, while Mrs.
Ann Clark lives in Oakland.
At the close of the war the young soldier returned
to Fillmore County, Minnesota, and for two years
was superintendent of a large ranch there. In 1873
he made the journey to California, locating in Sacra-
mento, and entered the employ of the Southern Pa-
cific Railway; a carpenter by trade, he helped build the
depot in Sacramento, and following that worked on
the Southern Pacific hotel at Pacific Grove, Cal. He
then worked in that company's shops at Sacramento
until 1886, the year of the boom in Southern Cali-
fornia, which attracted him to San Diego, where he
remained for five years. At the end of that time he
returned to Sacramento and was in the employ of the
Southern Pacific Railway, until 1915, when he retired
from daily occupation, though at times he still does
carpenter work in Sacramento.
The marriage of Mr. Priest, which occurred in
Cresco, Iowa, October 16, 1867. united him with Lona
Winslow Prescott. a native of Prairie du Chien, Wis..
a daughter of Amasa and Martha (Winslow) Pres-
cott, born in Belfast, Maine. They settled at Prairie
du Chien, Wis., where Amasa Prescott was baggage
master on the Chicago & Milwaukee Railroad.
He enlisted for service in the Civil War, serving until
he died one year later, leaving four daughters and
two sons. The mother had passed away before the
war, and he had married again. The family moved
West and came to Preston, Fillmore County, Minn.
There Lona Prescott was educated in the public
schools and there she met Mr. Priest. In 1917 they
celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at their
home. Seven children were born to them: Ernest A,
a contractor in Oakland and San Francisco, died aged
thirty-six; Dolly, who passed on at eighteen years;
Charles H., of Los Angeles; Roy A., Ford agent at
Ventura; Mrs. Florence E. Huey; Mrs. Grace H.
Dosch, both of Sacramento, and Mrs. Martha Archer,
of Auburn. Mrs. Priest is a member of Oak Park
Baptist Church, the Woman's Relief Corps, and the
National Alliance of the Daughters of Veterans. Mr.
Priest has proven himself a worthy citizen of his home
citjr, and has stood ready at all times to do his share
in advancing its best interests. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Priest are Republicans. He was a member of the
Highland Park school board, before that district was
annexed to the city; always keeping up his interest
in Grand Army matters, he has served in all the chairs
in Sumner Post No. 3, G. A. R., at Sacramento.
LOUIS FICETTI.— A ladies' tailor whose artistic
conceptions and expert workmanship have brought
him patrons from near and far, is Louis Ficetti, who
was born in Italy on June 18, 1884, but educated in
France, so that in the very beginning he had the ad-
vantage of two important environments for the culti-
vation of his taste, and the training of his eye and
hand.
In 1910, or at the age of twenty-six, Mr. Ficetti
came to America, and having at length reached
the Pacific Coast, he entered the service of the "City
of Paris" store as head designer and continued there
for half a year. In 1911, he came inland to Sacra-
mento, where he established himself in business; and
he has been so successful that he now enjoj^s an ex-
clusive patronage, his reputation for high-class dress-
making making it necessary to employ as many as
twelve people. He has a suite on the second floor of
the Physicians Building. He not only belongs to
the Chamber of Commerce, but he has the honor to
be a representative in the Rotary Club; and he is a
member of the Retail Merchants' Association and also
of the Retail Credit Men's Association. Prior to Mr.
Ficetti's coming to Sacramento, one could not get a
882
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
high-class gown made without visiting San Fran-
cisco; but now Mr. Ficetti himself visits New York
City every year, to study the latest styles, and this
has helped him to build up a fine business from a
modest start. In this enterprise, Mrs. Ficetti, who
v.as Miss Catherine Fascio before her marriage, and
was educated in Europe and is a very gifted woman,
has been of great service to him, helping him to ac-
quire his 600 customers. She is deeply interested in
charitable work, and assisted him in various war ac-
tivities. They are both interested also in out-of-door
life, and Mr. Ficetti has a little farm of his own, where
he spends his leisure or vacation time. Seeing the
need of a high-grade dry-cleaning establishment in
Sacramento, and because so much of the best grade
of work goes to San Francisco, in 1923 Mr. Ficetti
decided to engage in that line of business and with a
partner, under the name of the Ficetti Dry Cleaning
Company, of vv'hich he is president, established a place
of business at Thirty-first and S Streets. It is fully
equipped with the most modern and up-to-date ma-
chinery and appliances to handle all kinds of wearing
apparel, and thus absolute satisfaction is guaranteed.
JOHN LELAND HILL.— The manager of the
Pioneer Wood & Coal Company in Sacramento, John
Leiand Hill, is a worthy representative of a family
long identified with the Golden State. He was born
in Sacramento on January 20, 1898, a son of the late
John S. Hill, a native of England who came to Amer-
ica when he was a young man of eighteen and for a
time located in Michigan. In 1884 he came on to the
West, being accompanied by his mother, two broth-
ers, and two sisters, who are now residing in this
state. He located in Sacramento, where he engaged
in the wood business, later adding coal to his com-
modity. As the pioneer in the business he built up
a good trade, continuing in the same line until his
death in 1918, aged fifty-five. He had married Adelaid
Zimmerman, whose mother, Catherine O'SulIivan,
came to this state as a pioneer in 1851 and here in
Sacramento Mrs. Hill, who was born in Eldorado
County, is still living. They had two sons, Harold
E. and John L.
John Leiand Hill was educated in the public schoo's
of Sacramento and finished at St. Mary's in Oakland.
He returned to his native city and in 1919 became a
salesman with the company he now is so ably man-
aging, being promoted to his present responsible
position on December 1, 1921. This company took
over the old established business upon the death of
the senior Hill, his father having been recognized as
the pioneer in this line in the capital city, and the
name of Hill is still closely interwoven with the busi-
ness interests of Sacramento.
John Leiand Hill was married to Miss Irene Crow-
• ley, a native of the state and representing another
prominent family of early-day settlers. She shares
with her husband the esteem of a widening circle of
friends, and they have one daughter, Barbalee. In
national politics Mr. Hill is a Democrat, but in local
issues he is a man above party. During the World
War he entered the United States Army in the en-
gineer corps and served nine monhts in this country.
As a native son he is interested in all progressive
movements for the upbuilding of the state and shows
his public spirit by supporting all worthy enterprises.
CHARLES J. JOHANSON.— Among the men
who, by their own effort and energy, have risen to a
place of prominence and influence in the field of
ranching endeavor, must be numbered Charles J.
Johanson, who was born at Arvik, Vermland, Swe-
den, on February 21, 1873. His father was a mill-
wright and miller, who built and owned his own mill,
run by water-power and grinding with the old burr
process, and who became well-to-do and influential
in his community. He retired at the age of fifty
years, and passed on when fifty-six years old, being
survived b}' his widow, who is now seventy years of
age. Their union was blessed with ten children, five
boys and five girls, but only four of them are now
living, Charles J. and Gustav, who are associated to-
gether in farming, being the only two in California.
Charles J. Johanson received a good education in
the excellent schools for which Sweden is famous;
and while he grew up he assisted his father in and
about the mill, thus acquiring habits of industry
and economy. At the age of sixteen years he de-
cided to cast in his lot with California, and so came
hither in 1889, finding employment on large grain
ranches in the Franklin district. He was adept, and
soon learned the methods of successful farming in
the Sacramento Valley. Choosing ranching for his
life occupation, he began farming on his own account
in 1903, leasing lands and raising grain and beans, his
operations being centered in the locality of Franklin.
In time he purchased a farm and sold it, and later
bought a second farm, which he also sold, each time
realizing a profit.
In Sacramento, on August 20, 1904, Mr. Johanson
was married to Miss Ethel Orean Stephenson, born in
Sacramento, a daughter of John F. and Lillian A.
(Watson) Stephenson, born in Sacramento County
and Coloma, Cal., respectively, their parents having
crossed the plains in pioneer days. Of their five
children, Mrs. Johanson is the oldest. She was
reared and educated at Franklin; and she is the owner
of a part of the old John F. Stephenson ranch near
Franklin; and there Mr. and Mrs. Johanson now re-
side. Associated with his brother, Mr Johanson is
leasing 1,500 acres of land, 250 acres being devoted to
raising beans and the balance to the raising of grain.
The work is done with the most modern equipment,
including Holt tractors for motive power and a com-
bined harvester, propelled by tractor, for gathering
the grain and beans. During the war they farmed
5,000 acres, doing all they could to increase the pro-
duction of breadstuffs. They also have a dairy, and
are members of the Northern California Milk Pro-
ducers' Association.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Johanson has been
blessed with five children: Alma M. and Carl S., at-
tending the Elk Grove high school; and Thelma E.,
Fred O., and Jack R. Mrs. Johanson is a cultured
and refined woman, and presides gracefully over her
husband's home. She is possessed of much native
business ability, and is keenly interested in her hus-
band's success, aiding him in every way to gain his
ambition. Mr. Johanson is a protectionist and na-
turally a strong Republican. In religious faith, he is
a Lutheran. Fraternally, he was made a Mason in
Elk Grove Lodge No. 173, F. & A. M.; and he is also
a member of Sacramento Chapter, R. A. M., and also
a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Mason, being a
member of all the bodies of the Consistory in Sac-
ramento.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
885
CHARLES G. GROSCH.— Highly esteemed as
one of the progressive and representative citizens of
Sacramento County, Charles G. Grosch enjoys ex-
ceptional popularity and influence among the business
element in the comtnunity. He was born June 27,
1877, in Indianapolis, Ind., the son of Samuel F. and
Alice (Savers) Grosch.
Charles G. Grosch was educated in the public
schools of Topeka, Kans. He learned the printing
trade and also followed the coffee roasting business,
in which he has become an expert. Mr. Grosch is
the owner of one of the best-equipped coffee-roast-
ing plants in northern California, which he purchased
in May, 1922. He employs seven people and handles
wholesale business only. He was united in marriage
with Ella Darby. They are the parents of two chil-
dren, Sam and Phoebe, and are associated with the
Christian Church, of which he is an active member.
He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce,
and has a wide acquaintance among the well-known
citizens of the community. He is a wide-awake ac-
tive man, interested in all the local affairs, and re-
spected by all who know him.
JOSEPH KUENY.— Extensively interested in
viticulture, Joseph Kueny is also one of the owners
of the Twin City Garage at Twin City Corners, which
has proved a profitable investment. A native of
Shasta County, Cal., he was born at Pittville, March
23, 1884, the son of Michael and Barbara Kueny.
The father, who was a native of Alsace-Lorraine,
came to Missouri when a young man and in 1870 came
to California and was for a short time at Sacramento.
Later he went to Pittville, Shasta County, where he
engaged in farming and in the butcher business. He
lived to be seventj'-three years old and his widow
now makes her home at Sacramento. They were the
parents of six children: Frank, Mary, Joseph, Emma,
Richard and James.
Joseph Kueny attended the school at Pittville until
he was twelve years old, and then, in 1896, he left
home to make his own way. He worked at Mer-
rill, Ore., for two years and then for a year at Fall
River, that state. He then engaged in sheep raising
in Lake and Harney Counties until 1906, when he
disposed of his bands and came to Sacramento, where
he engaged in the manufacture of cigars for the
wholesale and retail trade until 1915, when he sold
out this business and went to ranching, leasing 700
acres on Dry Creek, east of Gait, raising grain and
stock. He also operated the ranch of his father-in-
law, C. M. West. In 1920 Mr. Kueny embarked in
the cultivation of grapes and with a partner purchased
a forty-acre ranch, about half of it being in vineyard.
He sold his interest in this place in 1921 and pur-
chased twenty-four acres on the extension of Chero-
kee Lane north of Dry Creek. This acreage is in
Mission and Zinfandel grapes and has two irrigation
plants. In 1922 Mr. Kueny built a garage at Twin
City Corners and here he has as a partner, C. D.
Van Heusen, an expert mechanic, who operates the
garage, where general repair work is done and acces-
sories are sold. Mr. Kueny continues to devote his
time to his vineyard interests. He and Mr. Van
Heusen also own five acres where the garage stands.
At Sacramento, Cal., January 22, 1910, Mr. Kueny
was married to Miss Winifred West, who was born
near Gait on the West ranch, her parents being C. M.
and America (Baker) West, the father being a pio-
neer of Sacramento County. He has passed away,
but Mrs. West still resides at Sacramento. Mr. and
Mrs. Kueny are the parents of two daughters, Jean
and Merle, and the family have a large circle of
friends in this vicinity.
WILLIAM J. GARDELL.— An enterprising mer-
chant whose success in his chosen field would lead
one to believe that he might also succeed well in other
channels of trade, and equally well point the way for
other merchants to follow, is William J. Gardell, the
popular manager of the prosperous Gardell Candy
Company at 319 J Street, Sacramento. He was born
at St. Louis on May 10, 1874, the son of John and
Madeline (Castine) Gardell; and although he has been
called upon to lay to rest his beloved father, he finds
it a privilege still to minister to his mother, who is
living at Denver.
William Gardell attended the grammar and the high
schools of Denver, and while still in his teens learned
the candy-making trade, first at Denver, then worked
in Spokane and Portland, and finally at Oakland. On
October 1, 1914, he came to Sacramento and engaged
for his services with the Sutter Candy Company, and
within a single year he was able to establish the Gar-
dell Candy Company, according to his own ideals and
under his own personal direction. He has done well,
and in the busy season he employs twenty people. He
is grateful to Sacramento, and is an enthusiastic mem-
ber of the Chamber of Commerce. He specializes on
Garden's Chocolates, which he ships everywhere.
Mrs. Gardell was Miss Letha Cathcart before her
marriage, and she brought with her to California some
of the extolled virtues of the housewives of Kansas,
her native state. One daughter, Violet, now Mrs.
Cecil Oats, has blessed this union. Mr. Gardell be-
longs to the Elks, and to the Lions Club. He is
fond of hunting and fishing. In politics, he is above
narrow partisanship and on the lookout for the best
men and the best measures.
WALTER W.- CASE.— Among the prominent and
well-known business men of Sacramento is Walter W.
Case, the president and owner of the Richardson-
Case Paper Co., whose business has steadily grown
in extent and importance through the passing years
until he is one of the successful and influential citi-
zens of the capital city. His birth occurred in Jack-
son, Mich., May 28, 1882, and he is the son of How-
ard H. and Anna (Nichols) Case. Howard H. Case
brought his family to California when their son Walter
W. was a small child; both parents are living and re-
side in Alameda, Cal., where Howard H. Case is em-
ployed by the A. Schilling Company.
Walter W. Case received his education in the public
schools. He was brought up to keep busy; so his
spare hours out of school were spent in selling news-
papers. After finishing high school, he returned to his
native state and entered a printing ofiice in Detroit,
where he worked for the following six years. In
1902 he returned to California and took a position with
the Bonestell-Richardson Paper Company, remaining
with them for five years. Then he was put in charge
of a department with the Blake, Moffitt & Towne
Paper Company, which he efficiently managed three
years. In 1910, in partnership with Charles A. Rich-
ardson, his former employer, he organized the present
company known as the Richardson-Case Paper Co.;
since the death of Mr. Richardson in 1918, Mr. Case
886
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
lias purcliased liis interest and is now sole owner of
the business.
Mr. Case's marriage united him with Miss Grace
Matthews, born in Salinas, Cal.; and they have one
daughter, Carmelita. Mr. Case's fraternal relations
are with the B. P. O. Elks, and he belongs to the
Sutter and Del Paso Country Clubs. He is a Re-
publican in politics.
HAROLD HUGH ROBINSON.— Already emi-
nent in the financial world of northern California,
Harold Hugh Robinson, the well-known and popular
cashier of the Merchants National Bank of Sacra-
mento, exerts an enviable influence for sane develop-
ment and steady progress. He was born in Stockton,
on December 10, 1890, and his father was Hugh W.
Robinson, a business man of Sacramento, in which
city the family had settled twenty-six years ago. He
married Miss Adelheid Hill, the devoted mother of
our subject, who favored his grammar and high school
traim'ng. and inspired him to study law, first having
liim become a law stenographer. Finance and not
legal lore, however, was destined to attract him. He
began with the Fort Sutter National Bank as a col-
lector, and gradually advanced through the various
departments, until he was made first assistant cashier.
J. H. Stephens was vice-president of the Fort Sutter
National Bank, and on January 3, 1921, they organ-
ized this later institution, opening it formally on that
day. On November 28, 1921, they commenced their
own bank building, and now they have one of the
handsomest bank-homes in the city.
At Sacramento, on June 16, 1915, Mr. Robinson
and Miss Grace Green became man and wife; and
now Harold H. Robinson, Jr., makes the third mem-
ber of the happy family circle. Mr. Robinson belongs
to the Chamber of Commerce, and he participates in
the life of the community through many other or-
ganized channe's, and is a stanch Republican. He is
also a Knight Templar and a Shriner.
CARLETON LEONARD KATZENSTEIN.—
Prominent among the most representative business
firms of Sacramento, Messrs. C. L. Katzenstein &
Company, insurance brokers, with offices at 618j^ J
Street, enjoy an influence alw-ays exerted in favor of
progress, and well directed through the experienced
senior member, Carleton Leonard Katzenstein, a na-
tive of Sacramento, he having been born here on Sep-
tember 12, 1890. His father was George B. Katzen-
stein, who had come to Sacramento as early as 1866,
having married Miss Ida M. Richards. Now she is
enjoying the fruits of long years of arduous labor,
but Mr. Katzenstein passed away in 1909.
Carleton Katzenstein attended the Sacramento
grammar and high schools, and then matriculated at
the University of California; but owing to impaired
health, he was forced to abandon his studies there.
At the end of a year and one-half, having recuperated,
he joined F. S. Peck, as his collector. He afterwards
solicited insurance for Mr. Peck, and a year later the
business of the F. S. Peck Insurance Agency was in-
corporated, and he acted as its secretary until January
1, 1921, when the incorporation was dissolved, and the
co-partnership of C. L. Katzenstein & Company was
formed. He was secretary of the Progressive Busi-
ness Club of Sacramento, now the Exchange Club of
America.
In October, 1911, Mr. Katzenstein was married to
Miss Ethel Mampel, of Orangevale, who shares with
her husband the pleasure of his work as secretary of
the Sutter Fort Parlor of the Native Sons of the
Golden West. He has also been a member for many
years of the McNeill Club, a men's chorus. He is
fond of baseball, and alive to all the other opportuni-
ties in Sacramento County for outdoor sport, and
neglects no opportunity to foster health-giving pas-
times for the public generally.
HERBERT KING.— Sacramento County boasts of
some of the most successful of California's vineyard-
ists, prominent among whom is Herbert King, of the
Don Ray Colony, to the southeast of Dillard Station.
He is a native of the Dominion of Canada, and was
born at Quebec, on November 21, 1854, the son of
Samuel and Hannah King. His father was a chemist,
and lived to be sixty-seven years of age; while his
mother, who passed away at Quebec in 1920, was 107
years old at the time of her death. Both were highly
esteemed by a wide circle of acquaintances, and each
of their five children have reflected credit upon them.
Ainsworth is the oldest; then come Henry, Emily
and Alice; and our subject is the youngest.
Herbert King attended school in Canada, and at
the age of sixteen commenced to teach in a Canadian
grammar school, continuing in pedagogical work until
he was of age, and abandoning that interesting field
of activity only when his health began to fail. As a
result of this set-back, he went to work in the timber-
lands in Canada, including Manitoba, and also in
Michigan and Wisconsin, where he put in some of the
hardest of labor. At Manitoba, on June 29, 1878, he
was married to Miss Adeline Rousseau, a native of
Quebec, and the daughter of John and Emerentiene
Rousseau, of French-Canadian descent. Her father
was a farmer, and provided for his eight children in
the comfortable style of the farmer-folk of that
country and period. These children were John,
Philiomene, Joseph, Batiste, Sarah, Francis, Adeline
(now Mrs. King), and Soloman. Adeline Rousseau
was educated in Quebec and grew up to be a gifted,
attractive woman. Mr. and Mrs. King lived in
Manitoba, where Mr. King worked hard at farming
and lumbering, until his good wife died, in 1898;
then, feeling that he could not longer endure life amid
an environment constantly reminding him of the
happy days he and his faithful companion had spent
there together, he turned the ranch over to his sons,
and came to the United States.
On coming to this country, Mr. King first went to
St. Paul, Minn., and afterwards resided for a few
months in Carbon County, Mont. He spent about
one year at Seattle, Wash., and after that settled in
California, landing there the day the American troops
returned to San Francisco from their service in the
Spanish-American War. He worked in the War De-
partment of the United States Government at San
Francisco for a year, and then went to Merced, where
he spent the following winter. Returning to San
Francisco, he remained there for a few months, and
then came to his present place of abode in 1903. He
purchased ten acres of land in the Don Ray Colony,
devoted to Mission grapes, and here he has been
busy ever since.
At Sacramento, in 1908, Mr. King took out his
citizenship papers, and he has since exercised the
franchise independently, and in the interest of the
general welfare. He is doing good work as secretary
of the Farm Bureau of his vicinity, and is president
of the Don Ray Colony Central Improvement Club.
MiMhA
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
889
He is custodian of the Branch Library, and: has been
a director of the County Farm Bureau since 1920.
He and his faithful wife were blessed with nine chil-
dren. Harold is on the old home ranch in Canada;
Clara, Edith, Mabel, Bessie and Alfred are next in
order of birth; while Percy and Lilly are the youngest.
Hector, the seventh-born, was mortally wounded in
tlie Battle of Vimy Hill, France, while he was fighting
with the Canadian troops; he had the distinction of
being in the first contingent sent into the World War.
There are fifteen grandchildren in the family circle.
CAPT. BERNARD JOSEPH DOLAN.— As one
of the men who have followed the fortunes of river
transportation we find none better known or more
efScient than Captain Bernard Joseph Dolan, a native
son born in Colusa County, July 24, 1889. His par-
ents were Peter F. and Nellie (Sullivan) Dolan, the
former an early settler of the seventies in that county,
and it was there the wife and mother died. Later
the father moved to Butte City and there he passed
his last days.
Our subject attended the local public schools and
when he was eighteen years of age he became an
apprentice pilot on the river steamer Red Bluff, Cap-
tain T. A. Ryan, master. After three years in this
service he was made a pilot, operating between Sac-
ramento and Red Bluff. After a year as a pilot, he
successfully passed the examination and received his
papers as master; since then he has been on the run
to San Francisco from the capital city. In all the
years he has seen service he has been in the employ
of the Sacramento Transportation Co:npany, now
having few older in point of service ahead of him.
On November 16, 1913, at Sacramento, Captain
Dolan was united in marriage with Miss Rita Mc-
Isaac, born in this county. He is a member of the
Sacramento Lodge of Elks and of Sacramento Parlor
No. 3, N. S. G. W., and of the Masters' Association,
Harbor No. 40, in San Francisco. Captain Dolan
has an ever widening circle of friends and he is ready
to assist all projects for the good of his home city.
REGINALD GEORGE CLIFFORD.— A well-
trained engineer, whose experience has developed in
him to a high degree an invaluable executive ability,
is Reginald George Clifford, the chief engineer of the
Natomas Company at Sacramento. He is a native of
England, but is also an enthusiastic American, willing
to assume all of his share of obligation, as well as to
enjoy the advantages incidental to American citizen-
ship. He first saw the light at London on March 25,
1882, the son of George F. and Josephine (Gilmore)
Clifford, and came with his family to the United
States in 1886. His parents were of the sturdy, pro-
gressive sort, and when his father passed away, he
was lamented by all who knew him. The devoted
mother now resides at San Francisco.
Reginald George Clifford went to both the grammar
and the high schools, and then entered the Univer-
sity of California for further preparation, graduating
in 1905, when he received the B. S. degree. He spent
six years with the Western Pacific Railroad, starting
in on first location parties, and remained with them
until the Feather River course was completed. Then
he was a year with the Great Western Power Com-
pany, making investigations for power plants, near
Lake Almanor. After that, he was for three years
with the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, where he
designed, and as engineer supervised the Spaulding
Dam; and in 1914 he joined the Natomas Company,
and he has been its engineer ever since. He belongs
to the Sutter Club and also to the Exchange Club.
Mr. Clifford has made a specialty of irrigation prob-
lems, and is therefore deeph' interested in the de-
velopment of Sacramento County. He organized and
served as president of the Valley Construction Com-
pany, and has been very active as a consulting en-
gineer for large irrigation promoters in the Sutter
Basin, and also in District 2047, and the Colusa Basin.
He is now the engineer for the Association of Recla-
mation Districts, and has been instrumental, with those
in the same undertaking, in keeping down the rates
for the farmer as low as possible.
At San Rafael, in 1907, Mr. Clifford was married to
Miss Edna E. Sides, a native daughter of San Fran-
cisco; and they have three children, Elizabeth, George
and Frederick. Mr. Clifford is a Mason.
CLIFFORD ALBERT RUSSELL.— A rising and
promising attorney of northern California in whom
the people of Sacramento County in particular feel a
natural pride, is Clifford Albert Russell, with offices
in the Capital National Bank Building. He was born
in Sacramento, on October 2, 1891, the son of William
B. and Mary (Donahue) Russell. He attended the
public schools of his localit3', and was then graduated
from St. Mary's College at Oakland, and in 1914
he finished successfully the excellent courses of the
University of California with the LL. B. degree. He
had passed a year to great advantage in the metropolis
of the Pacific, and in the year of his graduation from
the University, he returned to Sacramento.
He was for years a Democrat, and in February,
1917, he was appointed to the office of deputy district
attorney, which he so satisfactorily filled until Janu-
ary, 1923, when he opened his private practice. Being
public-spirited, he naturally contributes in every way
possible to the advancement of both the city and
county of Sacramento. He is a inember of the Na-
tive Sons of the Golden West, and the Eagles; and
he was properly active on all the bond drives during
the war.
At Oakland, on April 3, 1916, Mr. Russell was mar-
ried to Miss Frieda Jerichau, like himself a Roman
Catholic. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus,
in which he has taken the fourth degree, and to the
Young Men's Institute, in which he is a past grand
president of the Pacific jurisdiction, and he is also an
Elk. Two children brighten the home life of Mr.
and Mrs. Russell, and they bear the names, Elizabeth
Anne and Clifford A., Jr.
STERLING P. FORREST, JR.— The security and
future growth of any community depend in a large
measure upon the quality of its business institutions,
the character of the men who control them and the
nature of the policies under which they are managed.
An important business concern of Sacramento is
owned and operated by Sterling P. Forrest, Jr.,
dealer in automobiles, whose place of business is lo-
cated at 1212-14 K Street. The name of Sterling P.
Forrest, Jr., is a familiar one in business circles where
he is well known and esteemed. His birth occurred
in Oakland, Cal., December 4, 1886, his parents being
Sterling P. and May Belle (Ferguson) Forrest. The
father of our subject came to California in 1880 and
was here married to Miss Ferguson. The education
890
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
of Mr. Forrest was obtained in the grammar and
high schools of Oakland and at the age of sixteen he
became an office boy for the Waterhouse & Lester
Conipan}- of San Francisco, where he was steadily
advanced until he held the position of secretary and
treasurer for the company. In September, 1917, he
removed to Sacramento and in partnership with Leslie
F. Rice, formed a partnership for the handling of
the Hupmol)ile for Sacramento County and the agency
for the \'elie for Sacramento, Eldorado and Placer
Counties; this partnership continued until lune, 1921,
when Mr. Forrest succeeded to the business, and now
he handles the Hupmobile and the Packard for Sacra-
mento County. In 1923 a building was erected for
the exclusive use of Mr. Forrest, which is modern in
every respect, consisting of fine display rooms, offices,
service department and painting and repair shop.
During the World War, Mr. Forrest was active in
all war-work drives. He gives his political allegiance
to the Republican party and is a prominent Mason,
being a member of the Knights Templar and Shrine
of Sacramento; he is also a member of the Chamber
of Commerce, and Lions, Sutter and Del Paso Coun-
try clubs. In February, 1921, he married Miss Mattye
M. Hippeli, born in Solano County. He is a man of
progressive public spirit, interested in the welfare of
the city and anxious to do his part ini promoting it.
SAMUEL DOWDIN, JR. — A prominent citizen of
Sacramento County is Samuel Dowdin, Jr., the free-
holder of Folsom City. He was born on his father's
ranch, one and one-half miles south of Nimbus Sta-
tion, in that county, on November 24, 1877, the son
of Samuel Dowdin, who was a native of Old England,
where he first saw light on April 24, 1832. He had
come direct to America with his father, who expired
while en route to California, the devoted kin being
called upon to lay him to rest in the soil of Indiana;
and Samuel continued on to California with his oxen,
and arrived at Placerville early in 1852. He was a
placer miner at Peet's Flat, but the great flood of
1862 swept away all he had acquired of earthly pos-
sessions, and he was fortunate to escape with his life.
Soon afterward he was married to Miss Orrella Al-
lyn, a noble woman of Scotch ancestrj', who had
arrived in the Golden State in 1862, having traveled
to Placerville by ox team.
Samuel Dowdin, Jr., is the second youngest of a
family of five sons and two daughters, the eldest
being Robert C. Dowdin, a rancher at Live Oaks in
Sutter County. Angeline, the second-born, is now
the wife of B. H. Taylor, of Sacramento. Cyrus M.
is a rancher at Verona, in North Sacramento. And
Charlotte E., the youngest, married C. M. Corbin, of
the capital city. Two brothers, Edward and William,
are deceased. All the children attended the Kinney
School.
Samuel Dowdin, Sr., bought 320 acres in Butte
County, at a place called Central House, and re-
moved with his family there; but in 1889 he returned
to Sacramento County. His son, Samuel, farmed for
himself at home, until he entered the employ of the
Natoma Vineyard Company, where he w-orked for
eight 3'ears on a vineyard of 2,000 acres, the second
largest of its kind in the United States, situated near
Sacramento, midway toward Folsom City. At the
age of twenty-three, he started w'ork on a steam-
dredger, in gold mining on the Mississippi Bar, and
for three years he was occupied there; and soon after
that, this plant was turned into an electric dredge, so
that since his twenty-third year, he has followed the
dredgerman's work in every department. He worked
for the Folsom Development Company, and when
this was merged into the Natomas Company of Cali-
fornia, he still continued with the Natomas Company.
He has been an active participator and an eye-witness
in this extensive industry and has seen the SOO-pound
buckets replaced by others each weighing 4,200
pounds.
Full of years and honors, Samuel Dowdin, Sr.,
passed away on October 1, 190S, at the age of seventy-
three, and four years later, at the age of sixty-three,
Mrs. Dowdin breathed her last. Both were esteemed
and beloved by all who knew them.
Mr. Dowdin is thoroughly patriotic. During the
World War he gave splendid support to Liberty Loan
drives and to all Red Cross work. He is a member
of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and has been
president. He is a past chancellor of the Knights of
Pythias, and has been a delegate to the Grand Lodge;
and he is a past master of Masons, belonging to the
Natoma lodge, and is a member of the Eastern Star.
CHRIS R. JONES.— A thoroughly wide-awake
and experienced man of real estate affairs is Chris R.
Jones, vice-president of the Hickman-Coleman Com-
pany of Sacramento, now residing at 1115 Forty-
third Street and having his offices at 724 J Street.
His parents were both English, his father, William E.
Jones, having married Phoebe Parker; and the mother
has passed away. For the past thirty-five years Wil-
liam E. Jones has been engaged in the service of the
Southern Pacific Railroad Company, in the car shops,
and during that time he has never failed to maintain
a high standard in his work.
Chris R. Jones went to the grammar and then to
the high school, in Sacramento, and for five years he
engaged in the newspaper business. Then he was a
real estate salesman for five years, and in April, 1917,
he became affiliated with, and a director of the Hick-
man-Coleman Company, the prominent realtors, deal-
ing in real estate and insurance. Two years ago, he
was made vice-president of the concern. He is an
ex-director of the Chamber of Commerce and has con-
tributed what he could toward making that organiza-
tion so effective in the expansion of commercial
affairs in northern California. He is also one of the
organizers and a former president of the Sacramento
Realtors' Association.
In 1913, at Sacramento, Mr. Jones was married to
Miss Effie Buell, a native daughter of an old and
well-known pioneer family; and their domestic life
has been brightened by the addition of three children;
Warren E. and the twins, Chris R., Jr., and Hugh D.
Mr. Jones is a vice-president of the California Real
Estate Association and belongs to the Native Sons
of the Golden West and the Elks, and he is also a
member of the Y. M. C. A. and the Westminster
Presbyterian Church in Sacramento. He was formerly
director of the Rotary Club. Mr. Jones marches with
the Republicans, and in every way seeks to improve
civic life by elevating the standards of politics. He
was a member of the Board of Freeholders under the
charter election, which gave Sacramento the manager
form of government, and is a booster for his locality,
always striving to support the best men and the best
measures.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
891
WILBUR F. BRAND.— A young man of progres-
sive spirit and unfaltering perseverance, Wilbur F.
Brand has won a creditable measure of prosperity in
business affairs and at the present time is holding the
responsible position of secretary of the Hickman-
Coleman Company, Inc., in which he is a stockholder.
He is ever ready and willing to lend aid to meritorious
projects that are for the, good of his home city and
community. He was born in Sacramento, March 19,
1892, a son of George S. and Minnie Alice (Lawson)
Brand. George S. Brand came to California in 1880
and became a member of the real estate firm of Curtis,
Carmichael & Brand. Both parents are living. and re-
side in Sacramento, and their oldest son is Clyde H.
Brand, the attorney.
Wilbur F. Brand received his education in the gram-
mar and high schools of Sacramento, during which
time he was circulation manager for the Saturday-
Evening Post for eight years. After finishing high
school, he engaged in the real estate and insurance
business and in 1917 became associated with the Hick-
man-Coleman Company, which is the oldest real es-
tate firm in the capital city.
The marriage of Mr. Brand united him with Miss
Emeline Spafford, a daughter of the late Edward
Spafford, and his wife Emeline A. SpafTord, early set-
tlers of Sacramento. Mr. and Mrs. Brand are the
parents of two children, Elizabeth Spafford and Wil-
bur F., Jr. In politics, Mr. Brand is a Republican
and fraternally is past president of Sunset Parlor No.
26, N. S. G. W. He is a director of the Chamber of
Commerce, a member of the Lions Club, and Sacra-
mento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks. For recreation he
is fond of duck hunting and holds membership in Gray
Lodge Gun Club, and he is a member of the Del Paso
Country Club.
NORMAN H. BATEMAN.— An experienced, en-
terprising operator in the building line is Norman H.
Bateman, contractor and builder, at Sacramento. A
native of Minnesota, he was born at Lexington, on
July S, 1874, the son of Perry and Cornelia Bateman,
sturdy pioneers; his father had really been in Cali-
fornia during the stirring days of forty-nine, when he
made his "pile," not by mining, but by teaming for
the miners; but he afterward returned to Minnesota
and to what looked better to him — farm land. Mr. and
Mrs. Bateinan are now dead; but their good works
live after them.
Norman Bateman profited by the opportunity to
attend the excellent rural schools in Minnesota, and
then he helped on the home ranch until he was seven-
teen years of age, when he began a period of seven
years of work in a sawmill. Then he became an
engineer, and from his twenty-first until his twenty-
fourth year, he was an engineer in a flour-mill. Next,
he went to Minneapolis and joined a large construc-
tion company as a carpenter; and at the end of six
years, he undertook contracting for himself.
In 1907, he came out to California to build a club-
house at McCloud; and after that, he was for three
years in San Francisco. Then, until 1914, he was on
a ranch and busy with contracting, and following
that, he had charge of the construction work, other
than building of the main plant, of a sugar plant at
Tracy. Now, with F. S. Waterman, he is engaged
in contracting and building in Sacramento, and they
have built many of the finer residences here. Mr.
Bateman belongs to the Master Builders, and as one
of that progressive organization, has been ever ready
to favor anything itself favorable to Sacramento,
town or county. In politics he is Republican. In
Minneapolis, Mr. Bateman was married to Miss Agnes
Fagot, of that city, and they have one child, a daugh-
ter named Dorothy. In fraternal affairs, Mr. Bate-
man is a Master Mason.
ARTHUR H. LAMB.— A distinguished architect
who has won a permanent place in the esteem of the
Sacramento people, is Arthur H. Lamb, of the well-
known aggressively progressive firm of Woollett &
Lamb, of the Mull building. Tenth and L Streets,
Sacramento. He was born in New York City on Feb-
ruary S, 1883, the son of Hugh and Elizabeth B.
(Chamberlain) Lamb, well-situated New Yorkers, the
family being long at home in Manhattan, and he grew
up in a refined circle. Hugh Lamb has passed on
to the great Beyond, but Mrs. Lamb continued the
center of affection from many friends until November
15, 1922, when she passed away, at her home at Mont
Clair, New Jersey.
Arthur H. Lamb attended both the grammar and
the high schools of the metropolis, and since his father
was an architect, it was natural enough that he should
follow in that gentleman's footsteps. After taking a
special course in art, therefore, Arthur entered his
father's office, and in the year of the great fire and
earthquake at San Francisco, he came out to the
stricken bay city, where he remained for five years,
when he went south to Los Angeles and put in an-
other five years.
In 1917 Mr. Lamb came to Sacramento, and at once
became a member of the firm of Woollett & Lamb,
taking for his partner John W. Woollett. Together
the two gifted men designed man)' of the finest struc-
tures hereabouts, the Physicians building being among
the number. Mr. Lamb was married in 1918 to Miss
Phyllis Kent of Piedmont. In national political af-
fairs Mr. Lamb prefers the standards of the Repub-
lican party, but in local matters he is non-partisan.
CARL A. LAMUS. — A very successful man of af-
fairs is Carl A. Lamus, of the well-known firm of Carl
Lamus Company, and the Exide Battery Service pro-
prietor. He was born at Minneapolis, Minn., on June
23, 1882, the son of Peter and Emma Lamus, both of
whom are now deceased. The mother died when our
subject was only four years of age. His father af-
forded him such elementary educational advantages
as were possible through the public school; but at the
age of fifteen Carl set out for himself, and from that
date began to earn his own living. He had had a good
start in life, and the influence of a good home ac-
companied him in his early career.
In 1902, he came out to California and at Keswick
learned the trade of machinist, and in 1904 he entered
the employ of the Southern Pacific in Sacramento,
where he gained the world's record for boring loco-
motive cylinders, completing the job in two and three-
fourths hours average, day after day. The best
record today in the Sacramento shops is eight hours.
In 1906, he entered the employ of the P. G. & E., and
learned the trade of electrician, and later had charge
of installing the Brighton station for the Great West-
ern Power Company. Next he went to Big Bend,
where he was in charge of operations until he en-
gaged in his present business in 1911, when he estab-
lished himself with Chas. H. Graham, in the business
892
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
with which his name has long been honorably asso-
ciated. In February, 1922, Mr. Lamus succeeded to
the ownership of the business and now employs fifteen
persons.
Mr. Lamus was married to Miss Elizabeth Kauff-
mann, a native of San Francisco, and she has proven
an excellent helpmate. Mr. Lamus is a director in
the Chamber of Commerce at Sacramento, and he be-
longs to the Rotary Club of the same city. He is a
Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner, an Elk and an
Odd Fellow, and is fond of fishing, bowling, golf, and
baseball, and is a member of the Del Paso Golf and
Country Club. In national politics he is above mere
party lines and narrowness; in local affairs, he is, first,
last and all the time a good "booster," devoted to the
section in which he lives and thrives.
EDWARD S. CRAWFORD. — A representative
business man of Sacramento who is widely esteemed
because of his practical experience and highly pro-
gressive methods, is Edward S. Crawford, of the Ed-
ward S. Crawford Motor Company, of Sacramento.
He was born at Smith Center, Smith County, Kans.,
on February 20, 1880, the son of Afford Floyd and
Laura (Eldridge) Crawford, worthy pioneer folks, of
whom the father is now dead. They gave such edu-
cational advantages to their son as were possible in
that time and place, but at fifteen the lad was com-
pelled to go to work. He found employment in the
manufacture of bicycles, in which corner of the in-
dustrial field he worked hard for eight years; he then
took up the automobile business in various places, and
in 1913 came to Sacramento, as manager for James
F. Pieper. On January 1, 1920, the company with
which he is at present connected was established and
immediate!}' secured his services. Mr. Crawford be-
longs to both the Rotary Club and the Chamber of
Commerce. In matters of national political import,
he is a Republican; but he favors a more non-partisan
stand on local issues.
Mr. Crawford married Miss Flora Summers, the
ceremony taking place at Cheyenne, Wyo. Her home
was in Denver, Colo., but she was a native of Toledo,
Ohio. Mr. Crawford is' an Elk. He spent five years
in the Colorado National Guards, and during the
World War rendered effective service by helping
with the home guards, and also in the Liberty Bond
drives. Deeply public-spirited, Mr. Crawford is par-
ticularly interested in Sacramento County, and leaves
no stone unturned to assist in the great work of hav-
ing it come to its own, and as speedily as possible.
RICHARD P. TALBOT.— An attorney not only
well-versed in jurisprudence, but particularly familiar
with the practice of law in California is Richard P.
Talbot, a native of Missouri, where he was born at
Fayette, in Howard County, on March 21, 1873. His
father, William Boone Talbot, had married Miss Maria
Payne, a gifted and charming woman who passed to
her eternal reward when our subject was two years
old. Mr. Talbot is still living, in comfortable retire-
ment at Tulsa, Okla.
Richard P. Talbot attended the ordinary public
schools, and then matriculated at Central College, at
Fayette. He next studied law in Senator Samuel C.
Major's office, in Fayette, and in 1895 was admitted
to the practice of law in Missouri, and for several
years had an office at Fayette. In 1899 he came out
to Arizona and settled at Prescott; and for sixteen
years he practiced there. He was also the district at-
torney for Yavapai County for a term; but in 191S he
decided to leave the state and remove to Sacramento,
and since March IS of that year he has been an hon-
ored member of the California Bar. His knowledge of
the practice of law in other states has not only en-
abled him to be of greater service to his patrons, but
has often made it possible for him to render a real
service to; some colleague more limited in experience;
Mr. Talbot's urbanity and willingness at all times to
do the other fellow a good turn have made him a
valued source of counsel, so that he is popular among
all who have any dealings with him. He belongs to
the bar associations of the state, the county and the
city.
A nephew of Rev. Dr. Ethelbert Talbot, the distin-
guished Episcopal Bishop of Pennsylvania, Richard
P. Talbot was married, on December 16, 1902, to Miss
Stella M. Jackson, of Bartow, Florida, the ceremony
taking place at Bartow. One daughter. Miss Dorothy,
has blessed this union. In fraternal affiliation, Mr.
Talbot is an Elk; and in politics he is a Democrat.
WILLIAM ALBERT WEIGT.— One of the
worthy representatives of the commercial interests
of Sacramento is William Albert Weigt, proprietor
of the Sterling Electric Company, whose place of
business is located at 907 Eighth Street. He was
born in Biggs, Butte County, September 13, 1879,
and is a son of S. A. and Emma (Miller) Weigt. S.
A. Weigt was one of the original forty-niners, and
the mother of our subject was born in Sacramento, a
daughter of Antone Miller. S. A. Weigt is de-
ceased, but the mother now resides in Oakland.
Reared in the parental home, William Albert
Weigt began his preliminary education in the gram-
mar school. Subsequently he became a stenographer,
and four years were occupied in the study of law.
Then he attended preparatory school and Stanford
University in Palo Alto, after which he entered the
California National Bank in Sacramento, occupying a
position with that institution for the following four
years. Then he was in the employ of the Wells
Fargo Nevada National Bank in San Francisco for
one year. Removing to Oakland, for five years he
was with the Central National Bank. Returning to
Sacramento, he conducted an apartment house for
his mother on Eleventh Street; then he took a posi-
tion with the John Deere Plow Company and was
also with the Electrical Supply Company. Desiring
to become independent, he organized his own elec-
trical company in 1918, known as the Sterling Elec-
trical Company, which was incorporated the same
year, and he was made the president. In 1921 the
company was disincorporated, and he now operates
an independent company. This company does all
kinds of electrical construction work and a complete
line of electrical supplies are always on hand; seven
men are employed to take care of the steadily in-
creasing business.
Mr. Weigt's marriage united him with Miss Char-
lotte Schaden, a native daughter of California, born
in Sacramento, and they are the parents of one son,
William Albert, Jr. Mr. Weigt is a prominent Ma-
son, being a Knight Templar and a member of the
Shrine. He is a member of the Chamber of Com-
merce of Sacramento and politically is a Republican.
During the World War he was active in all the war
work drives and in the Chamber of Commerce work.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
89o
FRANK SARTI. — An experienced business man,
thoroughly posted as to his corner of the great field
of world industrj', whose hard work, thrift and ex-
emplary enterprise have brought prosperity, is Frank
Sarti, the popular manager of Messrs. Rossi & Com-
pany, the well-known florists, at 921 K Street, Sacra-
mento. He was born in the province of Lucca, Italy,
first seeing the light in a farm-home near Lucca, on
September 28, 1889, and he came to America in 1907.
Making his way west to Tacoma, Wash., he worked
for wages with the Northern Pacific Railroad, and
later he found employment in a lumber yard in the
same place. Then he worked for the Seattle Steel
Company; and when he had learned to speak English,
he was put in charge of the giant shears in the scrap-
yard. These shears were used in cutting up scrap
iron, and were the largest on the Pacific Coast. While
in Seattle he attended night school and thereby
gained a better knowledge of English; and he then
started to learn the florist business, and in order to
do so, put in five years with the Messrs. Rosaia
Bros, in Seattle, but the World War having involved
the United States, he went to work for the govern-
ment in the ship-yards of Seattle and Portland. After
the war, he went to Los Angeles, and there he worked
for a local florist, getting the newer and more mod-
ern ideas; and in 1920 he went to San Francisco.
There Mr. Sarti entered the employ of the Rossi
Company, and was soon made head clerk in their
Oakland store; and when Mr. Rossi decided to open
a branch in Sacramento, he chose Mr. Sarti as the
man best-fitted for the new responsibilitj'. Mr. Sarti,
therefore, opened up the Sacramento branch in Sep-
tember, 1921, and from the start it has proven a real
success. One of the Messrs. Rossi has the distinction
of being the man to originate the now world-wide
popular phrase, "Say It With Flowers"; and Messrs.
Rossi & Company of San Francisco, are the largest
wholesale and retail flower dealers in California, hav-
ing branch-stores in Oakland, Sacramento, Fresno,
and Reno, Nev. Mr. Sarti belongs to the local order
of Moose and also to the Eagles.
PATRICK MATTHEW BOYLAN.— To have
rounded out a full life, doing his part in the work to
which Providence had called him, and making his
contribution to the building up of the commonwealth
cheerfully and to the best of his ability, is a record of
which any man may be proud, and among such we
find Patrick Matthew Boylan, whose sterling quali-
ties are attested to by the many friends made here
during nearly a half century of residence. A native of
County Cavan, Ireland, he was brought to Provi-
dence, R. I., as a boy, and reared there. Li 1854 he
made his first trip to California by way of the Isth-
mus, and on arrival mined for a time in Eldorado
County.
Returning to his eastern home, Mr. Boylan mar-
ried there Rose McAteer, born in Belfast, Ireland,
and he then became engaged in railroad work in
Providence for a period. The lure of the West
proved too strong, however, and in 1859 the young
couple came to Sacramento, via the Isthmus, and
settled down to make their home in the new sur-
roundings. Mr. Boylan entered the employ of the
Capital Gas Company, and for forty-three years he
was a trusted employee of that concern, for many
years serving as engineer of the plant; to remain
with one concern for so great a length of time shows
a character made up of stability and true worth and
also that these qualities were appreciated by his em-
ployers. Three children blessed the union of Mr. and
Mrs. Boylan, and two of them are now living: Nellie
A., and Mamie Bo5'lan. Mr. Boylan passed to his
reward in 1901, leaving many friends to mourn his
loss, as well as his devoted family.
THOMAS ANTHONY FARRELL.— Thomas An-
thonjr Farrell, an attorney-at-law in the capital city,
was born in Sacramento, March 3, 1888. His father,
Edward J. Farrell, came to Sacramento from Ireland
in 1870. His mother, Margaret (Haley) Farrell, is
a native of California. Edward J. Farrell was an
employee of the Southern Pacific Railroad at Sacra-
mento for forty j'ears.
Thomas Anthony Farrell attended Christian Broth-
ers' College, Sacramento, after which he attended
Santa Clara College, and then entered the law office •
of J. W. S. Butler, where he studied law, and was
admitted to the bar in 1915. He was chief deputy
district attorney under Hugh B. Bradford for seven
years, when he resigned; and since 1921 he has prac-
ticed his profession in the county of Sacramento. He
is a member of the American Bar Association, the
California State Bar Association, and the Sacramento
Count}' Bar Association, in which he is a member of
the board of governors.
At Elk Grove Mr. Farrell was married to Miss Ida
M. de Roza, a native daughter of Sacramento County.
Mr. Farrell is a member of the Knights of Columbus,
the Native Sons of the Golden West, the Eagles and
the Elks.
GEORGE F. POWELL.— A representative and
successful business man, who did his part nobly in
the upbuilding of the city of Sacramento was the late
George F. Powell, a prominent manufacturing jeweler.
Mr. Powell's birth occurred in Milro}', Rush County,
Ind., August 21, 1870, a son of Thomas and Margaret
(Reiff) Powell, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky
respectively, v\fho removed to Milroy, Rush County,
Ind., after their marriage. When George F. was one
jrear old the family removed to Rushville, the same
state, and there he attended school. When fourteen
years of age George removed to Fort Scott, Kan.,
and there he completed his education, and there too
he began the jewelry business with his older brother,
William R., as Powell Bros. After many years of
successful business, George F. sold his interest and
removed to Mena, Ark., where he also followed the
jewelry business, continuing until 1906, when he re-
moved to California and located in Sacramento and
established the jewelry firm of Powell, McKee &
Company on K Street. This business was conducted
for about ten years, when Mr. Powell took over the
business, continuing in the old location until the
Forum Building was completed. Then he took up
his location in that building and engaged as a manu-
facturer and retail jeweler, meeting with deserved
success until the time of his passing in October, 1920.
Mr. ■ Powell was a man of artistic taste and was
original in his ideas and designs. His manufactured
product was highly appreciated and popular. His
specialty was Masonic and Elk charms and emblems,
but he also manufactured all kinds of jewelry. His
Elk emblems were very fine. They were made from
894
lllS'Pom- OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
t-lks' teclli sucurcd troni ;iii Indian trader in vSouth
Dakota, and they wt-rc sold all over the United States.
Mrs. Powell was in maidenhood Miss Alice Faber,
her marriage to Mr. Powell occurring in Sacramento,
April 7, 1916. She was born in Portland, Ore.,
but reared in Stockton, Cal. Since her husband's
death Mrs. Powell assumed the management of the
business he left her and continues manufacturing, a
business she learned under the preceptorship of Mr.
Powell, and with the same ability carries out his plans
and ambitions. Mr. Powell was a Democrat polit-
ically, and fraternally was prominent as a Knight
Templar and thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Ma-
son, as well as a jiopular member of the Elks.
DR. MINNIE A. SEAVEY.— Well-known in Sac-
ranieiilo. .nul willi high standing in her chosen pro-
fession. Dr. Seavey has the distinction of being a
native daughter of the state and descendant of one
- of the early Argonauts. Her father, Robert T. Sea-
vey, was a native of New Hampshire; he crossed the
plains, arriving at Sutter's Fort in October, 1849, and
later engaged in mining in Georgetown.
Dr. Seavey received her earlier education in the
Sacred Heart Convent of Oakland, and later she stud-
ied medicine in Cooper Medical College, San Fran-
cisco, graduating with the degree of M. D. in 1907.
After one year spent in the Children's Hospital of
San Francisco, she came to Sacramento and estab-
lished her practice. Dr. Seavey is a member of the
County, State and American Medical Associations.
JOHN JURACH.— Many features of life in the
city of Sacramento contribute to make the California
capital an earthly paradise, but none gives greater
comfort than the Peacock Cafe, at 1020 Sixth Street,
one of the best-appointed and best-conducted restau-
rants anywhere in the Golden State. Its proprietor is
John Jurach, a native of Dalmatia, Austria, who was
born on May 22, 1878, the son of a captain of a sail-
ing vessel; but as he did not care for the sea, he
learned the shoemaker's trade with his brother. In
1901 he came to the United States and washed dishes
in a restaurant at Denver; and later he worked as
both a w-aiter and a cook. With two partners, he ran
a cafe in Denver, on Laurimer Street, for thirteen
months; and in 1904 he came to California. He
worked in a cafe in San Francisco, and later was
assistant manager in a cafe in San Jose. After the
big fire in 1906, he ran a small cafe in a shanty at
the corner of Kearney and California Streets, and
later he conducted a restaurant opposite the custom
house. He went to Sacramento on a visit, and later
in San Francisco opened a cafe opposite the Phelan
Building, at the corner of Grand Avenue and O'Far-
rel Street. After that, he was proprietor of the
Plaza Cafe, at Mason and 0'Farr<?l Streets.
Going to Sacramento in 1910, he opened a small
place on Third Street, between J and K Streets,
originally called the Mississippi Kitchen and one of
the oldest places in the city, and later known as the
Lounge Restaurant; and in 1912 he removed to his
present place on Sixth Street. It was at first a small
room, which was later enlarged; and now he has a
finely appointed cafe. He has been successful from
the start. He owns his own dwelling, and two sets
of flats at 814 T Street and 1825 Eighth Street. He
has established a reputation for good food and good
cooking. He belongs to the Retail Merchants' Asso-
ciation.
At Sacramento, on October 9, 1913, Mr. Jurach
was married to Miss Minnie Valerio, of Dalmatia.
Austria, a lady with special gifts which have enabled
her to become the best of helpmates and a most in-
valuable companion to her ambitious husband.
PETER J. NUSBAUM. — An American in every-
thing but birth and a Californian since he was six
years of age, Peter J. Nusbaum has demonstrated
his ability as a public servant in many ways and now
is the efficient superintendent of the City Cemetery
at Tenth and Y Streets, Sacramento. He was born
in Germany on April 28, 1878, the son of William E.
and Katherine Nusbaum, who came from their native
land to California in 1884, settling in Sacramento.
Here the father spent his last days and here the
mother is still living, surrounded Isy a large circle
of admiring friends.
Peter J. Nusbaum attended the Sacramento schools
and then began an apprenticeship to learn the trade
of sheet metal worker, following it in the shops of
the Southern Pacific for eighteen years. Leaving
the employ of this company in 1917, he entered the
service of the city of Sacramento as superintendent
of the City Employment Bureau, serving one year;
then he served as inspector in the street department.
He again entered the employ of the Southern Pacific
in the passenger car department and in October,
1921, he was appointed to his present position. In
every position of trust Mr. Nusbaum has given the
best that is in him to satisfy those whom he serves.
Mr. Nusbaum is a member of Sacramento Lodge
No. 6, B. P. O. Elks and is fond of out-of-door life,
spending his vacations in whipping the streams for
fish. He is public-spirited, and is highly respected
by all who know him.
MRS. LINA CAZAU.— Sacramento, as one of the
most favored sections of all California, boasts of
many successful business women, among whom may
be mentioned Mrs. Lina Cazau, a native of Switzer-
land, who came here, when a young lady, February
25, 1896. A brother, Henry Frei, had preceded her
to California nearly three years before, on April
28, 1893, and she crossed the wide ocean to join him.
He was a butcher, and in that necessary field made
his mark in the capital city, although later, in part-
nership with his sister, he established a laundry.
They worked hard, and made a success of the ven-
ture, which they termed the Paris French Laundry
of Sacramento, and located at Seventh and M Streets,
advertising it widely as a hand laundry; but the
place was small, and they had little capital, and so
their progress was slow.
After they had been wrestling with their problems
for three years, they bought the corner of M and
Eighth Streets, and moved the laundry plant into a
brick building, which stood there. In time, modern
machinery was installed, and they gradually built
up a good business. On May 26, 1916, the brother
died. He had made a visit back to see his mother
in July, 1908. After his death, the sister, our subject,
carried on the business alone until March 29. 1920,
when she sold the business and good-will, She re-
tained the building, which has since greatly appre-
ciated and is now a valuable business corner. She also
owns the residence next to the laundry, and improved
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
895
property in Oak Park. She is very loyal to the city,
and nevc-r loses an opportunity to work for its best
interests.
Mrs. Cazau is a member of St. John's Lutheran
Church and the Ladies' Aid Society, in which organi-
zation she enjoys much the same enviable position
as did her brother in the circles of the Moose, the
Swiss Society and the Butchers' Association of Sac-
ramento. She has taken trips back to Europe, first
in July, 1910, to visit her mother, who was then
alive. After a six months' stay she returned to Sac-
ramento. In July, 1922, she made another trip to
settle some business affairs and to visit old friends
and scenes, and on her return brought her sister with
her to America.
AUGUSTUS JAMES AFFLECK.— A young man
of sterling worth is Augustus James Affleck, who,
by strict integrity and close application to business,
has been ainply rewarded for his industry and per-
severance. He was born on February 23, 1893. at
St. George, Utah, the son of James Thomas and
Elizabeth (Hard}') Affleck, his father being a w-ell-
known physician and surgeon at Sacramento.
Augustus James Affleck received a very liberal
education. He attended the elementary schools of
Utah, and upon his arrival in California, at the age
of sixteen, he became a student in the California
high schools, graduating from Sacramento. In 1916
he received his Ph. G. degree from the University of
California, and in 1920 he received his A. B. degree
in Bacteriology from Stanford University. For one
year he was engaged in research work for Stanford
University. During his course at college he prac-
ticed pharmacy. In 1921 he opened his own place of
business in the Elks' building in Sacramento. He is
an expert bacteriologist and pharmacist and carries
a full line of physicians' supplies, etc. His pharma-
ceutical work is confined solely to prescription work.
Fraternally, Mr. Affleck is an Elk and a member
of the fraternity Kappa Psi. He is also a member
of the Society of American Bacteriologists. Politi-
cally, he is a Republican and is deeplj' interested in
the welfare of his community.
FERNANDO GREGORY CIFUENTES.— A de-
servedly popular and respected citizen of Sacramento.
Fernando Gregory Cifuentes holds the respect of all
who know him. He was born on Alay 29, 1895, in
Sacramento, the son of Gregory and Frances (Her-
rera) Cifuentes, and is one of their ten children, the
following seven of whom are still living: Elvira,
Joseph, Albert, Captain Marshal, Fernando G., Va-
lerie and Bernice. When Gregory Cifuentes left
his native land of South America, he went to sea
and traveled all over the world for twenty- five years;
then he came to Sacramento in 1876 and soon found
employment with the Sacramento Transportation
Company, and for more than forty j'ears he has been
a river pilot on their boats, and is still with the com-
pany as one of their valued employes. The maternal
grandfather, Antonio Herrera, was born in Chile
and came to California at the age of eighteen, arriv-
ing on his eighteenth birthday, July 13, 1849. He
went to the mines and was one of the discoverers of
the richest mine in Eldorado County. Eventually he
retired in Sacramento and died here at the age of
eighty-six, in 1918. His wife died in 1911. They had
six children, three now living, Mrs. Frances Cifuen-
tes, Peter, and Mrs. Dolores Castello. By a former
marriage, Mrs. Herrera had a son, F. G. Albonos,
and he survives.
Fernando Gregory Cifuentes attended the public
and parochial schools. He learned sign painting, at
which he worked for three years; then was employed
for one year bj' the Southern Pacific Railroad Com-
pany. Starting out as a fireman on a boat for the
Sacramento Transportation Company, he worked his
wa}' up, and received his pilot papers in April, 1920.
Mr. Cifuentes is a Republican. He is very fond of
fishing. He is an active worker, taking a keen inter-
est in all that pertains to the development of the
community.
ROBERT F. CHARLEVILLE.— The rapid de-
velopment of the automobile has very naturally rap-
idly developed various industries connected with its
making and remaking; among which is that of auto-
painting, in Sacramento so very well represented by
Robert F. Charleville, of 2019-2021 O Street. A na-
tive son, he was born at Oleta, in Amador County,
on October IS, 1869, the son of Frederick and Ga-
briella (Jameson) Charleville, pioneers who ven-
tured together into the far West. Mr. Charleville
came across the great plains from Missouri in 1852,
being accompanied by his devoted wife. For a
while, he undertook teaming, and then he had a hotel
at Sutter Creek; but by 1882 he was compelled to lay
aside the toil of life, having worn himself out in his
arduous career as a man who rendered the world a
practical service. Mrs. Charleville survived until
1918, and closed her record as a woman of honor and
intellect, a good neighbor and a devoted friend.
The Charleville family came to Sacramento in
1876, and so it came to pass that "Bob" attended the
Sacramento schools. Then he learned carriage
painting, and in time, when the automobile began to
come in, auto-painting. He painted the first auto-
mobile so treated to a new coat in Sacrainento, and
he executed the neat and interesting job on his prem-
ises at 2019-2021 O Street, where he has been for
the past twenty years. Mr. Charleville has now the
most modern fire-proof auto paint shop in this sec-
tion of California.
ALBERT GEORGE PAPE.— A contracting
painter whose reputation as an artistic decorator and
a skilful sign-inaker has extended throughout Sacra-
mento County, is Albert George Pape, who was born
in Germany, on August 26, 1880, the son of William
and Minnie Pape. He attended the excellent schools
of that country, and when sixteen years of age
came across the ocean to the LTnited States, and for
a w'hile, in the East, continued his schooling, learn-
ing English. He had begun to learn his trade as a
painter and decorator, in the Old World, while he
attended school at night, and when he came to Chi-
cago he was able to get employment as color man
with a decorating firm doing a large business. In
all that he did, he tried to attain the highest and
best results, regardless of the immediate financial
returns, and thus he built up an enviable reputation
for both ability and dependability.
During 1911. he came to Sacramento and worked
as a journeyman for five years, and then he embarked
in business for himself. He decorated the Bret
Harte Hotel at Grass Valley, the Butte County Xa-
tional Bank, at Chico, the Deering Bros, shoe store
896
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTS
ill Sacramento, the Stoll Hotel in tlie same city, and
the Iro Hospital; and he finished many of the finer
houses, incUidinR tlie Jack Mayden home, and the
Sutter Candy Store. Now his flourishing business
lias grown to such proportions that he is able to give
steady employment to six men. He is fond of his
trade, and spends much time improving himself, and
l<ceping abreast of the times. This is probably the
easier for him on account of inherited ability, for his
father was a noted pictorial artist of Germany, and
did much work for the German nobility. He belongs
to the Master Painters' Association and the Build-
ers' Ivxchange. In politics, he is a Republican.
Wlien Mr. Pane married, he chose for his wife
Miss Vesta Russell, a native daughter, by whom he
lias had two children, Karl and Louise. The entire
family enjoy an agreeable popularity on account of
their local patriotism, each seeking in some way to
boost Sacramento, town and county.
J. IGNATIUS SILVA.— .\ native of the balmy
Azores, who has made good in this the great Pa-
cific commonwealth, is J. Ignatius Silva, who was
born in 1885, and first came out to the United States
and California in 1902. His father, M. I. Silva, had
married Miss Mary Joseph Martin, and they fol-
lowed our subject to the New World, arriving in
Sacramento in 1907. Here they prospered, bettering
their condition, and making the world better for
their having lived and labored in it. Mr. Silva is
dead, but Mrs. Silva is still living.
J. Ignatius Silva attended school in the Azores,
and after reaching California, was engaged in vari-
ous occupations. Then he worked in the wineries, and
there learned both the cooper and the carpenter
trade, following the latter by preference. In part-
nership with his two brothers, he managed a com-
pany which makes wine, about 65,000 gallons a year,
buying the grapes, and selling for medicinal and sac-
ramental purposes. The winerj- is located on Folsom
Boulevard.
On January 3, 1923, Mr. Silva was united in mar-
riage with Miss Helen Marj' Azevedo, a native daugh-
ter of Sacramento County, and a daughter of J.
Louis Azevedo, an old-time resident of Sacramento.
Mr. Silva is a Roman Catholic, and belongs to
the Knights of Columbus, in which he is a Knight
of the third degree. And first, last and all the time,
he is a patriotic American.
J. FRANCIS BYRNE.— Widely known as among
the most popular of Sacramento business concerns,
the California Expert Cleaners, of 1910 Q Street,
have enjoyed an enviable trade ever since the pro-
prietor, J. Francis Byrne, opened shop there. He
was born at El Dorado, Cal., the son of Joseph and
Margaret (McAvoy) Byrne, now deceased, the for-
mer an early miner, and both now remembered as
worthy pioneer settlers.
J. Francis Byrne was educated in both public and
private schools, having commenced his educational
training at Oakland. He then followed mining for
some time, broadening the range of his practical
experience. In Sacramento, he became a solicitor
for a cleaning establishment, and after a while he
was able to buy out others who were interested in
the enterprise. Since September, 1921, he has been
the sole proprietor, and at present he employs ten
people, and operates three auto-cars. He uses only
the most up-to-date equipment and the most modern
methods, and it is little wonder that he enjoys both
quality and quantity of trade.
The marriage of Mr. Byrne, in 1902, to Miss Har-
riet Sparks (the ceremony occurring in Sacramento)
united him with a charming native daughter of
Placer County. He enjoys his own hearth and the
pleasure of the company of his children, four sons
and a daughter. He likes hunting and fishing, and
is fond of baseball. In politics a Democrat, he is
public-spirited, and deeply interested in Sacramento
County, and never wants for a good friend in return.
CHARLES SMITH. — A successful poultryman
whose experience has not only enabled him to build
for himself, but has permitted him to point the way
to those who would emulate and follow, is Charles
Smith, of the Don Ray Colony, situated southeast of
Dillard Station. A native of England, he was born in
Manchester on November 1, 1873, the son of Robert
and Ann (Berry) Smith, worthy folks who lived and
died in their native country. Robert Smith was a
pattern-maker, and few enjoj'ed a better reputation
for superior workmanship. He lived to see his six-
tieth year, as did also his wife, the mother of twelve
children. Agnes and William are both deceased;
Harr3f and Charles are in the Don Ray Colony; Fred
and Ernest are also deceased; Frank is in England;
Anna and Percy lived to be only six months old; and
Albert, Harold and Robert are in England.
Charles Smith went to school for a while at Hyde,
in England, later supplementing his studies through
courses at the excellent evening schools, and when
ten years old he started to work, getting employment
in a spinning mill. When fifteen years of age, he
started to learn the trade of fitter and turner, and
served his apprenticeship as a machinist; and he
worked at his trade and studied the poultry business
until he came out to California. On March 1, 1904, he
reached Los Angeles, and for a year he worked in
that city at his trade; and in 1905 he came to Sacra-
mento County and was one of the first to purchase in
this section of the Don Ra5f Colony, selecting ten
acres and engaging in both general farming and the
poultry business, as he had always wanted to do
from young manhood. He has remained on that
ranch ever since, adding to his land until he owns
thirty acres. He built a home and poultry houses, suf-
ficient to enable him to keep at least 1,000 laying hens,
and to carry on a very successful business. He has
also dealt in all kinds of feed, representing San Fran-
cisco houses. He is a member of the Farm Bureau and
a charter member of the Poultry Producers' Associa-
tion, and at present is a trustee of the Don Ray Colony
district school and clerk of the board.
At Hyde, the interesting suburb of Manchester de-
voted almost entirely to the manufacture of cotton,
on September 2, 1897, Mr. Smith was married to Miss
Katherine Brooke Cook, a native of Cheshire and the
daughter of Samuel and Eliza (Brooke) Cook, the
former a foreman in a cotton mill and the father of
eight children, bearing names as follows: Harry,
Alice, Ada, Katherine B., Anna, Emma, Maggie and
Rachael. Katherine attended the same school at Hyde
as did her husband, so that thej^ have schoolday
memories as a part of their pleasant recollection of
Old England. The bride's father lived to be eighty-
five }-ears old; the mother breathed her last at the
age of sixty-one. Three children blessed this union.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
897
Hilda, Frank, who is at home, and Robert. Hilda
married Tames Dent Webb, of Paradise, Butte Coun-
t}'; and she is now the mother of two children, Muriel
and Charles Walter. Mr. Smith became a citizen at
Sacramento -on June 12, WU, and supports the best
men and measures.
HANS NOPPER. — An experienced, progressive
poultryniau who has something to show for his hard
work and liberal investments, is Hans Nopper, of the
Don Ray Colony, situated southeast of Dillard Sta-
tion. He is a native of Alsace-Lorraine, and was born
there, in the city of Strasbourg, on March 7, 1887, the
son of Joseph and Bertha (Sebenmann) Nopper, the
former a manufacturer, who owned a cotton factory,
and died in the Fatherland at the age of forty-two.
Mrs. Nopper is still living, at the age of sixtj^-three,
enjoying the hospitality of her son's home in the
Colony, the center of a circle of devoted friends.
Four children have grown up to call her blessed: Carl,
Bertha, Ann and Hans.
Hans Nopper attended both the grammar and high
schools of Switzerland, and when sixteen years old
went to sea and spent five years before the mast,
sailing throughout the world on English and Nor-
wegian vessels. In 1907, he reached California and
Oakland, and there, as a journeyman, he followed the
carpenter's trade. At the end of ten j^ears, however,
he moved into the Don Ray Colonj', in Sacramento
Count}', and there purchased twenty acres of land.
He built brooder and chicken houses, set himself up
in the poultry business, and with such success that he
now" aims to have at least 1,500 laying hens, which he
cares for in the most scientific manner.
In 1907, Mr. Nopper became an American citizen,
and as a patriot, he served in -the late war. He en-
listed in the American army on February 19, 1918, and
was sent to the Department Brigade at Fort Leaven-
worth, Kans., where he remained for only six days.
He was then transferred to Camp Meade, Md., and
joined the 304th Field Signal Battalion, and there
trained in Company C for six months, and he was
next transferred to the six-inch Heavy Field Artillery,
at Camp Meade. He was there for the balance of his
enlistment, or five months, and after the war re-
turned to his ranch in the Don Ray Colony.
ALBERT L. WHITE.— The career of Albert L.
White has manifested business enterprise and pro-
gressiveness, and he is the owner of a fine orchard and
has had considerable experience raising crops on his
ranch. He was born September 18, 1888, the only son
of the late Lincoln White, who was born September
30, 1862, in Iowa. Lincoln White and his w'ife were
the parents of three children: Albert L., the subject
of this sketch; Mrs. Mabel Leonard and Edna, both
of San Francisco. Albert's mother passed away in
1898 and his father married Mrs. Carrie Ash, of Sac-
ramento. The family resided at the old White home
in Sacramento, which was established in 1880. Lin-
coln White was prominent in the state bar association
for man3^ years. He was a true sportsman, having
shot a grizzly bear in the vicinity of his mountain
cabin, which he built and named "Auto-Rest," before
the day of the automobile. This cabin is located in
Trinity Count}' midwa\' between Red Bluff and
Eureka on the state highway. Politically, Lincoln
White was a Rebublican, and he passed awav Septem-
ber 6, 1921.
Albert L. White graduated from the Sacramento
high school in 1906 and the same year secured a posi-
tion in the city engineering department. In 1908, he
entered the ranching business with his father and
they engaged in the raising of sheep and wool-grow-
ing. In 1911, Albert L. White had 8,200 fine turkeys,
and he conducted this profitable business until 1915.
At that time, fancy dressed birds averaged the price of
from twenty to tw-enty-three cents per pound on the
San Francisco market, but he was obliged to give up
this enterprise on account of the organization of the
Natomas Reclamation District. Prior to 1917, Mr.
White was farming about 5,000 acres which he de-
voted to wheat, and during the World War he en-
gaged in bean-raising on a large scale, producing as
many as 12,000 bags yearly. After his father's death,
Albert L. White became half owner and general man-
ager of the extensive holdings of the White estate.
The recent years have brought many changes in ranch
development on the White ranch and recently the
ranch was set out to a fine orchard of peaches, pears
and prunes.
On October 3, 1911, at Sacramento, Albert L.
White was united in marriage with Miss Ethel G.
Fredericks, the daughter of Charles J. and Millie
(Riehm) F'redericks, whose sketch will be found on
another page. The}' were blessed with three sons:
Jack Lincoln, Charles Albert and Henry F. Mr.
White and his family are very fond of outdoor life and
are often seen at their mountain .retreat, known as
"Auto-Rest," which was built by his father. Both
Mr. and Mrs. White are ver}' fond of fishing, Mrs.
White being a boon companion to her husband. Mr.
White is very active and retains the energy and ability
which have always distinguished him in his enter-
prises, and he has unbounded faith in the future of his
community.
MRS. MARY FREYER.— An able woman who
has demonstrated much ability in the commercial field
as the wide-awake manager of a growing local mer-
cantile establishment, is Mrs. Mary Freyer, a native
of Germany, but now the merchant of Dillard Station.
She was born in the province of Posen, the daughter
of Henry Gerth, a farmer by occupation and a musi-
cian by profession, who had married Miss Wilhelmina
Schiiller. When only eight years of age, she accom-
panied her father and mother to the United States,
and they settled at Chicago, where her mother
breathed her last, in August, 1872. The worthy
couple had four children, Agnes being an elder sis-
ter, and Charles and William, younger brothers.
Mary Gerth attended the good schools in Chicago,
and on January 2. 1881, she was married at Chicago to
Gustave Julius Erdmann, a native of German}', who
had crossed the ocean in the same ship with her, and
whom she met again in later years. They settled for
a while at La Cygne, Kans., and then moved to Rog-
ersville. Mo., where he was active as a railroad man.
They had si.x children. Charlotte is Mrs. Edward E.
Johnson, of Sacramento. John was the second in the
order of birth. Lida, Mrs. George Luethey, and Elsie,
}vho married W. K. Potter, live at Denver, Colo.
Margaret, Mrs. John Ruff, is in Los Angeles, and Wil-
liam in San Francisco.
After the death of her husband, Mrs. Erdmann
moved to Denver, and from there on to Chandler,
Okla. On September 1, 1905, Mrs. Erdmann married
August Freyer, also a native of Germany; and from
898
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Oklalioiiia tlu-y came to California, and lived for a
couple of years at San Francisco. In 1918, attracted
by the future prospects of Dillard Station, she moved
inland to this center, and opened a grocery store; and
over since she has afforded this convenience to the
farming community, she has done well with her
enteri)risc. Mrs. Freyer, having come to exercise and
enjoy the political franchise, marches under the
banners of the Repul)lican party; but she is first, last
and all the time an American, and is one of the best
possible boosters for Dillard Station and Sacramento
County.
AMOS WILLIAM NORRIS,— An expert in twen-
tielli-century building is Amos William Norris, who
was born at Sacramento on July 29, 1885, the son of
Wilbur William and Mary (Groff) Norris — the former
a boy of two years when he came out to California by
way of the Horn, the latter a native of Lincoln, in
Placer County, California. Mr. Norris, who was also
a contractor in building, and his good wife are still
living, esteemed by the man}' who have known them
as worthy representatives of old pioneer families,
Anios William Norris attended the public schools,
and then he w'ent to the best business college avail-
able; with such excellent results, in his studies, that
he was able to take charge of his father's business,
in 1910, and make it his own. Since then he has
built some of the finest residences in the city, includ-
ing the Curtis warehouse, the finest of its kind in
the state. He has come to make a specialty, in fact, of
warehouse construction, and has put up, sometimes
within the shortest time on record, some of the most
attractive structures hereabouts. He has thus set a
pace, and established a standard in construction, while
never allowing the trend to deviate or the quality to
deteriorate, and it may well be ascribed to him that
he has done much to form a healthy and artistic
public taste in architectural art. He is a member of
the Board of Freeholders, and in that official capacity
is also able and disposed to exert what influence he
can for the betterment of the community at large. He
is president of the Sacramento Builders' Exchange,
and a director of the Chamber of Commerce. In na-
tional politics, he is a Republican.
On July 5, 1903, Mr. Norris married Miss Maggie
Cox of Sacramento. They have three children, Wil-
bur J., Nilan E., and Walter A. Mr. Norris is a
thirty-second degree Mason, a Shriner, an Odd Fel-
low, a Woodman of the World, and a member of
the Sciots, and belongs to the Sutter Club.
JAMES E. BOWEN.— A prominent place among
the hardware dealers of the county must be accorded
James E. Bowcn, the well-known proprietor of the
popular Bowen's Hardware Store, in Sacramento. A
Hoosicr of the very progressive sort, he was born
at Clay City, Ind., on October 2, 1885, the son of J. M.
and Rose (Bailey) Bowen, who came to California
with their family in 1893. J. M. Bowen was a master
in the hardware trade, and with the cooperation of his
son, he established the present firm, in 1917. Their
headciuarters are at 2951 Thirty-fifth Street, and there
they carry the most complete stock of high-grade, but
very reasonable, wares and furnishings and materials,
making it a delight for either housewife or builder to
inspect their display and reserves.
James E. Bowen went through the grammar and
high schools, and then put in fifteen years with the
Thompson-Diggs hardware concern, familiarizing
himself with the business. He had already spent four
years in San Francisco in getting a good introduction
to the hardware trade; so that the almost twentjr years
of experience have enablefl him, since joining with
his father, to carry on an exceptionally successful
business. Mr. Bowen takes a very live interest in
furthering trade conditions generally, and he is a
member of the Merchants', the Retail Merchants', and
the Oak Park Merchants' Club, and the State Hard-
w-are Association, and also of the Sacramento Cham-
ber of Commerce.
In 1912, Mr. Bowen was married to Miss Hazel
Woods, a native daughter of Sacramento, and they
have three children, Lois, Beth and Gale. When the
lure of outdoor life calls him away from work, Mr.
Bowen delights in hunting and fishing, thus recuper-
ating for another drive forward in the daily activities
of one of Sacramento's most representative commer-
cial houses.
JAY H. SMITH.— The lure of the land and agricul-
tural life has ever had an attraction for Jay H.
Smith, who is now residing on his beautiful and well
cultivated orchard home eighteen miles east of Sacra-
mento, consisting of ten acres planted to vineyard,
prunes and almonds. He was born in Sangamon
County, 111., July 5, 1873, the eldest son of Jacob and
Harriet (Gould) Smith. Jacob Smith was born in
Germany and was a lad of six years when he accom-
panied his parents to America, where they settled at
St. Louis, Mo. At sixteen years of age he enlisted as
a drummer boy with Company C, 7th Missouri
Volunteer Infantry and was in active service through-
out the Civil War, serving under Generals Sherman
and McPherson. After his return to civilian life, he
engaged in farming and was married to Miss Harriet
Gould in Sangamon County, III; and later removed
to Hamilton County, Nebr., where he took up a large
tract of land and also served as justice of peace of his
township; he was an energetic citizen of his section
and a leader among the members of the G. A. R. He
passed away in 1916 at the age of seventy years.
Jay H. Smith received a good education in the
Nebraska schools and in 1892 the family came to Cali-
fornia, locating at Orangevale, which at that time was
a frontier section of California when not more than
200 acres of land was under cultivation as orchards.
The family located on ten acres and later added an-
other ten arces to the original purchase. The mother
of our subject is now living retired at Hayward, Cal.
The marriage of Mr. Smith occurred at Orangevale
and united him with Miss Annie C. Rickey, a native
of Nevada, who accompanied her father, A. R. Rickey,
to California. Three children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Smith; Ernest resides in Humboldt County,
Cal.; Lero3' resides in Oakland, Cal.; and Viola is in
the University of California at Berkeley. In 1902 Mr.
Smith purchased ten acres, which he has developed
into one of the show places of Sacramento County;
he also owns desirable real estate in the city of Sacra-
mento. For the past twenty-three years, Mr. Smith
has had charge of the engineer work of the Orange-
vale water-works. He has taken an active part in the
development and progress of the Orangevale section
of the county. Today there are 2,300 acres in highly
productive orchards and vineyards in contrast with
200 acres thirty years ago; Mr. Smith has served as
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
899
school trustee of Orangevalo and for five years was
postmaster; he has also served as deputy sheriff and
deputy constable of the town. Fraternally he is affil-
iated with Folsom Lodge No. 64, I. O. O. F. During
the World War he worked untiringly for the success
of the dift'erent drives of the community.
ALEXANDER CULBERSON HENRY.— A high-
ly esteemed official, widely known and popular among
the fellow-members of his fraternal order throughout
the state, is Alexander Culberson Henry, the efficient
custodian of the Masonic Temple at Sacramento. He
is a Canadian by origin, having been born at Toronto,
on August 28, 1866; and has father was Alexander
Henry, who had married Miss Ruth Hunter. They
were well-situated citizens of the great domain to our
north; and they lived and died in their countrj',
esteemed and honored.
Alexander Henry improved his opportunities in
the grammar and high school courses of the Canadian
city, long famous for its popular education, and then
he became a tonsorial artist, and worked at his trade
for twelve years. His skill also secured for him a ten-
year contract with the Southern Pacific, and he was
stationed by them at Rocklin. He reached California
as earh' as 1891, and in 1911 came to Sacramento,
w-here he was a foreman for three years with the
Union Oil Company. After that, he mined for a
couple of years at Placerville, and then he was en-
gineer for the St. Francis Hotel for two years. In
all of these varied engagements, Mr. Henry had excep-
tional opportunities to study human nature and also to
be himself drilled in loyal, dependable service; and it
is not surprising that in March, 1922, he should be
appointed to the very responsible post of custodian of
the Masonic Temple, at Sacramento. His experience,
his natural liking for work, his temperament and desire
to serve — all these have drawn to him a wide circle
of good friends, who are gratified that he should be
placed where he is.
In the year 1890 Mr. Henr^- was married to Miss
Eliza Hamilton, of Canada, an accomplished woman
who has materially helped her husband to attain to
his present encouraging advancement; and their one
son, Culberson Hamilton, bids fair to do high honor
to the famih' name. He spent a year in the American
service overseas, during the World War, and he is
now one of the staff of the state forestry, helping to
do the great work annually accomplished by that in-
valuable department. Mr. Henry is a Knight Templar
Mason and a Shriner.
JOHN A. CONWAY.— What progress, scientific-
ally and commercially, the drug trade in California has
effected, is well demonstrated in the activities and the
prosperity of the Oak Park Drug Company, at Oak
Park, Sacramento, whose proprietor is John A. Con-
way, a native of the bay city. He was born on June 1,
1875, the son of M. H. and Isabella (Johnston) Con-
way', pioneer folks who were joined in matrimony in
San Francisco. They very cheerfully met the heavy
responsibility of living in an earlier era, when the
hard work of state development lay before them; and
they did what they could to make of California a truly
Golden State. Mrs. Conwa}- is still living, the center
of many devoted friends.
Trained in the grammar and secondary schools of
San Francisco, John Conway was apprenticed early to
learn the drug business in a practical way, and after-
ward he attended college, was graduated and received
his certificate. He came to Oak Park in 1909, and
established this business, in w'hich he has been so
successful. The store was not adequately equipped for
trade when he first took hold of it, for Oak Park had
only a few people in it; but now he carries a full line,
attractively displayed and offered at reasonable rates,
and the resident in the Oak Park neighborhood no
longer needs to journe}^ to town for anything in the
line of drugs or accessories.
In 1914 Mr. Conway was married, at Sacramento,
to Aliss Rose Cahil, the daughter of a miner, from
an old pioneer family. They both are fond of the
beauties of the natural world in Sacramento County,
and Mr. Conway is an enthusiast for fishing and
hunting. He belongs to Sunset Parlor of the Native
Sons of the Golden West, and also to the Elks. In
matters of national political moment, he prefers the
guidance of the Republican party.
WILLIAM R. GREEN.— A rancher whose well-
earned experience has enabled him to speak with
authority on California agricultural conditions, is
William R. Green, widely known for his trim acre-
age at Wilton. He was born near Jackson, in Ama-
dor County, on October 22, 1881, the son of William
Orange Green and his good wife, who w-as Miss
Francis Gebhardt before her marriage, and was a na-
tive of Germany, while Mr. Green came from New
York. He came out to California when a lad, ac-
companying his parents, who settled in Amador
County; and there he followed farming most of his
life. He died at the age of seventy-one, living to be
three years older than his wife; both were highlj'
esteemed for what they actually w-ere, and were
mourned in their departure. Thej^ had seven chil-
dren: Ida, Mayme, Rose, William, Charles, Ethel,
and Hazel.
William R. Green attended the Jackson district
school, and thereafter, until he was twenty years old,
helped his father. Then he became an employee of
the Standard Electric Companj^ now absorbed bj' the
Pacific Gas & Electric Company, at Electra; and he
teamed for them in Amador County for three years.
He then purchased a livery stable at Jackson, which
he conducted for the following five j-ears, and w-hen
he sold out, he purchased his present ranch of sev-
enty-five acres at Wilton, known as part of the Put-
ney Ranch, and moved onto that property in 1911,
since w-hich time he has conducted a first-class dairy
there. He has at present about twenty-six milch
cows, and raises alfalfa. He is a Republican in mat-
ters of national political import, and stands pat on the
platforms of the G. O. P., as being best for the farmer.
At Stockton, on May 9, 1910, Mr. Green was mar-
ried to Miss Ellen Alta Gritton, a native of Volcano,
Amador County, and the daughter of George A. and
Margaret (Johnson) Gritton, the former a native of
Knox County, Illinois, and a son of George Gritton,
a native of Kentucky. George Gritton came to Cali-
fornia in the gold rush, and mined for a few years;
and then he got into public work in Amador County,
served for four years as coroner and public adminis-
trator, and was then elected to the office of treasurer
of that county, and held that office for sixteen con-
secutive years. He had just been re-elected for a
term of four years, when his death occurred, and he
900
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
passed awaj' in his sixty-sixth year. He was a
highly-esteemed citizen, and left a very enviable rec-
ord as a public official. Mrs. Gritton, the mother of
Mrs. Green, was a native of Helsingland, Sweden,
and a daughter of William and Ellen Johnson, and
came to the United States with her parents when she
was two years old. They first settled in Illinois, and
later, in 1859, came to California and settled in Ama-
dor County, and there Margaret was reared and edu-
cated. She still resides with the. Greens on the Wil-
ton ranch, enjoying Life at the age of seventy-two.
Mrs. Green has a sister, Lucy Georgia Gritton, who
also makes her home on the Green ranch. Four chil-
dren have blessed the married life of Mr. and Mrs.
Green; and they are Duan, Evan. Donna, and Donald
Burton by name. Mr. Green belongs to the Jackson
Lodge of Odd Fellows, and to the Encampment at
Sutter Creek.
JO. H. SHEPARD. — The ability and enterprise
of Jo. H. Shepard have materially aided the growth
and advancement of Sacramento and as yard superin-
tendent of the Friend & Terry Lumber Compan}' his
capabilities have been utilized in various directions
with gratifying results. Sacramento is his native city,
where he was born May 28, 1891, a son of L. G. and
Elizabeth Maude (McDermit) Shepard, the former
born in Yreka, Cal., and the latter in Nevada. L. G.
Shepard was identified with the Friend & Terry
Lumber Company for over thirty years. He passed
away in April, 1922.
Jo. H. Shepard received his education in the gram-
mar and high schools of Sacramento, and his first
position was as a yard man with the Friend & Terry
Lumber Company; he has steadily advanced through
the many departments until he now occupies the re-
sponsible position of yard superintendent for this ex-
tensive firm, the largest of its kind in this section of
California.
The marriage of Mr. Shepard united him with Miss
Edna Frances Morrill, a native of Boston, Mass., and
they are the parents of one daughter, Louise Ger-
trude. Mr. Shepard is a Republican in his political
preference.
LEE DOUGLAS MOORE.— A contractor well
acquainted with conditions in California, and who,
therefore, knows the ins and outs of his field of ac-
tivity, is Lee Douglas Moore, who undertakes hauling,
dumping and excavating, using the best of trucks and
the most modern appliances. He was born in Lincoln
County, Missouri, on April 4, 1887, the son of Thomas
Henry and Martha Jane (Wyatt) Moore, both natives
of the Iron State. Both Mr. and Mrs. Moore at-
tained to the good old age of ninety years. They
came to California in 1909. They were the parents of
eight children, four boys and four girls, among whom
our subject was the fourth child in the order of birth.
Lee Douglas Moore went to the public schools of
his district, and then he attended Buchanan College
for a couple of years. After that he lived on a Mis-
souri farm until he was twenty-one, and then he was
married to Miss Anna Kertley Craighead of Missouri,
after which the young couple continued to farm there
for a couple of years.
In 1910, unable longer to repel the alluring attrac-
tions of California, Mr. Moore came out to the Coast
and located at the city of Richmond; and there he
engaged in contract-hauling and other heavy work.
which he continued until September 1, 1916, when he
bought an auto-truck. In December of that same
year he came to Sacramento, and he has done the
hauling for the excavations at the new Capitol build-
ings, and the new Senator Hotel; and' he also gave
several months to the California Packing Company's
job. His business has grown, and he keeps five trucks
busy all the time. Mr. Moore is never so busy, how-
ever, that he cannot give some time to a first-class
game of baseball; and he is fond of outdoor life gen-
erally. His one son, Thomas Duff, shares these hob-
bies and tastes. Mr. Moore favors the principles of
the Democratic party.
JAMES J. NIX. — A scientific, yet eminently prac-
tical rancher, whose up-to-date methods and almost
astonishing results, demonstrating the resources of
Sacramento County soil and climate, have long been a
source of interest to others ambitious, like himself,
of attaining a high goal, is James J. Nix, living upon
his trim farm some two miles southwest of Wilton.
He was born in Knox County, Tenn., on March 23,
1874, the son of Eben and Martha (Hunter) Nix, the
former a native of South Carolina, while Mrs. Nix
came from Tennessee. There they were married, and
there Mr. Nix cultivated a farm of 300 acres, in Knox
Count5'. He lived to be sixty-six years old, while his
devoted wife, who breathed her last in 1918, reached
the grand old age of ninet^r. They had a family of
ten children, each of whom reflected the high char-
acter for which they were universally esteemed; Will-
iam, John and Nute being the eldest, James, the
subject of our story, the fourth in the order of birth,
and the remainder Joann, Allen, Mary, Elizabeth,
Clarcy and Margaret.
Owing to the peculiar social and economic condi-
tions of the community and section in which he
started life, James Nix had little opportunity for
schooling, and he helped his father faithfully upon
the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age.
Then he hired out on farms, generally for dairying,
in Tennessee, and on leaving that state, in 1911, he
went to Texas, and worked there for a season, thence
to Wichita, Kans., and then moved on to Grand Junc-
tion, Colo., where he stayed for a short time, and
again proceeded on to Cedar Edge, Colo., stopping
there only for a little while.
In 1912, Mr. Nix came to Wilton, Cal., and first
bought sixteen acres of bottom land on the Cosumnes
River, and to get a start, he lived in a tent, while he
cleared some of the land for farming. In this way,
he succeeded in paying for the farm. He raised fine
crcips of beans on this bottom land, and he has since
erected a suitable dwelling and farm-buildings there.
He has also added to this acreage from time to time,
until he how owns seventy-two acres of bean and cat-
tle land, and also vineyard. Mr. Nix has a fine lot
of domestic fowls upon his place, including about 100
Guinea hens, and he raises turkej^s, ducks and geese,
the place being especially adaptable for the latter.
His sons help him, and by their combined hard work,
they accomplish much.
The first time Mr. Nix married, the ceremony oc-
curred in 1894, in the home-district of the bride, Knox
County, Tennessee, when he made Miss Caroline Col-
lins his bride. Her parents were Carr and Emeline
(Dorr) Collins, and they came of old Tennessean
families. The union was blessed with seven chidren.
Stella is Mrs. W. S. Spivia, of Don Ray Colony.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
901
Victor is in Kansas City. Ida has become Mrs. A.
Chalmers, of Elk Grove. Mary is Mrs. Chester Col-
ton, who lives on an adjoining ranch. And the
younger members are Edna, James and Ralph. Air.
and Mrs. Nix had five grandchildren through this
line, Mrs. Spivia having four children, Gladys, Leon-
ard, Bernice, and Leland, and Mrs. Chalmers a
daughter, Clara Chalmers. The first Mrs. Nix died
September 25, 1908, mourned by all who had come to
esteem and love her. Mr. Nix married a second time
at Wilton, on February 3, 1922, when he and Mrs.
Katherine Kelly, a native of Saunders County, Neb-
raska, became man and wife. Before her first mar-
riage, she was Katherine Lungershausen, a daughter
of Frank and Amelia Lungershausen, a Nebraska
family, in which state her father was w-ell-known
as both a blacksmith and farmer by trade. Her
father died a young man of thirtj'-two, but her mother
is still living at Sacramento. She was one of a family
of four children: Albert, Rudolph, Anna and Kath-
erine. She married, in time, Daniel D. Kelly, a na-
tive of Nebraska, the wedding occurring twenty-one
years ago, and later they came out to Sacramento,
where he was an eniplo3'ee of the Southern Pacific
Railroad Company'. He died about fifteen and one-
half j-ears ago, leaving an excellent record for useful-
ness. Mr. Nix is a Republican in politics.
ALFRED W. BAKER.— Sacramento has long been
noted for its thoroughly equipped, superior garage
service, due in part to such experienced and energetic-
ally progressive managers as Messrs. Livingston &
Baker, who own and direct one of the best headquar-
ters for motorists, at 2837 Thirty-fifth Street, to be
found an^'where in Sacramento County. Alfred Baker
w^as born at Oak Park, on March 2, 1893, the son of
Wellington and Phillipinia (Kirchner) Baker. His
father came out to California from Pennsylvania,
about 1888, and here met and married Miss Kirchner,
who was a native daughter from Pilot Hill; and as
pioneers they did their part in improving conditions
about them, and passed away mourned by all w-ho
knew and valued their worth.
Having finished his studies, Alfred Baker learned
the machinist's trade, commencing when he was fif-
teen years old, and thus grew up in machine shops.
What he did not already know, his inquiring mind led
him to master; and he was able, at an age when some
young men are just beginning to find themselves, to
boast an equality with the full-fledged hand-worker.
The general result was that when Mr. Baker was
ready to present himself for the most serious technical
work, he had no lack of confidence in his ability to
meet any emergency.
In April, 1921, he formed the partnership noted, w-ith
L. E. Livingston, of Sacramento, and they handle the
Chevrolet car, carry a full line of supplies, and employ
three men to do the expert repair work required.
Their garage is one of the interestingly busy places of
Sacramento, and speaks well for the preparations
made to take care of the ever increasing number of
Chevrolet-users, and of the larger number of motorists
generally.
It will always be a great satisfaction to Mr. Baker
that, despite the claims upon him of his artisan work
and business ventures, he responded to the call of his
native land, and served on behalf of the United States
in the World War. He was ten months in France,
braving many dangers as a messenger and runner,
and was in several engagements at St. Alichcl, in the
Argonne, and at Lys-Scheldt.
THEODORE C. POOLE.— The life history of
Theodore C. Poole is a record of the interesting and
successful undertaking of a man who has known how
to avail himself of opportunities. A native son of
Sacramento County, he was born on Andrus Island,
April 29, 1876, a son of Francis and Sarah (Norman)
Poole, both natives of Illinois. Francis Poole crossed
the plains to California with ox teams in 1852 and
mined until 1860, when he returned East and was
married to Miss Sarah Norman. Before returning
East he had purchased a ranch on Andrus Island and
to this ranch he brought his bride, where they resided
until 1882, when they removed to the vicinity of Sac-
ramento, where he farmed. Eight children were born
to them: Albert; Minnie; Anna; Theodore C, our
subject; Alice; Blanch; Edward; and Ernest. The
father passed away at the age of sixty-five, the mother
surviving him until she was seventy years old.
Theodore C. Poole attended the American River
district school and from his boyhood learned farming.
At twenty-one years of age he leased 160 acres and
engaged in fruit-growing on Andrus Island; his pres-
ent ranch home is a portion of this which he pur-
chased, and is devoted to orchard and asparagus-
growing. A believer in cooperation as the best means
for marketing the farmer's crops, he is a member of
the California Pear Growers' Association.
At San Francisco, in November, 1908, Air. Poole
was married to Miss Eva Rice, a native of Susanville,
Cal., daughter of George and Anna Rice, early settlers
in Lassen Count}'. One son has been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Poole, Theodore, Jr. In 1918 Mr. Poole
erected a fine residence on his ranch. He is a Demo-
crat in politics and fraternally is a past grand of the
Isleton Lodge, No. 108, I. O. O. F. He was made a
Mason in Franklin Lodge, F. & A. M., at Courtland;
and he and his wife are members of the Rebekah
Lodge at Isleton, of which Mrs. Poole is a past noble
grand. B'or eight years, from 1915 to 1923, Air. Poole
served as justice of the peace of Georgiana Township.
JOSEPH FRANCIS NEVES.— One of the land-
owners and successful asparagus growers is Joseph
Francis Neves, who came to the United States from
the Azores Islands w-hen he was eighteen years of age.
His birth occurred at Fayal, October 16, 1876, a son
of Manuel Francis and Mary Gloria (Paniero) Neves.
Alanuel Francis Neves, went to Brazil, South America,
when he was a young man and spent twenty years
farming there; he returned to Fayal where he married
and reared a family of five children: Rosie, of Fayal;
A'Irs. Francis Charamuga, of Ryde; Alanuel, living at
Fayal; Joseph Francis, our subject; and Anna, also
of Fayal. The father of our subject died at the age
of eighty years, the mother is still residing at Fayal,
aged eighty years.
Joseph Francis Neves received a public school edu-
cation at Fayal and at eighteen came to America and
spent five months at Newport, R. I.; then he removed
to Santa Clara Count.v, CaL, where he spent seven
years working on ranches throughout the county;
in 1898 he removed to Sacramento County and worked
in the delta for one year.
The marriage of Mr. Neves united him witli Miss
Josephine Smith, a daughter of John Smith, repre-
902
HISTCJRY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
sc'iitcd clscwhore in this history. She was born near
Rydc. on Grand Island, and was educated in the Geor-
giana school. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
Neves spent two years on the John Smith ranch;
then leased the Joseph Green ranch. 340 acres, for the
next thirteen years; the family then removed to
San Jose, but only remained for one year. In 1922
the family settled on seventy-five acres willed to Mrs.
Neves by his father; Mr. Neves also owns seventy
acres south of Ryde on Grand Island, which is de-
voted to general farming. Nine children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Neves, seven of whom are liv-
ing; Joseph, who is married and has a son, Walter;
Ernest, Albert, Lillian, Vernal, Juliet, Gerald, Julia
and George, both deceased. Mr. Neves belongs to the
U. P. E. C. Lodge of Rio Vista and the I. D. E. S. of
Isleton. Mrs. Neves is a member of U. P. P. E. C. at
San Francisco. They are Republicans in national
politics.
STEPHEN FREDERICK BOVYER.— A repre-
sentative California business man is Stephen Fred-
erick Bovyer, the wide-awake and progressive man-
ager of the Rickenbacker Sales Company at 1205-
1207 K Street, Sacramento, in which city he w-as born,
at the corner of Third and M Streets, on October 29,
1878, the son of Stephen T. and Elizabeth H. (Davis)
Bovyer. His father was a pioneer who came to Cali-
fornia in 1854, and was a carpenter by trade, which
he followed for a time; later he was a captain on the
boats plying between Sacramento and Red BluiT on
the Sacramento River. He died on July 30, 1922.
Mrs. Bovyer, devoted wife and mother, died in 1918.
Stephen F. Bovyer attended the local Sacramento
schools, and at the age of twenty-three, attended a
business college, which training was of especial ad-
vantage to him, for he had left the school room at
the agi:: of fifteen and gone into the shops of the
Southcrr. Pacific, where he worked for three years.
For five years he was a pilot on the Sacramento
River, and leaving the water he worked in the
store owned by John G. Miller. He left there to join
the Earl Fruit Company as private secretary to C. F.
Holland, a post he filled with credit for six or more
years. Next he was private secretary to Thomas H.
Longton for four years, and next a branch manager
for the Henderson-Longton Company, at Reno,
Nev. ; then he was with the same company as city
salesman in Sacramento for a year, and still later was
in business for himself.
In March, 1920, Mr. Bovyer established the P. & B.
Company and handled standard makes of automo-
biles, continuing as manager of that concern until he
sold out to become the manager of the Rickenbacker
Sales Company, one of the most effective agencies
in northern California for the extension and safe-
guarding of the interests pertaining to motoring, and
one of the best-equipped headquarters for this high
grade motor car. He has the coupe, the sedan, the
phaeton and the sport roadster. This company is
also the distributing agent for Sacramento County
for the Castoline Oils, the most effective lubricating
oil on the market. The company employs three sales-
men and maintains its own service shop, and in sev-
eral ways it points the way for others to follow. Mr.
Bovyer w^as one of the originators of the Appleby
Plan for the disposition of the so-called used cars in
Sacramento City, a plan that has proved a great boon
to the motor car dealers.
At Sacramento, on June 21, 1903, Mr. Bovyer was
united in marriage with Miss Hattie Albertina
Rounds, of San Francisco, a gifted lady and Native
Daughter of the Golden West, and they both are
deeply interested in the past as well as the future of
Sacramento County. Mr. Bovyer is fond of hunting
and of all out-of-door sports and is ready and willing
to assist in the promotion of all worthy enterprises
that will benefit his home city and state.
JOSEPH L. KNOWLES.— The supremacy of Sac-
ramento, both city and county, is nowhere better at-
tested than in the enviable position and influence of
her lawyers among the members of the California
bar, including the highly progressive attorney, Jo-
seph L. Knowles, whose offices are in the Capital
National Bank Building, in Sacramento, the town in
which he was born on December 21, 1892. His father.
Jay G. Knowles, came out to look over the Golden
State in 1885, while his mother, who was Anna
Wagener before her marriage, migrated westward
later; and here they were joined in matrimony. Mr.
Knowles became a successful manufacturer of cigars
in Sacramento, and now he and his devoted wife are
able to enjoy the well-earned results of their labor
and investments.
Joseph Knowles attended both the grammar and
the high schools of Sacramento, and then became a
student at the University of California, from which
institution he was graduated in 1915, with the A. B.
degree. Two years later, he had conferred the J. D.
degree; and later he went abroad for post-graduate
work at the Inns of Court, in London. Before en-
tering upon that cherished experience, however, Mr.
Knowles enlisted in the United States Army in the
4th Division, in which he served for eighteen months
in France, Germany and England; while in the serv-
ice he took his post-graduate course and on his re-
turn to America, he took up the practice of law at
the California capital. As might be expected, he is
deeply interested in Sacramento County, past, pres-
ent and future; and his public-spiritedness leads him
to respond to any rational call likely to advance the
day when both California and Sacramento will come
to their deserved own. He belongs to the American
Legion, and to Sutter Fort Parlor No. 241, N. S. G. W.
ARTHUR FREDERICK HENNING.— An ex-
perienced, far-seeing, and very progressive business
man is Arthur Frederick Henning, the accommo-
dating and popular secretary and manager of the Re-
tailers' Credit Association, Inc. He was born at Chi-
cago, 111., on September 18, 1890, the son of Fred and
Helen Henning, and was a product of the public
grammar and high schools, and St. Andrew's College,
where he studied for three years. He also pursued
business courses in a commercial college, and after
that he was w-ith the Union Bank of Canada, in Win-
nipeg, Manitoba, for four years.
In 1910, Mr. Henning came down to California and
Sacramento, and for a season he farmed, and then for
three years he was with the Weinstock, Lubin &
Company. He it was who originated the plan of
the credit organization in Sacramento, and in 1913
he took over the management and built it up. As a
result, he is one of the valued and influential mem-
bers of the Chamber of Commerce in Sacramento,
and a member of the Rotary Club. He belongs to
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
903
the Republican party and supports heartily any leg-
islation favorable to sound trade.
Mr. Henning was married to Miss G. A. Schaden,
a native daughter of Sacramento, in 1912, and they
now have one child, Lloyd. He is a thirt3'-second-
degree Scottish Rite Mason, a Shriner, and a member
of the Sciots. He is the manager of the Sacramento
Community Chest for 1923. He is fond of outdoor
life, and enjoys the natural advantages of Sacramento
County. The local commercial and financial world
owes something definite to Mr. Henning for his
strenuous and successful work in steadying and ex-
panding trade conditions here, and in working to
hasten the day when this highly-favored section will
come to its own.
FRED J. HARRIS.— The bar of Sacramento City
and county is well represented in the person of Fred
J. Harris, city prosecuting attorney of Sacramento
and one of the leading lawj'ers of the northern part
of California. He was born in Iron River, Mich., on
November 15, 1883, a son of James and Sophia (Sher-
man) Harris, and one of seven children born to this
worthy couple, five of whom are now living. James
Harris was a miner and met an accidental death in
a mine accident in 1896. Mrs. Harris remained in
Michigan until 1910, when she came with her family
to Sacramento; and she has since lived here.
Fred J. Harris received his education in the gram-
mar and high schools of Iron Mountain; then he
entered the University of Michigan and was gradu-
ated with the class of '08 with the degree of L. L. B.
Upon removing to Sacramento in 1910 he became
associated with Charles O. Busick in the practice of
law until his election to the superior bench in 1915;
since then he has carried on private practice. In 1921
he was appointed city prosecuting attorney; and in
this position of much responsibility his retentive
memory, his deep knowledge of the law and his clear
logic have particularly fitted him to capably fill his
office to the satisfaction of all concerned. He main-
tains his offices in the Mitau Building, where he car-
ries on his independent practice.
Mr. Harris is a Republican in politics and has been
identified with the progressive branch of this party.
He belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Com-
mandery in Masonry and the Ben Ali Temple,
A. A. O. N. M. S., and is a past master of Concord
Lodge No. 117, F. & A. M. He is also a member of
the Knights of Pythias and of the D. O. K. K., and
the Lions Club, and is a member of Westminister
Presbyterian Church. As a public-spirited citizen he
aims to help boost Sacramento County and has won
a host of friends in his adopted city.
FRANK L. McNALLY. — A wide-awake, progres-
sive executive, invaluable both to his employers and
also to their patrons, is Frank L. McNally, the divi-
sion commercial superintendent of the Pacific Tele-
phone and Telegraph Company at Sacramento. He
was born at San Francisco, in 1876, and started life
with the advantage of the bay city environment and
as the son of T, Y. and Josephine (Clayton) McNally,
highly esteemed pioneers of their generation. The
father died when Frank was very young; but the
lad enjoyed the benefits of the public schools in San
Francisco, after which he commenced early in the
telegraph messenger service. He was willing to com-
mence at the lowest round, and the result was that he
was afforded the opportunity to learn the ins and outs
of all departments of the telegraph and telephone
business.
In June, 1920, Mr. McNally came to Sacramento
and began to fill the position he now dignifies through
his efficient and faithful service, he being the first to
occupy this office, for the commercial division here
was first created in 1920. From the beginning, he
has worked tirelessly to improve the relations between
the public and the company, by providing still better
service, if that could be effected, and by making the
public better acquainted with both the problems and
the motives of the company; and those familiar with
his record since he came to the capital, will attest
that his efforts have not been in vain. He is today
one of the most popular officials representing a great
corporation rendering the public a vast service, in
all the valley. Some of this success is undoubtedly
due to his equally agreeable experience as district
superintendent of the western half of the state of
Washington in 1911, and the following years, before
he came here.
Mr. McNally was married to Miss Ella E. Kenny,
of San Francisco, in 1910, the ceremony taking place
in that city, and the union has proved a very happy
one. They have one child, Jean Ellen. Mr. McNally
belongs to the Masons, in which he has attained to
the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and he
belongs to Ben Ali Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S., and
is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West,
the Sutter and Del Paso Country Clubs and the
Rotary Club. Independent in his political acts, he is
a man above party restraints, and so always endeav-
ors to support only the best men and the best meas-
ures for the welfare of the coinmunity.
WAYNE MILLER. — A representative of impor-
tant affairs in the larger circles of the Sacramento
commercial and industrial worlds, is Wayne Miller,
President of the Universal Motor Company, at the
capital city. He was born in San Francisco in May,
1888, the son of Charles E. and Louise (Knowlton)
Miller; the former w-as a native son, having been
born of a sturdy pioneer who came round the Horn
in Argonaut days. Charles E. Miller married an
Eastern woman who also had the temerit}- to brave
a sailing voyage around the Horn, accompanying her
father, who located in California in pioneer days.
Considering all that these worthy folks w-ent through,
it is pleasant to record that Mr. and Mrs. Miller are
still living, the center of devotion from an admiring
"circle of steadfast friends.
Wayne Miller was sent to France for his education,
and eventually enjoyed an excellent engineering course
there in the polytechnic school in Paris. When he
returned to America, he began to follow his profes-
sion, that of construction engineer, finding enough to
do, for the most of the time, at Berkeley; and in 1907
he helped to build the two railroad bridges across the
American River at Sacramento.
In 1913, Mr. Miller embarked in the automobile
business in Sacramento; and three years later he
helped to have the company incorporated with which
he is now associated. He remained the first presi-
dent until he went into the United States service in
the World War, and he began his military service in
behalf of his native country as 1st lieutenant in a
904
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
tank corps. He saw seventeen montlis of active serv-
ice overseas and this experience has contributed im-
measurably to his knowledge of many things likely
to make easier the solution of vexing industrial prob-
lems in the quieter times of peace. He is a member ■
of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce. The com-
pany now handles the Lincoln, the Ford and Fordson
tractors, and they have been very successful in plac-
ing a large number of these machines in this ever-
expanding section.
Mr. Miller married Miss Geoffrey Hall, of Sacra-
mento, the ceremony taking place at Sacramento, in
1916, and one child has blessed this union, Dorothy
Hall Miller. He is a member of both the Sutter and
Del Paso Country Clubs, and in addition to his
club life, finds a healthful diversion in hunting and
fishing.
LESLIE D. CHADWICK.— Prominent among the
mercantile leaders of Sacramento County who are
steadfastly contributing toward the development of
the great Golden State may well be numbered Leslie
De Forest Chadwick, the popular merchant of Wil-
ton. A native son, he was born at Brentwood, in
Contra Costa County, on May 1, 1885, the son of
Joshua Weston and Emma (Howard) Chadwick, the
former a native of Sheldon, Vt., who came out to
California in 1878. He was a farmer, and died at the
age of sixty-five, breathing his last at Brentwood in
1918. Mrs. Chadwick was a native of San Ramon
Valley, California, and is still living at the age of
fifty-nine. Grandfather Howard, a native of Virginia,
came out to California in 1849, and crossed the great
plains to get here. He first mined for a short time,
and then farmed at several places in CaUfornia. His
last twenty years he spent at Marsh Creek, where he
died at the age of eightj'-six. Mr. and Mrs. Chadwick
had five children: Leslie De Forest, the subject of
our review, was the eldest; Effie is Mrs. Ra^-mond
Bonnickson, of Brentwood; Lee H. is with his brother
in the store at Wilton; Edith is Mrs. Lloyd Geddes,
of Antioch; and Robert is in Sacramento.
Leslie Chadwick attended the grammar school o{
the Liberty district at Marsh Creek until he was fif-
teen years old, and then worked for his father for
four years on the ranch; and from nineteen to twenty-
one he attended the Liberty union high school at
Brentwood. In 1906, he became a locomotive fire-
man on the Western division of the Southern Pacific,
and for six years he made his home at Oakland. He
then fired for two years for the Southern Pacific
Railroad on the run out of Napa.
In 1914, he came to Wilton and bought out the
grocer}' business that had been started about six
months before by Mr. Batten, an old veteran of the
Civil War; at that time a very unimportant establish-
ment, which, however, by good management Mr.
Chadwick has developed into a very profitable enter-
prise. Such indeed has been the increase of trade
under his new management that he has found it nec-
essary to erect an addition to his store building; and
he now has all the trade he and his brother can han-
dle. He deals in general merchandise, and he serves
the community by wisely anticipating their wants,
and also by buying and selling only the best, at the
most reasonable prices possible. When Wilton was
granted a post-office, he was appointed postmaster;
and he has filled that responsible office ever since.
He is also the agent for the American Railway Ex-
press at Wilton. He also owns some property in the
town of San Leandro, Alameda County.
Mr. Chadwick was married at Sacramento on Feb-
ruary 21, 1918, to Miss Florence Barkley, a daughter
of James and Mary Barkley, who first saw light at
Fairplay, Eldorado County. Her father was a stock-
man, had a large cattle-range, and owned about 1,200
acres of range and farm land in Eldorado County. He
is still living at the fine old age of sixty-eight, and
resides at Placerville, where he is cheered by the
companionship of his devoted wife. Mrs. Chadwick
attended the Fairplay grammar school, and then
went to the Stockton Normal, and she taught school
for eight years in Sacramento County, previous to
her marriage. She was one of a family of seven
children. Pearl is Mrs. Joseph Schwarts, of Stockton;
Maude is the widow of Wm. Snyder, and lives at
Lodi; Mabel is the widow of Wm. Cooper, and lives
near Pearl; Mamie is Mrs. Charles Young, of Stock-
ton; Florence, the fifth-born, is the wife of our sub-
ject; James also lives at Stockton; and Ann is Mrs.
Cleo Mortimer, of Placerville. The Chadwicks have
one son: Donald Irvin. Mr. Chadwick is a Republi-
can, and a member of the Knights of Pythias, of
Napa.
MELVILLE F. DOYLE.— The important inter-
ests entrusted to the experienced contractors of the
city and county of Sacramento, who have long en-
joyed an enviable repute, are well represented in
the activities of the Valley Construction Company,
located at Harriett and Fifth Streets, with yards in
Broderick, whose prompt discharge of all duties and
obligations is due no doubt in part to the exceptional
efficiency of its proprietor, Melville F. Doyle. He
was born in San Francisco, in 1891, the son of
George B. and Matilda C. (Cruyl) Doyle, who repre-
sented pioneer California families. His father, who is
now deceased, having rounded out a useful and hon-
orable career, was also a native of San Francisco, and
his mother came to the Golden State when she was
a child and now resides in Alameda.
Melville Doyle was educated in the parochial school
near his home, and then became a student at St. Igna-
tius College, and there and later he received theoret-
ical and practical instruction and training in engineer-
ing work. In 1915 he came to Sacramento, and four
years later helped to organize the Valley Construc-
tion Company, Inc., and became its manager, continu-
ing in that position until the company discontinued
business and dissolved the corporation. In January,
1923, Mr. Doyle engaged in business for himself un-
der the name of the Valley Construction Company,
which does a general cement contracting business,
specializing in concrete irrigation and sewer work.
Some of the larger contracts handled by Mr. Doyle
were those for F. W. Kiesel, W. H. Devlin, Albert
Meister and Hayward Reed. He keeps, on an aver-
age, twenty-five men on his pay-roll, and manufac-
tures his pipe at his yard in Broderick. He is also
part owner of the oil and service station which serves
the motoring public and is located adjoining his
yards. Mr. Doyle is a member of the Sacramento
Chamber of Commerce.
In January, 1921, Mr. Doyle was married to Miss
Marian Norris, of Sacramento, the ceremony occur-
ring at Sacramento. They have one daughter, Mar-
ian Gloria Doyle. Mrs. Doyle shares with her hus-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
905
band his public-spiritedness, and his willingness to
engage in work for the benefit of the locality gen-
erally. He is a man above party, and never loses an
opportunity to work for the selection of the best men
and the endorsement of the best measures.
WILLIAM EWART HIBBITT.— An experienced
warehouseman whose energy, activity and versatility
contribute to his rendering excellent service to a large
number of persons, is William Ewart Hibbitt, pro-
prietor of the Lawrence Warehouse Company at
Sacramento, with offices at 1108 R Street. He was
born in Stockton on October 22, 1889, the son of
William Henry Hibbitt, who had married Miss Sarah
Churchill, the former a merchant tailor who came
from London, England, and settled with his family
in Stockton in 1882. Both of these good folks are
now deceased, and well do they deserve their rest
from wearying labors.
William Ewart Hibbitt enjoyed the advantages of
both the grammar and the high schools of Stockton,
and then he commenced an apprenticeship as press-
man in a local printing office. In Ma)', 1906, he came
to Sacramento, and after that he completed his trade.
He went to Crockett, in Contra Costa County, and
joined the California-Hawaiian Sugar Refining Com-
pany, and he was with that concern for six years as
warehouseman.
In 1915 Mr. Hibbitt entered the service of the
Lawrence Warehouse Company when their business
was just established, and there he was the factotum,
doing warehouse and office work as well, and he con-
tinued with this company, going through the various
offices, until in March, 1922, he was able to purchase
the business, which employs some fifty people and has
six large warehouses. The concern does a general
storage business, local and long-distance moving, and
acts as distributing agent for large Eastern manufac-
turers. He is a director in the Chamber of Coin-
merce, and he belongs to the Rotary Club; and being
fond of outdoor life, he is . deeply interested in this
section of California, offering its unrivaled facilities
for every kind of healthjr recreation.
He married Miss Frances Coughlin, in April, 1914,
who first saw the light at Grass Valley, and with
her he did his part in Red Cross support and the
war drives. They have one daughter, Barbara Jane.
He is a Republican, but also a good, non-partisan
booster for many things local. He is a thirty-second-
degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a Shriner, and is also
a member of the Sutter Club.
C. T. BLAKE. — For the past thirty-two years,
C. T. Blake has resided in California and through his
progressive business methods has directly influenced
the general development of the locality in which he
has made his home. His birth occurred in Iowa, July
28, 1863, and he is a son of James and Jane (Talbert)
Blake. The education of C. T. Blake was obtained
in the public schools and the practical school of expe-
rience. He removed to California in 1891 and for four
years was an engineer with the Southern Pacific Rail-
road Company, after which he was harbor-master,
having charge of the city wharf at Sacramento for
two years. In 1917 he established the company
known as the Independent Milk Company. He has
built a modern plant and equipped it with the most
up-to-date machinery; he specializes in a chicken feed
of his own discovery and there is such a demand for
it that his plant is constantly busy. Mr. Blake also
makes a health drink, known as Lacto, which is
being widely sold throughout the state of California.
Mr. Blake disposed of his business to his son, Irva
James Blake, because he wished to devote all his time
to prospecting for oil in the Napa Vallej'. He was
the original finder of the location which the Napa Oil
and Gas Company are developing. He is a director
in this company.
Mr. Blake's marriage united him with Miss Anna
W^alser and they have four children, Arthur, Irva,
J. E. and C. T., Jr. Fraternally Mr. Blake is a mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows, and in politics votes the
Republican ticket.
PITT B. RACKLIFFE.— Sacramento need never
fear that it will cease to be one of the most desirable
of all residential towns in California, so long as such
enterprising and accommodating merchants as Pitt B.
Rackliffe, the popular grocer of 3001 Franklin Boule-
vard, have charge of the catering to domestic wants.
He knows the many ins and outs of his line of trade;
and he works upon the theory that if he places his
experience at the disposal of his patrons, they will be
so well satisfied that their patronage will steadily in-
crease.
A native of the state of Maine from whicli so many
valued citizens have come, Pitt Racklifife was born
on a farm on July 28, 1876, the son of Benjamin and
Laura Rackliffe, %vho came out to Sacramento County,
lived lives of comparative comfort, and passed away,
rounding out a record for usefulness and the esteem
of mankind. Pitt Rackliffe attended the local public
grammar school, and then went to Hampden Acad-
emy at Hampden, Maine, and by 1894 he had come to
Sacramento. For a while, he worked in a retail gro-
cery, and then he busied himself as a commercial
traveler for several years. He increased his knowl-
edge of trade, added much to his geographical range,
and in 1911 he engaged in business for himself at his
present location. He erected his fine building, and
since then has been more than successful. Carrying
a large line of the very best commodities obtainable,
and being satisfied to handle these at always a reason-
able profit, Mr. Rackliffe has won where others have
lost, because of his personal and real interest in his
patrons, and because of his willingness and his desire,
at all times, to serve.
When Mr. Rackliffe bought his property' in Curtis
Oaks subdivision there were only a few houses be-
tween his place and the river. He put up the first
business block, which was then outside of the city
limits, later erected a garage, drug store, barber shop
and meat market and sought renters for these estab-
lishments who would render service to people who
settled in the locality. He met with many discourage-
ments and had an up-hill pull for several years, but he
is now reaping the reward for his foresight and pioneer
work. He is now situated in the center of one of the
best residential districts in the city and he has put in
over $2,600 in street improvement alone about his own
property. In all his business dealings he has sought
to satisfy his large and growing trade.
In 1905, Mr. Rackliffe was married to Miss Laura
Pippin, an accomplished Eastern lady, who enjoys
with him the social life in Masonic circles, he being a
Mason. He is fond of out-door sports, and has a fine
hunting lodge in Eldorado County. He belongs to the
906
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Sacramento ClianilHT of Commerce, the Merchants'
Association and tlic Lions Clul). In politics, he is
Rcpubhcan.
ELKEN J. PLATO.— An efficient official of the
well-fioverned municipality of Sacramento who seems
to enjoy exceptional popularity, doubtless due in part
to his agreeable relations with many people of vari-
ous stations and occupations in life, is Elken J. Plato,
the city purchasing agent, who is a native son, and
has always been in such close touch with things Cali-
fornian that he thoroughly understands the ideals and
the spirit of the Golden State. He was born at San
I'rancisco, on i^ebruary 9, 1890, the son of Joseph
Frank and Mildred (Isaacs) Plato, the latter also a
native of the bay city. His father vi-as born at Buf-
falo, N. Y., and came to California first about 1865,
and he and Miss Isaacs were married at San Fran-
cisco, where both are now comfortably living.
Elken J. Plato included the courses of the high
school in the public school curricula he enjoyed, and
then worked as a clerk in the Anglo-California Bank,
now the Anglo London & Paris Bank. After four
years' service there, in which he won recognition for
both ability and fidelity, .in 1911 he joined the Nato-
mas Company of California, and remained with them
until 1922, starting as first assistant to the time-keeper,
and working his way up through various positions
until, in 1914, he was in the purchasing agent's de-
partment, where he spent two years. Then he joined
the United States Army, was assigned to the 85th
Aero Squadron, and saw several months of service
in the actual war zones, in England and France. On
June 12, 1922, he was appointed to the position of
responsibility which he now fills with such ability
and satisfaction to all concerned.
Mr. Plato was married, in 1920, to Miss Helen K.
Briggs, the daughter of C. M. Briggs, who long had
charge of the Western Pacific Railroad shops at
Stockton. They have two children, a son named Roy
Templar, and a daughter named Joan. Mr. Plato is
a member of Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W., and the
Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
In politics, he is an independent.
WILLIAM LAURANCE SWANNELL.— In a
business where advancement depends entirely upon
individual merit and ability, William Laurance Swan-
iiell has made rapid and continuous progress, being
today one of the most successful restaurateurs in the
city of Sacramento, and the proprietor of Swannell's
Cafeteria, which enjoys a large patronage. His birth
occurred at Kankakee, 111., on May 9, 1891, a son of
Arthur and Florence (Meisner) Swannell. The father
of our subject was, for many years, engaged in the drs'
goods business, but is now living retired, and the
mother is also living.
William Laurance Swannell obtained his elementary
education in the grammar school at Kankakee, then
entered high school anc^ from there went to the Uni-
versity of Illinois, where he matriculated in the en-
gineering course. For two years after his graduation
he worked as a gas engineer, and in 1915 removed to
Los Angeles, Cal., but remained only a short time;
then he came to Sacramento and in partnership with
his father-in-law, F. A Parker, formed the Quaker
Cafeteria, which was incorporated in October, 1915.
Some time later, on February 16, 1916, the company
erected their own building and formed the present
company with Mr. Swannell as president. At the be-
ginning of the World War, Mr. Swannell enlisted in
the radio service and was sent to Corvallis, Ore.,
where he was one of the instructors in the , radio
school; then he was sent to an officers' training
school, but unfortunately was discharged just three
weeks prior to receiving a commission. While in the
service the cafeteria was conducted by his partners,
and upon his return to civilian life he purchased Mr.
Parker's interest and the name of the company was
changed to the Swannell Cafeteria.
Mr. Swannell's marriage united him with Miss
Grace Parker, a daughter of F. A. Parker. Mrs.
Swannell was born in New York, but most of her life
has been spent in California. Her father passed away
November 9, 1918. Three daughters have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Swannell, Betty Jane, Edith Grace,
and Alice Mae. Mr. Swannell supports the Repub-
lican partj^'s policies. Fraternally, he is a thirty-sec-
ond-degree Scottish Rite Mason, and also belongs to
the B. P. O. Elks of Sacramento. He is an active
member of the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Com-
merce and the Sutter Lawn Tennis Club.
GEORGE DEMING HUDNUTT.— Prominent
among the most experienced, progressive and success-
ful builders in Sacramento County is George Deming
Hudnutt, of Sacramento, who resides at 2031 T Street,
and maintains his offices and business headquarters at
211 California Fruit Building. He was born at Big
Rapids, Mecosta Count^^ Mich., on July 17, 1879, the
son of Calvin G. and Lois Ann (Deming) Hudnutt,
both of whom are now deceased, estimable people of
colonial and pre-revolutionary stock' of the old school
who believed in so living that the world would be the
better for their having been in it. They favored edu-
cation, and so George Hudnutt was encouraged to
finish the grammar school work and after that to go
through the high school. This taste of intellectual
activity and growth led him next to go to the Univer-
sity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which he was
duly graduated with the class of '01, when he received
the B. S. degree for proficiency in mechanical en-
gineering; and after that he was one of the valued
men, with a thorough technical knowledge, in the em-
ploy of the Studebakers at South Bend, Ind., and the
equally celebrated Otis Elevator Company, at Yon-
kers-on-the-Hudson, Chicago and New York City;
builders, it will be recalled, of the inclining elevators
running on the groove of the Eiffel Tower, at the
Paris Exposition, when other noted elevator-makers
throughout the world had declared that it could not
be done. After that, Mr. Hudnutt engaged in build-
ing with the Ransome-Smith Company of New York,
and for the first time, in 1907, came out to California.
Mr. Hudnutt established himself in San Francisco
and Oakland with the Ransome Concrete Company,
and in 1911 moved inland to Sacramento, to enter the
service of the same company. In December, 1914, he
decided to set up in business for himself, and with the
Ransome Concrete Company, he built the California
Fruit Building and other structures, which include the
following: the Physicians Building at Tenth and K
Streets; the Capital Van and Storage warehouse at
Twenty-first and R Streets; the W. I. Elliott Com-
pany building at Sixteenth and J Streets; the Green-
wald building on Eighth Street between I and J
Streets; the Remick-Haley building, on the corner of
HISTORY OF SACRA:\IENT0 COUNTY
907
Twelfth and K Streets; and the Isadore F. Morris
building on K Street between Ninth and Tenth
Streets. He also built the "Fresno Bee" building at
Fresno, Cal. Mr. Hudnutt specializes in the construc-
tion of commercial buildings.
Upon the request of the board of education of the
city of Sacramento, an architectural and engineering
commission was duly incorporated for the purpose of
building the necessary buildings for the elementary
schools for the city of Sacramento. In consequence
of this incorporation, the following members were se-
lected to act in the commission: E. C. Hemmings and
J. C. Peterson as architects, and George D. Hudnutt
as engineer. Twelve buildings were constructed, as
follows: the Elmhurst, El Dorado, Fremont, Newton
Booth, Donner, Jefferson, David Lubin, Sierra, Bret
Harte, McKinley, Marshall, and Leland Stanford
school buildings. The said twelve school buildings
were all built under the $2,300,000 bond issue of 1918.
At Roanoke, Va.. on June 28, 1905, Mr. Hudnutt was
married, to Miss Madge L. Duerson, a native of Vir-
ginia, and the daughter of Dr. H. O. and Adelaide
(Coleman) Duerson; and their fortunate union has
been blessed with a daughter, Marcia, and a son,
George, Jr. When in college Mr. Hudnutt joined the
Sigma Chi; and on coming to Sacramento, he became
a member of the Sutter and the Country Clubs, as he
is fond of golf. He joined the Chamber of Commerce
and came to serve as one of its directors; and while
demonstrating his public spirit in manj' waj-s, he took
an active part in all of the war drives He believes in
the platforms of the Republican party.
HENRY WILLIAM BARTELL.— An enterpris-
ing orchardist and vineyardist, whose valuable experi-
ence has been a means of his rendering a real service
to the cause of California agriculture, thus helping
others besides himself, is Henry William Bartell, of
Perkins, a native of the state of Kansas, from which
have come so many men prominent in the nation.
He was born on a farm, on May 4, 1888. and his par-
ents were Augustus and Julian (Loux) Bartell, who
came out to Oregon in 1889, and settled at Portland.
Mr. Bartell has already closed his earthly career, leav-
ing an excellent record; but Mrs. Bartell is still living,
the center of a group of appreciative friends.
Henry William Bartell made his way with credit
through both the grammar and the high schools, from
which he was graduated in 1907, and then he went to
the University of Oregon, was alive to his advantages
there, and in due time received from that representa-
tive institution of higher learning the coveted E. E.
degree, representing also postgraduate work. In
1912, he joined the California Highway Commission,
and was with it till 1920. Now, Mr. Bartell has 230
acres of the old R. D. Stephens ranch to take care of,
and he employs fifty people in the busy season. He
does his own packing, and ships in his own cars. He
belongs to the American Association of Engineers, and
his professional experience assists him in his ranch-
work, to which he is devoted. In 1918 Mr. Bartell
enlisted in the World War ranks and was assigned to
the officers' training camp, at Camp A. A. Humph-
re}'s in Virginia, and he spent three months with the
engineering corps before the armistice was signed.
On April 28, 1917, Mr. Bartell and Miss Estill
Stephens were married, the lady being a daughter of
R. D. Stephens; and they have two children, Stephen
Day and Marian Kathryn. In fraternal affairs, Afr.
Bartell is a Mason of the third degree; in the matter
of recreation, he is a devotee of athletics.
ERNEST CARITHERS.— An excellent example of
how the right kind of a man may always hope to
succeed in the capital city, is afforded by Ernest
Carithers, proprietor of the popular Carithers Sign
Company, whose headquarters at 707 California Street
are busy from morning till night. Born at Perrys-
ville, Ind., on December 18, 1890, he is the son of Wil-
liam and Agnes (Jones) Carithers, both of whom,
highly esteemed for their years of pioneering, are still
living to enjoy the wonderful developments in the
Golden State.
Ernest Carithers passed all the requirements of the
grammar and high schools of his native district, and
then matriculated at the state normal school at Terre
Haute, Ind. Next he learned the sign painter's trade;
and that technical line he has since followed. He
specializes in commercial signs, and with such success
that he is able to keep five men bus\' the year round,
and man3' more in the busiest season, his orders com-
ing from the entire northern section of the county.
Mr. Carithers came to Sacramento in 1914, the
year memorable as the beginning of the World War;
and for a while he was superintendent for W. H.
F'unk; but on July 1, 1921, he bought out the com-
mercial department of his business; and knowing just
what the public wants, and how to meet the demands,
he has been very successful. He belongs to the Sac-
ramento Chamber of Commerce and to the Rotarj-
Club.
Mr. Carithers' marriage took place at Woodland,
Cal., in 1916, when he and Miss Evlyn Patterson of
Los Angeles were made man and wife. He is a thirtj'-
second-degree Scottish Rite Mason.
JOSEPH F. MILLER.— For the past thirty years
Joseph F. Miller has conducted large general farming
interests near Rj'de, in the Sacramento Valle)-. He
was born on the island of Pico, Azores, a son of An-
tone and Isabelle Aliller, both natives of the same
country. Antone Miller was a farmer by occupation
and lived and died on the Isle of Pico At fifteen years
of age Joseph F. Miller left his native countrj- and
came to California, settling at San Pablo, where he
worked for wages; in 1886 he located in the delta
country on the Sacramento River and leased ranches
in the vicinity of Ryde and Walnut Grove. Thirty
years ago he purchased 120 acres of land at Ryde,
which he improved with a house, and set out an or-
chard; subsequently he added to his original purchase
until he now owns 165 acres which is devoted to fruit,
asparagus and general farming.
At Sacramento, in 1890, Mr. Miller was married to
Miss Ella Cordoza, a native of the capital city and
a daughter of John and Ellen H. English. Her
father was a pioneer of Sacramento County, but died
when Ella was two years old, and subsequently her
mother was married again to Domingo Cordoza, and
Ella English took the name of Cordoza and was reared
on the Cordoza ranch south of Ryde. She now owns
the old Cordoza ranch of forty-five acres, which is de-
voted to general farming. Mr. Cordoza died here in
1900 and the mother died here in 1910. Six children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller: Joseph; Ada-
line, Mrs. Polk McAdam; Mamie; Tony; Laura; and
George. Mr. Miller is a member of the I. D. E. S. of
908
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Rio ^■i^ta and serves as a trustee of tlie Beaver union
grammar scliool district. In politics he is a Repub-
lican. In 1917 Mr. Miller built a twenty-four-room
hotel in Rydc, which he leases.
WILLIAM E. BRISTOL.— Among the young
business men of promise who are helping to build up a
Iiermanent prosperity for Sacramento, none are held
in higlicr esteem, nor have any brighter prospects,
than William E. Bristol, secretary-manager of the
Carly-Bristol Company, at 823 J Street, real estate
and insurance brokers. His birth occurred in West
Webster, N. Y., March 12, 1891, a son of Irving B.
and Etta (Robinson) Bristol. The family came to
California in 1907 and located in Santa Cruz, where
Irving B. Bristol is pastor of the First Methodist
Episcopal Church and where the parents of our sub-
ject reside.
William E. Bristol received a grammar and high
school education and his first venture ini the business
world was as an electrical plater in Fresno, in 1907,
where he received three dollars per week for his ser-
vices; on his twenty-first birthday he received $500
from, his father, which he invested in a grocery busi-
ness in San Francisco, under the name of the United
Pure Food Company, of which he was vice-president.
From a small beginning this business expanded until
they owned and operated eleven stores throughout
the city; then reverses came and everything was lost.
Mr. Bristol then went into the insurance business,
which he followed from 1912 to 1917, in San Fran-
cisco, when he became identified with the J. C. Carly
Company of Sacramento, as assistant in the insurance
department; after six months' service he was made
manager of the insurance department, a position he
occupied for two j'Cars, when he became a director in
the company and office manager; in 1921 he purchased
stock in the company and was elected to the position
of secretary. Since August 1, 1922, Mr Bristol has
been operating under the name of Carly-Bristol Com-
pany, specializing in insurance, real estate loans, and
rentals and leasing.
The marriage of Mr. Bristol united him with Miss
Mary Edith Hanner, a native of Iowa, and they have
one son, William Irving, and a daughter, Barbara
Eleanor. Mr. Bristol is a Republican in politics and
fraternally is a thirtj^-second-degree Mason and also
a member of the Shrine and the Sciots of Sacramento;
and he is chairman of the program and attendance
committee of the Exchange Club.
ELIC L. CLARK. — A contractor who thoroughly
knows the various details of the cement trade, is EHc
L. Clark, a native Oregonian, who was born on a
farm on February 23, 1870, the son of John Calvin and
Pauline (Dillon) Clark, worthy folks who did their
part, when pioneers, to help develop the great North-
west. Mr. Clark died when our subject was a babe;
and one result was that the boy did not have as much
leisure when young, but had to start early to make
his way in the world. He was able to attend only the
rural schools, and had to content himself with com-
pleting his education in the great and exacting school
of experience.
Turning to the opportunity nearest him, Else L.
Clark went into the timber and helped get out lumber
materials and wood; and he also took up farming. In
1904. he came down to Sacramento and commenced
twelve years of contracting; and after that he put in
four years on his ra'nch. Whatever he did, he did
thoroughljr; and when he had finished one period of
his activity, he was ready for the next. He was espe-
cially alive to the study of Calif ornian conditions; and
part of his success may be attributed to his under-
standing of the problems he has to contend with, and
to his being able to foresee difficulties, and to avoid
them. His evident desire to give satisfaction to
patrons has contributed to his getting more and more
to do.
In 1922, Mr. Clark reengaged in contracting, making
cement work his specialty'; and he is so equipped by
experience and apparatus, that he is able to undertake
anj'thing required in the cement line. He employs
not fewer than three men, and his yearly accomplish-
ment makes a very fair showing. He cooperates with
the Builders' Exchange.
Mr. Clark was married to Miss Helga Carlson, on
December 6, 1917, and they have raised two children
by a former marriage, Thomas and Clarence. By the
marriage of Clarence, one grandchild, T. E. Clark,
has come to gladden the family circle.
RUSSELL R. SOBEY.— The grandson of one of
California's pioneer residents, Russell R. Sobey is
well established in his native state as the proprietor
of the Midway Garage and authorized Ford agent at
Gait. He was born at Byron, Contra Costa County,
October 22, 1894, the son of John H. and Lillian J.
(Plumley) Sobey, the father also being a native of
Contra Costa County, born near Byron, February
10, 1874. His parents, John H. and Mary Sobey,
were natives of Cornwall, England, and they came to
California in 1871 ; here Grandfather Sobey farmed
until he met a premature death through an accident
when only thirty-eight years old. Mrs. Mary Sobey
is still living at Berkeley' and was the mother of three
sons: Arthur L. is a dentist at Berkeley; Herbert
was drowned the same year his father was killed;
John H. is the father of our subject.
John H. Sobe^r had but little opportunity for an
education, getting most of it through his own efforts.
When eighteen years old he started out for him-
self, going to Turlock, where he became agent for
the Southern Pacific; and in 1901 he came to Gait,
and has since been local agent for the railroad com-
pany. At Byron he was married to Miss Lillian J.
Plumley, a native of Byron and one of twelve chil-
dren born to Alonzo and Julia Plumley. Her father
was one of the first settlers at Byron, where, he was
an extensive rancher and stockman. Mr. and Mrs.
John H. Sobey have two children: Russell R. of this
sketch, and Darrell H. Mr. Sobey is the owner of a
small ranch near Gait and is a member of the Native
Sons of the Golden West.
Russell R. Sobey first attended the grammar school
at Byron and at Gait, and for two years went to the
Lodi high school, finishing his course at the new
union high school at Gait. With a natural bent to-
ward mechanics, he took up automobile repair work
in 1913 in garages at Gait, and in 191 S he became
proprietor of the Midway Garage, where he is en-
gaged in general auto repair w-ork and in the sale of
auto accessories and tires. He is meeting with splen-
did success and is a leader among the 3'oung business
men of Gait. He belongs to the Native Sons of the
Golden West and Knights of Pythias, and is a Demo-
crat in politics.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
909
OSCAR H. MILLER.— Piomineiitly connected
with important business interests in Sacramento,
Oscar H. Miller, as manager and part owner of the
Knox Lumber Company, has long been identified
with the upbuilding and progress of the capital city
of California. Laudable ambition, well directed en-
ergy and perseverance have brought to him a sub-
stantial measure of prosperity. Oscar H. Miller is
a native son of California, born in Sacramento July
14, 1868, a son of P. A. and Johannah (Johnson)
Miller. The parents were married in Galesburg, 111.,
and came to the Golden State in 1862 and 1865 res-
pectively. P. A. Miller was a building and street
contractor and is now deceased, while the mother is
still living in Sacramento. Oscar H. Miller attended
grammar and high school and then took a course in
a business college of his native city. At the age of
eighteen he became connected with the Knox Lumber
Company and was steadily advanced until he became
manager; in 1918 he purchased an interest in the
business and the volume of business is steadily in-
creasing under his efficient management.
Mr. Miller's marriage united him with Miss LilHe
M. Klewe, also a native Californian, born at Colusa,
and they are the parents of one son, Walter H. Dur-
ing the World War, Mr. Miller was active in all war
work drives; in politics he is a Republican and fra-
ternally is a member of the B. P. O. Elks No. 6, and
Parlor No. 3 of the N. S. G. W. of Sacramento; lo-
cally he belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and
the Del Paso Country Club.
SAMUEL WILLIAM KAY.— For the past twenty
years Samuel William Kay has been in the service of
the city of Sacramento and for the past two years
has held the important position of chief engineer of
the city water works. He is known as a man of
superior scientific attainments in his chosen line of
work and one whose skill and ability have brought
him to a commanding place in engineering circles.
He was born in Chicago, 111., January 1, 1864, a son
of Samuel H. and Susan (Howarth) Kay. When
our subject was twelve years old, his parents re-
moved to Sacramento, Cal., in 1876, where Samuel H.
Kay was engaged as a merchant tailor. Both parents
are now deceased. The education of Samuel William
Kay was obtained in the grammar and high schools
of Sacramento; then he entered the Southern Pacific
Railroad shops, where he learned the machinist's
trade, which he followed for twenty years with this
company. In 1903, he resigned to enter the employ
of the city of Sacramento as an engineer, and later
advanced to the position of chief engineer of the city
water-works, having general supervision of all the
pumping plants. The main plant is located at Front
and I Streets, pumping direct into the city mains
with a capacity of 50,000,000 gallons a day, which
furnishes all the water for domestic use in the city.
Then tliere are two sewage pumping stations that
pump the rain-water and sewage in the city to the
outlet. The city is now building a large filtration
plant which will be completed for use by January,
1924. The new plant will have a larger capacity and
will supply pure filtered water for a city of 150,000
people.
Mr. Kay's marriage united him with Miss Mary A.
Berdolt, a native of Sacramento, and they have two
children, Edna M. and Earl Robert, who has just
received his appoinment to West Point. Mr. Kay
served in the National Guard as a 1st lieutenant, then
served in Battery C, California Heavy Artillery, in
the Spanish-American M'ar as a 1st lieutenant, after
which he was commissioned a captain in Troop B,
Cavalry, of the National Guard, and later was pro-
moted to the rank of major. In the World War he
was commissioned captain of Company A, 25th Bat-
talion, U. S. G., U. S. A., and later commissioned
major of the 44th Battalion, U. S. G., U. S. A., in
command of the Southern California Border District
until after the armistice. He is now major of the
United States Reserve Corps and a member of the
American Legion, and Spanish-American War Vet-
erans, being past department commander. He is a
Mason, an Odd Fellow and an Elk. In politics, Mr.
Kay prefers to vote for the man best suited for office,
rather than be confined to any particular party lines.
WILLIAM CASS BRILL.— Not every day does
a public-spirited citizen have such a chance both to
serve his fellow-citizens and to attain local, if not
general popularity, as has been granted William Cass
Brill, the editor of the "Elk Grove Citizen." He hails
from Illinois, having first seen the light at Hampshire,
on April 24, 1875, when he entered the family circle
of John and Martha (Seippel) Brill. His father was
a business man, who made it a practice to engage m
what he believed he was best fitted for, and what he
knew he could manage with success, and who adopted
such principles as guaranteed to the patron the square
deal, and to himself the reputation of an honest man;
and like his devoted wife, who was beloved by all
who knew her, he left an enviable record for useful-
ness to the world.
Having finished the grammar grades, William Brill
tackled the high school course and learned many
things of permanent value. Then, like so many am-
bitious lads, he began at the bottom to learn the
printing business in his home town. Beginning at
the bottom as "devil," he worked his way through
the various stages until he became a part-owner and
editor of the "Hampshire Register"; his partner be-
ing his brother, F. R. Brill, now of Roseville, Cal.,
then the postmaster of Hampshire. For four years
W. C. Brill edited the "Mystic Workers of the
World," at Fulton, III., the official organ of that
fraternal order.
William Cass Brill was married in 1901, at Hamp-
shire, 111., to Miss Grace Stoughton, by whom he has
three sons: Wilmer G., a graduate from the Elk
Grove high school, class of '23; Don R., in the high
school; and Leon B., in the grammar school. Mr.
Brill is a member of the Hampshire Lodge of
Masons, No. 443, at Hampshire, 111.; the Elk Grove
Chapter of Eastern Star, to which Mrs. Brill also
belongs; Elk Grove Lodge of Odd Fellows; Elk
Grove Lodge of Rebekahs, of which Mrs. Brill is
also a member; Modern Woodmen of America; and
the Mystic Workers of the World.
Disposing of his "down East" interests in 1914, he
came on to California and Sacramento and spent a
year in the state printing office; and in 1915, he bought
the "Elk Grove Citizen," with which he has done well.
Making it his object to serve the public, to speak
the helpful, encouraging and approving word, where-
ever and whenever he can, and to work constructively,
rather than to waste time, ink and paper in mere
910
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
opposition, especially of a negative character. Mr.
Brill has made the public the best of fellow-citizens
with his journal. In May, 1923, he moved his plant
to the Foulks-Graham block, where he has a modern
business location. In November, 1921, Mr. Br.ll was
appointed postmaster of Elk Grove, and the follow-
ing April he took charge of the office and only re-
signed in March, 1923, after he had perfected ar-
rangements for the removal of the office to its pres-
ent location in the Foulks-Graham block, an item of
much interest to the citizens of Elk Grove and vicin-
ity. He was active in war work, and helped the many
other local war-workers in having Elk Grove go
■•over the top." Public-spirited to a high degree, Mr.
Brill has also exerted himself in the matter of build-
ing the new grammar and high schools, and m the
modern street paving. In national politics a Repub-
lican, Mr. Brill is the best of all non-partisan boosters
when local issues requiring general support are at
stake.
WILLIAM HILL.— Born in the extreme north of
Ireland December 22, 1878, William Hill is the son
of David and Rose (McMullan) Hill, the father a
farmer of the Emerald Isle, where he lived his entire
life and died at the age of eighty-three, his wife
reaching the same age at her passing. One of ten
children born to his parents, William received his
education in the north of Ireland, and worked at
farming there until the age of twenty-two, when a
desire to seek the newer fields of opportunity made
him undertake the long journey to the United States.
After his arrival he worked for about five years at
the Latrobe, Pa., machine works.
In 1905, Mr. Hill came West and located in Sac-
ramento, and engaged in the real estate and insur-
ance business, remaining here for about thirteen
years. He then went to Hood, on the Sacramento
River, and worked in the grocery store there for
several years. Since locating at Courtland, some four
or five years ago, he has been engaged in general
trucking business, using two trucks, one with a ton
and a half capacity and the other two tons, and he
does both local and long-distance hauling, and is
known in his locality as a reliable man to engage for
his line of work.
The marriage of Mr. Hill, which occurred at Sac-
ramento, November 28, 1906, united him with Ella
McDona'd. born at Waterloo, Iowa, a daughter of
James and Jessie (Smith) McDonald, the father a
native of Edinburgh and the mother of Glasgow,
Scotland; about 1872 Mr. McDonald came to Iowa
and there the marriage occurred, five children being
born to them. The father was a blacksmith by trade
and at Waterloo followed this trade; then, when
Mrs. Hill was three years of age, the family came to
Sacramento, Cal., where he did blacksmithing for
the Southern Pacific Railway in their shops for
tw'enty-seven years, retiring with a pension. His
death occurred December 7, 1922, aged seventy-
eight years; the mother died aged fifty-eight. Mrs.
Hill attended the Sacramento City schools and re-
ceived all of her rearing in the capital city. Two
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hill, Janice,
and Lillian. In politics Mr. Hill is a Republican;
fraternally he is a member of the Courtland lodge of
Masons, and of the Sacramento lodge of Odd Fel-
lows; both he and his wife belong to the Eastern
Star, and until recent'y were members of the Re-
bekah lodge of Sacramento. They both are interested
in the bettering of their community in every way, in
advancing its educational facilities and in doing their
share toward this end.
FRANK G. AMARO. — A rancher of the Court-
land district, Frank G. Amaro was born on Madera
Island, January 12, 1878, a son of Manuel and Re-
fina (Franka) Madero, the father a rancher of that
section, whose death occurred aged sixty years,
while his wife died when but a young woman of
thirty. The second of four children born to his par-
ents, Frank G. had his schooling in the public schools
of Madera. In 1892 he went to Brazil, South Amer-
ica, and there worked on ranches for about seven
years, at the end of that time going to New York.
He stayed in the Eastern metropolis only a week,
however, and then returned to California, landing
in San Francisco the same year. Almost immedi-
ately he came to Sacramento County, and started
ranching, leasing forty acres of land near Isleton,
and raised fruit and vegetables, remaining on the
property until 1915, when he came to the Courtland
district and has since made his home there. He pur-
chased forty acres one and one-half miles south of
Courtland, and devotes the land to pears and aspar-
agus-raising, his industry and thrift meeting with
deserved success. He has just finished the building
of a fine modern grey stucco home that stands on
the levee of the Sacramento River, on his property,
and has also erected a new packing shed for ship-
ping fruit on the river boats.
In Hayward, Cal., December 15, 1906, occurred
the marriage of Mr. Amaro and Miss Virginia Quin-
tel, the bride a native of Hayward and daughter of
Manuel and Julia Quintel; the father came to Cali-
fornia about 1886 and he and his wife were natives
of Madera Island also. Mrs. Amaro was educated
in the schools of Hayward. Three children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Amaro: George, Ma-
tilda, and August. Mr. Amaro is a member of the
I. D. E. S. of Isleton and has served in the office of
vice-president of the lodge.
DAVID MACAULAY.— For the past four years
David Macaulay has been identified with business
interests of Sacramento as one of the organizers of
the Russell & Macaulay hay and grain business and
well known in business circles as an able, resource-
ful and successful business man. He was born in
County Durham, England, February 24, 1884, a son
of William and Jane (Davidson) Macaulay, both na-
tives of England. William Macaulay, the father of
our subject, is still living at the age of eighty-five,
but the mother has passed away.
David Macaulay grew to manhood in the parental
home in England and received his education in the
schools of County Durham. His first position was
with a cement manufacturing concern; then for a
few years he was with a ship-building and repairing
concern; then with the Copper Smelters & Refineries,
being thus employed until 1906 when he came to the
United States and direct to San Francisco. In the
bay city he became identified with Scott, Magner
& Miller, the largest hay and grain house on the Pa-
cific Coast. During the thirteen years of his connec-
tion with this large establishment, he became
thoroughly conversant with the hay and grain busi-
ness, so that in 1919, in partnership with Gordon K.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
911
Russell, he removed to Sacramento and established a
hay and grain business under the firm name of Rus-
sell & Macaulay. He has met with unqualified suc-
cess in his undertaking.
The marriage of Mr. Macaulay united him with
Miss Hanna L. Dah' and they have one son, David
Jr. Mr. Macaulay is a member of the Sacramento
Chamber of Commerce and the National Hay Asso-
ciation as well as the Del Paso Country Club and
the Sutter Club.
FRED STIRNKORB.— Another poultryman with
a record for enviable success, who is particularly well
posted as to California agricultural conditions, is
Fred Stirnkorb, who has a well-kept and very inter-
esting establishment about three and one-half miles
east of Gait. He was born at Saalfeld, in Thuringia,
Germany, on December 6, 1875, the son of Jacob and
Augusta Stirnkorb, the former a cooper by trade,
who both passed away, aged respectively sixty and
fifty years. They had three children: Ernest, the
eldest, is now deceased; Fred is the subject of our
review; and Anna, the youngest, is the only daughter.
After having enjoyed the educational advantages
for which Germany was so long famous, Fred Stirn-
korb left his native country in 1890 and, coming to
the United States, settled in Nemaha County, Kan-
sas, where he secured work on farms, and kept busy
from 1890 to 1903. From 1899, however, he began to
lease land and farm for himself; and in 1903, he came
out to San Francisco, where he owned and drove a
beer wagon. In 1906, he quit that enterprise and took
up odd jobs; and he was six years on the Tivoli
ranch in the Sunset district of San Francisco.
In 1913, Mr. Stirnkorb came to Gait and bought ten
acres three and one-half miles east of the town; and
besides operating this tract, he leases land, and also
engages in teaming, as well as raising poultry. He
built a barn and a tank-house on the place, and has
measurably improved the property. Mr. Stirnkorb
was married in Kansas, in 1900, to Miss Nettie Payne,
and thej' have one son. Ernest Stirnkorb.
REXFORD G. COLBY.— Favorably mentioned as
a contracting truckman, a native son and a represent-
ative citizen of Sacramento County, Rexford G. Colby
is making a name and place for himself among the
worth-while citizens of this great commonwealth. He
was born at Clarksburg, Cal , August 30, 1896, the
oldest son and child of Walter B. and Anna (Berken-
kamp) Colby. The former is also a native son of
California, born in Sacramento County, into the fam-
ily circle of Jerry and Mary Colby, who came to this
state in a very early period of its history. Jerry
Colby followed his trade as a stone mason in Sac-
ramento for many years. He and his good wife had
seven children to brighten their humble home, of
whom only three are now living; Walter B., George
and Julia. Walter Colby owns forty-five acres of
fine ranch land on Merritt Island which he devotes
to general farming. Mrs. Anna Colby was born at
Clarksburg, a daughter of Henry and Martha Ber-
kenkamp, natives of Germany and Missouri respec-
tively, and they were also early settlers in this state,
locating near Clarksburg, where Mr, Berkenkamp
acquired ninety acres of land. He reared his little
family en his ranch and educated them in the public
school near by.
Rexford Colby attended the Clarksburg school and
worked on the home ranch with his father during
vacations and until he was twenty-one; then he struck
out for himself, gaining a broad and varied experience
which h?s been of inestimable value to him in later
years. Since 1920 he has engaged in trucking, doing
local and long-distance hauling, and w'ith his brother
John owns two trucks of one and a half tons capacity
each, and they have built up a profitable business.
He makes his home on Randall Island, about one and
one-half miles north of Courtland.
On December 3. 1917, occurred the marriage that
united Mr. Colby with Miss Marion Brill, a native
daughter born at Crockett, into the family of John
and Frances Brill. They have one son, Warren
Colby, and twin daughters, Peggy June and Betty
Jane. Mr. Colby is a Democrat in national politics
and fraternally is a member of the Native Sons of the
Golden \\'est.
RUSSELL DURBIN.— An energetic, progressive
and very successful rancher is Russell Durbin, son
of the oldest native son of California. His parents
are Madison L. and Margaret Russell (Brownlee)
Durbin, whose sketch appears in this volume. Rus-
sell Durbin received his early education in the gram-
mar schools of Fresno County, and afterwards at-
tended Stanford University, where he studied en-
gineering and medicine. He then took a position
with the Price Pump & Engine Company of San
Francisco, continuing with them for seven years. In
1912 he came to Walnut Grove and since that time
has been engaged in farming. He purchased 250
acres on Tyler Island, and also leases approximately
1,400 acres with Alexander Brown of Walnut Grove
as his partner. An army of men (about 250) are
employed for the upkeep of this vast acreage, which
is given over to the growing of asparagus. These
partners have put their very best efforts into mak-
ing their property one of the best producing aspara-
gus ranches in the country.
In February, 1908, Russell Durbin was united in
marriage to his first wife, Helen A. Brown, born at
Walnut Grove, the daughter of Alexander and Cath-
erine S. Brown. She received her education at the
Girls' High School of San Francisco and Mills Col-
lege of Oakland. Her father, Alexander Brown, came
to California in the sixties. He became a leading
business man and today is the financier of the Alex-
ander Brown Bank of Walnut Grove. Alexander and
Catherine S. Brown were the parents of five children:
John S., cashier of his father's bank; Arthur, of Wal-
nut Grove; Frank; Helen, deceased; and A. R. Brown.
Helen (Brown) Durbin passed awa}' on December 5,
1914. She was the mother of two children, Robert
A. and Jean M., both now living with their father.
On June 20, 1917, at Sacramento, Mr. Durbin was
married a second time, to Edna E. Castello, born at
Elk Grove, Cal., the daughter of James H. and Sarah
Castello. James H. Castello was born in Indiana
and was among the early settlers of California. He
is a blacksmith by trade, and also a farmer. Mr.
and Mrs. Castello were the parents of seven children:
Hattie, widow of Mr, Bandy, of Sacramento; Georgie,
deceased; Lee, of Elk Grove; Mrs. Andrew Elliott,
of Elk Grove; Clarence; Edna E., Mrs. Durbin; and
Walter. Mrs. Durbin was reared and educated at
Elk Grove. Mr. Durbin is a Republican. He is a
member of the Gamma Eta Kappa high school fra-
ternity and the Nu Sigma Nu college fraternity.
912
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
C. GUSTAF JOHNSON.— Pleasantly situated in
Sacramento County, not far from Courtland, C. Gus-
taf Johnson has been engaged in ranching for many
years, and in his free and independent life has met
with the success attendant upon habits of industry
;ind tlirift. Born in Wermland, Sweden, September
14, 1881, Gus Johnson, as he is commonly called, is
the son of Johannes and Kaisa (Anderson) Johnson,
and early learned the details of farming on the home
farm in the old country. The father lived to be
eighty years of age, in a life spent in tilling the soil,
and the mother died aged forty-seven.
The youngest of a family of nine children, Gus
Johnson had the advantages of a grammar school
education in Sweden, and when sixteen years old
came to the United States, and a year later, on the
twenty-eighth of April, 1898, he came to Sacramento.
For the succeeding seven years he worked for wages
on the C. W. Clark ranch, about three miles north-
east of Courtland, and since 1905 he has leased this
same ranch, consisting of 800 acres. At first he en-
gaged quite extensively in the stock business, but of
recent years he has sold off most of the stock and
now raises grain almost entirely, thus becoming one
of the large grain-raisers of the county, for 800 acres
devoted to one product is not common in these days
of smaller ranches.
The marriage of Mr. Johnson, occurring May 2,
1907, at Sacramento, united him with Ingaborg John-
son, a native of the same part of Sweden as himself
and daughter of Johannes and Martha (Jonason)
Johnson, one of five children born to her parents;
she received her education in the grammar school
of Wermland, and in 1904 made the long trip to Cali-
fornia bj- herself. She passed away with pneumonia
February 23, 1921, leaving her sorrowing husband and
two children, Carl Elmer, and Martha Elizabeth. Mr.
Johnson is a Republican in politics, a firm believer
in right habits of life, and in the future of unlimited
prosperity in store for this part of the Golden State.
JAMES W. CASSIE.— .A. successful contractor
and builder of Courtland, Sacramento County, Mr.
Cassie is a native of Scotland, born in Aberdeen,
February 23, 1882, a son of John and Ellen
(Dickie) Cassie, who were farmer people of that
country and there died, the father aged fifty years
and the mother reaching sixty-three years. The
second in a family of seven children born to his par-
ents, James W. was educated in the grammar school
of Aberdeen, and when twenty-one he came to Can-
ada, and for nine months stayed in Toronto. He had
taken up the trade of carpenter in Scotland when
fourteen years old, and was a full-fledged journey-
man at his trade before he was twenty; for two
winter seasons he attended Gordon College at Aber-
deen.
From Toronto Mr. Cassie went to Chicago and
there worked at his trade one and one-half years,
and in 1906 he came to San Francisco and for the
next sixteen years made his residence in that city,
working on building jobs. In 1922 he came to Court-
land, Sacramento County, as superintendent in
charge of the construction of the new union high
.school building for the McLaren Company of San
Francisco, contractors, and after this building was
completed he remained at Courtland, making his
home there. He engaged in building contracting for
himself and at present is just completing the new
Masonic Temple at Courtland, and also has other
buildings in the course of construction.
The marriage of Mr. Cassie, at San Francisco,
June 5, 1909, united him with Miss Catherine
Ritchie, also a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, where
she was educated and came to the United States with
her parents, who were farmers in the old country,
just two years previous to her marriage. Four chil-
dren have blessed their marriage: Helen, Katherine,
June and Florence Marian. Mr. Cassie took out his
American citizenship papers at Oakland, and in both
civic and national politics he has always voted for
the man he deems best fitted for office; he is a mem-
ber of the Oakland lodge of Masons, and both he
and his wife are members of the Eastern Star of
that city.
CHARLES W. JARVIS.— A native son of Cali-
fornia, Charles W. Jarvis was born in Alpine County,
March 21, 1874, a son of M. W. and Jane (Brown)
Jarvis, the father a native of New York and the
mother of Iowa; the father came to California after
the close of the Civil War in 1866, across the Isthmus.
The elder Jarvis, who was an able machinist and cap-
able blacksmith, settled in Alpine County, his death
occurring when he reached seventy-four years, while
his good wife is still living, at Oroville, Cal. Both
of the subject's parents are of Scotch lineage. The
father was a veteran of the Civil War, having en-
listed and served throughout that struggle with a
New York regiment of volunteer infantry. He re-
ceived an honorable discharge and soon after the
close of that war came to California, settling in Al-
pine County, where he met and married his wife. She
crossed the plains on the way to California with her
parents, whose train passed through only two days
ahead of the "Mountain Meadow massacre." They
would no doubt have been killed, as were the rest,
had it not been that the wife of the doctor of the
company was an own sister of Brigham Young's
first wife, whose intercession, it is believed, was the
means of the safety of their train.
Charles W. Jarvis was the second in a family of
six children, and when he was a lad his parents moved
to Gridley, Butte County, and in the public schools
of that town he received his education. When four-
teen years old he took up the trade of blacksmith
and at the age of nineteen became a full-fledged
journeyman at the trade, and 'worked in different
places in the state until 1917, which year marks his
arrival in Courtland, Sacramento County. In 1918,
he bought a blacksmith shop in Courtland and has
since that time been steadily engaged at his place
of business. In December, 1922, the shop burned to
the ground and at the present writing, 1923, Mr.
Jarvis is erecting on the property a three-story build-
mg, the main floor of which he will occupy, one floor
will be used for his warehouse aiid the remaining
floor will be leased to the Martha Washington Com-
munity Store.
On July 9, 1896, at Vacaville, occurred the marriage
of Mr. Jarvis to Miss Estella Evinger, born in Illi-
nois, who came to California with her parents when
eight years old; her father settled and engaged in
farming at Lincoln and there her early life was
spent; her death occurred in 1916.
Mr. Jarvis' second marriage, April 28, 1918, united
him with Miss Mary Kintchen, born in Detroit, Mich
and reared at Chicago, 111. Fraternally Mr. Jarvis
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
913
is a member of River Lodge No. 256, I. O. O. F.,
of Grafton and of the Native Sons parlor of Court-
land. Politically he is a Republican, liberal in his
views and voting for man rather than party.
DAVID H. OSBORN. — An enterprising rancher
who is also an experienced orchardist, is David H.
Osborn, of Sutter Island, near Courtland. He was
born in Ohio, on March 23, 1858, the son of J. R.
and Mary Martha (Clippinger) Osborn, the former
a native of Ohio, and the latter of Maryland. His
father came out to California for the first time in
1851, and tried mining; and having returned to Ohio,
he married, and in 1875 came West again with his
family. An uncle, David Osborn, had come to Cali-
fornia in 1850, and put in a brief season in the mines
near Placerville, and later he took a team and car-
ried supplies from Sacramento to the mines, in the
mountains. He then settled on Randall Island, and
there J. R. Osborn joined David in farming. In
time, Uncle David deeded to his brother a ranch of
fifty acres, and later the subject of our story ac-
quired title to this property. David H. Osborn, to-
gether with his uncle, built many levees along the
ranch, making them at first so low that wheelbar-
rows could be used in their construction; but these
levees were washed out during the floods, and the
land was submerged, time after time. After raising
the level of the levees three times, the one now
adequately serving the community was erected by
means of dredgers.
David H. Osborn lived on Randall Island until
twenty-five years ago, when he bought his present
ranch on Sutter Island, built there a fine home, and
improved it to fruit trees. He has now some of the
most fertile acres to be found anywhere in Califor-
nia, but the wonderful results he enjoys have been
made possible on'y by years of hard, unremitting
work, inspired by optimism and guided by past expe-
rience; and My. Osborn is certainly entitled to the
high honors of a sturdy pioneer w'ho stuck by the
job and never gave up the ship. Sacramento County,
and indeed California in general, cannot be too grate-
ful to such pathbreakers as Mr. Osborn, his father
and his uncle, who have opened up new avenues to
lasting prosperity, and have truly advanced the
stages of civilization.
MRS. MARGARET A. JOURNEY.— A woman of
nmch capability who is making a success of her
poultry ranch at Gait, where she has resided for the
past five years, is Mrs. Margaret A. Journey, a na-
tive of Waukesha, Wis., whose parents, Peter and
Caroline Hansen, were both natives of Denmark.
The father, who was an architect and builder, died
at the age of fifty-six, the mother passing away at
forty-eight. Mrs. Journey, who was their only child,
attended school at Waukesha and Milwaukee and then
took training as a nurse in the Wisconsin General
Hospital at Milwaukee.
Coming to California with friends in 1905, Mrs.
Journey was married at Martinez, on June 15, 1908,
to Richard W. Journey, who was born at Quincy, 111.,
and came to California around the Horn with his
father, two brothers and a sister in 1863, being only
two years old at the time. His father, Jeflferson
Journey, settled at Brighton, Sacramento County, and
there Richard was reared. At the time of his mar-
riage he was farming at Merced and later they moved
to Turlock and engaged in raising cantaloupes. In
1918 they moved to Gait and purchased four acres
at the north end of Oak Street, and there Mrs. Jour-
ney still makes her home, having developed it into
a successful poultry ranch. Mr. Journey's life came
to a tragic end on June 20, 1922, when he was killed
by the Southern Pacific train at Gait. Besides his
widow, he was survived by three children born of his
first marriage with Miss Minerva Spurgeon, a native
of Illinois. They are: Mrs. Hazel Pearl Blohm of
Sacramento; Arthur B., an engineer on the Southern
Pacific; Mrs. Ora O. Johnston of Sacramento. Mr.
Journey was a trustee of the district school at Mer-
ced during his residence there and was one of the
oldest members of the Woodmen of the World at
Turlock. In her political afiiliations Mrs. Journey
is a Republican. She is a member of the Ladies
of the Maccabees at Turlock.
CHARLES OSTMAN.— One of the successful
orchardists of Sutter Island, Sacramento County,
Charles Ostman comes of a long line of illustrious
forebears in his native country. Born in West
Jutland, Sweden, January 12, 1852, he is the son of
P. G. and Catherine Ostman, and the direct descend-
ant of an old and very powerful military family of
Sweden, his grandfather having been a field marshal
in the Swedish army. The name was handed down
from one generation to another, instead of the usual
way of adding "son"' to the given name of the father,
and the Ostmans were of the military aristocracy.
At one time in the early government of Sweden the
family plotted against the crown to overthrow the
government and establish themselves in power. This
plot was frustrated and some of the family migrated
to Finland.
Charles Ostman received his early education in
liis native land, and when seventeen years old came
to the LTnited States with his parents, finishing his
education with three terms at college at Rushville,
111. The family settled in Moline, 111., and in 1869
Charles started out to make his own way in the world,
first working in dry goods stores as clerk, which he
put to good advantage later, as in 1875 he came to
California and for ten years had, a merchandise store
in San Francisco. In 1885 he came to Sacramento
County and purchased fifty-six acres of land in the
tules of Sutter Island, on Sutter Slough. Here he
has developed a productive ranch, but not without
many hardships and discouraging circumstances;
three times the floods destroyed the work he had
put in on improvements, and only after the high levee
had been thrown up by the dredges has his work
shown for some account. He now has a fine orchard
of shipping pears, using a six-inch pump for irriga-
tion and has installed all modern improvements on
the place, such as packing shed and the necessary
farm buildings for carrying on his work, and from
the bare undeveloped land now has surrounding his
home a beautiful orchard of marketable fruit, evidence
of his years of industry and good management.
The marriage of Mr. Ostman, which occurred in
San Francisco December 22, 1879, united him with
Louisa Johnson, born in Smalland, Sweden, and
daughter of John Isaacson and Carolina (Peterson)
Isaacson. Her father w^as a farmer in the old coun-
try, and in 1869 she came to the United States with
her aunt, her father following later, and the family
settled in Calhoun County, Iowa, at Manson, for a
914
HISTCJIO' OF SACKAIVIENTO COUNTY
tinu'. wlu-ri' llic fatlu-r houKht a quartL-r section of
land, which he farmed for a short time and later
sold. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ost-
man, .Mvin Charles, who married Hannah H. Han-
sen, a native of Denmark, and they are the parents
ot five children: Charles Peter; Louisa Charlotte;
Morris .Mvin; l-'.rma Marie; and Alvin, Jr., the fam-
ily making their home on a fom-teen-acre fruit ranch
on Steamboat Slou^th, Sutter Island. The son, Alvin
Charles, owns a home ranch of fourteen acres of his
own, also another ranch of forty-four and one-third
acres. Our .subject's w-ife owns fifty-six acres indi-
vidually, in her own name, and Mr. Ostman owns 124
acres, all on Sutter Island, and has become wealthy,
having been unusually prosperous. He gives fuU credit
to his good wife, who has borne up bravely under
adverse conditions, such as the floods. They have
worked hard, lived frugallj' and contributed steadily
to charitable and religions matters, to Red Cross,
Sunday school, nu'ssions and benevo'enccs generally.
In national i)olitics Mr. Ostman is a Republican,
in local matters giving his decision to the right man
for the office. He was raised in the Lutheran Church,
but affiliates with the Swedish Mission Church of
America; but since this denomination has no church
at Courtland he attends the Baptist Church of that
place. He is a firm believer in living rightly and
in each man doing his share in the world's work.
WILLIAM EVERTS DOWNING, M. D.—
^\'alnut drove is fortunate in the possession of so
efficient and conscientious a member of the medical
profession as Dr. Downing. Born at Suisun, So'ano
County, August 19. 1880, he is the son of Dr. Wil-
liam G. and Clara (Perkins) Downing, the father a
native of Missouri, who came to California in 1874
and settled at Suisun. William G. Downing was a
graduate of St. Louis Medical College, and was a
skil'ed physician; he had an extensive practice in
Solano County, and died aged fifty-eight years; the
wife and mother, a native of Michigan, is still living,
aged sixty-two, and makes her home at Berkeley.
William Everts Downing was the first born in a
family of five children, and after finishing his pre-
liminary education attended Stanford University,
class of 1902, and Cooper Medical College of San
Francisco, graduating in 1903 with his degree of
M. D. After serving as interne for two years at the
German Hospital and the Waldeck Hospital, San
Francisco, he went to Suisun and engaged in practice
with his father.
In 1917, Dr. Downing located at Walnut Grove,
and has since practiced throughout the Delta coun-
try, where he has made many friends and is well-
known throughout the valley. December 21, 1917,
at San Jose, Dr. Downing was married to Miss
Beatrice Kennedy, a native of Philadelphia, Pa.,
daughter of John and Beatrice Kennedy, the father a
banker. She was educated in Philadelphia, Pa., and
came to California in 191S. Two sons have blessed
their marriage, William Green and John Everts.
Dr. Downing recently owned a 120-acre ranch in
the Delta, south of Walnut Grove, which he improved
and then sold, having bought the property as an
investment. While keeping abreast with his scien-
tific work, he has found time to take part in the
fraternal and civic affairs of the valley. He is a
member of Rio Vista Lodge of Masons, as well as
the chapter of O. F.. S., of Vallejo Lodge No. .S59
of the Elks, Beta Theta Pi, and Nu Sigma Nu fra-
ternities, and the County, State and American Medi-
cal Associations. In politics he is a Republican, re-
serving his support to the men and measures best
calcu'ated to advance his home community.
ALEXANDER BARQUIST .—A rancher
thoroughly familiar with California conditions, who
has attained an enviable success, is Alexander Bar-
quist, who resides about a mile north of Gait, on a
ranch of fifteen acres. He was born in Vermland,
Sweden, on December 12, 1861, the son of Niels and
Keis (Johnson) Larsen, his present name having been
given to him when he enlisted in the Swedish Army.
There were ten children in the family; and the father,
who was a shoemaker, died when our subject was
only eleven years of age, honored for his honesty and
for his good workmanship. Mrs. Larsen lived to see
her seventy-fifth year.
Alexander Barquist went to school in Sweden, but
from the date of his father's death, he had to work
and neglect further study. When he was eighteen
years old he entered the Swedish Army, where he
served three years; and after receiving his honorable
discharge, he came to the United States and stopped
at Chicago, working there for three months. He then
worked in a sawmill on the Menominee River, until
1904. and in October of that year he came west to
Fresno, and spent a winter, when he went to Sanger,
in Fresno County, and secured employment in the
Bennett Lumber Yards, where he stayed for fifteen
years; and during that time he purchased ten acres
of raw land, which he set out to Lovell and Susque-
hanna peaches; but when the fruit got to bearing, in
the first year, peaches were not worth marketing, a
bitter disappointment, for our subject had worked
many nights by lantern light cultivating and improv-
ing this place, and after many years of hard labor
had brought it into bearing, only to find that his crop
had no inarket value, there being that year such a
glut and surplus of fruit. So he became discouraged,
and left P'resno County, and in the winter of 1918 he
came to Gait, and bought thirty acres of Tokay vine-
yard, two and one-half miles east of Gait. He then
sold this, and purchased a tract of fifteen acres on
the highway, one mile north of Gait, known as the
Demonstration Farm, through its use by the large
company who were colonizing this district to show
the crop possibilities of Gait land. The front part of
this ranch was in oranges when Mr. Barquist bought
it, but finding that these had no commercial value, he
has grubbed them out, and is setting the land out to
pears and a vineyard of Mission and Zinfandel grapes.
There is a four-inch pump on the ranch driven by a
motor of seven and one-half horse-power; and there
is a modern dwelling, built in 1911.
On December 7, 1893, Mr. Barquist was married
at Marinette, Wis , to Miss Lena Borman, a native of
Norland, Sweden, that is, really of Sundsval, and the
daughter of August Gustave and Olive (Osland)
Borman, the former a carpenter in Sweden. When
Lena was five years old, her parents came out to the
United States and to Oconto, Wis., where her father
bought eighty acres of land, which he farmed until
his death, in 1900, at the age of sixty-two. Mrs.
Borman made her home in Oakland, Cal., the center
of many devoted friends, until her death in 1923,
about seventy-nine years of age. They had seven
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUXTY
915
children, and all were given such educational advan-
tages as could be commanded; and Lena Borman
went to the school at Marinette, Wis., there getting
a good start in preparation for her life duties. Three-
children have come to bless this happy union. Ruby
is Mrs. Joseph Hall, of Stockton; Ray is with his
father; and Lucille is a pupil of the high school at
Gait. Mr. Barquist belongs to the Brotherhood of
American Yeomen.
JOHN WESLEY MOSSMAN.— An enterprising
promoter of the legitimate subdivision and transfer
of promising, desirable land, whose high standards
and consistenc}' in transactions have done much to
stabilize the realty market, is John Wesley Mossnian,
the junior member of the Mossman Land Company.
He was born on a farm at Hardin, Iowa, on October
7, 1884, the son of Albert Lee and Julia Murillo
(Maxson) Mossman, the former now a partner with
our subject in the above-named concern. He attended
the excellent common schools in Iowa, and later
added to his educational outfit in the higlier school
of practical experience.
At Postville, Iowa, in the year 1910, Mr. Mossman
was married to Miss Estelle M. Welsch, a native of
the Hawkeye State, by whom he has had one child,
Betty Lucile, an attractive young lady increasing in
popularity. He belongs to the Odd Fellows; and
when he cannot find diversion and inspiration enough
in fraternal circles, he makes off for the out-of-door
world, being very fond of both hunting and fishing.
The Mossman Land Company was established in
October. 1920, to deal in choice citj' and country
property, and opened its offices at 1009 J Street.
Before coming to California, Albert L. Mossman had
been in the real estate business, while our subject
was conducting a garage; and their past experience
has proven valuable to them in the new field and the
newer country. They have thus far progressed so
steadily that it is evident they are to keep pace with
tlie development of this favored section.
HENRY KOHNKE.— Widely known among the
most experienced of Sacramento County sheepmen,
Henry Kohnke, who lives about eight miles east of
Gait, on the Gait Road, is also favorably known as
a man who has attained success. Like many another
progressive agriculturist in California, Mr. Kohnke
was born in Germanj^ seeing light for the first time
at Neuhaus, in the kingdom of Hanover, on May
28, 1862. His father was John Kohnke, a laborer,
who lived to be seventy-five years of age; and his
mother was Miss Adelheidt Krohnke, before her mar-
riage, and she passed awaj' when in her forty-eighth
year. She was the devoted mother of seven children,
the eldest being John Otto, and after him Jurgen,
Katherine, Claus, Henry, the subject of our story,
and Peter, who is deceased, and Peter.
Henry attended the grammar schools of Germany,
and in 1881 came out to the United States when
he was still in his teens, and he worked for wages
for a year in Denver. Then he spent two years in
helping to build the Oregon Short Line through
Idaho and Southern Oregon from Corvallis to Euk-
rena Bay; and after that, coming into San Joaquin
County, California, he joined the Woods Bros., at
Roberts Island, and worked for them for ten years.
Then he went to Terminous and leased 200 acres
for two years, and next he superintended the Newell
Ranch at the same place for four years. Having con-
cluded that engagement, he returned to the 200 acres,
and cultivated the same for another year. Then he
made a trip to Iowa, where he worked on a farm for
the balance of the year; and upon returning to Cali-
fornia he came to Acanipo and purchased twenty
acres two miles north of Lodi, on Cherokee Lane.
He set out vines and otherwise developed the land,
and built a comfortable home and the necessary farm
buildings, installed a four-inch pump and a ten-horse-
power motor on the Acampo place, and was there
for about twelve years.
In the autumn of 1917, Mr. Kohnke came to Gait
Road, and purchased 560 acres on Dry Creek, about
eight miles east of Gait, which he made into a sheep
ranch, bringing 300 head of sheep there; the ranch
being locally known as the old West place. He has
succeeded, not only for himself but in he'ping others.
As a Republican, he has done what he could to ele-
vate the standards of citizenship and to effect such
improved laws as conserve trade and protect invest-
ments; and at present he is a school trustee of the
Brown district, being a warm advocate of the public
schools.
At Lodi, on December 28, 1904, Henry Kohnke
and Miss Alwine Andresen were married, the bride
being a native of Schleswig-Holstein, where she was
born at Isle Fohr, the daughter of John and Anna
Andresen. In 1901, the family came to the United
States and to Lodi, and here the mother died, at
the age of seventy-one, while the father returned to
his native country, and died there at the age of
seventy-six. Alwine was one of five children. The
eldest, Lawrence, is deceased, and so is Matilda. The
others are Hans and Lena, and Mrs, Kohnke, who
was christened Alwine. She was educated in Ger-
many, where she had an excellent training; and
now, as enthusiastic an American by adoption as
may anywhere be found, she finds happiness in see-
ing the progress of her five children — Anita, Alwine,
Otto, John and Amanda — at the Brown district
school. Mr. Kohnke is an Odd Fellow and a Re-
bekah, of the Lodi lodges, and Mrs. Kohnke also
belongs to the last-named fraternal order, in which
she shares her husband's popularity.
GEORGE H. SMITH. — A successful asparagus-
grower, who has been able to point the way to others,
while progressing himself, is George H. Smith, wide-
ly and well known on Sherman Island. He was born
at Lockeford, in San Joaquin County, on April 11,
1886, the son of Hans Christian and Caroline (Jessen)
Smith, both of whom were natives of Schleswig-
Holstein, Denmark. They came out to California
over forty years ago, and here Mr. Smith made a
good, if hard, living, as an able and honest b'ack-
smith. They had three children, Amelia C, George
H., and Cathalyn D., now Mrs. F. H. Turner, of
San Francisco.
George H. Smith attended the Elliott district
school of San Joaquin County, and for a year he went
to the Salem high school at Lodi, and for a short
time to the Oakland Polytechnic School of Engineer-
ing. At the age of sixteen, he started out for himself,
and he worked as a mechanic in the Gwin mines of
Calaveras. He then became chief motorman of the
Mokelumne Dredging Company at Wal'ace, Cal.. and
next, in rotation, spent a short lime in each of the
following jobs: round-house mechanic of the South
916
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
cm Pacific Railroad in their Oakland shops, Southern
I'acilic fireman running out of Portland, and in the
erecting engineers' department, and as a commercial
traveler with the United Iron and Engineering Works
at Oakland. After that he was chief engineer of
the Venice Island Land Company of San Joaquin
County, and he then served the Sampson Iron Works
for a short time as a commercial traveler. Return-
ing to the home farm in Elliott district, he was called
to be engineer for the Ryer Island Reclamation dis-
trict and spent seven years in dredging and ditching
work for them. Finally, after working a short time
for John W. Rush, of Tyler Island, he decided to
take up farming for himself, and six years ago secured
a long-term lease on 300 acres of land on Sherman
Island, where he now lives, and a second parcel of
260 acres, on Sherman Island. This land is devoted
to truck garden, and Mr. Smith is developing aspar-
agus beds, and has so far set out eighty-five acres
to asparagus. He is a Republican, believing in that
party for industrial protection.
At Stockton, on November 3, 1917, Mr. Smith was
married to Miss Georgia Jordan, a native of San
Joaquin County, where she was born near New Hope,
on August 12, 1892. Her father was George A. Jor-
dan, a native of San Joaquin County, and he married
Miss Caroline Titherington, from Liverpool, England.
Her grandfather was an early settler and farmer in the
Taisen section of San Joaquin County, before Thorn-
ton was founded. Her father and mother are still
living, and reside on Sherman Island, where they
enjoy the esteem of all who know them; and Mrs.
Smith has one brother, John Rolland Jordan. Mrs.
Smith attended the Stockton grammar school, and
later pursued the excellent courses of the Normal
School in the same city; and the latter experience
has assisted her in the problems of her own children,
Elizabeth, Ann and James Harrison. Mr. Smith is
a member of Rio Vista Lodge No. 208, F. & A. M.,
and he belongs to Antioch Chapter No. 262, R. A. M.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are both members of Rio Vista
Chapter No. 222, Order of Eastern Star. Mr. Smith
is a believer in cooperation for the marketing of farm
products and is one of the original members of the
-Asparagus Growers' Association of California. A
friends to the cause of education, Mr. Smith has con-
sented to serve as member of the board of trustees
of Riverside school district and is clerk of the board.
The district has just succeeded in bonding itself for
a new schoolhouse, which is in process of erection.
H. YATES PERRIN.— Sacramento County is to
be congratulated upon having such a man of true
worth and unquestionable character as H. Yates
Perrin, a first-class automobile mechanic. He was
born January 24, 1898, at Crockett, Cal., the son of
Irving M. and Julia Margaret (Alberto) Perrin. His
father, a successful business man, who for years con-
ducted his affairs in Richmond, was born in San
Francisco, and comes from one of the oldest families
of California. His mother, also a native daughter,
was born in San Pablo. They are now living at
Alameda.
H. Yates Perrin was educated in the public schools
of Contra Costa, and he graduated from high school
in 1916 and then attended business college. During
the latter part of his high school term and all
through his college course he was employed as a
private secretary. Every available moment was used
for a definite purpose, and being apt at mechanics,
he studied automobile repairing in all its phases, and
is regarded as an expert in this work.
Mr. Perrin was united in marriage to Sybil Fiorina
Herrill, a native daughter of the Golden State, born
and bred at Placerville, Cal. They are the parents
of one daughter, Marille June. He is greatly inter-
ested in all outdoor and indoor sports, being especi-
ally fond of basket-ball, inasmuch as he has played
professionally. Our subject has acted as deputy
sheriff of Contra Costa County and is highly hon-
ored and respected for his fair dealings. Fraternally
he is a Native Son of the Golden West, Sunset Par-
lor, and an Eagle, and politically he adheres to the
Republican party.
PAUL LEE BERNARDIS.— A wide-awake, far-
seeing and experienced man of affairs in the Sacra-
mento business world is Paul Lee Bernardis, one of
the proprietors of the capital city Planing Mill,
widely known as a very reliable establishment for any
kind of work, however varied and difficult, it under-
takes to do. Associated with him is J. P. Moore and
all having dealings with the firm well know that they
make a team of the best kind. They formed their
partnership in 1914, the year made so memorable by
the outbreak of the World War; and few business
concerns have done more to meet the changed and
ever-changing conditions brought about by the world
upheaval than this representative northern California
house. In their busy season they employ at least
twenty men, and they turn out an immense amount of
first-class interior and exterior finishing. They have
their own lumber yard, make ice cream cabinets and
refrigerators, and their products are called for from
all parts of the state.
Mr. Bernardis w-as born in 1886, in Austria, and
there he was educated. He had heard much about
the United States and the advantages in the New
World, having met a few Austrians who had tried
their luck out here and had come back for a visit,
and he had also learned something of the far-away
California; and hither he undertook to come, in 1903.
The great Eastern metropolis interested him not a
little, but he stuck to his resolution and hurried West,
and stopped in San Francisco until 1906, w^hen he
located in Sacramento.
Able easily to impress strangers with both his na-
tive ability and his worthiness, Paul Bernardis found
employment in the Southern Pacific Railroad shops,
and there in time he was fitted for his life-work.
When he came to form his partnership and create the
Capital City Mills, he moved aggressively in the great
work Sacramento city looked to its contractors to do,
and the firm did all the interior wood-work and finish
for the Physicians Building, Sutter Candy Store. Mc-
Clatchy residence. Judge O'Brien's residence, the
Rideout Hospital and grammar school at Marysville,
and also the Post Office Building there, and since
1921, among other notable structures, the public
schools of Elmhurst, Eldorado, Newton Booth, High-
land Park, now called the Sierra, Bret Harte, and ad-
ditions to the Fremont and the Leland Stanford, and
furnished and installed the work in the Rosemont
Grill, at Sacramento. In national politics a Repub-
lican, Mr. Bernardis never fails to support, in good
non-partisan fashion, the men and the measures he
regards as best for the locality in which he lives and
HISTORY OF SACRAI\rENTO COUNTY
917
thrives. He is also a live wire in the Chamber of
Commerce at Sacramento.
At Sacramento, in 1910, Mr. Bernardis was married
to Miss Nellie Lubetich, of Sacramento; and they
have a son, born May 17, 1923. Mr. Bernardis en-
joys the social life of the Elks and the Druids, to
which he belongs, and is fond, as is his good wife, of
all out-door liie. He is interested in the past history
and the future prospects of Sacramento County.
CHARLES JOHN PETERSON.— A general con-
tractor who is ever ready to undertake anything
feasible within his field, is Charles John Peterson,
a native of Michigan now headquartered at the Build-
ers' Exchange in Sacramento. He was born at Lud-
ington. Mason County, on October 22, 1883. the son
of Herman Julius and Bertha Peterson, his father
being an expert cabinet-worker who is still living,
although his devoted wife, our subject's mother, is
dead. Both parents have deserved well of their gen-
eration.
After attending the public schools of Michigan,
Charles John Peterson learned the carpenter trade
and followed it since he was fifteen years of age. In
1913, he came out to California and Sacramento, and
he secured a good post as foreman with the Liberty
Iron Works, and erected their buildings; and then
he was in the employ of the XJ. S. Fibre Products
Company, and put up their structures. Since the
spring of 1922, he has been established for himself.
He accepts the largest contracts, employing regularly
eight or more men. The public have long since
come to believe that whatever they may commit to
the care of Charles Peterson, will be well done.
Mr. Peterson is a Republican, but does his own
thinking and voting.
In July, 1904, Mr. Peterson and Emma Clara
Stockstad, of Minnesota, were made man and wife,
the marriage ceremony occurring at Bismarck, N.
D.; and now their family includes a daughter, El-
vira, two sons, George and Harold, another daugh-
ter, Edna, and another son, the youngest born,
Charles John Peterson, Jr. Our subject is a mem-
ber of the Order of Vasa, and of the Master Build-
ers' Association; and is fond of fishing and hunting;
and like his fellow Americans, native and adopted, in
Sacramento County, he rejoices in the environment
in which he luckily finds himself.
GEORGE H. ■WOODS.— Well-known in trans-
portation circles, formerly as manager of the Motor
Carrier Terminals, Inc., and at present of the Shasta
Transit Company, George H. Woods has devel-
oped an executive ability' to handle large undertak-
ings. He was born in Springfield, Mass., November
23, 1889, the son of George H. and Catherine (Scott)
Woods, both now deceased. Our subject was edu-
cated in the public schools of his native state and at
an early age entered his father's jewelry store as a
clerk and then engaged in newspaper work. In 1912
he cam'e West to California and for three years was
connected with the Los Angeles County highway
commission, after which he was engaged in various
undertakings. He was in Fresno for a time and
while there was employed in the auto-stage business;
then we find him engaged in the same line at Oak-
land, continuing until 1921, when he came to Sacra-
mento, the Motor Carrier Terminals, Inc., hav-
ing been organized in October the previous year.
His ability having been demonstrated while he was
with the California Transit Company, it was but
natural that he should become the manager of the
new company; and the progress the company made
showed that he was the right man for the place. In
May, 1921, the Shasta Transit Company was formed
and on July 1, 1922, Mr. Woods resigned his position
Avith the Motor Carrier Terminals, Inc., and became
a partner and manager of the Shasta Transit Com-
pany, operating between Sacramento and Redding.
Mr. Woods is a World War veteran, having
served with the engineers corps and spent sixteen
months in France. After his honorable discharge
he took up civilian life once more and is found among
the public-spirited and respected men of his com-
munity. His recreation is found in fishing and in
clean out-of-door sports. He is a member of Sacra-
mento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks, and the Ameri-
can Legion.
PETER LEONI.— The kind of substantial business
energy best appreciated in the city of Sacramento finds
e.xpression in the life of Peter Leoni, general contrac-
tor and builder. He was born in Italy, on May 19,
1877, the son of Joseph and Rosaline Leoni. His
father is living in Italy, and his mother is deceased.
Peter Leoni was educated in the schools of Italy.
He also took a course in the International Correspond-
ence School. In 1901 he emigrated to the United
States and located in Santa Clara, and in 1902 he came
to Sacramento, where he has resided ever since. For
some time he was employed as a cabinetmaker in
Siller Bros. He has been in business for himself for
the past twelve years, and has been very successful as
a contractor, confining his work mainly to houses and
flats.
Mr. Leoni went back to Italy to get married, where
he was united with Miss Theodolinda Bigiogni. They
are the parents of two children: Rosalie, and Alice.
Mr. Leoni prefers the platform of the Republican
party, and he has the pleasure of being a founder of
the Builders' Exchange. Fraternallj^, he is a Druid.
He is an enthusiastic supporter of any plan for the
promotion of the public welfare. He left Sacramento
with his family April 1, 1923, for a six months' visit
with relatives and friends, and from last reports ar-
rived safely with his entire family after a pleasant
ocean voyage.
ALLYN L. BIJRR. — The importance of providing
adequately-stocked and well-managed headquarters
for builders needing roofing and other supplies is
well illustrated by what Allyn L. Burr has done, in
organizing a, center for the convenience of architects
and contractors, and the response of the building
trades to his commendable enterprise, on continuous
exhibition at Eleventh and R Streets in Sacramento,
in which city he was born on October 22, 1885, the
son of R. P. and Emma (Lord) Burr. His father
was also both a native son of California and of Sac-
ramento, who, as a real pioneer, was long associated
with Messrs. Baker & Hamilton. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Burr are still living, the center of groups of devoted
friends.
Allyn L. Burr was rather fortunate in his school-
ing and start in life, having not only attended the
grammar and high schools, but also the Belmont
preparatory school, from which he was graduated;
and then he followed civil engineering as a profcs-
918
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
sion. He was in railroad work for eight years, and
then in the real estate business for two years; and
after that he was associated with the Johns Manville
Company for another eight years, as manager of their
northern California territory.
On March 1, 1921, Mr. Burr established himself
in business, and since then he has been kept busy
doing large roofing jobs, many of them being state
contract work. Mr. Burr is careful in the extreme
as to the training and experience of the men he em-
ploys, and one resuU is that his work may always be
regarded as thoroughly dependable. He is a Repub-
lican in politics. Fraternally, he is a Mason, a
Knight Templar, and a member of the Shrine.
Allyn Burr was married to Miss Ruth Seadler, a
native daughter, by whom he has had a son, Jim, and
twin daughters, Emma May and Alice. He is fond
of hunting and fishing, and annually pays his respects
to Sacramento's great outdoors.
L. H. CHAPMAN. — Possessing just the qualities
which insure success, L. H. Chapman has spared no
effort and, by indefatigable labor and attention to
the wishes of the trade, has won the esteem and pat-
ronage of the public. Seventeen years ago he entered
the firm of Friend & Terry Lumber Company as
office boy and has won his way upward until he now
occupies the position of manager of the firm. He
was born in McHenry County, III, December 7, 1883,
a son of Edgar and Ann (Heilman) Chapman.
L. H. Chapman received his education in the gram-
mar and high schools of Cedar Falls, Iowa, whither
his parents had removed when he was a young lad.
He remained in Iowa at the family home until 1905,
when he removed to California and located in Sacra-
mento; directly on locating in Sacramento he entered
the employ of Friend & Terry Lumber Company
serving first as otfice boy, and then being steadily ad-
vanced until he became manager of the firm in 1921.
From the first his interest in Sacramento was pro-
nounced, and his faith in the future of the city has
been emphatically and practically demonstrated.
The marriage of Mr. Chapman united him with
Miss Dorothy Fletcher, a native of Massachusetts.
and a graduate of Wellesley College. They are the
parents of two children: Fletcher and Laurence, Jr.
Mr. Chapman is a thirty-second degree Mason and
also a member of the Shrine; locallj' he is affiliated
with the Rotary and Sutter Clubs.
WILLIAM D. THOMAS.— A man of high integ-
rity whose experience also counts for much in the
Sacramento business world, is William D. Thomas,
wholesale dealer in lumber and active in manufactur-
ing, with offices at Sacramento in the Capital National
Bank Building. He was born in North Carolina on
December 12, 1874, the son of C. W. R. and Samantha
(Buie) Thomas, both descendants from old-time stock.
His father's forebears were American, but his
mother's were of Piedmont Scotch. C. W. R. Thom-
as was a farmer, and he operated rather extensively
and as best he could under the hotter Southern skies.
William D. Thomas attended the public schools of
North Carolina, and also went to the high school,
and then he engaged in the lumber business in the
Carolinas. This opportunity to add to his experience
proved of great value later, when he came to Sacra-
mento, in 1910, the same year when he arrived in the
state; for from the first he met with success. He sells
only at wholesale, and he has an interest in a sawmill
in Plumas County. He supports the Democratic party.
Mr. Thomas was married, in 1909, to Miss Lura
B. Brann, from Kansas, and now they have two child-
ren, Albert B. and Evelyn I. Thomas. The esteemed
companion shares Mr. Thomas' public-spiritedness,
and also feels a deep interest in the past, the present
and the future of Sacramento County. California owes
not a little to such men as William D. Thomas for
the development of its resources, including that of
lumber; and it is fair to expect that our subject may
be heard from more and more as the years go by.
RICHARD J. MURPHY.— A well-known and
valued citizen of Sacramento is found in Richard J.
Murphy, the capable superintendent of the County
Hospital located in the capital city, a position he has
ably filled for the past eight years. He was born in
San Francisco, Cal., September 4, 1854, a son of
James and Catherine (O'Connor) Murphy. James
Murphy came to California in 1854 via Panama and
engaged in mining and farming in Eldorado County
and it was in the schools of that county that Richard
J., the son, obtained his education. James Murphy
passed away in Placer County in 1913, the mother
having preceded him. Of their five children, Rich-
ard J. is the eldest.
The boyhood days of Richard J. Murphy were
spent on his father's farm and there he learned the
practical lessons of life; he was educated in the public
schools and early left the parental home. Coming to
Sacramento in 1878, he went to work in the Southern
Pacific Railroad shops in the boiler department and
was there for five years. In 1881 he removed to
Folsom and for three years was guard at the state
penitentiary under Warden Thomas Parkman and for
three years was lieutenant of the guard; and then for
seventeen years he was captain of the guards, under
McComb, Aull, Wilkeson and Yell. He spent one
year at San Quentin prison as turnkey; then for
eight years and a half Captain Murphy was postmaster
at Folsom under Roosevelt, being reappointed by
Taft. In 1915 he was appointed steward of the
County Hospital at Sacramento and two years later
was appointed business superintendent of the hospital.
The marriage of Captain Murphy united him with
Miss Mary Farmer and they are the parents of one
daughter, Isabel, now Mrs. Rudolph Draesemer and
there is one grandchi'd, Isabelle. Captain Murphy is a
stanch Republican and has been a member of the
county central committee. Fraternally he is a member
of the Modern Woodmen and is a charter member of
the Granite Parlor, N. S. G. W.. of Folsom.
ALBERT H. BECKER.— Another rising member
of the California banking world whose privilege it is
to w-ork for the leadership of Sacramento County
among the most favored sections of the great Golden
State, is Albert H. Becker, the genial and ever-accom-
modating assistant cashier of the Sacramento branch
of the United Bank and Trust Company. Sacramento
is the scene of his birth, October 16, 1894, and P. F.
and Elizabeth Becker are his esteemed parents, a
worthy couple proud of their record for usefulness in
the world.
Albert Becker attended the grammar and the high
schools of Sacramento, and when only fifteen years
of age, was accepted by the Fort Sutter National
Bank. Since then, he has steadilv advanced, and froiu
HISTORY OF SACR.\MENTO COUNTY
919
January 1, 1921. vintil the liank was taken over by the
United Bank and Trust Company, held the respon-
sible position of assistant cashier. Always having the
best interests of the bank at heart, and inspired by
the appreciation of patrons who have noted his desire
to help and to please, Mr. Becker, by his winning per-
sonality, has added to the list of customers dealing
with the institution, and has thus further strengthened
one of the acknowledged pillars of strength in the
capital city.
Mrs. Becker was Miss Helen Flanagan of Sacra-
mento before they were married, in the year 1916, and
in her promising daughter, Constance, one may find
the reflection of more than one of her own charms.
She shares with her husband the social life of the
Sutter Club, and his love for tennis and baseball; and
she is also a favorite among his brother Elks and their
ladies.
GEORGE B. BLUE.— A worthy and useful pion-
eer, widely esteemed by his generation and now re-
vered by posterity, was the late George B. Blue, a
native of Union Springs, Cayuga County, N. Y., where
he was born on the 1st of April, 1833. He came out
to California by way of Cape Horn in the late fifties,
and at Sutter Fort, on April 2, 1864, was married to
Miss Mary Jane Torney, who was born in Milwaukee,
Wis. She crossed the great plains with her parents
on their journey to Oregon, when only six weeks old,
and came to be the mother of five children, of whom
only Myron and Maude Blue, now Mrs. Eugene H.
Pitts, both of Sacramento, are still living, Robert,
George and Fred having d.ied.
George Blue was in Virginia City in the days of the
Comstock Mine excitement, and was personally
acquainted with Mark Twain, and the Floods, Fairs
and others of those famous days. A carriage-maker
by trade, he had a factory in Virginia City, and later,
in the early sixties, he engaged in the furniture busi-
ness at 732 Market Street, San Francisco, having as a
partner his brother, Myron H. Blue. His carriage-
making shop in Sacramento was first on Seventh
Street, later on Third Street, and last on Sixth Street.
He also, at one time in early days, had a sawmill at
Seattle, Wash. He passed all the chairs in the Odd
Fellows and he belonged to the Red Men. He passed
away in Sacramento at his old home at 1331 L Street,
May 22, 1906; his widow survived him until March
21, 1913. Sacramento, town and county, are proud to
claim such a good man and exemplary citizen as
George B. Blue.
WILLIAM H. DAILEY.— Another experienced
carpenter in such demand that he has been led by
circumstances to undertake contracting in a more or
less extensive manner is William H. Dailey, of Sac-
ramento, a native of Virginia City, Nev., who has
more than made good in California. His parents
were C. W. and Mary (Sheehy) Dailej^ and his
father came to California as a pioneer in 1858, and
for a while tried his luck at mining. They ranched
for five years, and then returned to Nevada, and
spent some time in the principal mining camps. In
1887, the family came once more to California, and
settled in Sacramento, where Mr. Dailey was a fore-
man carpenter; and in 1915 he died at the age of
seventy-nine years, six months, having well earned
the good name of an able and an honest workman.
Mrs. Dailey, who was always a favorite with those
who knew her, lived five months longer, and
breathed her last at the age of seventy-five.
William Dai'e\- attended the schools of Nevada,
in particular those of Virginia City, and then he
learned the carpenter trade; and after coming to
Sacrainento, he joined his father in contracting en-
terprises. They built the Orphans' Home, the Oak
Park skating rink, Mrs. Mason's residence on Twcn-
t}'-first Street, and the old Consumers' Ice plant;
and they erected a large number of residences, mostly
of the better class, some as fine as any in town at
that time. Their busy shop was where the Stoll
Hotel now stands; and he is recalled as about the
oldest in his line.
In 1881, Mr. Dailey was married to Miss Emma
Klees, a native daughter, and a merriber of an old-
time family, the heads of which had come across the
great plains in the usual oxen-train; and two chil-
dren and four grandchildren have sprung from this
fortunate union. Mrs. Dimmick of Alta is the elder
child; and Mrs. Evelyn Morse is the younger. Mrs.
Dailey's father, John Klees, came across the plains
in the spring of 1849. He died in 1902, but Mrs.
Klees is still living. Mr. Dailey is a Republican; and
for twenty-three years has been a Modern Woodman
of America. He is very fond of fishing, and is a
loyal booster for the great playground of nature.
RICHARD DALEY TORNEY.— A pioneer whose
decease is greatly lamented by all who knew him, was
the late Richard Daley Torney, who was a native of
Wisconsin. He crossed the untracked plains to
Oregon, from Wisconsin, in 1846, he and his good
wife taking their six-weeks-old baby, Mary Jane
Torney, and two years later reached California. He
was a building contractor and started the first livery
stable in Sacramento, with one big white horse. His
wife and child followed him from Oregon to Sacra-
mento in 1849, and the family resided at Sutter's Fort
for many years. Mr. Torney started the first levee
around the city, following the flood of 1850, and he
w'as assisted in the work by the man known as "Hon-
est John" Bigler, who from 1852 to 1856 was governor
of California.
In 1852 an epidemic of cholera struck Sacramento,
and Mr. Torney succumbed at the comparatively
young age of thirty years, leaving a widow and daugh-
ter in care of his brother-in-law, Elihu Cross. In the
flood period, 1862, Sutter's Fort (the home of the
Torney family) was the haven to which many persons
were forced to go, to save their lives, and in a report
of the Howard Benevolent Society, which raised funds
and in other ways aided the refugees, a paragraph is
devoted to a tribute to Mrs. Torney's hospitality and
generosity; and a gold watch was also presented to
her for her benevolent work in aiding the flood suf-
ferers. Mr. Torney had purchased a part of the Sutter
Grant on which the fort was located from General
Sutter in 1849; and Mrs. Torney sold a portion of
what her husband had bought to Mr. Garland, of Chi-
cago, who paid $10,000, a large sum in those days for
six blocks of land. Mr. Torney used to allow cattle
to be driven into the corral of the Fort, and he
charged as high as $100 per night, according to the
number, for the privilege.
920
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
D. H. McCULLOCH.— What electricity, in its
nianitokl applied forms, docs every day and hour for
the benefit of humankind, and how much it may be
worth as one of the amelioratinfc agencies of life, is
suggested bv the activities of the Electric Service
Company, of Oak Park. Sacramento, so ably repre-
sented by D. H. McCulloch, of 2941 Thirty-fifth
Street. A native of Des Moines, Iowa, he was born on
April 15. 1884, the son of D. R. and Alice (Hoggarth)
McCulloch, who came out to California in October,
1890, when it was still possible to perform a good
deal of pioneering for the benefit of the state. They
worked hard, made progress, and in forging ahead for
themselves, thev helped many who traveled or labored
with them. Mr. McCulloch was greatly missed,
when he laid aside his earthly labors; and Mrs. Mc-
Culloch is the center of a circle who believe in and
are cheered by her.
Having finished with the public schools, our subject
had some private technical training, and then took up
mechanical engineering. He then entered the South-
ern Pacific Railroad Company's shops, where he re-
mained for five years, and he next went for a year and
one-half to the Phoenix Boiler Works in Sacramento.
.'\fter that, he returned East to Illinois, and entered
the Silvas shops at Rock Island, stopping there a year.
From Rock Island he Avent to the Indian Territory, for
nine months, and then he was for four months with
the Northern Pacific Railroad. Returning to Sacra-
mento, after working at various shops, Mr. McCulloch
engaged with the Electrical Supply Company, for a
couple of years; and then for a couple of years he
was with W. A. Strand. The next four years he was
out in the open, ranching in Yolo County, and after
that he was in electrical work for himself for ten
months. In January, 1922. Mr. McCulloch embarked
on his present business. He very naturally belongs
to the Oak Park Merchants Club, where he enjoys
the prestige of having the best-equipped and best-
stocked electrical supply house for miles around.
Married at Sacramento, in 1907, to Miss Katharine
Roguin, of the capital city, Mr. McCulloch is now
the proud father of two children, Genevieve and David
L. McCulloch. He belongs ot the Odd Fellows and
the Eagles, and he is also a Republican.
GERALD R. JOHNSON.— The well-known firiTi
of Messrs. Devlin & Devlin, lawyers, could not well be
better represented than in the person of Gerald R.
Johnson, whose knowledge of the law, experience,
character and aggressive devotion to the best interests
of his clients have made him one of the favorites among
popular law practitioners in Sacramento County. He
was born at the capital on August 10, 1897, the son of
Howard K. Johnson, a county supervisor and the
manager of the Sacramento Transportation Company,
who had married Miss Minnie Meyers. Both parents
have been highly esteemed by those who, for years,
have known them and have witnessed their pioneer
work, the result of public-spiritedness and a willing-
ness to get behind all movements for local uplift.
Gerald Johnson attended both the grammar and the
high schools of his native district, and then matricu-
lated at the University of California, from which he
was graduated in 1920 with the A. B. degree. He
added to this training one year of post-graduate work,
look the necessary bar examinations, and was ad-
mitted to practice law in the courts of California in
August, 1921.
It was rather natural that his native town should
attract Mr. Johnson as a place of permanent residence
and as the best field for his professional practice, and
considering the relatively brief period since he first
made his bow to the public as a full-fledged lawyer, he
has done very well indeed. When the World War in-
volved America, he enlisted, and became an ensign
in the naval flying corps, seeing nineteen months of
service at San Diego and Miami, Florida. In college,
he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity;
he belongs to the Y. M. C. A.; and he is a Mason.
CHARLES W. KING. — An enterprising merchant,
whose successful management of one of the busiest
and most prosperous emporiums in Sacramento
County well attests to his qualifications as a commer-
cial leader, is Charles W. King, the proprietor of the
popular Rio Linda Market, which he established on
May 1, 1922, as a strictly up-to-date store, equipped
with a modern refrigeration plant. A native son. he
was born at 1115 L Street, Sacramento, on January
30, 1869, the only son of Jeremiah B. and Julia A.
(Bullock) King, both of whom are deceased. Two
daughters, one the wife of the Rev. George R. Bird
of Los Angeles, and the other, the wife of H. B. Bird,
of Sacramento, survive the parents.
Charles W. King attended the elementary schools
of Sacramento, and then worked as a delivery boy at
the Empire Market, at Second and K Streets, since
which time he has followed the butcher trade, and
having inherited certain invaluable incentives from
his father, more easily made his way to success.
Jeremiah King, who died on January 30,' 1884, after
a very active career, was born in New York, grew up
in the Empire State, studied law and was admitted to
the New York bar; but lured by gold, concerning
which there was then so much excitement, he came
West, and never practiced in his native state. As a
young man in California, he had become a millwright,
and for a w'hile followed his trade here; and in the
meantime, he prospected in the mines of Folsom and
vicinity. He returned East, and was married; and
then he came a second time, only to stay for a short
period, but he finally decided to bring his family
west, and in 1856 the wife and a daughter came by
way of Panama. He remained in Sacramento, and
took up building by contract; and it fell to his lot to
assume the responsibility for many of the best resi-
dences in the city at that time. He also served,
under Captain Cook^ as first lieutenant of Field Artil-
lery, in the State Guards.
Charles King left Sacramento for Butte City, Mont.,
where he spent three years, the summers on the range,
the winters in the retail shops as foreman for the
Butte City Butchering Company, and while in that
city he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Leon-
ard, a native of St. Louis, who had previously arrived
at Butte City with her parents. On returning to Sac-
ramento, in 1895, Mr. King was for three years in
charge of Captain Cook's City Market. At the out-
break of the Spanish-American War, Cook sold out,
and Charley King entered the employ of Henrj'
Shuelmyer, and he was in charge of their slaughter
house for four and one-half years, conducting a whole-
sale butcher business in Sacramento. From 1904 to
1910. he was foreman at Swanston & Son's Pack-
ing Plant, and for four years he also was on the road,
as a shipper, and covered Southern Oregon, Nevada
and California.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
921
In 1910. Mr. King bettered his position by going
into the employ of Gerber Bros., and he remained
with them until three years ago. He also purchased
ten acres of choice land in Rio Linda, and took up
general farming and the raising of poultry. A year
ago, he desired to do his share in pioneering in this
fast-growing section, and he opened up a first-class
market, the first of its kind, and one by which he is
able to serve the community and the countryside for
a circle of ten miles around, a convenience and a
benefit the value of which can only be estimated by
those f;miiliar with the lack of service before he
opened the shop. Mrs. King has also served the com-
munity as a trustee of the Rio Linda school district.
Mr. King is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. King have
six children. Laverta is Mrs. John W. Johnston, Jr.,
and Clara M. is in the employ of the Motor Vehicle
Department at Sacramento. The others are Ruth
and Julia; Finlay M., who assists his father in the
shop, and Marie, who is a student. Their home is
attractive, and among a number of priceless heir-
looms of early days in the West owned by the Kings
is a leather-covered and bound trunk, brought round
the Horn by our subject's parents.
KING H. LEE. — Widely-known among the popu-
lar constables of Sacramento County, King H. Lee
wields an enviable influence, enabling him to secure
the cooperation of the public in favor of law and
order. He is responsible for what transpires and
affects the community in American Township, having
been constable there for six years until 1922, and on
the 7th of November of the last year he was re-
elected for a second term. He was born on the Wash-
ington side of the Sacramento River, in Yolo County,
on June 7, 1870, the second eldest of five sons and
a daughter of the late Willard M. and Emma (V'an-
derbogart) Lee, early pioneer settlers of California.
His father was born in Massachusetts in 1833, a
descendant of Miles Standish, and he came to Cali-
fornia by waj' of Panama when he was a bo}'. He
started from home with his parents, and also three
others of the family, but his parents died of fever on
board ship, and were buried at sea off the Chilean
Coast, and the children continued on to their destina-
tion, arriving at Sacramento safely in April, 1850.
Willard M. Lee engaged in placer mining for only
a short time, and was soon back at his trade as a
wagon-maker and painter. He was known through-
out Central California as "the artist," for he finished
the stage-coaches with fancy stripes and lines, the
coaches in those days being well-kept; and at one
time in Sacramento, when he worked for the Old
California Stage Company, he received fifteen dollars
per day. He also worked in other places, in Marys-
ville, and Oroville, and his declining years were spent
peacefully at his home in Yolo County, across the
Sacramento River from the capital city. He died in
Sacramento, in 1903, at the age of sixty-eight, pre-
ceded to the grave, two years before, by his devoted
wife. Mrs. Lee was born in Pennsylvania of Quaker
stock, and her grandfather, Lieutenant Vanderbogart,
accompanied Colonel Stephenson as government sur-
veyor when he came to California. She was one of
three children, and the daughter of the ferryman at
the Nicolaus crossing on the Sacramento River. Then
Nicolaus was a thriving outfitting post to the mines,
a rival city to Marysville.
King Lee was reared in Sacramento and Yolo
Counties, learned the blacksmith trade and followed
the same. On May 6, 1898, he enlisted in Battery C,
California Heavy Artillery, and served in the Philip-
pines as sergeant of the United States Volunteers,
and is very proud to have been one of the boys who
followed Old Glory across the sea, so that his hon-
orable discharge, dated February 9, 1899, is a highly
prized document now. He returned to the Southern
Pacific Railroad shops at Sacramento, and took up
the work of a blacksmith there, and he continued
steadily in the employ of the railway shops for
twenty-five years. With the exception of a short
time spent at Portland, Ore., and also a few months
in Arizona and Mexico (about three months), he has
lived in California, Sacramento and Yolo Counties
all of his life. He belongs to the North Sacramento
Chamber of Commerce, and takes a very live interest
in all of its programs. He bought land at Del Paso
Heights in 1911, and he has resided there, having
built a fine home-place.
He had three months' experience, in 1914, on the
Mexican border, when he accompanied the 2nd Infan-
try, under Capt. Luke Howe, as a mechanic. Since
1916, too, he has served efficiently as the peace officer
for this district. American Township embraces North
Sacramento, Del Paso Heights, Robla, Rio Linda,
and Elverta, and the adjoining country territory. Mr.
Lee has given liberally of his time and means to carry
out his work and he enjoys the esteem and confidence
of everyone.
In 1899, at Portland, Mr. Lee was married to Miss
Lillian King, a native of Kansas, who came to Port-
land with her parents in 1890. Three children have
blessed their union; Rollin K. is a machinist of the
Pacific Gas & Electric Company, at Sacramento;
Flora has become the wife of R. L. Bushey, of the
capital city; Clinton is a student. Mr. Lee is a mem-
ber of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and be-
longs to Sacramento Parlor No. 3.
CHARLES G. WHITE.— A rancher of experience
and an enviable record, who well merits his retire-
ment, is Charles G. White, who resides about fifteen
miles north of Sacramento, on the Natomas Boule-
vard, where he owns a trim ranch and small orchard
of some eighty acres, which he purchased in 1912.
He has cleared off most of the land, and has ren-
dered an invaluable service to the section of country
by staj'ing with the development since the infancy
of the Natomas Reclamation District No. 1000. He is
among the two per cent of ranchers in the district
who are owners of their property, clear of any
incumbrances.
Charles White was born at Springville, Iowa, the
son of the late Hosea White, a native of Vermont and
a shoemaker by trade, who in his later years was a
pioneer farmer in Iowa, and became ver.v prominent
as a public-spirited man there. He was a direct de-
scendant of Peregrine White, the first white child
born in New England, who became famous in Colo-
nial history for having been born on the "Mayflower."
in Cape Cod Harbor, in 1620. The mother of our
subject was Elizabeth Greene, a native of Ohio, who
came west to Iowa with her parents. Charles is the
second youngest of eleven children, and he was pre-
ceded to the Golden State by his brother, the late
Lincoln White, and Clinton L. White, of Sacramento.
922
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Our subject came out to California in 1885, and
spent a few months at Sacramento and in its en-
virons, as a farmer associated with the late Lincoln
White, on the Sacramento River near Jacobs Slough.
He left Sacramento to go down to southern Cali-
fornia, and for ten years he worked as a fireman and
a mechanic on the Southern Pacific Railroad, run-
ning out of Los Angeles. In 1895, he went into the
Imperial Valley and located near Mecca, where he
spent two years in raising turkeys and other poultry.
On the opening up of Perris Valley, he purchased
forty acres and developed that during the following
four years, making of the same a profitable alfalfa
ranch. In 1912, Mr. White returned to Sacramento,
and he has since made this county his home; and he
has done much to further the development of Sacra-
mento County.
At Los Angeles, in 1913, Mr. White was united in
marriage with Miss Anna G. Waters, a native of
Springville, Iowa, and a gifted, charming woman,
who came west to California in 1903, and now enjoys,
with Mr. White, a wide circle of devoted friends.
WILLIAM H. PIMENTEL.— A progressive op-
erator \ cry familiar with Sacramento Coutity trans-
portation problems is William H. Pimentel, the wide-
awake and very accommodating part-proprietor of the
Hagginwood-North Sacramento Motor Stage-line. He
has a motto known to all patrons: "Best service for
the money," and to this he often adds: "and no de-
lays, if possible, in transportation."
He was born in Sonora, Tuolumne County, on June
30. 1891, the son of Frank and Julia (Milton) Pimen-
tel, the former a native of Boston, who came West
in 1852 to seek gold. He located mines in Tuolumne
County, and remained until six years prior to his
death, in April, 1922, as a farmer and pioneer pros-
pector. Previous to his death he had moved to
Modesto, where he died. Our subject is the eighth
child, in the order of birth, of nine children, of whom
five survive the parents, the devoted wife and mother,
lamented like her husband, having died in 1900.
William Pimentel was reared in the Mother Lode
of Tuolumne County, and at the age of thirteen com-
menced to support himself by working as a delivery
boy for the MacCormick wholesale and retail butcher
business, working with this company thirteen years.
Only once was this engagement interrupted, and that
was when, for thirteen months, he served as a clerk
in the Wells Fargo Express at Third and Townsend
Streets, San Francisco.
Mr. Pimentel has devoted the past eight years to
the study of, and the operation of motor stages and
the possible business therein, in northern California,
being a charter member of the Old Star Line, of
Stockton, in the formation of which, in 1915, he was
a prime mover, to operate motor-busses throughout
the San Joaquin Valley. He came from Stockton to
Sacramento in September, 1920, and has since built
up a business from the foundation, so that his com-
pany now operates a fleet of motor busses running out
of Sacramento to Hagginwood and North Sacra-
mento. They own and operate only White truck
vehicle;, said to be eminently satisfactory in affording
continuously superior service. He and his partner,
S. C. Houck, were successors to A. M. Fowler, who
founded the stage line. Mr. Pimentel is the vice-
president of the Hagginwood farm bureau, and a
charter member of the North Sacramento Chamber
of Commerce. Ever ready to serve the community,
he is a member of the Volunteer Fire Department of
North Sacramento; he acts as custodian of the fire
engine of his district, and realizing his ability, the
fire commissioner of North Sacramento appointed
him deputy fire warden. He is public-spirited and
ready to give of his time and means to advance the
community which he has selected as his home.
The marriage of Mr. Pimentel to Miss Hazel H.
Houck, of Sonora, occurred at Stockton in November,
1914. Miss Houck was born at Sonora, the daughter
of Mr. Pimentel's partner, a pioneer of Tuolumne
County, and now a resident of Sacramento. Two
children have been born to this worthy couple, Neva
and Wilma Jean. Mr. Pimentel is a Mason of the
Blue Lodge.
PERCY E. BUCHANAN.— Emphatically a man
of energy, Percy E. Buchanan is one of the enter-
prising and active men of Sacramento County, giving
substantial encouragement to every plan for the pro-
motion of the public welfare. He was born May 10,
1889, at Ripon, Cal., the son of H. A. and Ida (Fred-
erick) Buchanan. His mother's parents, John W. and
Nancy (Underwood) Frederick, natives of California
and Iowa, respectively, were the parents of seven
children: Mary Ellen; Flora; Mrs. Birdina Curtis;
Ida, our subject's mother; Eliza; John W.; and
James W. Mr. John Frederick homesteaded 160
acres and purchased 160 acres of land, all of which
he farmed to grain. Both Mr. and Mrs. Frederick
are dead, their son, John W., being the administrator
of the estate.
P. E. Buchanan attended the old Ripon school
when he was six years old. At the age of eighteen
years, he started to work as a laborer for Ortman
and Melton, contractors on the construction of the
French Camp highway to Oakdale. Later, he was in
the employ of Cyrus Moreing, Stockton road build-
ers, and in 1914 he moved to Folsom City and be-
came county road superintendent of District No. 4,
Sacramento County. There is no section which has
better facilities for the building of roads than this
outfit. Under the leadership of John A. Russi,
county supervisor of District No. 4, Mr. P. E. Bu-
chanan has surrounded himself with a corps of
twenty men, all of whom are qualified in the con-
struction and maintenance of highways. Mr. Bu-
chanan and his crew completed the Orangevale high-
way, a new concrete road, and have also built many
new sections of various roads. During the World
War, he put every efifort into farming and secured
very satisfactory results. He has acquired various
desirable pieces of property in Folsom City and has
a complete outfit including a caterpillar tractor, etc.
For some time he was a grain farmer in Wheatland,
but at present he leases his farms and machinery on
shares.
On October 26, 1912, Mr. Percy E. Buchanan was
united in marriage with Miss Alice Fae Farschon, a
native of Ripon, Cal., and the daughter of John W.
and Blanche Farschon. Her father conducted a black-
smith shop at Ripon for twenty-eight years; and he
was one of the five children born to Sebastian and
Catherine (Chambers) Farschon, natives of Alsace-
Lorraine, France, and County Mayo, Ireland, respec-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
923
lively. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan are the parents of
three children: Stanley. Robert and William. Mr.
Buchanan is a member of the B. P. O E., No. 6. and
N. S. G. W., No. 83. Politically, he endorses the plat-
form of the Democratic party and is a stanch supporter
of men and measures that, in his best judgment,
would be most beneficial to the community's welfare.
EVAN J. HUGHES.— California has always en-
joyed an exceptional fame on account of the distin-
guished character of the members of her bar, and no
county in the Golden State has been more fortunate
than Sacramento, with such representative men as
Evan J. Hughes, the attorney. He was born at Osh-
kosh, Wis., on January 22, 1885, the son of G. W. and
Jane (Jones) Hughes. The father was a contractor
in Oshkosh; both parents are now deceased.
Evan Hughes attended both the grammar and high
schools of Tacoma, and then matriculated at the
University of California, where he spent five years,
receiving in 1907 the coveted degree of Bachelor of
Letters. He next went to Harvard, and in 1910 fin-
ished his law course there, when he returned to Cali-
fornia. He was with the United States Immigration
Commission as special agent, and was also employed
by the California Commission on Revenue and Taxa-
tion, and then acted as tax expert to the State Comp-
troller and the Board of Equalization, all of which
added much of invaluable experience.
In 1914, Mr. Hughes joined Charles W. Thomas,
Jr., for a couple of j^ears in law practice in Sacra-
mento, and since that time he has been practicing
law for himself. His exceptional knowledge of the
law, particularly with reference to certain fields, his
general scholarly preparation, and his high integrity
and disinterested loyaltA^ to patrons, have contributed
to bring him a very desirable clientele, and to assure
him professional and social status. He belongs to
the Sacramento Bar Association and to the Ad Club,
and is naturally much interested in the right develop-
ment of Sacramento institutions and resources.
When Mr. Hughes was married, in 1921, at Sacra-
mento, he chose for his helpmate in life Miss Elva
Christie, of Sacramento. Mr. Hughes is a Scottish
Rite Mason and a Shriner, and he is also a member
of the Sutter Clul).
FREDRICK JAMES McGEE.— Prominent among
the most interesting of the 3'ounger representative
business men of Sacramento County is Fredrick
James McGee, widely known through his identifica-
tion with the firm of McCarthy & McGee of the
capital, in which city he was born. He first saw
light on July 29, 1895, when he entered the family
circle of Daniel J. and Josephine A. (Taylor) McGee.
His father is general foreman of the bridge and build-
ing department of the Southern Pacific, and it is
needless to say that he afi^orded the ambitious son
the best of educational advantages, so that he finished
the usual grammar school courses, entered the Sacra-
mento high school, and was graduated therefrom in
February, 1915.
Setting out into the world, Fred McGee joined the
Earl Fruit Company, commencing at the lower rungs
of the ladder; and he climbed until he was assistant
sales manager. He mastered the many details of that
line of trade, worked hard and prospered, and on
January 1, 1922, bought an interest in the Cole-
McCarthy Compan\-, the firm becoming McCarthy &
McGee, insurance specialists, with headcjuartcrs at
1008 Eighth Street.
When the World War called for the young Ameri-
cans of the country, Mr. McGee was among the first
to respond from this section, and he entered the
United States Regular Army, joined the aviation
corps, and in April, 1918, sailed for France. He did
valiant service until the armistice was signed, and
in November, 1919, was honorably discharged, and
was the first soldier from this section to get home.
Mr. McGee belongs to Sacramento Parlor, Native
Sons of the Golden West; the Knights of Columbus,
in which he has reached the third degree, and the
B. P. O. Elks; and he was a member, in student days,
of the Phi Sigma Chi and the Phi Gamma Pi fra-
ternities. He is fond of hunting in the mountains of
northern California.
BEVERLY GIBSON.— A Kentuckian who has
made good in California is Beverly Gibson, the wide-
awake, progressive proprietor of the popular River
Auto-Stage, with headquarters at Sacramento. He
was born in Corydon, Henderson County, on Septem-
ber 10, 1883, the son of George L. and Locky Ann
(Christopher) Gibson, farmer-folk who did their
part in developing the resources of the country, thus
living useful lives, which are now' closed.
Beverly attended both the grammar and the high
schools of Corydon, but when eighteen years of age
left home. In 1903, he came to California and located
at Fresno; and entering the service of the Pacific
Telephone and Telegraph Company, he remained
with them about eight, and one-half years, for three
years operating out of Berkeley and Oakland. He
then went to Isleton, where he was with the Great
Western Power Company for three j'ears; and for a
year he was in the electrical field.
Usin.g a Ford, in 1916. he then started a stage-
route between Isleton and Sacramento, and after two
months he was able to put a seven-passenger car on
the service. At the end of a 3'ear he built the first
large stage for twelve passengers, and after that one
for sixteen passengers. In 1922 he was able to buy
out his partners and has been engaged in the business
on his own responsibility ever since. He now has
six twenty-passenger and four twelve-passenger
busses in the service and employs seven men,, and
gives the very best of service to a section of country
that is rich in agricultural production. He runs six
round trips daily to Isleton and Rio Vista, and the
efforts Mr. Gibson has put forth have done much to
aid in the development of the district he serves, and
he takes an active interest in every project that is
put forward to benefit the people of those districts
he accommodates. He also operates a line from
Walnut Grove, and has an extension into Stockton,
thus giving him access to the rich delta country and
the San Joaquin Valley. He also has a line to Frank-
lin and Thornton, and has an application for an
extension from Rio Vista to Antioch into Contra
Costa County. He gives his personal attention to
the details of his affairs and owns one of the most
serviceable and most popular bus lines in central
California.
In the year 1905, Mr. Gibson w-as married to Miss
Mary Belle Cochran, a favorite in the social circles
of Fresno; and they have four children: Beverly
924
HISTORY' OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Clay. Anna iJcllc. GcorKc Thomas, and Curtis Coch-
ran. Mr. Gibson is a thirty-second degree Scottish
Rito Mason, a Shriner and a member of the Ben AH
I'alrol of Sacramento.
LOUIS F. HANDLIN.— A wide-awake represen-
tative ul a very progressive and well-known business
house of Sacramento is Louis F. Handlin, the junior
member of the firm of Messrs. Barton & Handlin, of
619 J Street. A native son, and one exceptionally
loyal to the state in which he first saw light, he was
born at Sacramento on November 10, 1878, the son of
Joseph J. and Sarah J. (Harris) Handlin. the former
a veteran of the Civil War, in which he fought with
Maryland troops. When the great struggle was over.
he came west from devastated fields and ruined for-
tunes to the newer and more inviting California,
where he entered the service of the Southern Pacific
Railroad Company. He also found a place in the
navy yard, and proved most valuable there as one of
their expert brass-foundry men.
T^ouis attended the public schools of Sacramento,
and then he secured employment with the Sacramento
"Bee," rose to become superintendent of circulatiori,
and was in the service of that famous newspaper for
twenty years. He next ventured into the real estate
field, but at the end of two years he joined Louis G.
Barton, and the two formed the firm of Barton &
Handlin. and bought out the California Wall Paper
Company. Since that time they have been estab-
lished at the above address, where they have main-
tained the leading store in the capital city for the
supply of wall paper, paper and related articles, build-
ing up and holding a superior trade through their
policy of leaving nothing undone to accommodate
and help a customer.
In the year 1908 Mr. Handlin was married to Miss
Ida L. Suter. the daughter of Chris Suter, an old
pioneer from Switzerland who came out to California
before Ida was born, and eventually became con-
nected with the Suter Planing Mill. Mr. Handlin be-
longs to Sacramento Lodge No. 6 of the Elks, and is
keenly interested in both the city and county of Sac-
ramento, proving his local devotion by an investment
in valuable properties.
CARROLL OGDEN DUDLEY.— An indefatiga-
able worker, who became a successful contractor and
builder through industry and honest toil, is Carroll
Ogden Dudley, who was born on November 7, 1882,
at Sacramento, Cal., the son of James and Elizabeth
Dudley. His father, an expert carpenter, settled in
California in 1879. Carroll Ogden Dudley was edu-
cated in the public schools, and after completing his
school studies he became an apprentice and learned
the carpentering trade. He was Mr. L. G. Barton's
partner for two and one-half years, dissolving the
partnership when he sold out his interest and went
into business for himself. Mr. Dudley has handled
some of the largest jobs in the state, and is especially
interested in the building of fine residences and
apartments.
On the 27th day of September, 1909, at Sacramento,
Mr. Dudley was united in marriage to Miss Edna
Sheets, of Indiana. They have been blessed with a
son, Carroll Ogden, Jr. In national politics Mr.
Dudley is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a mem-
ber of the Odd Fellows and the Masons, and is also
a member of the Builders' Epcchange. He is a great
booster of outdoor sports, and is very fond of hunt-
ing and fishing.
WILLIAM H. COMSTOCK.— An experienced,
efficient and ever-accommodating public official who
well deserves his popularity, is William H. Comstock,
past nine years postmaster at Folsom City. He was
born near Farmington, in Oakland County, Mich.,
on January 23, 1865, the son of G. Franklin and
Emily (Grace) Comstock, worthy natives of Oak-
land County, Mich., of Scotch and Irish ancestry.
All four of our subject's great-grandfathers were
soldiers in the Continental Army, and served under
Washington.
William H. Comstock was reared as a farmer's son
in Michigan, and after attending the local grammar
school, pursued the courses of the Pontiac high
school. He then entered the Michigan State Nor-
mal School at Ypsilanti, although he had already
taught school when he was eighteen years of age, at
Farmington; and after pursuing courses of study,
there, for the next four years again engaged in
teaching.
In September, 1888, he arrived at Denver, from
Michigan, and for some time was head clerk in
the Broadway Hotel and for one year was head
clerk in the Brunswick Hotel, but in November,
1892, he came out to California and Sacramento on
a pleasure trip. He decided, however, to stay, and
having entered the Pullman car service of the South-
ern Pacific, on the run between San Francisco and
Los Angeles, worked for two years. Returning to
Sacramento, he located at Folsom, where his family
had already resided for two years, having bought a
home there in 1892, and after a while he bought a
ranch at Ashland, on the American River across
from Folsom City. In 1894 he sold out and rein-
vested in 100 acres known as Willow Spring ranch,
at that time located on the edge of Folsom City,
east on the Placerville Road, and for the next fifteen
years he followed dairying and the stock-business,
and later sold oS the greater part of this ranch to
the Natomas Company of California. Ten years ago
he built a fine residence on the remaining part of the
ranch close to Folsom, and there he resides today.
While at Denver, he was married to Miss Nati
Bradner. who was born in Wayne County, Mich.,
and was a life-long acquaintance; and she journeyed
all the way to Colorado to become his bride. One
child, a daughter, Grace Fairman, blessed their
union, and is now the wife of C. E. Morton, who is
instructor in music in the public schools of Berkeley.
They have three children, Dorothy, Jack and Carl.
Mr. Comstock is a member of Natoma Lodge of
Masons, and of the Eastern Star, in which latter
organization Mrs. Comstock is also active. He owns
desirable real estate in North Sacramento and also
in Denver, and has made several trips back to Colo-
rado and Michigan. A stanch Democrat, he for-
merly served on the county central committee of his
party; but he is less partisan in matters of local im-
port, and is always ready to put his shoulder to the
wheel and assist in any movement for community
uplift. For many years, he has served as trustee
of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Folsom.
Mr. Comstock was appointed postmaster at Fol-
som City by Postmaster-General Burleson, with the
endorsement of President Wilson, and entered upon
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUN'I^Y
925
his official duties on Alay 1, 1914. Hl- discharged
his responsibility most conscientiously, managing
both this third-class office and two rural deliveries.
No. 1 serves the Orangevale section, and as routed a
stretch of twenty-two miles; the Star route serves all
the territory out of Folsom to Rescue, returning to
Folsom by way of Sa'mon Falls along a route of
thirty-two miles. Folsom City postoffice has grown
steadily and has had to enlarge its quarters, and two
years ago it was extended to twice its former capac-
ity, the best of evidence, if anj' were needed, of the
gradual development of the surrounding country.
During the World War, Postmaster Comstock
handled the registration of all aliens, recording their
finger-prints for this section of the county, and send-
ing them on to San Francisco. The entire district
was served with war saving certificates and thrift
stamps, and record sales of each were recorded,
largely due to the untiring work of the subject, and
his staff of able assistants. He terminated his term,
February 1, 1923. Mr. Comstock is an enthusiastic
advocate of the civil service, especia'ly as it is ex-
emplified by the United States post office, and he has
long enjoyed the confidence, esteem and good will of
the public on account of his faithful efforts in the
public's behalf.
WILLIAM E. HATHAWAY.— One of the well-
known mining men in Sacramento County, whose
experience and knowledge enable him to discuss with
precision many questions involved in the construction
and operation of mines, and the development of
ranches, is William E. Hathaway, superintendent of
the Coast Rock & Gravel Company. He is the son
of C. M. and Barbara (Harper) Hathaway and was
born on August 11, 1866, at Breckenridge, Colo. His
father was a native of Illinois and the mother was a
native of Kentucky. The father vv'as a pioneer
of 1850 and was a miner in Colorado. While he was
making his way westward, he sensed the feeling of
opposition between the North and the South grow
stronger and stronger. He came as far as Yreka.
Cal., and being a loyal citizen, answered the call of
his native state and traveled back East. He enlisted
in the army of the North and fought through the
entire Civil War. When peace reigned once more,
he engaged in the stock business in South Dakota,
where he remained until his death.
William E. Hathaway v\-as educated in the public
schools of the Black Hill country of South Dakota.
He worked on his father's stock-rancH, riding the
range, initil he was twenty years old. In 1888 he
was employed by a railroad company on their con-
struction work; then for ten years he was employed
in the mines. In 1904 he came to California. He was
employed by the E. B. & A. L. Stone Company of
Oakland, who had the government contract for the
Truckee and the Carson projects. In 1910 he joined
the Natomas Company, as superintendent of their rock-
crushing plant at Natoma, and in 1913 took charge of
the plant at Fair Oaks, and in 1920 became connected
with the Coast Rock & Gravel Company, where he
has been ever since.
At Grand Island, Nebr., William E. Hathaway
was united in marriage to Kate Birdsall, of New
York. Her father was a native of England, and her
mother a native daughter of Pennsylvania. They are
the parents of one child, William E., Jr., who is at-
tending St. John's Military Academy, near Milwau-
kee. Mr. Hathaway is very fond of all sports, and is
especially interested in horse-racing. He has served
faithfully as the trustee of the Fair Oaks school dis-
trict for two terms, and is an Elk of Lodge No. 559,
Vallejo. Politically, he adheres to the Democratic
party.
WILLIAM J. MANNIX.— All the California mo-
tor world has heard of the renowned automobile
dealers, the Don Lee Company, whose able and pop-
ular manager at Sacramento is William J. Mannix,
a native son of Sacramento, where he was born on
December 12, 1882. His father is the well-known and
esteemed custodian of the city hall, D. J. Mannix; and
his mother before her marriage was Miss Lillian V.
Churchill.
William J. Mannix attended the local grammar and
high schools, and then learned the plasterer's trade,
which he followed for ten years. After that, having
a chance to get into the automobile business, he did
so, and on August 12, 1915, was fortunate in joining
Don Lee as one of his picked salesmen. On the 8th
of April of the year following, Mr. Mannix was made
manager, a tribute to his experience in the seven
years from 1908 to 1915, when he was in business
for himself and sold the Maxwell and the Columbia
automobiles. Now, as Mr. Lee's representative, he
is interested in pushing the Cadillac in three coun-
ties, Sacramento, Placer and Eldorado.
At Sacramento, June 30, 1903, Mr. Mannix was
married to Miss Edith L. Heilbron, a member of an
old-time family of Sacramento; and their union has
been blessed with the birth of a son, William H.
Mannix. Our subject is a Republican in national poli-
tics, but is an influential booster of the non-partisan
type, in all matters of local import. He belongs to
the Odd Fellovi'S and Elks, and he is a member of
the Lions afld the Del Paso Country Club. He is an
adept at golf, and fond of outdoor life.
JOHN N. MEYER. — Among the financial enter-
prises in Sacramento, the expansion and development
of which have been important elements in general
progress, is numbered the Associated Terminals Com-
pany, operating the Sacramento dock and warehouse
in West Sacramento, of which John N. Meyer is
manager. He was born in San Francisco in May,
1874, a son of John N. and Sophie (Stubbs) Meyer;
he attended grammar and high school in the bay city,
and after finishing his schooling entered the employ
of the Santa Fe Railroad Company in the traffic and
operating departments; then for six years he was with
the Associated Terminals Company in San Francisco
and in April, 1918, came to Sacramento as manager
of this branch of the company'.
The marriage of Mr. Meyer united him with Miss
Annie Peterson, of San Jose, Cal., and they are the
parents of three children: John G., Doris and Paul.
The fraternal relations of Mr. Meyer are confined to
the National Union and the Maccabees, and he is
a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Sut-
ter Club of Sacramento. During the Spanish-Ameri-
can War, Mr. Meyer was in the quartermaster's de-
partment of the United States Navy for six months.
He is held in high regard by all who know him, for
he is honorable and upright in all his dealings with
his fellow-men.
926
IS'l'om' OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
MISS SILVEY-PEARLE TINSLER.— Prominent
amoiiK the most interesting women of the twentieth
century in California may well be rated Miss Silvey-
Pearle 'Pinsler, the popular attorney of Sacramento,
and the daughter of George 1'". and Mary M. (Liv-
ingston* Tinsler, esteemed residents of Des Moines,
Iowa. Mr. Tinsler was a pedagogue, teaching in vari-
ous colleges, and he is now a successful man in the
business world. Both parents are still living, and
both enjoy a pleasant social life.
Silvey-Pearle Tinsler attended both public and pri-
vate educational institutions, and then she took a
special course in jurisprudence at Berkeley, w'here
she was stimulated by personal contact with leaders
in the realm of Blackstone. and with representative
public men who had accomplished something worth
while in the world. Eventually, on March 17, 1917,
having taken the state examination, she was admitted
to practice at the bar in California; and she has been
in the office of Richard P. Talbot ever since. She
enjoys the distinction of being the only woman prac-
ticing patent law- in Sacramento. Miss Tinsler has
entered actively into civic and professional life since
establishing herself here, and is an honored member
of the Bar Association. She specializes in patents,
and has been exceptionally successful in her chosen
field.
Miss Tinsler is also a member of the Eastern Star,
and of the Woman's and the Tuesday Clubs. She
was formerly engaged in theatrical work, and still
writes plays. All in all, it is pleasurable to record
that Miss Tinsler has held her own in the fairest
competition of a wide-awake, progressive local world,
and contributes her share toward maintaining the
high dignity of the profession in Sacramento County.
N. TRACY CARPENTER.— An experienced poul-
lr\-raiser, familiar especially with California condi-
tions favorable or unfavorable to that industry here,
is N. Tracy Carpenter, wdio has made his chicken
ranch on Fifty-third Street one of the interesting
show-places in Sacramento County. He was born in
Eldorado County, California, the son of C. G. and
Sarah (Payne) Carpenter, a pioneer couple of such
early days that his father came out seeking the
Golden State, by way of the Isthmus, in 18S0, and his
mother followed during the next year. He tried
regular mining for a while, and then he dug a large
ditch for irrigation and mining, in Eldorado County.
He farmed, and raised fruit and stock, until he died.
Mrs. Carpenter preceded her husband in death.
N. Tracy Carpenter attended the public schools of
Eldorado County, and then remained with his father,
in agricultural pursuits, until the latter's death. After
that, for three years, he took charge of the farm; and
in 1887 he removed to Sacramento and here com-
menced raising chickens, in a modest way, starting
with about eight Leghorns, and hatching by hens.
Then he installed the incubators and brooders, and
now he has 2,000 hens, housed and yarded on ten
acres. He is the pioneer poultryman in Sacramento,
and has been reasonably successful in hatching and
shipping baby chicks to all sections, although the sur-
plus eggs he has are usually disposed of in Sacra-
mento. He also raises pigeons and squabs.
In 1884, Mr. Carpenter was married to Miss Ninta
1'". Lowe, a native of Illinois, who had been in Cali-
fornia since her childhood. Two children have blessed
the union: Bernice, a graduate of the Lhiiversity of
California, taught for a while in the Placerville high
school, and is now married to George J. Steedman;
and Cyril T. has alw-ays been at home with his
father. Mr. Carpenter is a member of the Chamber
of Commerce; and in politics, he has Republican pref-
erences. Two grandchildren give joy to the Carpen-
ter hearth; they are George and Robert Steedman,
and they live in Oakland.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN BOYD.— A business man
whose methods and standards are as interesting and
inspiring as the story of his remarkable success is
Abraham Lincoln Boyd, the wholesale candy manu-
facturer with headquarters at 1117 Nineteenth Street,
Sacramento. He was born at Jersejr Cit^', N. J., on
December 8, 1860, the son of Thomas and Susan
(Roe) Boyd, both natives of New York City, the
former now deceased, having passed away at the age
of eighty-seven, the latter having preceded her hus-
band many years. Seven children were born to this
worthy couple, among whom three have survived:
Abraham L. Boyd is the subject of our review;
George T., of Sacramento; and Mrs. J. E. Sauze re-
sides in Walla Walla, Wash. The father, Thomas
Boyd, came to California for the first time in 1852,
having reached here by way of the Isthmus of Pan-
ama; he was at Grass Valley for a short time, and
then he established himself as a confectioner in San
Francisco. He returned East, and in 1864 brought
out his family, and located at Sacramento, where he
became the pioneer candy-maker. His first place of
business was at the corner of J and Fifth Streets, the
present site of the Travelers' Hotel, and his second
place was at 824 J Street, on the site of the Elks
Building; he owned that property, and sold it to the
Elks Lodge. He made "home-made" candy from
his own recipes, and so well did he prosper that he
came to ovi-n valuable real estate in Sacramento,
which mcluded the lot on the northeast corner of
Ninth and, N Streets, a part of the block where the
Capitol extension buildings are now being erected.
He also bought and sold real estate, and owned a
ranch of 320 acres in Sutter County, which was sub-
divided and then sold, and also a ranch near Florin.
He was an expert in the planting, pruning and grow-
ing of fruit trees and vines, and he was the inventor
of the famous Rock Candy, which was used in mix-
ing the drink of rock and rye, and made the first
batch of rock candy in 1868. His son has in his
possession a can of the first batch his father made,
still in fine condition, and good to eat. It was made
from brown sugar, brought from the Hawaiian
Islands, wrapped and shipped in grass mats. He sold
the rock candy to Captain Seddens, who conducted a
parlor drinking place on J Street, on the spot where
the original D. O. Mills Bank stands. Seddens'
place had no signs on the front, and the store had
Brussels carpet on the floor, and was the meeting
place of statesmen, bankers and miners. He poured
rye wdiisky over the candy, and sold the drinks for
twenty-five cents each. Thomas Boyd was a thirty-
second degree Scottish Rite Mason, and at his death
was the second oldest member of Sacramento Lodge
No. 40, F. & A. M., of Sacramento. Al Boyd, as he is
familiarly known by his friends, attended his first
school in Sacramento, in a building in an alley be-
tween Fourtli and Fifth Streets, and I and J Streets;
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
927
and later he went to the Goethe School, con-
ducted by Rev. Goethe, a German Lutheran preacher
and school teacher, at the corner of Ninth and K
Streets, where Hale Bros.' store stands today. He
finished in the public schools, and at the E. C. Atkin-
son Business College. He learned how to manufac-
ture candy while working with and under the direc-
tion of his father, and as long ago as twenty-five
years, started in business for himself. He specialized
in horehounds and Irish moss cough drops, made
from recipes supplied by his experienced father: and
under the copyrighted names, "Blue Shield Hore-
hound" and "Green Star Irish Moss," these have
become famous throughout California, and still enjoy
a large sale. He sold his first batch of candj' from
house to house, and in stores, and carried the same
in a leather bag. Mr. Boyd has witnessed many
changes in Sacramento. He belongs to Sacramento
Lodge No. 140 of the L^nited Commercial Travelers'
Association.
In the year 1891, and at Sacramento, Mr. Boyd was
married to Miss Georgia Shearer, a native of Mon-
rovia, Mar\'land; and they have one son, Thomas
Boyd, the well-known and popular musician. He
was born on April 9. 1894, and for eight years -stud-
ied with Arthur Hept, the famous violinist, who is
now a member of the San Francisco Symphony
Orchestra. Thomas Boyd is thus an accomplished
violinist, and at present is the leader of the Orpheum
Orchestra in Sacramento. He led the orchestra in
both the State Theater and Hippodrome at Stockton,
and the Hippodrome in San Jose; and he is a mem-
ber of the Sacramento Musician's LTnion, No. 12, the
Stockton LInion No. 189, and the San Jose L'nion,
No. 153. He is married and has two children, Marie
Alice and Thomas Earl; and he belongs to the San
Joaquin Lodge of Masons, No. 19, at Stockton, and
P3-ramid No. 5, Sciots, of the same city.
ALBERT W. McDONELL.— A widely-experienced
farmer w'ho enjo\-s the pleasant distinction of having
chosen to be an orchardist, and then becoming one of
such familiarity with orcharding problems, and such
success in his varied products, that other agricultur-
ists look to him for a helpful lead, is Albert W. Mc-
Donell, who was born, a native son, on the old home
place at Mills Station. His father, George Alexander
McDonell, had married Miss Eliza D. Fisher; and
they provided such a comfortable, attractive, home,
that the}' may be said to have contributed a deal to-
ward our subject's ultimate attainments.
Albert W. McDonell went to the Brighton schools,
and finished with an excellent course at the Sacra-
mento Business College; and then, having learned
civil engineering through practical experience, he fol-
lowed that professional line for a year. Returning to
the ranch, he worked with his brother, George F. Mc-
Donell, for a couple of years; and then he bought, for
two years, a half-interest v\'ith him. He next pur-
chased eighty acres of the old estate; and two years
later, he bought out his brother's interest altogether,
and he has been laboring alone ever since. He owns
eighty-four acres, and farms 600 acres, which he rents,
in addition; and his tracts are as trim and appealing,
at the height of the seasons, as any that can be found
near here. In national politics a Republican, Mr. Mc-
Donell is non-partisan when it comes to endorsing
well-approved local propositions. He is also patrioti-
cally devoted to Sacramento County, and finds pleas-
ure in lielonging to Sunset Parlor of the Native Sons
of the Golden West.
When Mr. McDonell, in 1914, was married, he chose
Miss V'erna May Mcintosh, of Canada, for his wife;
and they have three children: Helen Irene, Beth
Ellen, and Dorothy Bell. He is fond of fishing and
hunting, but particularly enthusiastic about baseball,
and he has played semi-professional ball. He manages
the Mills Stars, and that alone should be sufficient to
accord and assure him all local popularity.
HARRY L. MURPHY.— A highly-esteemed native
son who has not only succeeded as a farmer, but has
become an efficient and popular constable of his dis-
trict, is Harry L. Murphy, of Perkins. He was born
on a farm on Jackson road, near Perkins, on Septem-
ber 19. 1883, the son of P. H. and Carrie R. (Jack-
man) Murphy; his father having been a pioneer, who
came out to California in the early days of '54, cross-
ing the great plains with oxen; and he worked upon,
and homesteaded 160 acres of land, receiving a patent
signed by President Lincoln. Mr. Murphy also served
as a constable; and he was as intrepid and faithful as
any law-enforcers that could be found. He farmed
for the remainder of his life: and in March, 1913,
closed his useful career. Mrs. Murphy, who came
from New Hainpshire, and was a Yankee school-
ma'am, and here married, is still living, being revered
by all who know her.
Harry L. Murphy attended the rural schools, and
then went to work on his father's ranch, continuing
with him until the latter's death; and since his demise,
he and his brother, Elmer H,, have been operating the
farm together. They deal in registered cattle, have
exhibited at the state fair since 1880, and have taken
man}- prizes with their stock. Continuing an inter-
esting tradition in the family, Mr. Murphy has re-
cently finished his first term as constable. In na-
tional politics he is a Republican. He is fond of hunt-
ing and fishing, and he is also very devoted to Sacra-
mento County.
Mr. Murphy married Miss Mattie M. Meisenheimer,
a native daughter hailing from Hanford and Florin;
and they have three children: Edith Lillian. David
Henry, and Cecil Gordon.
PETER M. ROBINSON.— A very interesting
pioneer, who well merits his comfortable retirement,
is Peter M. Robinson, of the attractive town of Per-
kins, a native of Illinois, where he was born on Janu-
ary 8, 1853. His parents were sturdy pioneers before
him, and he thus inherited the best of brain and brawn
calculated to assist him as a settler. He was brought
to Sacramento as a baby by these early-timers, and
so in time attended the public schools of the capital.
After a while, his father came out to Mayhews and
took up farming; and our suliject continued with his
father on the farm until 1883, when he was married
to Miss Elizabeth Kelly, a native daughter, and a
member of an old family.
Mr. Robinson commenced farming for himself soon
after, and from the start he did well. He has leased
several places, and now he has about seventy trim
acres, devoted to fruit culture. It has been his pride
and his ambition to follow the progress of agriculture
in America, and to be among the first in Sacramento
County to apply the latest methods, and to use the
most up-to-date apparatus; and he has been rewarded
with results far beyond those enjoyed by (he average.
928
HISTOID' OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
lie is a Democrat in inatUTS of national political iin-
port, but he is a devoted, non-partisan supporter of
whatever he beh'evcs to be best for the community or
locality in which he lives and prospers.
Ethel, a danglitcr, has become Mrs. McKee; and
Margaret is Mrs. George McDonell, of Perkins; while
Ann, another daughter, is at home. James is farming
for himself; and Loricne is teaching school. There
are six grandchildren in the family circle.
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS COLLEGE. — As
schools go, even American schools, the Christian
Brothers College is still a comparatively young in-
stitution. But it is a tremendous institution, great,
growing, intensely alive, abreast of the times, and
striving ever after new growth and new power. In
1876, while Sacramento was still in the archdiocese of
San Francisco, the Brothers came to this city. It was
due to the active zeal of the Rev. Father Patrick Scan-
Ian that the present site was acquired in the vicinity
of the Cathedral. The need of an educational estab-
lishment, wherein Catholic young men could receive
instruction in their religion as well as in the affairs
of men, was very noticeable in Sacramento. On July
16, 1876, the new college building was dedicated by
the Most Reverend Archbishop Alemany and was con-
sidered one of the best buildings in the state at that
time; the following day the college was opened to re-
ceive students and when the school work began there
were 200 pupils enrolled. Steadily the work of the
Brothers has advanced and today it is one of the fore-
most institutions of learning in the capital city. For
many years the college bore the name of the Sacra-
mento Institute; later it was changed to Christian
Brothers College.
The success of the Christian Brothers College has
been greatly due to its capable presidents and facul-
ties. It would have been impossible for any one man
to bring this college to the prestige that it deservedly
and undoubtedly enjoys. The property on which the
college stands has so increased in value that a new
and beautiful establishment consisting of three build-
ings is contemplated; this will accommodate twelve
Brothers and fifty boarders and a'bout 300 day stu-
dents. The physical as well as the intellectual and
moral education of the students will receive the best
attention, for the school rooms and dormitories will
be modern in every respect; the site will include a
large campus with all things necessary for the out-
door training of the students; and indoor physical
training will not be neglected.
CHARLES LESLIE HUGHES.— An energetic,
experienced executive is Charles Leslie Hughes, the
secretary of the California Breeders' Sales and Pedi-
gree Company, in the Ochsner Building in Sacra-
mento. A native of the Empire State, Mr. Hughes
was born on January 6, 1880, the son of L. E. and
Anna (McGinniss) Hughes, worthy citizens who did
their part to make better the locality in which they
lived.
Charles Hughes attended the public schools, and
then went to Colgate University. After that, he
worked at various undertakings, trying insurance,
then the cattle range, and after that real estate, so
that when he came out to California in 1905, he was
equipped with a varied and valuable experience. He
found an excellent engagement with a business house
in San Francisco, and for five years traveled as their
salesman, thereby getting better acquainted with Cali-
fornia. He then bought the "Livestock and Dairy
Journal," of Sacramento, and published it for five
years, through that channel doing much to foster cer-
tain departments of the greatest importance in Cali-
fornia agriculture. In 1916, Mr. Hughes entered upon
the varied duties of his present responsible post. In
politics, he is independent enough of mere party and
partisan influence to be able, especially as an enthu-
siast for local reforms, to wield thereby a wider influ-
ence. He is attached to his home, but he is neverthe-
less fond qf outdoor life, opportunity for the enjoy-
ment of which one finds a-plenty in Sacramento
County.
On June 4, 1921, Mr. Hughes was married to Miss
Mae Cook, a popular lady of San Francisco, who has
shared his work and his pleasures, and who doubtless
deserves no little credit for his professional success.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are indeed popular, repre-
senting as they do the best spirit of Northern Cali-
fornia.
AUGUST WEGAT. — For forty years associated
with the ranching interests of Sacramento County,
August Wegat has done his full share in the develop-
ment of the section around Gait, which has been his
home the greater part of the time. He was born on
a farm in East Prussia, July 7, 1854, the son of Ernest
and Anna (Mauerichott) Wegat, the mother passing
away at the age of forty-four, the mother of three
sons: John, William and August. The father, who
married again and reared a family, passed away at his
home in Germany when seventy-three years old.
August Wegat received a common school education
in the schools of his home district and when twenty
years old entered the German army, where he served
for three years. He then came to the Rhine country
and for three years worked at Elberfeld, and in 1881
he made his way to the United States. The first year
here he spent on construction work with the South-
ern Pacific Railroad out of Prescott, Ariz., and in 1882
he came to Sacramento County, Cal., and worked for
a while on a ranch near Gait. After spending a sum-
mer near Woodland, Yolo County, he returned to Gait
and started ranching on his own account, first renting
fifty acres of bottom land on the Cosumnes River,
where he raised corn and beans. From year to year
he added more acreage, and he has farmed all the way
from 300 to 1,000 acres of land at different seasons,
and is meeting with good success.
At Gait, in October, 1885, Mr. Wegat was married
to Miss Mary Corock, born in the province of Posen,
Germany, now a part of Poland. Her parents were
Rock and Mary Corock, the father a shoemaker who
passed away at Posen when seventy years old. They
were the parents of eight children: Mrs. Mary Wegat;
Stefan; Josephine; Margaret; Hedwig; Lawrence;
Mrs. Agnes Oxander of Woodbridge, Cal.; and Mrs.
Lucy Shoemaker of Red BlufT, Cal. Mrs. Wegat came
to California in 1883, and here she met Mr. Wegat,
their marriage occurring two years later. They are
the parents of nine children: Anna married Joe Rhoda
of Woodland, Cal., and they have five children:
George, Gussie, Joe, Anna and Dick; George lives in
San Joaquin County, as does William; August has
one son, Carl; John lives at Gait; Mrs. Agnes Need
of Gait has two sons — George and Lloyd; Henry,
Fritz and Otto are at home. The Wegat ranch is
on the Thornton road, just west of the city limits of
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
929
Gait. Mr. Wegat is a Republican in politics and be-
longs to the Sons of Herman. Mrs. Wegat died April
26, 1923, and was buried in the Odd Fellows cemetery
at Gait.
GOTTARDO BARSETTI.— Prominent among the
Italian-Swiss-Americans who have made good in
Sacramento County may well be mentioned Gottardo
Barsetti, who operates a fine dairy ranch about five
and one-half miles east of Gait. He was born in Can-
ton Ticino, Switzerland, at picturesque Irolo, on Octo-
ber 3, 1883, the son of Joseph and Sophie Barsetti, his
father being a hard-working teamster, who passed
away in 1896. Four years later Mrs. Barsetti, who
had been a very devoted wife, came out to California
to live with her son, the subject of this interesting
story. She was the mother of eight children, and
among these Gottardo was the third-born. Lena and
Leo were the eldest, Teresa was the fourth in the
order of birth, and then came Millie and Mary, the
latter now deceased, and Dan and Elizabeth the
youngest.
Gottardo attended the Swiss schools, and he re-
mained at home with his folks until 1903, when he
came out to the LInited States. He did not stop long
in the East, but proceeded almost directly to Healds-
burg, in Sonoma County, where he worked in a dairy
and on fruit ranches for six years, and then spent
three years in San Bruno, San Mateo County, when
he came to Gait. He purchased forty-five acres one
and one-half miles east of Herald, and there he had a
dairy ranch; but in time he leased his ranch to others,
and instead took charge of a ranch of 400 acres on
Dry Creek belonging to Mrs. Donovan, of Gait. This
he now manages, on shares, as a dairy ranch, main-
taining a dairy herd of sixty head of cattle.
The marriage of Gottardo Barsetti and Miss Mary
Tonella occurred at San Francisco on August 26, 1912,
when our subject chose for his life-companion a play-
mate from the same town in Switzerland, who had
come out to California alone in 1909. She is the
daughter of Achile and Emily Tonella, the former
being a farmer. Three children have blessed their
union: Emily, Henry and Lillian. Mr. Barsetti is a
member of the Red Men at South San Francisco.
He is a Republican; but in local political affairs, he is
a good booster for Gait, and the man and the meas-
ure most likely to benefit the town where he lives
and labors are sure to get his vote.
ALBERT STEINER.— After a long and thorough
training in his line of work in his native land of Swit-
zerland, Albert Steiner was well equipped on his ar-
rival in this country to establish himself in his present
business as proprietor of a meat market and delicates-
sen at Gait. He was born at Thun, Canton Berne,
Switzerland, May 28, 1897, the son of Albert and Rose
(Stauff^er) Steiner, the father a native of Canton
Graubunden and the mother of Canton Berne, the for-
mer a butcher by trade.
Albert Steiner attended school in his native district
and then was at Lausanne, Switzerland, for two and
a half years, attending school and working at his
trade. He then went to Geneve and thence to Gren-
oble, France, spending some time there, and at both
places he went to school in order to learn the lan-
guage. Next he went to Lugano, Canton Ticino,
where the Italian language is spoken, and there he
continued to work as a butcher and learned Italian
sausage making. After eighteen months there he
went to Milan, Italy, and after a short time he came
to the United States, arriving in California in 1915.
settling first at Sacramento, where he was with the
Moore & Yoerk market for eight months, then
was with the Columbia market there for a while. He
then came to Gait and for a year worked at his trade
with Alfred Zehnder, then went into partnership with
Mr. Zehnder. After two and a half years he bought
out Mr. Zehnder and has since conducted his meat
market alone. He also has a wholesale and retail
delicatessen and makes all his own sausages.
In 1919 Mr. Steiner's father came to California and
later sent for his family and they now make their
home at Santa Cruz._ There are twelve children in the
family, as follows: Rose, Hanna, Emma, Albert, Vic-
tor, who was in the bakery business at Gait for two
j'ears and now in San Francisco; Fred, Matilda, Felix.
Clara, Gertrude, Ferdinand and Martha. All the fam-
ily are in California except Hanna and Matilda, who
are married and have their homes in Switzerland.
Since coming to Gait Mr. Steiner has entered into the
life of the community and is a member of the Cham-
ber of Commerce, the Knights of Pythias of Gait, of
which he is vice chancellor, and of the D. O. K. K. of
Sacramento.
GUSTAVUS A. kiNDBLOM.— One of the suc-
cessful business men of Sacramento, and for many
years a resident of the capital city, Gustavus A. Kind-
blom is a native of Sweden, born January 20, 1865,
and reared on a farm in that country. When a youth
of eighteen years he came to the LTnited States, ar-
riving in Chicago, in 1883, with two dollars in his
pocket to face the new world with. His first work was
with the Peterson Nursery, outside of the windy city,
and he stayed with this employer one and one-half
years, and his wages were $150 per year. He
took up elm trees and transplanted them in the
city, and he ■ helped to plant the large elm trees
now in Lincoln Park, and in front of the Palmer
House, in Chicago. The young adventurer's next
move was to Milwaukee, Wis., and there he worked
as a section hand on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railroad, with wages at ninety cents a day; from
there to Sibley, Iowa, working on a ranch for twenty
dollars a month. A short stay in Omaha, Nebr., found
him with a crew cleaning snow from the railway
tracks; then to Kansas on a ranch, at first working
for his board and later receiving in addition fifty cents
per day. In Kansas Cit}' he found evening work
cleaning cars for the Chicago & Alton Railway, and
during the day worked for a stone mason. Here he
decided that the far West might prove more advan-
tageous, and 1887 found him in Los Angeles with the
Santa Fe Railway, for which company he put in one
year doing construction work; then he journeyed to
Seattle, Wash., and worked as cook in the lumber
woods, wages fifty dollars per month; then a waiter
in a restaurant in Portland, Ore., after which for a
time he worked on the sand barges on the Columbia
River, and later in a sawmill on Snake River.
All these ventures were of short duration, seeing
the country and learning its ways being the main ob-
ject. On his first visit to Sacramento the young man '
stayed but a short time, when he worked on the Cum-
mings ranch for twenty-five dollars per month; he
still had the traveling fever, however, and next went
to Salt Lake City and there worked in a smelter, and
930
HISTORY' OF SACRA.MENTO COUNTY
lalt-r as store room boy in tlif Morgan Hotel in that
city, tinally becoming steward in charge. Cripple
Creek, Colo., and Butte City. Mont., were next visited
in turn. Of all cities he visited, however, Sacramento
imi>ressed Mr. Kindbloni as most promising, and in
1894 he returned here to take up his permanent resi-
dence, and for the next fifteen years he was employed
driving a laundry wagon, first for the Mason Laundry
and later for the Cascade Laundry. For the past
twelve years he has been engaged in the rooming
house business, owning and managing the Shasta,
Davidson, Coulson, S.ngleton. and the Golden West,
and found himself particularly adapted to this line of
endeavor, as it has proved very successful, so much
so, in fact, that he is soon to retire from active
business.
It would be hard to find a more striking example of
a self-made man than in the life here recorded; if the
hardest kind of hard work, and self-denial, count for
anything, assuredly the final success rewarding his
eflforts has been fully earned by Mr. Kindblom. He
has found time, too, to take, part in church and social
afifairs and has been a member of the English Luther-
an Church for many years, formerly serving as trus-
tee of that body. Mr. Kindblom has one daughter,
by his first marriage, Mrs. Florence M. Richardson,
the mother of a son, Winnick Kindblom, five years old.
EDWIN NICHOLAS.— Born and reared in Sacra-
mento County, it seems especially fitting that Edwin
Nicholas should hold public office in his home en-
vironment, and particularly one in which a thorough
knowledge of the locality is necessary. He is the son
of John and Louisa (Sorenson) Nicholas, both na-
tives of Norway, where the father was born, in Aren-
dal, November Zl, 1828; John Nicholas received his
education in the district schools of his native land and
when fourteen years old was confirmed in the parish
church. Choosing the sea for his vocation, he went
out as cabin' boy, and later became able seaman, and
for ten years he followed the sea, making port in
many parts of the world, including Europe, Algeria,
Africa and part of North America.
In 1850 he located in Mobile, Ala., and in 1854 went
to New York and embarked for California, via Pana-
ma. On reaching the state, he mined in Eldorado
and Nevada Counties; later he teamed to the mines.
In 1857 this sturdy pioneer bought from the govern-
ment 160 acres of land six miles south of Sacramento,
near the present town of Florin, in the Pacific district,
and engaged in ranching, stockraising and dairying,
and he became a successful and prominent rancher of
the district. Twice married, his first wife was Eliza
Ourkirk, a native of Holland, their marriage occurring
in 1852, and in 1879 she passed on.
On February 24, 1883, occurred the marriage of
John Nicholas to Louisa Sorenson, who was also a
native of Norway, born November 19, 1851, and 1881
marks the time of her arrival in California; four chil-
dren were born of this union, the two now living be-
ing Edwin and Dora, wife of C. B. Wire. The father
died in 1910, and the mother died May 16, 1923.
l-'dwin Nicholas attended the schools of the Pacific
district, and at an early age worked on his father's
ranch, and he has followed agricultural pursuits since
that early beginning; in 1908 he took charge of the
home ranch and still carries on its operation It is
one of the few old places in the county still in the pos-
session of the descendants of the original owners. Al-
ways active in community affairs, he is trustee of the
Pacific school district; and for eight years he served
as deputy constable of that district. When Hon. J. J.
Henderson, the recently elected district attorney of
Sacramento County, took office, in January, 1923, he
appointed Edwin Nicholas a detective on his stafT of
deputies, selecting him from a list of applicants as be-
ing especially fitted to fill the office, owing to his years
of experience in criminal investigation as deputy con-
stable, as well as his familiarity with every inch of the
ground in this part of the state.
The marriage of Mr. Nicholas united him with Eva
F. Spence, also a native of Sacramento County, and
one daughter has been born to them, Irma Jeanette.
I'Vaternally Mr. Nicholas is a member of the Florin
Lodge of Odd Fellows No. 364, and he is popular
throughout his district as a man of fine integrity and
one who believes in advancing the best interests of his
home community.
ISAAC ARNOLD.— A pioneer widely and highly
esteemed among California fruit-men is Isaac Arnold,
now living at Elverta. He is popularly spoken of as
the "father of good roads in American Township,"
and he has attained local fame as champion of the
rights of many. He is resident engineer and inspector
of county- highways, and has been a member of the
highway committee that has accomplished so much,
since 1912.
He was born in Chicago in January, 1848, the sec-
ond of three surviving sons of Lawrence Arnold, a
native of Alsace-Lorraine, who was born there in 1828.
Lawrence Arnold became a prominent figure in the
wholesale mercantile field, and conducted a large busi-
ness at 80 and 82 West Randolph Street, Chicago, thus
affording a good home for his family. Isaac Arnold,
when the Civil War broke out, was in his early teens;
and in 1864, on the 7th day of October, when only
seventeen years of age, he enlisted as a member of
Company H, 51st Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as a
substitute for his father, and he served under General
Thomas until September 25, 1865, when the end of the
war found his company on the Te.xas frontier, and
him thrice wounded.
On returning to Chicago. Mr. Arnold worked as a
butcher; and in that line he kept busy until 1871, when
he decided to come to California, and at length ar-
rived at Sacramento on March 13, 1871. The next
year, he went to Fort Vancouver, in Washington, and
remained there until 1878, and when he returned to
California, he entered the employ of A. T. Hatch, as
foreman in the fruit-packing department of Suisun, in
Solano County. Two years later, he went to Auburn,
in Placer County, and for twenty-eight years he fol-
lowed the fruit business, and as an individual shipper
became one of the pioneers and largest growers and
shippers of pears, having one hundred acres in one
orchard, and shipping to the Eastern markets through
the Pioneer Fruit Company.
At Auburn, Cal., on April 23, 1886, Mr. Arnold
married Miss Mattie Atkins, the daughter of John and
Sarah (Eveninger) Atkins. They have no children.
Twelve years ago, Mr. Arnold moved to Sacramento
County, and he has been a resident of Elverta ever
since; and it is safe to say that he has done more for
the development of this community in recent years
than any one man; and for twelve years, he has served
well as deputy sheriff of American Township. Having
the welfare of the entire community at heart, he has
HISTORY OF SACRA.MENTO COUXTY
93 L
given liberally of his time and means to help others.
He is an honored member of the G. A. R. of Sacra-
mento.
CHARLES L. PUGH.— An e.xpert well-driller is
Charles L. Pugh, a native of Sacramento, where he
was born on September 24, 1868. the son of S. H.
and Mary Ann (Greer) Pugh. His father was a
pioneer of '62, and came to California from Kentucky,
crossing the plains while driving two teams of cows;
he was a blacksmith, and soon found demand for his
services; and while he worked at the forge, he' also
attempted farming. Later, he came to Perkins, and
here had a blacksmith shop and a hotel, for twenty-
five years; and he died in Sacramento, in 1914. Three
years later, Mrs. Pugh, a native of Missouri, breathed
her last. The worthy couple were married before
they came to Perkins, and they had six children.
Charles Pugh attended the public schools, and then
worked at various jobs until he established himself in
business, planting, and doing carpenter work, and
operating as a general mechanic. For the past quar-
ter of a centur\-, how-ever, he has been well and fav-
orably known as a well-driller, and has put in more
wells than an}' other man in the county of Sacra-
mento; so that today he is considered an authority
upon the subject, and often appealed to for advice by
others. Especially is he called upon by private in-
dividuals and government authorities to help locate
Avater. He has installed the outfit of the Capital
Dairy, the Oak Park Water Company, and the Hag-
gin Bottom Land Company, as well as many other
plants; and in this great work of developing water,
has helped immensely to develop the county. He is
a Democrat, and for twelve years he was a verj' ac-
ceptable justice of the peace of Brighton Township.
In the year 1890, Mr. Pugh married Miss Minnie
Morton, by whom he had five children, who in turn
had seven children of their own. Through a second
marriage, Mr. Pugh became the husband of Eloise
Rhodes. He is a Mason, of the third degree. He is
fond of fishing, and of the great outdoor world gen-
erally, his professional work bringing him more and
more into touch with Nature.
MRS. IDA M. C. SMITH.— One of the well-known
and successful educators of the state, who has prac-
tically devoted her life to this phase of humanitarian
work, Mrs. Smith may almost be called a native
daughter, for, while her birth took place in Iowa, she
was brought to California by her parents when a babe
in arms, and received her rearing and education in
the Golden State. She was raised to girlhood in Napa,
attending the old Napa Seminary, and later Napa
public schools. From there she went to San Jose and
finished with a course at the state normal, and after
her graduation, taught in the country schools of San
Diego and Napa counties, and later in the Napa city
schools. A desire to see and study life in a foreign
country prompted her to spend several years in Japan,
as governess in a wealthy Japanese family.
Returning to California, Mrs. Smith for a time
taught in the schools of San Joaquin County. In 1909
she came to Sacramento to take charge of the Pal-
metto high school; this was a county school, just out-
side the city, and a county orphanage school at that
time; some four years ago the district was annexed to
the city and the school was named the John Muir
School; in the month of February, 1923, it was merged
with the Bret Harte School. With primary, grammar,
and also a kindergarten class, the school teaches to
the eighth grade, and it is here that Mrs. Smith has
accomplished wonderful work in bringing the school
up to its present high grade of efficiency. When she
took charge there were about one hundred pupils, with
three teachers; there are now 215 pupils and eleven
teachers, all working in harmony and with results that
repay its head for working inside and outside of
hours, in her efforts to bring about the successful and
harmonious working of her school. The broadening
influence of a woman of her calibre can hardly be esti-
mated when development of growing intellects is in
question; and the state can justly be proud of her
schools as long as we have such educators to bring
them to perfection.
Prominent in club circles, for naturally her work
has been in the public eye, Mrs. Smith is a member
and past secretary of the California Federation of
School Women's Clubs, past president of the Sacra-
mento School Women's Club, and also a member
of the Business Woman's Club of Sacramento.
ABRAM KEITHLY.— A sturdy, successful and
influential pioneer, whose memory is held in highest
esteem by all w-ho knew him, was the late Abrani
Keithly, the rancher, who passed away at Antelope, in
Sacramento County, on November 29, 1918, at the age
of eighty-seven. He was born in the charming old
Missouri town of Wentzville, in St. Charles County,
far back in 1831, was reared on a farm and accom-
panied his parents, and brothers, John M., Hiram and
Wilshire, across the great plains with ox teams to
California, arriving in Placerville in 1850; there they
engaged in placer mining, on Mormon Island and in
the vicinity of Folsom, experiencing varied luck. At
the end of the second 3'ear, the parents and brothers
returned to the East, but another brother. Harrison
K., came West in 1854, by way of Panama, and joined
Abram. He was then conducting a feed and fuel yard
at the corner of Seventh and K Streets, in Sacramento,
where the Capital Hotel now stands, and during the
cholera epidemic, both brothers worked over-time,
even in digging graves for those so swiftly carried off
by the awful plague.
In 1860, Abram Keithly bought 233 acres on the
Sacramento River, at Elkhorn Ferry, in order to cut
the timber for fuel, and he sold many hundred cords
in his yards at Sacramento. Only cow-trails existed
there then in what is now Natomas District No. 1000.
and the wood had to be transported by river boat.
The flood-waters eddying in the region of this rancho
made more and more of a menace, and being anxious
io sell out, Mr. Keithly traded his ranch for a city
block in Carson City, Nev., and moved to that place
in 1864, and there engaged in stock-raising. The fol-
lowing year, he returned to Sacramento County and
settled on a homestead of 160 acres in the Del Paso
grant, near Antelope. He served for thirty-nine con-
secutive years as assessor of American. Center, and
Mississippi Townships, and gave up this office only on
account of impaired health, a short while before his
death. He was also road overseer for twenty years
in this district, and he made his efforts in behalf of
better highways count. He adhered to the principles
of the Democratic party, and was a Mason, affiliated
with Sacramento lodge.
Mr. Keithly married Gertrude Chatterton, who was
born in New Jersey in 1843, daughter of the late John
93i
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ClKitlcilon, who located in Sacramento County, in 1853,
coniinK out here with his family by way of the Isthmus
of Panama. There are many descendants of this
famous pioneer family, but the only survivor of the
immediate family is James Chatterton, the retired
rancher of Sacramento. Four children made up the
Keithly family. Mary li., born in 1862, resides at
Keilhly rancho, and owns a part of it. Louise, born
in 1864, is the wife of James Denham. and resides in
Kinjjs County, a rancher near Hanford, having nine
children. William U., who was born on April 2, 1867,
is a rancher at home. James D. was born on July
23, 1879, and is also at home, on the ranch, where
the four children have been reared. They attended
the Center Union school, and their father served as
a trustee for forty-five consecutive years. The sons
have successfully carried on general farming opera-
tions for years, and formerly were extensive grain-
raisers in the Grant, leasing hundreds of acres. They
are also owners of desirable oil property in Kern
County.
MRS. ANNA A. BOGLE.— The daughter of Cali-
fornia pioneers, Mrs. Anna A. Bogle was born and
reared in Sacramento County, and has spent most of
her life on Grand Island, becoming one of the well-
known residents of the district and an advocate of all
measures having for their object the further develop-
ment and advancement of her home community. Born
on Grand Island, she is the daughter of Frederick and
Catherine (Verbarg) Meyer, both natives of Hanover,
Germany; the father, after receiving his education in
his native land, emigrated to the United States in
1857. desirous of taking advantage of the greater op-
portunities to be found in the new world. Loyal to
his adopted country from the very beginning, he
served one year in the 4th Ohio Cavalry during the
Civil War. After working for a time in Cincinnati,
Ohio, he came to Sacramento, in 1866, coming to
California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and
worked one year for his brother, Henry, who had
preceded him. In 1869 he purchased a seventy-two-
acre ranch on Grand Island, situated on Steamboat
Slough, from his brother, and started ranching on his
own account, and prospered as the years went by; he
started out in life empty-handed and overcoming the
obstacles in the path of the pioneer ranchers of the
state, he accumulated a competence and a property
which is today a visible evidence of his life of thrift
and business acumen. Mr. Meyer was married while
in Ohio, July 30, 1859, to Miss Catherine Verbarg,
also a native o? Hanover, Germany, born October 21,
1841, a daughter of Dicdrich and Margaret Verbarg,
Hanovarians likewise, and in 1858, in company with a
brother, she came to America and was a resident of
Cincinnati, Ohio, up to the time of her marriage and
until their removal to the Pacific Coast. Frederick
Meyer passed away April 30, 1890, of pneumonia, his
widow surviving him until October 1, 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Meyer became the parents
of four children: Caroline, now deceased; Minnie, de-
ceased; Henry, residing on Ryer Island, and Anna A.,
now Mrs. Samuel M. Bogle, and the subject of our
interesting review.
/\nna A. Meyer received her education at the pub-
lic schools in her home vicinity and at Mount St.
Gertrude Academy of Rio Vista. Her marriage to
Samuel Morris Bogle occurred at her home October
30, 1889; Mr Bogle was a native of Circleville, Pick-
away County, Ohio, born March 10, 1863, a son of
James and Mary M. (Clayton) Bogle, the father a
native of Virginia and the mother of Ohio. In 1876
Samuel M. Bogle came to California with his uncle
and aunt, Andrew and Hannah V. Bogle, who set-
tled on Merritt Island in Yolo County. He was only
thirteen years of age at the time and attended the
public school here and in Oakland, after which he be-
came interested in ranching on' Grand Island. After
his marriage he began farming the old Meyer place,
which his wife had inherited. He was also the owner
of eighty acres on Sutter Island. A public-spirited
man, he served fourteen years as clerk of the board
of the Grand Island district school. Fraternally he
was a member of Pythian Castle No. 105, K. of P., at
Courtland.
Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bogle:
Vernon P., and Muriel O. Vernon F. was born on
Grand Island March 12, 1891, and was educated there,
finishing with a business course at the Sacramento
high school; he married at San Jose, Cal., November
1, 1916, Francis Shambaugh, a native of Chicago and
daughter of William and Sophie Shambaugh, the
father a Presbyterian minister who later came to Cali-
fornia and engaged in ranching near San Jose, where
he still resides. Four children came to Vernon and
Francis Bogle, Muriel, Warren, Lois and Samuel.
Since his marriage, Vernon F. has made his home on
his parents' eighty-acre ranch on Sutter Island, where
he raises hogs, fruit and vegetables. Muriel married,
December 15, 1920, Ichabod C. Elder, born at Sacra-
mento, a son of Joseph and Malinda Elder, who were
of a pioneer California family. Mr. Elder has been
identified of recent years with Weinstock, Lubin and
Company, as an outside salesman.
After her father's death, which occurred April 30,
1890, Mrs. Bogle acquired title to the Frederick Meyer
place on Grand Island, and there she has maintained
the family home since that time, rearing her children
ill her old childhood home. They also purchased an
eighty-acre ranch on Sutter Island, devoted princi-
pally to orchard. Her husband's death occurred on the
homestead, September 19, 1921. The seventy-two-
acre ranch is devoted entirely to fruit culture; and its
beauty and prosperity are a fitting tribute to the fore-
sight of the founder of the family in California, Fred-
erick Meyer.
LOUIS TERKELSON.— A very experienced or-
chardist is Louis Terkelson, who has a fine orchard of
sixty acres at Rio Linda, purchased about ten years
ago. He came from Whittier, to claim the virgin soil
found in this section as his heritage, and he has made
the most of his opportunity.
Mr. Terkelson was born near Harrington, Morris
County, Kans., on April 18, 1862, the son of Jacob
and Anna Marie (Bunder) Terkelson, who immigrated
to America from Denmark, in 1856. and in 1861 moved
on to Kansas. Jacob Terkelson was a farmer, and
also a successful veterinary; and his services were al-
ways in demand. It thus happened that while Louis
was reared on the home farm, and attended the gram-
mar schools, he early took up the veterinary studies,
and owned and operated a model stock farm near Har-
rington, until 1893. In that year, he sold out and
moved with his family to California, and he located on
a ranch at Los Nietos, near Whittier, and there de-
veloped a valuable alfalfa hay ranch. In 1913, he
made a successful exchange of his property for seventy
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
933
acres at Rio Linda, of which he owns today all but
ten acres.
In Kansas, Mr. Terkelson was married to Miss
Mary Vine, a native of Rockingham, Va.. who accom-
panied her parents, worthy farmer-folk, to Kansas in
1870. Four children have blessed this union. Ralph
served as an aviator in the World War, and is now
a rancher at Waterford; he has a wife and a daugh-
ter. Warren is an expert tractor engineer; Leona is
the wife of Earl Tracy, of Modesto; and Vera is still
with her school-books. Mr. and Mrs. Terkelson are
among the most highly esteemed citizens of Rio
Linda; for they have made success come their way
through the practice of thrift, and the Terkelson or-
chard home is a show-place in blossom time. His
home was completed on the tract in 1914, and was the
first house to be erected in the fast growing Rio Linda
district. He has developed his ranch into orchard of
almonds, peaches, pears and a field of alfalfa, and irri-
gation water is supplied at a very nominal cost. In a
sense, he may be said to be the founder of this col-
ony, for he brought the first twelve families, from
Whittier, who settled in the then thinly inhabited
region.
WALTON E. HOLMES.— Prominent among the
esteemed representatives of important financial inter-
ests in Sacramento may well be mentioned Walton E.
Holmes, the assistant cashier of the Capital National
Bank. A native son. he was born on a farm at Florin.
near Sacramento, on June 12, 1890, the son of James
W. and Flora (Camficld) Holmes, the former a
pioneer who came here when he was fourteen years
of age. with his parents, w-ho came by steamboat to
Davis, Cal., to the Schwingle ranch, where the family
were employed bj' the Schwingles at farm work.
Later the family removed to a ranch about five miles
south of Sacramento and there the grandfather, Henry
Holmes, passed away in 1900. J. W. Holmes worked
for the Schwingles and then removed to a ranch he
purchased about six miles east of Florin where he
farmed until 1908; then ho sold out and moved to a
part of the Henry Holmes ranch, where he now lives.
Mrs. Holmes, the mother of our subject, died in
Januar\', 1916, closing a beautiful and useful life.
Walton Holmes attended school in the Excelsior
School district, and then the Sacramento high school
for a year and a half; but at the end of that tim^=. he
was ofifered a position in the California National Bank,
which he accepted, and entered upon a four years' ser-
vice. He left the bank to sell real estate for O. H.
Cope for four months; but in January, 1911, he joined
the staf¥ of the Capital National Bank, as bookkeeper,
and through various successive grades he advanced to
his present position. His fidelity, natural abilitj' and
developed experience were duly recognized in his pro-
motion, in 1915, to the post of assistant cashier, and
he is the manager and vice-president of the Sacra-
mento Clearing Association. A Republican with re-
spect to national political affairs, Mr. Holmes is
broad-minded and non-partisan when it comes to local
movements, platforms and candidates. He served as
deputy city treasurer under F. W. Biewener, Jr.. for
eight and one half years, then for sixteen months was
city treasurer, or until the city adopted the manager
form of government.
In the year 1911. at Sacramento. Mr. Holmes and
Miss Hazel Greenlaw w-ere married, the latter a na-
tive daughter of Sacramento. Their union has proven
a happy one, and resulted in the birth of two children,
Eleanor and Marjorie. Mr Holmes is a past president
of Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W.; and he belongs to the
Elks, and the Hermitage, and is a member of the Del
Paso Country Club. He is a member and ex-treasurer
of the Lions Club and a director of the Chamber of
Commerce. He is fond of baseball and golf, and all
outdoor life.
LEWIS Y. LEONARD.— An eminently proficient
representative of Sacramento County is Lew'is Y.
Leonard, the Agricultural Extension agent at Sacra-
mento. He was born at Bronson. Mich., on July 25.
1887. the son of A. B. and Virginia Elizabeth (Butts)
Leonard; the latter, who died in 1897, was a native of
Illinois, and a most estimable woman. Lewis came
out to the Northwest when the family removed from
Michigan to Washington, in 1896, and his father is
still a resident of Spokane.
Lewis Leonard thus came to attend the public
schools of Spokane, and the Washington State Col-
lege at Pullman, from which he was graduated with
the class of '06 in the elementary department, four
years later receiving from the same college the B. S.
degree, and in 1918, also from that higher educational
institution, the degree of M. S. He then matricu-
lated at the University of California, doing advanced
work on his degree of Doctor of Philosophy. On May
17, 1920, Mr. Leonard came to Sacramento, having
been appointed, on the first of that month, to this
University of California cooperative post in the
service of the Government. He belongs to the Cham-
ber of Commerce, and is the secretary of the Fruit
and Agricultural Bureau; and he is also a member of
the Rotary Club, at the head of the boys' work
division.
At Spokane, in the year 1914, Mr. Leonard was
married to Miss Tacoma Belle Forbes, of Tacoma.
and their fortunate union has been blessed with three
children. Bennie Lewis, Virginia Elizabeth, and Jane
Ardella. Mr. Leonard is a Knight of Pythias, and
first, last and all the time, a .good fellow.
EDWARD LYMAN EDDY.— A wide-awake, ex-
perienced and thoroughly progressive dealer in real
estate and insurance, specializing in hotel properties
throughout the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys.
is Edward Lyman Eddy, the popular broker, w'ho is
justly credited with being one of the best-informed
men as to Sacramento County affairs in northern Cali-
fornia. He w-as born in Cowley County, Kansas, on
September 21, 1880, the son of Edward and Harriet
(Rathburn) Eddy, who have since passed on to the
reward of their long and unselfish labors.
Lyman attended the public schools and thoroughly
imbibed the patriotic spirit of the true young Ameri-
can; and later, he enjoyed an exceptionally fine law
course. When he decided to come to the Coast, he
took up newspaper work in San Francisco; and in
1902 he went south to Los Angeles and continued his
journalistic career until, in 1906, he removed to Sacra-
mento. Since then, he has been active in his present
field, safeguarding the interests of those already estab-
lished here, and encouraging others to invest. Con-
ditions in respect to real estate in California have for
years been so peculiar that the happy combination of
experience and honor has been of the greatest im-
portance to all concerned w^hen possessed by the
operator; while conditions in the insurance world at
<M4
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
lar.m.- dinuiiul llu- qualilic's for which Mr. Eddy is so
widely known. Now Mr. Eddy, as the result of his
idealistic efforts and common sense conservatism, en-
jcys a dependable patronage hy those well-acquainted
with his principles and service, and he is undoubtedly
one of the most successful men in his field.
A Republican in matters of national political import,
Mr. Eddy is a live wire in the Chamber of Commerce
of Sacramento, in which he has served as a director;
he is also a member of the .\d Club, and is a Knight
Templar Mason and a Shriner. He is fond of all
outdoor life, and is unceasing in his efforts to pro-
mote the best interests of Sacramento City and
County.
HON. J. M. INMAN. — A California statesman who
has won distinction of an enduring kind rather early
in his career, is the Hon. J. M. Inman, the well-known
attorney who has become the popular state senator
responsible for so much sane and important legisla-
tion of the past few years. He was born at Bishop,
in Inyo County, Cal., in 1875, first seeing light on the
last day of the year, the son of Joseph W. Inman.
who had come to California in 1852, and who the next
year at Hangtown married Miss Minerva Gunter. Mr.
Inman followed the occupations of other early settlers.
Both parents now rest from their labors, their long
and useful lives having been closed with becoming
honor.
J. M. Inman attended the public schools, and later
studied law privately; and having been admitted to the
bar in 1907. he opened an office in Sacramento in the
same building in which he is still headquartered. For
a couple of years, from 1913, Mr. Inman served in the
California state assembly, and in 1916 he was elected
to the state senate, and in 1920 reelected. From 1913
to 1919, he was particularly active in the legislature,
and introduced bills to do away with leasing lands to
persons ineligible to citizenship. He organized the
California Oriental Exclusion League, and became, as
he is today, its president, and he was instrumental in
drawing the anti-alien land bill passed this last elec-
tion. Mr. Inman was chairman of the committee
on commerce and navigation, and in the session of
1923 he was chairman of the committee on public util-
ities. In this session, among other important bi'ls he
succeeded in passing, was the foreign language school
bill, w-hich prohibits schools in California to teach a
school wholly in a foreign language. In 1917 he se-
cured the passage of the indeterminate sentence bill.
During the World War he served in the 6th U. S. Bat-
tery, Field Artillery, being stationed at Camp Taylor,
Ky.. until after the armistice, when he was discharged.
Aside from his profession, Mr. Inman is also inter-
ested in ranching, owning two fruit ranches in Sutter
County, which he has improved from raw land.
Senator Inman was married, in 1906, and at Sacra-
mento, to Miss Edith Trainor, the daughter of Frank
and Katherine Trainor, and they have two children,
Edith Minerva and Dorothy Frances. The senator is
a Knight Templar Mason and a charter member of
Ben Ali Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Sac-
ramento. He is also a member of the Sciots, and with
his wife is a member of the Eastern Star. He is also
a popular member of Sacramento Lodge No. 6 of the
Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the
World, and Native Sons of the Golden West, and he
belongs to the Del Paso Country Club, and is a popu-
lar member of Sacramento Post of the American
Legion. He is fond of hunting and fishing, and was
the first president of the Wild Goose Country Club.
CHARLES A. DRIVER.— For the man who real-
izes early in life the necessity of choosing a specific
vocation, success lies in the near future, and such an
individual is Charles A. Driver, w'ho was born on
November 25, 1874. on the old Driver homestead, near
his present home place. He is the son of Elisha
Sample Driver, one of the early pioneers of 1850, who
crossed the plains in search of gold. His mother,
Mary E. (Forsyth) Driver, is deceased. Charles A.
Driver has resided on the surrounding ranches of his
native city all his life. For many years he assisted
his father on their extensive grain and stock ranch.
Nineteen years ago, he bought 160 acres of land, then
known as the Keys ranch, and with the 320 acres,
which his father bestowed upon him as his share of
the property, he has become the owner of a choice
strip of land along Drj' Creek. He planted almond
trees and grape vines on a forty-acre ranch which he
cultivated fourteen years ago, but at the present time
he intends to plant a part of this ground' to pear,
cherry and prune trees. The irrigation on one part of
his ranch is operated by the pumping process; the
water is obtained from a nearby creek, which passes
through one end of the ranch; the rest of the land is
sub-irrigated.
In 1904, at Sacramento, Charles A. Driver married
Lorena Johnston, born at Pleasant Grove in 1884, the
daughter of the late Thomas Johnston, a native of
Sacramento. Her father, now deceased, was born on
December 25, 1855; her mother, now Mrs. Jones, of
Grass Valley, formerly Miss Mary J. Strauch, was
born on October 29, 1862, the daughter of David
Strauch, a pioneer. Charles A. Driver and his wife
are the parents of the following children; Melville A.,
born November 25, 1904; Charlotte L., born January
9, 1907; C. Alfred, born March 19, 1909; Gertrude K.,
born December 9, 1911; Dorothy E., born September
13, 1915; Florence M., born October 3, 1918; and
Willis T., born March 10. 1921. All of these children
were born in Sacramento County. Mr. Driver has
closely followed in his father's footsteps, both in
public spirit and in the community welfare work. He
has served as trustee of the Center L'nion school for
fifteen years.
JAMES G. SMITH.— .-\mong the leading citizens,
and a'so a pioneer of Del Paso Heights of Sacramen-
to County, is James G. Smith, who settled in the
Johnson Heights subdivision in 1911. Later, in
1915, he removed his family to Del Paso Heights,
where he has developed a fine ranch of fifteen acres to
cherries, peaches, almonds and apricots; recently he
has become interested in hog-raising, which has be-
come a highly lucrative industry. He was born in
Glasgow, Ky.. January 7, 1880, a son of George W.
and Julia A. (Harrison) Smith. In 1899, Mr. Smith
was graduated from the Temple Hill normal school
and for two years followed the profession of teach-
ing, when he entered the Georgetown College; but
his health failing, he Afas forced to leave college. In
1901 he removed to California and the first-two years
were spent in ranch work at Winters; then he re-
moved to Sacramento and engaged in the marketing
of fruit and has been the representative of many of
the largest fruit houses in the city.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
935
In 1907. Mr. Smith \vas married to Miss Ada R.
Brown, a native of Kendallville, Ind., and four chil-
dren have been born to them: James R., Marion
Rose. Howard Claire, and Virginia Ruth, all born
in Sacramento. Mr. Smith was instrumental in or-
ganizing the Del Paso-Robla farm bureau center and
has served as its president. Mrs. Smith is an active
member of the Parent-Teachers Association, as well
as a member of the home department of the farm
bureau. Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics and
is a booster for the advancement of Del Paso
Heights.
FREDERICK R. DATHE.— Like many of the
sons of other lands who have come to settle in the
midst of the promise and prosperity of the Sacramento
\'alley. Frederick R. Dathe came to America in 1876
and to California via Panama on July 4 of the same
year, and has since been engaged as a successful
orchardist. He was born in Saxony, Germany. Janu-
ary 15. 1856.
The marriage of Mr. Dathe united him Avith Miss
Anna Po'lam. a native of Sacramento County, and
daughter of a pioneer familj' who were large manu-
facturers of chjckory. owning extensive holdings on
the Sacramento River near Sutterville. Mrs. Dathe
passed away in 1895, survived by her husband and six
children. Subsequently. Mr. Dathe was married to
Mrs. Rosa Lutz, who had one son. Frank Lutz; and
they have two children: George resides in Los An-
geles; and Bertha, now Mrs. Elwood Kuhn. resides
in Fruitridge. There are three grandchildren. Mr.
Dathe received his LTnited States citizenship in Judge
Ramage's court and for man^r years voted the Demo-
cratic ticket, but of recent years has been independent
ia his political choice. Mr. Dathe formerh- owned ten
acres at the corner of the Fruitridge and lower Stock-
ton roads, but recently has disposed of five acres,
retaining five acres which he has developed to an
orchard.
DR. FRANK B. WHIDDEN.— Prominent among
the distinguished exponents of health science accord-
ing to the chiropractic school who have contributed
much to advance its theories and to legalize its prac-
tice in California, is numbered Dr. Frank B. Whidden
of 1139 Thirty-third Street. Sacramento. He was
born at Calais. Maine, on September 16. 1872. young-
est of ten children of Charles R. and Mila Frances
Whidden. by whom he was christened Frank Bou-
telle. His father was an attorne}-, and became col-
lector ot customs at Eastport, Maine, a prosecuting
attorney, and a member of the state of Maine legis-
lature; and our subject thus came to enjoy the best of
educational advantages, at Worcester Academy (from
which be was graduated in 1889). and Brown Uni-
versity (where he was a member of the class of '93),
while growing up in a stimulating home atmosphere.
Dr. Whidden earl)' embarked in newspaper work,
engaging himself with the Worcester, Mass., Tele-
gram, later doing work as a reporter for the Boston
Herald; and then he became Sunday editor of
Hearst's Boston American. He joined the editorial
staff of the New York Herald, and later was on the
editorial staff of the New York World. Coming out
to the Northwest, he was news editor of the Seattle
Times froin 1910 to 1920. About that time his health
failed, and he was restored by a chiropractor. As a
result, he resigned his newspaper position to study
chiropractic. He went to Davenport. Iowa, and was
graduated from the Palmer School of Chiropractic
there. On July 18, 1905. at Boston, he had married
Mrs. E. Elinor Stansfield. and she has also become a
graduate of the Palmer School of Chiropractic.
Dr. Whidden is now president of the Northern
California Chiropractors' Association, and is vice-
president and a member of the executive committee
of the State Chiropractic Society. For two years he
has been editor and publisher of The California
Chiropractor, a monthly publication w'ith large, state-
wide circu'ation. He is highly progressive and emi-
nently practical, wields a ready, convincing pen, and
is the author of numerous essays on chiropractic
themes. Fraternallv. Dr. Whidden is a member of
the B. P. O. Elks.
MRS. ROSE SARMENT.— This rancher of Sacra-
mento County was ])orn on Grand Island. Sacramento
County, a daughter of John and Mary Smith. Miss
Rose Smith received her education at the Georgiana
district school in the vicinity of her father's ranch.
In March. 1896. at San Francisco, Miss Smith was
first married to John Bettencourt. a native of the
Azores Islands, a son of Antone and Antonette Bet-
tencourt. John Bettencourt was a young man of
twenty-one years when he left his native land and
came to California, first settling in Butte County,
where he engaged in farm work. Removing to
Sacramento County, he worked on farms in the
delta region; then leased fifty acres, where he raised
beans and asparagus, remaining there for twelve years.
In November, 1908, Mr. and Mrs. Bettencourt lo-
cated on a portion of the John Smith ranch on An-
drus Island where Mr. Smith had built a house for
them. Upon the death of her father, Mrs. Betten-
court received as her share of the estate, seventy-
seven acres of the home place where she has since
made her home. Mr. and Mrs. Bettencourt were the
parents of four children: Rose married John Bisista,
a native of Hungary, and they have three children,
Winona, Dariel. and Winston; they reside on a por-
tion of the home ranch; Mary; Elsie married Peter
Lausten, a native of California and they have two
children. Iris and Dorothy; and this family also lives
on the home place; John is the fourth child. Mr.
Bettencourt passed away March 22, 1909. The sec-
ond marriage of Mrs. Bettencourt occurred May 7,
1910. which united her with Joseph G. Sarment.
GEORGE J. CALDER.— A liberal-minded, large-
hearted citizen of Sacramento who has been instru-
mental in helping to build up his community, is
George J. Calder. who was born at Sonora. Cal., on
August 5, 1884, the son of George B. and Louise
(Klein) Calder. In 1856, his father, an expert mining
man and miller of ores, came to California via Pan-
ama and located at Sonora. Mrs. Calder passed away
at Oakland in 1911. while her husband died in 1917
in Sacramento.
Geo. J. Calder attended and graduated from the
Stockton high school and received his B. S. degree
at the University of California in 1909 in civil engi-
neering. For five years after graduation, he was in
the employ of the Ransome Concrete Company at
San Francisco and Sacramento as structural and de-
signing engineer, coming to Sacramento in 1910.
During this period, he prepared the structural design
for the Farmers & Mechanics Bank Building. Cali-
936
MIS'I'DI
n' OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
toniia l-iuil lUiildiiiK, Mcrriiini Apartments and other
striK-lurcs and IniildinRs in Sacramento. In 1914 he
was one of the organizers and became the secretary
of tlie George D. Hudnutt, Inc. Construction Com-
pany. During the same year, lie was also retained by
the citv of Sacramento as construction engineer on
the Sacramento By-Pass, the William Land School,
Washington School, Hall of Justice, City Library
Huilding and the extension of the sewer systems for
the city of Sacramento. After this work, he con-
structed the Natomas Boulevard on the Sacramento
River, after which he was again employed by the
city of Sacramento as structural engineer and finally
as the resident engineer at the Sacramento Filtration
Plant.
On June 18, 1910, he married Mabel A. Adams of
San I'"rancisco, the daughter of Fred and Anna Reid
.Adams. He is deeply interested in trout fishing and
hunting, and, in fact, all outdoor sports. He is a
member of the Masonic fraternity, being a thirty-
second degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of
Ben Ali Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is a mem-
ber of the Sutter Club, the Architects and Engineers'
Club, and also the Tan Beta Phi and Phi Kappa Psi
college fraternities.
LEONARD F. STARKS.— Art and life are one in
their relation to the creative impulse, and it was this
desire for self-expression that impelled Leonard F.
Starks to take up the study of architecture. He has
made rapid progress in his chosen vocation and ranks
with the leading representatives of his profession in
Sacramento and this section of the state. He rep-
resents the third generation of the family in Califor-
nia and was born in San Francisco, December 8, 1890,
a son of Abner and Ella (Ackerman) Starks. The
father was a native of Healdsburg, Cal., and his life
was devoted to agricultural pursuits. The paternal
grandfather came to the Golden State in 1849 and
was one of its earliest pioneers.
The grammar and high schools of San Francisco
afforded Leonard F. Starks his early educational priv-
ileges, and his first knowledge of architecture was
gained in the Landsburg office. Later he attended the
Beaux Arts School and afterward studied for seven
years under Arthur Brown. During 1911-1912 he
worked under J. J. Donovan, school architect for
Oakland, and he then became architectural designer
for the Panama-Pacific Exposition, being thus em-
ployed from 1913 until 1915. In the latter part of
1915 he entered the office of John Reed, Jr., city
architect of San Francisco, with w'hom he remained
until 1917, and during 1918-1919 was with the con-
struction division of the United States Army, being
stationed at Washington, D. C. After the armistice
was declared he went to New York to take charge of
the office of Thomas W. Lamb, a leading architect
of that city, and in June, 1921, w-as made Mr. Lamb's
representative on the Pacific Coast, with headquarters
in Sacramento. He also practices his profession inde-
pendently and his success has been founded upon
thorough preparatory study and later practical ex-
perience. He designed the Fresno Bee Building in
Fresno for the owners of the Sacramento Bee, the
Paramount Theater Building, the new home for W. I.
Elliott, and many other examples of his skill are to
be found in the city.
Mr. Starks was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor
Whalen, of Boston, Mass.. and they are well-known
in social circles of Sacramento. Mr. Starks is a mem-
ber of Golden Gate Lodge No. 30, of San Francisco,
and exemplifies in his life the beneficent teachings
of the order. He enjoys tennis and is also fond of
walking, spending much of his leisure in the open.
He is a young man of marked ability and enterprise,
and the progressive spirit of the West finds embodi-
ment in his career. His work represents a high
standard of excellence and is a most important feature
in Sacramento's upbuilding and improvement.
THOMAS E. CAIN. — A native son of California,
Thomas E. Cain was born in San Francisco, October
20, 1877, the son of J. J. and Bridget (Hynes) Cain,
who were married in New Jersey and came to Cali-
fornia in 1870. The father was a marble cutter and
was employed on the old Palace Hotel in San Fran-
cisco; both parents are now deceased.
Thomas E. Cain received his education in the pub-
lic schools of the bay city, after which he served as
an apprentice learning the trade of glazier with the
California Door Company, later entering the employ
of the W. P. Fuller Company in Oakland as manager
of the glass department and remaining with the latter
firm sixteen years. With his years of experience
in working for others, Mr. Cain decided to en-
gage in business for himself. Coming to Sacramento
in 1911, he opened a shop of his own, and in the
years that have passed he has built up a successful
business, now employing six men to fill his contracts,
with an establishment located at 707 Twelfth Street.
His work is so well executed that one job brings an-
other; and he is well-known all over the county as
a man who can handle any contract in his line, large
or small, each receiving his personal supervision.
Mr. Cain married Miss Ameida Stroehlke, a native
of Michigan, and two children have been born to
them, John Edward and Percy. Deeply interested in
the future development of Sacramento County, Mr.
Cain is interested in all progressive legislation and
gives his support to all measures for the betterment
of conditions throughout the county, as well as pro-
jects mcie closely affecting his own section, and ranks
as one. of the public-spirited men of the county. He
is activ? in fraternal organizations, as a member of
the Elks, Native Sons, and the Knights of Columbus.
He is fond of outdoor sports as recreation, is a base-
ball enthusiast and boxing fan, in fact, a typical Cali-
fornian.
JACK SCHWAB.— How important is the excel-
lent service of the market-merchants in Sacramento,
and the role that service plays in the comfortable and
delightful social life of the California capital, may be
seen from the activity of such a leader as Jack
Schwab, the popular dealer in poultry — in which he
specializes — and fine groceries, with his busy head-
quarters at the corner of Seventh and M Streets. He
was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, on January 6,
1871, the son of Emanuel and Sarah Schwab, worthy,
hard-working folks, who made the world better for
their having lived and labored in it. They are now
both deceased, and lie buried in the soil of France.
Jack Schwab attended the excellent schools of his
native locality, going also to the high school there,
and at the age of sixteen, came out to the United
States and settled in Madison, Yolo County. From
1886 until 1889, he was in the general merchandise
J
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUXTV
937
trade, and then he went to Rocklin, in Placer County,
worked for others for ten years, and then, for another
ten years, was in the general merchandise business for
himself. In 1911, he came to Sacramento and estab-
lished the grocery and poultry business through
which, especially on account of the high-grade poultry
handled by him and always guaranteed, he has be-
come locally famous. The patron dealing with Mr.
Schwab finds there the choicest of groceries, domestic
and imported, and many delicacies not ordinarily ob-
tainable.
In Sacramento, Mr. Schwab was married to Miss
Rosa Schwab, a native of Switzerland; and they have
three children, Emanuel, Samuel, and Jeannette. He
is a member of the I. O. B. B.
EMERSON WORRELL READ.— A very interest-
ing representative of the California bar in Sacramento
County, whose life-companion is also gifted and shares
the esteem and popularity of her husband, is Emerson
Worrell Read, by profession an attorney-at-law, of
Sacramento, likewise vice-president of the substantial
Farmers & Mechanics Bank. He was born on the
Round Vallej' Indian Reservation, in Round Valley,
Mendocino County. Cal., on March 12, 1883, the son
of Major William Edwards Read, who had married
Miss Joanna Stephens Davis He graduated from the
Mission high school, San Francisco, in 1901, later ma-
triculating at the University of California. In 1906, he
was granted the Bachelor of Letters degree; and two
years later, having taken up the study of jurisprudence
at the Hastings College of Law, he had conferred upon
him the coveted degree of Bachelor of Laws.
From 1908 until 1921, Mr. Read actively practiced
law, being associated with Messrs. Campbell & Bald-
win, attorneys for the San Francisco Savings Union,
from 1907 to 1910, and privately practicing law with
Hon. Chas. H. Wilson in San Francisco until 1915,
and with Messrs. Devlin and Devlin, of Sacramento,
from 1915 until 1920. He became a stockholder in
the Farmers & Mechanics Bank, and in 1920 was
made vice-president, secretary and treasurer. He is a
director of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, is
a faculty member of the Sacramento Law School, and
is now law instructor for the Sacramento Chapter of
the American Institute of Banking. He is a director
of Sacramento Community Chest, and being a lawyer,
incorporated that corporation. He was director of
the Mining Camp of the " '49 Celebration." He is
now president of the Sacramento Lions Club.
At Ukiah, Mendocino County, in June, 1909, Mr.
Read and Miss Alice Mary Gorham were made man
and wife, the wedding proving one of the delightful
social events of the season. The bride was the daugh-
ter of M. J. Gorham, president of the LInited Under-
takers, Inc., and Delia Gorham, of San Francisco, and
a graduate of the State Normal School in that city,
and she also had finished successfully the thorough
courses of the Girls' high school of Sacramento. Three
children have been born of this union; Emerson Wil-
liams Read, now eleven years old, and his sister, Alice
Mary, two years his junior, and Constance Patricia
Read, thirteen months old. Mr. Read belongs to Occi-
dental Lodge No. 22, F. & A. M.; to Sacramento Par-
lor, Native Sons 'of the Golden West; and to the
Lions Club of Sacramento; and is a past president of
the Dolphin Boating Club, of the same city, and a
past president of the Sons of 'Veterans. He is valued
as a counselor in the Republican leaders' ranks.
CHARLES LEE GILMORE.— Another Sacra-
mento attorney who has shed distinction upon the
California bar, is Charles Lee Gilmore, whose law
offices are located at 301 Capita! National Bank Build-
ing, in Sacramento. A native son, he was born in
Calaveras County, of Mark Twain fame, amid the
comfortable environments of a well-kept farm, on
June 14, 1883, the son of George W. and Minnie
(Deeblc; Gilmore, worthy pioneers. The father came
from Kentucky, arriving in California, along with
other Argonauts, in October, 1850, and at once hur-
ried into the mines; and later he engaged in the rais-
ing of stock. He died on November 12, 1901, having
rounded out a useful and very honorable career. Mrs.
Gilmore is still living, an esteemed lady, enjoying the
devotion of a wide circle of friends.
Having only the advantages of the near-by public
schools, Charles went early into the logging camps,
and then took up mining. Meanwhile, he began to
study privately, taking up civil engineering and lum-
ber cruising, w'hich he followed, and for five years
he w-as in the government service in the general land
office, and in the field service of the Federal Forest
Reserve, as a timber cruiser. Then he started to
practice before the land office, Department of the
Interior; and later he went to work for the state of
California, as a civil engineer. He continued, very
sensibly, to study law privately, and in time took the
necessary bar examinations; and on March 25, 1918,
was admitted to practice. Since then, Mr. Gilmore
has becorrie better and better known not only as a
general lawyer, but particularly as one having a spe-
cial know'edge, due to his practical forester and en-
gineering experience, of the greatest value to anyone
seeking his professional services.
In 1912, Mr. Gilmore was married, at Visalia, to
Miss Helen Swain, a native daughter from Kern
Count}', whose brilliant career as a student led her to
become a successful land attorney. In politics she is
a Republican, and she is president of the Woman's
Council of Sacramento. Mr. Gilmore votes with the
Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore are fond of
outdoor life, and do what they can toward the great
work of conserving the resources of the state and the
protecting of natural life. Mr. Gilmore is a Scottish
Rite Mason, and a member of the Sacramento County
and California state bar associations.
WILLIAM A. RAPP.— A busy, capable and ener-
getic business man of Sacramento is William A. Rapp,
the owner and proprietor of William A. Rapp &
Company, manufacturers of fine window shades; he
first established his business in 1917, and during the
six years that he has operated his business he has
been obliged to move three times in order to get
sufficient space for his rapidly increasing business.
He is one of California's native sons, born in Los
Angeles, December 5, 1890, a son of William and
Sarah (Preisser) Rapp. William Rapp came around
the Horn to California in 1870 and located in south-
ern California; the mother, in maidenhood Sarah Preis-
ser, was born in Placer County. Grandfather Preis-
ser was a pioneer and hauled the first load of granite
for the Folsom state prison. William A. Rapp was
educated in the public schools of Los Angeles and
after his graduation from high school engaged in the
window shade business, being with Talbert-Whitmore
Company, manufacturers of shade cloth, for four-
teen years. In August, 1917, he first established hi?
938
lllSTom- oF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
business ill SacraiiK'iito on Sixlii Sln-'ct. L'ndoubU'dly
a large share of liis success is clue to his failh in the
future of the city of Sacramento, which is at all times
api'areiil, and substantiated by his ownership of a
home ill the capital city. The products of the Will-
iam A. Rapp Company are sent as far East as Mon-
tana and also shipped to Honolulu and far north in
OrcKon and VVashinRton. Mr. Rapp is a director and
vice-president of the Fred L. Meneley Company, Inc.,
manufacturers of shade cloth and window shades in
Los Anseles.
The marriage of Mr. Rapp united him with Miss
Ida I'redricUson. of Idaho, and they are the parents
of three children: Wayne and Thayer, twins, and
Audra. Mr. Rapp is a thirty-second degree Scottish
Rite Mason and a member of Ben Ali Temple,
A. A. O. N. M. S., of Sacramento. He is a member
of the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club.
CHESTER F. GANNON.— Sacramento County is
justly ijroud of her rising attorneys, as well she may
be, considering the careers of such prospective bench
timber as Chester F. Gannon, whose suite of offices,
in the Capital National Bank Building, are among
the busiest centers in Sacramento. He was born at
Truckee, which may account for his natural attitude
toward all things Californian, seeing the light for the
first time there on April 19, 1887, the son of George
and Mary (Best) Gannon. The former came to the
Golden State in 1880, while the mother w;as a native
daughter. Both are still living, enjoying the fruits of
their former years of honest labor, and able to see
the great strides marking California's movement along
the path of progress.
Chester F. Gannon attended the public schools of
Sacramento, to which city the family had removed
when he was young, enjoying also the high school
courses. Having secured a post in the county re-
corder's office, he studied law and was admitted to
practice in the courts of California in 191S. He was
ready to do the best of service in the walks of peace
and prosperity, but when the Great War broke out,
he enlisted in the United States Army, to spend fif-
teen months in the Infantry. He was in the officers'
training camp when the armistice was signed. He
then returned to Sacramento to resume the practice of
his profession. Mr. Gannon is the attorney for the
California state board of pharmacy, in prosecuting
all narcotic drug cases tried in Sacramento Count}'.
He is also assistant city prosecutor. He belongs to
the Native Sons of the Golden West and to the Amer-
ican Legion, of which he is a past commander, the
Elks and K. of P.'s; and in national political afifairs,
he seeks to improve good citizenship under the ban-
ners of the Republican party.
In 1921. and at Sacramento. Mr. Gannon was mar-
ried to Miss Ruth Oakley, of Sacramento, the daugh-
ter of Paul Oak'ey, the well-known hardware mer-
chant of that city, and both Mr. and Mrs. Gannon are
among the popular frequenters of the circles of the
Elks, in which he is a member, and both are alive to
every opportunity to show their devotion to Sacra-
mento.
Mr. Gannon was at one time rather famous as an
amateur athlete, and now boasts of many medals
showing his prowess in track and field events. One of
these is for a national championship, won at Chicago
in 1913; while another trophy such as anyone might
prize was won at the National Track and ImcUI Cham-
pionships held in conjunction with the Panama-Paci-
fic Exposition at San Francisco in 1915. He won
medals, in fact, whenever he contested in either state
or national contests, and he is very naturally inter-
ested in promoting athletics.
EDWARD FLEMING.— A real estate and insur-
ance broker of wide experience, to whom many citi-
zens of Sacramento are glad to apply both for service
and advice, is Edward Fleming, of Messrs. Grif-
fith & Company, whose busy offices are at 920 Eighth
Street, in the capital city. He was born in County
Lenox, Ontario, Canada, on December 21, 1870, the
son of James and Mary (Cronin) Fleming, substan-
tial and worthy folk who, having rounded out prac-
tical useful lives, now rest from their labors.
Edward Fleming attended the excellent Canadian
schools, and then learned the trade of the carriage
blacksmith and wood-worker, which he followed until
he came to California, in 1917. Prior to coming out
to the Golden State, he passed some years in Detroit,
and on July 1 he reached the Coast. Being a man
of experience and much resource, Mr. Fleming was
not long in getting his bearings; and he has been
identified with the Griffith Company for the past five
or si.x j'ears. Sacramento, city and county, have wel-
comed him and patronized his service; and it is nat-
ural that he should be enthusiastically devoted to
both, interested in the historic past, and confident as
to the promising future of this portion of the state.
He is a Democrat, which means that he heartily sup-
ports the nation, and the best interests of the Golden
State.
In 1900, Mr. Fleming was married to Miss Jane
Rankin, born in Canada, w'ho is thankful that she has
come to reside in California. Mr. Fleming is a mem-
ber of the Woodmen of the World. He is ever ready
to extend a helpful hand to all who need the proper
kind of guidance when they settle here to enjoy a
bit of earth's paradise.
HYMAN W. ZAGOREN.— A successful attorney
whose knowledge of the law, together with his in-
variable experience, has enabled him to add lustre
to the history of the California bar in Sacramento
County, is Hyman W. Zagoren, located in the Farm-
ers & Mechanics Bank Building, Sacramento. He is a
native of the Empire State, where he was born, in
New York City, on May 21, 1891, the son of Charles
and Sarah Zagoren. his father being a business man
who came West to San F'rancisco, and settled in the
bay city. As a consequence, Hyman attended the
San Francisco public schools, until his father and
mother removed to Sacramento, where he availed him-
self of the business college courses in the evening
school.
Our subject meanwhile worked for J. Stoll, and
as a boy entered the law office of Devlin & Devlin,
getting the sum of $2.50 per week for his services.
He was next with White & Miller, and then with
George & Hinsdale, seven years in all, and during all
this time he was studying law, and with such suc-
cess that he was admitetd to the bar. on February 25,
1915. Since 1916, Mr. Zagoren has been practicing
law for himself, in which he has enjoyed a reasonable
measure of success. He is a loyal Republican; but
his intelligence and patriotism prevent him from with-
holding generous support to any non-partisan, well-
directed effort to endorse good men and good meas-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
939
ures, especially such as have to do with local issues
and local conditions.
In 1913, when at San Francisco, Mr. Zagoren was
married to Miss Alice Miller, a daughter of Henry
Miller, of San Francisco, and their union has resulted
in the birth of two sons. Walter H. and Todd Charles
Zagoren. Mr. Zagoren is a member of the Order
of Elks.
ANDREW CRUIKSHANKS.— An efficient execu-
tive whose wide experience has proven of inestimable
value both to the corporate interests he represents and
also to the many persons, often in sorrow and per-
plexity, with whom he has to deal, is Andrew Cruik-
shanks, the affable, accommodating and popularsuper-
intendent of the East Lawn Cemetery at Sacramento.
He was born in the city of Belfast, province of Ulster.
Ireland, on October 30, 1874, the son of Hugh and
Helen (Davis) Cruikshanks, of Scotch descent, both
of whom, after lives exceptionally useful and honor-
able, are now deceased.
Our subject attended the excellent schools of Belfast,
enjoying the advantages of the national system, and
when old enough to do so. he took up bookkeeping. In
1911, however, he found the prospects of life and work
iu America more attractive than ledgers, and he came
out to the United States and California, and located in
the city of supreme attraction, Sacramento. For six
months he was a special correspondent for the Wein-
stock-Lubin Company, and then in 1912 he became
bookkeeper for the East Lawn Cemetery Association.
He was also inade assistant secretary, and in that
capacity rounded out his three years with the com-
pany.
In 1915, Mr. Cruikshanks w-as appointed superintend-
ent of the cemetery and its nursery, with the most
greenhouses in northern California, and he has ren-
dered great service to all interested. In his care of
this resting place of the dead, he is ever mindful of
the future of Sacranrento County as well as the past.
He is a Royal Arch Mason, but his sympathies and
interests, as befits one in his responsible station, are
universal.
In Larne, Ulster, in the year 1900, Mr. Cruikshanks
was married to Miss Agnes Whiteside, also a native
of Ireland; and their union has been made happier by
the birth of three children, Hester, .Andrew N., and
Vivian Eileen.
JAMES JOSEPH O'CONNOR.— Among the na-
tive sons of California, a worthy representative of
the O'Connor family is James Joseph O'Connor,
the son of John and Rose (Dolan) O'Connor. He was
born September 4, 1896, at San Francisco. John
O'Connor came to California in 1881 and engaged in
the grocery business, and at the present time is con-
nected with the police department.
James Joseph O'Connor was educated in the public
and high schools of San Francisco, and studied law
for one year. He was employed as a clerk in the W.
B. Allen Company, and the Pacific Hardware & Steel
Company, until he became connected with the Dolan
Wrecking Company. He enlisted in the United States
Auxiliary Naval Reserve on May 29, 1918, and saw
eight months' service during the World War, and re-
ceived his release from active service in March, 1919.
On his return, he obtained his former position with
the Dolan Wrecking Company. Early in 1920, he
joined with Dan P. Dolan, located on Mission Street,
in San Francisco; and he bought Mr. Dolan's Sacra-
mento business in 1922. He specializes in new build-
ing materials, and under his efficient management, the
business is proving a decided success. He has recent-
ly moved into his new building, which he himself built
iu 1923, on the Twelfth Street Road in Sacramento
At San Francisco, on September 3, ,1919, James Jo-
seph O'Connor was united in marriage with Miss Ellen
Fuller, of San Francisco, a native daughter of the
Golden State. They are the parents of one child.
Elenore. Mr. O'Connor prefers the platform of the
Republican party, and is a member of the Native Sons
of the Golden West, and the B. P. O. Elks of Sacra-
mento Lodge No. 6. While Mr. O'Connor established
a good business, it was not his success alone that won
for hiin the respect and friendship of his fellow-men,
but his high character and his exemplification of hon-
orable principles. He is deeply interested iu Sacra-
mento County, and is an enthusiastic supporter of all
the endeavors of his community.
JOY F. WANAMAKER.— Among Sacramento
County's progressive young Inisiness men is num-
bered Joy F. Wanamaker, who as secretary of the
North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce has done
much to aid in the development of this new and thriv-
ing town. Mr. Wanamaker was born near Fort Scott,
Kans., on April 28, 1896, the son of Newton P. and
Alice E. (Finnicum) Wanamaker. The father passed
away in 1898, and in 1909 Joy Wanamaker and his
mother came to California, arriving in Sacramento in
November of that year. Mrs. Wanamaker purchased
a home, and continued to live there until 1918, when
she bought a residence in North Sacramento, which
she occupied until her death on March 30, 1920.
After his graduation from the grammar schools of
Sacramento, in 1912, Joy F. Wanamaker entered the
employ of the Natomas Company as junior clerk in
the auditing department and was with them until 1914.
w-hen he accepted a position with the Wells Fargo
Express Company at the Southern Pacific station at
Sacramento, continuing there for two and a half years.
During the World War he was in training at Reno.
Nev., with the S. A. T. C. Previous to going to Reno
he had taken the civil service examination, and he en-
tered the employ of the post-office at Sacramento,
where he remained until 1921. Seeing the opportunity
presented in the newly subdivided tract of land, now
North Sacramento, Mr. Wanamaker decided to locate
there, and disposing of the residence which he and
his mother had purchased there, he bought a lot in a
splendid location on the main business thoroughfare.
Here he has built a new home and erected and
equipped a modern service station, opening his place
of business on September 21, 1921, it being the first
in this line of business in the new town.
On April 28, 1917, Mr Wanamaker w^as married to
Miss Janet M. Gibson, the daughter of William H.
Gibson of Sacramento, who is an old settler of the
county and a prominent business man, being the pro-
prietor of Gibson's Sheet Metal Works. Mr. Wana-
maker is a Mason, and a member in the Westminster
Presbyterian Church at Sacramento, where he at-
tended while a resident there, being a leader in the
young people's societies. A young man of exemplary
principles, Mr. Wanamaker was a stanch worker for
prohibition and is ever found working for every con-
structive movement that will be of benefit to the com-
munitv.
940
HISTORY- OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
MAURICE K. SMITH.— A distinguished musical
leader, who is famous for his success in imparting in-
struction in music to others, is Maurice K. Smith, the
popular director of the Sacramento Pipe Organ School,
at 1609 K Street. He was born at Newport, Ohio, on
March 31, 1884, the son of John T. and Sarah C.
(Saddler) Smith, the latter a musician, and prominent
in Ohio and Kansas musical circles. Both are now
deceased, and the memory of their interesting and
helpful lives is -a heritage to all w'ho knew them.
Maurice started out in life with the advantage of
the excellent Kansas schools, and then, beginning with
his thirteenth year, played the cornet for two seasons
in a circus. After that, he joined a dramatic stock
company, and for five years assisted in giving road
shows; and during that time, he traveled most of the
country. He jilayed and directed vaudeville, and was
in moving pictures, and was for some time a musical
director in Los Angeles.
In 1917, at San Francisco, he took up the study
of the organ under C. Sharpe Minor, one of America's
foremost masters of the organ in movie work. In
1918 the city of Sacramento, which as the capital city
had begun to draw the most representative talent, nat-
urally attracted Mr. Smith, who was thereupon given
a tW'O years' engagement as organist at the T and D
Theater. In 1920 he played an engagement at the
Royal Theater in San Francisco. Returning to Sacra-
mento, he was engaged as organist at the State Thea-
ter for the next two years, and he continued to fill en-
gagements as organist in the leading theaters in Sacra-
mento. On August IS, 1922, he established his studio,
where he specializes with students ambitious of play-
ing accompaniments to moving pictures, and of ren-
dering other artistic performances in the kinemato-
graph theaters. He uses the Robert Morton organ,
and always has a good class undergoing development.
When he breaks away from the confining and too
absorbing work of the studio, he likes to get out into
the open, and generallj^ finds that a turn at the wheel
of a car for several hours is a splendid relaxation.
In 1907. Professor Smith was married to Miss Lil-
lian Middleton, of Illinois: she is an indispensable
helpmeet, assisting our subject in his music school.
HARVEY RASMUSSEN.— A thoroughly experi-
enced hotel keeper familiar with California conditions,
who conducts his establishment as a modern, up-to-
date hostelry, affording strictly first-class service, is
Harvey Rasmussen, the wide-awake proprietor of the
popular Anchor Hotel. He was born in Denmark, on
March 1, 1882, the son of Jens and Annie Rasmussen,
and enjoyed the educational advantages of the excel-
lent Danish schools. Crossing the Atlantic to the
United States in 1899, when he was seventeen years
of age, he came West as far as Iowa, and there spent
three years in agricultural pursuits. Moving on to San
I'rancisco, he entered the employ of the United States
government, and for some years was in the transport
service. In 1906, he came to Sacramento, which so
well satisfied him as both a place of residence and
activity, that he was in business here for thirteen years.
In 1919, Mr. Rasmussen built the Anchor Hotel, a
modern, fire-proof building with 147 rooms, and a
large store-room beneath the structure, at 308 J Street,
becoming proprietor of one of the most attractive
edifices of its kind at the California capital. His aim
has always been to render an unexcelled service, and
having attained this ambition, it is natural that the
highly-progressive community of Sacramento should
show its appreciation, and pay him the highest re-
spect. Mr. Rasmussen is a member of the Chamber
of Commerce, and he never foregoes an opportunity
to do what he can to "boost" Sacramento City and
County. He is a Republican in national politics.
Mr Rasmussen was married at Sacramento, in 1907,
to Miss Ellen Gold, a native daughter, and they have
one daughter, Lucile. He belongs to the Eagles, and
the Dania Society, and liberally supports the Y. M.
C. A. and its excellent programs; and like most of his
fellow-countrymen, he is fond of fishing and out-of-
door life.
■WALTER OGLESBY FILES.— A business man
of enterprise and qualifications that place him among
the leading citizens of Sacramento is Walter Oglesby
Fi'es, who is one of the more recent accessions to
the business circles of his community. He was born
on August 7, 1888, at Bone Gap, 111., the son of Ches-
terfield and Emaline (Wilson) Files. His father, who
was a well-known physician and surgeon of Illinois,
is deceased. He and his widowed mother came to
California in 1908. She passed away at Stockton.
Walter Oglesby Files was educated in the public
schools and for two years he was employed in a drug
store in Detroit, Mich. "When he came to California
he was employed by the government at Mare Island,
as a progress man, where he worked for four years.
In 1919 he went to South America on a pleasure trip
and on his return he obtained a position with the
Western Loan and Building Company, whose head
office is located in Salt Lake City, Lftah. This pro-
gressive concern has eight branch offices, one of which
is operated by Mr. Files, at 411 J Street, in Sacra-
mento.
At San Francisco, in 1922, Walter Oglesby Files
married Ida Yarnold, a native daughter of the Golden
State. Mr. Files is the father of one son, Edward W.,
by a former union, and one son, Walter C. by his
present wife. Mr. Files is very fond of outdoor sports
and fraternally he is a Mason.
JOHN M. BIRD. — In the prime of life and general
usefulness, John M. Bird is one of the highly re-
spected employes of the Central California Traction
Company, where he has served since 1911 as a motor-
man. He was born in Kenton County, Ky., March 27,
1868, a son of F. P. and Elizabeth (Williams) Bird, of
Scotch descent, born in Kentucky. Both parents are
living and reside in their native state. John M. Bird
began his education in the grammar school; then en-
tered high school, where he remained until seventeen
years of age, when he w-ent to work in the harvest field;
later he worked in his father's saw and grist mill
where he remained several \'ears. At twenty-one years
of age he became a fireman on the Louisville & Nash-
ville Railroad, where he remained until 1892, when
he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and for seventeen
years was a motorman with the C. M. & L. Trac-
tion Company. In 1908 Mr. Bird removed to Cali-
fornia and located at Fresno, where he remained for
three years, when he removed to Sacramento and pur-
chased a home in Colonial Heights.
Mr. Bird was married to Miss Rose Armstrong, a
daughter of John L. and Sallie (Gray) Armstrong,
both parents of Scotch descent. Mrs. Bird has three
brothers in California. Three children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Bird. Ralph Lee enlisted in the Na-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
941
tional Guard in 1912 and served in the ranks for three
years; in 1914 he went to the Mexican border in Com-
pany E, 2nd Army Corps. He was discharged at
Camp Lewis, August 8, 1916, and reenlisted and was
again discharged October 22, 1917. He was married
in San Francisco to Miss Beryl L. Hooper; they re-
side in Colonial Heights, and he is engaged as a
dealer in used automobiles at 1206 I Street. He be-
longs to the B. P. O. Elks, Lodge No. 6. Arnold Bird
enlisted in June, 1917, as a member of the A. E. F.
160th Ambulance Corps and saw active service in
France; he was discharged August 2, 1919. Alfred
Bird also served in the army during the World War.
Mr. Bird is a Democrat in politics and a member of
the Odd Fellows of Cincinnati since 1894.
WILLIAM D. BESSEY.— For many years Will-
iam D. Bessey was recognized as a progressive and
successful business man of Sacramento, but since
1908 he has been engaged in fruit-raising on his ranch
of thirty acres located in the Fair Oaks colony of
Sacramento County. He was born near Bloomfield,
Sonoma County, Cal., July 7, 1867, a son of William
R. and Caroline (Coote) Bessey, both natives of
England. The maternal ancestors were British naval
officers of high rank, one receiving the honor of be-
ing laid to rest in Westminster Abbey. William R.
Bessey was twelve years of age when he left Eng-
land and came to the United States, and his early life
was spent in the East and South. In 1850 he crossed
the plains with an ox team to California and after
his arrival lived for a time near San Leandro, where
he engaged in vegetable gardening and fruit-raising,
marketing his produce in San Francisco. Returning
East, he was married in New Orleans, and in 1861 the
young couple came via Panama, to California. Early
in 1861 they arrived in Sacramento and located on a
ranch near Courtland. In 1862 occurred the memor-
able flood that wrecked so many homes, and it was
with difficulty that Mr. and Mrs. Bessey escaped.
Leaving Courtland, they then removed to Sonoma
County. William R. Bessey was a butcher by trade,
but preferred ranching, and while residing in Sonoma
County he became a prosperous furit-grower; but
later he removed to Salinas and there worked at his
trade as butcher for the Buel Range Company, resid-
ing there for ten years. On account of failing health,
Mr. Bessey removed to Sacramento, and in 1891 he
passed away, aged seventy years. He was survived
by his widow and two children: William D., of this
sketch; and Mrs. Nola N. Peck, who resides in Sac-
ramento. Mrs. Bessey continued to reside on the
ranch in Fair Oaks colony until her death on Febru-
ary 23, 1913.
William D. Bessey received a good education in
the public schools of California. In 1881 he became
a clerk in the country order department of Wein-
stock, Lubin & Company in Sacramento, and was
later promoted to an important position with this
company. Not being satisfied, however, to spend his
life working for others, he learned the trades of the
plumber and tinner, being associated with the firm of
Guthrie Brothers. In April, 1898, he enlisted in Com-
pany F, 6th Infantry of California, as sergeant,
having had ten years' service in the National Guard
of California. Company F did important work, and
while associated with the company Mr. Bessey was
promoted to second lieutenant. On December 15,
511
1898, he was honorably discharged from the si;rvice.
Returning to Sacramento, Mr. Bessey became the
partner of J. J. Sinclair and for twelve years was a
successful business man. In 1910 he sold his interest
in the business and retired to his ranch in the Fair
Oaks colony, where he has made a decided success of
fruit-raising. On February 21, 1921, the beautiful
residence on the ranch was destroyed by fire, but the
following year it was replaced by a new one, equally
as fine. Fraternally, Mr. Bessey is affiliated with the
Odd Fellows Lodge. He owns stock in the Wyan-
dotte-South Feather River Land & Water Company,
whose liolding will be later colonized.
JOHN HOLLENBECK.— The ever interesting
story of the toil, sacrifice and accomplishments of the
builders of the Golden State is recalled in the life of
John Hollenbeck, who was born August 21, 1834,
near Cairo, Greene County, N. Y., the son of John
and Elizabeth (Bennett) Hollenbeck. John Hollen-
beck, Sr., was a native of New York. In 1843 he
moved to Walworth County, Wis., locating near East
Troy, and engaged in farming until he retired, resid-
ing on his ranch until he passed away in 1895, at the
ripe old age of 105 years. Mrs. Hollenbeck died in
Wisconsin when she was fifty-five years old. They
were the parents of three children: Justice, who died
in Grundy County, 111.; Daniel, who died in Wiscon-
sin; and John, of this review. The grandfather,
David Bennett, served in the Revolutionary War.
When John Hollenbeck was ten years old, he
moved with his parents to the locality of East Troy,
Walworth County, Wis. He lived in a bur-oak log
cabin that stood for many years on their place, and
there he became familiar with farming and was edu-
cated in the school of experience, having very little
opportunity to go to school. In those days the only
pen used was a quill pen. On April 10, 1854, he set
out for the Pacific Coast. The journey by ox team
from Wisconsin to California took six months and
was very interesting, though dangerous. They had
several narrow escapes from the Indians, and were
saved each time by a second train which usually
pulled up in sight just as the Indians were about to
attack. These two trains moved pretty close to each
other all the way across the plains. A halt was made
at Council Bluffs, then only a small trading post.
They arrived in Salt Lake City, July 23, 1854. After
leaving there thej' ran out of provisions, and were
obliged to subsist on boiled wheat, which they ate
three times a day until they finally arrived at the pres-
ent site of Courtland, in California, on October 6.
1854. Mr. Hollenbeck located in the Delta country
and worked for four months for A. J. Peck on Sutter
Island. He then worked for wages for the Barbers,
of Courtland, for a year and a half, after which he
returned to the A. J. Peck place and worked from
1857 to 1859. All the land where Courtland now
stands was sold for $1,400; the land on which Paint-
ersville is located, for $1,000; and the Smith ranch,
just north of Paintersville. for $3,000. 1858, Mr.
Hollenbeck purchased ten colonics of bees and paid
$100 a swarm for them. Three weeks later he was
ofifered $135 a swarm, but he preferred to keep them
for the honey, which sold for one dollar per pound
in the comb. He soon ))ecame an experienced bee-
keeper, and in two years" time increased his number
of colonics to fifty. In 1862, at the time of the great
942
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
flood, the apiary, wliich was on the Sacramento River,
was swept away, with great loss to its owner. For
two years thereafter Mr. Hollenbeck worked at Rio
Vista, and in 1864 he settled on Steamboat Slough
and acquired some state land. He has resided on his
ranch for about sixty years. It is located on Ryer
Island, which comprises about 11,000 acres of land.
His farm consists of approximately 180 acres, with a
frontage of two miles on Steamboat Slough opposite
Howard's landing. In the early days only a narrow
strip along the levee was in shape to farm; the rest
was all swamp and tule land. It is one of the original
tracts in Reclamation District No. 501, and has been
leveed by dredge. After years of hard labor, the land
was cleared and improved, and today it is one of the
most fertile ranches in the Delta region. His first
crop was a yield of onions from two acres that netted
him $2,000, and to this start he gives credit for his
splendid success. He still raises onions, vegetables,
fruits, alfalfa, grain and hay. There is also a fine
section of land reserved as range for the horses and
cattle. In 1872 John Hollenbeck helped to organize
the Ryer Island Reclamation District No. 501. Dr.
Ryer had previously started clearing the banks of
the slough to prepare for the levee-building, but it is
only since recently that they have had the strong
dredger levee.
Mr. Hollenbeck's first marriage occurred on No-
vember 20, 1864, at Sacramento, and united him with
Miss Mary Meehan, a native of Ireland. She was
reared in Boston, Mass.. and came to Sacramento,
where she stayed with her relatives until her mar-
riage. Mr. and Mrs. Hollenbeck were the parents of
seven children: John and Daniel, both deceased;
William, farming in the Holland district: Mary Eliza-
beth, the wife of Calvin Hampton, of Ryer Island;
George J., of Sacramento; John, and Daniel F.. both
farmers on the island. Mrs. Mary Hol'enbeck died
on September 17, 1878. On July 20, 1880, Mr. Hol-
lenbeck was married a second time in San Francisco,
being united with Miss Mary Bird, a native of Bos-
ton. Mass. They were the parents of four children:
Lizzie K.. wife of Frank Kelley. of Ryer Island; and
Gertrude, Albert H., and Ethel. Albert H. married
Marie Gwerder and assists on the home place. Ger-
trude and Ethel are also with their mother, whom
they aid in presiding over the home. Mr. Hollenbeck
is hale and hearty at the age of eighty-nine, and is
alert both physically and mentally, doing the active
w^ork of an average man thirty years his junior.
Politically, Mr. Hollenbeck is a Republican. For
thirty years he has held the position of clerk of the
school board of Ryer district, his long retention in
office proving his efficiency as a business man and
his sympathetic attitude toward things educational.
GIOVANNI SQUAGLIA.— Possessing the quali-
ties which insure success, Giovanni Squaglia has be-
come independent through hard work and careful
planning and today owns one of the most productive
orchards in the fruit section of Sacramento County.
He was born in Lucca, Italy, April 14, 1866, and
there grew to young manhood on his father's farm.
In 1884 he left the parental roof and came to the
L'nited States. Arriving in New York, he immedi-
ately left for the West and began work clearing tim-
ber and setting out vineyard for an uncle at New-
castle. Cal. He only worked for three months, when
he removed to Sacramento, where he engaged in
marketing garden produce; he saved his money and
in 1905 purchased ten acres of land at Brighton, which
he has developed into a productive orchard of peaches,
cherries, plums and grapes.
In 1890, Mr. Squaglia was married to Aliss Amelia
Parenti, also a native of Lucca, Italy, and they are
the parents of three children. Amerigo is a graduate
of the public schools of Sacramento and is a member
of the Native Sons of the Golden West and is a
stockholder in the Native Sons of the Golden West
Buildin.g, Inc., in Sacramento; he is also a director of
the Fruitridge Berry Growers' Association, recently
organized; he is married and has one daughter. Elvira
Squaglia is the wife of John E. Velardi and they have
one daughter and reside in Sacramento. Linda is the
wife of Amato Parenti and resides in Sacramento.
Mr. Squaglia received his United States citizenship
in Sacramento in 1890 and is a Republican in politics.
For twenty years he has been an active member of
the Lodge of Bersaglieri in Sacramento.
JOHN E. WESTOBY.— The life of John E. West-
oby has been largely associated with the West, which
has benefited by contact with his broad and progres-
sive ideas and unfailing devotion to the best good of
the community. He was born in Leeds, England,
July 6, 1879, a son of Thomas and Martha Westoby,
who were also natives of England. LTncle Richard W.
Westoby left England for California via Cape Horn
and arrived at Benicia, Cal., in 1849, and became the
owner of much of the land where the townsite of
Benicia is now located. Thomas Westoby was a
carpenter and contractor by trade and spent five years
in Benicia working at his trade; then he removed to
Sydney, Australia, Avhere the family spent eleven
years.
John E. Westoby is the third of five children
and he received his education in the public schools of
Sydney. In 1897 the family returned to San Fran-
cisco and Thomas Westoby became superintendent
of construction of the dry docks in San Francisco.
He passed away in Oakland at an advanced age. The
mother of our subject now resides in Napa Valley.
Cal. In December, 1899, John E. Westoby enlisted
in the 2nd Mounted Volunteer Infantry, New South
Wales, and in March, 1900, was sent to South Africa
and saw active service in the Boer War. After his
honorable discharge, he returned to the United States
and located in San Francisco in 1902; after the fire
of 1906, in which he lost everything, he removed to
Oakland, where he followed his trade until 1909. In
the fall of 1909 he located in Sacramento and has
since devoted his time and attention to contracting
and building, in Sacramento and throughout the
county. He superintended the building of the Physi-
cians Building, and Hotel Land, the v\-arehouse at
Twenty-first and R Streets, and many garages and
residences throughout the city and county.
The marriage of Mr. Westoby united him with
Mrs. Abbie McClendon and they are the parents of
two children, John E., Jr., and Verna. Mr. Westoby
located on his five-acre orchard home in 1914 and has
spent much time in the development of the commu-
nity; he is a member of the Del Paso and Robla
Center farm bureau. Fraternally, he is associated
with the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Westoby is active
in school and club work in Del Paso.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUXTY
943
WESLEY E. MARTEN.— A well-trained attorney
enviably known for his exceptional knowledge of
certain branches of law, is Wesley E. Marten, the
efficient and popular assistant inheritance tax attor-
ney, who was born at Kingsburg, in Fresno County,
on January 15, 1891, the son of John and Augusta
(Peterson) Marten, both of whom are living com-
fortably at Kingsburg. Mr. Marten was a rancher,
of good old Swedish-French stock, operating for
3'ears extensively in and around Los Angeles, where
he settled in 1882; while Mrs. Marten came of excel-
lent Swedish ancestry.
Wesley E. Marten went to school at Kingsburg.
taking first the usual grammar school courses, and
afterward .going into the high school; and then he
pursued law-course studies, first at the University
of California, and then coming south again to the
LJniversity of Southern California where he was
graduated with the class of 1916. For two years he
was resident counsel for the "Examiner," and then
he was in partnership with A. P. M. Narlian. of Los
Angeles.
Mr. Marten's next move brought him into the in-
heritance tax department, in Los Angeles, where he
remained a year; and in March, 1919, he was trans-
ferred to Sacramento. Since coming here, he has
done much to straighten out the kinks in the new
legal chain, and to make the public better acquainted
and more satisfied with the inheritance tax and re-
lated laws; for he likes his work, and is never better
satisfied than when confronting p'entj' to do. He is
a Republican, and a broad-minded and liberal citizen
as well.
In the year 1917 Mr. Marten was married, at Los
Angeles, to Miss Lucile Miles, a gifted native daugh-
ter of Pasadena; and she shares his love of outdoor
life, and also of golf. Mr. Marten has already done
w-ell in his profession, and it is fair to assume that he
will rise much higher.
GUGLIELMO G. CARMASSI.— A resident of
Sacramento County since 1901, Guglielmo G. Carmassi
was born in Tuscano, Italy, August 20, 1884, where
he spent his early life on the farm and attended the
excellent school in his locality'. In 1901, when sixteen
years of age, he emigrated to California. For a short
time he worked on the farm at Colfax, but the same
year he came to Sacramento and found employment in
the Phoenix Hotel and Cafe where he continued for a
period of twelve years. He then leased Riverside Inn
and for five years made a success as proprietor of that
hostelry. Removing to Placer County he became pro-
prietor of the Allen Cafe near Auburn until 1919,
when he purchased a ranch at Loomis, w"here he is
raising fruits. His orchard and vineyard of twenty
acres, which he still owns, is a model and in splendid
bearing condition. In 1921 he came to Hood, leasing
Hotel Netherlands, where he is making a specialty of
Italian and French dinners, the cuisine being excel-
lent. It is a popular place and well patronized.
In Sacramento, December 1, 1910, Mr. Carmassi was
married to Nellie McLaughlin, who was born in
Nevada County, Cal., a daughter of Frederick Mc-
Laughlin, a mining man. She was reared and edu-
cated in Sacramento and is ably assisting her husband
in his business enterprise. Their union has been
blessed by the birth of two children: Dolores and
Frank. Fraternally Mr. Carmassi is a member of
the Eagles in Sacramento.
GEORGE E. KING.— The death of George E.
King, which occurred at Kingswold on November
20, 1917, after a short illness, removed from Sacra-
mento Count}- one of its pioneer settlers and upright,
progressive citizens, and deprived horticultural in-
terests in the Fair Oaks section of a leading repre-
sentative. Mr. King was born in Denmark, Ashta-
bula County, Ohio, May 1. 1843, and lived in Spring-
field, Mass., until his seventh birthday, when he ac-
companied his parents on their removal to St. Louis.
Mo. There the father established an iron foundry,
which afterward became known as the St. Louis Car
Foundry Company, of which his son, George E.
King, became general manager when but seventeen
v'ears of age, thus early in his career displaying
notable business ability.
In 1861, at the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr.
King enlisted in Companj' C, 130th Ohio Volunteer
Infantry, with which he served for three years, being
attached to the quartermaster's department. At the
close of the war he worked for the government at
Louisville, Ky., and at St. Louis, Mo., for several
months, and in 1867 entered the employ of a rail-
road at Albany, N. Y. Soon afterward he estab'ished
a foundry at Worcester, Alass., but ten years later
again took up railroading, w'hich he successfully
followed for an extended period. Going to the City
of the Straits, he secured work with the Detroit &
Bay City Railroad Company, with which he waa
connected until 1878, when he went to Chicago as
assistant general ticket agent of the Michigan Cen-
tral Railroad Company. In 1889 he was made assisi-
ant general passenger and ticket agent, and he con-
tinued to fi'l that important office until 1905, dis-
charging his duties with marked efficiency ano
fidelity.
While in the service of the Michigan Central Rail-
road, Mr. King came to Fair Oaks, where he estab
lished his home, being one of the first to purchast:
property here. Seeing great possibilities in this sec-
tion for the development of the citrus-fruit industr\,
he directed his energies to that end, becoming one
of the organizers and a director of the Fair Oaks
Fruit Company, which from its inception has proved
a most profitable venture, with a business that has
now assumed large proportions. Mr. King acted as
vice-president of this company, and also as presi-
dent of the Almond Exchange of Fair Oaks, and
the success of these two organizations is largely
attributable to his sound judgment, keen discern-
ment and executive powers. His operations as a
horticulturist were based upon a scientific knowledge
of the subject, and in the season of 1915 over ninety
tons of choice oranges w-ere harvested from his
orchard.
The family residence, Kingswold, with its fine
gardens and large orchard, is considered one of the
most beautiful and attractive places in the county,
and Mr. King took justifiable pride in his home,
finding his greatest happiness therein. His was an
optimistic, genial, kindly nature, and to know him
was to be his friend. He considered life well worth
the living, and the character of the work which he
did and the importance of the place which he fi'led
in his community were evidenced by the widespread
regret which followed his death. His honor and in-
tegrity were beyond question, and his life in its
various phases stood the test of intimate knowledge
and close association.
044
HISTORY OF SACRx-VMENTO COUNTY
He is survivt-il by his widow, Mrs. Jessie W. King,
who has resided in the Fair Oaks colony continu-
ously since 1898 and has made lier influence felt as
a strong force for good in her community. She is
a capahle business woman and is ably conducting
the extensive business built up by her husband's con-
structive efforts. She has worked earnestly, effect-
ively and untiringly to promote the wx'fare of her
district along material, moral and educational lines,
and has been particularly active in club affairs. She
is a leading member of the Woman's Thursday
Club and served as its president in 1904, 1906, 1908,
1909, 1912 and 1914. When the club was first organ-
ized it had a membership of twelve; it can now boast
a membership of some three hundred. While Mrs.
King works toward high ideals, her methods are
practical, and in every instance the results achieved
have given an impetus toward the attainment of
that higher civilization for which the world is striv-
ing. Her life has been a most useful and active one,
and no resident of Fair Oaks is better known or
more highlj' esteemed.
ARTHUR GEORGE.— Well-known as an indus-
trious ;uid worthy citizen and as a successful orchard-
ist, Arthur George has been located since 1914 on a
tract of thirty acres in Del Paso Heights, known as
the Oak Knoll section, where, in partnership with a
brother and four sisters, he has developed a fine or-
chard. He was born in Dawson, W. Va., December
18, 187S, the sixth of eleven children born to John A.
and Elizabeth George, also natives of West Virginia,
of Scottish descent.
Arthur George received his early education in
the public schools of West Virginia and at the age of
twenty left home and went to Richmond, Va., where
he entered business college, and after completing the
course, took up duties as a stenographer for a whole-
sale company, where he worked for a year; then he
took a better position with another wholesale com-
pany, where he remained for twelve years. During
this time he visited his brother and sisters in Cali-
fornia.
Later he became assistant manager of the
wholesale grocery company, a position he occupied
until 1920, when he again returned to California to
remain permanently, and he now acts as manager of
the orchard property and is joint owner with his
brother Clarence T. and his sisters, Maude V.. Norma
C, Clarice E. and Helen. Mr. George is a member
of the farm bureau of his locality and Clarence T. is
a member of the Del Paso Improvement Club. For
the past fifteen years, Mr. George has been a mem-
ber of the B. P. O. Elks of Hinton, W. Va., and in
politics he is a Democrat.
ELBERT S. McNEIL.— Emphatically a man of
energy, Elbert S. McNeil is one of the enterprising
and active men of Sacramento County, giving sub-
stantial encouragement to every plan for the promo-
tion of the public welfare. He was born on October
19, 1880, at Rockville, Colo., and was educated in the
public schools of Denver. While he was in North
Denver high school, and when eighteen years of age,
he enlisted with the United States army and went
to the Philippine Islands, serving in Company G,
34th LTnited States Volunteers, taking in the Filipino
insurrection. For twenty-two months he served in
the Spanish-.American War, and upon returning he
worked in the mines of Colorado for a short time.
He came to Sonora, Mexico, and was employed by
Charles Butters Company, where he learned the cyan-
ide business and afterwards was foreman of the first
large cyanide plant built in Nevada, in Six-mile
Canon, below Virginia City, to handle the Comstock
tailings, which closed down for the winter after six-
teen months. He mined at Goldfield, Nev., in 1907,
where he was employed for two years. In Carson
City he served for two years as a member of the
state police. He also served in the United States In-
dian service for two years, and in 1911 became deputy
sherifif of Humboldt County, Nev. In 1912 he was
appointed as a special officer in Joyland Park, Sacra-
mento, Cal. Then for two years he served on the
Sacramento police force. In 191S he bought a half-
interest in the Walker Taxi Company, of Sacramento.
When they started out they had only three machines.
In 1917 he purchased his partner's interest and en-
tered in business alone. He then purchased the City
Taxi Company and in 1919 gave his concern the name
"McNeil Taxi Service." He enlarged his business
and during the war ran twelve machines and did not
raise the rate, but continued the twenty-five-cent rate
until gasoline rose to twenty-eight cents in Febru-
ary, 1919, when he was forced to raise the rate. He
has improved the service, from cars costing $700
to cars costing over $3,000. He also runs taxicabs
and touring cars for sight-seeing trips and tourists'
country trips. This fleet of taxis and automobiles
renders the best of service at the cheapest rates.
Elbert S. McNeil was united in marriage to Miss
Gertrude Fischer of Nevada; and they are the par-
ents of one child, Gertrude Ethel. In national poli-
tics Mr. McNeil is a Republican; but in local matters
he is a man above party, interested in lending his
services to the man who w-ill benefit the community.
He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and
a member of the Spanish-American War Veterans
and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
JAMES P. JONES.— Public affairs occupy the
attention and profit by the well-directed efforts of
James P. Jones, the efficient constable of Center
Township, whom for more than two decades Fair
Oaks has numbered among its useful and desirable
citizens. He was born on one of the Norfolk Isles,
in the St. Lawrence River, on July 23, 187S. His
parents, Horace O. and Elvira (Soule) Jones, were
also born in that locality, being natives of Grand
Isle. The father devoted his life to agricultural pur-
suits, and he and his wife celebrated their golden
wedding on the farm where they established their
home immediately after their marriage. Five chil-
dren were born to them, of whom James P. Jones
is the youngest. His brother and two sisters pre-
ceded him to California. The former, F. S. Jones,
is now living in Piedmont; while his sisters, Mrs.
Stephen E. Keefer and Mrs. F. ,A. Story, are both
residents of Berkeley.
James P. Jones received a common-school educa-
tion. When sixteen years of age he became a wage-
earner, securing a position as clerk in a general store.
Subsequently he followed the occupation of farming
for a time, and in 1900 he responded to the call of
the West, locating in Fair Oaks soon afterward. Rec-
ognition of his worth and ability on the part of his
fellow-citizens led to his selection for public office,
and he is now serving as constable of Center Town-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
945
ship, which covers the entire territory of District
No. 3, with a population of 6,000. He is prompt,
fearless and efficient in the discharge of the respon-
sible duties which devolve upon him, and his course
has won the approval of aU law-abiding citizens.
During his leisure he busies himself with farm work,
for idleness and indolence are utterly foreign to his
nature.
In 1907 Mr. Jones married Miss Maude Kale, a
daughter of T. J. Kale, who was one of the pioneer
orchardists of Fair Oaks, but now resides in Sacra-
mento. Two children have been born of this union,
Mildred S. and Howard O. Mrs. Jones is prominent
in the social life of Fair Oaks, and is a member of
the Thursday Club. Mr. Jones takes an active part
in the affairs of the Fair Oaks Civic Club. He has
always been loyal to ever}^ trust reposed in him, and
puts forth every possible effort for the upbuilding and
advancement of his community, county and state.
HENRY HARRISON McCLAIN.— Among the
agriculturists who are helping to build up a perman-
ent prosperity for Sacramento County, none is held in
higher esteem, nor have any brighter prospects than
Henry Harrison McClain, well-known as an orchard-
ist and asparagus grower on Andrus Island. He is
one of Sacramento County's native sons, his birth
having occurred near Franklin July 18, 1883, a son
of Frank A. and Eliza (Bloom) McClain, both na-
tives of Sacramento County. Grandfather McClain
was a native of Scotland and was a pioneer trader
in Sacramento. He made various trips via Cape
Horn between New York and San Francisco and on
one trip he died aboard and was buried at sea. Grand-
father Bloom came to California in 1849 across the
plains by ox team, and at first conducted a hotel at
Diamond Spring, near Placerville; later he removed
to Sacramento County and purchased land which
later proved to be a grant and became involved in
a suit, and he lost all he had invested. He then lo-
cated in the vicinity of Franklin and bought a half
section of land, where he passed away at the age of
sixty-seven years. Frank A. McClain learned the
blacksmith trade and for many years conducted a
shop in Sacramento at Tenth Street, between K and
L, the site of the Sacramento Hotel; later he en-
gaged in farming in the vicinity of Franklin. In 1888
the mother passed away at the age of thirty-one years,
leaving three children: Henry Harrison, the subject
of this sketch; Donald, who was accidentally killed
on his ranch on Andrus Island; and Andrew, who is
a business man in Fresno.
Harry ^McClain, as he is familiarlj' known by his
friends, attended the grammar school of the Rich-
land district; then he spent two years in the Elk
Grove high school and finished with a business course
at the Atkinson Business College in Sacramento.
From 1902 to 1916, Mr. McClain was in various
cities in the employ of Wells Fargo Express Com-
pany; he then became a partner with his brother
Donald and his aunt. Mrs. Sol Runyon, in farming
the 440-acre ranch, known as the Point Ranch, on
.'\ndrus Island. One hundred sixty acres of this
ranch is devoted to orchard and 100 acres to aspara-
gus-growing, the balance being devoted to general
farming.
In Sacramento, on October 5, 1913, Mr. McClain
was married to Miss Myrtle Ross, Ijorn in Oakland,
Cal., a daughter of Frank A. and Mollie T. (Camp-
bell) Ross, both natives of Nevada County, California.
Frank A. Ross, who passed away at the age of forty-
five years, was manager of the Pacific Gas & Elec-
tric Company, and was later claim agent for the
Northern Electric line. Mrs. McClain graduated
from the Sacramento high school. The mother is
living with our subject and his wife. In 1916 Mr.
McClain built a fine residence on his Andrus Island
ranch, where he and his wife make their home. In
1914 Mr. McClain was master of Tehama Lodge
No. 3, F. & A. M., in Sacramento. He is a member
of Sacramento Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and
IS also a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Mason
and a charter member of Ben AH Temple, .A.. A.
O. N. M. S., of that city. Mr. and Mrs. McClain arc
members of Onisbo Chapter, Order of the Eastern
Star. Mr. McClain is a member of the Rotary Club
of Sacramento. In politics he is a Republican.
JOSEPH RADKE.— Unqualified commendation is
ever deserved by the man who, through his own ef-
forts, rises from an impecunious position to one of
comparative affluence. Such a one is Joseph Radke,
a prominent orchardist of Fair Oaks, who has fought
life's battles unaided, and whose career is proof of the
fact that merit and abilit}' will always come to the
front. A native of Germany, Mr. Radke was born on
September 3, 1864, and his life from early boyhood
has been one of unremitting industry. He was denied
the educational privileges which most youths enjoy;
but he had the desire to know more and to grow more,
and in the school of experience he has learned many
valuable lessons, constantly adding to his store of
knowledge, so that he is today an exceptionally well-
informed man.
Like many of his fellow-countrymen, Mr. Radke
sought the opportunities of the New World. For a
time he was a resident of Marshalltown, Iowa, whence
he journeyed to California, settling in Sacramento
County. He is an expert cabinet-maker and formerly
followed that trade, also becoming connected with
milling operations, but is now devoting his attention
tr horticultural pursuits. He is the owner of a valu-
able orchard ranch of thirty acres in Fair Oaks, and
specializes in the growing of almonds, prunes, wal-
nuts and persimmons, in which he has been very suc-
cessful. He carries on his labors scientifically and
keeps well-informed on all modern developments re-
lating to his line of work. He has become well-known
throughout California, owing to his having signed over
to the State Exchange his rights in the Radke Almond
Bleacher, which greatly facilitates the handling of
large quantities of nuts in the bleaching process. For
the past eleven years he has served as a director of
the Almond Growers' Association of Fair Oaks and
Orangevale, and hes been largely instrumental in pro-
moting the success of this organization. He is also
a director of Fair Oaks Irrigation District No. 4, and
reelection has continued him in that office for tlirec
terms.
Mr. Radke is married and has a daughter. Mrs.
Winnifred Cadman, who resides at Fair Oaks and is
the mother of a son, Richard. While a resident of
Iowa, Mr. Radke received his citizenship papers. He
is in thorough sympathy with American ideals and,
principles, and exercises his right of franchise in sup-
port of the men and measures of the Democratic party,
but is not a politician in the commonly accepted sense
of the term. He is firm in his convictions, and is a
946
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
man of strong and forceful personality, inspiring re-
spect and confidence. He has ever placed the general
welfare before personal aggrandizement, and in the
larger life of his community he fills an important place.
CARLO GADDI. — For the past thirty-two years
Carlo C.addi has conducted large fruit interests in
the vicinity of Sacramento; his orchard property
consists of 105 acres located five miles from Sacra-
mento on the Fruitridge Road. His birth occurred
in Lucca. Italy, September 1, 1858, a son of David
and Angelino Pasqueni Gaddi, both natives of the
same province of Tuscany, where they were well-to-
do farmers. Carlo Gaddi is the third of eight chil-
dren and by the time he was old enough to work on
the home farm, he was taken out of school and put
to work in the fields. In 1879, accompanied by his
brother. Santino, he came to America and directly to
California. Santino Gaddi remained only eighteen
days, but Carlo Gaddi worked for eight years in
market gardening for Fiori Gabrialli.
Mr. Gaddi was united in marriage with Miss Vine-
randi Perrinni, also born in Lucca, Italy, a daughter
of C. Perrinni, who came to California in 1860. Mr.
and Mrs. Gaddi arc the parents of four children:
David is a member of Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W.,
and is a rancher on the home place; Edith is Mrs.
John Apostee and they have one son, Carlo Gaddi;
Ernest saw service in France during the World
War, is now a rancher at home, and is a director
of the Fruitridge Berry Growers' Association; Venna
is deceased. In 1886 Mr. Gaddi became an American
citizen and has since voted the Republican ticket.
JOHN GARIBALDI. — Among the successful
orchardists in the vicinity of Sacramento is John
Garibaldi, whose fine home place is located about
five miles from the capital city on the Fruitridge
Road, consisting of twenty-one acres adjoining the
homestead of his mother. He was born on his fa-
ther's ranch, November 19, 1889, a son of Antone
and Maria (Garibaldi) Garibaldi, both natives of
Genoa, Italy. Antone Garibaldi was born in 1858
and when twenty years of age came to California,
where he first worked as a laborer; then conducted
the market gardens at the ranch across from East
Lawn Cemetery for several years. In 1887, Antone
Garibaldi was married to Miss Maria Garibaldi, who
came to California at the age of twenty-two. Four
children were born to this worthy couple; Hazel is
now Mrs. George Lagomarsino; John is the subject
of this sketch; Amelia is the wife of Frank Marton-
ovich; and Victor married Miss Clara Schenk.
Antone Garibaldi purchased the home place in 1895,
consisting of thirty-eight acres, which he developed
into a fine, productive orchard; he passed away in
1899 and his widow still resides on the home ranch,
which is operated by her two sons, our subject and
his brother Victor. Antone Garibaldi was a Repub-
lican in politics and was liberal in giving to benevo-
lences.
John Garibaldi was reared to work on the ranch,
and obtained his education in the district school. He
has always been deeply interested in fruit culture and
has been successful. For eight years he occupied the
office of constable of Sutter Township, and his serv-
ice was appreciated by the general public.
On November 4, 1915, Mr. Garibaldi was married
to Miss Catherine Silva, a daughter of Manuel Silva,
a prominent stockman of Brown's Valley, Yuba
County. Grandfather Silva was a pioneer of '49 and
mined at Nevada City, Cal. Mr. Garibaldi has re-
cently completed a handsome residence on his
ranch, which is jointly owned by himself and
brother and which adjoins the old home place. In
politics he is a Republican, and fraternally he belongs
to the Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W., and is a charter
member of the Oak Park Lodge of Eagles; he is also
a member of the local farm bureau.
CHARLES A. GUM. — Industry, perseverance and
thrift are recognized the world over as the founda-
tions of material prosperity. These three qualities are
possessed by Charles A. Gum, who ranks with the
substantial business men and most successful ranchers
of Fair Oaks. A native of Highland County, Va., he
was born at Monterey, the county seat, on January 12,
1850, and there resided until after the close of the
Civil War. He then made his way westward, reaching
Nebraska in the spring of 1869. On leaving that state
he went first to Rochelle, Ogle County, 111., and from
there to Chatsworth, in Livingston County, that state,
where he acquired a farm on which he raised grain
and stock.
For six years Mr. Gum followed agricultural pur-
suits in Illinois; and then, in 1895, he sold his prop-
erty there, having decided to make his future home in
California. He purchased from the firm of Howard
& Wilson of Chicago, 111., a ten-acre tract on Sunset
Avenue, in Fair Oaks, and was one of the first set-
tlers in this district. The land was covered with
heavy timber and the country was wild and unde-
veloped; but undeterred by the almost unsurmountable
obstacles which confronted him, Mr. Gum resolutely
set to work to improve his property. There was
neither water nor roads, and six months before water
was piped into this section of the valley he had cleared
off all of his timber, selling the live-oak for a dollar
and a quarter a cord and receiving a dollar per cord
for the white oak. The Shelton store was the first
constructed in Fair Oaks, and Mr. Gum hauled the
material for the building from Sacramento. He bore
with fortitude all of the hardships and privations of
pioneer times and thoroughly appreciates the improve-
ments of modern civilization. Through systematic,
untiring labor he has transformed his land into a rich
and arable tract. Everything about the place indi-
cates that he follows progressive methods, and well-
deserved success has attended his operations. In addi-
tion to caring for his own ranch he also supervises
the development of other farms.
On November 26, 1889, while residing at Chats-
worth, 111., Mr. Gum was married to Miss Isabella
Foreman, who was born near Columbus, Ohio, May
13, 1862, and was but three years of age at the time
her parents made the journey from that state to Illi-
nois with team and wagon. They were numbered
among the early settlers of Livingston County, ex-
periencing the hardships incident to frontier life, and
Chatsworth was their nearest trading point. Mr. and
Mrs. Gum have had two children, but one of these,
named Goldy, died at Fair Oaks when twelve years
of age. Their son Perry is now a prosperous rancher
of this section, owning fifty-five acres of land. He
is married and has two children, Robert Irving and
Wilma Charlene. Mr. Gum is ever ready to give his
support to measures for the promotion of the public
welfare, and is enthusiastic in exploiting the resources
I
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
947
and attractions of liis community. Diligence and de-
termination have shaped his career, and in winning
success he has also held the respect and good-wilL
of his fellow-citizens.
OROZIO CECCHETTINI.— As his surname in-
dicates. Orozio Cecchettini is of Italian birth and his
parents were natives of the same country. Twenty-
three years ago, he came to Sacratnento and pur-
chased five acres in the Fruitridge section of the
county; later he bought eleven acres. This was un-
improved property in 1900 and Mr. Cecchettini has
deve'oped it to a productive property, growing vege-
tables, fruit, berries and grapes. He was born in
Lucca, Italy, December 6, 1867, the youngest of three
children born to Thomas and Maria Bartolani Cec-
chettini, natives of Ital5r and farmers in the vicinity
of Lucca. Both parents are deceased. The sister of
our subject, Mrs. Maria Morelli, resides on the old
home place in Lucca, Italy. Orozio Cecchettini left
his home in 1887, and was nine days in reaching New
York. He left immediateh^ for California, arriving
in Sacramento May 11, 1887. He soon found steady
work on a ranch near Sacramento, where he worked
for ten years; then with seven partners he conducted
a large vegetable ranch on the Davis tract, marketing
their produce in San Francisco and Sacramento. In
1898, Mr. Cecchettini sold his interest and returned
to Italy for an extended visit to his parents.
On June 24, 1894, Mr. Cecchettini was married to
Miss Flora Caselli, youngest daughter of Vincenzo
Caselli, who is represented in this work. Three sons
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Cecchettini. Thomas
married Miss Marguerite Mussachia, a native of Sac-
ramento, a daughter of Frank and Virginia Mussachia
and the youngest of eight children; and now they are
the parents of one son, Thomas, Jr. Thomas Cec-
chettini served with the 363rd Field Artillery of the
91st Division and left home September 21, 1917;
later he was transferred to the 7th Army Corps Field
Artillery and saw active service in France; he left
France for America in February, 1919, and received
his honorable discharge at the Presidio, San Fran-
cisco, June 19, 1919. Ernest served with the 8th
Division, Regular Army, and trained at Camp Fre-
mont. At the time the armistice was signed he was
en route to France, but returned to the United States
and received his discharge at the Presidio, San Fran-
cisco, February IS, 1919. Victorio is the third son.
Mr. Cecchettini became a United States citizen in
1895 and has since voted the Repub'ican ticket. He
is a charter member of the Bersaglieri Lodge of
Sacramento and his son Thomas is a member of the
I. O. O. F. Lodge No. S at Oak Park.
ALVIN L. HEIM.— The standing of any com-
munity largely depends upon the character of those
who represent it in official capacities, and as assessor
and collector of the Fair Oaks Irrigation District
Alvin L. Heim is making a highly commendable rec-
ord, proving a most capable incumbent of the office.
He was born in Warrick County, Ind., March 4,
1864, a son of Adolph W. and Letitia (Lockyear)
Heim, and was reared upon the home farm. He at-
tended the country schools of that vicinity and com-
pleted his education in the high school at Evansville.
In 1909 Mr. Heitn started for the West, and two
years later located in Fair Oaks, where he has since
resided. In 1912 he bought ten acres of the Lami-
man estate. He now has a fine mixed orchard upon
his land, utilizing the most modern and progressive
methods in the operation of his ranch, which is a
well-developed property. In 1917 his fellow-citizens
honored him with election to the office of assessor
and collector of the Fair Oaks Irrigation District for
a term of two years, and indorseinent of his first
term's service came in his re-election in February,
1919, and again in 1923. He is systematic, efficient
and trustworthy, and his services are thoroughly
appreciated.
By his first marriage Mr. Heim has five daughters,
all of whom are residing in Indiana. For his second
wife he chose Miss Vena Bishop, whom he married
in 1915. She is a daughter of E. W. and M. M.
Bishop, of State Center, Iowa, and was formerly an
instructor in the public schools of Iowa and of Mont-
rose, Colo.; she holds a life certificate as a teacher
in Iowa. She is now the mother of three children:
Adolph, Alvin and Thalia.
Mr. Heim is well-informed on questions of public
moment, and has made numerous contributions to
the press of Indiana. He is probably the best-read
Socialist worker in this state, and his views of life
are similar to those entertained by Upton Sinclair,
the weU-known author. Mr. Heim has twice been
a candidate for the state legislatures of California
and Indiana on the platform of the Socialist party.
He has also been a candidate for the position of state
superintendent of public instruction, and was once
the nominee of his party for Congress. He has never
been an idle sentimentalist, but rather a worker; and
while he holds to high ideals, he utilizes practical
methods in their adoption. Thoroughness and devo-
tion to duty are his outstanding characteristics, and
Fair Oaks numbers him among its foremost citizens.
JOHN O. MURPHY.— Few understand both their
line of business and all the related conditions in local
commercial and social life, as well as John O. Mur-
phy, the far-seeing and enterprising proprietor of
the well-equipped store on Del Paso Boulevard.
North Sacramento, where he is engaged in the sale
of electric supplies and gas appliances. He was born
at Molino, Fla., on July 30, 1882, but was reared in
Mobile, A'a., where he attended the public school,
and at the age of seventeen he started out to make
his own way in the world, serving his apprenticeship
as a mill-worker in a sash and door factory at Mobile,
and in time becoming a full-fledged journeyman.
Then, in July, 1905, he came West, but just in time
to be a loser by the great earthquake and fire at San
Francisco, in April, 1906. He was able, however, to
return to Mobile, and in that city was married, in
1906, to Miss Cornelia F. Byrne, a native of Mobile
and a lady of accomplishments, whose sister and
brother later came to North Sacramento, w-here they
now reside. Two children blessed this fortunate
union: John B., a member of the class of 1924 of
the Sacramento High School, and Lucile, who is a
member of the class of 1927 at the same institution.
In 1909, Mr. Murphy and his family came to Cali-
fornia and located at Los Altos, in Santa Clara Coun-
ty, where he was occupied for the following four
years as a contractor in plumbing, having had previ-
ous experience in that line from 1906 to 1908 at
Mobile. In May, 1913, he came to Sacramento Coun-
ty, to take charge of the installation work of the
North Sacramento Water Company, in what was
948
1 1 STORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
tluii a new subdivision, and Ik- did so well here that
he continued to remain. HavinK seen the water com-
l)an.v's plant in successful operation, he turned to the
development of his own business, in which from the
beginning he has prospered. In connection with his
work for the water company, Mr. Murphy was in-
strumental in making a man of the entire North
Sacramento system; and this map. accepted as offi-
cial and authentic, is the one in use today. He has
become one of the men best-posted regarding North
Sacramento and its wonderful development from a
few scattered homes and a couple of stores, to the
thriving industrial and trading center that it is today.
He is an active member of the Chamber of Com-
merce, and also of the Builders' Exchange of Sacra-
mento and the Northern California Electrical Asso-
ciation; and he evidences by his own investments his
faith in the section these organizations are endeavor-
ing to serve and develop, personal'y owning desirable
business and residential property, including his own
store-building.
VINCENZO CASELLL— Among the prominent
and interesting pioneers of California is Vincenzo
Caselli, who came to California in 1854 when San
I'rancisco was a city of tents. He was born in Lucca,
Itah', August 16, 1835, the eldest of five children born
of Pasquale and Marguerite (Giovannoni) Caselli,
both natives of Lucca and both now deceased, the
former in 1888, aged eighty-seven years, and the lat-
ter in 1887, aged seventy-eight. The opportunities for
an education were limited to a few months, but \''in-
cenzo Caselli improved his time as best he could, and
he was obliged to make what he could by tying
bundles of twigs together and selling them for two
cents a bundle. Leaving his home, he went to France,
where he sold plaster of Paris images for eight
months, when he started for America with a party of
his countrymen. They were en route from Liverpool
forty-six days, arriving in New- York in the fall of
1853. He began making and selling the images and
did very well in the business. The first five dollars
he made he sent to his mother in Italy. In July, 1854,
Mr. Caselli started with five of his countrymen for
California, the journey taking twenty-four days and
they arrived in San Francisco, August 14, 1854. After
a year spent in Tuolumne County, he returned to San
Francisco and worked as a market gardener for some
time. In 1856, Mr. Caselli removed to Sacramento
and was in the same business; and after a year was
able to rent twenty acres of land on which he raised
garden truck; five years later he had saved sufficient
money to purchase land of his own
In 1861, Mr. Caselli was married to Miss Mary
Nevis, a native of Portugal, and eight children were
born to them: Alfred and Idelle died in infancy; Al-
fred is married and has two children; Margarita is the
widow of F. Guisti and has three children; Albert is
married and has two children and is a watchman at
the courthouse in Sacramento; Manuel is manager of
the home place and on November 21, 1894, married
Miss Kate Calligori and they have one son, Vincent;
Isabellc died in 1905, survived by two children; Flora
is Mrs, O, Cecchettini and has three sons. In 1862
Mr. Caselli purchased a ranch of seventy-two acres
where he farmed for ten years when he sold his prop-
erty. In 1873, accompanied by his family of four
children, he made an extended trip to Italy, returning
to California the following year. He farmed on a
ranch below Sutterville for two years; then purchased
his present ranch of sixty acres in 1876. The house
.built on the ranch in early days is still standing, but
Mr. Caselli has built a modern house in which he re-
sides. Mrs. Caselli passed away September 20, 1877.
On July 21, 1871, Mr. Caselli received his final U, S.
citizenship papers and has since been a stanch Re-
publican. Mr. Caselli has made four trips to Italy, the
last being taken in 1911, when he visited the old
Caselli home place of his boyhood. Mr. Caselli has
four grandsons who served during the World War,
and he did his part in subscribing to Red Cross, Lib-
erty Loans and other war activities.
MANUEL JOSEPH MACHADO.— Manuel Jo-
seph Machado is a native son born at Freeport, Sacra-
mento County. January 14, 1882. His father, Frank
Joseph Machado. was an early settler of this county,
having come hither from his native Island of Pico in
the Azores group, and in California he was married
to Marian Azevedo, also a native of Pico. They re-
sided here until 1888 when they returned to Pico with
their four children, Frank, Manuel, Marie and Joseph,
and in his native land he followed farming. While
there the son Joseph died. They continued to reside
in Pico until 1901, during which time five more chil-
dren were born: Marian, Rosie, John, Anthony and
Joseph. In 1901 the elder Machado brought his fam-
ily, the wife and seven children back to Sacramento
County, the subject of this review, Manuel J., having
preceded him in 1898. Here the parents followed
farming until they returned to Sacramento, the wife
and mother passing away in 1918, while the father
is still living.
Manuel J. spent the first six years of his life at
Freeport and during the last year attended public
school, when he went with his parents to Pico Island
where he grew- up on the farm and attended the local
school until he was sixteen years of age. He always
had a longing to return to his native place, so in 1898
he came back to Sacramento and immediately went
to work to paddle his own canoe, his parents not join-
ing him until later. For two years he followed fish-
ing, saving his money, and as soon as he had earned
enough he returned the money he had borrowed to
pay his way back to the land of sunshine and flowers,
after which he continued to save more money to send
back to his parents so they could join him. Next he
went to work on mail boats running between San
Francisco and Sacramento, continuing for a period of
four v'ears. When he had accumulated sufficient capi-
tal, he leased a ranch in Yolo County, across the river
from Freeport, and engaged in the raising of grain.
Starting, also, with a small dairy, he prospered and in
time purchased the ranch of 287 acres and began the
improvements that have brought it to a high state of
cultivation. With others, he started to build levees
which were finally finished with power dredges in
Reclamation District No. 900. Building up his dairy
and sowing the whole ranch to alfalfa, he has been
very successful. About 1908 Mr. Machado rented
the ranch and located in Sacramento, when he built a
commodious residence on X Street and since then he
has also built eight flats on the corner of X and
Twelfth Streets and in 1920 he completed the large,
beautiful residence on X Street where he now resides
with his family. Mr. Machado a'so owns a 200-acrc
ranch on Natomas No. 1000, five miles from Sacra-
mento, which is devoted to raising beans and alfalfa.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
949
besides leasing 700 acres adjoining, where he is en-
gaged in raising grain.
Mr. Machado was married in Sacramento to A'liss
Marie Cory, who was born in Pico, and who came
to CaHfornia with her mother when she was eighteen
years of age, her father having passed away in their
native land. The mother is now also deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Machado have six children: Manuel and
Hilda are graduates of Sacramento high school; and
there are Mildred, Martha, Marling and Beatrice.
Fraternally Mr. Machado is a member of the U. P. E.
C, and politically he is a Republican.
ADOLPH SKOOG.— An industrious and enter-
prising farmer is Adolph Skoog, who was born in
Arvik, Sweden, September 26, 1873. He was reared
on his father's farm and educated in the excellent
schools of that country. In the spring of 1898 he emi-
grated to the United States, coming direct to Sacra-
mento, Cal. For two years he was busily employed
on a ranch on Staten Island, after which with a part-
ner he leased a ranch in the Lisbon district where
he raised alfalfa and grain for a period of eight
years, when the partnership was dissolved. Mean-
while, he was married in Sacramento in 1899, being
united with Miss Bessie Nelson, a'so a native of
Sweden. For some years Mr. Skoog operated a
farm and vineyard at Franklin with industry and suc-
cess. In 1911 he leased the McKuen ranch on the
Cosumnes, and there on the 1,150 acres he has since
made his home, engaging in dairying and general
farming and making a specialty of raising alfalfa and
beans. His dair}' comprises a herd of one hundred
Holstein inilk cows. He is being assisted by his son
Arthur, and they are applying themselves closely and
industriously and are meeting with deserved success.
Mr. and Mrs. Skoog's union has been blessed with
four children: Annie, Arthur, Walter and Davida.
Mr. Skoog appreciates the favorable conditions of
climate and soil in the Sacramento Valley and is
content that he had the good fortune to cast in his
lot with the great and growing Golden State. A firm
believer in protection as the fundamental principle for
the success of America and American institutions, he
is a stanch Republican in his political preference.
ARNOLD SANER.— A man who, by energy and
industry, has made ,i decided success of the dairy
business is Arnold Saner, a native of Canton Solo-
thurn, Switzerland, born August 16, 1861. His father,
Jacob Saner, was a farmer and stockman and mar-
ried Maria Strahl and both are now deceased. Of
the eight children born to this worthy couple two are
living, Arnold being the only one in America. He had
two brothers that came to California before him.
Joseph came in 1883 and Robert came in 1885 and
both are now dead.
Arnold Saner, who was the fifth child in the order
of birth, was educated in the national schools of Swit-
zerland and from a boy learned dairying. He re-
mained at home, assisting his parents, until 1887, when
he spent one year in Canton Baze' and then came to
California. He made his way to his brother Joseph
Saner's ranch near Gait and began working for him
both as milker and cheese maker, continuing for a
period of nine years. His wages were thirty-five dol-
lars a month and out of this he managed to save
some money, so that he was able to purchase an ont-
fii and he leased 750 acres of land from Mrs. Dalton at
Slough House and made improvements on the place
for dairying. He put in a pumping plant and raised
alfalfa and cows. He began with fifty head of cows
and has increased his herd to 250 head. After operat-
ing the place for eighteen years he gave it up and pur-
chased the old Moore place of 918 acres, where he
made substantial improvements by building horse
l,>arns, grainery, and cheese house, and enlarging the
cow barn. He raises large quantities of a'falfa and
his place is irrigated with a pumping plant driven by
a twenty-horse-power engine. He also purchased the
Wilcox ranch of 400 acres adjoining his place, making
it a very valuable stock farm. He has been manufac-
turing the Poppy Brand of California cheese up till
1920, but now he has a separator and sells the cream.
Mr. Saner's marriage occurred in Sacramento on
November 3, 1902, when he was united with Miss
Mary Mitchell, who was born in Canton Oberwaldeu,
Switzerland, and their union has been blessed with the
birth of nine children; Marie, Arnold, Jr., Clara, Ma-
tilda, Godfrey, Agnes, Herman, Carl, and John. Mr.
Saner fraternally is a member of the Swcitzer ^'erciu
in Sacramento.
JAMES W. COX.— Prominent amon.g the ener-
getic men of affairs whose past record for usefulness
to their day and generation invariably entitles them
to the good will of their fellows, in later years, and
the best wishes of everybody for their ultimate pros-
perity and comfort, may we'l be placed James W.
Cox, now retired and residing at 1810 E Street, Sac-
ramento, in which city he was born, on November 9,
1857. His father, J. C. Cox, came from Ohio in 1848.
settled at Sacramento, and was among the first who
made for the mines when gold was discovered.
Later, he ran a pack train from Sacramento- to Vir-
ginia City; and after that he had an auctioneering
stable on Seventh Streeet. Then he went to Lake
Valley, and built a saw-mill; and the frame of the
mill is still standing there. There Mrs. Cox. who
was Miss Lurinda Crumb before her marriage,
breathed her last, mourned by those who had been
privileged to know her; and then Mr. Cox went to
Idaho for a number of years, but returned to Cali-
fornia, and settled in Mendocino, where lie died in
1889, also highly esteemed.
James W. Cox received his education in the pub-
lic schools, and then lived with his grandparents,
while his father was in Idaho; and he went north to
Oregon, and to Spokane, Wash., when there were
only three houses there. He then went to Colfax
and took up some land; but after twe've years on it,
he came back to California and Sacramento, and
tried teaming, which he continued for forty years;
and at one time he did all the teaming for the build-
ings going up in Sacramento. He employed a large
force of help, worked hard, did well by others, and
made some money; and he was able, in 1920, to retire.
Mr. Cox married first Miss Lydia C. Deel, of Ore-
.gon, and they have had several children to gladden
their domestic life. Maud is Mrs. H. Bishop; Myrtle
has become Mrs. Elmer Cox; and Maggie is Mrs.
A. W. Norris. There are also six grandchildren.
Mr. Cox has lived in the same location since 1888.
The second Mrs. Cox was also born here, and in the
same year as her husband, in 1857. Her parents came
over the plains; and her mother was a sturdy pioneer
who had ridden a horse across the prairies, and car-
ried her baby at the same time. Her father. William
950
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
1!. iJiiii.son, ulio had niarrit-d Miss Cynthia Bruener
in Illinois, and who had the first pottery in Sacra-
nunto, left the Prairie State with his wife, four chil-
dren, and oxen, and she was given a horse by the
family she had worked for, and this was the steed
she rode over the plains. They settled on Thirtieth
Street, in Sacramento, and there he built the first
pottery shop. Then, in 1859. he moved to Sonoma,
and died there, in 1896, at the age of seventy-six.
Her brother, IC. H. Denison. who came with his par-
ents, passed away in Stockton in 1921. Mr. Cox
has been an Odd Fellow for twenty-seven years, and
belongs to the El Dorado Lodge and the Occidental
Encampment and Canton No. 1.
NORBERT G. MOSHER. — A progressive ranch-
er, vitally interested in his county, is Norbert G.
^fosher. born June 21, 1888, on Andrus Island, Sac-
ramento County, Cal. His father, William Mosher,
was born in 1859 in Minnesota, and came to Ca'i-
fornia in 1877. Here he married Catherine Glenn,
a native of Iowa, and they settled down on a ranch
at .\ndrus by the Sacramento River. Here he put
in many years of hard labor, acquiring 280 acres and
following the life of a farmer until his death. He
passed away when he was but forty-eight years of
age. His faithful wife is now residing at her ranch
north of Hood, Cal. They were the parents of seven
children: Norbert G., Frances, Gretta, William,
Myrtle. Carmel, and a child Vernie, who died at
four years.
Norbert G. Mosher attended the Jefferson gram-
mar school in Yolo County and the Brothers' Col-
lege at Sacramento, where he was graduated in 1905.
On December 9, 1914, in Sacramento, he married
Matilda Fisher, born at Walsh Station, Sacramento
County, the daughter of H. S. and Charlotte Fisher.
Her father was a farmer, owning a thrit}'-acre ranch
in District No. 744. Matilda Fisher received her
education in the Sacramento High School. After
their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Mosher moved to their
Tyler Island ranch of eighty-four acres, owned by
his mother, which is devoted to the raising of fruit
and asparagus, and the responsibility for the manage-
ment of this ranch rests upon Mr. Mosher. He and
his wife are the parents of one daughter, Carmel
Rose. Politically, Norbert G. Mosher is a Republi-
can. Fraterna'ly, he is a member of Sacramento
Lodge No. 6. B. P. O. E., and the Modern Woodmen
of America, at Franklin.
CHARLES HENRY FASSETT.— A contracting
p'umber whose ability to undertake extensive work,
and to finish what he may undertake, to the letter,
has added very much to his wide reputation for qual-
ity of workmanship and dependability of materials
employed, is Charles Henry Fassett, who was born
in Florin, Cal., on March 18, 1867, the son of L. H.
and Helen (Alzeda) F'assett. They will long be
remembered by those who knew them as worthy pio-
neers who made straighter and easier the paths they
were traveling for a'l those who were destined to
come after.
Charles Henry Fassett went to the public schools,
and then topped oflf his studies with the fine com-
mercial courses at Howe's Business College; and
after that, he took up farming and for three years
raised fruit in Florin. Attracted to Sacramento by
a chance to enter the Southern Pacific shops, he came
here in 1893, and for fourteen years gave himself to
railroad work. He then took up plumbing, bought
out a firm already established, and studied sanitary
engineering; and since that time he has been more
than busy, installing the finest of plants in flats and
other dwellings. His thorough acquaintance with
the latest and most approved methods, and his ambi-
tion to render only fhe most reliable service, together
with his desire to please, putting himself in the p'ace
of the customer, and realizing that, after all, the
patron is entitled to what he wants and is willing to
pay for, all these qualities have contributed toward
his success. His reward has been, in addition to the
steady growth of trade, the consciousness that he has
helped materia'ly the growth of one of the fairest
and most promising cities in all California. In poli-
tics, he is a Republican.
In July, 1890, Mr. Fassett was married to Miss
Ida Longabaugh, a favorite native daughter of Sac-
ramento, who died in 1906, the mother of one child,
Fay v., now Mrs. Alden J. Nugent; and on August
12, 1911, he married Miss Rose Geraldine Grubbs, a
gifted and charming lady, now the mother of three
children, Lawrence Keith, Nina Ann, and Jess. Mr.
Fassett be'ongs to the Maccabees; and he is fond of
outdoor sports, and is well-known as a successful
duck-hunter.
EDWIN McEWEN.— Another fearless, eflicient
and popular justice of the peace is the Hon. Edwin
McEwen, of Granite Township, Sacramento County,
and residing at 5002 Fourteenth Avenue. He was
born on an Indiana farm, on February 25, 1871, the
son of Archie and Sally Ann (Stewart) McEwen,
who were substantial farmer folk, and did all that
they could in their time to better the agricultural
conditions of the country, and while working for
better crops, to improve the status of the farmer.
Edwin McEwen set out on life's journey with a
pretty fair schooling, obtained in Indiana and Mis-
souri, to which state his folks moved when he was
twelve; enjoying not only public but private school
instruction, and keeping up his studies at night, after
a hard day's work on the farm, so that he may be
entitled to some of the credit of a self-made man.
This credit is particularly deserved, for he even had
to borrow school books where he could. When he
reached manhood, he married Miss Allie Albright, in
Arkansas, to which state he had gone, and then, for
fifteen years, he farmed.
On March 7, 1903, Judge McEwen came to Cali-
fornia and Sacramento; a cripple, for while mining,
in August, 1901, he was injured in a mine, and since
that time he has been unable to walk. He has never
lost courage, however, and with real bravery, and
entire self-respect, he has always made his own way.
At first, he had a little store at Oak Park, and had
concessions at different places; and for the past
twelve years, or for three consecutive terms, he has
been the favorite justice of the peace of Granite
Township, and he is just commencing his fourth
term in that responsible office. He is a Democrat
in politics. He is very fond of baseball and spends
leisure hours with the fans in this sport.
Albert Roger and Annie Lucretia Harrison are
the two children conferring honor on the Judge;
and they are enthusiastic about the open-world in
Sacramento County, and the many attractions that
make this the home-place and the natural garden
spot of California.
HISTORY OF SACRAIMENTO COUNTY
951
OSCAR J. HENLEY.— An experienced contractor
in brick-work who has been able to advance building
conditions in and around Sacramento, is Oscar J.
Henley, of the well-known firm of O. A. Henley &
Son, of 1408 V Street, Sacramento, in which city he
was born, on November 29, of the Centennial Year
of 1876. His father, Oscar A. Henley, crossed the
great plains as an Argonaut in 1849, and located at
Sacramento, coming all the way from St. Louis,
where he was born. He was only three years old
when accompan5'ing his parents, who were among
the real early pioneers of the capital; and Oscar A.
Henley attended the local schools, and then learned
brick-'aying, which he followed until of late; for he
is still active at the age of seventy-six. Mrs. Henley,
however, who was Mary Ellen Foley before her mar-
riage, and shared with her husband the devotion of
a large circle of admiring friends, is deceased. Grand-
father Arch was a judge.
Oscar J. Henley had something of the popular
schooling, and then learned the brick-laying trade
from his father, now the oldest brick contractor in Sac-
ramento, with whom, since 1910, he has been a part-
ner, in brick-contracting, helping to build the D. O.
Mills Bank building, the Skelton undertaking parlors,
and much residential work, and they built a large
number of the old business houses in Sacramento.
He belongs to the Builders' Exchange, and to the
Owls; and in politics, he is a Republican.
On June 26. 1904, Oscar Henley was united in mar-
riage with Miss Nora Belle Partlow, of Ohio. Mr.
and Mrs. Henley enjoy an enviable popularity.
HERBERT SIMPSON. — Prominent among the
leading contractors in building with brick, Messrs.
Simpson Brothers, who are well represented by Her-
bert Simpson, have exerted an enviable influence in
favor of better architecture and more substantial and
permanent construction, not only in the capital city,
but throughout Sacramento County. Their office and
headquarters are at 3980 H Street, Sacramento; and
there more than one undertaking of real importance
to the locality has been planned.
Herbert Simpson was born at Leicester, England,
on June 28, 1881, the son of James H. and Clara
(Benson) Simpson, the former a bricklayer, as his
father before him had been a builder with brick. He
attended the excellent English schools, and then
served an apprenticeship with his father; and as a
bricklayer he worked among journeymen in that
country for five years. While methods and some of
the results there are different from those observable
here, this great advantage he enjoyed in his native
country, that he learned to be painstaking and thor-
ough, and to produce only dependable work.
In 1906, Mr. Simpson came to the United States,
and after nine months in Philadelphia, he moved on
westward to Sacramento, and in the autumn of that
year, began work at the capital as a journeyman.
Fourteen years later, when he had become possessed
of ample experience, including a valuable knowledge
of American and Californian conditions, he formed
a partnership with his brother, Harry, who had al-
ready been contracting, and knew a deal about that
side of the enterprise. They have done the brick
work in the State Maintenance Building, for the
State Highway Commission, the Crystal Ice plant,
the Roseville and the Linco'n schools, and many
fine residences. The quality of the work delivered
has brought the firm more and more patronage, and
they render a superior type of service.
In 1902, Mr. Simpson married Miss Nellie Little-
john, an attractive English girl, and they have had
one child, Elsie. Mr. Simpson belongs to the Sons
of St. George, and to the ranks of the Republicans;
and when needing restful diversion he is fond of
soccer.
BERTRAM G. RUGG.— Prominent among the ex-
perienced and capable carpenters of the capital, and
wider known, through his fraternal associations,
throughout the county. Bertram G. Rugg has exerted
an enviable influence, and always in favor of indus-
trial progress. He was born at Alton, Kansas, on
June 25, 1880, and came out to the Golden State about
fifteen years ago. His parents w-ere Edward L. and
Dora (Pierce) Rugg, the latter a lovable woman
whose untimely demise in 1903 was mourned by
many. The father was a carpenter and a contractor,
and came to California in 1909. He is still living,
and is esteemed for his ability and his integrity.
Under their favoring oversight, Bertram got such
educational advantages as were locally available; and
what he did not learn in school, he tried to acquire
in the wider school of experience.
Mr. Rugg worked at railroading, printing and on
new'Spapers, and found employment in such cities as
Denver, Salt Lake and Reno; and in 1908 he came to
Sacramento, after having learned the carpenter trade
in Colorado; and for some time he worked as a jour-
neyman. He was with the Ransom Concrete Com-
pany for four and one-half years as a carpenter, and
for a year, from July, 1922, he was business agent for
the District Council of Carpenters at Sacramento,
and he is again serving as business agent for the
District Council of Carpenters. He resides at 4870
Q Street, Sacramento, was a freeholder on the new
charter for the county, does his own thinking on
political questions, and maintains a live interest in
civic affairs.
Mr. Rugg married Miss Bertha C. Shane, of Illi-
nois, on June 8, 1913, and they have two sons, Ed-
ward Bertram and Thomas Shane. He belongs to
the, Maccabees, the Woodmen of the World and the
Eagles.
ROY MILTON STEVENSON.— Probab'y one of
the best-known men in the motor world of Sacra-
mento County today, and quite as popularly thought
of as he is widely famed, is Roy Milton Stevenson,
of the Quality Automobile Service, and an automo-
tive engineer, at 228 P Street, Sacramento. A native
son, who has always been proud of his association
with the Golden State, he was born at San Jose, on
October 16, 1892, the son of James Milton and Me-
lissa (Price) Stevenson, the former also a native son,
from an old family and still living in San Jose.
Roy Stevenson attended the San Jose schools, and
then entered the automobile trade by commencing
to learn each detail of the business, commencing on
the lowest round of the ladder. Whatever he did.
he did well; and now that he has this habit well
formed, he finds half of the day's routine already put
behind him, and his customers find that they can
always depend upon him for anything committed to
his care. In 1910, he came to Sacramento, and for
the past five and one-half years, he has been in busi-
952
HISTORY OF S.VCKA-MENTO COUNTY
ness for himself, for tin- last three and one-half years
being loeated at the above address. He employs
two men, each of whom is an expert. In politics, he
prefers the standards of the Republican party, but
he i,s too broad-minded to be party-bound, and as a
Kood booster for Sacramento and vicinity, he treats
local issues in a non-partisan fashion. He belongs to
the Native Sons of the Golden West and is also an
Klk, a member of Sacramento Lodge No. 6.
In iyi2, Mr. Stevenson was married to Miss Irene
Soulc, a native daughter, now the mother of three
children, Millon. l'",arl and Marian.
MANUEL A. FRATES.— California has been
particularly fortunate in her exceptional staff of con-
tractors and builders who have done their utmost
in laying the foundation that has drawn the count-
less number of tourists to the Golden State. Promi-
nent among those who have contributed their great
aims and results is Manuel A. Frates, who was born
in 1874, at Cohasset, Mass., the son of Manuel and
Rose Frates. His father, who came to Monterey
with the first fishing crew, remained here for a short
time and then went to the Azores Islands where he
was married. He came back to Massachusetts, but
later returned to the Azores, where he passed away.
Manuel A. Frates was educated in the public
schools of Massachusetts and the Azores Islands,
and a'so in the practical school of experience. He
worked as a carpenter in the Azores and in 1900
came to California and was employed for seven years
as a journeyman, with Mr. Charles Vanina. He
then went into business for himself and built some
of the public schools and the finest residences in
Sacramento, Newcastle, and Auburn.
Manuel A. Frates was united in marriage to Miss
Minnie .\gnes Marshal', a native daughter of New-
castle, Cal., and they are the parents of three chil-
dren: Arthur, Viola, and Marvin, Mr. Frates is
a stanch Repub'ican, and a member of the U. P. E.
C. and the S. P. R. S., the A. A. D. E. S., and the
Builders' Exchange. His leisure moments are spent
in the open, and he is particularly fond of fishing
and hunting,
JOSEPH BEEBE.— A long-popular musician who
is now enjoying, in a well-earned retirement, both
the leisure most men long for, and the good-will of
his fellows, is Joseph Beebe, of 1521 P Street, Sac-
ramento. He w^as born at Columbus, N. Y., on
March 5, 18J6, the son of Ezra and Betsy (Wi'cox)
Beebe, good old-timers of the Empire State, who did
their duty by the society of their day, and then passed
to their eternal reward.
Joe Beebe remained on the home farm wdiere he
was born until he w-as twenty-one years of age, the
wdnilc he attended the local school; and in odd mo-
ments between farm chores and work, he learned to
play the violin. He attained to such proficiency that
he was able to take a position with a circus, with
which he traveled for four years; and in 1862 he
came out to San Francisco. Here he made a second
circus engagement, and traveled for another four
years, playing this time the cornet.
In the autumn of 1867, Mr. Beebe accepted an en-
.gagemenl to play in a theater in Sacramento, and
then, for twenty-five years, he was with the Church
it Jones orchestra; and for the past fifteen years he
has been retired. For twenty years he has served as
treasurer of the Musicians' Union, and he has just
enjoyed the distinction of again being reelected. He
is one of the oldest musicians in Sacramento, and
never fails to receive, when in public or in private
cultured circles, the honors due him. He has long
been deeply interested in Sacramento, town and
county, and finds here the fulfillment of that which
is desirable in both climate and scenery.
Mr. Beebe was married to Mrs. Julia Moody, in
1864, and she died in 1915. He has been an Odd
Fellow since 1869, and he belongs to the Musicians'
Union.
ARTHUR WALTER SWEET.— Now well-estab-
lished as a contractor for up-to-date plumbing
and heating, Arthur Walter Sweet of North Sacra-
mento is able to exert an enviable influence in favor
of those better things in installation and appoint-
ment that mark the degree of civilization in any
community, and that have so much to do with
the comfort, health and the happiness of people.
The capital city may well be congratulated, there-
fore, on the acquisition of this progressive and far-
sighted Rhode Island Yankee, for he was born at
Pawtucket, on September 24, 1883, when he entered
the family of Joseph and Mary (La Due) Sweet, sub-
stantial weaver folks connected with the woolen mills
there, where the3r are still residing.
Arthur Walter Sweet attended the public schools
of the home town, and then learned the machinist
trade, which he followed for two years; and in 1903
he came West, and soon luckily located at Sacra-
mento. He entered the water service department of
the Southern Pacific, and after four years, he was in
business at Roseville for a couple of years. Coming
back to Sacramento, he worked for the Pacific Gas
& Electric Company for three and one-half years;
and in 1914 he established himself in business at
North Sacramento. He is doing all the work, and
the business has grown, until today he is consuming
$7,000 of material a month. During the year 1922 he
continuously employed six journeymen plumbers. He
belongs to the Builders' Exchange and the Master
Plumbers' Association, and favors the Republican
platforms, because he believes that they favor Amer-
ican industry.
In the year 1908, on January 26, Mr. Sweet and
Miss Myrtle Alice White, a native daughter of Te-
hama County, were married, and they have a family
of four children. Reginald Arthur is the eldest; Ha-
zel Estelle and Wilma May the second- and third-
born; and Victor, the youngest. Mr. Sweet is also
an Elk, and belongs to Sacramento Lodge No. 6.
JAMES W. LARRICK.— A native of the Old Do-
minion, since 1905 James W. Larrick has been iden-
tified with the business life of Gait. He was born
on February 2, 1856, near Winchester, Frederick
County, Va., about forty-four miles from historic
Harper's Ferry. His parents were Jacob F. and
Susan Adeline Larrick, descended from old families
in that part of Virginia, and both lived to reach the
ripe old age of eighty. The father spent most of his
life in that vicinity, where he w-as well known as a
hotel-keeper and also engaged in farming.
One of a family of four children, James W. Lar-
rick was educated in the schools of Frederick County,
remaining at home until he was of age. Starting as
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
953
a clerk in a mercantile business, after he had learned
it thoroughly he went into business for himself at
Midd'etown, Ya.. remaining there until 1905, when
he disposed of all his interests and came to Califor-
nia, settling at Gait. After arriving here he estab-
lished himself in the well-boring business, sinking
wells for domestic use, and building up a good pat-
ronage in this line^ in which he continued until 1917,
when he became the agent for the American Express
Company at Gait, a position he still occupies.
At Lexington, Va., October 28, 1886, Mr. Larrick
was married to Miss Anna V. Kirkpatrick, a native
of that p'ace and a daughter of James and Elizabeth
Ann Kirkpatrick, members of well-established South-
ern families, her father being for many years a tan-
ner at Middletown, Va. Eight children w-ere born
to Mr. and Mrs. Larrick: Elizabeth Florence and Su-
san May, residing in San Francisco; Frank Clinton of
Gait; William Kirkpatrick of San Francisco; Nellie
Louise of Gait; Paul Andrew- of Sacramento; Grace
Rosalie of Excelsior, Minn.; and James Payne of San
Francisco. It was on account of Mrs. Larrick's failing
health that the family removed to California, but
she lived only a year after coming here, passing awa^'
in June, 1906, deeply mourned by her husband and
children for her many lovable qualities. Mr. Lar-
rick owns his home in Gait, but has disposed of his
ranch of sixty-six acres which he bought a number
of years ago. A Republican in po'itics, he is promi-
nent in I. O. O. F. and church circles, being a past
grand of the Gait lodge.
MARTIN KOFOD.— An enterprising, industrious
and thrifty rancher, w-hose success reflects creditably
upon the community in which he lives, as well as upon
himself, is Martin Kofod, a native of Bornholm, Den-
mark, where he was born on April 19, 1867, the son
of Hans Kofod Hansen, a farmer and a miller, who
is still living at the ripe old age of eighty-six. He
married Miss Petrea Larsen, who died w^hen our sub-
ject was a lad. The other children in the family are
Maria, Hans Peter, and Christian, all older, and
Petrea, the youngest. Mr. Larsen married a second
time, taking Miss Krak for his bride; and they had
four children, Janus, Hansina, Carl and Anna.
Martin Kofod attended the district schools in Den-
mark, and when fifteen years old, he started to learn
the machinist trade. After following that awhile, he
learned milling, and followed that, also. In 1888,
he came out to San Francisco, and worked for nine
or ten years in the grist mills there; and then went
into the baking business for himself, and was nicely
established when the great fire of 1906, following the
earthquake, burned him out. He then came inland
to Sherman Island, and bought fifty-three and one-
half acres there, devoted to the growing of beans, in
part, but mostly to alfalfa, and also to a dairy. He
also has ten acres of asparagus. He attends properly
to his business, but he takes a real keen interest
in public affairs and all that pertains to the com-
munity in which he lives and prospers. Having taken
out his citizenship papers at San Francisco in 1895.
Mr. Kofod marches with the Republicans, and thus
works for better and more stable government.
At San Francisco, on the 25th of February-, 19C0,
Mr. Kofod was married to Miss Elianna Brond-
berg, a native of Sterling, 111., and the daughter of
Peter and Genevieve (Hansen) Brondberg. Her
father came to California when Elianna was five years
old. and liere followed his trade, that of a cooper,
and he in time settled at Napa, where he had a
cooper shop. He is still living on his ranch, and
spends his time developing his flocks of choice squabs.
His good wife died when she was fifty-six, but it has
been his privilege to see his seventy-fifth year. There
were three daughters in this interesting family, Hilda
and Frances, both of Burlingame, being the younger
sisters of Mrs. Kofod, who attended the San Fran-
cisco and Napa schools. Three children have blessed
Mr. and Mrs. Kofod, and they bear the attractive
names of Thor EHas, Elianna and Andrea; and all
graduated from the Rio Vista high school. Mr.
Kofod is a member of tlie Danish Brotherhood of
America.
THEODORE WILLIAM SCHLUCKEBIER.—
.Another builder of wide and varied experience, w-ho
has been very successful as a general contractor, and
in his successful enterprises has contributed toward
the development of this part of Sacramento County,
is Theodore Wil'iam Schluckebier, of 2660 Marshall
Way, Sacramento. He is a native son proud of his
association with the great Golden State, and was
born at Sacramento, on February 3, 1889, and is the
son of Theodore and Caroline Schluckebier.
Theodore Schluckebier attended the public schools
of Sacramento, and then he worked for eight years
in a planing mill. Then he engaged in the building
of homes and selling them; and also building homes
for others. He stands for progress, and for the de-
velopment of Sacramento Count}\
Mr. Schluckebier was married in Franklin, Sacra-
mento County, to Miss Zenia Marlatt, a native
daughter of Sacramento County; and they have had
two children, Evelyn and Dorothy.
EDWARD S. MASON.— Well-known among the
experienced, successful builders of Sacramento
County, who have displayed unusual ability in gen-
eral contracting, Edward S. Mason, of 3258 Sixth
Avenue, Sacramento, may very properly be regarded
as entitled to a full share of the credit for the won-
derful progress made in and around the capital city,
in recent years, in the matter of architectural con-
struction and improvement. He was born on a farm
in Dubuque County, Iowa, on January 18, 1860, the
son of Robert C. and Priscilla (Dean) Mason, who
came out from Pennsylvania and settled in the Hawk-
eye State; they were hard-working and honest pio-
neers, doing their duty in hastening the day when
Iowa should come to its own, and there they lived
and died, esteemed by all who knew them.
Edward S. Mason went to the public schools until
his services were demanded on the home farm, and
at the age of seventeen, he commenced to learn the
carpenter trade. Becoming a full-fledged journey-
man, he moved to Nebraska; and in 1889, when south-
ern California had given the whole state a tremen-
dous advertisement abroad, he came to Sacramento,
and for five years worked as a carpenter for the
usual wages.
About 1894, however, convinced that he. could do
better when operating for himself, Mr. Mason set up
as a contractor, and since then he has usually had
all that he could do, and sometimes a good deal
more. He has made a specialty of the frame build-
ing, and has also constructed some of the most at-
tractive flats; and in all this work he has been sue-
954
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
ccssful. while IrLcnKiitly k-ndiiiK a liaiid to assist
some one c'sc to attain success. He has done a
large amoinit of l)uilding at Oak Park; and having
lived liere more than thirty years, has witnessed the
almost phenomenal growth of that suburb to what it
is today.
In politics a Repul)lican, Mr. Mason has ever
stood ready to boost the section, in an admirable non-
partisan manner, in which he has prospered, and
where he believes that there is plenty of room and
opportunity for others; and in between times, he has
managed to get away for hunting and fishing, being
fond of the great outdoors, and thinking that Sacra-
mento County has more than the usual natural at-
tractions.
FELIX DESMOND.— Sacramento County may
well be proud of its efficient public officials, men
and women of wide experience and unquestioned and
non-challengeable integrity of dependability, among
whom is Felix Desmond, the popular superintendent
of the Sherman Island State Farm. He is a native
son, and first saw the light at San Francisco on
October 15, 1857, His father, Michael Desmond, was
a native of County Cork, Ireland, and he married
Miss Anna Darley of the same place. He came to
California in the early fifties, and rendered excel-
lent service here as an experienced and hard-working
carpenter, more than willing to assist others to get
homes and headquarters; and when he and his good
wife, who preceded him to the great beyond, closed
their earthly careers, they rounded out a record such
as anyone might be proud of. The parents of Felix
Desmond died when he was a baby and he never
knew what it was to have a real father and mother.
He was reared by a Mr. McRae, a teamster of San
Francisco, and was the third-born in a family of
four boys: John. William, Felix, and James.
Felix Desmond attended the school of his local-
ity, and when a lad started to make his own way
in the world. He received at first two dollars a week,
and his job was to thread needles in a carpet fac-
tory run by John C. Bell. He then worked for a
while in a candle factory, and after that, when he
was able to handle horses, took up teaming, and drove
for three companies in San Francisco, those of Mc-
Kinnon, Ayers, and Messrs. Lyons & Collins. He
then left San Francisco and went to Stockton, where
he worked for George Harris, on a ranch near Oak-
dale.
Leaving Mr. Harris, where he had become invalu-
able through his work and his fidelity, Mr. Desmond
entered the service of the state of California, and he
has been at the State Farm for the past fifteen years.
He is now foreman in charge of their ranch of 250
acres on Sherman Island, Sacramento County, which
is a part of the State Farm; a self-supporting insti-
tution, with about twenty-five inmates from the
asylum, the temporarily insane and ailing to a still
lesser degree. These (male) inmates do all the
work required to operate the farm, which is devoted
to the raising of asparagus and vegetables. Mr. Des-
mond is a Republican, but first, last and all the time,
he is a loyal American, enthusiastic for the Golden
State.
At San Francisco, on February 28, 1885, Mr. Des-
mond was married to Blanche Paul, who was born on
March 16, 1868, at San Francisco, the daughter of
Horatio Paul; and two sons and one daughter have
blessed this union, Harry, Roy and Vera. Both sons
responded for service in defence of their country in
the World War, Roy joining the Pacific Coast Guards,
but he was not accorded the privilege of getting to
France. He resides in San Francisco. Harry enlisted
in the army, on the other hand, trained at Camp
Lewis, and crossing over to France, served in the
Evacuation Hospital, No. 16. He is married and re-
sides at Cle Jilum, Wash., and has one daughter,
Elizabeth. Vera married Otto Boyer.
GROVER W. BEDEAU. — A practicing attorney
in Sacramento is Grover W. Bedeau, a native son,
imbued with a patriotic devotion to the Golden State.
He was born at Marysville, on June 26, 1892, the son
of W. B. and Minnie Bedeau, both natives of Marys-
ville, and both members of old, pioneer families.
Grover W. Bedeau, after he had finished his high-
school study, spent four profitable years at Stan-
ford LIniversity, and then took the state bar exami-
nation. With his usual success in academic work, he
passed the tests creditably, and was admitted, in
1916, to practice; and he has continued a lawyer ever
since. He maintains well-equipped offices in the
Nicolaus Building, and devotes much of his attention
to increasing his knowledge of local conditions. Mr.
Bedeau is a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Ma-
son, and a charter member of Ben Ali Temple, Nobles
of the Mystic Shrine, and is also a member of the
Sciots and the Odd Fel'ows.
WILLIAM DE BACK. — An experienced, progress-
ive and very energetic executive who has done much
to make popular the institution he represents, is Will-
iam de Back, the superintendent of the Bayside Can-
nery at Isleton. He was born at ^''orden, Cal., on
February 7, 1890, the son of William and Marie (van
Ede) de Back, Hollanders who came out to Cali-
fornia about 1885, and settled at Vorden. The
father, a carpenter and building contractor, lived
to be sixty-seven years old, survived by his devoted
wife, who is still residing at Vorden. William is
next to the youngest in a family of six children, the
others being Paul G. de Back, of Isleton; Gilbert, in
Vorden, and Harry, Joseph, William and John, the
youngest, in Sacramento.
William de Back attended the Walnut Grove dis-
trict schools, and at the age of seventeen went forth
into the world to make his own way. He was first
employed by the California Fruit Canners' Associa-
tion, of Vorden, and learned every department of the
canning industry, continuing with that plant for six
years. He then took up electrical contracting, made
his headquarters at Isleton, and had, besides, a place
of business at Oakley. He did wiring and installed
electrical pumps, but at the end of two years he went
off to the Hawaiian Islands, and became the assist-
ant superintendent of a cannery for the Pearl City
Fruit Company there. He remained for three sea-
sons, or for two years and eight months, in the
Islands, and on his return to California was in the
stage-line business operating the Isleton-Sacraraento
auto stage from 1915 to 1918. In the latter year he
sold his interest to take a position with the Bayside
Cannery at Isleton, beginning with the winter of
1919. And there, for four seasons, he has been super-
intendent of their plant, which packs asparagus,
spinach, string-beans, pumpkins, carrots and vege-
table salad. Mr. de Back votes for the candidates
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTS'
955
and for the measures he deems best, regardless of
party dictates.
The marriage of Mr. de Back and Miss Ethel
Crump, a native of Clarksburg. Cal.. took place on
March 8. 1913. at Isleton. the bride being a daughter
of J. C. Crump and his devoted wife, who was Miss
Alice Feran before her marriage. Mr. Crump is a
farmer, and he is steadily to be seen at work at
Isleton. Ethel attended school at Clarksburg and
Isleton, and in that locality she was reared. She at-
tended Sacramento high school and then prepared for
teaching in a private school at San Francisco, and
. she taught school at Isleton. They have one child,
a daughter, Alice Helen. Mr. de Back is a member
of Isleton Lodge No. 108. I. O. O. F., and is a past
grand of the order. He is also a member of Sacra-
mento Lodge No. 6. B. P. O. E., and was made a
Mason in Rio Vista Lodge. F. &A. M., and was a
charter member of Isleton Chamber of Commerce.
WALTER SCOTT HARTIN.— Among the most
popular of all headquarters calculated to give delight
to the ambitious and particular housewife, the Isle-
ton Meat Market, whose proprietor is the obliging
Walter Scott Hartin. enjoys a vogue such as should
spell prosperity, year after year. He was born at
Parsons, Kans., on December 27. 1875. the son of
John Henry Hartin. and his good wife, Indiana, the
former born in Kansas, while the latter, as her name
might indicate, hailed from the land of the Hoosiers.
Grandfather Hartin was a frontiersman, on the Kan-
sas plains; and the family stock evidenced all the
sturdiness for which the old-time American pioneer
was famous.
When Walter Scott Hartin was six months old. he
was brought by his father to Rio Vista, where Mr.
Hartin was active for years buying fruit for Libby,
McNeil & Libby's in the Delta section of the Sacra-
mento River. Walter attended the Rio Vista schools,
and when eighteen years old, began to learn the but-
cher's trade, at that place. He then joined the Libby,
McNeil & Libby service, and for six and one-half
years was superintendent of the Isleton canning
plant. After that, he conducted a butcher shop for
ten years, having his headquarters in an old frame
building where the Isleton barber shop is now lo-
cated; but when the Gardiner Bros, erected a brick
business block, and several persons had attempted to
conduct a fresh meat store there, and failed, he tried
his luck and won out there. This is really not to
be wondered at, for Mr. Hartin thoroughly under-
stands this line of trade, with all its puzzling details.
Mr. Hartin also owns a tract of 120 acres in Inyo
County, formerly school lands; and this tract is sit-
uated in Deep Spring \'alley amid a fine stock-rais-
ing country. At present, Mr. Hartin is a member of
the board of trustees of the Isleton school district,
evidencing by his service to his fellow-citizens in
that capacity his deep interest in the community in
which he lives and prospers. He is a Republican,
believing that the objects of the Republican party
mean most to the capitalist and the wage-earner, and
are conducive to increased trade.
While at San Francisco, on October 3, 1916, Mr.
Hartin was married to Miss Mabel Alary O'Conner.
a native of the bay city, with one living sister, Mrs.
Viola Turner, of Modesto. Two children have
blessed the union, Walter Scott, Jr,, and Wayne Scott.
Mr. Hartin belongs to the Isleton Lodge No. 108. I. O.
O. F.. and he and his popular wife are both members
of the Rebekahs. He is a booster for this rapidly
growing delta region and he is an enthusiastic mem-
ber of the Isleton Chamber of Commerce. He was
an active supporter for the incorporation of Isleton
and was elected the first city treasurer.
LUCIUS F. GOULD. — An energetic business man
of progressive ideas and up-to-date business methods
is Lucius F. Gould, who was born December 14,
1883, in Clay County, Nebraska, near Harvard, the
county seat, the son of Cleon and Martha ( Etler)
Gould. The family came to Orangevale, Cal., in 1892,
where they settled. His father, a meat dealer, is still
living at Hayward, Cal., at seventy-two years of age,
and his mother passed away in 1920 at an age of six-
ty-eight.
Mr. Gould was educated in the public schools and
in the school of experience. He took a course in de-
signing and building and then became an apprentice
in the carpentering trade. He followed this work
until four years ago, when he engaged in contract-
ing for himself, specializing in the building of the
better class of houses and flats.
Lucius F. Gould was united in marriage with Miss
Evelyn Ade'l Millard, of Perkins, a native daugh-
ter of the Golden State. Fraternally, he is a Scot-
tish Rite Mason, belonging to the Shrine, and an
Odd Fellow, of Sacramento No. 2, of which he is
past grand. He is also a member of the Modern
Woodmen of America and the Master Builders and
Builders' Exchange. Politically he adheres to the
Republican party. He is especially fond of baseball,
and is deeply interested in the welfare of Sacramento
County, being numbered among the public-spirited
and respected citizens of the growing community.
LOUIS FLEISCHBEIN.— A man of especial
worth, who easily impresses others Avith both his nat-
ural ability and his acquirements through experience
is Louis Fleischbein, who was born July 8, 1865, at
Quincy, III, the son of Anton and Anna B. Fleisch-
bein. He attended the public schools and the D. L.
Musselman Business College at Gem City. His first
position was as an elevator bo3'. He then went to
work in a boiler shop, where he learned the trade and
was later employed as a machinist. For three years
he had charge of Chic & Alton Company's shops,
located at Bloomington, 111. He then went to Bear-
ing Cross, Ark.. Avhere he took charge of the shops
there. In 1910, he caine to California and was with
the Western Pacific Company for one year. For
five years he conducted a general merchandise store
on Mormon Island. He sold out and settled in Oak
Park. On September 1. 1921, he built the Buck Horn
Garage, a fireproof structure.
Mr. Fleischbein was married to Marv R. Dotv of
Liberty, Adams County, 111., March 20^ 1888. They
are the parents of three sons and one daughter: Nina
May, the eldest, deceased when seventeen months old;
C. L., who fought in the World War; W. H., who
served as chief machinist and interpreter in the Navy
during the World War; and O. J , who was in the
first draft drawn in California. The sons are members
of the firm and arc first-class mechanics. They do
general repair and machine work, and have a full line
of general supplies. This garage is the only place
in Sacramento that possesses a two-ton Manly
wrecker, which is a decided asset to tluni, inasmuch
')56
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
as it can take a machine out of a river, and can haudlc.
sonic of the most difficult and hopeless situations
where cars have been run into ditches, etc.
Mr. Louis Fleischbein is a Scottish Rite Mason,
belonging to the Commandery. He has always been
fond of hunting and has a fine collection of animal
heads from the animals which he has killed. As a
Republican, he has sought to elevate civic life stan-
dards, and is particularly interested in the growth and
prosperitx- of the community.
CLIFFORD PRUDHOMME. — A wide-awake,
prominent, and prosperous representative of an in-
teresting pioneer family, is Cliflford Prudhomme, the
son of Moses J. and Sarah Jane (Worsley) Prud-
homme. His father, an expert blacksmith, was one
of the pioneers who crossed the plains in 1850. His
mother, also a pioneer, was born in New York; she
came to California with her brother when a young
girl. Both parents are now deceased.
ChfTord Prudhomme was born in Auburn, Cal.,
on July 8, 1885. He was educated in the schools of
his native city and then he learned the electrical busi-
ness and worked his way in the various cities of the
United States. In 1907 he was employed as a jour-
neyman and foreman by the Electrical Supply -Com-
pany, in whose service he remained for nine years,
and during this period he had charge of some of
the largest jobs in the city. He then obtained a posi-
tion with Scott, Lyman and Stack Company. In
1919 he opened a place of business, with a partner,
whom he later bought out. Mr. Prudhomme has
installed the electrical work in the Crystal Ice plant,
VVahl's stationery store, China Toggery, and the
homes of Mr. Devlin, Curtis Cutler, J. C. Carly, and
others. He is rated as an expert electrician and is the
manufacturer and designer of several types of fixtures,
and he specializes on finishes.
In San Francisco on November 30, 1911, Clifford
Prudhomme was united in marriage to Nellie W.
Sutter, of Montana. They have been blessed with
two children. Jack and Earl. He is a member of
the Chamber of Commerce and the Knights of Pyth-
ias. Politically, he is a Republican. He is especially
fond of outdoor sports.
CARL F. VINING.— Whatever else Carl F. Vin-
ing, the popular contractor of 2909 G Street, Sacra-
mento, may or may not be able to do, he will prove
to everybody's entire satisfaction, that in matters
electrical, calling for a knowledge of the latest scien-
tific word, and an application of the latest methods
and apparatus, the capital city is on the map, and
there to stay. Born at Dalton, Ga., on July 5, 1885,
he first came to this section about seventeen years
ago. Felix J. Vining, the lumber and cotton-gin man,
was his father, who had married Miss Sarah Eliza-
beth Cain; and both are still living, to enjoy the de-
votion of a circle of admiring friends, and to feel a
satisfaction in having lived in such an age of progress.
They sent Carl to both grammar and high school, in
his native Georgia district, and when he had said
good-bye to school-books, he was in the steel mills
in Alabama for a couple of years. Then, having pre-
viously learned the rudiments of the electrical game,
while at Chattanooga, Tenn., he took it up in earnest;
and coming out to California in 1906, he came to
Sacramento, convinced that here lay his destiny.
Mr. Vining worked as a journeyman, and then was
superintendent for Messrs. Scott, Lyman & Stack,
for two years, and in 1918 he engaged in business for
himself. He did the electrical work in the Zeller-
back Paper Company Building and that of the Good-
year Tire Co., and the Bowman Carriage Factory,
as well as that of the Avery Tractor Plant, and the
Union Stage Depot, Fifth and I Streets, Sacramento;
and for many of the finest individual residences,
apartments and flats. This volume of business re-
quires the services of five or more men to help turn
out the steady volume of work. He is a member of
the Sacramento Electrical Club, and gives his support
to the Sacramento Builders' Exchange. He is a
Republican.
Miss Grace Emily Kelly, a native daughter of Sac-
ramento, became Mrs. Vining on August 7, 1917,
the ceremony occurring at Sacramento; and they
have three children, John Sydney, Doris Eileen and
Emily Ruth. Mr. Vining is a Mason of the thirty-
second degree, and he finds recreation in both the
Shrine and the Sciots. He belongs to Lodge No. 6 of
the Elks, and to Redjacket No. 28 of the Red Men.
He likes to hunt and fish, which is another way of
saying that he finds Sacramento a sporting county
worth coming a long way to enjoy.
EDGAR J. CAMP. — An experienced executive,
particularly familiar with horitcultural conditions in
California, Edgar J. Camp, manager of the Earl Fruit
Company, of Florin, has done much to advance the
interests not only of that enterprising and popular
concern, but of a particular corner of the Californian
agricultural field. He was born in Sacramento
County, on a farm, on December 18, 1886, the son
of James Edgar and Nettie M. (Taylor) Camp, who
came to California in 1862, and were substantial
farmer folk here. Mr. Camp, after having put in
years in developing parts of the great Golden State,
and having both earned and received the esteem and
the good-will of his fellows, died in 1910, leaving a
very desirable record for usefulness. The many friends
of Mrs. Camp, on the other hand, are glad that she
is still living, to add, by her company and winning
personality, to their happiness.
Edgar J. Camp enjoyed both grammar school and
high school educational advantages, and then he
started at the bottom rung of the ladder, to learn
the fruit business. Filling one position after another,
he worked his way up. becoming sales manager, and
then general district manager; and having been with
the Pacific Fruit Exchange for four years, he has
also been another four years in his present position,
to the satisfaction of all who have dealings with him.
Mr. Camp is himself a successful grower of fruit
and a vineyardist, and is also a shipper in a modest
way, and as such he has done much to develop the
Florin district, his experience as an individual assist-
ing him also in his capacity as manager. He is there-
fore interested to a healthy degree in both the his-
toric past and in the promising future of Sacramento
County.
The marriage of Mr. Camp to Miss Mary D. Fair-
bairn, a native, gifted daughter of Sacramento County,
took place at Mayhews, in the year 1907; and now
four children gladden the hearth of the Camp house-
hold. They bear the names, Bruce, Doris, Frances
and Barbara; and they also have their circles of
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
957
friends. Mr. Camp is an Odd Fellow and a Red Man;
and in politics he is a Republican, although always
a broad-minded non-partisan booster for Florin, Sac-
ramento and California.
OTTO BAAK.— The interesting traditions of the
past, when art and industry joined hands, are pleas-
antly recalled by the workmanship and unique treas-
ures of Otto Baak, the very efficient and popular
jeweler of 2926 Thirty-fifth Street, Sacramento. He
came from the state of Iowa, having been born near
Crawford, on a farm, on April 21, 1878; and his par-
ents were August and Elizabeth (Linsted) Baak,
worthy farmer folk in Iowa. Mr. Baak died in his
Iowa home; but Mrs. Baak breathed her last in Chi-
cago, to which center the family had removed when
Otto was a boy.
Otto Baak attended both public and private schools,
getting a very good educational foundation which has
always helped him in his high-grade and difficult
work, and in his dealings with a more exacting, be-
cause more knowing body of patrons; and then he
was apprenticed to learn the jeweler's trade, and
worked for Marshall Field & Company in their jew-
elry department. And then, for six years, he was
associated with the Western Electrical Company in
their experimental department.
In 1914, Mr. Baak came out to Elk Grove and tried
ranching for six months; but finding the experience
somewhat different in setting out potatoes and setting
diamonds, he sold his ranch at the end of the year,
and came on to Sacramento. He located at Oak
Park, and established his jewelry business, which has
become one of the commercial as well as art-indus-
trial attractions of the choice neighborhood. He was
a sick man when he came here; and now he is strong
and irobust. He carries a full line of jewelry, often
offering novelties not to be found dow'n town, and
he makes the most expert repairs to jewelry needing
his attention, charging only what an article or a ser-
vice is worth. He belongs to the Merchants' Club
of Oak Park, and is a welcome member there.
When Mr. Baak married, in 1899, he chose for his
life companion Miss Clara Schwartz, of Chicago;
and they have two children. Herbert graduated from
Concordia College at Oakland, in January, 1922; and
Esther is a stenographer. Mr. Baak is president
of Trinity Lutheran Church; and is a stanch Repub-
lican.
WILLIAM F. WALTERS.— A native son who has
made his mark as a teaming contractor in a section
of the country where teaming, in olden days, was a
surer means of striking gold than to swing a pick
and trust to luck, is William F. Walters, of 1810 C
Street, Sacramento, in which city he was born on
February 10, 1882. His father, William F. Walters,
came to California as a young man, and set up as
a butcher, and Miss Mary Burns, w^hom he married,
also saw the Coast early, when she was a girl ; he has
been dead, But not forgotten, these twenty-seven
years, but Mrs. Walters is still living, and her many
friends are always glad to greet her.
William F. Walters enjoyed the training of both
grammar and high schools, and when ready to go
to work, took up teaming for a livelihood. He liked
it se well that he engaged in business for himself in
1912, and now he has six head of horses in well-kept
stables at the above-mentioned address, and no end
of good patrons, who appreciate the value of his
experience and his equipment, and the worth of his
willingness and dependability. Recently, he hauled
the sand for the Chamber of Commerce Building,
and Bruner's New Addition; and he is in such de-
mand by leading contractors that they alone might
easily keep him employed. It has come to be un-
derstood that when once Will Walters is on the
job, the job's half finished.
In national politics a Democrat, William Walters
is even more an American citizen, and quite as much
a loyal booster of the section where he lives, works
and prospers. He finds the historic past of Sacra-
mento County interesting, and believes that the Sac-
ramento of the future will be still more promising.
JESS W. HOOPES, JR.— A contractor undertak-
ing general work and equipped with such experience
and up-to-date outfit that he is both frequently in
demand and enjoys the confidence of his many pa-
trons, is Jess W. Hoopes, a Pennsylvanian born
at Media, on August 2d, 1897, the son of Jess W. and
Sarah (Thompson) Hoopes, the former a city official
of Media, who left, when he died, an excellent record
in the discharge of a public trust. Mrs. Hoopes,
whom everybody liked, has also closed her earthly
career.
Jess Hoopes attended the public schools of Media,
and then took some Y. M. C. A. extension courses,
and after that he was an apprentice to the carpenter's
trade. Then, from 1915 to 1919, he was in the Amer-
ican navy, and after that, he came to California, and
has been busy and progressing ever since. After one
or another experiment, Mr. Hoopes established him-
self in general contracting just one year ago, and by
confining himself to the building of homes, he has
been called upon to erect a goodly number of the
better class of dwellings. So active has he been, that
he has had to employ on an average not less than
five men, and the prospects are that that number must
soon be increased. He is properly appreciative of
what Sacramento County has done for him, and it is
doubtful if a more loyal booster for this favored sec-
tion of the state could be found. In politics, he is
independent of party ties.
In 1920, Jess Hoopes married Miss Adelaide Green,
of Pennsylvania; and they have had three sons to
gladden their married life, George, Ralph and Will-
iam. Mr. Hoopes is a Knight of Pythias. He is
fond of hunting, and is a genuine baseball fan.
TIM ANSPACH.— The California auctioneer is
usually a man of exceptional experience, at least
one may judge so from the example of Tim Ans-
pach, the live-stock dealer noted for his extensive
and varied operations, and also locally famous as a
popular auctioneer. He came from Iowa, having
been born there on December 10, 1886, when he was
welcomed into the family circle of E. W. and Alice
(Wharton) Anspach; he grew up the son of a live-
stock dea'er, and so from boyhood had the advan-
tage of learning much, of what he wished to know
for his business equipment in life, from his father,
who was formerlj- in business at the L'nion Stock-
yards at Omaha. Mrs. Anspach, whom everyone
loved who once came to know her, has breathed hor
last, but the father is still living.
958
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Getting the foundation of lii.s educational training
in the grammar and the high school, Tim Anspach
also pursued college studies, and then he made his
first ventures in the live-stock business. He came
to Sacramento in 1915, to buy horses for the French
government, and then he went to Cheyenne, for the
same purpose. In the spring of 1917, however, hav-
ing been so agreeably impressed by the capital city,
he located permanently in Sacramento; and until
the armistice, he was kept more than busy supplying
horses to the United States government, at Rose-
ville. At the close of the war, he established the
Tim Anspach mule agency, and for a season was
located at the fair grounds. Then he bought prop-
erty at the corner of Thirtieth and R Streets, and
there he both sells and rents stock to contractors,
making notable wholesa'e deals. He belongs to the
Chamber of Commerce, and does what he can to
support the progressive programs of this important
Sacramento institution.
Mr. Anspach was married to Miss Maria Charlton
in 1916, the ceremony taking place at Kimball, Nebr.,
and she shares his delight in fine horses, in horse-
manship and in the game of polo. Mr. Anspach be-
longs to Lodge No. 39 of the Elks at Omaha; he is
public-spirited, and with his good wife is always
ready to support heartily any well-endorsed move-
ments promising up'ift or progressive development.
A. E. ERICKSON.— A native of industrially
famed Sweden who has been very successful as a
general contractor, is A. E. Erickson, who was born
on October S, 1877, the son of Erick and Maga En-
glebrickson, the former also a contractor, and an
experienced farmer besides. Despite his long and
arduous service, where for years he has been highly-
esteemed by his fellow-citizens, Mr. Erickson is still
living, amid the scenes familiar to him in the pas-
toral land of Sweden; but Mrs. Erickson, who was,
kindness itself to everybody, and whose demise is
very natura'ly mourned, has laid aside forever the
cares of life and entered into rest eternal.
A. E. Erickson, whose given name is Axel Edbin,
was- trained in the excellent schools of Sweden,
after which he helped his father on the farm, and
at the age of sixteen began to learn the carpen-
ter trade. Six years later, when a journeyman of
some ripe experience, he came to the United States,
and got as far West as Minneapolis, where he fol-
lowed his carpentering for twelve years. He entered
the service of a large contracting firm, and was made
foreman; and he was in responsible charge of the
McAllister College in its building, the Vallis Hall,
and many large public and other edifices. The op-
portunity for growth as an ambitious student of con-
tracting was exceptional, and he made the most of
his chances.
In 1912, Mr. Erickson left Minnesota for Califor-
nia, and soon came to Sacramento, where he bought
farm-land and at the same time commenced con-
tracting here; and since then he has built many resi-
dences, and is in such demand that he is able to
furnish steady employment to half a dozen men at
the least. His experience, his original ideas, in har-
mony with the latest and most progressive notions,
and his exemplary methods, commend themselves
to many. He be'ongs to the Builders' Exchange and
the Master Builders, and he endorses the platforms
of the Republican party, believing that the G. O. P.
means "great opportunity promised." Mr. Erickson
has done much to advance the development of North
Sacramento. He was among the first to settle in this
section and he has built his home and several of the
business blocks, the finest in this section. He was
united in marriage to Miss Olga Carlson on January
10, 1906, and this union has been blessed with four
children: Nellie, Harrington, Frank'in, and Au-
burn.
ADOLPH SOMMERS.— A wide-awake, progres-
sive native of Switzerland, Adolph Sommers, as a
successful contracting plasterer, and a leader in his
field in and around the California capita', has added
to the laurels won by the German-Swiss in America,
and particularly, perhaps, by the representatives of
the industrious little republic now scattered through-
out the Golden State. He was born at Berne, on
January 29, 1890, the son of Ernest and Rosetta
(B laser) Sommers, who crossed the ocean to the
United States, and then made their way out to
Montpelier, Idaho, where they took up farming. They
were hard-working, honest and kindly disposed folks,
and not only forged ahead, but helped others to gei.
along, and so made valuable friends, and won the
respect of their fellow men.
Adolph Sommers attended the schools of his native
and also of his adopted land, and when fourteen years
of age began to learn the blacksmith trade, which
he followed for a number of years. Not being alto-
gether satisfied, however, he took up and learned
the plasterer's trade; and in 1904 he came to Califor-
nia. He was for five years at Marysville, but in 1909
he went back to Idaho. The lure of California, how-
ever, once more brought him here, in 1921, and since
then he has developed his business as a contractor,
so that now he employs five men regularly. He
limits himself to the usual dwellings and flats, and
has plastered many of the best houses in Sacramento
and its environs.
Decidedly a home-man in his habits and prefer-
ences, Mr. Sommers married Miss Ina Schreier, of
Idaho, in 1912. Five children have sprung from the
fortunate union, and they bear the names of Lowell,
Thelma, Russe'l, Earl, and Doris. Mr. Sommers is
fond of music, and for years led the Montpelier band.
He is also, as would be expected of one hailing from
such a panorama of natural beauty as may be found
m Switzerland, very fond of outdoor life, and an en-
thusiastic admirer of the many good things to be had
and enjoyed in Sacramento County.
NELS JOHNSEN. — An enterprising, experienced
cement contractor, whose knowledge of his trade-
work, and whose steady, progressive habits have
made an excellent reputation for general ability, is
Nels Johnsen, a native of Denmark, where he was
born on November IS, 1883. His parents were C. P.
and Magdalena Johnsen; the former a cattle-dealer,
well and favorably known, while the latter is de-
ceased, having rounded out a life of enviable useful-
ness. They were good parents, and sent Nels to the
best available Danish schools; and it was not until
1907, when he was twenty-four, that he was willing
to leave home and native land.
In that year Mr. Johnsen came out to America
and California, and soon reached Sacramento; and
although he had already had several years of expe-
rience in cement work, he went out on a ranch for
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
959
a year and a lialf, and very wisely got his first chance
to learn colloquial English under quiet circumstances.
Coming back to town, he took up laundry work and
r.tuck at that for eight months; and after dropping
that, he joined Adolph Teichert, the cement contract-
or, and for five years assisted him. Then he was with
Olaf Larsen for a year, in the same field of activity;
and by that time he decided to set up for himself in
business, and he has been his own pilot ever since,
not only making a pretty good course, but leading
where others have been glad to follow. He belongs
to the Builders' Exchange, in which he is more than
a mere member, and he finds, pleasure in promptly
responding to any appeal calling out his local pa-
triotism, and his deep interest in Sacramento, town
and county, its historic past, its bustling present, and
its promising future. It is not surprising, therefore,
that Nels Johnsen, contractor, citizen and good-fel-
low, is one of the most popular workmen for miles
around.
HENRY A. PALM. — One of the proprietors of
the Palm Brothers Presto-lite Batteries and Ignition
Works, H. A. Palm is one of the progressive men
of Sacramento, having been a resident of the valley
all of his life. He was born in northern Sacramento
County, Cal., on August 18, 1882, a son of E. A.
and Wilhelmina (Schafer) Palm, both born in Cali-
fornia, whose parents as pioneers crossed the great
plains in ox-team trains in the early settlement of
California in the fifties. The father was a well-known
citizen of Broderick, Yolo County, having been a
member of the county board of supervisors for twelve
years. Grandfather Theodore Palm operated one
of the early chicory ranches in the valley. Both
parents of our subject are residents of Broderick.
H. A. Palm, the oldest of their six children, at-
tended the public schools and Howe's Business Col-
lege in Sacramento in pursuit of his education" and
then learned the trade of a carpenter, following it
for sixteen years in the capital city. Four years of
that time he spent in Modesto as a contractor and
builder. In December, 1918, in partnership with his
brother Walter, he embarked in the business of con-
ducting a billiard parlor and they had a well-equipped
and modern establishment and catered to a high class
of trade. In August, 1922, they sold and purchased
the business of Earl P. Cooper & Company, Presto-
lite agents in Sacramento, where they continue the
business and have a complete repairing and charg-
ing plant. They also handle Coast tires and conduct
a radio department, being located at 1014 Twelfth
Street. Mr. Palm is a baseball player of note, playing
the national game since he Was a lad of sixteen. He
was with the Texas league for three years and with
the California State League, playing professional ball.
He also rode bicycles in races and was a member of
the Capital City Wheelmen. He takes great interest
in encouraging the youngsters to become good ball
players.
When Mr, Palm married he chose for his wife
Miss Ethel Jones, a native of Weaverville, Trinity
County, and they have two children, Duane and
Holis. In politics Mr. Palm is a Republican. Fra-
ternally, he is a member and past president of Sacra-
mento Parlor No. 3, Native Sons of the Golden
West. In every way Mr. Palm does his duty as a
citizen and is a firm believer in the future of Cali-
fornia.
ANDREW T. McGUIRE.— Sacramento is fortu-
nate, as both the state capital and the center of
varied interests requiring improved transportation
facilities, in its several experienced and thoroughly
dependable teaming contractors, well-known among
whom is Andrew T. McGuire, who came here from
Kansas, where he was born on February 6, 1873.
His father, Patrick McGuire, married Miss Mary
Burke and came to Sacramento, about 1875, when he
was for a short time with the Southern Pacific Rail-
road. He soon took up teaming, however, and con-
tinued at it until his death, in 1902. Mrs. McGuire
has also passed away, having breathed her last in
February, 1908.
Andrew T. McGuire went, to the Christian Broth-
ers' school and college, and then for some years he
drove a team for his father; and at the latter's death,
he succeeded to the control of the business. He
also engaged in truck and team work, and undertook
excavating and the filling-in of low lots, and in all
this he has been very successful. His familiarity with
local conditions, his ability to afford the best service
at the lowest possible rate, and his willingness to do
everything possible for the convenience or satisfac-
tion of the patron — these things have helped him
to make or get customers, and they have also helped
to hold them in a period of lively competition. He
belongs to the Builders' Exchange.
When Mr. McGuire married, in October, 1907, he
chose for his wife Miss Elizabeth New-man, of Sac-
ramento, and they have had a son and three daugh-
ters: Andrew T., Jr., Irene, and Elizabeth and Patri-
cia, twins. Mr. McGuire likes outdoor sports gener-
ally, and is especially interested in baseball.
SILAS ORR. — A fearlessly efficient representative
of the California bench, who is equal'y popular with
both the members of the practicing bar and the
laymen of the public, is the Hon. Silas Orr, justice
of the peace of American Township. He was born
on a farm in the good old agricultural state of Min-
nesota, on February 28, 1869, the son of Andrew R.
and Margaret (Cooper) Orr, and he grew up in a
pioneer Minnesota home, for his father was a farmer
there and did much to help develop that part of the
state in settler days. He had walked to Minnesota,
from Brownsville, and had homesteaded for a while;
and now that his earth'y course has ended, it is
pleasant to record that men speak well of him. Mrs.
Orr is still living, in Sacramento, Cal., and as be-
comes his widow, maintains her old-time hospitality
to all who call upon her, and gives of her means to
such worthy causes as she can.
Silas Orr attended the grammar schools in the
country, and then the high school at La Crosse, Wis.
Then he went to St. Paul, where he entered the
shops of the Great Northern Railroad, and learned
the machine woodmaker's trade, which he followed
there for four years. In 1890, he came to California
and Sacramento, and for three years he continued to
work at the same trade in the shops of the Southern
Pacific. He then engaged in the hardware and im-
plement business for twelve years, but selling out.
he took to his ranch of fifteen acres, and there he
has been for the past twelve years, during which
time he has acted as justice of the peace in American
Township, and has recently been reelected without
opposition for another four years. He is a Repub-
lican, so far as his party preferences are concerned;
960
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
but Judge Orr is too broad-minded to al'ow any
narrow partisansbip to prevent his giving his full
and most loyal support to all things well-endorsed
locaDy.
On December 14. IW). Judge Orr was married
to Miss Lilly M. Huebner, a native of Salt Lake.
who had been brought to Ca'ifornia wiitn she was a
babe, so that she is practically a native daughter.
One child, Owen, has blessed the union. The Judge
belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America; and
he is fond of hunting and fishing.
PETER CARLI. — Prominent among the progres-
sive and successful ranchers of Sacramento is Peter
Carli, a native of sunny Italy, where he was born on
November 6, 1886. the son of John and Mary Carli.
John Carli was in South America for several years,
and when he returned to Ita'y he had saved enough
money to educate his children liberally. Mrs. Carli
is residing in Italy, while her husband is deceased.
Peter Carli was educated in Italy, and when he
was sixteen years old he emigrated to America. In
1903 he came to Sacramento and was employed in a
restaurant, where he learned a great many things
which were of value to him when he opened his own
business. In 1910 he bought the Fifth Avenue Hotel,
at Oak Park, and conducted this place until 1912,
when it was burned down. In 1913 he opened the
Star Cafe, at 130 J Street, which he managed with
his partner. In 1921 he sold out his interest and went
into the farming business. Since that time he has
devoted his energy to cultivating his land.
On April 28, 1915, he was united in marriage to
Miss Emma Virginia Marcucci, a native daughter
of the Golden West. Mrs. Carli, also, is a native
daughter of Sacramento County. They are the par-
ents of two children: E'eanor Adele, and Alyse
Virginia. Fraternally, Mr. Carli is a member of the
Knights of Columbus, the Eagles, and the Druids.
He is also a member of the Bersaglieri Society, and
the Piemonte Reale Mutual Benefit Society, of
which he has been the president for five years. The
increase in the general fund has been more than
$5,000 during his administration. Mr. Carli is a very
enthusiastic sportsman, and is especially fond of
hunting, fishing, and baseball.
THOMAS J. HATELEY.— The city of Sacramen-
to, renowned as the capital of the Golden State,
owes much of its fame as a desirable residential
center to the facilities for building and furnishing
homes, supplied by such enterprising firms as Messrs.
Hateley & Hateley, with offices at 211 Mitau Build-
ing, corner of Eighth and J Streets, in Sacramento.
so well represented bj^ Thomas J. Hateley, a native
of the city of Stockton. He was born on June 16,
1884, the son of Arthur and Martha (Gibbon) Hate-
ley, sturdy settlers who came to California from
Ohio, where they had previously settled, in 1908,
followed two years later by our subject.
Having spent his boyhood in Warren, Ohio, Thom-
as J. Hateley attended the grammar and the high
school there, and in the Buckeye State learned the
plumber's trade, and soon engaged in business for
himself. He received his first contract order from
his parents and helped to erect for them a four-flat
building. Since then, he has demonstrated his ex-
pertness in installing part of the Travelers' Hotel,
the Y. M. C. A., the new high school, and many of
the largest buildings in Sacramento, as well as in-
stating the mechanical equipment of the Weimar
Sanitarium, noted for its superior outfit. He belongs
to the Progressive Business Men's Club, and is a
member of its energetic board of directors. He is a
Democrat, but also one of the first to support the
candidate of another party, especially when local
issues are at stake, if he thinks it best for the com-
munity in which he himself lives, labors and pros-
pers.
In 1912, at San Francisco, Mr. Hatelej- was mar-
ried to Miss Daisy A. Bence, of Placerville, a native
daughter who is a'so always glad to cooperate in
any good work for the advancement of Californian
institutions. One son, Robert Jackson Hateley, has
blessed their union. Mr. Hateley is a Mason of
the thirty-second degree, being a Shriner and a
member of Ben Ali Temple, and is also a member of
the Sciots. He likes hunting and fishing. Sacra-
mento is proud of such business firms as that of
Messrs. Hateley & Hateley, especially when men of
their progressive enterprise are at the guns.
SAMUEL LINCOLN LILLY.— In the spring of
1913 Samuel Lincoln Lilly settled in Sacramento and
engaged in the real estate business, and his contribu-
tion to the permanent growth and real progress of the
city has been far-reaching in its scope. His success
has been accomplished by steady application to his
business. He was born at Iowa Point, Brown County,
Kansas, on May 26, 1862, a son of B. F. and Margaret
(Hautbaugh) Lilly, born in Virginia and Tennessee
respectively and pioneers of Kansas, now both de-
ceased.
Samuel Lincoln Lilh' received his education in the
public school. After eleven years of age he rode race
horses for five j-ears in Kansas, Nebraska and Texas;
he then rode the range in Texas and Colorado, trail-
ing cattle into Nebraska. He followed this occupation
for four years; then he concluded to try his hand at
prospecting in Colorado, where he spent twelve years
and was at Leadville, Aspin, Gunnison, and Cripple
Creek. He then removed to Oklahoma, where he went
into the cattle-raising business and spent seven suc-
cessful years in that industry; from Oklahoma he
went to Cuba for one winter, then returned to Okla-
homa and engaged in the wholesale grocery business
for five years. Looking for a field of greater oppor-
tunities, he removed to California in the spring of
1913 and settled in Sacramento, w'here he has since
been successfully engaged in the real estate business.
Mr. Lilly was married to Miss Helene Landmark
and they were the parents of five children: Frances;
Ernest, w-ho spent two years overseas in the World
War; Alida; Helene; and Fred L. There are three
grandchildren. Mrs. Lilly passed away in 1907. He
was married again in Oklahoma to Miss Eva C. Hen-
son of that state. In politics, Mr. Lilly is a Repub-
lican. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of
Pythias, Roj'al Neighbors, and Modern Woodmen. He
is an active and consistent member of the Mission-
ary Baptist Church of Sacramento. He is a strong
temperance man and has been a strong fighter for
Prohibition and the eighteenth amendment, as well as
the Wright act, and intends to keep on in the same
line.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
961
WILLIAM O. GUMMERE.— Tliat tlu- day of the
common-sense, resourceful and experienced auction-
eer, with his tact and his wit, and his desire to do
the best for his clients, is not past, nor likely to be
in the near future, is shown in the successful career
of William O. Gummere, of the we'1-known firm of
Messrs. Leachman & Gummere, proprietors of the
popular auction house at 1111 Seventh Street, Sacra-
mento, where they buy and sell everything for the
home, and always have a complete stock of valuable
articles for retail. Mr. Gummere was born in Union
County, Iowa, on March 7, 1884, the son of Alva-
rado and Orlinza { Miller) Gummere, worthy pio-
neer folks now living in comfortable retirement at
Creston, Iowa.
Havin,g disposed successfully of the work required
by the grammar and high school courses, William
Gummere accepted emp'oyment in a furniture store
in Iowa, where he remained until 1905, when he
came out to California and settled at Stockton for
two years. He then went into San Francisco, where
the John Breuner Company were glad to avail them-
selves of his experience, in their furniture depart-
ment; and he became their buyer, making trips East,
and remained with them until 1915. In that year, he
came to Sacramento and established himself in busi-
ness; but at the end of the 3'ear he took charge of
the furniture department of the Economy Store, re-
maining with that concern until June, 1919, when he
formed his present partnership with Ord L. Leach-
man, now senior member of the firm. Mr. Gummere
has charge of the store, and much of the business
extending over the state.
In national po'itics preferring the platforms of the
Republican party, but a non-partisan booster in local
issues w^here it is necessary for citizens and neigh-
bors to stand together, Mr. Gummere is glad to
throw off the cares of business, and get away to the
unrestrained outdoor life, where he can indulge in
fishing.
JACK JOSEPH MESSNER.— The model livery,
for which Sacramento, despite the development of the
automobile, is still noted, is well illustrated in the
livery and sa'es stables of Jack Joseph Messner, a
native son, who was born at Sacramento, so that he
has always been infused with the progressive capital
spirit. On February 20, 1889, he entered the family
circle of Edward George and Katherine (Phillips)
Messner, and grew up under the guidance of a father
of such principles and character that he was for forty
years the trusted assistant to Weinstock, Lubin &
Company, closing a very useful and honorable ca-
reer in 1921. He contracted delivery and was also in
the transfer business. Mrs. Messner is still living, es-
teemed by all who know her.
Jack Joseph Messner attended the Christian
Brothers College, from which he was duly graduated,
going out into the world with a preparation such as
any young man might covet; and then he engaged
in the livery business, starting with several advan-
tages. He studied the needs of his customers from
every angle, and not only made it his ambition to be
ready for emergencies, but tried to anticipate his
patrons' wants; and now he has fifteen head of
horses, to hire, and considerable live-stock. He is
naturally fond of horses, and he is inclined toward
outdoor sport generally: and loving Nature, and the
many advanta.ges of this most favored section of the
great Golden State, he is decidedly public-spirited,
and ready at all times, in every way, to boost for the
city and county in which he lives, operates and pros-
pers. He owns his father's old home, where he was
born and raised, and here he has livery and boarding
stables.
Mr. Messner was married in 1911, to Miss .-Mice
Bastian, a native daughter and a member of an old
California family; and they have four children. Jack,
Loraine, Joe and June. He belongs to the Sacra-
mento Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden
West; and as a practical Catholic, he is a member of
the Knights of Columbus, of the third degree.
CAPT. MARSHALL CIFUENTES.— A prom-
inent, popular, and successful citizen, Captain Mar-
shall Cifuentes may well be numbered among the
representative native sons of the Golden State. He
was born at Oak Park, a suburb of Sacramento, on
June 30, 1894, the son of Gregory and Frances ( Her-
rara) Cifuentes. His maternal Grandfather Antonio
Herrara was born in Valparaiso, Chile, and came to
San Francisco in 1849. He followed the mines, later
returning to Sacramento, and spent many years in
the employ of the city and died aged eighty-six years.
The Cifuentes family were an old family of Valparaiso
and were sea-faring men. In that city Gregory Cifu-
entes was born and when eighteen he came to San
Francisco. He followed the mines and was employed
by the Sacramento Transportation Company for
forty )'ears, was a barge pilot, and is still active in
that capacity. He and his wife reside at 312 O Street.
Marshall's brother, Fernando Gregory, is a pilot.
Marshall Cifuentes was educated in the public
schools of Sacramento. He was employed for three
years by the Sperry Flour Company and for two
years by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. He
first started to work on the river as a deck hand; but
since 1915, he has been with the Sacramento Naviga-
tion Company. Through perseverance and hard work
he received his captain papers in 1920. In Sacra-
mento on February 7, 1921, he w-as united in marriage
with Miss Eva Hart, a native daughter of Eldorado
County, Cal. Her parents are numbered among the
old-timers of California, Mr. Cifuentes is a strict
adherent of the Repub'ican party. Fraternally, he is
an Odd Fellow and a member of the National Mates
and Pilots' Association of America. His interest in
the progress and prosperity of Sacramento is mani-
fested by his support of all measures for the advance-
ment of the city.
JOHN T. WILCOX.— A business man who has
done much toward the economic organization and the
development of the facilities for meeting the ever-
varying, fast-increasing demands of the motoring
public, is John T. Wilcox, the president of the .'Kuto-
Parts Exchange at 1901 J Street, Sacramento, an
establishment which motorists both in the city and
the county of Sacramento have come to look upon
with the friendliest and the most grateful of feelings,
for it has proven of the greatest public service. .Mr.
Wilcox was born on the Atlantic Ocean, on Janu-
ary 9, 1879. His parents, who came from England,
were honored pioneers, R. H. and. Emily Louise
(Gunstone) Wilcox, the former now deceased, while
the devoted wife and mother is still living.
John T. Wilcox attended the public schools as
long as he could be spared, until he began to make
962
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTS
his own way by w-ork in the mines. He came
lo Sacramento, in 1912, and here he engaged in
auto-wrecking; and in 1915 he and W. Q. O'Neall
incorporated their company, under the name of
"Auto-Parts Exchange," the foundation of Mr. Wil-
cox's present business. Since then he has made this
kind of work his exclusive business, specializing in
taking automobiles to pieces and in selling reliable
parts. The firm emploj' nine men, and their mail-
order business alone would prove alluring to any
modest shop of the kind. They fill orders for cus-
tomers as remote as in Nevada and Southern Ore-
gon, and Northern California looks to the Auto-Parts
Exchange for the best of all that is needed. Mr.
Wilcox belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and
never fails to back up that excellent organization so
vital to Sacramento and vicinity.
Mr. Wilcox was married at Sacramento, in 1915,
when he chose Miss Gladys Suber for his v^'ife; and
Emily Loui'e and Richard Thomas are their children.
Mr. Wilcox is a Mason and also an Odd Fellow.
JULIUS BLAUTH.— Julius Blauth was born in
Sacramento, on April 6, 1884, the son of Theobald
and Caroline (Hack) Blauth, who came to California
among the sturdy pioneers of 1879. Mr. Blauth en-
gaged in the wholesale liquor business in 1880, and
lived to see the 28th of February, 1918, and to acquire
considerable property, which he left in his estate. His
good wife also died here.
Julius Blauth attended the public schools and also
Howe's Acadernj', and then associated himself with
his father, in business. He had taken up farming,
and raised hops and barley on a ranch in Yolo
County, the farm including 450 acres of land. Be-
sides raising hops he also engaged in general farming
In 1920 Mr. Blauth was married to Miss Pearl
Casselman, of Yolo County. He is a member of
Sunset Parlor No. 26, of the Native Sons of the
Golden West. He is fond of fishing, and outdoor
life generally. In national politics Mr. Blauth is a
Republican; but he is also one of the best non-parti-
san boosters for the locality in which he lives.
HARRY G. DENTON.— A public official, well-
known and highly respected in the city of his birth,
Harry G. Denton, the efificient city clerk, was born on
July 8. 1890, the son of Charles H. and Florence
(Brown) Denton. The latter is a native daughter of
San Francisco, while the father is a native of Canan-
daigua, N. Y., and has been a resident of the state
since 1863.
Harry G. Denton was educated in the grammar
and high schools of Sacramento, and his first em-
ployment was with the firm of Ennis Brown Com-
pany, as a clerk, where he remained for six years
gaining a fund of knowledge that has stood him in
good stead ever since. He next engaged in busi-
ness on his own responsibility, doing advertising
and publicity work for four years. His ability was
recognized and in 1916 he was appointed an assistant
record clerk in the ofiice of the city clerk of Sacra-
mento, remaining there until he joined the air serv-
ice, to study military aeronautics during the World
War. He was stationed at Mather Field till after
the armistice, when he received an honorable dis-
charge in June, 1919. Again taking up civilian life
he was appointed deputy city clerk and on May
4, 1922. was appointed to the responsible position of
city clerk and has been filling that post ever since to
the entire satisfaction of his fellow-citizens.
In the city of Sacramento, on August 18, 1922,
Harry G. Denton was united in marriage with Miss
Elsa Koch, who was born in Irwin, Pa., but was
reared and educated in Sacramento, being gradu-
ated from the local high school. Mr. Denton is a
member of Calvary Baptist Church, having served as
financial secretary for many years. He is also a very
active member of the Christian Endeavor organiza-
tion and has served as state president of that body
of Christian workers, doing his full share to further
and systematize the workings of the Endeavorers.
He is also a member of Sacramento Post No. 61,
American Legion. Mr. Denton is deeply interested in
all that pertains to the well-being of his native county
and city and shows his public spirit in many ways
for the uplift of humanity. He is fond of tennis
and fishing and of all clean sports.
REV. FATHER DOMINIC TAVERNA.— Inti-
mately connected with the history of the Catholic
Church in northern California is the Rev. Father
Dominic Taverna, who is an earnest, intelligent and
indefatigaljle worker, now serving as the pastor of St.
Mary's Church in Sacramento, an Italian parish of
some 1,000 families. Father Taverna is a man of
scholarh' attainments, the master of several lan-
guages, and is most earnest and consecrated in his
work. His birth occurred on August 18, 1876, at Cas-
tellazzo, Bormida, in the province of Alessandria,
Italy. He made his classics at the College of the
Silesian Fathers of Don Basco in Turino and his
philosophy and theology at the Seminary of Alles-
sandria, being ordained on December 22, 1900, by
Bishop Joseph Capecci. He served as assistant pastor
for five j'ears. Then, in answer to the invitation of
Bishop Grace of Sacramento to become a missionary
for Italian congregations in the Sacramento diocese,
he and Father Mela responded. Father Taverna
spent a few months studying English at the Silesian
College in London and then came to California in
1906, serving as assistant at various places until
September, 1909, when he was appointed pastor at
Sutter Creek. He remained there nine years, and
his district embraced from within thirteen miles of
Sacramento to the Nevada state line. On the death
of Father Mela in October, 1918, he was appointed
on November 25, 1918, to succeed him as pastor of St.
Mary's Church, and since then he has built the par-
ochial residence.
St. Mary's was started by Father Mela in 190S.
In 1906 the property at N and Ninth Streets was pur-
chased and church opened there. In 1914 the pres-
ent property at Seventh and T Streets was bought
and the church moved hither. Rev. Mela was a
priest of wide Christian spirit and died a martyr to
his duty during the flu epidemic. While assisting at
Placerville, Father Taverna was appointed chaplain
at Folsom Prison for two years and prepared about
twenty prisoners for the Sacrament of Confirmation,
and for the first time in the history of the institution
Bishop Grace came to the prison to administer the
Sacrament. In 1920 Father Taverna was sent to
Italy by Bishop Grace to represent him at the "Visit
ad Limina," and in consequence o£ his appointment
he had the honor of a private audience with Pope
Benedict XV. Rev. Taverna is a fourth-degree Knight
of Columbus.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
96.5
ROY SWAIN POST.— A contractor who is both
a very practical and an artistic interior decorator,
and who is able, at short notice, to undertake ex-
tensive work in general painting, is Roy Swain Post,
a native of South Bend, Ind., where he was born on
August 2, 1888, the son of Swain A. and Retta
(Speelman) Post. His parents came to California
in the winter of 1890. settling first at San Francisco;
and in 1900 they came to Sacramento. In 1909,
S. A. Post, the father, died. He had been associated
with C. H. Krebs & Company's paint-house for
nine years. He was highly regarded in his life-
time, and was honored as an able and honest man.
Roy S. Post went to the Sacramento public schools,
and entered the employ of C. H. Krebs & Company'.
where he remained from 1904 to 1912 taking up
decorating, and branching out into contracting. Now
he employ's a large force of men to help him carry
out the contracts with which he is constantly favored
and confines himsef to decorating the finer homes.
He opened a store and headquarters on March IS,
1921. at 1207 J Street and in February, 1923, moved
to 1017 Ninth Street to a larger and more commodi-
ous store where they are located at the present time.
He belongs to the Sacramento Chamber of Com-
merce and the Retail Merchants' Association, and
also to the Lions Club.
Fraternally, Mr. Post has been an Odd Fellow- for
a long time, being active in all branches of the order.
He is a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Mason,
and belongs to Ben Ali Temple, Nobles of the M}'stic
Shrine, Sacramento. He is also a past patron of the
Eastern Star. In national politics, he is one of the
long fine of patriots claiming Lincoln, Grant, Mc-
Kinle}', Roosevelt and Harding as honored and illus-
trious leaders.
THOMAS H. DAVID.— A prominent representa-
tive of a more and more popular method of modern
medical science is Dr. Thomas H. David, the chiro-
practor, of the Ochsner Building, in Sacramento.
He was born at the foot of Mt. Hermon, near the
city of Damascus, Syria, November 29, 1884, the
son of Habib and Salema David, and he had the mis-
fortune to lose his father when he was a child. In
1901 he came to the LTnited States and settled in
North Dakota.
Thomas H. David attended the schools of Damas-
cus, studying Arabic, English and French, and then
taught in that city in a private college; and when he
came to the L^nited States he resumed his studies
in English. He had really come to study medicine,
intending to return to the old country; and he had
to w-ork, to support himself, while studying. He also
studied photography, and eventualh' took up chiro-
practic. Then, for two years, he took post-graduate
work in Chicago, New York and Davenport, Iowa,
receiving the chiropractic degree of doctor for
courses in mechano-therapy, patholog}', etc.
Dr. David has practiced in Minneapolis and Wil-
liston, N. D., and while in the latter town, he was
.president of the Williston Commercial Club. For
twelve years he has followed his professional work,
profiting naturally by the wonderful strides made
through great leaders in the domain of chiropractic,
which is coming to be recognized as one of the most
efficient and certain and also relatively rapid ways of
reaching and treating certain troubles. He has also
conducted many interesting experiments himself, and
in a modest way has. through his own work in Sac-
ramento, advanced the technique of the science. He
has developed a painless treatment, which the most
delicate person can take without fear of suffering.
He is very rapid and efficiency is his guarantee.
Dr. David is also interested in horticulture, and
has an attractive vinej-ard of his own, in the care of
which he takes great interest. He is a Royal Arch
Mason; and he has served as Grand Master of the
Knights of Modern Syria. In national political af-
fairs he is a Republican, but he votes for the man.
rather than the party.
CLAUDE EUGENE FOOTE.— A young inan
whose already valuable experience, together with his
broad and patriotic views, has proven of real service
to the community in which he operates and is phe-
nomenally successful, is Claude Eugene Foote, a na-
tive son who was born at Sacramento on August
17, 1892. His father, John A. Foote, came out to
California in 1864, a native of Carroll County, born
near Savannah, 111., and here married Miss Hattie
Alice Shearer, who had come from Frederick County.
Md., in 1887. They were both pioneers, therefore, and
our subject is naturally imbued with the true Cali-
fornia spirit. Grandfather William Foote was a con-
tractor of note, and saw his eighty-seventh year;
while Grandmother Foote survived him nearly four
years. John A. Foote was a farmer during the long
years of his progressive toil, and now he is able to
rest comfortably in well-earned retirement.
Claude Eugene Foote not onh- attended the gram-
mar school of his district, but he went through the
excellent Sacramento high school, and finally topped
ofT his studies at the Capital Commercial College.
Then he became an emploj-ee of the Southern Pacific,
entering their store department and advancing
to office work, and after that he joined the Union
Oil Company-, also doing office work. Then he was
with the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, as a
traveling representative in northern California and
Nevada, and in June, 1917, he cast his fortunes in
with the Earl P. Cooper Battery and Electrical Com-
pany, located at 1014 Twelfth Street, engaged in
battery and electrical service. However, on May
31, 1922, they changed the corporation name to Gar-
vey-Foote, Inc., and in September, 1922, sold the
Sacramento store and removed to San Francisco,
where the headquarters are at 382 Go'den Gate Ave-
nue as manufacturers and agents. Their specialty
now consists in selling replacement parts for auto-
mobiles. Mr. Foote takes care of all of the outside
business, at present, necessitating his traveling con-
tinually all over the state of California. Mr. Foote
is both vice-president and manager, and assists to
direct the twelve people employed in their constantly
developing business. The concern covers the Sac-
ramento territory, and handles the incomparable
Prestolite batteries for northern California and the
state of Nevada. One of the most natural things
for Mr. Foote to do, on establishing himself in Sac-
ramento, was to join the well-organized Chamber of
Commerce, and he has done his part to make that
excellent organization still more effective in the great
work of Cahfornia devolopnicnt. He also belongs to
the California Auto Trades Association, is one of
the honored representatives in the Rotary Club, and
is a member of the Del Paso Country Club. He
generally votes to endorse the Republican platforms.
964
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
which means that ho does what he can at the polls
to safeguard American commercial interests, and to
favor California.
At Stockton, Mr. Foote was married in 1913 to
Miss Clare Sue Gill, a native of Iowa, but recently
a resident of Santa Rosa, and their union has been
blessed in the I>irth of two children, Jean Elizabeth
and Alice Sue. Mr. Footc is an Elk and a Mason, and
has advanced to the thirtieth degree, Scottish Rite.
He is fond of golf and also of fishing, and enjoys
with Mrs. Foote and the family most of the pleas-
ures of out-of-door life, for which California is so
famous.
HENRY SPRING.— Well-known among the suc-
cessful men of the motor field in Sacramento as one
of the best-informed concerning motoring interests
in Californ.a is Henrj' Spring, the far-seeing and
enterprising proprietor of the busy Henry Spring
Company, dealers in motor trucks and commercial
transportation units. A native of Michigan, he was
born in the university town of Ann Arbor, on Jan-
uary 15, 1891, the son of E. C. and Emma (Heinrich)
Spring, worthy folks in their day, who left an influ-
ence hkely to extend far beyond their generation; and
he attended the Ann Arbor grammar and high schools,
and later matriculated at the University of Michi-
gan, where he specialized in business administration.
He then joined the Liquid Carbonic Company, and
for a 3'ear and a half traveled as their salesman.
Leaving that firm, and coming out to California,
in 1915, Mr. Spring connected himself with the Stan-
ton Lumber Company of Los Angeles, where he re-
mained for eight months; and then he went into the
insurance business with Mr. Archer. In 1916, he
came up to Sacramento and entered the local auto-
mobile field as a member of the firm of Goodrich,
Ballard & Rouse, Ford dealers, and continued with
them until 1918. Disposing of his interest, he then
established a business for himself. He purchased a
corner on Twelfth and G Streets. He erected his
own building, a fireproof concrete building 80 by 120
and took possession on September 14, 1920. He has
seven counties for his territor}', and handles the White
trucks, the Utility trailers, commercial transporta-
tion units and Goodyear tires and employs fourteen
or more people. He belongs to the Chamber of
Commerce and the Rotary Club. Busy as he and his
associates are, he always finds time to lend a hand
in any patriotic movement, or any undertaking hav-
ing the strong endorsement of his fellow-citizens;
and he was active in the recent World War in behalf
of the various drives in defence of the honor and se-
curity of the country.
Mr. Spring was made a Mason in Sacramento
Lodge No. 40, F. & A. M., and is a member of Sacra-
mento Chapter No. 3, R. A. M., and Commandery
No. 2, Knight Templars. He is a charter member of
Ben Ali Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., and made the pil-
grimage to Washington, D. C, to attend the Na-
tional Convention of Shriners in 1923. Returning via
his old home he visited friends there and also visited
his old grandmother who is now eighty-three years
old. He is also a member of Sacramento Lodge No. 6,
B. P. O. E.. and a popular member of the Sutter Club
and Del Paso Country Club, as well as a member of
the California Auto Trades Association and Motor
Car Dealers' Association of Sacramento. He is
deeply interested in the past of northern California,
and as a natural result, is proportionately the more
optimistic and enthusiastic as to the certain brilliant
future of Sacramento County.
J. C. CRUMP. — A progressive rancher whose pros-
perity serves as an index of his experience and de-
veloped natural ability, is J. C. Crump, who owns
some eighty choice acres on rich Grand Island, while
he enjoys home life in charming Isleton. He was
born in Malone, Franklin County, N. Y., on March
15, 1863, the son of David and Mary Crump, farmer
folk who made an impress on the locality in which
they lived and operated. Mr. Crump was a native
of Canada, coming from Toronto, and lived to be
seventy years old. Mrs. Crump also first saw the
light at Malone. and came from an old, substantial
New York family and she saw her ninety-third year,
ending her days in comfort. David Crump came out
to California for the first time in 1861, but returned
again to the East; and in 1867 he came back to Cali-
fornia, bringing his family with him, and settled at
Clarksburg. He purchased 450 acres of land on Mer-
ritt Island before the days of reclamation work and
for a few years farmed there. He also owned 156
acres now known as the Strautman ranch in Sacra-
mento County. He sold both of these ranches and
went to Pendleton, Ore., where he lived nine years;
and on returning, took up his residence again at
Clarksburg, where he passed away.
J. C. Crump is the j'oungest of a family of four
sons and three daughters. David served in a New
York regiment during the Civil War and was hon-
orably discharged. He came to California and was
accidentally drawn into a lake in this county while
hutiting. He made shore, but died of the intense cold
and exposure. Theodore served in a New York regi-
ment throughout the Civil War and he died in Wash-
ington. Abraham died in Rio Vista; Lydia, Mrs.
Neil Hogaboom, died at Clarksburg and Jeanette is
also deceased. Mary is Mrs. King, of Colusa.
Mr. Crump went to public school at Clarksburg
until he was twelve years old, and then began work
for his own support. At first, he did odd jobs, but
finally he took up veterinary surgery, and under the
guidance of an old, experienced veterinary, obtained a
thoroughly practical knowledge of horses and domes-
tic animals, and. this scientific work he followed for
twenty-seven years in the delta islands, during which
time he afforded much relief to the dumb creatures
in his care, and also aided the farmer materially in
saving and caring for his beasts.
Then Mr. Crump went back to farming, and pur-
chased eighty acres of asparagus land a few miles
above Isleton, on Grand Island, and he still owns
this property. He also leased a ranch of 187^ acres,
on Twatchell Island, devoted to the cultivation of
asparagus and the raising of truck vegetables. He
is a Democrat, favoring the old party that has so
long championed state rights and the privilege of the
honest, law-abiding individual to do all and whatever
he pleases that is right. Since 1891 he has resided
in Isleton with his fainily in a residence he built.
At Sacramento, on April 18, 1888, Mr. Crump was
married to Miss Alice Feran, who was born on Mer-
ritt Island, the daughter of Henry and Lucina Fer-
an. Her father was a farmer and an early settler,
who lived to be sixty-five years old. They had three
sons and two daughters. Frank died from lock-jaw;
then came Jefferson Davis, and after him, George;
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
965
Mrs. Crump was tin.* fourth iu the order of birth;
while Ida lived but six years. Mrs. Feran saw her
seventieth year. Alice Feran attended the schools
on Merritt Island, and she has had two children of
her own. Ethel E , born on her father's birthda\-,
in 1890, is now Mrs. William de Back; and Henry
Guy lives in San Francisco. He served in the World
War for over eighteen months. He is now a captain
navigating in San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento
River. Fraternally Mr. Crump is a member of Isle-
ton Lodge No. 108, I. O. O. F., and is a past grand.
He has belonged to the Asparagus Growers' Associa-
tion since the time of its organization, and is also a
member of the Californina Federation of Farmers.
ALFRED T. TRAINOR.— A far-seeing, alert
agent who thoroughly understands both the theory
and practice of modern insurance, especially as it
applies to California conditions and laws, is Alfred
T. Trainor, a native of Sacramento, in which city he
is now one of the leaders in his important field. On
July 31, 1874, he joined the family circle of Hugh
Charles and Rose (Toland) Trainor, the former a
sturd}' pioneer who came to California around the
Horn from New York in 1852, and here engaged in
both butchering and farming, in time marrying Miss
Toland and taking a six months' honeymoon trip to
New York around the Horn. For the last fifteen
years of his life, he lived retired at Sacramento, Cali-
fornia, and now that both he and his wife have
joined the vast "silent majority," it is worth while to
record that the world was much the better for these
worthy folks having lived and labored in it, leaving
the following sons who are still engaged in business
in this community: Isaac J. Trainor, Charles E.
Trainor, Frank C. Trainor, Alfred T. Trainor, and
Walter E. Trainor.
Alfred T. Trainor enjoyed both the grammar school
and the high school courses and then took up sur-
veying for two years. His next venture, however,
was the trial of his aptitude for insurance; and in this
new departure, he succeeded so well that he has been
one of the recognized aggressively progressive in-
surance men for the past twenty-eight years. He has
done far more, too, than make an enviable success
for himself; for in encouraging others to take just
what insurance they ought to have, no less and no
more, and in thus helping them to adopt one of the
most approved safeguards for the future, Mr. Trainor
has benefited thousands, in numerous cases doing bet-
ter by others than they, with their inexperience or
natural indisposition, if left to themselves, could
have done. The Sacramento Chamber of Commerce
enrolls Mr. Trainor among its membership; and the
Democratic party enlists his support.
Mr. Trainor married Miss Maude Rhoads of Sac-
ramento on September 26, 1915. Miss Rhoads is
the granddaughter of John Pierce Rhoads, one of the
early pioneers who came to California overland in
the early part of 1846 with the ill-fated Donner Party,
separating from them, however, before crossing the
mountains, to which circumstance he later owed his
life; and taking the trail suggested by the Indians,
he crossed the mountains in safety, but, hearing of
the p'ight of his friends, he turned back to their
aid and making two severe trips rescued several.
Their domestic happiness is revealed in four promis-
ing children : Alfred Thomas, Jr., Rose Mary, Charles
Richardson and Isaac John. Mr. Trainor finds his
fraternal society in the circles of the F.Iks, and is
also a member of the Sutter Club. He enjoys out-
of-door life, for which reason he is a'ways interested
in Sacramento, with its favoring conditions for sport,
recreation and long life; and he takes a deep interest
in Sacramento's historic past.
WILLIAM F. PEYTON.— An enterprising, lik-
ab'c business man of Sacramento County is William
F. Peyton, who was born September 14, 1890, on a
farm near Amador City, in Amador County, Cal., the
son of James and Sarah (Ford) Peyton. Mr. Peyton,
Sr., came to California in 1868, and engaged in farm-
ing. He passed away about 1893, greatly mourned
by his widow. Mrs. Peyton was born in Volcano.
Amador County, Cal. She is seventy years old, and
is considered one of the oldest native daughters of
the Golden State. Her father, R. M. Ford, was one
of the early pioneers who came to California in
1848, crossing the plains. In 1851 he returned East
across the plains and iu 1852 he again returned to
California via overland routes.
W'illiam F. Peyton attended the public schools of
Amador City. He became a miner and followed this
occupation throughout the mining states west of the
Rockies. While working as a miner, he learned the
blacksmith trade, and in 1916 he took up automobile
work. He came to Sacrainento in 1919 and was em-
ployed by the Bowman Carriage Works for two and
one-half years. In July, 1922, he opened his own
place of business, taking as his partner, Henry A.
Hanley, a sketch of whose life is given below. The
concern of Hanley & Peyton specializes in automobile
spring work, body repairing and building, etc., and
general automobile blacksmith Avork, being located
at 1221-23 I Street.
In Placerville on May 2, 1917, William F. Peyton
was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Schance,
a native daughter of El Dorado, Eldorado County, the
daughter of Robert and Eliza (Marks) Schance, born
in California. Her father was a miner and farmer
and is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Peyton are the par-
ents of one child, Marvin William. Fraternally, Mr.
Peyton is a member of the Sacramento Aerie No. 9,
Fraternal Order of Eagles. He maintains a non-
partisan attitude, voting for the man rather than the
party. A man of the highest principles, and unques-
tioned integrity, Mr. Peyton and his family are held in
the highest regard in the community.
HENRY A. HANLEY.— .\n experienced, con-
scientious, and far-seeing business man is Henry A.
Hanley, of Hanley & Peyton, who was born on a farm
in Eldorado County. He is a son of John .Andrew
and Mary CMcKcnzic) Hanley. Mr. Hanley, Sr.,
came to California in 1862 and worked as a black-
smith, farmer and miner. He and his wife are
deceased.
Henry A. Hanley was educated in the i)ublic
schools, and when he was sixteen years old lie en-
gaged in mining, at which he worked for five years.
He learned the blacksmith trade and in 1915 came
to Sacramento, being in the employ of the Bowman
Carriage Works until he formed his present partner-
ship of Hanley & Peyton, auto bodies, building and
repairing.
In Placerville. Cal., Henry A. Hanley was united
in marriage with Miss Rose Cola, also a native
daughter of Eldorado County. They are the parents
966
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
of two boys: Lawrence, who is with Hanky &
Peyton, and Arthur, who enhsted for service in the
World War and was in the Rainljow Division. He
served overseas three years and fought in fifteen
engagements, and received his honorable discharge
at the Presidio. He is now in the employ of Thomp-
son & Diggs. In national politics, Mr. Hanley's in-
clinations favor the Democratic principles. He is
an Odd Fellow, being a member of the Encamp-
ment, and is an Eagle, and a member of the farm
bureau. He is a capable, conscientious, and enter-
prising business man, and is deeply interested in the
commercial deve'opment of his community.
JOHN A. SKOG.— A man who by his own efforts
has risen to a prominent place among the business
men of the community is John A. Skog, who was
born September 19, 1883, in Vestrejotlan, Sweden,
the son of Carl and Caroline Skog. His parents emi-
grated to the United States when he was six j-ears
old, and first located in Archer, Iowa. His father,
who was a railroad man for some time, retired on a
pension and spent his last days in Elmira, Ore. His
mother is still living.
John A. Skog was educated in the public schools
of Iowa. He worked in box factories and planing
mills, where he learned saw^ filing, a business which
he has followed all his life. In 1906, he came to Sac-
ramento and in May, 1920, he established his own
place of business. He is the proprietor of the Sacra-
mento Saw and Tool Grinding Company, and his
plant is completely equipped to handle knives and
saws of all kinds. Through energy and thought in
his chosen line of work he has accomplished his
ambition.
Mr. Skog w-as united in marriage with Miss Hilda
Olson, a native daughter of Sweden, and they are
the parents of two children: John and Thelma. Mr.
Skog endorses the platforms of the Republican party.
Enterprising and progressive, he is ever ready to aid
and give his influence toward the worthy movements
for the upbuilding and improvement of the com-
munity.
ERNEST A. WESTON.— An efficient and popular
director credited with exceptional executive ability
and always fortunate in promoting the best relations
between the public and one of the most necessary
public utilities in Sacramento, is Ernest A. Weston,
the wide-awake division superintendent of the gas de-
partment of the Pacific Gas & Electric Company.
What he does not know about the problems of gas-
making and gas-delivery under the conditions preva-
lent in the municipality of today is hardly worth
knowing; and yet Mr. Weston is an industrious stu-
dent, alert to every change for the better, and quite
aware of some changes for the worse, made in various
corners of the gas industrial field.
Ernest A. Weston is a native of the Dominion of
Canada, where he first saw light at Quebec in 1882,
and grew up for a while in his native country, the son
of S. W. and Mary Weston, who came into the States
and out to California at such an early date that Ernest
A. was able to attend the California schools, after his
ninth year. His educational training included the ex-
cellent high school course at Alhambra, supplemented
by a fine business college course in Los Angeles.
Then, unwilling to go forward with mostly theoretical
training, he learned the machinist's trade, and so got
down to the most practical problems and fortified
himself by actual, personal experience.
Mr. Weston came to learn the details of gas plant
management, and for a while was with the Southern
California Edison Company as the superintendent of
their gas plants at various places. He was also lo-
cated for a while at Los Angeles, where he much en-
larged his experience, and for seven years following
he was the superintendent of the gas plant of the
Pacific Gas & Electric Company, at Fresno.
In 1919, Mr. Weston came to Sacramento, being
transferred, in the service of the Pacific Gas & Elec-
tric Company, and on December 1, 1920, he was pro-
moted to his present position, his elevation to that re-
sponsibility being adequate proof, if any were needed,
of the fidelit}' and the success with which he had dis-
charged his duties, both to the manufacturer and the
consumer, in the meantime. Besides Sacramento, he
has supervision of both Woodland and Davis, and
this adds much to his routine program. Mr. Weston
finds suitable recreation in golf and tennis. He be-
longs to the Elks, and it is needless to say he is
among the most welcome members. He is also a
Master Mason, holding a membership in Washington
Lodge No, 20, F. & A. M., Sacramento, and also be-
longs to the Sutter Lawn Tennis Club.
ALBERT E. LEITCH.— An enterprising, success-
ful representative of the kind of aggressively progres-
sive men who go to make up the substantial charac-
ter of Sacramento's industrial and commercial leaders,
is to be found in Albert E. Leitch, the proprietor of
the Leitch Draying Company, at 1116 Second Street,
in the capital city. The Leitch Draying Company is
a partnership and is composed of the two Leitch
brothers, namely, James G. and Albert E. Leitch,
who was born in the historic old town of Sacramento,
on February 29, 1880, the son. of Ed. Minor and
Olive (Annis) Leitch, w'ho came here individually
about 1860 and were married some five years later;
and the father was a well-known and popular con-
ductor on the Valley Railroad. Having become ini-
tiated into transportation, he, the father, established
this much-needed draying business, as far back as
1872, and he was fortunate in seeing it grow and
develop, and in knowing that it came to play its
part in the progress of the city and outlying districts.
When he died, in September, 1914, he was mourned
by the many who had come to esteem him Mrs.
Leitch is still living, the center of a circle of admiring
and devoted friends.
Albert Leitch had the good fortune to be able to
attend the excellent schools of Sacramento, and to
be so well prepared, both as to book knowledge and
industrial efficiency, that he was able to take a good
post as fireman on a locomotive, and to hold down
his job, with satisfaction to everyone, for the round
period of five years. Then, with his brother Jim, he
took over their father's business, and now under
their spirited management, they keep five trucks
steadilj' going, and maintain a safe and commodious
storeroom besides. A Republican in matters of
national political moment, but always a good non-
partisan booster for his locality when it comes to
getting the best men in office and endorsing the best
measures, Mr. Leitch did patriotic duty as a vigorous
captain of drives during the World War home cam-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
967
paigns, and has the satisfaction to feel that, while he
and his brother have naturally looked well to their
own business interests, they have also never turned a
cold shoulder nor a deaf ear to worthy appeals for
cooperation in matters of human suffering or the
general welfare.
At Sacramento, on April 11. 1906, Mr. Leitch was
married to Miss Hazel Scott, who shares his enviable
place in social affairs. He is a member of the Native
Sons of the Golden West, the Elks, the Odd Fellows,
and derives part of his recreation from his attention
to baseball and motoring. He is also a live wire in
the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce and the
Rotary Club. He is also a Royal Arch Mason, being
a member of Sacramento Blue Lodge, No. 40, F. &
A. M., and also the Sacramenlo Chapter.
MATT SAPUNAR. — An experienced caterer,
who has helped to make Sacramento more popular
with the ever-coming and ever-going strangers and
other visitors, is Matt Sapunar, the genial proprie-
tor of the Tourist Restaurant at 817 Second Street.
He was born in Dalmatia, and grew up in that coun-
try, attending the well-conducted Dalmatian schools;
and when sixteen years of age, he crossed the wide
ocean; rather an undertaking for a lad of his years,
and after inspecting the great American metropolis,
he pushed on to the more promising West, and
hailed Sacramento as, his own.
Matt Sapunar worked hard for several years, in
order to get a modest start in business. In 1920, he
established his present place and took into partner-
ship with him Matt Rakela and Marko Sapunar,
and the trio have been successful, the experienced
and observing public in the capita! city not being
slow to appreciate their efforts to furnish a better
restaurant service for the traveler than anyone had
provided before.
In 1913, Matt Sapunar w-as married to Miss Hazel
Ellers, of Portland. Mrs. Sapunar shares her hus-
band's liking for athletics, and also for outdoor life
and pleasures. He belongs to the U. A. O. D. Soci-
ety, and for five years he has served as secretary for
that order. Politically, he is a Republican.
CASPER G. AMACKER.— A man of recognized
worth and ability, highly respected and honored
among his many acquaintances, is Casper G. Amacker,
who was born on March 24, 1893, at Tacoma, Wash.,
the son of Casper J. and Effie (Towles) Amacker.
His father was born in Switzerland and the mother
in Huron, S. D., of Scotch parentage. His parents
came to California in 1898. Casper J. Amacker has
been employed by the Sacramento Transportation
Company for a great many years as superintendent
of the construction work in the boat yards, and he
and his wife are now residing in Sacramento.
Casper G. Amacker, the second oldest of two chil-
dren, was educated in the public schools of Sacra-
mento. He attended Howe's Academy and was
employed as a fireman on boats for the Sacramento
Transportation Company. He soon became barge
pilot and then pilot, and in 1920 received his papers
as captain and has had charge of boats ever since.
In Portland, Ore., on January 13, 1912, Casper G.
Amacker married Miss Clarice Johnson, born in
Alameda, a native daughter of the Golden State. She
is the daughter of Christ and Clarice (Welding)
Johnson, old-timers in San Francisco, where her
father was chief engineer on the Southern Pacific
ferry-boats till his death. Her mother resides in
Alameda. Mr. and Mrs. Amacker are the parents of
three children: Alberta, Dorothy, and George, all of
whom are attending school. Captain Amacker is
nonpartisan in his political affiliations. He is a Red
Man, and a member of the National Alates and Pilots'
Association of America, and is very fond of hunting,
fishing, and all outdoor sports, especially baseball.
He is deeply interested in Sacramento, and does his
utmost to be numbered among the public-spirited
citizens of his community.
FREDERICK S. HARRISON.— A very interest-
ing personality is the distinguished representative of
the architectural profession in Sacramento County,
Frederick S. Harrison, who was born in far-off, roman-
tic and beautiful Tasmania, having first seen the light
at Hobart, on July 23, 1885. His father w-as Arthur
Harrison, an influential gentleman of that country,
who had married Miss Alice E. Sharp; and fortunate
in such progressive parents, our subject enjoyed the
best of educational advantages. He spent his boy-
hood days in Honolulu, and then w-ent off to Toronto,
where he pursued the thorough courses, first of the
preparatory school and then of the college proper, at
the Upper Canada college in that city. After that, he
entered the office of Messrs. Gregg & Gregg, archi-
tects, of Toronto, where he spent a j'ear very profit-
ably, and on his return to Honolulu, he took charge
of the Arthur Harrison Mill Company. Ltd., for a
couple of years. After that he was in the United
States district court as deputy clerk for Honolulu, an
office he filled with signal ability, for three years.
During this time, too, Mr. Harrison worked at his
profession, architecture; and after the San Francisco
fire, he came to the United States, and for tw'O years
was engaged in wrecking operations at the scene of
the great disaster, and also in superintending import-
ant rebuilding. Then he was with Messrs. Bliss &
FaviUe, architects, for a couple of years, and after that
he took up special studies at the University of Cali-
fornia, w-here he mastered the work he essayed so
well that he was the only one to make Grade 1.
In 1912 Mr. Harrison came to Sacramento, and was
for three years in the state architect's office. Then
he was chief draughtsman for Messrs. Cuffs & Diggs.
and drew the plans for the Thompson-Diggs Build-
ing, the Travelers' Hotel, and Chauncey Dunn Apart-
ments, and became superintendent for the citj^ of
Sacramento on the construction of the Western
Pacific warehouse. Then he continued in the engi-
neer's department of the city as architect and
draughtsman and worked out the architectural prob-
lems of the Inhoof Tanks and the Ice Plant, the
incinerators, the remodeling and the addition to the
Water Works. He was also superintendent of con-
struction of Oak Park fire station. Then he was
deputy building inspector, and city building inspector
for five years.
Mr. Harrison opened his own office as architect
in the People's Bank Building in 1918, and ever since
he started there he has been more than successful.
His wide and varied experience, his expert training,
and his agreeable disposition as a professional adviser
anxious to serve and to please his patrons, have all
contributed to provide for him an enviable clientele.
96S
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
He is a member of the Exchange Club, and the
Architects and Engineers Club. He is a member of
Schiller Lodge No. 105, I. O. O. F., and is a past
grand. He served two years as president of the Odd
Fellows Club and was also vice-president of the Odd
Fellows Relief, and is a member of Sacramento Lodge
No, 6, B. P. O. E., and an appreciated member of
the Chamber of Commerce of Sacramento. He is
also a member of the Press Club of San Francisco.
He resigned his professional position in order to join
the engineers in the World War, but on account of
his domestic ties his application was not accepted.
At San Rafael, Mr. Harrison was married to Miss
Lillian E. Taylor, a native of Denver, Colo., but a
resident of Sacramento; and their fortunate union was
blessed with the b.'rth of two children: Lillian Alice
and Ruby Florence.
SAMUEL W. GREEN.— A very interesting per-
sonality is revealed to all who become acquainted
with Samuel W. Green, the popular postmaster at
Iselton, although a native of old Jolon, in Monterey
County. He was born within a mile of the famous
San Antone Mission, on December 24, 1888, and his
parents w-^re Harry and Zoy (Avala) Green. Even
his maternal great-grandfather was a native of Cali-
fornia, and they could boast that their people were
numbered among the earliest settlers in the Golden
State.
Harry Green was a native of that other Mission
town, San Luis Obispo, the son of Grandfather Green,
who came from Philadelphia to California via Cape
Horn during the days of the early gold excitement.
Harry Green was a carpenter and bridge builder with
the Southern Pacific Railroad at San Luis Obispo.
He was accidentally killed on a railroad crossing
when he was fifty-four years of age. His devoted
wife still resides at San Luis Obispo. They had
three children: Samuel, the subject of this narrative,
is the oldest; and then comes Harry D. Green, who
is with his mother; and in the same old town of his-
toric fame, Rosie, who is married and has become
Mrs. L. Bittick, is also living.
Samuel W. Green went to the grammar school of
San Luis Obispo, and later attended the Mission
school in San Francisco, and then he pursued the
usual courses of study in the Mission high school at
San Francisco, where he graduated in 1905. Still
later, he attended the Hastings Law School for a
year and eight months, and he also took a business
course at Heald's College, in San Francisco. At
present, he is enjoying a law course in Sacramento
Law School and is now in the Junior year, having
commenced to do clerical work of a legal nature
when he was seventeen. On February 27, 1918, he
came to Iselton as bookkeeper for Libby, McNeill &
Libby at the Isleton plant. In 1919 he took the civil
service examination for postmaster and was appointed
postmaster of Isleton, in 1920, and he has been dis-
charging the heavy responsibilities of this bustling
office ever since. He has faith in the town, and the
town has faith in him, especially since he purchased
valuable property' here and thereby demonstrated his
expectation of a bright future for the place. While
at San Luis Obispo, Mr. Green did justice court work
in the district attorney's office, and that has made
his legal studies, and even his administration of the
post-oftice, easier and more successful. In national
political atTairs, he is a Republican.
Mr, Green was married at Sacramento, on Febru-
ary 15, 1919, when he took Miss Elna Isabel Jensen,
a native of Isleton, for his bride. She was the daugh-
ter of Jens and Sophie (Hallander) Jensen, worthy
folks of their day and generation. Jens Jensen was a
native of Denmark, who came to California when
eighteen years old. Her father is an old-timer in
Isleton and an interesting sketch of the Hallander
family appears elsewhere in this historical work.
Elna Jensen Green is the oldest of three children,
the others being Violet and Roy. Mr. Green is a
member of Rio Vista Lodge No. 208, F. &A. M.;
and of Pyramid No. 3, of the Sciots, of Sacramento.
Both Mr. and Mrs Green are members of Rio Vista
Chapter No. 222, Order of Eastern Star. Taking an
interest in law he is naturally a notary public; and
being active in civic and social affairs, he is valued
as a member of Isleton Chamber of Commerce, as
well as of the National Postmasters' League.
GEORGE EDWARD DUTTON. — Foremost
among the plumbing contractors of Sacramento is
George Edward Dutton, a native son of the Golden
State, who has contributed his share in the upbuild-
ing and in the growth and progress of his commu-
nity. He was born on November 23, 1888, at Sac-
ramento, the son of William Bancroft and Zilpha
(Mars) Dutton. His father was a native of Eng-
land, who came to Sacramento in 1868, where he has
resided for fifty-five years. His mother was born in
Springfield, 111. They are the parents of seventeen
children, eight of whom have passed away, and there
were three pairs of twins. On January 25, 1923, these
hardy pioneers had been married for fifty-one years.
For forty-four years William Bancroft Dutton was
employed as a pit boss in the shop of the Southern
Pacific Railroad Company, but he has now retired
and receives a pension.
George Edward Dutton was educated in the public
schools and the practical school of experience. When
he was fourteen years old he learned the plumbing
trade, and has done this work all of the time since
that age. He was employed in San Francisco,
Marysville, and Stockton, and in January, 1923, he
opened his own place- of business, doing general
plumbing, and has five men in his employ. He has
had charge of the work on different farms, where he
was employed, and has installed the plumbing in
many fine residences and apartments. His business
is carried on under the name of George E. Dutton
Plumbing Company. Mr. Dutton served two years
in the United States army during the World War,
enlisting in Battery C, 347th Lhiited States Artillery,
September 7, 1917. He trained at Camp Lewis until
he -was sent overseas in July, 1918, via New York
and Liverpool, to Bordeaux, and to the front. He was
in Meuse-Argonne and St. Pierre till after the armis-
tice and was also in the Army of Occupation in Ger-
many till he was brought back and honorably dis-
charged as mechanic at the Presidio, April 26th, 1919.
He received the Victory Medal from Congress, and
belongs to the Sacramento post, American Legion.
The first marriage of Mr. Dutton united him with
Meta Evelyn Woods of Sacramento, by whom he
had one son, Leslie George. His second marriage
occurred in Woodland, uniting him with Mrs. Lilly
Valentine. She was born in Sacramento, and by her
first marriage she has one child, Dolores. In national
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
969
politics Mr. Dutton is a Republican. He has been
the business agent for the local plumbers' union for
one year. He is very fond of sports and athletics,
and is especially fond of boxing.
ALBERT L. POLLARD.— An efficient executive
both within and without the fraternal orders v\-ith
which he is connected is Albert L. Pollard, secre-
tary of the Maccabees, and of the general relief
committee of the I. O. O. F., with headquarters at
Sacramento. He is a native son, having been born
at Grass Valley, Nevada County, on October 19,
1863, and his parents were James P. and Mary
(Gulliver) Pollard, the former a sturdy pioneer of
1850, who crossed the Isthmus to get to the Golden
Gate, and once here, went after the real gold, mining
in Ca'ifornia and Nevada. He was a carpenter by
occupation, and when he died at Sacramento in
1916, where the family had settled, he left an excel-
lent record for usefulness. Several years ago, Mrs.
Pollard, a lovable woman, also passed away.
Albert Pollard attended the pub'ic schools of the
historic Grass Valley, and w-as graduated from the
high school there in 1879. Then, after coming
to Sacramento, he followed car-building for the
Southern Pacific for seventeen years, having previ-
ously been both carpenter and farmer. In 1907,
his present position was offered him, and he left the
Southern Pacific to make the change. How much
more he has accomplished than was really demanded
of him, his untarnished record of steady, faithful,
interested work in beha'f of the order, attesting to
unusual proficiency, will show. In national political
affairs, Mr. Pollard is a Republican; but he never
allows partisanship to interfere with his professional
duties or with a hearty support, such as his fellow-
citizens have a right to expect, of all approved
measures and candidates deemed best for the
localit}'.
Mr. Pollard married Miss Nellie R. Webster.
She was a genial, accomplished woman, who made so
many friends that her death in 1901 was widely
lamented. A daughter, Nellie Fay, is now Mrs.
N. D. Baker and she has two children. Mr. Pollard
is a member of the Odd Fel'ows, the Encampment,
Canton Cabiri, and the Rebekahs; and he also be-
longs to the Maccabees, the Moose, and the Knights
of Pythias. He likes out-of-door life and sport, and
is especially fond of hunting the deer.
ROYAL MILLER.— An acknowledged leader in
the California motor world is Roj-al Miller, the pop-
ular president of the wide-awake and progressive
Miller Automobile Company, at 1615 M Street, Sac-
ramento. He was born at San Francisco on Decem-
ber 4, 1884, the son of Charles E. Miller, at one time
notable as among the most important business men
of the bay city, used to the doing of worth-while
things. He helped to establish the firm of Miller,
Sloss & Scott, afterward the Pacific Hardware and
Steel Company. He married Miss Margaret Knowl-
ton, popular in her day as a gifted and most charm-
ing woman. Both father and mother were born in
San Francisco, the children of genuine forty-niners;
and Grandfather Miller, who died in 1914, was the
oldest living member of the Odd Fellows in San
Francisco. Both parents are still living in Berkeley.
Royal Miller attended the grammar and the high
schools of Berkclev. He next entered the machine
shop supply trade in the service of the Pacific Tool &
Supply Company, remainin.g with that concern from
1906 to 1911, and in the latter year he joined the
Standard Motor Car Company, as a helper, remain-
ing in the shop one and three-fourths years. He next
removed to Sacramento, and helped form the Miller-
Coffing Auto Company, to conduct a Ford agency;
and in 1915 he sold out to his partner, C. M. Coffing,
and established an agency for the Dodge Brothers
motor car, under the name of the Miller Auto Com-
pany. In 1916, Mr. Coffing gave up his Ford agency,
and that was joined with the agency of the Dodge
Brothers, and now Miller has all of the Sacramento
Valley for the Dodge Brothers car, and he has been
very successful. He is public-spirited and has been
a director of the Chamber of Commerce for three
terms.
At Berkeley, in the year 1909, Mr. Miller was mar-
ried to Miss Irene Hamblin, of Berkeley, and they
are now the proud parents of three children: Mar-
garet Ruth, Charles H. and Royal, Jr. Mr. Miller
belongs to the Masonic order, the Commandery and
the Shriners. He is also an Elk, and he belongs to
the Sutter and the Del Paso Clubs. He is patriotic,
as is amply proven by his enlisting in the United
States army service on August 20, 1917, for a part in
the great World War. He received the commission
of first lieutenant in the air service, and served
eighteen months.
WILLIAM SELBY LEWIS.— Sacramento has
always been fortunate in the quality of men to whom
has been entrusted the heavy responsibility of fire-
protection for the community, involving both the
conservation of valuable property and the protection
of precious lives; and she is never likely to be disap-
pointed if she continues to select for such important
posts men like William Selby Lewis, the wide-awake,
far-seeing and faithful captain of Engine No. 6, at
Oak Park. His popularity is the most natural thing,
when one knows his own appreciation of each and
every man associated with him in the arduous work,
and sharing with him the heavy responsibility of the
office and department.
A native son, with a very commencdable pride in
the Golden State with which he is thus historically
linked, Mr. Lewis was born in Sacramento on August
27, 1890, the son of John and Jennie (Roberts) Lewis,
the former a native son, and the latter a native
daughter. They were substantial rancher-folk, and
they are still living and enjoying some of the fruits
of their worthy labors.
William Lewis attended the public schools, and as
a youngster learned the blacksmith trade in the shops
of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, where he
remained for three years and eight months. Then
he was in San Francisco for a short time, and after
that, in 191-3, he availed himself of an opportunity to
join the Sacramento fire department, glad to serve
his native city, and feeling a special fitness, for more
reasons than one, for this kind of venturesome work.
Although a married man, Mr. Lewis served in the
World War. On September 22, 1917, he entered
Battery C, 347th Regiment, Field Artillery, 91st
Division, training at Camp Lewis, where he was made
sergeant. He was sent overseas on July 13, 1918, and
served in the St. Mihiel sector for eight days in the
front lines. After the armistice he was for a time in
970
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
the Army of Occupation, being stationed at Fehren.
near Thryer, and later returned to Brest. On his
return to the United States he was honorably dis-
charged at the Presidio, April 26, 1919, when he
returned to his post in the Sacramento fire depart-
ment. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars.
Mr. Lewis has been captain for the past two years,
and he wears his uniform with becoming dignity,
always otherwise clad in good democratic sociability
and fraternity, so that he is ever affable and approach-
able, ever willing to respond. He was first with
Engine No. S, and then he came to his present posi-
tion at Oak Park. In 1915 he was one of fourteen
men selected to go to the firemen's contest at the
Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, and
there he won first prize in ladder-climbing and was
awarded a medal. He plays the saxophone in the
Sacramento Firemen's Band and is vice-president of
the organization. He belongs to the Firemen's Relief
and Protective Association, and is ever ready to do
what he can to improve the department in other than
official ways. He is fond of baseball and also of
hunting and fishing.
In San Francisco, on Februarjr 10, 1917, Captain
Lewis was married to Miss Edith Florence Holm-
drup, a native of Sacramento and a daughter of Hans
and Anna (Petersen) Holmdrup, natives of Den-
mark. Mr. Holmdrup has been in the employ of the
Southern Pacific for many years and is now rate
clerk. Edith Holmdrup was reared and educated in
this city and is a graduate of the Sacramento high
school. They have two children: June and William
Selb}', Jr. Captain Lewis belongs to the Knights of
Pythias.
EDSON D. BRIER.— Sacramento is fortunate in
the eminent abilit3' of many of her noted contractors,
including such leaders as Edson D. Brier, not only
the city, but the county profiting by the presence
and activity here of these wide-awake, aggressive men
of afifairs. A native son, Mr. Brier was born at Lodi,
on April 12, 1890, and his parents were John W. and
Mercy Ann (Switzer) Brier, the former a Congrega-
tional minister and an extensive writer. At the age
of six years, he came across the great plains into
California, and was one of the genuine forty-niners.
The grandmother of our subject named Death Valley.
Both of these worthy parents are dead, but they have
left a sweet and lasting memory. Grandfather Brier
was a circuit rider in the M. E. Church, and he
founded congregations all over California.
Edson D. Brier attended the public schools of Lodi,
and then went to the Hopkins Art Institute in San
Francisco, and there he availed himself of three
scholarships, and took portrait, figure and landscape
work. After that, he followed the profession of art
for some time; but little by little he became convinced
that he cou'd be of greater service to the world
along more practical lines.
At Lodi, therefore, in the years 1914 and 1915,
Mr. Brier got into the building game; and then he
was with the Western Union Telegraph Company,
and traveled in their interest. Next, he associated
himself with Messrs. Trainor & Desmond, in the
real estate game, and for the past two years he has
been a contracting builder again, operating especially
in Sacramento. He built the Milton J. Ferguson
home, several flat buildings and some of the finest
residences, and in each case his success has been
that of one who rea'ized all the anticipations, and
fulfilled all the expectations of the patron. He be-
longs to the Master Builders, the Builders' Exchange,
and the Kiwanis Club, and never loses an opportunity
to boost the county in which he operates. In politics,
he is a Democrat.
In the year 1914, Mr. Brier married Miss Estell
Whitten, a native daughter of California, and they
have one child, Lois Jeanette. Mr. Brier belongs
to Sunset Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden
West, and Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. E., and
his associations with these fraternal organizations
make him more than ever deeply interested in Sacra-
mento County, past, present and future.
ALBERT E. CLARKE.— Although of EngHsh
birth, Albert E. Clarke has spent practically his
entire life in the United States and has identified
his interests with those of his adopted country, being
now numbered among the leading directors of the
noted bands in America. He was born in Newark,
England, on June 9, 1861, the son of Richard and
Katherine (Clarke) Clarke. His parents were laid
away to rest in their native land when he was but
a child.
Albert E. Clarke was educated in the public
schools of Dublin, and after the death of his parents
he attended the military school, now the Royal
Hibernian Military School. For six years he was
in the British army, and it was during this period
that his musical education began. He emigrated
to America and stayed in Boston, Mass., for one and
one-half years, and also stayed in Portland, Maine,
for one year, and he then went to Chicago, 111.,
where he remained for twenty-six years. He played
at McVickers Theatre, and soon after became th ■
bandmaster of the 1st Regiment. National Guards
of Chicago, and he served in this capacity for two
years. During this period he also was the director
of Clarke's Illinois State Band. At Clay Center,
Kans., he became the bandmaster of the 2nd National
Guards of Kansas. Then he removed to Bisbee.
Ariz., and for two years he was instructor of the
Copper Queen Band. In Phoenix, Ariz., he organ-
ized the Boys' Band, and made a very fine record,
■ and in Tucson, Ariz., he made a world's record by
organizing a Boys' Band and turning them out in
thirty-two days from the time he started. For two
and one-half years he remained in Los Angeles.
When the World War broke out he was made
director of the 2nd Regiment Coast Guard Artillery
Band. In Aberdeen, Wash., to took charge of the
Aberdeen Motor Corporation, and was emp'oyed
by this concern for two years. In 1921, Mr. Clarke
came to Sacramento and organized Clarke's Sacra-
mento Band, which gives municipal concerts.
Mr. Clarke was married in Halifax to Miss Isa-
bella McLellan, of Cape Breton, N. S. She died
in Los Angeles in 1919, leaving three children;
Albert E. Jr., solo trombonist in the Cleve'and
symphony orchestra; Minnie Belle, wife of Walter
C. Anderson, a banker in Gait; and Florence, wife
of Carl E. Day, an attorney of San Francisco.
Mr. Clarke is interested in all musical organiza-
tions that are beneficial to Sacramento. He was
president of the Sacramento musicians' union for
one year and he organized a band of 315 pieces for
the big music week in Sacramento in 1922, the largest
HISTOR^' OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
971
ever brought together here. He is director of the
Sacramento E'ks' Band and also organized the Fire-
inen's Band in Sacramento. Mr. Clarke is a Demo-
crat. Fraternally, he is an Elk and a Mason. He
is ver}' fond of athletics and is an expert swimmer.
JOHN J. BRESLAN.— An employment agency
which, on account of its wide and exceptional con-
nections, its enviable status among those wishing the
services of others, and its constantly increasing list
of superior applicants, has rendered a valuable service
in making Sacramento City and Sacramento County
the most desirable places of residence and activity,
is that of Breslan & Company, whose animating spirit
is the popular John J. Breslan, a native of Oakland,
Cal. He was born on November 13, 1874, the son
of Peter and Catherine (Ford) Breslan, the former
a member of the 5th Massachusetts Battery in the
Civil War, with three j'Cars' service in the field, and
like his good wife, a native of Ire'and. They came
out to California in the sixties, and were married
here. They made many friends in their sojourning
among, and cooperating with, the builders of the
new state, and now that they are deceased, men
speak well of them.
When John J. Breslan was seven years of age
his parents moved to San Francisco, and there he
attended the public schools. At the age of fourteen
he began work in stores in San Francisco and later
for Risden Iron Works, meantime attending night
school. About 1892 he came to Sacramento and this
has been the scene of his operations ever since. In
1900 he started an employment agency under the
name Bres'an & Company, and has continued the
business ever since. He is now the oldest established
emploj'ment agent in Sacramento and has been suc-
cessful from the day when he first opened an office.-
Those who come to him for confidential assistance
know that he will help them, if he can.
Mr. Breslan was married in Stockton to Miss
Louise Lawless of Maine. Mr. and Mrs. Breslan
are both Republicans. They are enthusiasts for base-
ball, and other outdoor sports.
ROLAND L. McKERN.— The advancement made
ill recent years in the art of practical sign-writing
is interestingly indicated by the increasing demand
for the high grade work of Roland L. McKern,
the widely-known commercial artist of Sacramento.
He was born at Dayton, Wash., on September 12,
1885, the son of A. P. and Isabel Eccles McKern,
who came to California from Arizona in 1897, settled
in San Francisco, and are now living at Berkeley.
Being Westerners, familiar with the conditions of
a country in the making, Mr. and Mrs. McKern
have been able to assist in the development of the
resources of the Coast, and they are entitled to some
of the honors gladly given pioneers.
Roland L. McKern attended the grammar schools
in Washington and Arizona and the Santa Ana high
school, and then he entered the service of the tele-
phone company in Santa Ana, and had risen to be
installation man when he left there. His artistic
sense was quickened by his experience in the great
artistic outdoors, and he took up the work of a com-
mercial artist, illustrator, etc., and learned his trade
thoroughly. He took a course in drawing and letter-
ing in the International Correspondence Schools of
Scranton, Pa., and since then has continued the study
as a member of various art classes.
In 1917, he came to Sacramento, and for three
years he w-as with Mr. Funk, the outdoor advertiser
in Sacramento, until on .-Xugust 1, 1919, he estab-
lished a sign and picture business which made him
popu'ar throughout and Jjeyond Sacramento County,
and he did much of the decorating of the store-fronts
during the recent celebration of "The Days of '49."
He employed several men, each thoroughly compe-
tent; and because Mr. McKern gave his personal
attention to every detail, assuming all responsibility
and exercising care for good work, he was re-
markably successful. What "McKern, the Artist,"
could not produce, and on short notice, at the most
reasonable rates, was not worth going outside of
Sacramento to try to get. In June, 1922, Mr. Mc-
Kern was induced to accept the position as head
of the designing department of Foster and Kleiser,
who had taken over the interests of Mr. Funk and
who cover the whole Pacific Coast as outdoor adver-
tisers. Since then Air. McKern has given all of his
time and talent to his position, which gives him un-
limited opportunity to exercise his talents and orig-
inality. At his residence in North Sacramento he
has erected a studio where he uses his spare time and
exercises his taste and ability in making pictorial
backgrounds and theatrical scenery.
On November 1, 1912, and at Bellingham, Wash.,
Mr. McKern was married to Miss Emma Louise
Welch, a favorite daughter of the old Keystone
State; and they now have four children, to brighten
their home life. Philip Ross and Mildred Louise are
the elder; and Alice Betty and Roland, Jr., the
younger.
Mr. McKern is a Democrat, but his support is given
in the heartiest manner, and with no partisanship, to
local men and measures, for he believes in allowing
nothing to stand in the waj^ of attaining the best for
the community in which he resides and prospers..
He is active in civic aflairs, and his influence makes
for better citizenship.
JOHN R. CONNELLY.— An attorney whose life-
story since he established himself in practice in Sac-
ramento, now having a handsome suite of offices in
the Ochsner Building, is the record of a learned and
eminently capable lawyer who has more and more
made good, is John R. Connelly, a native of Minne-
sota, where he was born, the son of Michael and
Elizabeth (Martin) Connelly, the former a farmer
born in England, w^ho came to the United States
before the Civil War, and served throughout the
great struggle; the latter, on the other hand, a
native of Connecticut, who had come West, and mar-
ried in Minnesota. They settled on a farm near St.
Paul and reared eight children, two daughters and
six sons, and bravely did their part in helping to
develop the section of country in which they lived,
and by their lives and example to improve local social
conditions.
John R. Connelly was able, as he grew up, to go to
the normal school at Mankato, Minn., and then to
matricu'ate in the University of Minnesota, where he
received the B. S. degree in 1910, and two years later
the LL. B. degree, having worked his own way
through school and university. In 1913, he came
West to California, and commenced to practice his
profession under the shadow of the capital. He has
972
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
been "fairly successful," according to his own modest
version, but those well acquainted with his demon-
strated capacity, some of the results of his labors,
and his considerable circle of devoted and admiring
friends, feel that he has done very well, wie'ding an
enviable influence for up'ift and for the betterment,
at all times, of local civic ■ conditions. He belongs
to both the state and the county bar associations. He
chose Sacramento for his professional field after
spending a year looking over the country, by means
of the convenient automobile, before he made his
decision to pitch his tent here, be'ieving that Sacra-
ment presented the best opportunities for health, en-
joyment and financial success, and he has never re-
gretted his choice. He is a man above mere party,
which means that he is a non-partisan, broad-minded
booster for the section in which he lives, labors
and thrives.
Mr. Connelly is an Elk, a Knight of Columbus of
the fourth degree, a member of the Sons of St.
George, one of the Red Men, and a member of the
Grange. He is fond of tennis, as might be supposed,
when one recalls that as a student at the university,
he belonged to the athletic team and held the two-
mile record. First, last and all the time, he is a
patriotic American, and finds true pleasure in help-
ing to hasten the day when everybody will know that
California is the best place in the world in which
to live.
J. EDWARD WATERS. — An experienced execu-
tive, whose fidelity to an important trust has enabled
him to render a real service to the pub'ic, thereby
entitling him to public confidence such as he seems
in large measure to enjoy, is J. Edward Waters, the
plant superintendent of the Sacramento Gas Company,
who was born on his father's ranch in Sutter County,
California, on April 29, 1878, the son of James and
Virginia (Long) Waters, the former a native of
New York State, descended from English ancestry,
and the latter a native of Virginia, where she was
born of Scotch parentage. Mr. Waters is now dead,
having rounded out a very useful life; but Mrs.
Waters is still living, in California, idolized by those
knowing her intimately. The worthy couple were
joined in wedlock in California; and from their for-
tunate marriage, sprang twelve children, eight of
whom are still living. These include Fred, Mrs.
Minnie Green, Mrs. Laura Freitas, J. Edward, the
.subject of this biographical review, Henry Franklin,
Mrs. Ida Keigel, Herbert, and Mrs. Tessie Mu'ler;
while the children now mourned as having passed
on to the Great Beyond are Mrs. Cora White, Irving,
who lived to be twenty-two, Lottie, who died aged
fifteen, and Rose, who died in infancy.
James Waters, the father, came out to California
in ,a sailing vessel in 1857, via Cape Horn, on . a
ship commanded by his brother, but when the vessel
reached San Francisco he deserted the ship and went
into Mendocino County, with a party of explorers.
,A,11 the rest of the party were killed by a band of
Indians; and having escaped with his life, young
Waters made his way into Yolo County, and secured
work there in a packing house. He was in Sacra-
mento the year of the great flood of 1862, and
took Governor Stanford in a rowboat from Sutter
Fort, through the watery streets to the steamboat
landing, where the Governor boarded a boat for San
Francisco. He later settled on a ranch in Sutter
County, where he died at the age of seventy-seven.
He was one of the pioneer business men of the state,
and brought the first hive of bees to northern Cali-
fornia. Afterward, he followed bee-raising, truck-
gardening and dairy farming. Mrs. Waters crossed
the great plains to California with her parents in
early days, and now resides on the old home ranch
in Sutter County.
J. Edward Waters attended the district schools of
Sutter County, and then followed farming until he
was tvs-enty-one years of age. On July 16. 1900, he
entered the employ of the Sacramento National Gas
Company (now the Sacramento Gas Company) ; and
he has been with that corporation ever since, and is
today the oldest employee of the company. His first
work was the laying of a gaspipe on Second Street;
and soon after he was put in charge of the pipe-laying
crew. Next he was in charge of the service depart-
ment, in the houses; later still, he learned how to
make gas, and became the foreman of the gas works.
Since 1909, he has been superintendent in charge of
gas-making, and has had an average of eighteen men
under him. He also invented and perfected a gas-
making machine, and has made several improvements
on other machines in the plant. He has thus become
an employee of great va'ue to both the company
and the city, particularly as he is enthusiastically
devoted to the best interests of Sacramento, both
town and county. Nor is he without something to
show in the matter of his own thrift and prosperity;
for he owns four houses in Knight's Landing,
Mr. Waters was married in Sacramento November
28, 1900, to Miss Hattie Green, a native of Sutter
County, and the daughter of Barnard L. Green, the
esteemed pioneer now deceased, who crossed the
plains with an ox-team, and then farmed in Sutter
County; his widow was Mary E. Smith, born in Mis-
souri, and she crossed the plains with her parents
when thirteen and now makes her home with Mr.
and Mrs. J. E. Waters. She is seventy-three years of
age. Of Mr. and Mrs. Green's children, four are still
living: James W.; B. L.; Charles B.; and Hattie,
now Mrs. J. E. Waters. Mr. Waters belongs to Lodge
No. 109 of the Fraternal Brotherhood, River Lodge
No. 256 of the Odd Fellows, Occidental Encampment
No. 42, and Lodge No. 10, Foresters of Amercia, and
with his wife is a member of Capital City Lodge No.
160 of the Rebekahs, in which Mrs. Waters is a
past noble grand and still takes a very active interest.
AURELIO ALBERTINL— An experienced dairy-
man to whom many Californians owe something for
his industry and progressive methods, is this wide-
awake Swiss-American, who was born in Canton
Graubunden, Switzerland, on October 14, 1883. His
father, Batista, was a painter by trade, who passed
away in his seventy-first year; while his mother,
Barbara, lived to be only fifty. They had nine child-
ren, and our subject was the youngest of the family.
When twenty-one years old, he started out for him-
self, crossed the ocean- to the United States, and
made his way to California, where he settled in
Plumas County, on a dairy farm, working for a
while for wages. From Plumas County, he went to
Carson City, Nev., and there he worked at various
lines. On returning to California, he took up ranch
work in one after another county, and for a while he
had a dairy ranch near Salida, in Stanislaus County.
In 1922 Mr. Albertini came into Sacramento Coun-
ty and purchased seventy-eight acres two miles east
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
973
of Herald, on wliicli he conducts a small dairy; and
in this arduous duty he .is ably assisted by his devoted
wife, who was Miss Mary Genacci before her mar-
riage, on August 30, 1919. She was born at Daven-
port, in Santa Cruz County, and was the daughter of
Charles and Mary Genacci, both natives of Canton
Ticino, the former a dairyman who came to the
United States about forty years ago. Two children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Albertini. Charles is
the elder; and Aurelio the younger. While at Red-
wood City, in San Mateo County, Mr. Albertini be-
came a citizen; and since he has come to enjoy the
franchise, and to support the best men and the best
measures for Sacramento County and Gait, he up-
holds the principles of the Republican party.
MARTIN J. BRENNAN.— For thirty-one years of
his active career Martin J. Brennan was in the
employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company;
nine years ago he removed to Andrus Island and has
since been the manager and superintendent of the
upper Andrus Island pumping plant and drainage
canals. He w-as born in Count}' Mayo, Ireland,
November 10, 1865, a son of Patrick and Catherine
(Hopkins) Brennan, natives of the same country.
The parents were farmers and lived and died in Ire-
land, the father at the age of seventy-seven and the
mother at thirty-six years of age. Eight children
were born to them: John Thomas; Martin J., our sub-
ject; and Patrick, William, Ellen, Mary, Kittie, and
Anna.
Martin J. Brennan received his education in the
grammar schools of Ireland. In 1882 he came to
the United States and stopped at Cleveland, Ohio,
where he remained for one year; then he came West
to California and soon found a position in the rail-
road shops of Sacramento as a mechanic, where he
worked for four years; in 1887 he began firing out of
Sacramento to Truckee and ten years were spent in
this job. He then became a locomotive engineer on
the Southern Pacific lines from Ogden, Utah, to El
Paso, Texas, and spent seventeen years thus engaged.
After his retirement he settled on Andrus Island,
where he has charge as engineer and superintendent
of the pumping plant and drainage canals on the
upper part of the island for Reclamation District No.
.SS6. Mr. Brennan owns four diflferent residences in
Sacramento.
On April 25, 1893, Mr. Brennan was married to
Miss Mary M. Green, a native of St. Louis, Mo., and
a daughter of W. H. and Sarah E. (Cowell) Green.
W. H. Green was a farmer in Missouri who crossed
the plains to California with a mule team in pioneer
days; later he returned to Missouri and there was
married and in 1876 returned to California with his
wife and three children: Angle, Frank, and Mary M.,
Mrs. Brennan. Mr. Green was employed at the
Southern Pacific shops in Sacramento until he retired;
he passed away at the age of seventy-nine years. Mrs.
Green now resides in Sacramento at 2312 H Street,
aged eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Brennan are the
parents of nine children: William M. is an engineer
for the Southern Pacific Railroad Company; Angle
is deceased; Austin James; Thomas, deceased; Ruth;
Arthur; Jack; George; and Edwin. Their son Austin
James entered Company B, 117th United States Engi-
neers of the 42nd Division, and served twenty-two
ei
months overseas in the World War; he was gassed
twice and at two ditiferent times the kitchen of the
regiment was blown up by the enemy, where he was
serving as cook. He is now employed with the I'"irst
National Bank of Tonopah, Nev. Mr. Brennan is a
Republican in politics and fraternally belongs to the
Y. M, I. of Sacramento and the Brotherhood of Loco-
motive Engineers.
LAWRENCE B. SCHEL— A man of affairs, rich
in valuable experience and gifted with certain natural
ability which has fitted him well for executive work,
i; Lawrence B. Schei, the residential secretary and
manager of the Suburban Land Company at Sacra-
mento, his headquarters being at 617 J Street. He was
born in Minneapolis, on September 2, 1883, the son
of I. P. and Bertha Schei, and after attending the
public grammar schools, he went through the local
high school. He also studied at the Hamline Uni-
versity at St. Paul, and was duly graduated there-
from.
Then Mr. Schei went to Minneapolis and St. Paul
and entered the real estate field, making a success of
all that he undertook; and finally he joined up with
this Sacramento company, where he has directed the
local affairs of the concern in such an able and
unusual fashion that both the Sacramento Chamber
of Commerce and the Progressive Business Men's
Club have been very glad to include our subject in
their membership. Mr. Schei's devotion to his work
is marked, as it was when he was with this company
in Los Angeles before he came here. Mr. Schei was
united in marriage with Miss Jessie Thuerer in the
year 1913; and they have one child, Lawrence.
The University of California Journal of Agricul-
ture not long ago had a inost interesting illustrated
article describing some of the work by this Suburban
Fruit Lands Company of which Mr. Schei is the
directing spirit. "Our colony at Rio Linda, a north
suburb of Sacramento," says the Journal, "was
started a little over eight years ago as an orchard
and suburban hotne proposition by the Sacramento
Suburban Fruit Lands Company. Our splendid peo-
ple were mostly practical farmers, who came with
means considerably above the average, and to their
constant cooperation we gladly give deserved credit.
They set out orchards which developed satisfactorily.
Some of them worked in the city and improved their
holdings as they could. We sold our land on easy
terms, cared for refinancing as necessity presented
itself, but did not develop a concrete plan for financ-
ing until about two years ago.
"Problems, however, developed just as they have in
every other colony, calling for study, adjustment,
solution. As conditions presented themselves, a
theory worked out, not entirely new but distinctive —
distinctive in the combination of elements that were
brought together. How well it has worked, is evi-
denced by the recent strides that the Rio Linda Col-
ony has made.
"We found, for instance, that we had to concentrate
on some basic industry in the colony to bring in the
necessary early income — an income to carry our set-
tlers along until their trees came into bearing — and
(what our stockholders were particularly interested
in) to bring in interest and principal payments on
our contracts. We decided upon the poultry indus-
try for the simple reason that those of our people
974
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
who paid us most promptly did so from the products
of the hen house. The decision to concentrate upon
poultry resulted in a stahilized colony.
"Having decided upon this industry, we formed the
Rio Linda Poultry Producers' Association, built a
modern warehouse, leased it to the association, and
even on a falling grain market this new organization
{only recently in operation) made a substantial profit
besides putting on a superior mash. The marketing
of the eggs is also done through this institution,
saving time and money.
"As we studied the situation and investigated the
poultry business generally, w'e realized that if we
brought in many men inexperienced in this particular
line, we, and our people, might meet disaster. So we
decided to 'underwrite' our contracts by securing an
experienced supervisor of our poultry interests.
"Another branch of our service has to do with the
horticultural development. Most of our new settlers
are unacquainted with California conditions. They
may be ever so practical, and yet not understand how
to irrigate, or how to wisely suit the trees and crops
to the conditions on any particular tract. Then there
are a multitude of new things for new men to decide
and know about which this department is expected to
care for.
"As we came to understand probable costs and
probable income, and early needs in the way of
financing, we devised a system of financing, whereby
for a man who has a minimum of $5,000 we erect a
bungalow, garage and poultry house, and install an
adequate pumping plant, taking from $2,500 to $3,000
down, leaving him the balance with which to buy
his stock and get started. On our ten-acre tracts,
on which, say, $5,500 of improvements are erected, we
secure in the open market loans ranging from $3,000
to $3,750. The Company carries the balance as a
secondary secured obligation, payable in five equal
installments. We also care for some who have less
than $5,000 capital, in w'hich case we recommend
more modest buildings, and that they work out for
others at least part of the time."
LOUIS AUGUSTINE.— A man who, by well-
directed effort and close application, has made a
success of dairying is Louis Augustine, a native of
Austria, born at Cles, in the Tyrol, in 1865. His
father, Jacques Augustine, was a farmer; and from
the time he was a boy Louis learned agriculture as
follovi'ed in his native Tyrol, at the same time receiv-
ing a good education by attendance at the local
schools. In 1886 he came to Sacramento County,
Cal., being employed the first year on a dairy farm
on the river, in Yolo County; and he engaged in
farming and orcharding on the American River near
Mills Station. In 1892 he made a trip back to his
old home for a visit. After his return he continued
farming on the American River until 1897, when he
located on the Cosumnes River, leasing the Jim Elder
ranch, and there raised corn and alfalfa for a period
of three years. Then, in partnership with his brother
John Augustine and George Bryte, he began dairy-
ing, leasing both the Elder and the Bryte ranches,
comprising 1,500 acres. Establishing their head-
quarters on the Bryte ranch, they continued in busi-
ness until 1906, when their lease expired and they
dissolved partnership. Louis Augustine then con-
tinued with George Bryte and leased the Bryte
ranch in Yolo County, operating there until 1911,
when they sold. Mr. Augustine then made his sec-
ond trip back home, spending six months on an
enjoyable visit to the scenes of his childhood. In
1912, with the two Bryte brothers, he leased the
Bryte ranch on the Cosumnes River, their acreage
then amounting to 3,000 acres. Here they built suit-
able buildings, and maintained one of the largest,
most sanitary and best-improved dairy ranches in the
county, where thejr have milked about 300 cows, pure-
bred and high-grade Holsteins, a fine dairy herd.
About 500 acres are in alfalfa irrigated from an
electric pumping-plant with a capacity of 10,000 gal-
lons a minute. For many years they manufactured
cheese, but four years ago they discontinued its
manufacture and now dispose of the milk, their
creamery being equipped with a six-ton ice machine,
thus keeping the milk in perfect condition. There
is a large lake on the ranch; and all in all it is one
of the finest dairy ranches in the county. Since 1921,
Mr. Augustine has turned the management of the
ranch over to his son; and in that year he agaiia
made a six months' trip back to the Tyrol. On his
return he was more pleased than ever to get back to
his adopted country, and glad he had been so fortu-
nate as to cast in his lot with the land of the Stars
and Stripes. Mr. Augustine also owns a comfortable
residence on Stockton Boulevard, in Sacramento.
Mr. Augustine was first married in Tyrol, in 1892,
to Miss Edvigi Rossi, who passed away in 1900, leav-
ing two children, Emma and David. His second
marriage also occurred in Tyrol, in 1911, when he
was united with Miss Mary Visintainer, whose father,
Michael Visintainer, was a lumberman. Mr. Augus-
tine has been a close student of the dairy industry,
being one of the best-posted and most successful
farmers engaged in that branch of agriculture in Sac-
ramento County. He is a very loyal American, and
politicalb^ is a strong Republican.
EMIL G. SCHAFFNIT.— Possessing courage, self-
confidence and the abilitj' to meet and master situa-
tions, Emil G. Schafifnit has steadily progressed to-
ward the goal of his ambition and as owner of the
Sacramento Fuel & Feed Company he is at the head
of a prosperous and growing business. A native of
Germany, he was born April 22, 1889, a son of Peter
and Elizabeth (Becker) Schaflnit. The father served
on the police force of Alzey, Province of Hessen, and
is now deceased, but the mother survives and lives at
Darmstadt, Hessen.
Emil G. Schaffnit acquired his education in the
schools of his native land and when seventeen years
of age sought the opportunities of the United States.
After spending a year in St. Louis, Mo., he spent
seme time traveling and came to the Pacific Coast, lo-
cating in Sacramento in 1910, and for a time was em-
ployed in various lines, at length becoming owner of a
gasoline wood-saw outfit. This gave him his initial
start in business; later he purchased two other out-
fits, devoting eight years to the occupation of wood-
sawing. During the progress of the World War, Mr.
Schaffnit enlisted as a private in the United States
Army and for eight months was stationed at Camp
Kearney. After his discharge from military service,
he purchased the property at Nos. 509-511 L Street
and in 1919 established the Sacramento Fuel & Feed
Company, of which he is sole proprietor. The ven-
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
97;
ture proved a success from the start: and through
earnest, systematic effort and straightforward dealing
he has built up a trade of large proportions, employ-
ing twelve men in the operation of his business.
Since Januar}' 1, 1923, he has added a department of
automobile tires, oils and accessories.
Mr. Schaffnit exercises his right of franchise in
support of the platform and candidates of the Demo-
cratic party and cooperates heartily in the activities of
the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce and the Re-
tail Merchants' Association of this city, being identi-
fied with both organizations. He belongs to the Im-
proved Order of Red Men and is also a member of
the American Legion. He is an alert, enterprising
and wide-awake business man to whom opportunity
has ever been the call to action. He is thoroughly
American in spirit and ideals and none can question
his loyalty and devotion to the country of his
adoption.
JOHN W. CALLNON, M. D.— California may
well be proud of her progressive, experienced and
thoroughly competent men and w^omen distinguished
in medical science, including both her native sons and
those who have been attracted to her balmy climate
and intellectual society; and among these conscien-
tious and helpful practitioners will naturally be men-
tioned Dr. John W. Callnon, who was born at Point
Arena, Cal., on December 16, 1884. His father,
Eugene W. Callnon, was a pioneer to the Golden
State in 1858, having come hither with his mother,
when he was a mere child, and he is still living, a
witness to the eloquent story of California's marvel-
ous advancement since that time. He married Miss
Florence Winfree of Kentuck}', a charming and gifted
woman, who proved the best kind of a helpmate for
one of the builders of the new empire along the
Pacific; she has passed away and is remembered for
her exemplary and useful life.
John Callnon attended both the public grammar and
the high school, and then, when old enough to master
such difficult study, matriculated in what is now
Cooper Medical College, of Stanford University, from
which he was duly graduated in 1908, with the degree
of M. D. He was an interne for a while in the Ger-
man Hospital at San Francisco, and then was house
doctor at the County Hospital. Later, he joined the
stafif of the San Francisco Emergency Hospital,
where he had still better opportunity to do first-class,
and often original work, and after that he was
engaged in general practice in San Francisco. For
climatic reasons he located at San Bernardino. Cal..
and while practicing there he was superintendent of
the San Bernardino County Hospital, and was county
health officer, and while in office supervised the com-
pletion of the San Bernardino General Hospital, and
the Tuberculosis Hospital.
In 191S Dr. Callnon was commissioned a lieutenant
in the Medical Reserve Corps of the regular army.
In July, 1917, he was called to the colors and
responded, serving overseas; and on his return to
California, in 1919. he located in Sacramento, at first
forming an association with Dr. J. B. Harris, and
then starting out for himself. He belongs to the
state and county medical societies, and to the
American Medical Association. He is a member of
Sacramento Post No. 61, American Legion, being
past president of the board of trustees, and he is a
member of the \'eterans of Foreign Wars and was
post surgeon of that organization. In national poli-
tics a progressive Republican, he is at all times a
broad-minded, patriotic American.
At San Francisco, in 1909, occurred the marriage of
Dr. Callnon and Miss Euretta Pannenberg, of Wash-
ington, D. C, and they have three sons: Eugene.
John and Francis. As a Master Mason Dr. Callnon
is a member of Argonne Lodge, F. & A. M . San
Francisco, composed entirely of ex-service men. He
was made a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Mason
in Caldwell Consistorj-, in Pennsylvania, on the eve of
his departure for France. He is a charter member of
Ben Ali Temple, N. M. S., in Sacramento, and he has
been a member of Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W. He is
a member of the Phi Beta Phi. a college fraternity,
and is a past president of the Lions Club. His hob-
bies are swimming and baseball, in both of which he
is decidedly proficient. In academic days he won the
state championship in quarter-mile swimming at the
Olympic Club, in San Francisco.
HART F. SMITH.— The well-managed ranch of
Hart F. Smith, located at Isleton, is a credit to its
owner and to the surroundings of which it is a part.
It is a portion of the ranch owned by his father, on
W'hich he was born March 2, 1867, a son of Hart F.
and Maggie (McKever) Smith.
Hart F. Smith, our subject, received his education
in the Brannan and Is'eton district schools; when he
was fifteen years old he went to the mines and en-
gaged in placer mining in Eldorado and Shasta Coun-
ties; returning to Sacramento County he found em-
ployment on dredgers along the river deltas. He
joined the rush to the Klondyke in the spring of 1898.
making the trip from San Francisco to St. Michael.
He and his comrades, having brought a launch with
them, built a scow and towed it up the Yukon to
Rampart City, where he made, his headquarters.
The winters were spent in prospecting, while during
the summers he was busy as engineer running the
launch. He remained in Alaska until the fall of
1902, w'hen he returned home. He had many inter-
esting experiences and had undergone nian\- hard-
ships, but had done reasonably well and returned in
good health. However, his home-coming was sad-
dened on his arrival in Oakland. October 3. 1902. for
that same day his father met an accidental death on
the home ranch at Isleton. He took charge of the
home ranch of 595 acres, which was a corporation
until 1922 when it was divided among the heirs, our
subject receiving 117 acres as his share of the estate.
On Februarj' 26, 1905 at San Francisco, ^Ir. Smith
was married to Mrs. Frank E. Hawley, formerly
Miss Mary L. Wiegner, born in San Francisco, a
daughter of John and Francis (Knock) Wiegner.
John Wiegner was born in Hamburg, Germany, and
his wife w-as a native of Philadelphia. Mr. Wieg-
ner came to California in the seventies and has been
a prominent building contractor in San Francisco for
many years, and is still active at the age of eighty-
three years. Eight children were born to them;
Elizabeth, Mrs. W. Hundemer; George; William:
Mary L., the wife of our subject; Fred; Louise,
Mrs. L. Courtermarsh; Ferdinand; and Ila Pearl, de-
ceased.
Mrs. Smith received her education in the public
schools of San Francisco and she was first married to
Frank Edwin Hawley, a native of Maine. Frank E.
976
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Hawley came to California with his mother when
he was ten years old and for a short time was con-
nected with the Southern Pacific Railroad Company;
later he became a reporter on the staff of the San
Francisco Chronicle and Examiner. Mr. and Mrs.
Hawley were the parents of one daughter, Ila Mae,
who is now the wife of Napoleon B. Turner. Mr.
Hawley passed away in 1903.
Mr. Smith adopted the daughter of Mrs. Hawley
and she became known as Ila Mae Hawley Smith
until her marriage. Mr. Smith is a progressive Re-
publican. Fraternally, he is a past grand of the Isle-
ton Lodge Number 108, I. O. O. F\ He was made
a Mason in Rio Vista Lodge No. 208, F. & A. M.,
and is a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite Mason,
being a member of all the orders of the consistory
at Sacramento: he became a member of the Islam
Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., in San Francisco but has
been demitted and is a charter member of Ben Ali
Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Sacra-
mento. Both he and his wife are members of the
Eastern Star Lodge. Mr. Smith has served as con-
stable of Georgiana Township and he is a director
of Brannan Island Reclamation District. The home
ranch is devoted to the raising of asparagus and
garden truck and is irrigated with a pumping plant
and also by siphoning water from the river. Mr.
and Mrs. Smith have great faith in the future of
delta lands; and believing it to be one of the best
investments, they purchased a 109-acre ranch on
Twitchell Island, which is devoted to raising aspara-
gus, and he is a member of the California Asparagus
Growers' Association.
FRANK J. LEWIS. — A successful and enterprising
3fOung rancher who is proud of being a native son
is Frank J. Lewis, who was born on the Pocket road
three and one-half miles south of Sacramento, Au-
gust 11, 1879. His father, Frank Lewis, was born
on the Island of Fayal, Azores Group, and came to
California when nineteen years of age in 1874, and
located in Sacramento Count}'. Here he married
Miss Mary Flora Rose, also born in Fayal. and in
this county they were successful farmers and raised
their family of six children: Frank J., the subject
of this interesting review; Mrs. Mary Freitas; Jos-
eph; Mrs. Minnie Vargas; Mrs. Louisa Dutra; and
Manuel, all living in the vicinity of their birthplace
and old home except Mrs. Vargas, who lives at
Florin. The father passed aw-ay in 1919, the mother
having preceded him in 1905.
Frank J. Lew-is was reared on the home farm, mak-
ing himself generally useful from the time he was a
small boy. At the same time he received a good
education in the Lisbon grammar school. He con-
tinued with his father, all working together in har-
monj' at ranching and dairying, so that when the
father died they owned two small ranches. After
his death Frank J. and his brother Manuel purchased
the present ranch of 285 acres, a part of the old
McNassal ranch, and began the improvements of
residence buildings and alfalfa fields that have made
it one of the model dairy farms in the district. Two
pumping plants have been installed, one from the
river, and one from wells, giving ample water for
irrigating their 100 acres of alfalfa and ten-acre pear
orchard, as well as the other crops. Their dairy
herd is composed of seventy head of high-grade Hol-
stein milk cows. He is chairman of the board of di-
rectors of Reclamation District No. 673. having been
a member of the board since 1907.
In Auburn, Cal., April 28, 1908, Mr. Lewis was
united in marriage with Miss Clara Marshall, who
was born at Newcastle, a daughter of Manuel and
Minnie (Armas) Marshall, natives of Fayal and
Flores, respectively, who were early settlers and farm-
ers in Placer County. The mother is dead, but Mr.
Marshall continues to reside at the old home. They
had a family of nine children, eight girls and one boy:
Minnie, Joseph, Mary, Josie, Clara, Frances, Julia,
Carrie and Jennie, the latter being deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Lewis' union has been blessed with one ,
child. Jack Lewis.
Mr. Lewis for some years served as school trustee
of Lisbon district. He is a past president of the
I. D. E. S., and is a member of the U. P. E. C, as
we'I as Sunset Parlor, N. S. G. W. Mrs. Lewis is
a past president of the U. P. P. E. C, and also a past
grand vice-president of the order. They both were
active during the war in Liberty Loan and allied war
drives, and they are protectionists and Republicans.
JOHN AUGUSTINE.— An enterprising man, who.
by his energy, perseverance, and straightforward
methods, made a success of business and became an
influential and very prominent man, was the late
John Augustine, farmer and dairyman, who had been
a resident of California from the time of his coming
hither in 1885 until his lamented death February 19,
1923. He was born in Tyrol, Austria, October 9,
1857. and there, too, he was reared on the farm,
learning habits of industry and economy which
proved so valuable to him in later life. He received
a good education in the excellent schools of his local-
ity, so he was ready to battle with the problems of
life when he went to France. There he spent two
years, after which he returned to Austria, where
he was married to Annie Pouton. Soon after his
marriage he came to California, his wife joining him
three years later. He then came to Sacramento and
entered the employ of Bryte Brothers' Dairy and
later he leased the dairy from them.
In 1912 Mr. Augustine purchased an 800-acre ranch
on the Cosumnes River near Slough House, and here
he made his home, engaging in general farming and
making a specialty of the manufacture of California
full-cream cheese. He had fine meadows and alfalfa
fields for his dairy herd of sixty cows. He also set
out forty-three acres to pears and peaches and was
actively improving the ranch when he passed away
on February 19, 1923. His wife had preceded him on
May 25, 1914.
Mr. and Mrs. John Augustine had four children:
Louis J.; George J.; Elmer J.; and the youngest
child, Annie, who is the wife of L. C. La Rue. The
sons from the time they were mere lads assisted on
the ranch and of late years took an active part in
its management. Since the father's death they con-
tinue to operate the ranch and dairy with success.
Louis J., being the eldest, natural'}- takes the lead in
its management, and all the children cooperate to-
gether, working in harmony and accord. He is a
member of Elk Grove Parlor No. 41, N. G. S. W.
George J. entered the United States Army for serv-
ice in the World War in the 363rd U. S. Infantry,
91st Division, and after training at Camp Lewis was
sent overseas in June, 1918, to France. He took
part in the engagements of his celebrated division
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
977
at St. Miliicl and the Meuse-Argonne. where he went
over the top. and the Belgian front, where he was
wounded from a machine-gun bullet in the left
shoulder. After spending two months in a French
hospital he returned to the United States and after
six months in the hospital at the Presidio was mus-
tered out on May 28. 1919. and returned to his home
to reenter civil life. He is a member of Post No. 61.
-American Legion, and the Elk Grove Parlor, K.
S. G. W.
The family are interested in civic and political af-
fairs, and in national matters cast their influence and
vote with the Republicans.
EMIL ALFRED MAESTRETTL— A resident of
California since 1881. Emil Alfred Maestretti was
born in Verscio, Canton Ticino. Switzerland, January
14, 1863. a son of Peter and Angelena (Yanner)
Maestretti. who followed dairying and stock-raising
on their farm in Ticino. In pioneer gold days in Cali-
fornia the father had made the voyage around Cape
Horn to California in 1852, and here followed min-
ing for several 3-ears. returning to Switzerland in
1860, where he married and settled down to farming,
as stated, and where he died at the age of seventy-
three years. The mother survived him until 1914,
when she passed aw-ay at ninety years of age.
Emil Alfred Maestretti, the youngest of their six
children, was reared on the home farm in the land
of William Tell, receiving a good education in the
excellent schools of his locality. Having listened to
and cherished the stories his father told him of the
wonderful country on the Pacific coast, he deter-
mined to come hither. So we find him at the age of
eighteen in Sacramento County, where two brothers,
James and Antone, had preceded him and were en-
gaged in sheep-raising. From his arrival in 1881
until 1886 he was employed by them; then he re-
moved to San Francisco, where he was engaged in
business until 1893. When the hard times came on
during President Cleveland's administration, he lost
out in his business, and then returned to Sacramento
County and w-ent to work for his brother James
until 1898, when the latter sold out. Mr. Maestretti
then leased the present ranch of 160 acres from
Thomas Steele and engaged in raising cattle and
turkeys: and later on he purchased the place, and
here he has continued in business ever since.
In San Francisco, on January 4, 1890, Mr. Maes-
tretti was married to Miss Meadie Orr, a native
daughter born in San Francisco. Her father, An-
drew Young Orr, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland;
while her mother, formerly Phoebe W^estwood Dyson,
was born in Liverpool, England. Andrew' Y. Orr
came to California in the early days and followed
the sea. He served through the Civil War. and after
the war went back to England and again followed
the sea; but he soon returned to the land of the
Stars and Stripes and located in California, residing
here until he passed away in 1914, at the age of
seventy-six years, his wife having preceded him in
1895. Meadie (Orr) Maestretti was the elder of
their two children. She is a well-educated, refined
woman, and presides competently and gracefully
over her home. Mr. and Mrs. Maestretti are the
parents of seven children. Walter, Emma, and An-
drew are engaged in ranching near Lockeford, Cal. ;
George is employed in the People's Garage in Sac-
ramento; Mrs. Josephine Aldrich lives near Locke-
ford; Alfred and Wesley follow ranching and make
their headquarters with their parents. Walter en-
tered the United States Army in the World War,
serving at Camp Lewis; and George was also en-
listed just before the armistice. Mr. Maestretti is
an Ancient Odd Fellow. In national politics he
aligns himself with the Republicans.
JOHN B. MARTIN.— The subject of this sketch
was born in the Azores Islands, April 3, 1877, a son
of Antonio and Mary Martin, both natives of the
same place, who came to California in 1893. Here the
mother died, but the father, now eighty years old, is
hale and hearty. When our subject w'as fourteen
years old. he left his native home and came to the
United States and directlj- to Sacramento, where he
received a fair education in the public schools; he
learned the barber's trade and was a'so employed
by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. Since
August, 1915, he has been a city employee, occupy-
ing the position of city pound master.
The marriage of Mr. Martin in 1896 united him
with Miss Rose Azevedo, a native daughter of Sac-
ramento, and they are the parents of five sons and
one daughter: John B.. Jr.; Irene. Mrs. Frank
Gregory, now the mother of two children; George.
Ralph and Arthur, employed by the Southern
Pacific, and Raymond. Fraternally Mr. Martin is
affiliated with the Red Men. U. P. E. C. and the
I. D. E. S. of Sacramento and in politics votes with
the Republican party.
AUGUST KLOSS, JR.— August Kloss. Jr., was
born in Sacramento, on September 29. 1889. His
father, also named August, a native of Hanover,
Germany, came to California when a young man
and for some years worked on the AIcFessel ranch
on Colusa plains, driving the big teams in the grain-
fields, until he decided to engage in the mercantile
business in Sacramento, w'here for a time he carried
on a general merchandise business. Returning to
ranching, he purchased a farm comprising 240 acres
at Franklin, and there engaged in raising grain. He
married Amelia Rott, w-ho was born in St. Louis.
Mo. Their union proved very happy and resulted in
the birth of four children: Edward, a rancher and
stockman; Adolph, a dairyman; August, Jr., of this
review; and Emma, Mrs. J. M. Keema, all of Frank-
lin except the last-named, who lives at Elk Grove.
August Kloss, Sr., was interested in the cause of
education, serving as trustee of Franklin school dis-
trict for many years, and also being a trustee of Elk
Grove Union High School for years. He is a mem-
ber of Schiller Lodge of Odd Fellows, Sacramento.
In 1912 he made a six months' trip back to Germany,
visiting his old home and other places of interest.
He is now living retired at the age of seventy-six
years, his wife having passed away in 1912 at the
age of fifty-nine years.
August Kloss, Jr., after completing the local school,
engaged in farming, and when seventeen years of age
took charge of the home place. In August, 1912, he
was married, the ceremony occurring at Franklin and
uniting him with Miss Gussie M. Walter, who was
born at Thornton. Cal.. a daughter of pioneer parents.
She was a graduate of the Stockton Normal School
and engaged in teaching until her marriage. The
978
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
union of Mr. and Mrs. Kloss has been blessed with
one child, Edwin Henry. Mr. Kloss now owns
ninety-three acres of the old homestead. He has in-
stalled two pumping-plants, has set out a twenty-acre
vineyard, and has seeded his fields to alfalfa, being
also engaged in dairying. Politically. Mr. Kloss is
a Republican; and fraternally, he is a member of Elk
Grove Parlor No. 41. N. S. 'G. W.
GLENN E. KIRKPATRICK.— A man of good
business capacity, honest and honorable, is found in
Glenn E. Kirkpatrick, vice-president of the Wood-
Curtis Company, wholesale produce dealers in Sacra-
mento. His birth occurred in Plymouth, Amador
County, Cal., March 21, 1886, a son of Robert Bruce
and Eliza (Sampson) Kirkpatrick. The family re-
moved to Sacramento when their son, Glenn E.,
was a small child of two years. In this city the
father passed away and here the mother now makes
her home. Glenn E. Kirkpatrick received his educa-
tion in the Sacramento public schools and completed
it with a course in Howe's Business College. After
completing his schooling he entered the employ of
the Wood-Curtis Company and in a short time be-
came a salesman; later he was manager of a branch
house operated by the same company; and in 1913
he became a partner in the business and was made
vice-president of the company.
The marriage of Mr. Kirkpatrick united him with
Miss Celia Shaw, a native of Sacramento, Cal. Mr.
Kirkpatrick belongs to the B. P. O. Elks, the N. S.
G. W. and the Sutter Club, and during the World
War he took an active part in all patriotic drives in
his section of the state; he is a Republican in politics.
BENJAMIN and FRANK A. JAUCH. — Two
native sons who are making a success of dairying on
the Cosumnes River, near Slough House, are Ben-
jamin and Frank A. Jauch who were born in Sac-
ramento County, the one near Elk Grove in 1893, the
other near Arno in 1897, the sons of Joseph and
Josephine (Zraggen) Jauch, natives of Switzerland,
who came to the United States immediately after
their marriage, about 1880. Coming directly to Cali-
fornia, the parents engaged in dairying in the Sac-
ramento Valley. In January, 1898, they located on
the Plummer ranch, on the Cosumnes River, where
Mr. Jauch was foreman of the hop-field; and later he
leased the ranch and engaged in dairying. He took
out the hops, and instead planted the field to alfalfa.
He was energetic, and by close application made a
success of his business until he retired. Joseph and
Josephine Jauch were the parents of eight children:
Mrs. Mary Atkinson, of Sacramento; Mrs. Josephine
Kurtz, of Live Oak; Joseph, living in Wheatland;
Fred, assisting Jauch Bros., as is also their sister
Annie; Benjamin and Frank, of Jauch Bros.; and
Mrs. Lillie Thorsen, of North Sacramento. The
mother passed on in 1912, and some time afterwards
the father married again, being united to Mrs. Cath-
erine Bowman; he now inakes his home in Woodland.
Benjamin and Frank Jauch attended school in the
Stone House school district. From the time they
were lads, they assisted their father on the farm and
there learned dairying, as they were specializing in
that branch of agriculture. On July 1, 1919, Ben-
jamin and Frank formed a partnership and purchased
their father's dairy business; and they have since
continued together harmoniously, meeting with de-
served success. Their fields of alfalfa, together with
pasture lands, give them ample feed for their herd of
cattle; and they milk about seventy-five head of
high-grade Holstein cows. In former days they
manufactured cheese, but now the milk is separated
and the cream is sent to Sacramento.
Frank Jauch is married, the ceremony having oc-
curred in Sacramento on February 28, 1922, when he
was united with Miss Eva Allison, born at Plymouth,
Cal., a daughter of William and Marj^ Allison, pio-
neers of this state. The mother is still living, but
the father has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Jauch have one child, Grace Lillian. Enterprising
and progressive, Jauch Bros, are aiding in 'the de-
velopment and upbuilding of the Cosumnes region.
In political matters they are stanch Republicans.
CHARLES E. WILSON.— A public-spirited
American who has been privileged, as a well-trained,
experienced and practical man, to render a valuable
service to California, is Charles E. Wilson, a native
of Indianapolis, Ind., where he was born on No-
vember 29, 1866, and now residing on a ranch south
of Herald. His father was Anthony Mullen Wilson,
a native of Kentucky and a building contractor, who
had moved to Paris, Monroe County, Mo., with his
good wife, who was Miss Susan Anderson before
her marriage, and their six-year-old bo}% our subject,
and had there followed his line of trade; he passed
away at the age of seventy-eight, his wife breathing
her last when fifty-four years old. Both were highly
esteemed.
Charles E. Wilson was one of a family of six
children, and along with the rest he was given the
best educational advantages of his home-section.
He attended Strother College in Missouri, and when
of age, he started out into the world for himself.
He came out to California and Sacramento in 1886,
but went on to Butte County and lived at Chico for
a 3'ear. And after that he spent one year as fore-
man of the Reavis Ranch at Napa. Next he went
to San Jose and was employed as an attendant in
the State Hospital at Agnew for eleven years, and
during the last year there he was supervisor of all
male employes. Upon leaving there he received an
appointment to the same kind of position at the
LTkiah State Hospital, where he spent four years.
He then became secretary to the Ukiah medical super-
intendent, and remained in that capacity from 1904
to 1915.
In the latter year, Mr. Wilson came to Herald,
Sacramento County, and purchased twenty acres of
the Allen ranch, which is devoted to fruit, and has
1,000 sugar-prune trees, 400 peach trees, and 100
trees of family orchard, making 1,500 fruit trees in
all. This ranch is irrigated by two three-inch pumps,
driven by eight and six horse power engines; and
our subject set out the trees himself. Mr. Wilson
also owns eighty acres of land, used as a stock ranch,
in Clay County, Oregon.
Mr. Wilson is a graduate of Kent's School of
Law, then in San Jose and now one of the famous
institutions of higher learning in San Francisco;
and he has been admitted to practice in all the courts
of the State of California. In 1918, he was elected
justice of the peace in Alabama Township, Sacra-
mento County, and he vacated this office on January
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
979
S, 1923, leaving behind an enviable record for insight,
devotion to patriotic duty and fairness to all.
At San Rafael, on September 15, 1908, Mr. Wilson
was married to Miss Charlotte Zipf, a native of
Idaho, and the daughter of the well-known pioneer,
Albert Zipf. Mr. Wilson joined the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows in 1890, and he now belongs
to the lodge at San Jose. Politically he is a Repub-
lican.
' MOSES NIXON KIMBALL.— In the varied
career of Aloses Nixon Kimball, president of the
well-known firm of Kimball-Upson Company, who
are conducting one of the largest sporting goods
stores in the West, all the trials and disillusionments
inevitable to a man of his courageous spirit and prin-
ciples of right and honor have been present, yet it is
the testimony of all who know him well that his
attitude toward mankind is most generous and his
optimism regarding life one of his leading character-
istics. Born in Council BluiTs. Iowa, June 23, 1862,
Moses Nixon Kimball was the fourth eldest child of a
family of fourteen born to Caleb and Frances (Nixon)
Kimball, natives of Pennsylvania, and among the
early settlers of Iowa. Mr. Kimball is a thorough
.^.merican. descended from the first Puritan settlers
of Massachusetts. No question as to the validity of
his claim to membership in the organization of the
Sons of the Revolution could arise, since the direct
ancestors of both his father and mother served in the
war for independence. On the paternal side, his
great-grandfather, Jacob Kimball, while yet a mere
boy, was among the first to enlist in a division
formed in Salem, Mass.; while among his mother's
illustrious progenitors were both Col. Ethan Allen,
distinguished in history because of his wonderful
service not only in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga,
but in numerous other engagements as well, and John
Nixon, president of the first Continental Congress,
which convened in May, 177S, at Philadelphia.
Mr. Kimball received his early education in the
public schools of Iowa and served an apprenticeship
under his father, who followed the vocation of con-
tractor and builder. In 1883 he left his home in Coun-
cil Cluflfs to locate in Stockton, Cal., w-here he re-
sumed his studies for four years in Clark's Commer-
cial College and Normal Institute, graduating from
both departments in 1887, after which he came to
Sacramento, where he was offered a situation in the
Bainbridge Business College and Normal Institute,
serving efficiently for two years prior to entering into
a real estate partnership with Charles F. Gardner,
who at that time Avas receiver of the United States
land office at Sacramento. A year later, in 1891, Mr.
Kimball engaged in business for himself at 705 J
Street, purchasing a bicycle stock, supplemented by a
small line of sporting goods, and in 1893, having in
the interim taken L. S. Upson into the company, he
transferred the business to the building on the corner
of Seventh and J Streets, where the new bank of
D. O. Mills now stands. During the succeeding ten
years, they continued their trade upon this site, and
in 1903, upon the incorporation of the firm of Kim-
ball-Upson Company, moved to 609-611 K Street,
where they are still located.
Leaving the care of his interests in Sacramento in
capable hands, Mr. Kimball spent most of the eleven
years from 1897 to 1908 in Alaska, where he was
engaged in mining and speculating, during this time
spending seven or eight winters in the frigid north
meeting the adventures, hardships, fortunes and mis-
fortunes incident to the northland. Since 1908 he
has resided in Sacramento, having resumed his old
work in his business house.
On December 16, 1903, Mr. Kimball was united in
marriage with Miss Clara Miller, a native of George-
town, Cal., whose parents, John H. and Ellen (Spen-
cer) Miller, pioneers of California, were among the
earliest settlers of this state. Mr. Kimball is a mem-
ber of the Arctic Brotherhood, and the Pioneers of
Alaska, and the Odd Fellows, and localb' is a mem-
ber of the Chamber of Commerce and the Del Paso
Club. In politics he is a Republican and maintains
a wide interest in both civic and national develop-
ments, his special attention centering in his home sec-
tion which he is most generous in supporting.
ERNEST B. CHAPPELL.— An aggressively pro-
gressive hotel manager of exceptionally valuable ex-
perience, Ernest B. Chappell easih' makes the well-
appointed St. Francis Hotel, of Sacramento, one of
the most popular hostelries in northern California.
He was born at Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1880, the
son of George H. and Tresa (Trefee) Chappell, who
came out to California when he was four or five years
of age. Previously, George H. Chappell had been
at Boulder Creek, where for a number of years he
had conducted a general merchandise business and a
hotel; and now that he has put behind him many
3'ears of hard, intelligent and honest labor, he is
able to live in retirement, in Sacramento, and quietly
enjoy the companionship of appreciating friends.
The companion of these earlier years, his devoted
wife, passed away years since, mourned by the many
who had come to admire and love her for her fine
womanh' qualities.
After having benefitted by instruction of the public
schools, Ernest Chappell learned the trade of an in-
terior decorator, which he followed for twenty-five
years; and for eighteen years he was in business with
Schneider, Chappell & Jones, later for eight years
being a member of the firm of Chappell & Lubbard.
painting contractors, in which he was successful.
In July, 1922, he was made manager of the St. Fran-
cis Hotel, or apartment house, owned by the city.
and the favor with which the institution is regarded
is the best proof of his success as manager. He be-
longs to the Rotary Club, and the Builders' Ex-
change; and in politics he is Republican.
Mr. Chappell married, in 1904, Miss Pearl Lub-
bard, an accomplished native daughter, and they
have had one child, Thelma Bernice. Mr. Chappell
likes fishing but his real hobby is bowling.
EARL M. RALLS.— The practical work of the
broadly experienced painter is coupled in an inter-
esting manner with that of the artistic decorator in
the extensive operations of the enterprising contrac-
tor. Earl M. Ralls, a native son hailing from Bieber,
in Lassen County, where he was born on January
17, 1887. His father was Morgan Ralls, who crossed
the great plains with oxen and settled in Lassen
County, wliere he met and married Miss Laura Shinn,
whose father and mother had likewise made their
way with oxen across the continent, and had settled
in the same locality. In the Ijeginning, Morgan
Ralls raised cattle: then he took up general farming:
and later, and until his death, he sold pianos and
980
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
organs, while Mrs. Ralls taught music, particularly
piano, in Sacramento, passing away in 1921. Both
parents were among the worthiest of pioneers.
After Morgan Ralls' death, Earl M. Ralls came with
his mother to Sacramento, and having had to com-
mence working for a living rather early, he studied
under his mother's instruction, for she had also been
a school teacher. He was ambitious, however, and
by evening study he made up for a lot of what he
lost through his manual work in the daytime; and
he succeeded in closing the period of his apprentice-
ship with credit. Since then, for the past two years,
he has been in business for himself. He painted
and decorated the Keeney private school, and also
the buildings on the new Moreing Field baseball
grounds, and he has given his most artistic decora-
tion to many private residences. He belongs to
the Builders' Exchange, is an independent in poli-
tics, and when tired of the ordinary affairs of busi-
ness and social life, he hies himself off to hunt for
deer and ducks.
THEODORE B. ERICKSON.— .-\ broad-minded
and liberal-hearted business man of the city of Sac-
ramento is Theodore B. Erickson, who was born July
19, 1882, at Stillwater, Minn., the son of Nels and
Eva Charlotte (Anderson) Erickson. His father was
a contractor and builder, who came to California in
1906 and now lives retired in San Pedro, Cal. They
had six children, five of whom are living. A brother,
Ralph E.. served in the 316th Engineers and was
sent overseas and was killed in the Argonne forest.
Ted Erickson, as he is familiarly called by his
friends, attended the public schools of Stillwater and
Minneapolis. After leaving high school, he went into
business with his father and learned the carpenter's
trade. In 1904 he went to Bellingham, Washington,
and the same year made his way to Sacramento,
arriving in the fall of 1904. He followed carpenter-
ing until in 1921 he became a partner with A. L.
Johnson of the A. L. Johnson Company, builders and
contractors, and has helped to build up the company's
thriving business. Ted Erickson is a member of
the Odd Fellows, Lodge and Encampment; the Order
or Vasa; Concord Lodge No. 117, F. &A. M., Sacra-
mento; and the Woodmen of the World. The firm
belongs to the Builders' Exchange and the Master
Builders' Association. Politically, he adheres to the
Republican party. He is an active worker for the pro-
motion of the public welfare, and is found in the van-
guard where progress is the watchword.
HERMAN KLATTKE.— A prominent citizen of
Sacramento County, and one whose efforts have been
used for the good of the community, is Herman
Klattke, the founder of the present firm of Klattke
and Wahl, sheet metal workers in North Sacramento.
He was born on July IT, 1876, in Germany, and
knew very little of a father's care, as he died when
the child was but two years old; his mother is still
living in Germany. Hermai'i was educated in the
schools of Germany and there he learned his trade of
sheet metal worker, beginning when a lad of fourteen
and working for his board, putting in from five in
the morning until nine at night in summers, but in
the winter worked from seven until bedtime. He
spent four years at this hardest kind of labor, then
for a time he was in business for himself in Berlin.
In 1906 he came to the United States and worked
first in Louisville, Ky., then went to Chicago, and
while there he attended night school to learn the
English language, at the same time he worked at his
trade. He then came west to Spokane, Wash., and
from there to San Francisco. In June, 1913, he came
to Sacramento and worked as a journeyman, at the
same time that he bought some land and developed a
chicken ranch. In 1921, he sold his country property
and in March, 1922, he bought the property and
erected the building where he is now doing business.
Later he took in a partner in the person of C. H.
Wahl, a native of Humboldt County. They specialize
in sheet metal work of every description and have a
large country trade. The firm are members of the
North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce and the
Builders' Exchange.
On July 12, 1911, Mr. Klattke was united in mar-
riage with Miss Amelia Foul, also a native of Ger-
many, and they are deservedly popular in their local-
ity and deeply interested in all progressive move-
ments. He is a member of the Sacramento Turn-
verein, one of the oldest organizations in Sacramento,
and in. politics he is independent.
REV. ERNEST STORER BARTLAM.— A na-
tive of England, where he was born at Birmingham,
on May 2, 1881, the Reverend E. S. Bartlam, present
Vicar of the Pro-Cathedral of the Episcopal Church
in Sacramento, has demonstrated his scholarly at-
tainments to those who know him as pastor and as
friend. His father. Reverend William E. Bartlam,
is Vicar of Luddenden, Yorkshire, England, and is
beloved by all for his humanitarian principles, and
with his good wife, E'izabeth A. Storer in maiden-
hood, is enjoying life to its full at their English
home.
Ernest S. Bartlam was educated at the Wakefield
grammar school and took the classical courses at
Clare College, Cambridge University. On account
of his health he came to Idaho and spent six years
riding the range as a cowboy in that state and in
Montana and Wyoming, from the date of his arrival
in the United States in 1901 until 1907. It was in
the latter year that he came to California, and in
1915 he was ordained a deacon at St. John's Episco-
pal Church at Petaluma. In 1916 he was ordained
priest in St. Paul's in Sacramento, then held charges
at the Holy Innocents in San Francisco and at St.
Peter's in Red Bluff, and on May 30, 1920, became
Vicar of his present church.
The marriage of Rev. E. S. Bartlam, September
23, 1904, united him with Miss Bertha Jean Bruner;
and two children were born to them, Ernest Percy
and Lois Margaret. Mrs. Bartlam died September
27, 1915. On December 31, 1917, Reverend Bart'am
married, for his second wife. Miss Fanny Ardley.
Reverend Bartlam is deeply interested in the various
movements for the advancement of the social, edu-
cational and moral conditions in Sacramento and is
ever ready to do his full share to promote every
good work brought to his attention. He is a mem-
ber of the Masons, Knights of Pj'thias, Elks and
Sons of St. George. He finds recreation in hunting
and fishing and a'so greatly enjoys a camping trip
where one gets closer to nature. He also finds
pleasure in working with tools, and spends much
of his spare time doing constructive work with
edged tools in his little cabinet shop. As a citizen
he takes an active part in all progressive movements
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
981
of a non-partisan character, and although a Repub-
lican in national politics he is a supporter of men
and measures for the greatest good to the greatest
number.
THOMAS McCONNELL.— A well-known 'eader
in the Sacramento motor-world is Thomas McCon-
nell, the proprietor of McConnell's Auto Repair
Shop at 1114 Twentj'-first Street. He is not only
a native son. but also a native of Stockton, where he
was born in 1875, and he naturally has a very warm
place in his heart for both the Golden State and its
central valley. His parents were Charles and Mary
(El'iott) McConnell. Under a stimulating, foster-
ing home environment, Thomas attended the gram-
mar and the high school of Oakland, and then for
twenty years followed in the footsteps of his father,
who w-as an experienced cattleman, operating on an
extensive scale. He had the usual ups and downs of
those in the cattle industry, and when he came to
Sacramento, in 1919. he was rich in experience. In
June of this year, Mr. McConnell bought the Supe-
rior Garage, taking in at first a partner, and they
acquired a large concrete fireproof building; and
after a while he bought out his partner's interest,
which he sold in 1921. and a little later opened his
present place of business. He maintains both a re-
pair shop and a service department, with the result
that a customer once obtained is sure to come again.
In the year 1917, at San Francisco, Mr. McConnell
was married to Miss Edith Rowan, a native of Ohio.
In national political affairs, Mr. McConnell is a Re-
publican, but he also looks at the world through
broad spectacles, and especia'ly in local movements,
and is among the first to throw aside partisanship
and to put his shoulder next to his neighbor's at the
community wheel.
THOMAS J. HARRIS.— A popular executive,
whose proficiency is daily demonstrated in his effi-
cient administration of an important trust, is Thomas
J. Harris, the accommodating treasurer of the Rice
Growers' Association of California. He was born
at Diamond Spring, in Eldorado County, on Feb-
ruary 24, 1896, the son of Charles E. and Amy (Gaf-
ney) Harris. The father, now retired, was also a na-
tive son, a member of an old pioneer family. Mr. and
Mrs.-Harris did their part bravely in helping to make
straight the paths for others coming after them, and
their patriotic service as early settlers wi'l never be
forgotten.
Thomas Harris attended the grammar and high
schools, in Eldorado County, and then became sten-
ographer for the Earl Fruit Company, a position he
filled to their entire satisfaction for two years. After
that he was with the California Fruit Distributors,
another important concern, until 1917, until he came
to the Rice Growers' Association, as stenographer
and bookkeeper. In fulfilling his contract obliga-
tions there, he had abundant opportunity to study
conditions pertaining to the growth and sa'e of rice
along the Pacific Coast, and so the better to prepare
himself for the work he is now doing. Upon the
reorganization of the Rice Growers' Association of
California, Mr. Harris was made treasurer. He is
particularly well-informed as to all that has been at-
tempted, and all that has been accomplished with
rice in this corner of the world, and he is untiring
in his efforts best to represent the interests of the
various members. Being truly interested in Sacra-
mento County, he is a man above partisanship, and
is therefore able to wie'd a larger influence politic-
ally in favor of trade development.
On April 2, 1916, Mr. Harris was married to Miss
Ora Park, of Sacramento, and their fortunate union
has been blessed with the birth of one child, Thomas.
Mr. Harris is a member of the Knights of Columbus,
in which he has attained to the third degree; and
is a devotee of both baseball and bo.xin.g.
JOHN A. McINTIRE.— A highly-esteemed Ca'i-
fornian who has come to enjoy a well-earned retire-
ment is John A. Mclntire, popular as a Sacramento
mining man, who was born at Lancaster, N. H.,
on June 8, 1843. His grandfather, John Mclntire,
was a native of Bethel, Maine, and a soldier in the
American Revolution, after which he located at Lan-
caster, N. H. His father, Edward B. Mclntire, was
a'so born at Lancaster on May 10, 1816. He was
one of a family of sixteen children, eight boys and
eight girls. The grandfather lived to see all of them
married and none of them died under seventy-five
years of age. The mother, Mary Jeannette Stockwell,
was born in Lancaster, N. H. They had five children,
but our subject is the only living member of the
family. Edward B. Mclntire came out to California
as a forty-niner, by way of the Isthmus, and located
at Sutter Creek, in Amador County; and he became
one of the leading mining men of the Mother Lode
country. Both he and his wife taught school in New
Hampshire before they were married, and he was the
first superintendent of schools of Amador County.
He also served as a supervisor and as justice of the
peace. He was an expert in deep mining, and was
president of the first mining company formed in
Amador County. He made a study of quartz mining
in particular, which gave him an enviable reputation.
He died in his eighty-fourth year.
John Mclntire attended the district schools and
academy in his native district in New Hampshire,
and in 1856 came out to California. He continued
his schooling at Sutter Creek, in Amador County,
and finished at the San Jose Institute and Commercial
College. On October 1, 1864, he entered the employ
of Booth & Compan^r at Sacramento as bookkeeper,
and soon became cashier; and he advanced step by
step and when Booth & Company was incorporated
Mr. Mclntire was made president of the company.
In 1892, the founders of the company died and John
Mclntire became executor of the estate of the two
founders and sold the business. Since that time he
has been identified with mining interests in Sutter
Creek, Amador County, and he is carrying out many
new mining ideas originated by his father. He has
a va'uable map of the Mother Lode mining district,
which includes five counties, Eldorado, Amador,
Calaveras, Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties; this
map was done by expert draughtsmen under his
supervision, and it took eight months to complete
the great task. He has contributed to local papers
most interesting articles and data concerning pioneer
days.
A great de'al of Air. Mclntire's success is undoubt-
edly due to the natural ability and untiring co-opera-
tion of his wife, whom he married at Sacramento
on June 4, 1874. Her maiden name was Henrietta
Slater, and she was a native of Placerville. Eldorado
Countv, where she was born in 1851. She died on
982
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
May 14, 1922, after a very eventful and successful
career. She graduated from the San Francisco nor-
mal school in 1868, at the age of sixteen, and was
valedictorian of her class. Later, she took a four
years' course , in Sacramento high school and she
taught school in early days. Her father was a Pres-
hyterian minister, a graduate of Union College, and
he came to California in 1850. He was a highh^ edu-
cated man, and wrote one of the first books ever pub-
lished against Mormonism. Mrs. Mclntire was one of
the best-known women in northern California. She
taught in the Sunday school for fifty-one years, and
was president of the missionary society for twenty-
one years. She was a fluent speaker, and altogether
a gifted w'oman. Two children blessed the union of
this excellent couple. Howard S. of Sacramento is
chief assistant in the state adjutant-general's office
in Sacramento, and Emily K. is the wife of W. J.
Parsons of Pasadena. Mrs. Parsons has two children,
Charlotte Slater and John Howard.
Charles J. PICARD.— The commercial inter-
ests of Ryde, Cal., have been materially strengthened
by the mercantile operations of Charles J. Picard,
who conducts an agency for the Durant and the Star
automobiles and the Case tractors; he also carries
electric batteries, automobile tires and a fu'l line of
accessories; in connection he conducts a general re-
pair and machine shop. He was born in San Fran-
cisco, Cal., November 4, 1889, a son of Charles H.
and Pauline (Amberg) Picard. Both parents are
residing in San Francisco, the father being now re-
tired from active duties of an engineer. Mr. Picard
enlisted in the United States Navy in June, 1917,
and was sent to San Pedro, Cal., in the engineering
department; he remained there for ten months, when
he was transferred to Annapolis, where he trained
for four months and was commissioned ensign in
the United States Navy, August, 1918. He is a mem-
ber of the United States Naval Reserve force of Cali-
fornia.
On July 17, 1919, Mr. Picard was married in Los
Angeles to Miss Edith Strobel, a native of San
Francisco, a daughter of Henry Strobel. Fraterna'ly
Mr. Picard is a member of the Isleton Lodge No.
108, L O. O. F.. and Sacramento Lodge No. 6,
B. P. O. Elks, and in politics votes the Democratic
ticket.
JESSE A. HENDREN.— An interesting enter-
prise, as being one that accomplishes really practical
results, is that of Jesse A. Hendren, the popular
proprietor of Hendren's Wrecking Company, at 1220
D Street, Sacramento. He hails from Missouri, and
was born at St. Joseph, on July 3, 1873; and his par-
ents were Squire A. and Minerva (Wells) Hendren,
pioneers who came out to California about 1887
and, despite the alluring attractions of the big boom
in Southern California, settled at Sacramento. Squire
Hendren became a contractor, and was widely known,
until his death about 1913, for his ability to handle
successfully anything which he once consented to
undertake; he left a widow devoted to his memory
and enjoying the esteem of mankind.
Jesse Hendren had a fair training in the lower
grades of the public schools, and in time took up
contracting with the aid of teams. Then he entered
that other, more curious field, the wrecking of all
kinds of structures, and he has probably torn down
more buildings in Sacramento than anyone else in
his line. He is accustomed to look the building over
well, formulate his plan, and down comes the affair,
and in such an orderly way as to convince the on-
looker of a good deal of method in the wrecking
business. This success in the work of wrecking is
doubtless due in part to Mr. Hendren's close personal
attention to every detail; but his steady application
to hard work does not prevent him from getting
away occasionally for healthful recreation.
In 1894, Mr. Hendren married Miss Minnie Agnes
Cook, a native of New York City, who had the
good fortune to be reared here; and their fortunate
union was blessed with a gifted daughter, Juanita
Mae, who died at the age of seventeen, Mr. Hen-
dren is a deal of a home man; but he gives some
attention to politics, generally voting as a man inde-
pendent of party, and therefore a stranger to parti-
sanship.
GUS A. BAUER. — A very representative man of
affairs, whose public-spiritedness, repeatedly demon-
strated, has contributed to his" popularity and his in-
fluence, both at home and far beyond the community
in which he is active, is Gus A. Bauer, the enterpris-
ing merchant, and stockholder and director of the
Folsom Bank. He was born at Watertown, Wis.,
on Juh' 1, 1867, and four years later, in April, was
brought to Sacramento by his parents. He was the
eldest son of August Bauer, a native of Germany,
who came to America with his bride, a daughter of
Germany, in 1863. They settled in Wisconsin, as
farmers, and came on further West in 1871, locating
at Sacramento, where they bought a home and Mr.
Bauer worked for many years as a representative of
Ebner Brothers. The worthy couple reared a family
of eleven children, six sons and five daughters, and
Mr. Bauer reached a venerable age, passing away in
1915 at the age of seventy-six. Mrs. Bauer is still
living, in the home she proudlj^ owns at Sacramento,
a most interesting lad}' of eighty-four, active in bod\'
and alert in mind, and the center of a circle of de-
voted friends.
Gus A. Bauer attended the public schools, and at
the age of sixteen entered the harness shop of D. Mc-
Kay on J Street, where he served an apprenticeship
of four years, after that going out as a journeyman,
and he spent five years, prior to locating in Folsom,
in the employ of the Natoma ranch — now called
Nimbus — in charge of the harness repairs, such an
extensive ranch needing a deal of new harness, or re-
made harness, all the time. On March 11, 1897, he
opened his own shop with a small stock of goods,
bearing a heavy incumbrance, and from the beginning
he had a hard struggle to win out. Through perse-
verance and strict attention to the wants and wishes
of his customers, his efforts were rewarded by suc-
cess, and from year to year he added to his store,
being a dealer for years in buggies and wagons, and
handling several lines. He sells men's and boys'
shoes, leather-goods, gloves, harness, and has a har-
ness-shop and a place for the expert repairing of fine
shoes.
Mr. Bauer has recently bought the property on
Sutter Street, where he is now the sole proprietor of
the business, with a complete equipment of e'ectric-
ally-driven machinery of the latest devices for the
handling of leather-repair work upon all kinds of
shoes. Taking for his motto the ideal of service for
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
983
others, Mr. Bauer has built up an enviable reputation
for efficient workmanship and personal fidelity.
At Folsom. in 1904. Mr. Bauer was married to
Miss Rosa M. Mars, a native of Fo'som City and the
daughter of the late Charles Mars, a pioneer carpen-
ter. The Bauers own their own modern and com-
fortable residence, as well as other very desirable
real estate in Folsom. He owns and has developed
ninety-five acres of raw land into an orchard, equipped
with an irrigation system of concrete pipe, especially
useful in the development here of the citrus industry.
This ranch was formerly the old reservoir site of the
placer mining on the north bank of the American
River, opposite Folsom, which lay idle for years be-
fore Mr. Bauer bought the same, in February, 1921.
What man can do, is well illustrated in what Mr.
Bauer has done by the use of the proper irrigation
system, creating a show place well worthy of anyone
stepping aside to see. Mr. Bauer is also very en-
thusiastic about the vineyard and orchard develop-
ment of the American River Land Company, near
his ranch.
A Democrat of the stand-pat type, but non-partisan
in local affairs, Mr. Bauer for the past twelve years
has served as United States fire commissioner in this
district; and this responsibility has added to his
knowledge and his experience. He is today one of
the foremost citizens of Folsom Cit)-, and his local
good repute bids fair to stand by him.
WILLIAM McELLIGOTT.— In the front rank
of those whose foresight, activity and optimism have
meant much for the prosperity of the Golden State
stands William AIcElligott, born on November 2.
1866, at Listowel, County Kerr}^, Ireland, the son of
Michael and Mary (O'Connor) McEUigott, descended
from the McEI'igotts of Bally McEUigott, County
Kerry. Both parents were laid away to rest in their
native land.
William McEUigott received his education in the
national schools and at St. Michael's College, where
he graduated. He studied architecture at the tech-
nical school in Listowel and at Kavan Street Schoo',
Dublin, also graduating there. During these years
he engaged in contracting and building at Listowel
until 1907, when he came to San Francisco, Cal.
After a short time with Mahoney Brothers, he became
an employee of the state and was foreman on con-
struction of the administration building in the Home
for the Feebleminded at Eldridge, after which he
entered the employ of the McGillivray Construction
Company and is now superintendent of construction,
with headquarters in Sacramento. They built the
Capital National Bank, Native Sons Building, many
of the power-houses for the Pacific Gas & Electric
Company and many packing plants and other large
buildings in Sacramento.
In Listowel he was married to Miss Mary Dillon,
also a native of Listowel, and they have had nine
children, five of whom are living: May, Mrs. Burke;
Michael; William; Rita and Emmett, all of Sacra-
mento, except the last, who lives in Los Angeles.
Mr. McEUigott is a home-loving man. He lends
himself, in the most admirable non-partisan manner,
to the promotion of the best interests of the com-
munity. He is especially fond of flowers and has
cultivated many species of his own. Deeply inter-
ested in Sacramento County, he does his utmost to
make himself a worthv citizen.
JOSEPH FEUSL— More than a third of a century
has passed since Joseph Feusi arrived on the Pacific
Slope, and he has been a resident of CaUfornia since
1886 and of Sacramento County since 1890, where he
has been identified with farming in the Fruitridge
section of the county. He is a native of Switzerland,
born June 18, 1865, the eldest son of Sigmond and
Alice (W^yhler) Feusi, both natives of the same coun-
try. Sigmond Feusi was a soldier in the Swiss army,
and his son Joseph also served his country from
twenty to twenty-three years of age. He then left
his native land for America and California, arriving
at Gait, and soon found employment on the large
ranch owned by Dr. Harvey. One year later Mr.
Feusi went to Sutter Countj' and for two years he
worked on a dairy ranch.
The marriage of Mr. Feusi united him with Miss
Anna Jung, a native of Switzerland, a daughter of a
Swiss watchmaker, and they are the parents of seven
children: Sigmond, deceased; Joseph, a carpenter
residing at Fruitridge with his wife and four chil-
dren: Annie, Mrs. Joel Whitehurst, who has two
sons and resides in Sacramento; Arnold and Alice,
both deceased; Leo; and Matilda. In 1889 Mr.
Feusi sent for his wife and child and they took up
their residence in the Fruitridge section six miles
southeast of Sacramento on the lower Stockton road.
In 1897 Mr. Feusi became a United States citizen
and has since voted the Republican ticket. At the
outbreak of the World War Mr. Feusi entered the
railroad shops as a blacksmith and since that time
has been steadily occupied at this trade, as well as
looking after his ranch property.
TONY GOMEZ.— The agricultural interests of
Andrus Island have been materially benefited by
the presence of Tony Gomez, who represents the
best farming element of the region that has wit-
nessed his efforts for advancement. His birth oc-
curred on this island May 27, 1877, a son of Frank
and Mary (Martins) Gomez, both natives of Azores
Islands. Frank Gomez in his younger days was a
whaler in the Arctic Ocean. While on one of his
trips, in 1870, he landed in California; and soon after
he sent for his wife. He spent three years at farm
work in the vicinity, of San Francisco; then he leased
200 acres on Sherman Island, but lost his crop by
flood. He then leased 200 acres on Brannan Island
and the second season's crop was destroyed by flood;
then he located at Isleton and for a while was en-
gaged in pulling scows along the banks of the Sacra-
mento River with mule teams. In 1881 he purchased
a ranch of seventy-five acres, but later sold twenty-
five acres to an uncle. Six children were born to
this couple; Tony, our subject; Frank; Joseph and
Mary, twins; John; and Manuel. The mother of
our subject passed away when he was a small boy,
and his father is now seventy-two years old and re-
sides with our subject. Tony was reared on his
father's ranch and attended the Georgiana school.
On May 3, 1916, at Modesto, Mr. Gomez was mar-
ried to Miss Mae Bettencourt, a native of Oakland.
Cal., a daughter of George and Mary (Silva) Bet-
tencourt, natives of Boston, Mass., and Madera, Cal.,
respectively. Grandfather Bettencourt was a sea-
faring man in the early days and experienced ship-
wreck three times; he passed away in Oakland in
1922 aged eighty-two years. George Bettencourt
came to Oakland, Cal.. with his father at the age of
984
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
four years and for many years has been in the con-
tracting business around the bay. Mrs. Gomez is
one of seven children: George. Edward, Mae, Rose,
Albert, Clarence, and David. Mr. and Mrs. Gomez
are the parents of one daughter, Dolores. Since his
marriage, he is operating his father's ranch, on which
he makes his home. Mr. Gomez is a Republican in
politics.
VITOLD CHARLES FARRELL.— A native Cali-
fornian who has conferred real distinction upon the
Golden State, through his genius for music, is Vitold
Charles Farrell, the violinist, of 1602 H Street, Sac-
ramento, where he maintains an artistic studio and
has the pleasure of entertaining visitors who are
music-lovers, from far and near. He was born at
Pomona, Los Angeles County, on September 4, 1900,
the son of Francis and Eris (Lentezka) Farre'l, his
father having come to California as a late pioneer,
and married in Los Angeles in 1889. The mother of
our subject was a musician, and he thus had the
great good fortune to inherit somewhat of her talent.
Vitold Farrell enjoyed the ordinary grammar-
school and secondary-school courses, at Pomona, and
he also pursued work for a short time at the Sacra-
mento high school; and he was able to profit from
the instruction of various teachers. His most ad-
vanced work, however, has been carried on under
the painstaking direction of Professor Franz Dicks,
well-known authority on the violin, with whom he is
now associated in professional instruction in music;
for he has been teaching since December, 1920, and
his pupils are scattered all over the county, although
principally at Folsom and Sacramento. Not only
has Professor Farrell a thorough knowledge of his
subject, but he has a pleasing personality, and the
two factors combine to make him a sympathetic, suc-
cessful teacher, inspiring confidence with the pupil,
and getting results encouraging to student or rela-
tives interested. He conducts private classes and
does concert work; and is an active member of the
Musicians' Union. In addition to making music his
absorbing thought and ambition, Mr. Farrell is fond
of painting, and he is also an enthusiastic student of
astronomy, and loves nature.
GUSTAF F. LINDSTROM.— A very interesting
enterprise, and one doing credit to the California
capital, is that of Gustaf F. Lindstrom, the proprie-
tor of the popular Acme Art Cabinet and Novelty
Works, at 1913 I Street, Sacramento. He was born
in Sweden on December 22. 1873, the son of Peter
and Christina Lindstrom, both of whom rounded
out their useful lives in their picturesque native land.
Mr. Lindstrom was a cabinet-maker, and his son
has much of his artistic gift as a creator and finisher
of beautiful, hand-made furniture.
Gustaf Lindstrom went to the excellent Swedish
schools, so long famous for their sloyd and other
craft, and after enjoying a very thorough technical
education at home, crossed the ocean to the United
States in 1893, and soon found plenty of chances for
work in Montreal, Boston, Hartford and Chicago.
In 1909, however, feeling the lure of the Pacific
Coast, he moved on westward, and for a while di-
vided his time betvs'een San Diego, Sacramento and
San Francisco.
In 1920 Mr. Lindstrom came to Sacramento and es-
tablished his prosperous business here. He is pre-
pared to make special furniture, showcases and fix-
tures, and to do jobbing and the repairing of furni-
ture: he does fancy cabinet work and carving, and re-
models and restores antiques; and he has exhibited
his work at various places.
In politics an independent Republican, Mr. Lind-
strom does his own thinking; he is vice-district-mas-
ter of the Order of Vasa, a Swedish organization,
and belongs to Lodge Monitor, of which he is past
president, and he is also a member of the United
Brotherhood, in San Francisco. In all of his rela-
tions, business and social, and as both an American
and a native of Sweden, Mr. Lindstrom enjoys those
pleasant dealings with his fellow-men that may in-
deed be regarded as enviab'e.
NICHOLAS C. KADEL.— The proprietor of the
Seven Mile House, a retail grocery store and soft-
drink emporium on the Stockton Road, is Nicholas
C. Kadel, who was born at Schenectady, N. Y., on
November 11, 1887. He received his education in the
public schools of his native state and in 1906 came
to California and Sacramento. He first engaged in
business at Seventh and K Streets, and in 1920
bought the Seven Mile House and in the ensuing
years he has built up a very good business, carrying
a full line of staples to supp'y his growing trade.
He tries to anticipate the wants of his patrons and
supplies the best the market affords and takes a keen
interest in the development of the section of the
county from which he derives his business, doing his
part to promote the best projects for the commun-
ity's good.
When Mr. Kadel married he chose Miss Leota R.
Heise, a native daughter of California, for his wife;
and the ceremony was performed at Stockton on
September 15, 1921. Her mother, Annie Heise, also
has the distinction of having been born in sunny
California, and the grandmother, Louisa Kunz, is
still living in Sacramento, on the same block upon
which she settled in 1861. Politically Mr. Kadel gives
his support to the men he considers best qualified
for the office regardless of party lines. Fraternally,
he belongs to the Eagles.
HARVEY O. ADAMS.— That Sacramento is
something more than the headquarters of law-mak-
ers, and their numerous proteges, is evidenced by
such an interesting enterprise as that of Harvey O.
Adams, the contractor in tiles and marbles, of 915
Twenty-sixth Street, Sacramento. A native of the
Buckeye State, Harvey was born in Toledo, on Au-
gust 28, 1886, the son of Frank and El'en (Payne)
Adams, the former likewise an experienced dealer in
the same commodities, who closed his career of prac-
tical service in Oregon. Mrs. Adams, who made
many friends in her journey through life, is also
deceased.
Harvey Adams attended the primary schools of
Ohio, and then learned the tile and marble trade, and
for some time worked at it in that state. At the age
of nineteen, he came out to California and located
for eight months in Los Angeles; and from there he
went to Portland, also spending some time in
San Francisco. He was in Port'and for fourteen
years, and in 1919, unable longer to resist the lure
of the sunnier South, he came back to California, and
established himself in business at Sacramento. He
employs twelve men to do such contract work as
HISTORY OF SACRA^IENTO COUNTY
98=
that found in the Auto-Stage Depot and the Elliott
Garage, and in many dwelling-houses and flats. He
is a member of the Builders' Exchange, and belongs
to the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce and the
Progressive Business Men's Club. Being one of a
very few men in his line in this locahty, Mr. Adams
is not only in great demand, but he is often privileged
to do something, by way of accommodation, or in
the nature of a boost to the growing town, which no
one else is able at the time and the place to do.
In the year 1916. Mr. Adams married Miss Ellen
Erickson, of Minnesota, who shares with him the
social life of the Masons, the Eastern Star, and other
circles. He is a Democrat, but an enthusiastic non-
partisan in strictly local issues.
PAUL MURER.— Wherever the fame of Folsom
City has become known, one may be sure that the
good repute of the People's Garage, owned in part
by Paul Murer. the popular Italian-American, has
also been heralded, for there are few establishments
in this lively town which have proven of greater use
to the critical and exacting public. He was born at
Venice, in the province of Treviso. on May 18. 1893.
the son of L. and Mary Murer. both natives of sunny
Italy, and started life with some decided advantages.
His father was a prosperous farmer, who died many
years ago; but his mother resides at the old home
in the famous City-by-the-Sea.
Paul Murer came to America for the first time in
1910, intending to visit an uncle, G. Murer, who had
come out to California four years before and had
become a successful building contractor at Kenneth,
in Shasta County, where he still owns real estate;
although since 1911 he has resided at Fo'som City,
enjoying the esteem of the public as an enterprising,
accommodating merchant. Paul Murer had learned
the trade of cabinet-maker and a finisher at Venice,
where he was fortunately surrounded by some of the
world's best art. and it was a pity that he could not
have found employment, on arriving here, in what
he was most capable of accomplishing; but for some
time he was compelled to do outside carpentering in
both Shasta County and San Francisco.
In 1913, Mr. Murer came to Folsom City from
San Francisco, and he has been a resident here ever
since. As early as 1916. he made a sma'1-type aero-
Ijlane for his own use. and this mechanical and sci-
entific effort was followed by his enviable record in
the military service, in which he enlisted, at Sacra-
mento, on April 21, 1917. He was sent to Kelly
Field and in five months was transferred to the Aero
Field at Mineola. N. Y.. where he joined the depart-
ment of mechanics and with the 358th Aero Squad-
ron did remarkab'e work in the construction of bomb-
ing airships. The bombing plane of Caproni manu-
facture arrived at Mineola early in the autumn of
1917. and was turned over to the government; and
our subject had the care of rebuilding the motor and
parts of wooden structure, under Captain Williams,
and a plane was built in imitation of the Caproni,
equipped, however, with three Liberty motors. He
was retained by the government at Mineola as a
most-valued man until his honorable discharge, in
January, 1919.
The same year. Mr. Murer returned to Folsom.
and here formed a partnership which enabled him in
January, 1920, to estab'ish the People's Garage, tak-
ing charge himself of the building of bodies for the
cars, and the making of auto-tops; and having a
well-equipped shop, with every needed modern ap-
pliance, he has been kept busy constructing automo-
bile stages and school busses. He has rendered a
real public service, of which his fellow-citizens at
Folsom City are naturally proud. He has made the
general we'farc of the community his goal, quite as
much as his own prosperity, and Folsom City and
the People's Garage are developing together. Mr.
Murer is a Republican. He belongs to the Natoma
lodge of Masons, and also to the Knights of Py-
thias; and he is to be found in the front rank of
workers in all commendable civic and patriotic en-
deavor.
MRS. MARGARITA GIUSTL— Born upon her
father's ranch on the Sacramento River, about five
miles from the capital city, December 26. 1866, Mrs.
Margarita Giusti is a daughter of that pioneer orch-
ardist, V. Caselli. Her mother was Mary (Nevis)
Caselli. a native of Portugal, who came to California
with her brothers Antone and August Nevis. Five
children were born to this pioneer couple. Margarita
Caselli received her education at the public school
on Riverside Road and later attended the Capitol
district school. Owing to the death of her mother,
she was obliged to leave school to care for the young-
er children.
Miss Caselli was married on December 6. 1883. to
Fortunato Giusti, born in Lucca, Ita'y, June 12,
18S0, the youngest of four children born to Arcangelo
Giusti. When Fortunato Giusti was a babe his mo-
ther died and he was brought up by his aunt. Isa-
belle Giusti. At the age of twenty-three, he left his
home in Italy for America and came directly to San
Francisco, where he worked as a vegetable gardener
until 1875, when he located in Sacramento. In 1884
he purchased twenty acres on Sutter Avenue in the
Fruitridge section of the county, which he improved
to vineyard and berries. Four children were born
to Mr. and Mrs. Giusti: Alba K.; Isabelle. Mrs. An-
tone Noceti, who has three children. Romilda, Ed-
ward, and Norman; Louisa, the deceased wife of
Virgil Pierini; Alfred, who resides at home, having
charge of the home place; he is a member of the
Oak Park Lodge I. O. O. F. No. 5. and Sunset Par-
lor, N. S. G. W. Mr. Giusti passed away at the family
h.ome September 17, 1911.
BYRON ELMER GADDIS.— The bar in northern
California could hardly be better represented than
through the well-known and popular attorney of
Sacramento. Byron Elmer Gaddis, w-ho has been
practicing law here since 1918, and now has his suite
of offices in the Forum Building, under the firm
name of Gaddis and Johnson. He was born at Red
Bluflf, Tehama County, on September 18, 1888. the
son of M. D. and Anna (Bashore) Gaddis, the
former a rancher who came out to California in 1881.
Both parents are now living, a joy to many who
know and esteem them.
Byron Gaddis mastered the work of both the
grammar and the high schools, and not content with
that, attended a business college in Oakland. He
then entered the train service of the Southern Pacific
Railroad Company, and at the end of four years with
them, he served as police officer in Sacramento for
three years, and on October 2, 1918, having studied
law privately, he was admitted to practice at the
986
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
California bar. Since then, making Sacramento his
headquarters, he has done much to add to the dignity
of law-practice, as witnessed in Sacramento County.
In the year 1916, Mr. Gaddis was married to Miss
Rhoda Moran, a gifted and popular lady of Tehama
County, and a'so a native daughter; and Miss Helen
Gaddis is their only child. In national political af-
fairs Mr. Gaddis prefers the platforms of the Demo-
cratic party; Mr. Gaddis was once the legislative
representative of Sutter Lodge, Brotherhood of Rail-
road Trainmen. He is a thirty-second-degree Scot-
tish Rite Mason, and a Shriner, belonging to Ben Ali
T'emple; and is past-president of the Widows' and
Orphans' Association, of the police department. He
likes hunting, especia'ly when the drive is after big
game; and is well satisfied with what Sacramento
County has to offer of outdoor life and sport.
CAPT. JOHN EMERSON HORTON.— In the
earh' part of the eighties John Emerson Horton ac-
companied his parents to California, where they first
settled in Amador County, later removing to Sacra-
mento. John Emerson Horton was born in New
Canton, 111., January 13, 1883, a son of Horace and
Orinda (Emerson) Horton. Horace Horton is now
deceased, but his widow makes her home in Sacra-
mento.
John Emerson Horton received a good grammar
and high school education in California; then he en-
tered the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad
Company, where he worked as a machinist for twelve
years, and then for two years was with the Western
Pacific. In 1912 he became a member of the Sacra-
mento fire department; in 1920 he took examinations
and was promoted to the captaincy of Engine No. 7,
a position he occupies at the present time. On
April 4, 1917, Mr. Horton enlisted in the 49th En-
gineers, trained at Fort Myer, Va., and for a year
and a half was in France. Mr. Horton was the first
to build a residence in Oak Park, now among the
most beautiful residential sections adjacent to the
city. He is a Democrat in his party affiliations, but
is not confined strictly to the principles of his party.
He is a member of the American Legion.
MAURICE THOMAS MAHAN.— Possession of
fine aljility in mechanical lines has enabled Maurice
Thomas Mahan, a member of the firm owning and
operating the Mahan Bros. Garage in Sacramento, to
obtain a substantial success in life. He is one of
California's native sons, born in Roseville, April 30.
1896, a son of John William and Elizabeth (Curtin)
Mahan. John William Mahan came to California in
1861 and engaged in mining for several years; he
then located in Roseville, where both parents are
now residing.
Maurice Thomas Mahan received his education in
the grammar and high schools and business college;
after finishing school he became interested in the auto-
mobile business and in May, 1919, the Mahan Bros.
Garage was established on J Street; the company is
composed of our subject, F. C. Mahan, J. J. Mahan
and W. E. Doyle. The company is equipped to do
all manner of repairing, automobile trimming, paint-
ing and welding. Three members of the firm saw ser-
vice during the World War and two of them were in
France; Maurice T. Mahan was commissioned en-
sign in the navy. Fraternallv Mr. Mahan is a mem-
ber of the B.P. O. Elks, N.' S. G. W. and American
Legion of Sacramento.
GEORGE E. McCUTCHEN.— The successful
m.unicipal government for which Sacramento has long
been famous is undoubtedly due in part to the know-
ledge, experience and wisdom of the local legal pro-
fession, ably represented by Attorney George E.
McCutchen. A native of the Old Dominion, he was
born at Lexington, Va., on January 19, 189S, the son
of Ernest E. and Rosalie (McKay) McCutchen, of
Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. McCutchen was a railroad
engineer, a good provider, and like his wife, some-
thing of an idealist; and they are now living, com-
fortably situated in their advanced years, in Vir-
ginia.
George McCutchen attended the public schools of
Virginia and California, and in 1917 he was graduated
from the University of California with the A. B. de-
gree. The same year, having studied law at that uni-
vcrsit}^ he was admitted to practice in the California
courts, but the World War led to his entering the
U. S. Army in 1918. He was in the I. C. O. T. S. at
Camp Grant, but owing to the armistice, he was hon-
orably discharged on November 30, 1918. He belongs
to the American Legion, and is a Republican. Active
in civic and social affairs, he is a member of the Del
Paso Country Club and the Sutter Club.
JAMES H. REED. — An enterprising and progres-
sive man of affairs, whose success has contributed to
the fame of Sacramento as one of the busy marts in
the Golden State, is James H. Reed, the president
and manager of the Reed Tire Company at 1313 K
Street. He has become a recognized authority on
tires and also in regard to other matters of vital in-
terest to the automobile vv^orld. A native of Penn-
sylvania, Mr. Reed was born at Pittsburgh, on March
23, 1885, the son of James H. and Minnie (Bear)
Reed, both now deceased. He attended the local
schools, enjoying also the advantages of training
under the Pennsylvania high school system, after
which he entered the rubber field by learning the
trade, as a rubber mechanic, and never stopped until
he had mastered the industry in all of its branches.
He was credited from the first with a natural apti-
tude for his work, and with a vision of the future in
the tire trade, and plenty of "pep" and ambition, he
could not well do otherwise than go ahead toward
the success he has finally attained to.
In 1906 he came out to Cahfornia, locating in Los
Angeles, where he remained until 1915; and then he
removed to Sacramento, and since that time has been
established in business for himself. He handles all
makes of tires, and in the Reed Tire Company, at
1313 K Street, has an up-to-date, wide-awake and
serviceable branch. They also have branch stores
at Chico, Marysville, and in Stockton, and employ
twenty or more thoroughly experienced and compe-
tent persons. Everything in the tire line, and every-
thing concerning tires which the particular motorist
believes he ought to have, is what Mr. Reed's com-
pany aims to supply. He is a member of the Sacra-
mento Chamber of Commerce, and as a stanch Re-
publican, he always favors legis'ation helpful to trade.
He is an Elk, a member of Sacramento Lodge No.
6, and belongs to the Kiwanis Club.
At Lindsay, Tulare County, on January 1, 1912,
Mr. Reed was married to Miss Janette A. Coombs,
and their marriage has resulted in the birth of three
children. Kathryn, James, and Betty.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
987
HARRY S. BAIRD.— Long uxpericiico, genera!
business ability and progressive methods are win-
ning for Harrj' S. Baird a well-deserved success in
Sacramento County. He was born in Marquette,
Kansas, on June 6, 1888, the son of Dr. O. W. and
Charlotte (Rink) Baird, the former a practicing phy-
sician in Marquette, where he is well and favorably
known.
Harry S. Baird completed the grammar and high
school courses while living in Kansas; then entered
the Kansas State Agricultural College, from which
he was graduated in 1911 with the degree of B. S.
He then came out to California and from 1912 until
1916 he was an instructor in the Davis .Agricultural
College, a branch of the University of California,
and from 1916 until he came to Sacramento he was
assistant professor. In 1920 he accepted a position
with the Northern California Milk Producers' Asso-
ciation as superintendent of their manufacturing in
all their plants; then in 1921 he was made manager
of the association, with headquarters in Sacramento,
and successfully maintained that responsible post
until he associated himself with the Pure Milk Dis-
tributers concern located at Thirteenth and S Streets,
where he is giving the best that is in him as manager
to promote their growing business. He is a man
of good business acumen and with his high sense of
honor has made a name and place for himself in the
business circles of the capital city, where his name
stands for progress and initiative.
The marriage of Mr. Baird on June 4, 1913, united
him with Miss Edna Beaulieu, a native of Kansas,
and they have a son, Fredric S. Baird. Mr. Baird is
a Repub'ican in politics and is a member of the
Rotary Club in Sacramento, and a member of the
Sutter Lawn Tennis Club.
RALPH H. LEWIS. — A lawyer with a successful
practice as a high-principled attorney, is Ralph H.
Lewis, who was born at Windsor, Colo., on Novem-
ber 9, 1892, the son of C. C. and Etta (Butler) Lewis,
the latter now deceased, after a life of blessed use-
fulness to others. The coup'e were pioneers, and
contributed what they could for the betterment of
the new and fast-developing country in which they
for years pitched their tent.
Ralph Lewis owes his formal education to the
grammar and high schools for which Colorado has
long been famous, and the LTniversity of Colorado,
where he pursued excellent courses for two years, and
also Drake University, of Des Moines, from whose
law school, in 1915, he was graduated, with the
LL. B. degree. Since 1916, he has been practicing
his profession in Sacramento. He was a'so city
prosecuting attorney for a short time, thereby add-
ing to his experience. He is a Democrat, in respect
to his bias in matters of national import, but too
broad-minded to be anything else than a good "non-
partisan booster," and a man-above-party.
In 1917, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Anne
Zangerle, a native daughter and a member of an
interesting California family; and they have two
children, Clifford and Jerome. For four months,
during the World War. Mr. Lewis served his coun-
try, as a soldier in the United States Army, and now
he belongs to the American Legion. When at Drake
University, he was on the football, basket-ball and
track teams, and he is natural'y fond of outdoor life.
He joined the Sigma Chi fraternity of the University
of Colorado, and today belongs to the Sciots, the
Masonic order, American Legion, and' the Y. M. C.
A. He is also an esteemed member of the Sacra-
mento Chamber of Commerce, and is deeply inter-
ested in all that pertains to the historic past and the
prospective future of Sacramento County.
JOSEPH JENSEN.— The progress in recent years
of California agriculture, pointing the way to farmers
generally throughout the country as to the most
approved methods, is due in part to such enterprising
and industrious ranchers as Joseph Jensen, whose at-
tractive farm lies along the Placerville Road. He is
a native of Denmark, but for twenty years or more
he has helped to develop the resources of the favored
district, which is today one of the most promising in
California. He was born on August 28, 1878, and
his parents were Yorgen and Annie Jensen, worthy
and substantial farmer folk, both living and thriving
in the old country. Joseph attended the excellent
Danish schools, then worked as a farmer, and at
the age of twent}--three came out to the United
States. He was fortunate in soon finding his way to
California: and although many sections looked good
to him elsewhere, he was convinced that his future
was to be bound up with the Placerville RoStl dis-
trict. There he rents and operates about 700 acres,
all devoted to grain; and in the enterprise he has
been fairly successful.
Mrs. Jensen was Miss Carrie Jensen, before her
marriage, and they were married at Sacramento.
The}' now have one boy and f9ur girls: Dagny,
Clara, Margaret, Raymond and Jatie. Mr. Jensen is
a Republican.
HENRY GREEN.— The high standards attained
by the Sacramento musical world are reflected in the
widely-acknowledged achievements of Henry Green,
the accomplished music' teacher, whose studio is at
3811 4th Avenue, in the Capital. He was born at
Cornwall, and comes from a picturesque part of Old
England famous for its association with the lives of
great musical leaders. His father, Frederick Green,
came out to the United States in 1858, and stayed
for about three years; and in 1876 he ventured on a
voyage to Australia, and died there. He married
Miss Phillipa Waters, and both husband and wife
made an excellent record for usefulness in the world.
Henry Green attended the excellent English
schools of his home district, where he also com-
menced his musical training; and in far-away Aus-
tralia he was able to make additional progress in mu-
sical studies. He came to the L^nitcd States, in
1891, for the second time, for he had been here in
1873, and had located for a while at \'irginia City.
Nevada, where he mined and taught music, and had
then, in 1876, gone back to England. In 1882, he
went to Australia, where he remained eight and a half
years; and in 1891 he returned to the L^nited States.
He located at Grass Valley, and in 1915, came to
Marysville, where he was a director of the Marysville
Band, and then for two years he was in Hammond-
ton and Oakland. On July 1, 1919, Professor
Green came to Sacramento, and for the past three
years he has been teaching music in the Sacra-
mento high school. In addition, since December,
1920, he has directed the Bo\s' Band, which that
year won the third, and the ne.xt year, the first prize.
at the state fair. This band has a membership of
988
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
some forty youths, the youngest lad being ten and
the oldest eighteen years of age. He belongs to the
Federated Teachers' Association, and does private
teaching. In politics, he is an Independent.
Professor Green was married, in 1882. to Miss
Minnie Bernice Quick, a native of Australia, and
three children have been born to them. Olive
Blanche, the wife of Reuben Terry and the mother
of four children, is the eldest; George H., the fa-
ther of two children, comes next; and Frederick I.
is the third in the order of birth. , He was in the
World War, as a member of Battery E, 348th Heavy
Artillery, 91st Regiment, saw service in France, and
was one of the number who entered the officers' train-
ing school and got his rank of lieutenant. Mr. Green
belongs to Sacramento Lodge No. 6. B. P. O. Elks.
JOHN HOEFLING. — Among the highly respected
orchardists of the New Prague district of Sacra-
mento County is John Hoefling, owner and propri-
etor of a highly productive orchard of eighteen acres
at Rio Linda. Mr. Hoefling came to Rio Linda in
191.3 in the interest of six families at New Prague,
Minn., and located on seventy-two acres, which he
developed to orchards of olives, almonds and pears,
spending nine years in its development; irrigation for
this tract was obtained from deep wells. He was
born in Bavaria, Germany, June 4, 1863, the youngest
of eight children. He received a good education in
the schools of his native country and at an early age
became interested in horticulture; and after leaving
school he learned a trade. In 1882, in company with
his brother Adam, he left Germany for America.
.Arriving in Philadelphia, Pa., Adam Hoefling remained
there and our subject went on to Ohio, and later he
v.-ent to Nebraska, spending some time as a range
rider. In March, 1883, John Hoefling was a mem-
ber of a party who started for South Dakota with
a four-horse team; they passed through Aberdeen,
S. D., when that city was a mere village of a thou-
sand people. Fifty miles from Aberdeen the party
located on land; later John Hoefling sold his interest
to his brother Valentine, and returned to Dayton,
Ohio. However, the following year he returned to
South Dakota, and he and his brother took up 320
acres of government land, which the\' farmed together
for four years. Manj' were the hardships and priva-
tions of those sturdy pioneers of the Northwest. In
the fall of 1889, Mr. Hoefling decided to go to eastern
Minnesota; so with one team of horses, a yoke of
oxen, a pair of colts and other stock, he started.
While en route he passed through forty-one towns.
After a short time he returned to South Dakota to
work in the Black Hills for the railroad on construc-
tion of tunnels.
On November 28, 1891, Mr. Hoefling was united
in marriage with Miss Katherine Nicoloy, born in
Luxemburg, Germany, who came to America in 1887
and located at New Prague, Minn. In December.
1891. Mr. and Mrs. Hoefling located at Harvard.
Nebr., where they engaged in farming until 1894,
when they sold their farming interests and were
returning to Minnesota when Mr. Hoefling received
the news of his brother Valentine's accidental death.
For the next four years, Mr. Hoefling conducted his
brother's farm. In 1898 Mr. Hoefling removed to
Montgomery, Minn , and for eleven years conducted
a feed mill, when he sold his business and returned
to New Prague, Minn., and for two and a half years
operated a feed mill business. Six children have been
born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoefling; Annie resides in
Sacramento; Margaret is the wife of Charles Lipoid
and has one son and resides at Rio Linda; John W.
is married and has one son, and resides in the Robla
district; Phillip is associated with his brother
John W.; Ambrose and Gertrude are at home with
their parents. Mr. Hoefling is affiliated with the
Catholic Foresters.
ED'WARD A. ANNEREAU.— An expert techni-
cian who is especially well posted as to some of the
needs of the up-to-date motorist, is Edward A.
Annereau, the enterprising proprietor of the shop
under his name, so widely known as the best-
equipped headquarters for auto-trimming and paint-
ing. A native son of the Golden State, Mr. Annereau
was born at Pleasant Grove, California, on October
1, 1876, the son of Thomas James and Sarah (John-
son) Annereau, the former of whom is still living.
These worthy pioneers came to California when
things were still in the making, and often not yet
begun, and they found their highest pleasure in
strenuously endeavoring to solve the many problems
confronting the founders of the commonwealth.
Edward Annereau was six years old when his
parents arrived in Sacramento, where he was to
enjoy his schooling. At an early age, he took up
automobile painting and trimming, and when he was
able to do so, established himself in business in San
Jose. In 1920, however, despite his success in the
old Santa Clara Valley, he returned to Sacramento,
and here he has maintained a business requiring the
services of seven well-trained assistants. He belongs
to the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce and to the
Auto Club of the state, Kiwanis Club and Sacramento
Lodge No. 6 of Elks, and his pride in his shop work
stimulates a pride in civic improvements. He is
fond of outdoor life, which is another way of
saying that he is fond of Sacramento County.
When Mr. Annereau married, in 1911, at San
Francisco, he chose for his bride Miss Eva Feuillard,
of San Jose; and they have had one child, Delbert
Thomas, to add to their domestic happiness. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Annereau are public-spirited, and re-
joice in seeing this favored part of the state growing
so rapidly.
ALBERT EDWARD SALCEDO.— A butcher
who knows the ins and the outs of the varied trade,
and who has made more and more of a success of
both the retailing and the wholesaling of meat, is
Albert Edward Salcedo, a native of San Francisco,
but now extending the commercial fame of Perkins.
He was born on June 26, 1877, the son of Stephen
and Carmelita Salcedo, the former a physician who
settled in California in the early fifties. He is re-
membered as an untiring and exceptionally able prac-
titioner who alleviated the sufferings, and prolonged
the lives of many.
Following his early application to studj' in the
San Francisco schools, Albert Edward Salcedo spent
five years at Santa Clara Lfniversity, and among
other subjects, he took bookkeeping. Then he farmed
for a number of years, and after that he was in
Spreckels' Market in San Francisco, and learned
there the butcher business.
First, he went to Freeport, and took charge of the
post-office; and while there for five years as a
HISTORY OF SACRA.AIEX'PO COL'XTV
989
butcher, was also deputy constable. As a popular
butcher, he was first at the corner of Tenth and J
Streets, and then at the corner of Tenth and N
Streets; and for several years he was a hop in-
spector, on share basis. He next went to Yolo, con-
tracting, and farmed to haj'. grain and hops; then he
contracted plowing with tractors. Six years ago he
opened his present shop at Perkins, and the satis-
faction he has always given the community has en-
abled him not only to continue there, but to continue
to increase the volume of business he does. He be-
longs to the farm bureau and to the Grange, in both
of which organizations he is seeking to forward
California agriculture generally.
The marriage of Mr. Salcedo and Miss Emma
Smith, of Denver, occurred at San Francisco, in the
year, 1890, and- has been productive of an interesting
family, two boys and four girls. In politics, Mr.
Salcedo is an Independent.
WILLIAM H. LAINE.— An experienced, pro-
gressive farmer, who has proven that he can also
be an enterprising and successful merchant, is Wil-
liam H. Laiue, of Perkins. Sacramento County. He
was born in Iowa, in Anamosa, Jones County, on
February 25, 1867. the son of James and Lucy
(Garrett) Laine. They came to Sacramento in 1885,
and were ambitious and industrious farmers. They
are now both dead, mourned by many.
William H. Laine attended the rural school, and
then helped on the farm, as most boys did in those
days; and since then he has dealt in live-stock. For
six years he w-as with the Pacific Gas and Electric
Company, in Sacramento, and followed the electrical
trade; and then he enga,ged in the live-stock business.
He is fond of outdoor life, and is a devotee of
camping.
In 1922, seeing the need of something better to
take the place of the tabooed saloon, Mr. Laine
opened a store and a parlor for soft drinks; and he
added at once to his popularity. He married Miss
Cora Harvey, of Monterey. One daughter is named
Ethel and is now Mrs. Arthur Cartier, and another
daughter, Stella, is Mrs. Charles Hughes, while the
rest of the children are Verna, William, Irvey and
Edith. In politics, Mr. Laine is an Independent,
free from party trammels; and this enables him, when
lending a hand to favor any man or measure believed
to be best for the community, to exert an effective
influence.
W. I. ELLIOTT. — It is fortunate for the motorist
of today, when one stops to consider the important
interests at stake in the selection and in the mainten-
ance of a car, that men of such integrity, experience
and enterprise as W. I. Elliott, the well-known
dealer in automobiles, are at the various helms. A
native of England, where he was born at Newcastle-
upon-Tyne, on October 5, 1877. Mr. Elliott has
found greater opportunities .in America, and he has
been privileged to lead in the great work of indus-
trial development. Our subject was educated in the
county schools of San Luis Obispo, after which he
took a course at a business college. From 1898 to
1901, he had charge of the Atascadero Ranch at Atas-
cadero, San Luis Obispo County, and then he went
back to Stockton, where he was engaged in the auto-
mobile business from 1902 to 1904. Removing to
Sacramento, he took the Mitchell agency in 1908.
and continued to manage that until 1913, and for the
next three years, he sold the Reo automobile. In
1916, he represented the Chevrolet. In 1908 Mr.
Elliott opened the first automobile salesroom at 1217
K Street in Sacramento.
From the start, Mr. Elliott has been unusually suc-
cessful, having undertaken to cater to the public's
wants with the assistance of only two people; and
now he needs forty skilled helpers to meet the ever-
growing wants.- His headquarters are at 16th and J
Streets, where he built a three-story reinforced con-
crete fireproof building, and he handles not only new,
but second-hand cars. He has a branch at Marys-
ville. and his territory embraces ten counties, Sacra-
mento, Yolo, Colusa, Yuba, Sutter, Placer, Amador,
Eldorado, Nevada and Sierra Counties. His was the
first Chevrolet contract signed in California. He is
one of the few old-time automobile men still in the
business; and it is natural to find him a live wire and
president of the Rotary Club. He is interested in
ranching and is a director in the Merchants National
Bank at Sacramento.
At Atascadero, in 1901, Mr. Elliott was married to
Miss Edna Skinner, of San Luis Obispo, where
she was well-known in local social circles; and they
have one son, Irving, who is now in the high school.
Mr. Elliott farms a little, and when not thus engaged
by way of serious diversion, he spends his time with
fellow Masons, K. T.'s, Shriners or Elks, or at the
Sutter or Del Paso Country Club, as he is fond of
golf. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
HARRY G. WATERMAN.— An experienced, pro-
gressive plumbing contractor and dealer in gas appli-
ances who has come to be widely and favorably
known for his success in carrying out to the letter
the most extensive, responsible and difficult of con-
tracts, is Harry G. Waterman, of 1121 Tenth Street,
Sacramento, in which city he was born, on Novem-
ber 26, 1878. His father. William F. Waterman,
came across the plains to California in 1851, mined
for a while, and then teamed to the Nevada country;
and for thirty-eight years he was in the pioneer
Sperry flour mills, in Sacramento. He had married
Miss Emma Smith, who is still living at the age of
alrnost eighty-two. Like his good wife, Mr. Water-
man made manj' friends; and when he died, in 1915.
he vs'as widely mourned.
Harry Waterman went to the public schools, and
on starting out in the world, he entered the service
of the Southern Pacific Railroad, being employed in
their shops, and then he learned the plumbers' trade
under Waterman. Davis & Curtis, his brother Frank
being one of the four. After eight years, however,
he engaged in business for himself, opening his own
shop as long ago as 1908. He has been phenom-
enally successful, getting his full share of the work
hereabouts, and has done, among others, the plumb-
ing in the Breuncr Building, one of the best of the
state fair buildings, the Johnson Apartments, and
many large residences and flats. He belongs to the
Master Plumbers' Association, and to the Builders'
Exchange; and in national politics, he is an Inde-
pendent Republican. He built his residence where
he resides with his family.
When Mr. Waterman married, in Sacramento,
April 7, 1909, he chose for his bride Miss Verna B.
990
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Martin, a native daughter of Sacramento and a mem-
ber of an old pioneer family. She is a daughter of
George R. and Mathilda (Brown) Martin, who crossed
the plains to California in pioneer days, locating in
Sacramento County, where Mr-. Martin served as
peace officer for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Water-
man have one child, Dorothy Verna. Mr. Waterman
is a Mason, Concord Lodge No. 117, F. &A. M., Sac-
mento, an Elk, and a member of Sacramento Parlor,
N. S. G. W. Mrs. Waterman is a member of Sacra-
mento Chapter No. 190, O. E. S. Mr. Waterman is
something of a sportsman, too, and likes hunting and
fishing.
NIELS H. LAURIDSON. — Another prominent
farmer of Placerville Road is Niels H. Lauridson,
who came to Sacramento County in 1869. He has re-
sided on his present place since 1887, although owning
it since 1883, and now has 460 choice acres. He was
born in Denmark, on January 29, 1846, and had the
advantages of fair educational facilities, while he was
growing to manhood, in his native country. When
he was twenty-two years old, he took passage at
Hamburg for New York, and from the Eastern
metropolis he went to Polk County, Wis., and a
short time later, came to California. He not only
farmed, but he was one of the organizers and direct-
ors of the Sacramento Rochdale Company, and he
became a founder and a director of the Farmers' Mu-
tual Insurance Company of Sacramento County.
Before taking up farming, he had been a carpenter.
Mr. Lauridson married, for the first time, Miss
Emma Doan, of Sacramento, and on November 21,
1889, he married his present wife. Miss Martha
Criswell, who was born in Santa Clara County, the
daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth (Kilgore) Cris-
well— the latter having come across the great plains
and mountains with her parents as early as 1852. Mr.
and Mrs. Lauridson are active members of the
American River Grange No. 172, of which he has
served as master, and in which she has filled vari-
ous offices. Mr. Lauridson affiliates with the Indus-
trial Lodge, No. 157, I. O. O. F., of Sacramento, while
Mrs. Lauridson is a member of the social and literary
organization known as the Thursday Club at Fair
Oaks. They have an adopted daughter, Catherine
Lauridson.
WILLIAM H. (BILL) FUNK.— An enterprising
and progressive manager for Foster & Kleiser Com-
pany, who own and operate outdoor advertising
plants in over 500 cities on the Pacific Coast, is
William H. Funk, who is familiarly known at Bill
Funk. Bill's territory covers sixty-one towns, from
Modesto to the Oregon line and from Dixon to
Nevada. He is a native of the Prairie State, having
been born in Bloomington, 111., over forty years ago.
William H. Funk finished the work of the public
schools and then attended the state normal school;
and then he studied at the university at Bloomington,
111. He was next in the theatrical business for a
number of years; in each field acquiring more and
more valuable experience as the years went by. He
was thus well-equipped when, in 1900, he decided to
come out to the state called Golden. In 1908, he came
to Sacramento, and in 1910 he established an impor-
tant service for the placing of outdoor advertising.
Not only has he particular gifts for this work, but is
ever-hustling, never in any sense behind any of his
competitors; hence he has been phenomenally suc-
cessful. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce
of Sacramento, the Ad. Club, the Retail Merchants'
Association and the Rotary Club, and it is needless
to say that he is a live-wire in each.
Mr. Funk was married to Miss Alice Montgomery,
the ceremony being solemnized at San Francisco;
and Mrs. Funk also counts her friends by the score.
Mr. Funk is an Elk, and a Republican; public-spirited
and patriotic; and he was active in all the drives
during the World War. He is fond of hunting and
fishing; but this predilection has in no sense impaired
his reputation for veracity, and he is one of the few
men whose word is always as good as his bond.
JOHN F. DONAHUE.— Among the younger gen-
eration of successful orchardists may be found John F.
Donahue, who is the executor of the estate of the
late Daniel Donahue, which consists of 300 acres of
fine land on the Greenback Highway about sixteen
miles from the capital city. He is a native son of
California, his birth having occurred on his father's
ranch on February 7, 1892, the second son of Daniel
and Annie F. (Leahy) Donahue, the former born
near the Sylvan school in Sacramento County on
June 5, 1859, and the latter born in Boston, Mass.,
in 1860. Daniel Donahue was a man of sterling
worth and his active career was spent in the develop-
ment of a fine orchard. The parents of our subject
are both deceased and are survived by three sons and
six daughters.
John F. Donahue began his education in the Sylvan
public school and in 1912 was graduated from the
Sacramento high school; he has always been asso-
ciated with his father in ranching, but since the death
of his parents has handled the estate left by them, as
executor. The ranch property .embraces 300 acres,
sixty acres of which is in orchard of almonds, French
prunes and wine grapes; the ranch is equipped with
a modern drying yard for fruit. Fraternally, Mr,
Donahue is a member of the B. P. O. Elks and
Knights of Columbus of Sacramento.
HAROLD DIXON.— The brief story of the prog-
ress and success of Harold Dixon, a prosperous
plumbing and steam heating contractor of Sacra-
mento, is both interesting and illuminating, showing
what may be accomplished by steady application,
industry and well-directed energ3\ He is a native
son of the Golden State, born in Eldorado County,
October 7, 1882, a son of W. H. and Mary E. (Ward)
Dixon, the former a native of Australia, who came to
the United States and California at the age of thir-
teen years, and the latter a native daughter of
California; both are still living.
Harold Di.xon received his education in the gram-
mar and high schools of Auburn, and vidiile still in
his teens learned the plumbing trade and a number
of years were spent as a journeyman plumber. With
the money he had accumulated he settled in Sacra-
mento and on April 1, 1907, established himself in
business. Among the most important contracts done
by Mr. Dixon are the Utah Milk Condenser building,
located at Gait, Cal.; the Goddard Theater; the Cali-
fornia Almond Growers' building; the Crystal ice
plant; Hotel Arbuckle; the Gridley grammar school
building and the Kohler Apartments. Besides these
Mr. Dixon has completed the plumbing and heating
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO C( )CXTY
991
contract for many fine residences throughout tlie city;
he also had the contract for the plumbing and heat-
ing of the Del Paso Country clubhouse. Mr. Dixon
is popular in business circles and is vice-president of
the Sacramento Builders" Exchange. He is past presi-
dent of the California Master Plumbers' Association;
is ex-vice-president and ex-secretary of the State
Builders' Exchange and president of the Master
Plumbers' Association of Sacramento; he is also a
member of the Exchange Club and the Chamber of
Commerce. Mr, Di.xon is a thirty-second degree
Scottish Rite Mason and a charter member of Ben
AH Temple, A, A, O, N, M, S., and of the Sciots, Mrs,
Dixon is a matron of the Sacramento Chapter,
O, E, S., and member of the Daughters of Nile, Mr,
Dixon is also an Odd Fellow and an Elk,
The marriage of Mr, Dixon, in Sacramento, united
him with Miss Mar3' Griffith, a native of Amador
Count}', California, and they are the parents of two
sons: Donald A, and Wilbur H, Mr, Dixon is a
Republican in politics and during the World War
acted as lieutenant during the Liberty- Loan drives
of his section of the state,
ALFRED GUSTAFSON.— An energetic, experi-
enced and very progressive man of affairs in the
manufacturing industry in Sacramento is Alfred Gus-
tafson, the well-known mill-man, under whose excep-
tionally able management the Sierra Mill has become
one of the most successful and important industrial
establishments in all Sacramento County,
Mr, Gustafson was born in the famed northern
European land on July 18, 1883, the son of A, and
Anna Gustafson, of whom the latter is still living;
and because of their own high regard for education,
Alfred was given an excellent training in the public
schools: He learned the cabinet maker's trade and
learned it well.
In 1902, he crossed the ocean and came out to
America, and four years later he reached Sacramento.
He was engaged at his trade until May, 1913,
when he established his present business, which
has steadily grown in popularitj' and material propor-
tions. Now he emplo3's twenty men, and he makes a
specialty of first class mill work, and store and office
fixtures. The Sierra Mill is located at Twelfth and
North B Streets in the yards of the Sacramento
Lumber Company, and is equipped with the latest
improved machinery for the manufacture of all kinds
of mill work, Mr, Gustafson was the sole owner until
January, 1923, when he took in Elliott McSwain and
Henry Gilbert as partners. Their product is chiefly
for the Sacramento "Valley, but they also fill impor-
tant commissions in other parts of California, the
highest compliment, considering the high standards
possible and the keen competition in other cities.
For about ten years Mr. Gustafson has been a mem-
ber of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce, and
also of the Sacramento Builders' Exchange. Mr.
Gustafson is a thirty-second-degree Scottish Rite
Mason and a member of Ben Ali Temple, A. A .O.
N. M. S., of Sacramento, while his wife is a member
of the O, E. S, When not too busy, Mr, Gustafson
finds relaxation in fishing and hunting.
At San Francisco, in 1907, Mr, Gustafson was
married to Miss Josephine Johnson; and their for-
tunate union has been blessed with two children, Mil-
dred and Stanley by name. Mr, Gustafson is a Re-
publican, but first, last and all the time a patriotic
American, appreciating the land of his adoption; and
it was very natural that he should take an active part
in the various drives during the American participa-
tion in the World War,
PAUL M, NORBRYHN.— An enterprising mer-
chant who has rendered an excellent service to the
progressive and growing community of Rio Linda, is
Paul M, Norbryhn, dealer in lumber, builders' mate-
rials, hardware, paints, oils, etc. He is the youngest
member of the wide-awake town's commercial field,
and a true pioneer in the sense that, since his coming
here, he has done much for the substantial building
up and development of the community and environs,
thereby expressing his great faith in Sacramento
County. He owns a frontage of 300 feet, where he has
recently erected two store buildings, since completing
his warehouse and office building, in 1921. He also
owns two ranches of five acres each, near the town.
Paul M. Norbryhn was born at Moorehead, Minn.,
on November 28, 1884, the son of Lodver and Martha
Norbryhn, both natives of Norway and sturdy folks,
who came to America in 1881. Mr. Norbryhn was a
tailor, and he followed his trade at Moorehead, where
he died at the ripe old age of eighty-one, highly
esteemed by all who knew him and his honest work-
manship. He is survived by a widow and two chil-
dren, one of whom resides at Moorehead.
Paul Norbryhn enjoyed all the educational advan-
tages obtainable in Moorehead, prior to his sixteenth
year, when he entered the employ of the Wilcox
Lumber Company, at Detroit, Minn., continuing with
that well-known firm for eighteen years, becoming
later a stockholder, and then, in 1911, the elected
secretary of the company.
The marriage of Mr, Norbrj^hn to Miss Laura
Lucille Gimblett occurred at Detroit, on July 14, 1905.
She is the daughter of James Gimblett, who has
resided in Rio Linda since 1921. Three children have
blessed their union: Martha, Doris and Jeane. Mr.
Norbryhn is a member of the Odd Fellows, of Detroit,
and was instrumental in the organization of the Rio
Linda lodge of Modern Woodmen of America, in
which, since January, 1923, he has served as counsel.
He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He
also belongs to the Farm Bureau and to the newly
organized Boosters' Club of Rio Linda, and he is a
inember of the Sacramento Chamber of Commerce.
In national politics, he is Republican.
D. A. HURLEY. — A progressive rancher with
much to his credit in the way of scientific accomplish-
ment is D. A. Hurley, of the Elkhorn Road, near
Sacramento, who has a trim ranch and orchard of
eighty acres. A native Buckeye, he was born in
BufTton. Ohio, on July 22, 1861, and left home at the
early age of sixteen to drift to the South and West.
He learned various trades, and also how to work on
a farm; and when he reached Junction City. Kans,,
he stayed awhile to try himself out in the painting and
paper-hanging business. He also spent much of his
early life in Nebraska, but it was not until he took
up land in Oklahoma by racing for it, that he could
say he had any experience out of the ordinary. He
was one of those successful in reachin.g the goal
striven for, and he located 160 acres near Perry. Okla..
four and one-half miles northeast of the town. He
992
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
resided there until 1913, and in the meantime added a
tract of 160 acres to his first one, and farmed the same
to grain and cotton. He served as a county commis-
sioner of Noble County, Oklahoma, from 1907 to
1912, and came to be, as a Republican of liberal views,
influential in matters of local government.
Mr. Hurley made his first visit to California in
1912, and while on an extended tour of inspection,
bought forty acres of land in the Arden district, eight
miles northeast of Sacramento. The following spring
he moved his family to California, and in the mean-
time he developed his ranch, devoting ten acres to
an orchard. These ten acres and the home were sold
in 1921, and he moved to the Reclamation District
No. 1000, where he farmed a tract of land and cleared
forty acres. He still owns the remaining thirty acres
at Arden. He has done well in the farming of beans
and grain in the Natomas district, and was instru-
mental in organizing the farm bureau in Reclamation
District No. 1000. He is now clerk of the board of
trustees of Natomas School, and he makes a very
popular executive. He has not only done well since
coming to the Golden State, but he is first and all
the time a "booster" for Sacramento County.
MANUEL PATRICK SOUZA.— Since locating in
Sacramento County thirty-six years ago Manuel Pat-
rick Souza has become an independent farmer, but
not without continued hard work and unfailing cour-
age in the face of many obstacles. He was born on
the Isle of Pico, Azores, February 2, 1870, a son of
Patrick and Marian (Gloria) Souza, natives of the
same isle. The parents were farmers and the father
died at the age of seventy years; the mother still
lives in the old home and is over eighty-three years
of age. Three sons were born to them, Manuel Pat-
rick, our subject, Henry and Joseph. Manuel Pat-
rick Souza had no opportunity to attend school, for
he was obliged to help earn a living for the family.
When he was seventeen years old he came to Cali-
fornia and worked for wages on Grand Island for
seven years.
On April 22, 1894, at San Francisco, Mr. Souza
was married to Miss Mary Ignacia, also a native of
the Isle of Pico, and a daughter of John and Rose
(Jesus) Ignacia. Mrs. Souza is the eldest of five
children, the others being, Marian, Louis, Manuel,
and Clara. After his marriage Mr. Souza farmed for
himself on Grand Island, but was obliged to give it
up and work for wages; he then leased 317 acres
which he farmed for two years; then he leased
a thirty-acre asparagus ranch for two years, near
Ryde; for the next ten years he was engaged in
growing asparagus on a 120-acre ranch. He then
purchased thirty-six acres one-half mile west of Ryde
which he has improved with a residence and other
farm buildings; this ranch is farmed to beans. Thir-
teen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Souza:
Manuel P., Jr., who was in the 91st Division in the
World War and was on the way to France when he
was quarantined on account of measles and was
transferred to the 81st Division and went to France,
where he served for eleven months; Henry P.; Mary,
now Mrs. John Meyers; and Louis, Joseph, Marian,
William, George, Samuel, Antone, Pauline, Rose,
and Ernest. Mr. Souza is a member of the I. D. E. S.
of Rio Vista and the U. P. E. C. of the same place.
AUGUST HALLANDER.— A busy and energetic
citizen is found in August Hallander, the proprietor
ot the Hallander blacksmith and machine shop at
Ryde, Cal., which he erected in 1906. His birth oc-
curred in Skone, Sweden, August 21, 1875, a son of
Olaus and Ella Hallander, both natives of the same
country. Olaus Hallander was a blacksmith by trade,
which he plied in Sweden to the time of his death.
Seven children were born to this couple: Olaus;
Sophie; August, the subject of this sketch; Nellie;
Kjersti; Emily; and Matilda, the last three being de-
ceased.
August Hallander learned the blacksmith trade
under his father in Sweden and in 1902 left home for
America; he came direct to California and located at
Isleton, where he worked at his trade until 1905,
when he located at Ryde and the following year built
his blacksmith and machine shop. In October, 1904,
Mr. Hallander was married to Miss Eva Svensen;
and one child was born to them, Lillian Maria. Mrs.
Hallander passed away in 1906. On November 26,
1915, Mr. Hallander married for his second wife.
Miss Irene D. Anderson, a native of Sacramento, Cal.,
a daughter of George Anderson.
In June, 1918, Mr. Hallander's residence, as well as
his shop, burned to the ground, but he immediately
rebuilt his shop twice the size of his former place,
and ..quipped it with new modern machinery, and
electric power. He manufactures trucks and ma-
chinery and implements for asparagus growing and
hauling. In 1919 he built a new bungalow residence,
where he resides with his family. Mr. Hallander is
a Republican in politics and fraternally belongs to
Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks, and is a
past grand of Isleton Lodge No. 108 of Odd Fellows
and with his wife is a member of the Rebekahs.
WILLIAM C. BAKER.— William C. Baker was
born in Nodaway County, Mo., September 16, 1884,
a son of William C. and Catherine (Sturm) Baker,
both natives of Wisconsin. William C. Baker, Sr.,
located in Missouri when he was fifteen years old
and became a prominent stock-raiser and shipper; he
passed away at the age of fifty-seven years and the
mother of our subject was forty-two when she passed
away. Eleven children were born to them: Nicholas;
Michael; Tillie; Henry; Catherine; Theodore; Charles;
Louise; William C, our subject; Ola; and Laura, all
living.
William C. Baker began his education in the dis-
trict school near his father's farm in Nodaway
County; then entered high school; then attended the
Maryville Seminary and the University of Missouri
at Columbia. After completing his education he
entered the First National Bank at St. Joseph, Mo ,
as a bookkeeper, where he remained for five years;
then he accepted a position with a wholesale candy
and cracker company as bookkeeper and billing
clerk and remained with them for four years. Mr.
Baker came to California in 19.13 and was lumber
inspector for the building of the Panama-Pacific Expo-
sition buildings, which occupied him until July, 1914,
when he became identified with Libby, McNeil &
Libby, as superintendent of their plant at Ryde; this
plant operates about 100 days each season and packs
about 100,000 cases of asparagus grown on the delta
of the Sacramento River.
The first marriage of Mr. Baker occurred at Mary-
ville, Mo., April 24, 1907, and united him with Miss
HISTORY OF SACRAAIEXTO COUX'IA'
993
Kathryn Langan, a native of Missouri, daughter of
William and Theresa Langan. They were the par-
ents of one daughter, Kathryn. Mrs. Baker passed
away in 1913 at Maryville, Mo. Mr. Baker was sub-
sequently married to Mrs. Hester (Allison) Prevost,
a native of Dixon. Cal.. a daughter of Irvine Allison,
who came to California with his father when he was
a young boy. Mr. Baker is a Democrat in politics
and is now serving as deputy sheriff of Sacramento
County.
STEPHEN UREN.— For more than three score
years Stephen L'ren has been identified with the
development of the Sacramento Valley and during the
whole of this long period he has been a resident of
the city of Sacramento, where he is still living. Of
English birth, he was born in Cornwall, September
10, 1837, and was the son of William and Bathsheba
(Sincock) Uren, the former a blacksmith and machin-
ist by trade and for many years foreman of a large
shop in Cornwall. It was there that the son learned
all the details connected with blacksmithing. When
he crossed the ocean in 1857 he was well qualified to
earn a livelihood at his occupation. For almost a year
he was employed in the copper mining district of
Ontonagon County, Michigan, from which place he
returned to New York City for the purpose of start-
ing to California. The steamer Constitution con-
veyed him to Aspinwall. After he had crossed the
Isthmus he resumed the voyage on the steamer
Golden Gate, which cast anchor in San Francisco,
October 15, 1858. Coming from the coast city to
Sacramento County, he worked for two years at his
trade near Folsom, then spent a year in the mines of
Eldorado County. After working for several months
in Virginia City. Nev., he returned to Sacramento,
and here he has since made his home.
After a period of employment on the capitol build-
ing, Mr. Uren secured employment as a blacksmith,
December 20, 1866, in the shops of the Southern
Pacific Railroad; September 7, 1871, he was pro-
moted to be assistant foreman under A. F. LaShoUes:
May 1, 1876, he was made foreman of the blacksmith
shop; the rolling mills were also under his direction
and the first bar was rolled out in July, 1881, under
his supervision. In 1888, 11,000 tons of metal were
turned out by the mill and during November, 500
men were employed in the rolling mill and black-
smith department. The forgings for the building of
the heaviest steamboat ever made on the Pacific
Coast (including those for the ship Piedmont) were
manufactured under the direction of Mr. Uren, whose
success with such tasks was a matter of common
knowledge to the workers in the shops.
The efiiciency of the department under his charge
was greatly increased through the introduction of
Mr. Uren's own inventions. On April 27. 1880, he
patented a device for forming car links, which previ-
ously had been made by hand, the new process
reducing the cost about one-third. On October 6,
1885, he patented a process for the manufacture of
nuts at the rate of one per minute, superseding the
old method which required half an hour for each nut.
December 1, 1885, he patented a wrought-iron brake-
shoe which possessed an advantage over the cast-
iron shoe in the ratio of five to one. On May 28,
1889, Mr. Uren secured a patent on a slot attachment
on a bolt-heading machine, which has the distinction
of being the only device in existence that will simul-
taneously head a bolt and slot the key, this being one
of his most important inventions. On May IT. 1889,
he patented a spike-making mechanism, and on Octo-
ber 6, 1903, a reverberator.v heating furnace. Owing
to his advanced years he retired from active work on
September 30. 1907. Honored in many movements,
he was especially prominent in the Internation?.! Mas-
ter Blacksmiths' Association and during 1893 served
as chairman of the committee that effected the organ-
ization in Chicago, being elected president three
years later.
The marriage of Mr. Uren took place in Sacra-
mento, September 9, 1865, and united him with Miss
Mary Walch, who was born in Ireland, August 12,
1844, and came to California in May, 1863. Four
sons and three daughters caine to bless their union:
William Stephen married Miss Anna McDonald and
they are the parents of two daughters, Gertrude and
Marjorie; Edward married Miss Lulu Crompton and
they have two daughters, Nell and Ruth; Mary G.
became the wife of L. P. Kerner, and four children
were born to them, Harry, Louis, Gertrude and
Frances; Stephen J married Miss Annie Theresa
Burke and three children were born to them, Ray-
mond Stephen, Cleta Mary and William Donald:
the youngest son, Walter, passed away in 1905, at
the age of twenty-eight; Grace Ella married Alfred
Schaden and they are the parents of two children,
Harold Alfred and Claire; Nellie Maude became the
wife of Hazard Snowden Williamson and they have
two children, Dorothea Marie and Ursula Jane, His
wife passed away March 14, 1917, well-known, much
loved, honored and respected by all who knew her.
For many years Mr. Llren made his home in a resi-
dence he built at Thirteenth and G Streets, the first
residence built on the north side of that block on G
Street, and he was ridiculed for going so far out. He
has since built two additional residences, one a four-
flat and the other a two-flat residence, and two small
cottages which he still owns. He now makes his
home with his granddaughter, Mrs. Charles L. Swan-
ton, at 3524 H Street.
RICHARD EARL MITCHELL.— A dairyman
w'ho is thoroughly familiar with California conditions
affecting the highest and best production in his field,
and whose accomplishments have advanced the hus-
bandry in the Golden State, is Richard Earl Mitchell,
one of the highly esteemed citizens of Wilton. He
was born in Gilpin County, Colorado, on February 7,
1891, the son of Richard and Ellen (Jose) Mitchell,
both natives of England, who came to the United
States when they were young. His father lived in
Canada for a while, and also mined in Alaska. He
took up mining in Colorado, and in Oregon, and fol-
lowed the hard game in California, until recently;
and our subject is living with his father, on the lat-
ter's place at Wilton. There were three children in
the family. Mildred is deceased. Maude is Mrs.
Harry Back, and resides in England. Richard Earl
is the subject of our story.
Richard Earl Mitchell went to school in Colorado,
Oregon and California, for when he w-as six years
old, his father moved to Gold Hill, Ore., mined there
for a while, and then Earl and his mother went back
to Colorado, where they settled for a while at Central
City, and then moved to Denver. In 1904. however,
994
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
they came back to the Coast and California, and lo-
cated in Mono County, where the father was mining,
having come to California from Oregon, and he later
went into Placer County, for the same purpose. In
1914 he came to Sacramento, and eight years later
he bought a ranch of ten acres at Wilton where, with
the aid of his son. Earl, he has since conducted a
small dairy. Earl Mitchell himself mined for two
years in Placer County, and when the family came to
Sacramento, he started working in the store depart-
ment of the Southern Pacific Railroad, and was with
that corporation for five years. At the outbreak of
the late war, he joined the Spruce Division, and
after the armistice, returned to his father on the ranch
at Wilton, and has since then devoted himself to the
scientific study of dairying, making it his pride to
assist his father in maintaining one of the most sani-
tary, up-to-date dairies in the county. He also main-
tians an interest in politics and votes regardless of
the hampering of party ties. He belongs to the Sac-
ramento Post of the American Legion.
MERLIN W. STEWART.— Among the successful
practicing lawyers of Sacramento is Merlin W. Stew-
art, who was admitted to the bar July 2, 1919, and
has since been engaged in private practice; on Febru-
ary L 1922 he was appointed to the position of county
law librarian, which he is filling to the entire satis-
faction of the people of the community. He is one
of California's native sons, born in San Jose, March
19, 1895, a son of Marcus and Alice (Dunlap) Stew-
art. The Stewart family removed to California when
Marcus Stewart was a small boy. Marcus Stewart
was a painter by trade and died January 24, 1923. in
Sacramento; the mother is still living.
Merlin W. Stewart was educated in the public
schools and studied law in private. He took the bar
examination, was admitted on July 2, 1919, to the bar
of California, and then began private practice. Al-
though a young man in years, he is steadily forging
to the front in his profession and he is making a
splendid record for himself in the capital city.
CLARENCE D. TODD.— A most interesting'
establishment in whose activities, output and fame
the citizens of Sacramento naturally take a just pride,
is that of Clarence D. Todd, the owner of the Sac-
ramento Art Glass Works, at 1610 J Street, Sacra-
mento. He was born at Washington, D. C, in Sep-
tember, 1887, the son of George M. and Kate (Vail)
Todd, who eventually came to locate here. In the
meantime, and prior to their coming, Clarence Todd
attended both the grammar and the high schools of
the district in New Jersey in which he was then liv-
ing, and later engaged in lampshade work, following
his high-art trade in Philadelphia and also in New
York, where he had the good fortune to be associated
with Messrs. Tiffany & Company.
In 1912, Mr. Todd came to California, and the fol-
lowing year he established this business in Sacra-
mento, making a specialty of art-glass and glazing
of all kinds. He has contracted for all the art-glass
required for certain store-fronts in town, and he has
also handled the W. P. Fuller Company glass-work,
catering to the demands of northern California and
Nevada. It was the Todd establishment that supplied
the glass and glass-work for the St. Elizabeth Church,
the Catholic Oak Park Church, and also the Presbv-
tcrian and Weslyan Churches, and he supplies the art-
glass and metal lights in all the modern homes
erected in Sacramento and vicinity. In 1923, Mr.
Todd purchased the lot at 1610 J Street and erected
the first unit of a four-story building, a modern struc-
ture suitable for his needs.
Mr. Todd married Miss Florence Marie Merrifield
in 191S, the ceremony taking place at Stockton; and
their union has been blessed with the birth of one
child, a daughter named Florence Nan. Mr. Todd
belongs to the Knights of Pythias, in which he has
gone through all of the chairs, and is a past chancel-
lor; he takes an active part in the Knights of Pythias
work, and is now secretary of the insurance depart-
ment. Politically he is a Democrat. Like all resi-
dents of the county, he is fond of outdoor life.
MANUEL FERNANDEZ.— An interesting, rep-
resentative, and enterprising business man of Sacra-
mento, is Manuel Fernandez, the genial proprietor of
the Capital Fuel Compam-, 514 S Street. He was
born in 1883, in the Azores Islands, the son of Man-
uel and Rosa (Jacinto) Fernandez. Mr. Fernandez.
Sr., came to the Golden State in the early days and it
was while he and his wife were on a vacation in the
Azores that their son, Manuel, was born. They set-
tled in Freeport, Cal., where they farmed. He died
in 1917, and his wife is also deceased.
Manuel Fernandez attended the public schools at
Freeport and helped his father on the ranch until he
engaged in the wood business on X Street, Sacra-
mento, in 1912. He then went to Oregon for a short
time, and on his return was employed by the Kane
and Trainor Ice Company, whom he served off and
on for ten years. In 1920 he opened his fuel yard
at 500 W Street, and has succeeded in developing it
into a beneficial enterprise. On January 19, 1919, he
was united in marriage with Miss Juanita Perez, the
daughter of Joseph and Petrona Perez. Mr. Fer-
nandez is a highly honored and respected citizen and
well deserves the esteem conferred upon him by a
large circle of friends.
GEORGE ARMISTEAD WORK.— Promising
among the more recent accessions to the ranks of
distinguished members of the legal fraternity in Cali-
fornia, and already prominent for having demon-
strated talent, scholarship and rare qualities, George
Armistead Work, the attorney, has established him-
self enviably in Sacramento city and county. He
was born at Jackson, Miss., on March 16, 1889, the
son of George A. Work, the planter, and his wife,
who was Lydia Herron before her marriage, both of
whom are now deceased. They were highly esteemed
as representatives of the old school and as worthy of
the best that the social life of the South could pro-
duce; and they left an enviable record for having
benefitted the world during their sojourn here.
George Armistead Work came to California and
availed himself of the L^niversity facilities here, after
he had put behind him both grammar and high school
work; and he was duly graduated from the LTniversity
of California in 1913 with the degree of J. D. He prac-
ticed law in San Francisco and Rio Vista for two
years, and was city attornej' of the latter flourishing
town. In June, 1919, he came to Sacramento. His
progress here has been marked by a rapid mastery of
California legal and other conditions, and by the
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
995
natural fruits of his having set a high standard, and
then hved up to it. in all of his dealings with clients,
society and the bar. He is known for his public-
spiritedness. and is interested in Sacramento Count\'
history and traditions, both past and in the making.
A democratic American, rather than merely an
Atnerican who persists in shouting for democracy.
Mr. Work served for two years in the World War
as a member of the American army. He entered as
a private, served abroad as one of the 344th Bat-
talion, Tank Corps, and was commissioned lieutenant
before the end. He was married, March 16, 1921,
to Miss Geraldine Graham, born at Colusa, and they
have one son, George Armistead, Jr.
HERBERT BRUGLER.— Another enterprising
representative of the automobile industry in Folsom
Citj' who has done much to cater to the convenience
and comfort of the fast-increasing motor public, is
Herbert Brugler, half-owner of the People's Garage
and in charge of the repair department and general
mechanical work. A native son with plenty of pride
in the great Pacific commonwealth in which he first
saw light, he w-as born at San Jose, on October 27,
1893, and his parents were Calvin and EHza (Sein)
Brugler. His father was a pioneer horticulturist and
vineyardist of Santa Clara and Tehama Counties, and
made no little contribution toward the developinent
of California husbandry.
Herbert Brugler. as the son of a ranch superintend-
ent, grew up amid farm environment, and he also
worked in the fruit field, and at canning, for several
years. In 1912, he took up garage work at Folsom;
and under F. J. Newman, he learned the machinist's
trade at Folsom Garage.
On April 21, 1917, and at Sacramento, Mr. Brugler
enlisted for service in the great war, joining the 23rd
Aero Squadron, and he was sent to Kelly Field,
where he remained a ground mechanic until January,
1919. His experience at the government aero station
gave him a finished knowledge of the finest detail in
machine work; and when he returned home in 1919,
he was naturally desirous of following his trade. The
result was a partnership with his companion in the
war. Paul Murer. whose life-story is given elsewhere
in this work; and now together they are conducting
one of the best-equipped and best managed garages
in the state, representing, as busy business men, the
best expression of progressive enterprise. Mr. Brug-
ler is a charter member of the American Legion, and
he belongs to the Natoma Lodge No. 63, of the
Masons.
CAPT. WILLIAM FRANKLIN LOWER.— The
career of William Franklin Lower has been character-
ized by industry, perseverance and progressiveness;
he has been a capable member of the Sacramento
fire department for the past twenty-nine years and
is well known and highly respected by all who know
him. He was born in Albany, Iowa, September 19,
1862, a son of William and Margaret Lower, natives
of Illinois. The family came to California via Pan-
ama in 1863, and while en route the mother of our
subject passed away at sea on the trip from New
York to Aspinwall. The father continued the jour-
ney and located in Sacramento, where he engaged
in contracting until his death. Manj' of the early
buildings give credit to his ability as a builder.
An only child. William Franklin Lower was reared
in the capital city and received his education in the
public schools. After leaving school, he assisted
his father in his building until he had become
assistant postmaster at Madison, Yolo County, where
he continued for one year. He then tried his hand
at farming at Santa Barbara; and after this he re-
turned to Sacramento and entered the Southern Pa-
cific shops, where he worked for fifteen years. Mean-
while he was a call man of the Sacramento fire de-
partment, his first service beginning in 1892, although
the department books only show 1894. In 1894 he
became a fireman and acted as captain of Engine No.
4 at Twenty-sixth Street from the time the fire house
was built; when Oak Park was annexed to the city,
Mr. Lower was made captain of Engine No. 6, lo-
cated on Fourth Avenue between Thirtv-fourth and
Thirty-fifth Streets.
The marriage of Mr. Lower united him with Miss
Kate Trofcer, who was born in Washington, D. C.
Locally he gives his support to progressive, construc-
tive legislation, regardless of party lines, supporting
the best man for public office. Fraternal^' he is a
member of the Knights of Pythias and the Owls.
C. R. & C. W. BEARD.— Prominent among the
business men of Sacramento who have made the in-
fluence of both city and county felt far and wide, are
Messrs. C. R. & C. W. Beard, the enterprising and
very progressive proprietors of the popular estab-
lishment, Melvin & Sons. That business was estab-
lished far back in 1861 by William Melvin, and at his
death was taken charge of by his son, H. G. Melvin,
w'ho conducted it, with certain improvements and ex-
pansion, until 1912, when our subjects succeeded to
the control of affairs. H. G. Melvin died in 1917. a
popular and original figure, welcome with his stories
of the early days when the business was" a general
blacksmith shop.
Now, under the more aggressive technicians, the
brothers Beard, there is a first-class shop for the re-
pair of automobiles, with of course every facility for
smithy work, in which four experts are employed;
and it is needless to say that the able and thoroughly
capable men are in a position to undertake, with every
reasonable guarantee, any kind of repair or original
devising such as the complicated activities of the
highly developed motor-world today demand. Partly
because of their success and their steadily expanding
business, the Beards are deeply interested in Sacra-
mento County and are willing and ready to do all in
their power to advance the best and most lasting in-
terests of this favored portion of the Golden State.
C. R. Beard was born at Gallup, N. M., on June 30,
1888, the son of William M. and Alice (Frost) Beard;
while Clarence William Beard, his brother, was born
on December 28, 1886. at Dallas, Texas. The family
came here to California in 1890, and at Sacramento
the boys went to school. In that city, too, under
the most exacting, but the most helpful of apprentice-
ships, they learned their trade. C. R. Beard was
married to Miss Anna McKenzie. of Chicago, and has
two children, Clyda A. and Honora V. Clarence
William took for his wife Laura Dubaker. of Sacra-
mento, and they have two children. Malba and Clar-
ence W. The Beards are Republicans and support
movements for civic advancement. Sacramento Coun-
ty may well be proud of such worth-while citizens.
996
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
CHARLES LEHMAN. — A man who is always to
be found among the leaders in any progressive public
project, is Charles Lehman, an able, successful and
far-sighted business man of Sacramento, who is one
of the owners of the National Employment Agency,
located at 926-930 Second Street. He was born in
New York City, N. Y., in 1879. a son of Max and
Clara Lehman. When Charles was a baby of one
year, his parents migrated to California and the father
engaged in business in San Francisco, and he still
makes his home in that city.
Charles Lehman received his education in the
grammar and high schools of San Francisco; and
after his graduation from the latter institution in 1896,
he then entered the employ of a wholesale produce
house. He thereafter continued in this line of busi-
ness until he established his own produce business in
San Francisco, which he operated for five years, when
he sold out and engaged in the employment business.
In 1916 he organized the National Employment
Agency in Sacramento. Practically every day he is
sending out from 100 to 150 men in various occupa-
tions, such as ranching, lumbering, teaming, mining,
industrial and large construction projects, all over
the state of California and southern Oregon. The
National Employment Agency has grown to be the
largest business of its kind in the Sacramento Valley.
Mr. Lehman is married and has two children, Claire
and Richard. He is a Republican in national politics.
OWEN THOMAS STACKPOOLE.— For more
than a quarter of a century Owen Thomas Stackpoole
has been a resident of Sacramento and during that
period has continuously worked for the Southern Pa-
cific Railroad Company, steadily working his way
upward until he now occupies the position of chief
train dispatcher for the Sacramento division of the
Southern Pacific Railroad, with headquarters in Sac-
ramento. His birth occurred in Reno, Nev., Septem-
ber 24, 1882, a son of Patrick and Mary Ann (Mit-
chell) Stackpoole. The famih^ removed to California
shortly after the birth of their son and settled in
Plumas County, and there Patrick Stackpoole died in
1882. The mother and three sons then returned to
Nevada and settled in Verdi, where Stack, as he is
familiarly called by all of his friends, received his
education in the public schools and there grew to
young manhood. He entered the railroad office at
Verdi and the agent taught him telegraphy. It was
in 1897 that he became identified with the Southern
Pacific Railroad Company and in 1904 he entered the
Twelfth Street 3'ard office in Sacramento, where he
remained as telegraph operator until 1907, when he
entered the present office as operator and clerk under
the chief dispatcher. In 1908 Stack became a train
dispatcher and four years later was made assistant
to the chief dispatcher, where he worked for four
years; then on July 1, 1916, he was made chief dis-
patcher of the above division. For twenty-six years
he has been steadily at his Avork in the various posi-
tions without interruption, a record of which his
friends, as well as himself, are proud.
In Sacramento Mr. Stackpoole was united in mar-
riage with Miss Edna Honold, a native daughter of
California, born in Forest City, Sierra County, this
state, and they are the parents of two children, Alden
and Thelma. Mr. Stackpoole gives his allegiance to
the Republican party and fraternally belongs to the
Sacramento Lodge No. 6, B. P. O. Elks.
HAL E. WILLIS. — Sound judgment, combined
with fine business ability, has enabled Hal E. Willis,
the well-known general agent of the San Francisco-
Sacramento Electric Railroad, to obtain a substantial
success in life. He is one of California's native sons,
born in San Francisco, March 26, 1886, a son of C. H.
and Florence M. (Church) Willis. At the usual
school age, he entered the grammar schools of San
I^rancisco; later, when the family removed to Berke-
ley, he was graduated from the Berkeley high school.
Immediately following his graduation he became an
employee of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company
and was put to work in the general office of the com-
pany; in 1906 he resigned his position of traveling
auditor of the company and became traveling auditor
with the Northern Electric Company; later he was
made chief clerk of the traffic department; in 1908
he was auditor of freight and passenger accounts of
the Central California Traction Company In 1911
he removed to Verdi, Nev., where he became traffic
and sales manager with the Verdi Lumber Company,
remaining in that postion until 1916, when he re-
turned to San Francisco and became traveling freight
and passenger agent for the San Francisco-Sacra-
mento Electric Railroad; later he was promoted to
his present position of general agent of the company
with headquarters at Sacramento.
Mr. Willis was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary
C. (Hollihan) Powers, a native of San Francisco,
and they are the parents of one son, Charles H. Mr.
Willis believes in the principles of the Republican
party and thus casts his vote. He is associated fra-
ternally with the B. P. O. Elks and locally supports
the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club.
GUNERIUS T. LUNDLEE.— An interesting fig-
ure in the northern California motor world is Gun-
erius T. Lundlee, who was born in the far-away
Scandinavian peninsula, in Norway, on May 12, 1882,
the son of T. E. and Mary Lundlee, worthy farmer
folks who believed in hard, honest labor. When our
subject was one year old, in 1883, his parents crossed
the Atlantic to the United States and,, pushing on
westward, settled in Iowa.
Gunerius Lundlee started right by attending the
public schools, and when he grew up, his ambition
to make the most of himself was reflected in his
attendance and work at the university at Valparaiso.
He took up engineering, then engaged in electrical
work, and in 1913 established himself in business at
Tonapah, Nev , where he remained for six years. In
1919, he established his present concern, the G. T.
Lundlee Company, an electric service station, in which
he has been very successful.
At Tonopah, Nev., in 1905, Mr. Lundlee was mar-
ried to Miss Pearl Cross, who was born in Chicago,
111., the daughter of Charles Cross, of Chicago. They
have had several children: Gunerius, Ivy, Vivian, and
Karl Kelvin. Mr. Lundlee has seen military serv-
ice, as a volunteer to the Philippine Islands. He
joined Company F of the 35th United States Volun-
teer Regiment, became corporal, and served his coun-
try for two years. A Democrat in his preference for
political parties and platforms, he is public-spirited
and ever ready to "boost" the city and the county in
which he lives and prospers. He is an Elk and a
member of the Rotary Club.
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COL'XTV
997
WALTER DANIEL TOOMEY.— In various ways
Walter Daniel Tooniey has given his support to the
development and progress of the city of Sacramento
and for the past twenty-five years has been identified
with the cit3' water works. His birth occurred in the
house in which he now resides, at 1226 H Street, Sac-
ramento, Cal., June 1, 1874, a son of John F, and
Mary (White) Toomey. John F. Toomey was reared
in Albany. N. Y., and came to San Francisco, Cal.,
in 1860 via Panama. Four years later he located in
Sacramento, where he operated a line of carriages
for hire, for thirty years. He married, in San Fran-
cisco, Miss White, who was born in Amsterdam,
N. Y.. and came to California in 1864. Mr. Toomey
built the family home at 1226 H Street where our
subject still makes his home; he passed away in 1919.
his wife having preceded him in 1913.
Walter Daniel Toomey attended the public schools
of Sacramento. Then he was with the Southern Pa-
cific Railroad Company for two years, and twent\'-
five \^ears ago he entered the employ of the city
water works and has continued ever since In 1917
he became assistant engineer of the city water works.
a position he has since filled to the entire satisfaction
of all. Mr. Toomey fraternally is affiliated with Sac-
ramento Parlor No. 3. N. S. G. W.
ROBERT L. PROTZMAN.— The name of Robert
L. Protzman adds another to the list of Sacramento
County's successful men whose splendid results were
attained by intelligence, industry and perseverance
in combating discouragement and overcoming diffi-
culties. He was born in Morgantown, W. Va., Feb-
ruary 6, 1885, the son of S. H. and Minnie V. (Jack-
son) Protzman. His father, who was a successful
educator as well as a salesman, died in Virginia, be-
ing survived by his widow and six children.
Robert L. Protzman is the second oldest and was
educated in the public schools. He worked at various
trades until he went to Seattle. Wash , in 1907, where
he learned the engraving business. For three years
he worked steadily, thoroughly learning the engraver's
trade, so that he is now, without doubt, one of the
most thorough men in the steel and copper-plate en-
graving business. In 1911, he came to Sacramento.
On September 5. 1917, he enlisted in the 363rd In-
fantry, 91st Division. His regiment was soon sent
overseas, and for nine months he fought on the battle-
fields of France. He was in the St. Mihiel and the
Meuse-Argonne and defensive sector drives, and was
seriously injured in the Battle of the Argonne For-
est. He was sent to the hospital at the famous
springs of Vichy, where he recovered. He returned
to his regiment, serving until after the armistice,
when he returned to California and vi-as mustered out
at the Presidio on April 24, 1919. He received the
Victory Medal, with three battle-bars. He came back
to Sacramento, where he established his business as
a die embosser and a steel and copper-plate engraver,
being located at 1019;/ J Street.
In Sacramento, on September 1, 1921, Mr. Protz-
man married Miss Nell Dingle, a native of Nevada,
but who was reared and educated in Sacramento,
Mr, Protzman is independent in national politics, pre-
ferring to vote for man and principle rather than be
bound by party. He is very fond of outdoor sports,
especially fishing, and takes keen pleasure in hunt-
ing, inasmuch as he is a good rifle shot. He is a "
member of the Kiwanis Club.
HENRY SCHAEFER.— Business enterprise and
progressiveness find manifest expression in the career
of Henry Schaefer, the successful proprietor of the
Vienna Bakery. He grew up in his native country
of Germany practically self-trained and has been self-
reliant and able to do for himself since his four-
teenth year. His birth occurred in Germany, Janu-
ary n , 1874. a son of August and Philipena Schaefer,
and both parents were deceased when Henry was a
lad of fourteen years. Previous to coming to the
United States, he had spent three years learning the
baker's trade in Germany; and when he was left an
orphan he came to the United States and direct to
Nevada, where he lived with an aunt for three years;
then he removed to San Francisco, where he worked
for four years in a bakery, receiving five dollars a
week for his services. His uncle in Nevada having
died, he returned to Nevada and took charge of his
aunt's ranch, which he operated for four years; dur-
ing this time he had saved some money and return-
ing to San Francisco, he went to work in a bakery
for a year in order to become more proficient at
the business, then removed to Santa Rosa and
bought a bakery business which he he'd for only
ten w-eeks and sold to good advantage. He next pur-
chased business in Woodland which he operated for
four years, when he sold it and removed to Sacra-
mento. On September IS, 1908, he purchased the
Vienna Bakery and Restaurant, which he has built
up to the largest business in this line in the city.
The first marriage of Mr. Schaefer occurred in
Woodland on March 4, 1909, and united him with
Miss Lucy Dole, a native daughter of California;
she died October 4, 1913. Subsequently, on Decem-
ber 28, 1920, Mr. Schaefer was married to Aliss
Erma Wingard, a native daughter of Sacramento,
and they are the parents of one daughter, Carolyn.
Mr. Schaefer is a Republican in politics, and frater-
nal'y he is affiliated with the Masons and Elks of
Sacramento, and locally gives his support to the
Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Merchants"
Association.
CAPITAL CANDY & CRACKER COMPANY.—
Every city boasts of a number of well-established
concerns more or less representative of the ideals and
animating spirit of their municipality; and well may
Sacramento take pride in such enterprising houses as
the Capital Candy & Cracker Company, whose en-
ergetic manager is George C. Sherman. In 1902 this
company bought out Messrs. H. Fisher & Company,
first located at 508-10 J Street, in 1907 moving to its
present location, where fire destroyed the building in
1919. When they rebuilt, they erected a structure
160 by 170 feet in size, and also purchased the very
latest machinery obtainable, and now. without exag-
geration, the Capital Candy & Cracker Company has
the best-equipped plant of its kind in the state.
The demand for their goods is constantly increas-
ing, and yet they have thus far. despite this flattering
patronage, been able to make all the goods required
for their enviable trade. They employ 150 people and
eleven salesmen, and it cannot be long before this
staff must be considerably increased in number. Each
employee is an expert in his or her line; the most
scientific and artistic methods are followed, and new
products, original with themselves, arc constantly in-
troduced, so that the prestige of the company's mere
name and imprint sells the products.
998
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Mr. Sherman, the popular manager, is a native son,
and was born in Nevada County, in 1868, although he
was educated in Sacramento. As a youth he got into
the candy and cracker trade, and for a while he was
with the Fisher Company; and when the new com-
pany bought out the Fisher interests, he joined their
successors. Commencing with a very modest plant,
Mr. Sherman has been able to develop the factory
into the largest, best-appointed, best-maintained and
only steam plant in northern California.
CHESTER M. HOFFMAN.— The name of Ches-
ter M. Hoffman, owner and proprietor of the Sacra-
mento Rug Works, stands for a public-spirited busi-
ness man; his enterprise and energy have brought him
a liberal degree of success and his pride and interest
•are centered in Sacramento. He was born near Quincy,
in Adams County, III., December 29, 1882, a son of
Marcus O. and Marj' V. (Hughes) Hoffman. His
father was a merchant in that county and later moved
to Dodge City, Kans., where the father died; the
mother still resides here.
The public schools of Illinois afforded Chester M.
Hoffman a good education; and after completing his
school work, he came to California when nineteen
3-ears of age, locating in Sacramento in 1902, where
he was engaged in clerical work, which he followed
for twelve years. He then established himself in the
candy business at 1128 Tenth Street, as Hoffman's
Candy Store, continuing until in 1916, when he estab-
lished his present business, the only one of its kind
in the city. By strict attention to his line, he has
built up a good clientele. The Sacramento Rug Works
are located at 815 W Street, where Mr. Hoffman
erected his own two-stor}^ building, equipped with
looms and machinery for manufacturing fluff rugs.
Mr. Hoffman was married in Sacramento, October
21, 1906, to Miss Adeline Cecchettini, who was born
in Sacramento, a daughter of Mose and Esther Cec-
chettini, early settlers of Sacramento. The father
was one of the old business men here and is now re-
tired. Fraternally, Mr. Hoffman belongs to the
Eagles.
WILLIAM E. TRAVIS.— A wide-awake business
man of Sacramento, who prides himself on keeping
not only abreast of, but somewhat in advance of the
growth and development of the capital city and its
environs, is William E. Travis, the proprietor of the
Western Transfer Company, one of the most popular
agencies for the convenience of the traveling and
negotiating public. He is a Hawkeye, and was born
in Dubuque County, Iowa, on October 11, 1860, the
son of Zebulon and Minerva (Griggs) Travis, estim-
able folks now deceased and at rest from their labors.
Contenting himself with the usual grammar school
advantages of his native district, William E. Travis
farmed for soine years in Nebraska, raising corn, but
in 1891 came out to California, and at Sacramento
found a chance to work at trucking for Mr. Christie.
After that, for eleven years he drove a truck for the
Wood-Curtis Company; and in 1908 he bought out
the Western Transfer Company, and now is assisted
by his son, Arthur, who is also a member of the new
firm. They have an office at 920 Ninth Street, and
warehouses at Twenty-ninth and J Streets, and keep
three trucks busy all the time, and sometimes need
another. In 1923 they started the first sight-seeing
bus in Sacramento, and have arranged an interesting
trip to different places of interest in Sacramento and
environs. The bus has a capacity of thirty passengers,
Mr. Travis supports the best movements for the bet-
terment of the community and he holds himself inde-
pendent of mere party ties and obligations, and is
therefore able to exert a stronger and a better in-
fluence.
Mr. Travis was married in Nebraska, to Miss Jen-
nie Wyant, of New York, and they have been blessed
with four children. Arthur is the eldest; Ernest died
at the age of nineteen, a promising young man; and
Edith and Eleanor are the daughters. Arthur served
in the aviation corps of the United States army dur-
ing the World War; and having done his duty there,
returned to Sacramento. Mr. Travis is a member of
the Chamber of Commerce and Retail Merchants' As-
sociation. He is a baseball fan, and is fond of horse-
racing.
FREDERICK HORRELL.— An enterprising mer-
chant whose far-sightedness is favored by an invalu-
able experience, enabling him to build for himself,
meet competitors, and point the way large-heart-
edly to others who would follow in the development
of California commerce, is Frederick Horrell, the
wide-awake dealer in fuel at 2950 First Avenue, Sac-
ramento. A native Briton, he was born at Liskeard,
in Cornwall, on August 25, 1868. His parents were
Thomas and Betsy (Hocking) Horrell. They were
worthy farmer folk, and did their part, in their day
and generation, to make the world better for their
having lived here; and now, with the respectful re-
gard of all who knew them, they rest from their long
labors.
Fred Horrell got all he could from the excellent
local schools in Cornwall, and then pursued farming
until, at the age of seventeen, he came to the United
States. In 1885, he moved westward to Michigan,
and for a while took to mining work in Menominee
County; and coming on to Arizona in 1889, he con-
tinued mining in the vicinity of Prescott. In the
spring of 1890 he first came to California, locating
in Nevada County, and engaged in mining in Grass
Valley. He also mined in Placer County, continuing
till 1894, when he went to British Columbia, mining
at Rossland for two years. Then he returned to Cal-
ifornia, again locating at Grass Valley; but a year
later he was again on the move, always looking for
something better ahead. He then went to Goldfield,
Nev., in the early days, and mined there for two
years; and from there went to the Utah copper mines
at Copper Mountain, leasing and mining, meeting
with success. When he had cleaned up, he returned
to Grass Valley and followed mining in that vicinity
until he decided to locate in Sacramento in July, 1915.
Two years later, he established his present business,
for which he wisely saw a need, and- having sp or-
ganized it, and so stocked up that he could render
the best of service to the community, he has done
well ever since he opened business. He has a large
warehouse and yard room at 2950 First Avenue and
now employs five men in the regular season. Pros-
pering as he has, through the generous response of
the appreciating public, it is not surprising that he is
one of the most enthusiastic boosters for Sacramento
County, deeply interested in its historic past, and
ready to help make for it a glorious future.
In the year 1900, Mr. Horrell was married at Grass
Valley to Miss Lizzie Berryman. a native daughter of
j
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
999
Grass Valley: and tlieir union has been blessed with
the birth of two daughters and three sons: Evelyn,
now Mrs. Harold Reynolds; Leland T., Clifton Fred,
and Richard Elmer; and the youngest child. Cather-
ine Elizabeth. Mr. Horrell is a member of the
Knights of Pj'thias and also of the Sons of St.
George, in each of which organizations he enjoys an
enviable popularity.
JOSEPH GWERDER.— Among the ranchers of
the Grand Island district is Joseph Gwerder, who
was born in Schwyz, Switzerland, in June, 1857, a son
of Frank and Marian (Wigat) Gwerder. When he
was nineteen years of age he made his way to France,
where he remained until 1886, and then came to San
Francisco, Cal. The years from 1888 to 1891 were
spent in Washoe Valley, Nev., and he then came to
Tyler Island and leased a farm; and there he was
married, on November 28, 1892, to Marie Senn, also
born in Schwyz, a daughter of Frank and Regina
(Huble) Senn. She came to Cahfornia in 1891. In
1896 they leased a 600-acre ranch at Walker's Land-
ing on Grand Island, which he still operates. He has
been successful and has purchased ranches from time
to time until he owns in all 593>< acres, where he has
planted an eighty-acre pear orchard. He leases other
land, so that he operates in all 1,405;-^ acres, devoted
to raising asparagus and general farming. He is a
member of the California Asparagus Growers' Asso-
ciation.
Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Gwerder, six of whom are living: Marie, Mrs. Albert
Hollenbeck; Anna, Mrs. Fisher; Frank C; Mar-
.garet; William; and Josephine.
CHARLES H. LEMERY.— Charles H. Lemery
was born September 14. 1890, at Oakland, the son of
Charles H. and Lucy (Harkness) Lemery. He at-
tended the public schools of Sacramento and when
he was seventeen years old in 1907, he went to work
for the Bowman Carriage Company and with them
learned the blacksmith and carriage-maker's trade
as w^ell as body building, and carriage and automobile
painting; and he has remained there ever since. In
1917, he became manager of the shop, and in 1919
became a member of the firm. In 1921 they built
their nev>- plant at Twelfth and B Streets, a large
brick building eighty by one hundred sixty feet, and
here thej' handle all kinds of automobile work, bod}^
building and top manufacturing, and employ about
twe:ity-five men. They have manufactured ninety
per cent of all the motor stages owned and operated
out of Sacramento by the different stage and motor
transit companies.
Charles H. Lemery served his country in the late
World War. In June, 1918, he enlisted in the aviation
section, LI. S. army, and was placed in charge of the
blacksmith department at Mather Field, Sacramento,
serving for a period of nine months, when he was hon-
orably discharged. He was united in marriage with
Miss Elizabeth Mary Avery, of Sacramento, on Sep-
tember 24, 191S. He is very fond of the great out-of-
doors and is especially interested in hunting and fish-
ing. Mr. Lemery is a member of the Chamber of
Commerce; he is thoroughly honorable in all his
dealings, being enterprising and public-spirited, and
as an esteemed citizen has made and retained many
friends.
HENRY HEBER.— Far-sighted and optimistic the-
ater directors, who thoroughly understand what the
patrons of the moving picture shows wish for their
entertainment and edification, and expect for their
money, are Emil and Henry Heber, the proprietors
of the Sequoia and Majestic Theaters, in Sacramento.
Good fortune, — for the capital city as well as for
. themselves, — brought them to Sacramento in 1917,
and what was the latter's gain was Oakland's loss.
The junior member of the firm. Henry Heber, was
born in New York City on July 27, 1894, the son of
Emil and Catherine (Barteles) Heber, and there went
to school. In 1912, in spite of the many attrac-
tions of the East, Mr. Heber came to California; and
having gotten into the moving picture business when
he was only twelve years of age, he brought with him
an expert knowdedge that soon made it possible for '
him to estimate the future prospects of Californnia as
a moving picture public. He went to Oakland to
engage in the theater business, but in 1916 Sacra-
mento began to bid high for his service, and having
sold out his Oakland interests, with his father as a
partner he bought the Majestic. He did so well that
in 1921 he also took over the Sequoia Theatre. Henry
Heber is a Republican in respect to his national polit-
ical preferences, but that never interferes with either
his whole-hearted boosting, in true non-partisan fash-
ion, for the best men and the best measures in local
affairs, and for Sacramento City and County. It is
his aim to maintain the highest standard possible
in theater management.
In the year 1916, Mr. Heber was married at San
Jose to Miss Alice Adshead, a native of Old England;
and their fortunate union has been blessed with the
birth of two children, daughters bearing the names
of Helen and Catherine. Mr. Heber is fond of most
sports, and he is particularly enthusiastic about base-
ball and boxing, having once enjoyed some reputation
as a twisting pitcher.
THOMAS K. CLIFTON.— A well-known and
popular merchant tailor of Sacramento, is Thomas K.
Clifton, who is familiarly known as Tommy Clifton
and is the owner of the Tommy Clifton tailor estab-
lishment, located at 1009 Eighth Street, Sacramento.
His birth occurred at old Washington, now Broder-
ick, in Yolo County, just across the river from Sacra-
mento, March 30, 1883, a son of James L. and Mary
(Norcross) Clifton. James L. Clifton and his wife
came to California in the early sixties and for many
years James L. Clifton was employed in the shops
of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company at Sacra-
mento, until he was retired with a pension. There
were ten children born to this pioneer couple, of
whom Thomas K. is the third oldest. He attended
grammar school in old Washington; and self-study,
reading and the school of experience afforded him a
general fund of knowledge that has proved of great
value in his career. He learned the machinist's trade
while still in his teens and eight years were occupied
at this trade with the Southern Pacific Railroad. He
then spent one year with the Capital City tailors as a
salesman, and in 1908 engaged in business for him-
self. He began on a small scale but was very suc-
cessful, gradually increasing his business until now
he has one of the largest in his line in Sacramento. It
is the consensus of opinion that he is the largest
advertiser of any tailoring establishment in the city.
He carries a large line of suit length samples in the
1000
HISTORY OF SACRA^rENTO COUNTY
latest seasonable patterns. Of a pleasing personality
and great affability-, he is very successful, and he
employs several people to assist him in caring for
his growing business.
Mr. Clifton was united in marriage in Sacramento
with Mrs. Pearl (Soiithmayd) JVIcMurray, a native of
Oregon. During 1920 Mr. Clifton served as secre-
tary of the Eagles Lodge of Sacramento. He is a mem-
ber of the Chamber of Commerce, Retail Merchants'
Association and Retailers' Credit Association. Mr
Clifton possesses a very pleasing baritone voice and
is very fond of music and musical associations. He
frequently favors Sacramento audiences with his ren-
dition of the latest songs and particularly Irish songs,
in which he excels. He is an ardent baseball fan,
for in former days he played semi-professional base-
ball, his place on the team being shortstop. Out-
door sports appeal to him and he enjoys the moun-
tains and fields, delighting in hunting and fishing
JOHN J. BAUER.— One of the well-known attor-
ney's of Sacramento, John J. Bauer, is a native son of
the county and the son of John J. and Jennie (France)
Bauer; the father was born near Bellefort, Alsace,
France, August 8, 1837, the son of Michael and Maria
(Weir) Bauer. The family came to the United States
in 1846, spent six months in Texas and then located
in St. Louis, where the parents died, Michael, on July
5, 1864, and Maria, in 1858. John J., the second, was
educated in St. Louis and received a fine musical
training, and in 1854 he came to California with a
brother, who was also a musician, coming by way of
the Isthmus on the "John L. Stephens," and landing
at San Francisco on April 2 of that year. July 12.
1854, he came to Sacramento and with the Herget
Bros, engaged in fishing on the river, continuing this
occupation until 1859. That year he became a part-
ner with J. T. Mier in a grocery store on Front
Street, continuing with him until 1872, after which
Mr. Bauer carried on the business alone for one year
and then sold out.
In 1873 Mr. Bauer was elected supervisor on the
Independent ticket, served one year, and was again
elected in 1877, this time on the Republican ticket,
and served three years. Following this he learned
the hide and pelt business with L. Schloss & Com-
pany, and on May 1, 1882, went on the road as pur-
chasing agent, and remained with them until 1884,
when the firm closed out. He then engaged in the
same business under the firm name of E. Hammond
& Company, until December, 1886. He was appointed
collector for the city water works and held the posi-
tion until April 1, 1887.
The marriage of Mr. Bauer occurred February 17,
1862, in Sacramento, and united him with Miss Jane
France, born in Lancashire, England, and six chil-
dren blessed their union: Alice M., Charles E.,
Annie F.. Emile F., Jennie E., and John J. Mr.
Bauer was an Odd Fellow, being a past grand of
Sacramento Lodge; he belonged to the Veteran Odd
Fellows and was a member of the A. O. LI. W., and
for five years he belonged to the Neptune Hose Com-
pany, serving for four and one-half years as secre-
tary, and on the advent of the paid fire company he
became an exempt. His demise took one of Sacra-
mento's most loyal citizens, and he will long be
remembered as a man of progressive ideas and high
standards.
John J. Bauer, the third, was born in Sacramento,
December 30, 1876, and received his education in the
public schools of the city, graduating from the high
school in 1894. He then took a business course and
entered the office of W. A. Gett, attorney, and there
studied law, taking his examination and being admit-
ted to the bar May 2, 1898. The following year he
removed to the office of McKune and George, and
after six years with them he engaged in the practice
of law for himself, meeting with deserved success in
his chosen profession. Fraternally he is a member
of the Elks and of the Masons, and his many friends
in the city attest to his genial nature and strict busi-
ness integrity. Naturally deeply interested in the
further development of his native county, he takes his
share of the burden in whatever projects are under
way with that end in view, and is public-spirited to
the degree found in all true Californians.
ARTHUR 'WOOD BUTLER.— A delta rancher
who has made a real success in orcharding and in
the raising of superior vegetables because of his mas-
tery of all the natural conditions entering into the
local problems with which he has had to deal, is
Arthur Wood Butler, who owns 178 exceedingly at-
tractive acres in the Delta region, his home place
being on Grand Island, near Walnut Grove. He was
born in Solano County, not far from Suisun, on Nov-
ember 2, 1859, the son of Newton C. and Pauline
(Barker) Butler, his father, a native of Iowa, having
come to California in 1850, traveling across the great
plains with ox-teams and a prairie schooner. He
mined for a short time in the Feather River country,
and then he settled in the Suisun Valley, and farmed
there the balance of his life, dying at the age of sev-
enty-two. Mrs. Butler, who lived to see her sixty-
third year, was a native of Tennessee, and had many
of the virtues and accomplishments for which the
ladies of that state are justly famous.
One of six children, Arthur Wood Butler went to
the public schools in Suisun Valley, and then helping
his father, remained faithful to his parents on the
home ranch, until he was twenty-four years old. when
he took up farming for himself in Montezuma Hills.
In 1891 he went to Los Angeles County and was farm-
ing on a ranch in Antelope Valley, where he raised
stock and grain. Then he returned to Rio Vista. In
1907 he bought fifty acres on Grand Island, part of
which was already in orchard; and the balance he
set out as orchard, or planted to asparagus. Later,
he bought a second ranch of fiftj' acres on Grand
Island, below Ryde, all in asparagus. He irrigates
the first, but not the second ranch, as he does not
find it necessary. In October, 1921, with his son-in-
law, he bought a ranch of seventy-five acres on Mer-
ritt Island, previously known as the Quinn ranch, and
part of this acreage is devoted to orchard, part to
open land. On this Merritt Island farm, he also en-
gages in the growing of carrots, pumpkins, onions,
and spinach, to provide seed for the C. C. Morse Seed
Company, of San Francisco. He is a member of the
California Pear Growers' Association and California
Fruit Exchange and has been a member of the As-
paragus Growers' Association from its organization.
At Rio Vista, November 11, 1884, Mr. Butler was
married to Miss Jessie Mclntyre, a native of Bran-
nan Island, Sacramento County, and the daughter of
George and Emma Bodenhammer Mclntyre. early
HISTORY OF SACRA^IEXTO COUNTY
1001
settlers in Sacramento County, born in \'irginia
and Illinois respectively. The father came here in
1852 and was a pioneer on Brannan Island; he died
at eighty-two years, his wife having preceded him
many years, passing away when thirty-seven. Mrs.
Butler is the oldest of their five children. Two chil-
dren have blessed this fortunate union. Elsie is Mrs.
Rugaard, and she resides on the home place; and
Ruth is Mrs. Ernest Mayhood, and she resides near
Rio Vista. Elsie has two children, Ruth Elaine and
Helen Jean; and Ruth has one son, Ernest Mayhood.
Jr. Mrs. Butler is a member of the Congregational
Church at Rio \'ista. Mr. Butler, years ago, built a
residence on his Grand Island ranch, mak.ng that his
home-place, situated one and one-half miles north of
Walnut Grove bridge. In national politics, he is a
Democrat, but that does not prevent him from being
a good, non-partisan booster tor the home locality.
LOUIS HELDCORN.— An enterprising, progres-
sive native of Holland, who has done so well since
coming to California that he has proven an incentive
to many others and pointed the way to those ambi-
tious of doing something useful with their lives, is
Louis Heldoorn, who was born in Amsterdam, on
October 31, 1886, and there trained in the excellent
schoo's for which that land is famous. His parents
were William and Holida Heldoorn, who provided
their famili" with the usual comforts of the old-time
Dutch home. The father is now deceased; but the
mother still lives, the center of a circle of many de-
voted friends.
At the age of twenty-three Louis Heldoorn crossed
the seas to the L'nited States; and in 1916, he pushed
on west to California and cast his lines in pleasant
waters at Sacramento. The Golden State presented
life in other outlines and different hues than one
would find in the land of Orange; but if the gigantfc
and ancient windmil's were wanting, the rivers and
canals were here, and it was not long before he was
at home. He was for a while engaged in transporta-
tion; and then he formed a partnership with Mr.
Hudspeth, and opened the Enterprise Employment
Agency, at one of the popular bureaus in the cit}-.
He sold out his interest in the Enterprise Employ-
ment Agency- November 10, 1922. He is at pres-
ent located at 901 Second Street, and is about to
engage in the building game in North Sacramento.
Mr. Heldoorn is deeply interested in Sacramento,
town and county, and ready to do all that he can to
hasten the day when California shall tru')- come to
its own.
SCHNEIDER BROS.— An enterprising, very suc-
cessful and prosperous firm that has had an impor-
tant part in the development of Sacramento and
Placer County commerce, is Schneider Bros., the pro-
prietors of the popular auto-truck line for the han-
dling of freight between Sacramento and Auburn.
Schneider Bros, bought out the interests of a concern
already established; and their busy headquarters are
at 124 K Street, Sacramento. They came to the
capital in 1922, and opened shop on the first day of
April; and ever since they have been regarded as one
of the necessary fi.xtures of the city and its thriving
environs.
Having looked over the ground, and sized up the
local situation with a deal of far-sightedness, the
Messrs. Schneider threw themselves into the project
optimistically, took up the gauntlet of "nothing dare,
nothing share," and the results of their venture prove
that their judgment was pretty sound; Sacramento
and Auburn and the wayside districts have responded
and liberalh" supported their excellent service. They
operate four trucks, besides an emergency truck,
employing four men to assist them, make four round
trips every day between Sacramento and Auburn, and
maintain a regular schedule; and they use one truck
to haul such perishables as ice cream, delicate garden
truck, etc. They have never avoided, but on the con-
trary have sought opportunities to help advance the
commercial, industrial and social interests of this
favored part of the Golden State; and all who are
informed as to what, through unremitting effort,
unwearying labor and the use of considerable capital,
they accomplish, will agree that the public owes the
Messrs. Schneider Bros, at the very least many meas-
ures of good-will and best wishes.
LEONHART ROPCKE.— Among those of for-
eign birth who have profited by the excellent oppor-
tunities for advancement presented in Sacramento
County is Leonhart Ropcke, who was born in 1869,
in Germany, the son of William and Doris Ropcke.
He was educated in the schools of his native country,
and learned to be a cook. After serving his time in
the German Arm}', he came to the LTnited States at
the age of twenty-one, and was employed on the
government transports as a cook. He left the service
of his adopted country, and settled in Reno, where
he resided for ten years and engaged in hotel work.
In 1912 he came to Sacramento and conducted the
hotel in the Harvey House. Selling out. he ran the
Graser Hotel in Wil'.iams two years. In 1917, he
cstab'ished the firm of the Golden West Pickle
Works, and enjoys a most lucrative wholesale busi-
ness in and about Sacramento.
In 1906, at Reno, Nev.. Leonhart Ropcke was
united in marriage with Miss Mary Church, who was
born in Ireland. She passed away in 1915. He was
married a second time, in Sacramento, to Miss Annie
Mosselwhite, of England, in 1917. Politically, Mr.
Ropcke adheres to the Republican party; fraternally,
he is a Moose; and he is a member of the Chamber
of Commerce. He is very fond of horses and is
deeply interested in the advancement and future of
the community.
CHARLES MILES.— A progressive man who is
fast rising in the business world and enjoying the
fruits of intelligent industry, and a well-merited pop-
ularity, is Charles Miles, who was born September
18, 1884. in Monkton, County of Kent, England, the
son of Albert and Mary (Measdey) Miles. His father
was a contractor and builder in Margate, County
Kent, till he retired there. Both parents are deceased.
Charles Miles was educated in the public schools
and in St. George's College of Ramsgate for one year.
He went to work with his father, who was a well-
known contractor and builder, and afterwards as jour-
neyman had the interesting experience of working
in many cities in foreign countries, among which
were Africa, India and Australia, and, in fact, he
went all over the world. Coming to northern Cali-
fornia, he operated the first gasoline type of cater-
pillar used for irrigation. On April 1, 1907, he
located in San Francisco, where he remained for one
and one-half vears. He then came to Sacramento and
1002
HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY
obtained a position as journeyman during the Ijuild-
ing of the Sacramento Hotel, and was employed at
different work until 1915, at which time he engaged
in Ijuilding, specializing in masonry. He went to Hon-
olulu and about 1919 he took up irrigation, drainage
and road work, and has become very .successful in
this line, in Sacramento and adjoining counties.
Charles Miles was united in marriage with Miss
Alice Daisy Pointer, of London, England. They are
the parents of two children, Albert Charles and Ber-
nard Henry. Mr. Miles' political allegiance is given
to the Republican party and fraternally he is a Knight
Templar Mason and belongs to the Commandery and
the Ben AH Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Sacramento.
His career has been marked by steady advancement,
due to his close application and industry, and he de^
serves classification with the successful and public-
spirited citizens of Sacramento County.
JAMES L. LYONS. — An experienced member of
the well disciplined and well equipped fire depart-
ment of Sacramento is Capt. James L. Lyons. Born
in Ireland, he first saw the light on the 21st day
of September, 1883, in Galway, the son of James
L. Lyons and his wife Sophia Griffith, They were
exceUent folks, of the old-fashioned, but dependable
school; and now that they have closed their earthly
labors, it is pleasant to record that only good may be
said of them.
James Lyons, Jr.. progressed through the public
schools and then put in two years pursuing collegiate
work; and then, at the age of sixteen, went to Aus-
tralia. He returned to Ireland for two or three years;
and in 1904 crossed the Atlantic to the United States,
and for a year or two remained in the East, getting
accustomed to American ways. He was wide-awake
to profit by every experience, and in consequence
he steadily came forward.
In 1906, he came to Sacramento, where he re-
mained a year, then went to Oakland with the Santa
Fe, checking freight, until 1910, when he went East
and was married in Pittsburgh, Pa. Returning to
California he settled in Sacramento, where he was
employed by the Southern Pacific shops for two
years. He joined the fire department in 1915, and in
time took the captain's examinations. In December,
1920, he was appointed a substitute captain and in
1921 was appointed captain. He belongs to the
Firemen's Relief and Protective Association, and
busies himself studying the manjr new problems aris-
ing in the operation of the department, affecting the
efficiency of the service to the- tax-payer, on the one
hand, and the welfare of the firemen, on the other.
He is a Republican in matters of national politics;
but a non-partisan worker for the community in
which he lives and thrives, whenever local questions
forge to the fore. He built a residence at 4429 Y
Street, where he resides with his family.
In Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1910, Captain Lyons mar-
ried Miss Margaret Reynolds, a gifted and accom-
plished lady from the East; and their four promising
chi'dren, James L., third, John Melvin, George F.,
and Marguerite Frances attest to the happiness of their
union. The second oldest, Sophia Florence, died at
the age of two and one-half j'ears. The Captain has
filled all chairs of the Odd Fellows Lodge. He is
fond of outdoor life, finding here in Sacramento,
close at home, all the appeal to Nature he could
desire.
FRANK B. HUDSPETH.— Only those persons
sorely in need of finding proper, congenial and profit-
able employment, and particularly those who know
from bitter experience how often it is next to im-
possible for the individual, operating alone, to estab-
lish a worth-while connection, can realize what a boon
to many the Enterprise Labor Agency has proven since
it was established, in 1921, by Frank B. Hudspeth
and Louis Heldoorn. Mr. Hudspeth was born at
San Francisco, on August 26, 1888, the son of John
Hudspeth, who had come to Ca'ifornia the year be-
fore. Mrs. Hudspeth died when our subject was a
babe; and now Mr. Hudspeth is deceased. Both had
many friends, the result of high qualities and their
appreciation by others.
Frank B. Hudspeth profited by the good courses
of instruction in the schools of San Francisco, and
then worked at various occupations, including real
estate and newspaper work in San Francisco; and
in October, 1919, he first settled in Sacramento. Two
years later, on April 27, he and Mr. Heldoorn found-
ed the Enterprise Labor Agency at 901 Second Street.
The methods adopted by the managers, their fair
and square way of dealing with both employer and
would-be employe, their personal interest and eager-
ness to assist in solving problems to the mutual sat-
isfaction of a'l concerned — these attributes have con-
tributed to that popularity which inevitably spells
material success. The firm moved to the present ad-
dress, at 129 J Street, October 20, 1922. Since No-
vember 10, 1922, Frank B. Hudspeth has been and
is sole proprietor, and the present firm name is the
Enterprise Employment Office. Mr. Hudspeth is a
Knight of Pythias.
GIUSEPPE BALDOCCHI.— A very successful
rancher who must be proud of the results he has
enjoyed in his scientific and practical methods of
cultivating asparagus, is Giuseppe Baldocchi, the
owner of some seventy-five choice acres on Sherman
Island. He was born in the province of Lucca, Italy,
on November 24, 1888, the son of Nicodimo and
Louisa Baldocchi, and his father came out to Cali-
fornia in the early days, settling near Courtland on
the Sacramento River. After a while, he returned to
Italy, and there his good wife passed away when
twenty-eight years old, while he is still living, aged
seventy-one years. Giuseppe was the older of their
two children born of this union. The sister died in
youth and the father married again, and had one
child, Pietro, who resides in Lucca. Giuseppe was
sent to the best ordinary schools of the neighborhood
and got a good start for his battle with the world.
In 1903, having heard of the many attractive fea-
tures of American life, Mr. Baldocchi came to the
United States, and for a short time he was on the
Sacramento River, and then he went back to the bay
city, and lived there eight years. And in that city, on
August 14, 1906, he was married, to Miss Mary
Novero, who was born in Piedmonte, and knew the
life to which he had been accustomed in Italj'. Her
father, Joseph Novero, who had taken for a wife Har-
riet Togliatto, came to California with his family
when Mrs. Baldocchi was thirteen years old, and
Mrs. Novero died on Brannan Island, about twenty-
four years ago. He first settled on the Sacramento
River, and farmed on the island until he died, Octo-
ber 13, 1922, at the age of fifty-six years, as a result
of an automobile accident. There were four children
HISTORY OF SACRAMEN'IH) COUNTY
1003
iu the family, Mary being the second in the order of
birth. Modesto is the eldest. Sylva the third, and the
yoinigest is John. Mrs. Baldocchi attended school
on both Brannan and Sherman Islands.
Mr. and Mrs. Baldocchi took up their residence on
Sherman Island, where they purchased seventy-five
acres of land, and there they have since farmed. They
have improved the farm with numerous buildings,
and today it is one of the really attractive ranches
there. They have been blessed with three children.
Louisa was born on October 6, 1907; Armando first
saw the light on March 6. 1914; and Guido entered
the family on February 19, 1918. Mr. Baldocchi is a
Republican; a member of the board of trustees of
Riverside district school on Sherman Island; and a
past chancellor of Jefiferson Lodge, Knights of Pyth-
ias, of San Francisco.
JOSEPH BIANCHL— Among the substantial
residents of the communit}", a factor for good and
progress in moral and social circles is Joseph Bianchi,
the proprietor of the Paris French Bakery, He was
born July 4, 1892, in Italy, a son of August and Caro-
line Bianchi. His father first came to the United
States, and his family followed later, and they reside
in Sacramento.
Joseph Bianchi was educated in the schools of
Italy. When he was fifteen years old he came to
America with his mother, and went directly to Sacra-
mento, where he worked on his uncle's farm three
years, and then learned the bakery business. In 1914
he established his own bakery and in 1915 he bought
his present place of business, which is equipped with
the latest modern improvements. He does a great
deal of retail business and some wholesale, having
four delivery automobiles to handle the distribution
of his bakery goods.
Mr. Bianchi was united in marriage with Miss
Emma Apostolo, a native daughter of Italy. They
are the parents of two children: Telly, and Caroline.
He is an Odd Fellow, an Eagle and a Druid, and a
member of the California Hospital Association. He
and his family stand high in the estimation of the
community where they have resided for many years.
He is especially fond of hunting, and at all times is
deeply interested in the welfare of his community,
aiding materially in the county's advancement. In
national political affairs he is a Republican.
PAUL D. MARITSAS.— A contractor so experi-
enced, enterprising and conscientious in his under-
takings and work that he could not help meeting with
deserved success, is Paul D. Maritsas, a native of
Greece, where he w-as born on July 29, 1881, but a
loyal American. He went to school in Greece, and as
early as 1901 came out to the United States, hoping
here to find the land of opportunity. Nor was he dis-
appointed. He stopped for a while at Chicago and
Salt Lake City and then he managed to reach Van-
couver, B. C, in 1910. From there he went to Seat-
tle in 1913-1914. In each of these places he enlarged
his experience as a contractor; and the year 1914, so
notable in history as the beginning of the great World
War, saw him safely landed at Sacramento, ready to
assist in the building up of the rapidly developing
capital.
Since then Mr. Maritsas has done about $150,000
worth of work for the reclamation board of the state,
and all in Sacramento County and the Districts Nos.
1510 and 1600, and he has also accomplished much for
ihe Natomas and Sutter Basin Companies. In every
instance, Mr. Maritsas has easily proved one of the
most efficient contractors for such work, and one able
to meet with new and untried problems. He has also
been able to establish records for rapidity and
economy.
It is evident, therefore, that Mr. Maritsas has done
well for himself and done well for Sacramento County
in coming here; and it is certain that as the years
go by, he will be more and more in demand. His
live interest in Sacramento County, and his willing-
ness, like a good booster, to cooperate in hastening
the day when this portion of the great Golden State
comes to its own, will be sure to open new avenues
for his usefulness, and to add to his popularity.
CHRIS MERZ.— Widely famous as among the
best-appointed, and most comfortable and attractive
hostelries in northern California, and one that has
done much to make the capital city an attractive cen-
ter for both transients and more permanent guests, is
the Golden Eagle Hotel, which waS' bought in 191.3
by the late Chris Merz, who by natural gifts, devel-
oped talent and experience, was one of the most cap-
able men of afifairs to be found in Sacramento. He
was a native of Germany, and was born at Akhngen,
about seventy-five miles from Stuttgart, in one of the
most romantic and picturesque mountain districts of
Europe, not far from the Hardt and Linsenberg spurs
of the Alb, the high-lying and well-cultivated plain
of the Baar, and the long Heuberg, poking its brow
2,894 feet into the blue sky, as if in competition with
the flattened cone of the Hohenkarpfen, and bearing
on its nearest peak, almost read\' to topple over into
the green valleys below, the Dreifaltigkeitskirche, or
Church of the Trinity, erected there just how, in its
dizzying environment, few if any persons nowadays
can tell. He first saw the light on December 8, 1875,
and came to the United States at the impressionable
age of thirteen, when a lad is most likely to profit by
all that he sees and hears. He had gone to the reg-
ular schools in his native country, and was not slow
to avail himself of the fine opportunities alTorded by
the American night schools, in addition to which he
found a stay of three years upon his uncle's cotton
plantation in Texas particularly profitable.
Leaving the Lone Star cotton-fields, he came north
into California in 1897, and for eight years was at
Los Angeles, for a while as proprietor of the Palace
Restaurant; but removing to Sacramento, he opened
a cafe at 806 K Street, which he conducted until he
bought the Golden Eagle Hotel, in 1913, an establish-
ment which he improved more and more, by untiring
application and wise, generous expenditures for better
ef|uipment and service, and which he continued to
conduct, to the great satisfaction of the communit\-,
until his death.
In Sacramento, Mr. Merz was married to Miss
Alvina Welch, a native of Alsatian Strassburg.
France, and a gifted, popu'ar lady who had resided
at the California capital since 1898; and their fortu-
nate union was further blessed iu a son, Edward
Merz, now also an experienced hotel man. Mrs. Merz
is a member of the Eastern Star and the White
Shrine, and she also belongs to, and is usefully active
in the Ladies' Aid Society at St. John's Lutheran
Church. Chris Merz was a Republican in matters of
1004
JIISTORV OF SACRA.MEXTO COUXTY
national political import, and especially influential in
civic circles because he was always willing to put
aside partisan issues and boost for the locality in
which he found himself. He was a Knight Tem-
plar Mason, and a member of Islam Temple. N. M. S.,
in San Francisco. He also belonged to the Foresters
and the Red Men. and to the Turnverein. He was
liberal to a fault, good to the poor, and helped
wherever and whenever, and in whatever movement,
the opportunity was afforded. He breathed his last
in September, 1921; and in his death the city and
county lost an exemplary citizen, gentleman and
manly man.
The Golden Eagle Hotel was established in 1853.
but the name of its first proprietor, owing to the lack
of orderly records of that formative time in the build-
ing of the Pacific commonwealth, does not seem to
be known. From its beginning, however, it had a
large and enviably lucrative patronage bj" the best
people who lived in. or came and went to and from
the city; and here all the notables of the times
stopped, — the governors of the state, and all the high
officials, the first governor of the state even making
his hoine here for a wh!le. Celebrities such as Buffalo
Bill also made the Golden Eagle their headquarters
when in Sacramento, drawing other notables hither,
and leading men of international repute or lasting
fame, from every quarter of the globe, have rested or
feasted under the Golden Eagle's hospitable roof, and
the old register, a most highly prized souvenir, con-
tains their historic names. Toda}', under the highly
progressive and liberal management of Mrs. Merz
and her son Edward, who affords valuable assistance
to his mother, the hotel is conducted as a first-class
hostelry, the managers continuing there the broad pol-
icies instituted by the long-experienced and lamented
Chris Merz. It is indeed a thoroughly modern and
first-class establishment, rebuilt and made up-to-date
in every respect, with a capacity of 150 rooms. Sac-
ramento will never forget Chris Merz, one of the
true founders of the capital city, whose foresight led
him to be an optimistic prophet of the future great-
ness of both town and county; and in the popular
Golden Eagle Hotel the fast-developing and prosper-
ous northern metropolis has one of the most inter-
esting memorials and monuments.
CLARENCE J. RAMBO.— A public accountant
who is widelj- and well-known for his expert work.
the fruits of exceptional training and a valuable expe-
rience, is Clarence J. Rambo, a native of New Jersey
and since the beginning of the last decade a promi-
nent member of the professional corps at Sacramento.
He was born on May 23. 1890, when he entered the
family circle of Aaron and Anna (Brown) Rambo.
and he enjo3-ed the advantages of a grammar school
and a high school course, which offered also excellent
training along business lines. There and thereafter he
took special training to fit him for his profession, and
that profession he has followed ever since, not only
elevating himself, but adding distinction to the city in
which he has come to make his home.
It was in 1913 that Mr. Rambo came to California.
and the same year when he opened a Sacramento
office. He was not long in specializing on income
taxes; and having established branch offices in Wash-
ington, D. C, and in Los Angeles, he has been suc-
cessful from the beginning in attracting and in hold-
ing an important clientage. He is nationally known
for his scholarly knowledge of conditions likely to
affect the interests of his patrons in this part of the
world, and enviably of repute for his high ethical
standards. The Sacramento Chamber of Commerce
is glad to number him among its most progressive
members.
When Mr. Rambo was married. Miss Sybil Mark-
ham of Iowa became his wife and gifted companion;
and their happy union has been blessed with the birth
of two children, Arthur and Clara. Mr. Rambo is
public-spirited and decidedly patriotic; which means
that his allegiance to the Republican party is broad-
minded, rather than merely partisan, and that he is
deeply interested in Sacramento County, its past,
present and future.
CLARENCE R. PARKER.— Doubtless among the
most popular of all high school officials in Sacra-
mento— and the high school has long been favored
with an exceptionally able and experienced faculty, al!
well-liked — is Clarence R. Parker, the aggressive ath-
letic coach, a native son proud of his association -with
the Golden State, having first seen the light at Santa
Ana. He was born on June 2, 1887, and his parents
were I. D. and Helen May (Gill) Parker. His father
crossed the great plains as a ten-months-old babe,
brought by his parents, who moved to Pomona, where
the Parkers took up ranching. There the mother
died, mourned by all who knew her excellent qualities.
Clarence went to the grammar school and high
school of Pomona, and after that matriculated at
Claremont Col'ege, from which he was duly graduated
in 1911, when he received the coveted B. S. degree.
Later, in 1916, he was given the M. A. degree by the
L'niversity of California, and when thusi equipped, he
taught for a year in the high school at Turlock. He
next went to Fullerton. in Southern California, and
for three years instructed there, and added to his
experience and friends; and after that he was for a
year in San Francisco.
In the fall of 1917. he came to the Sacramento high
school, and here, as elsewhere before, he has had
charge of athletic exercise and physical deve'opment.
He likes his work, and thoroughly believes in it; and
he is recognized as an inspiring athletic instructor,
well-liked by everj-body. He has raised the athletic
morale in the Sacramento high school decidedly since
he came to the capital city; and in so doing, he has
extended the fame not on'y of one of the most im-
portant of all the secondary schools in California, but
of the historic city as well.
By his marriage, in 1915. Mr. Parker was united
with Miss Elsie Barnes, of Iowa, the ceremony taking
place at Wichita. Kans.; and the well-mated couple
have enjoyed their domestic life, our subject being
decidedly a "home man." He is fond of farming, and
duly interested in Sacramento Count}', its stirring
past and its promising future; and in political or civic
affairs he thinks and acts independent of party.
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