Claire RASOR, Ph.D., M. D.

The Sacramento valley has just reason to feel proud of its native-born sons, many of whom have attained distinction in their chosen callings and have risen to prominence not limited to the boundaries of the locality, but extending throughout the state. In the list of rising citizens list mention belongs to Dr. Rasor, a young physician of exceptional ability, thorough education and profound mastery of the science of therapeutics, who has scored many a success in surgery and holds an enviable rank in that department of the profession. Since he entered upon practice in Woodland he has proved his skill in diagnosis, accuracy in treatment and the wide scope of his researches in material medica. Perhaps no work in which he has engaged exceeds in importance that in connection with the Woodland sanitarium, an unincorporated institution, of which he is vice-president and a member of the board of directors. The hospital owes its establishment to the public spirit and energy of five physicians of Woodland, of whom he was one. Realizing the great need of such an institution they united their efforts. The result appears in a structure built in mission style at a cost of $22,500, and equipped with all modern appliances for the care of patients and the performance of surgical operations of all kinds, major and minor, trivial and extreme, these being carried through with dispatch and skill, to the credit of the institution and the gratification of the interested parties.

A resume of the life of Dr. Rasor shows that he is eligible to membership in the Native Sons of the Golden West and has the further honor of being a lifelong resident of the Sacramento valley. In what is now Glenn county, but then was within the limits of Colusa county, he was born June 15, 1883, on a farm near Willows. Of Virginian lineage, he was a son of Andrew Jackson Rasor, a native of the Old Dominion, but in early life an emigrant to Missouri, whence during the summer of 1850 he crossed the plains with wagons and ox-teams. He was then a youth of eighteen years, rugged and well fit to endure the hardships of such a journey as well as the subsequent privations incident to mining. From the mines he went to the agricultural lands and for years engaged in the raising of grain and stock. A tract of twelve hundred and eighty acres four miles north of Princeton was improved through his painstaking labors and there he built a substantial farmhouse, added other buildings as needed, and lived the arduous life of a western pioneer farmer. Eventually he retired from active labors and spent his last days in the enjoyment of the comforts rendered possible through earlier years of self-sacrifice. His death occurred August 26, 1910, about sixty years after he had crossed the plains to the coast. In politics he was a lifelong Democrat, while fraternally he was identified with the Masons. About ten years before his demise that of his wife had occurred September 11, 1900, at the old homestead; she bore the maiden name of Clara Brockman and was born in Missouri, from which state in 1856 she accompanied her parents across the plains.

There were nine sons and daughters in the paternal family and five of these survive. The youngest member of the family circle, Claire, passed the years of early childhood upon the home farm, from which he was sent to the Woodland high school. After he had graduated in 1902 he entered the department of pharmacy, University of California, and carried on the regular course there, graduating in 1904 with the degree of Ph.G. Immediately after his graduation he matriculated in the medical department of the Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill., and there he finished the regular course of study, graduating in 1908 with the degree of M.D. An experience as an interne at Wesley hospital in Chicago proved most helpful to him and he continued in the position for two years, after which in 1910 he opened an office at Woodland. Here he married Miss Martha Garrette, who had been his classmate in the high school and who has spent her life in her native city. In politics he was reared in the Democratic faith and always has adhered to its principles. Fraternally he was made a Mason in Woodland Lodge No. 156, F. & A. M., and during his college life he was identified with the Phi Delta Chi and Phi Rho Sigma, while since then he has become an active member in the Yolo County Medical Society (of which he is now vice-president), also the State and American Medical Associations.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 756 - 758.

J. George RATH

a farmer near Woodland, is a son of Andrew and Margareta (Harzer), natives of Germany; the father, a farmer by trade, died in Germany, January 23, 1889; and the mother died when George was a small boy. The latter was born in Germany in 1856, and in 1872 he emigrated to America, landing in New York city, where he remained six months, and then came on to California by railroad, locating in Woodland. His first employment was an engagement with Mr. C. Coil in farming, and next for Fred Mast, and finally he purchased, in 1880, a tract of 320 acres in what is called Hungry Hollow, Yolo County, and there he lived until last year, when he came to his present place two miles due west of Woodland on Main street, where he has fifty-two acres and raises clover and stock; on the larger tract in Hungry Hollow he raises wheat principally.

He married Sarah Mast in 1880. She was born in Minnesota and came to California with her parents when but four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Rath have three children, Emma E., George F. and Frieda A.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

Walter G. READ

Of all the pioneers of Yolo county, none gave a larger share of interest and assistance toward its progress than did Walter G. Read, who died while on a trip to Freehold, N. J., April 17, 1907. He was born in Fall River, Mass., February 21, 1854, and was a member of a prominent Massachusetts family, his grandfather, the Hon. Benjamin Read, having been a representative in the legislature of that state. His father, Francis B. Read, was a farmer and merchant of Fall River, but in 1854 took his family to Carlyle, Clinton county, Ill., where they lived until 1872, thence immigrating to California and settling in Colusa county on the site where the town of Arbuckle now stands. Two years later Mr. Read purchased a ranch five miles northwest of Colusa and engaged in general farming, moving in 1880 to Bear Valley, where he resided six years. He then removed to Ellensburg, Wash., and there he passed away when in his seventy-second year. He was survived by six of his eight children, and his wife, who afterwards died in Colusa in October, 1906. She was formerly Angeline Grinnell, a descendant of an old Massachusetts family, and was born in Little Compton, R. I.

Walter G. Read was educated in the public schools of Carlyle, Ill., coming in 1872 to California with his parents. Shortly after his arrival in the west he entered Heald's Business College in San Francisco, and upon graduating retuned home, where he assisted his father on the ranch, later establishing a farm of his own and raising grain on the Sacramento river with great success for several years. In 1880 he accepted an opportunity to enter a new field and became a salesman in the employ of Walter A. Wood, the manufacturer of harvesters and farming machinery. His territory was extensive, covering the states north from Texas to Canada, and his success was immediate. His knowledge of machinery enables him to give valuable suggestions to the Wood Company, which lost no time in incorporating his hints in their models. After nine years of this work Mr. Read traveled about a year on the western coast in the interests of the Wood Company, and in 1891 left the field. He then secured a farm near his father's place and set out an almond orchard. Later he invented and patented an almond huller which he successfully marketed, since it met a long-felt want. This was the beginning of a series of practical inventions which Mr. Read brought to fruition and which he manufactured on his place until his removal to Davis, where he erected a modern shop to meet the rapid increase of business. One of his principal inventions I the Read portable and automatic hay derrick for stacking hay; another, a folding trestle much appreciated by carpenters and paper-hangers. In 1904 Mr. Read established a mill for the preparation of almonds for the market. This plant is two stories high, 80x120, and has a capacity of five hundred tons of almonds. Here is accomplished every stage of the work of preparing the almonds for commercial use. He also had in his mill a grain-cleaner and steam barley roller. Mr. Read also invented the Read apricot pit-cracker and upon its completion operated it in various towns, including Fresno, Davis and Los Angeles, where it was greeted with approbation by those engaged in the almond industry. Mr. Read will also be remembered as having successfully grafted the English walnut on the black walnut tree, the experiment occurring in Sacramento valley, many vain attempts to that end having been made prior to his efforts.

Mr. Read's assistance in securing water rights for the University Farm at Davis was deeply appreciated by those interested in the institution. He spared no pains to aid in the upbuilding of Davis and community and enjoyed a large circle of friends throughout the state. He was a Republican in politics and was a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a Modern Woodman. Both he and his wife were actively associated with the Presbyterian Church of Davis, and since his death Mrs. Read has faithfully carried on the interests of her husband. Upon the destruction by fire of the Read warehouse in Davis, she at once erected a corrugated iron structure to take its place, a rolling mill being added to the new building. Here also apricot pits were extracted, grain stored and barley rolled. However, in the fall of 1911 the warehouse where the pitcrackers were stored was burned and the two machines were lost.

Formerly Mrs. Read was Mrs. Jennie (Drummond) Lillard, born near Davis, and she has one child, Lewis Craig Lillard. She received her early education in the public schools and afterward she graduated from Snell Seminary in Oakland. She is an active member of the Rebekahs and the Eastern Star and is one of the most popular and progressive women in the community.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County California with Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present" page 331-333 by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, 1913.

Maurice REARDON

Seldom is it the privilege of the biographer to chronicle a life whose activities were centered upon one farm for a period of fifty years. In this era of change and restlessness few there are who can boast of identification with any one spot on old Mother Earth, but it was a source of pride to Maurice Reardon that he gave the larger part of his life and the greatest measure of his energies to the development of the property now known as his old homestead. Hither he came not many years after gold had been discovered. As he turned the first furrows in the virgin soil, so also he erected the first substantial buildings on the place and harvested the first crops of grain. As time passed by he saw the swift locomotive supersede the slow-moving stage coach. Villages sprang up and farms began to show signs of prosperity. But it was a far cry from the desolation of the '50s to the civilization of the twentieth century, and few there were, who, like himself, could claim an association with both eras.

A native of Ireland, Maurice Reardon was born September 10, 1819, and there he passed the uneventful days of boyhood. From his early life he was interested in tales concerning America and resolved to seek a livelihood there. In pursuance of the plan he crossed the ocean in young manhood and settled in Massachusetts, where he found employment in the city of Boston. During September of 1850 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Griffin at Lawrence, Mass., and from that time until her demise in 1901 he enjoyed the inestimable benefit of her keen judgment, persevering industry and shrewd intelligence. His life was prolonged for five years after her decease, but the loneliness of old age had fallen upon him and notwithstanding the devoted ministrations of sons and daughters he never recovered from the deep bereavement of her death.

Of the six children comprising the family of Maurice and Elizabeth Reardon, four were born in Massachusetts prior to the departure of the parents from the east and their removal via Panama to California, where they took up land in Yolo county and developed a farm of three hundred and twenty acres seven miles northwest of Davis. The two eldest children, John and Mary (Mrs. Quinn) were twins. The others were as follows: Thomas; Nellie, who married Edward Malone and lives in Sacramento; Lizzie, Mrs. William O'Connell of Napa; and Margaret. The first-named son, John, was born in Boston but has lived in California from early childhood, and after he had completed the studies of the common schools he engaged in farming and stock-raising. For a long period he was an extensive sheep shearer in Nevada, Oregon, Wyoming and Idaho. Near Davis he owns a stock and grain farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he formerly operated personally, but now leases to a tenant. The other son, Thomas, owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres near Davis, where he keeps a full quota of stock, including a flock of sixty-five sheep. Grain is the principle product of the land and an average of thirteen sacks of wheat to the acre was the record for the last crop harvested. In fraternal relations he holds membership with the Foresters of America. By his marriage to Clara Braun, a native of Germany, he is the father of two children, Edward and Elizabeth.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 506 - 509.

Edward REASBECK

As a citizen of progressive spirit and good business ability Mr. Reasbeck has attained both prosperity and influence during his long residence in Yolo county, his many friends and associates fully appreciating his qualities of honor and manliness and his example of public interest. Born November 3, 1842, in Pomerania, Prussia, Mr. Reasbeck was educated there and later became a railroad employee. After fifteen years of faithful service he decided to leave his native land and cast his fortunes in America. He landed in New York City in 1882, and from there came to Woodland, Yolo county. Here for two years he engaged in farming and fruit raising, and then removed to the foothills of Butte county, where he purchased thirty acres, which he still retains. In 1905 he took up his residence in Winters, where he owns one and three-ninths acres, upon which is located his present comfortable residence.

In 1866 Mr. Reasbeck married Miss Helena Neamann, also a native of Prussia, and to their union two children were born: William Carl Theodore, a fruit grower near Winters, and Maria Wilhelmina Johanna, also a resident of Winters.

Mr. Reasbeck is a stanch Republican, prompt to aid all public movements of worth, and as an active member of the Christian Church of Winters takes a prominent part in the betterment of social conditions.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 367 - 368.

Hayward REED

Prominent among California orchardists is Hayward Reed, who resides near Washington, Yolo county, where his birth occurred February 15, 1876. His parents were Charles W. and Abbie (Jenks) Reed, natives of New York and Illinois, respectively. In 1851 Charles W. Reed came to California via Panama, bringing with him forty-five varieties of pear trees. For a time after his arrival in the west he prospected, but shortly abandoned this uncertain occupation to experiment with his various species of pears. After selecting the Bartlett as the type best adapted to this climate, he established a nursery at Washington, where he raised millions of trees which he sold to consumers in different parts of the Pacific coast. He set out what is known as the Reed orchard across the river from Sacramento. His orchard reaching the point of fruition, he accompanied his first carload of fruit east, the freight amounting to $1,700. Returning to California, he continued to devote his attention to his orchards until his death in 1896, Mrs. Reed passing away in 1911. Their children are as follows: Dudley, of Sacramento; Charles W., an attorney in San Francisco; Howard, of Marysville; Rowena, who is the wife of Professor DeMeter, who occupies the chair of German at the University of California, at Berkeley; and Hayward.

Hayward Reed received his education in the public schools of Sacramento, graduating from the high school in 1898. During the last month of school, upon the declaration of war between Spain and the Philippines, he enlisted in the Third U. S. Artillery, Battery L, journeying to Manila on the third expedition, and served there for sixteen months. Near that city his regiment took part in many battles, one of which cost the life of Captain Krayenbull of his battalion. During this period Captain Hobbs and a number of lieutenants, also, were seriously wounded. In 1900 Mr. Reed made his first trip to Alaska on the whaling ship Thresher going to Nome, where he engaged in mining. He returned in the fall of that year, but in 1901 again went to Alaska, this time on the whaler Jeanne, taking with him about a hundred boxes of oranges and lemons, many of which he sold for twenty-five cents each on the beach to the winter-bound residents there. After spending the season at mining on Iron Creek, he returned home and took charge of the home place for his mother, also renting two small orchards. The following year he rented in the vicinity of Washington eighteen pear orchards which he conducted two years, one of which consisted of eighty acres which he purchased in 1908. In 1911 this orchard yielded fifty thousand boxes of pears, most of which were sent to the cannery, a portion being shipped east. In December, 1911, Mr. Reed purchased near Marysville, Yuba county, a six hundred and fifty acre ranch containing a large pear orchard. He sold off half of it, retaining the pear orchard, which place is known as the New England orchard, and here he has set out nineteen thousand new pear trees in the past two years. It is located seven miles down the Feather river from Marysville. He makes his home, however, at Rose Orchard, which was named for his wife, and this orchard comprises a hundred and fifty acres and is situated two and a half miles west of Sacramento. He has also set out sixteen thousand pear trees on this orchard in the last four years and on the two places which cover over four hundred and fifty acres he has about four hundred acres planted to pears. It is a significant fact that either of then ranks among the largest pear orchards in the world. During the year 1912 two thousand three hundred tons of pears were produced from these orchards. Mr. Reed also engaged in raising prunes in the season of 1912. His rented orchards in Shasta county yielded about six hundred tons. At Rose Orchard he has spurs running from both the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks and those of the Sacramento and Woodland road, and he has a large packing house where the pears are arranged for shipment to the different consumers, and the balance he sends to points in the East. His two celebrated brands are the New England and the Rose Orchard.

In Sacramento September 8, 1907, Mr. Reed was united in marriage with Miss Rose Mather, born in San Francisco. They have two children, George and Rose. Mr. Reed is a member of the Spanish War Veterans and is a member of the Baptist Church in Sacramento. The Y. M. C. A. has in him not only a member, but a very active worker, he being a member of the board of trustees, whose philanthropies he espouses, and he is very active in the building of the new Y. M. C. A. building at Fifth and J streets in Sacramento. In 1907 with his wife, Mr. Reed visited foreign lands, the trip leading them through Europe and into Egypt, the sojourn covering a period of three month. In 1909 he made the trip along the Panama canal and in 1912 went to the Sandwich Islands, while there investigating the Mediterranean fruit fly. In politics Mr. Reed holds to the principles of the Republican party, believing in their movements as best for the interests of the community. Both Mr. Reed and his wife are deeply interested in the development of their community, and enjoy the high regard of many friends.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 866 - 868.

W. F. REID

W. F. Reid, a retired farmer residing seven miles southeast of Davisville, Yolo County, was born in Garrard County, Kentucky, June 20, 1812, his parents being Joseph and Elizabeth (Slavin) Reid, the former a native of Virginia, born in 1779, a farmer by occupation, and the latter a native of North Carolina. They moved to Adair County, Kentucky, when the subject of this notice was a year and a half old, and six and a half years afterward they moved into Tennessee; two years subsequently to Franklin County, that State; in 1829 into Alabama; in 1844 back to Tennessee; in 1853 to Arkansas; and in 1857 to California, landing at Sacramento. He bought a place in Yolo County, which he still owns, containing 320 acres, seven miles southeast of Davisville.

October 6, 1834, Mr. Reid was united in marriage with Elizabeth Shores, a native of Tennessee, and a daughter of Levi and Mary Shores, natives of North Carolina. She was born in 1818, and died October 11, 1889, the period of their married life being fifty-five years, lacking only twenty-five days. In their family have been sixteen children, three of whom are deceased. The living are: Joseph B., Alexander H., Eliza A., Mary I., Reuben E., Sarah F., Alfred, William F., Jr., John M., Margaret E., James H., Louis L. and Emma; and the deceased are: Levi, who died in 1861; Lucie E., who died in 1876; and Hannah W., who died in 1884.

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891

Henry REHM

For generation the name of Rehm was one well and favorably known in Germany and subsequently claimed like distinction in Russia, whither the grandfather of our subject, Jacob Rehm, migrated during the reign of Czarina Ekatherina. In Russia as in Germany the grandfather was a tiller of the soil. Among the children in his family was Jacob Rehm, who was born on the paternal farm in Russia and who in later years became a contractor and builder. He became a citizen well known and highly respected in Petersburg, where he built up a large trade in his line. His marriage united him with Barbara Fohrath, who like himself was a native of Russia and was a descendant of German ancestors.

Three children comprised the family of Jacob and Barbara (Fohrath) Rehm, and the second of these was Henry Rehm, who was born in Petersbury, Russia, May 31, 1878. His early life was identified with the city of his birth, and up to the age of fifteen years his time was passed in the national schools of Petersburg. This ended his training so far as books were concerned, but in reality the closing of his school days was but the beginning of that larger education which is gained through contact with the outside world and the meeting and solving aright of the problems of life that come to all. Leaving home surroundings at the age of fifteen he went to Orenburg and apprenticed himself to the baker's trade, which he completed in the prescribed time and thereafter worked as a journeyman in different parts of Russia and Germany. Subsequently he returned to Russia and joined the army, his service of four years therein fitting him admirably for the active service which awaited him in the breaking out of the Japanese-Russian war. He was ordered to the front and as a member of the Fifty-sixth Cavalry, First company, in which he held the rank of quartermaster sergeant, he rendered valiant service, having participated in the battles of Leoyan and Mukden. In recognition of heroism displayed in the battle of Leoyan, when he was shot in the right leg, he received a medal with the line of promotion to second lieutenant. At the close of his service he was honorably discharged.

Mr. Rehm was a young man of twenty-seven when, in 1905, he landed in the harbor of New York, a stranger to the language and customs of the country which he had selected for his future home. Youth and ambition were in his favor and these apparent obstacles proved no bar to his progress. Instead of lingering in the east he came during the same year to Woodland, Yolo county, Cal., where at that time he was not able to secure work at his trade, but hearing of an opportunity at Sacramento he went to that city. With the means which he had been able to accumulate through one year of hard work and frugal living he returned to Woodland and opened a business of his own. The beginning was necessarily small and unpretentious, and would hardly be recognized in the fine modern plant at No. 422 Main street which has been made possible by the push and energy of the proprietor. Besides dispensing the wholesome commodities of a first-class bakery, Mr. Rehm has added a coffee parlor to his place, an innovation that is appreciated, as demonstrated in the hearty patronage that it receives.

Before coming to this country Mr. Rehm was married, in Orenburg, Russia, to Miss Margareta Brehm, who was a native of that city. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rehm, as follows: Henry, Frederick, Lydia and Wilhelm. The family are communicants of St. John's Lutheran Church at Woodland, in the activities of which all participate. Politically Mr. Rehm is a Republican, and his fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of the World, Royal Neighbors and Herman Sons.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 834 - 835.

Jacob REIFF

Experiences in existence in regions far distant from each other have given to Mr. Reiff a profound comprehension of life viewed from the standpoint of a traveler and a close observer. During his younger years he had little ambition toward the accumulation of wealth. With a realization that he would pass through youth but once he enjoyed to its utmost that fleeting period of life and spent his earnings in the pleasure of travel, not only returning to his native Germany for a protracted visit, but also journeying through much of the United States and inspecting parts of the country seldom visited by men dependent upon their daily wages for a livelihood. Nor has he had reason to regret the enjoyments or expenses of young manhood, for he is comfortably situated in an attractive home and by industrious application he has provided for the necessities of an oncoming old age.

Born in Wurtemberg, Germany, January 17, 1843, educated in the schools of his native locality, and trained in a humble home for useful service in the world, he earned his livelihood from a very early age as an employee in a cotton mill. At first he held a very humble positions, but recognition of his industry came with advancement in wages and responsibilities. Finally he was made foreman of the mill. After eight years in the same plant he resigned his position and in 1864 crossed the ocean to the new world, proceeding from New York to Ohio and securing employment with a farmer in Miami county. At first he received only $10 per month, but after he had become familiar with the language and the customs of the country he easily earned $1 per day. Evidence of his trustworthiness appears in the fact that he continued for five years with one man and then resigned against the protests of his employer in order that he might return to Germany. The visit at the old home in 1871 brought its pleasures in reunion with relatives and friends, but after two months he became anxious to return to the United States. The land across the seas suited him better than Germany and he came back to become a permanent citizen of his adopted country.

Upon his return to Ohio and to Miami county Mr. Reiff resumed work with his former employer and this time he continued on his farm for three years. During 1875 he came west and settled in California, first working in Alameda county a short time, then finding employment in Yolo county, where he remained twenty-two months. The richer by $500 for the comparatively brief period spent in this locality, he went back to Ohio on a visit, then traveled through the south and east and saw many of the large cities of our country. With exhausted finances, but with an abundance of hope, he came once more to Yolo county in January of 1877. Being utterly without money, it was necessary to find employment at once. For five years he worked for Captain Ramsay. Next he pre-empted a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres. A portion of that tract he placed under cultivation to grain. Upon selling the land he went to Hungry Hollow and for a year worked in the mountains for wages.

The purchase of two hundred acres of raw land from the railroad company gave Mr. Reiff as start as a land-owner and for twenty years he remained on the same place, meanwhile clearing the land, bringing it under cultivation and improving it with necessary farm buildings. When he left that farm it was to settle upon a fruit farm of one hundred acres. Besides taking care of the trees and harvesting the crops of fruit, he rented outside lands which he placed under cultivation to grain. For seven years he remained on the rented farm and then removed to his present ranch, buying the same two years after his removal to it.

When forty-three years of age Mr. Reiff established a home of his own, being united February 28, 1886, with Miss Rosamund M. Sweitzer, a native of Germany, but since 1884 a resident of Hungry Hollow, Yolo county. She was the daughter of Martin Sweitzer, who came to Yolo county in 1883. Four children were born of the union, Fred, Minnie, Carl W., and Rosalie. The older son assists in the raising of grain and the care of the stock on the home farm. The family are identified with the German Lutheran Church. Both Mr. Reiff and his wife were confirmed in that faith when they were yet living in Germany and ever since coming to the new world they have remained faithful to the tenets of their religion. In national elections Mr. Reiff votes with the Republican party, but in local campaigns he takes an independent attitude and supports the men whom he considers best qualified to represent the people irrespective of their political views. It has been his preference to avoid offices and the only exception was made in consideration of the needs of the local schools, which he served as a director. In the land of his adoption he has had varying experiences. Not a few reverses have retarded his progress and lessened his success. Notwithstanding these he has accumulated a competence, has won the friendship of associates, has overcome obstacles and risen to a position of respect and influence which may well cause him to feel content to cast in his fortunes with the great west.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 838 - 840.

John Milton RHODES

The ancestry of the Rhodes family is traced back to the New England colonies, its members fighting valiantly to defend their right to freedom from the Mother Country, and the stalwart characteristics of these early ancestors were no less marked in the generations which followed them. Henry Rhodes was born in Rhode Island, and his wife, before her marriage Esther Mason, was born in Connecticut, a descendant of John Mason, who figured conspicuously in the history of the New England colonies about the year 1635.

Into the home of Henry and Esther (Mason) Rhodes John Milton Rhodes was born February 12, 1817, in Middlebury, Ohio, whither the parents had removed sometime prior to the birth of their son. Middlebury continued to be the home of the family for a number of years, the son in the meantime attending the public school and also the Tallmadge Central Union School, and in 1830 he accompanied his parents to Canal Fulton, that state, where the father engaged in the mercantile business. A subsequent removal took the family to Massillon, in which vicinity the father purchased a farm and a grist mill. For a time John M. Rhodes was interested with his father in the latter's new undertaking, but as a broader field for his abilities seemed to lie elsewhere than in farming the association was of short duration. More congenial work was found with his uncle, Jesse Rhodes, a business man in Massillon, and in his establishment he remained as bookkeeper and accountant until 1835. Through the influence of his uncle Mr. Rhodes in that year secured a position as bookkeeper with William T. Dixon & Co., a well-known wholesale dry goods house of New York City, and although he was less than nineteen years old and had no knowledge of the world, he set out for the metropolis with a determination to conquer obstacles and make a success of his life, and the resolution then made was never lost sight of throughout his long and checkered career. The duties of his new position were arduous and the hours long, sixteen hours a day being the average, but his determination to make a success of his venture in new fields made discouragement or fatigue unknown. That his services were appreciated by his employers was evident when, at the end of the first year, his salary was doubled. After a service of seven years in Mr. Dixon's employ, in 1842 he resigned his position to embark in business for himself in Canal Fulton, Ohio. A few years later he removed to Mansfield, the same state, there too establishing himself in a mercantile business.

It was while in business in Mansfield that Mr. Rhodes was married, October 12, 1846, in Chillicothe, to Miss Mary Jane Beall Christmas, and after their marriage the young people settled in a comfortable home in Mansfield. The following year, upon the organization of the Farmers' Bank of Mansfield, Mr. Rhodes was chosen cashier, a position which he filled for three years, resigning at the end of that time to establish a banking house in Sacramento, Cal., with two associates. Making the voyage by way of the Panama route, he finally reached San Francisco, going from there directly to Sacramento, where he found conditions as favorable as he had anticipated and proceeded at once with his banking venture. The bank of Rhodes, Sturges & Co. was launched early in the year 1850, in quarters on Second street between J and K streets, and it was there that it passed through some of the most trying experiences of those years of hardships and disaster. Following an epidemic of cholera that visited the city with disastrous effects the fire of 1852 left the firm practically penniless, their losses mounting to not less than $25,000, with no insurance, as no insurance company had as yet been started in the town. In the meantime, in 1851, Mr. Rhodes had returned to Ohio for his family and in the same year Mr. Sturges had retired from the business and had also returned to Ohio. Undismayed by the wreck and ruin in which the fire had left him Mr. Rhodes rebuilt his banking business in the same year, only to meet with another disaster in the flood of January, 1853.

In 1852 John M. Rhodes assisted his brother James and his uncle, Jesse Rhodes, to start in the express business on the Shasta route, the company having in Weaverville and Yreka, Cal., and in Jacksonville, Ore. A few years after the firm had started in business a robbery occurred in which the messengers were held up and gold dust in the amount of $20,000 taken from them. John M. Rhodes had become responsible for the business of his kinsmen by guaranteeing drafts, and thus he became a very heavy loser by the theft. Another enterprise in which Mr. Rhodes was a prominent figure was the building of the plank road into Sacramento, he being the treasurer of the company that constructed the road in 1853. After experiencing a chain of losses through fire, floods and robbery Mr. Rhodes concluded that it would be wise for him to fasten his attention upon something tangible. It was following this decision that he purchased the undivided half of seven and one-half leagues of land in Capay valley, Yolo county, equal to about sixteen thousand acres, purchasing the land from Pioche & Bayarke, bankers of San Francisco. The bankers mentioned acquired title through Jasper O'Farrell, and he from Berryessa, the original grantee. Mr. Rhodes subsequently admitted F. W. Fratt into partnership in the ownership of this land, each in a subsequent division taking eight thousand acres. Subsequently he operated three flour mills in Yolo county, in Knights Landing, Woodland and Madison. In 1857 he had established his home in Capay valley, continuing to reside there for about seven years, when he removed with his family to Sacramento and continued there until his milling interests in Woodland made it desirable to locate in that city.

That Mr. Rhodes was a man of courage and indomitable spirit needs no reiteration, for the trials which he passed through in the course of his career mark him as an unusual man, for few there are who could pass through experiences similar to his and still maintain his optimism and sweetness of spirit. In speaking of the events that had come into his life he singled out those that occurred during the year of 1855-56 as being the most disastrous. It was in that year that he signed State Treasurer Bates' official bond for $100,000. Bates, through a misappropriation of the state's money by a subordinate, became short in his accounts to the state and suit for the recovery of the money was imminent. Mr. Rhodes' depositors naturally became alarmed and before he was able to realize sufficient funds from other sources to meet the drafts on his institution he was forced to suspend payment. The silver lining to this dark cloud was the fact that all of the demands made upon him were subsequently discharged, and that he at no time took advantage of the bankrupt law or the statute of limitations to pay his debts. His operations in real estate, with the exception of the losses by fire, were uniformly profitable and did much to relieve him from the embarrassment that threatened him in other lines.

In 1878 Mr. Rhodes was elected a member of the constitutional convention that drafted the present constitution of the state. He was peculiarly fitted for the position, and his co-workers gave him credit for a great deal that was accomplished in the stupendous work of drafting the constitution. He was a fluent speaker and he spoke from the rostrum frequently in favor of the adoption of the constitution.

Having disposed of his property in Yolo county, in 1883 Mr. Rhodes removed to Lassen county, Cal., and being deeply impressed with the beauty of the green meadows and the beautiful mountain brooks he determined to make his home there. In this quiet spot he purchased a stock ranch of seventeen hundred and eighty-eight acres in Long valley, a fitting place in which to pass the remaining years of his useful life. To the end he took an optimistic view of life, accepting the bitter with the sweet, and in his passing, August 4, 1908, at Reno, Nev., one of God's noblemen was called to his reward.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 622 - 627.

John Dietrich RICHIE

One of the most liberal and enterprising citizens of Yolo county for thirty years, Mr. Richie lent his aid toward the development of that section; and his death, January 2, 1890, was the occasion of sincere regret among his many friends and associates, who fully appreciated his exceptional qualities of both mind and heart.

Born September 10, 1819, near Heilgenbruch, Germany, Mr. Richie was of most aristocratic lineage, having been a member of a famous family of Hanover, who owned not only the city of his birth, but a large estate adjacent thereto. Upon completion of his education he became a navigator and in time became an officer on Atlantic liners plying between Bremen and New York City. In 1850 he resigned his position in New York City and came by way of Panama to California. Proceeding to Yreka, Siskiyou county, he operated a mine there, and also bought and sold stock. After the severe winter of 1862, having suffered the total loss of his heads, in common with other stock dealers, he settled in Yolo county, where he engaged in both cattle and sheep raising. In 1864 he purchased four hundred and eighty acres eight miles west of Woodland, which he stocked with sheep, increasing his holdings gradually, until at the time of his death he was the owner of twenty-six hundred acres and many thousands of sheep. In 1885 he bought in Woodland a ten-acre tract, upon which, in 1887 he erected a beautiful and commodious residence. Later her disposed of one-half of the property.

Mr. Richie's marriage, in Sacramento, June 8, 1873, united him with Miss Elizabeth Schaumloeffel, whose birth occurred in Obervorschutz, Hessen-Cassel, where also her father, Conrad Schaumloeffel, was born. He died in Sacramento in 1900, while upon his second visit to California. Mrs. Schaumloeffel, who prior to her marriage was Elizabeth Riedemann, spent her life in her native land, passing away June 13, 1870. To their union seven children were born: Henry, of Sacramento; Mrs. P. H. Menken, also of that city; Mrs. William Kuhn, who resides in Woodland; Mrs. Theodore Muegge, of San Francisco; Mrs. Christene Rietz, who resides upon the old home place in Obervorschutz, Germany; George, who died at the age of thirty-years, as the result of disease contracted in the Franco-Prussian war; and Mrs. Richie. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Richie three children were born, as follows: Annie M., who was educated at the Holy Rosary Academy, as was also Ottilia, the latter the widow of Bruce Strong, of Woodland; and Adolph H., who resides upon and manages his mother's ranch.

Since her husband's death Mrs. Richie has conducted the business along the same lines that brought him such splendid success. She is farming the home place of four hundred and eighty acres, being engaged in sheep raising on the large ranch. The two ranches are about a mile apart. Mrs. Richie is actively identified with the German Lutheran Evangelical Church, giving time and money to the worthy causes supported by that organization, and she is especially interested in the Ladies' Aid Society. In 1892 she donated the site upon which the present German Lutheran Church was erected that year. Though in common with others she has suffered both disappointment and sorrow, Mrs. Richie has ever retained her natural optimism and womanly sympathy qualities which have enshrined her memory in many an aching heart, and with her accustomed habit of counting her blessings, rejoices in the supreme privilege of motherhood, her children having been the source of her greatest happiness.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 824 - 825.

RICHTER BROTHERS

That conspicuous era of western development whose climax was reached in the memorable year of 1849 witnessed the identification of the Richter family with California and the beginning of their long and honorable association with the commonwealth. It was Andreas Richter, a young German of stalwart frame and sturdy powers of endurance, who left his native place near the city of Berlin and crossed the ocean to the new world, landing a Memphis, Tenn., in 1846. Hearing of the trouble in the west, Mr. Richter, who had served his three years in the German army, enlisted in the Mexican war, at the of which he went to St. Louis. His stay there, however, was brief, for again he was lured to the west and in 1849 came to San Francisco as a gold-seeker. In the midst of the chaos then existing he found employment at the mines and for several years he experienced the joys and sorrows of a miner's life, he having lost considerable in the Fraser river country. Subsequently he established a large pack train, by which he profited well in supplying the needs of man. Eventually he laid by an amount sufficient to permit him to return in comfort to his old German home beyond the seas. The visit was not made solely for the purpose of renewing the associations of childhood, but with a deeper purpose in view, for there he married Miss Amelia Lehman, his boyhood sweetheart and the devoted companion of his later years.

Upon the arrival of the young German couple in California they came at once to Yolo county, where Mr. Richter bought a tract of raw land, one hundred and sixty acres one mile north of Yolo. With unwearied ardor he cleared the tract, put up necessary buildings and brought the land under cultivation. A comfortable home was provided for his growing family. Constant application brought its merited reward. Eventually he became known as a prosperous farmer and always he was honored as a patriotic German-American citizen and as a representative of the class of men indispensable to western development. On the home farm where for years he had lived and labored his useful existence came to an end in 1896 and here too his wife passed away some years later. The old home is still occupied by some of their family and it will be long ere their memory will grow dim in the hearts of descendants or in the annals of the pioneers of the county.

The Richter family comprises four sons and six daughters. The eldest, Henry, is engaged in business at Berkeley, this state. The daughters are Emma, the wife of Jacob Freiberger; Mrs. Laura Cooper; Miss Amelia H. Richter; Mrs. Ella Rehmke; Mrs. Minnie Millsap; Mrs. Elizabeth M. Curtis; Lewis J., Herman H. and Adolph J., the last-named a resident of Oregon. Under the firm name of Richter Brothers two of the sons, Lewis J. and Herman H., have since the death of the father operated the old homestead where they were reared. During 1903 they increased their enterprises by the purchase of three hundred and twenty acres, which they now cultivate in addition to managing the estate. Their activities are varied and extensive. Horses, sheep, cattle and hogs may be seen on their lands and each in its own line contributes to the income of the proprietors, who exercise sagacious judgment in the purchase and care of stock and are accounted experts in this department of agriculture. In the raising of grain they also are experienced and successful, while the making of hay adds another to the list of activities that contribute to their prosperity. Throughout Yolo county they are well known and everywhere they are honored as men of high principles and farmers of recognized skill who, by their capable work, are adding prestige to an honored family name.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 755 - 756.

Edward RIDLEY

Not long after gold had been discovered in California and throngs of fortune-seekers had begun to seek the western coast, the family of James Ridley crossed the plains with wagons and ox-teams, taking with them such absolute necessities as the arduous trip demanded. With the caravan traveled a small boy, James Taylor Ridley, a son of James, Sr., and a native of Missouri. A girl, Vianna Pope, also came with the same expedition, having joined her parents in removing from her native Missouri to the unknown regions of the west. Destiny later united the fortunes of the young people, who married during the pioneer period of our state history and settled upon a farm in Tehama county, later returning to Yolo county and settling at Dunnigan, where the wife, who survives her husband, still makes her home. The head of the emigrating expedition, James Ridley, Sr., developed a large tract of raw land near Black's Station and remained in Yolo county throughout the balance of his life.

There were thirteen children in the family of James T. and Vianna Ridley and all but two of these are still living. The youngest, Edward, was born in Tehama county, this state, September 3, 1882, and at the age of six years accompanied his parents to Yolo county, where he attended the Dunnigan public schools. While yet a mere lad his business tendencies began to assert themselves. With an eager desire to earn a livelihood he took up any occupation that afforded a moneyed recompense, but from the first his inclinations were toward the care and management of horses. He can scarcely remember when he first began to be interested in equine flesh. Few men are more competent than he to judge their merits or discover their blemishes. No defect escapes his keen glance. On the contrary no good point is overlooked. With such tastes as these it is natural that he should embark in the livery business. When only eighteen he started a livery business and built a barn at Dunnigan, where he continued for a considerable period.

Desiring to avail himself of the enlarged business opportunities afforded by Woodland, in 1907 Mr. Ridley removed hither, having sold his livery outfit at Dunnigan and rented the barn there. Shortly after his arrival here he started the Pacific stable on Main street, and remained in that place for two years, after which, in July of 1909, he bought the Fashion stable. Since then he has devoted his attention to a general livery business and has maintained the excellent reputation held by the concern of which he is the proprietor. With exacting scrupulousness he gives himself to the work at hand, neglecting no small detail, but carefully overseeing the horses, caring for the large equipment of vehicles and keeping the harness in first-class condition. As yet he has devoted his time to business to the exclusion of politics and has taken no part in public affairs other than voting the Republican ticket, but he keeps posted concerning questions of vital importance to the country and particularly zealous regarding the progress of the commonwealth. His wife, like himself, has the proud distinction of being a native Californian. She bore the maiden name of Amanda Hiatt and was born in Sutter county, Cal., but during girlhood lived near Dunnigan. She received the educational advantages of that section, being a graduate of the Woodland high school and the Woodland Business College. Their marriage was solemnized in Sacramento and has been blessed with one daughter, Velma Ellen. The family has a high social standing among the people of Woodland and contributes to many of the movements for the upbuilding and permanent welfare of the city.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 758 - 759.

James RIDLEY

JAMES RIDLEY, a farmer north of Black's, Yolo County, was born May 27, 1818, in Bledsoe County, Tennessee, a son of William and Margaret (Maxwell) Ridley, natives also of that State. At the age of sixteen years he went to Alabama, and resided there until 1835, when he moved to the northern part of Missouri. In 1861 he came with ox teams to California, locating immediately in Yolo County and renting land of Charles Barnes, the first year, and the next year (1863) he purchased the place where he now resides, three miles north of Black's. It embraces 163 acres of excellent land.

He was married in 1835 to Miss Louisa Shumate, a native of Tennessee. Their ten children are: James T., Thomas, William, Margaret, Louisa, Francis, Mary, Larate, Ella and Susie.

Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, Lewis Publishing Co. , 1891
Transcribed by: Betty Wilson, August 2004 ©

William Edward ROACH

One of the most prosperous and highly esteemed farmers and viticulturists of Yolo county is Mr. Roach, who since 1892 has been identified with Woodland and Madison. He was born February 18, 1872, near Ironton, Lawrence county, Ohio, and in that state too his parents Eli and Mary (Dillon) Roach, were born. They became farmers of Lawrence county and there, they now reside. The son received his education in the schools of his home locality and at the age of seventeen he went to Douglas county, Ill., where for two years he was employed on a farm. It was in 1892 that he came to California and located in Woodland, and after being variously employed for a time he became an employe on the place of Dr. H. P. Merritt, remaining there for about twelve years, all of this time excepting the first year being foreman of the ranch. Subsequently, going to San Francisco, he secured a position in the shops of the Union Iron Works and remained there about eighteen months. Later on he leased the old Dr. H. P. Merritt ranch near Madison, a tract of twelve hundred acres, and this he has farmed every since with increasing success. In January, 1911, at Mullen station, one mile south of Woodland, he purchased eighty acres for $227.50 an acre, all set to vineyard, mostly table grapes. He leases his vineyard profitably, his 1912 rent netting him $1500, showing an increased valuation of over one hundred percent. He operates his ranch with eight mule teams, and gathers his crops with a combined harvester, which he propels with thirty head of mules. Besides raising grain and alfalfa he also raises cattle and hogs.

The marriage of Mr. Roach occurred in San Francisco in September, 1897, and united him with Miss Nellie Kerr, who like himself was a native of Lawrence county, Ohio. The two children born to them are Floyd D. and Mary B. Mr. Roach has one brother in California, John C. Roach, who makes his home with him. A member of Madison Lodge No. 287, I. O. O. F., of which he is past grand, Mr. Roach is also affiliated with the encampment at Woodland. Politically he is a stanch Democrat, keenly interested in both civic and national issues. As a citizen of the highest type and worth, he enjoys the universal esteem of his associates, and may always be relied upon to contribute his share toward the progress of the community.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 486 - 489.

Hampton E. ROBERTS

The possibilities open to intelligent and persistent application are abundantly exemplified in the past successes and present activities of Hampton E. Roberts, who solely through his own exertions has risen to a position of prominence in business circles. When he was ten years of age he lost his father by death and when he was thirteen he began to be self-supporting. With characteristic determination he devoted his evenings to study and in this way he was able to complete the course of instruction in Pierce's Business College, where he acquired a systematic knowledge of commercial affairs indispensable to subsequent enterprises. Liberal and enterprising, he ranks among the honored and upright citizens of Woodland and is regarded as a valuable element in civic progress.

The history of the Roberts family indicates their association with California ever since the era of gold discovery. Shortly after news was received concerning the mining possibilities of the west George Roberts, a native of Arkansas and a young man of rugged health and robust constitution, crossed the plains with a large expedition of argonauts. For him the mines held little fascination and less gold, so he soon turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. The lands were then raw and unimproved, their possibilities unknown, but a large market existed for all that could be raised. For a long period he conducted a grain and stock farm near Silveyville, in Solano county, but in 1883 he retired from ranching and settled in Woodland, where in 1889 he passed away at the age of sixty-nine years. For years after he came to the coast he remained a bachelor, but eventually he married Miss Mary E. Mennefee, who was born in Missouri and in infancy was brought across the plains during the summer of 1849. The journey was made with wagons and ox-teams. Many hardships were encountered, but the deepest trouble came from the illness and death of the father, Arthur Mennefee. The body was buried on the plains and the family came on to the west, where they first settled at Placerville.

The family of George and Mary E. (Mennefee) Roberts consisted of two sons, Albert and Hampton E., both residents of Woodland, where their mother also continues to make her home. Hampton E., was born at Dixon, Cal., January 28, 1879, but his earliest memories are associated with Woodland, for the family removed to this town when he was still a mere child. At the age of thirteen he secured employment as a messenger boy with the telephone company and as his fidelity received recognition he was promoted from time to time. By studying at night he fitted himself for higher positions. At the age of twenty he was made manager of the Woodland exchange, which at the time comprised Yolo, Colusa and Glenn counties. The work of reorganization limited the district to Woodland and Yolo county, of which he now acts as manager for the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company, filling the responsible position with the greatest energy and the most conscientious devotion. When he entered the employ of the company there were only thirteen telephones in the system, but he has witnessed the gradual growth until there are now eleven hundred telephones in this one exchange. Since 1900 he has also served as city electrician. His marriage took place in Woodland January 20, 1912, and united him with Miss Ora Windsor, who was born at College City, Colusa county.

The management of the large and important telephone system does not represent the limit of the business activities of Mr. Roberts, who in addition is interested in the Electric garage on Main and Third streets, the oldest business of its kind in Woodland. Not only did he assist in starting the Electric Garage Company, but in addition he has continued a partner up to the present time and has assisted in the building up of a successful trade. In 1912 it was incorporated as the Electric Garage, of which he is a director, secretary and treasurer. The company acts as agent for the E. M. F. 30, Flanders, Mitchell, Maxwell, Haynes and Rambler, and has recently erected a building 44x190 feet in dimensions, containing all modern equipments, including a machine shop with vulcanizing and electric-charging apparatus. While his time is closely filled with business affairs, Mr. Roberts finds leisure for intelligent study of political questions and at national elections he votes the Democratic ticket. Besides being a member of Woodland Lodge No. 111, I. O. O. F., and the encampment, he was made a Mason in Woodland Lodge No. 156, F. & A. M., and has been a leading member and active worker in both organizations.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 778 - 779.

Calvin N. ROBINSON

By his splendid business ability and sterling characteristics Calvin N. Robinson has won not only prosperity, but likewise the unqualified regard of his associates throughout Winters and vicinity, to the development which he has contributed most generously.

Born January 28, 1875, in Nevada, Mr. Robinson came a year later to Yolo county, Cal., brought hither by his parents, who came originally from New York. In 1881 they moved to Solano county, remaining there for two years, and then returned to Yolo county, where C. N. Robinson has since lived and which place he has made the field of his labors. The only child of his parents, he was given a thorough education in the public schools which was later supplemented by a course at the Atkinson Business College in Sacramento. Starting out in life for himself he first purchased forty-three acres on Putah creek and later added sixty-six acres to his holdings, his property being now divided as follows: apricots, ten acres; peaches and plums, twenty-five acres; grapes, fifteen acres; and tomatoes, three acres; the remainder of the land comprising the grounds surrounding his comfortable home. In 1910 he sold thirty-three tons of apricots and shipped two thousand boxes of peaches, his tomatoes yielding three and one-third tons to the acre and his vineyard producing twelve hundred boxes for which he received $1.25 per box. He is also engaged in raising hay and stock, for which he finds a ready market.

Mr. Robinson was united in marriage with Miss Anna Hall, whose birth occurred in Texas, and whose parents migrated to California when she was but a child. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have three children, Florence M., Zelda E. and Baby.

Mr. Robinson is a Republican, intelligently interested in political developments and is a member of Acacia Camp No. 170, W. O. W., and the Christian Church of Winters, in which his wife also holds active membership, endeavoring at all times to lend his best efforts to the progress of the community and the welfare of his fellow citizens.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 542 - 545.

Charles ROBINSON

a well-to-do farmer of Yolo County, dates his birth December 15, 1852, in Missouri. His father, Daniel Robinson, was born May 12, 1827, in Alleghany County, New York, and his mother February 1, 1829, in Lincoln County, Missouri; they were married in that State in 1849, and in 1857 started with ox teams across the plains for California, the captain of their train being Frank Perkins. On arriving in California they first stopped on Mr. Perkins' place until the ensuing spring, when they located on the place where they now reside, and which contains 480 acres of well improved good land. The father died in 1877, and the widowed mother is passing the remainder of her life at the place described. Charles still remains with his mother, an unmarried man, and he owns a ranch of 102 acres of fine land on Putah Creek two miles east of Winters.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

W. H. ROBINSON

W. H. Robinson (colored), farmer and teamster at Woodland, is the son of Denis and Mary A. (Winrow) Robinson, natives of Kentucky. His father was a slave up to the time of his death in 1839, in Ralls County, Missouri; his mother died in California, February 17, 1889, at the age of eighty-five years. She was freed by Robert Briggs, of Ralls County, when W. H. was sixteen years of age. He was born in that county, March 11, 1835, and was freed at the age of thirty by the emancipation proclamation, up to which time he was owned by John C. Briggs. He came to California in 1868, landing in San Francisco December 24, having made his journey by sea and the Isthmus. He was a resident of Buckeye, Yolo County, until 1873, when he went to Woodland, where he now has a nice little home on two acres of land. He does all kinds of farm work for other parties, having all the varieties of farming implements necessary, and he is well known as an industrious and upright citizen. He is a member of the Christian Church, as is also his family. He married, in Ralls County, Missouri, Sarah A. Shields, who was born in Kentucky, and they have two children, -- Mary A. and Samuel H.

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

John T. RODGERS

An important factor in the management of the University state farm is Mr. Rodgers, who holds the responsible position of farm foreman, having charge of all outside work in connection with the institution. He is a native of California, his birth having occurred in Davis, Yolo county, September 25, 1879. His parents, Byron H. and Mary (Rowan) Rodgers, were natives of Ireland and immigrated to California in the early '60s, settling in Yolo county, where July 1, 1909, Mr. Rodgers passed away. The following children were born into the home: Edward, who resides in Sacramento; William, Byron, Loretta, Virgie and John.

John T. Rodgers received his education in the public schools of Davis and afterward worked for William O. Russell. Subsequently he took up farming on rented land, raising grain, and following this he worked on the M. V. Sparks ranch, which is now the University state farm. When it was purchased by the state in September, 1906, he took the position of farm foreman and has held it ever since. The judicious management of his department has resulted in a marked improvement in the appearance of the grounds, which call forth the admiration of all who visit them, and his capabilities are thoroughly appreciated by the faculty and by the public in general.

June 21, 1911, Mr. Rodgers was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Rowe, also a native of California, and whose father, John Rowe, was born in Iowa, moving west in an early period. Fraternally Mr. Rodgers is a member of Golden Seal Lodge No. 110, K. of P., at Davis. He is known throughout his native community as a public-spirited and energetic young citizen.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 787 - 788.

T. G. ROGERS

As the efficient engineer of the Winters Canning Company Mr. Rogers has served for the past six years, and by his manliness and progressive spirit has won many stanch friends in that locality.

Mr. Rogers was born April 13, 1848, in Tazewell county, Va., where he spent his youth, receiving his education in the schools of that section, and during his leisure hours assisted upon the farm of his parents, Gilbert and Lena (Doak) Rogers, of Virginia, both of English parentage. At the age of eighteen he went to Harrison county, Mo., where he attended school, and two years later removed to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he became night watchman for the Ogden hotel. In April 1868, he went to Omaha, Nebr., to accept a position in the shops of the Union Pacific Railroad Company, and subsequently was transferred to the road as engineer, running the freight which hauled the rock for the piers of the iron suspension bridge built over the Missouri river at Omaha in 1869. In 1871 he resigned his duties and came to California, where for twenty-three years he was in the employ of McCune & Garnett, farmers, of Dixon, Solano county. Since settling in Winters in 1897 he has followed the trade of machinist and stationary engineer. For eleven months he acted as mail carrier for the federal forces during the Civil war, his experience having been so fraught with danger and horror that never again would he consent to undergo a similar ordeal.

Mr. Rogers was united in marriage in May, 1896, with Miss Louise King, of Tazewell county, Va., and to their union five children were born: James H., who graduated from the Winters high school; Jessie L., a graduate of the San Jose Normal; Josephine, who is a high school senior; John, and Alma.

Mr. Rogers is a member of Silveyville Lodge No. 201, F. & A. M., at Dixon, and as a prominent Democrat maintains an active interest in political developments. A citizen of practical worth, he is always prompt to lend all the aid in his power to public enterprises of merit, and is highly esteemed throughout the community.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County California with Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present" page 261 by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, 1913.

James S. ROLLINS

carriage builder and repairer at Yankville Station, Yolo County, was born May 26, 1829, in Waldo County, Maine. His father, Samuel Rollins, was born March 14, 1794, in New Hampshire, and was in early days a house carpenter. The mother, whose maiden name was Olive Beal, was born May 22, 1806, and is still living, in Maine, with scarcely a gray hair in her head! In 1862 Mr. Rollins came by way of Panama to California, and after a brief visit at several points he began plying his trade for Mr. W. B. Smith at Liberty Pole Corner, and during the next autumn bought him out and ran the business alone for five years. He then sold out and purchased a farm of 200 acres about four miles and a half northwest of Black's, and this he cultivated, besides running a blacksmith and carriage shop. He sold out this place in 1878 and bought the tract of six and a half acres which he now occupies with a fine residence, at Yankville Station. He is still carrying on the carriage-making trade, and enjoys the reputation of being a very fine workman. Also in connection with the shop he has his place set to fruit trees and raisin grapes.

He was married in 1855, in Maine, to Miss Mary E. Norton, and they have had one daughter, Estella S., now the wife of N. B. Parkhurst, in Maine. For his present wife Mr. Rollins married, in 1869, Miss Nattie F. Young, a native of Sandusky County, Ohio, and their two children are: Dallas V., born May 6, 1871, and Blanche A, January 20, 1876.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler

Thomas ROSS, M.D.

Dr. Ross has descended from the sturdy, independent Highland Scotch stock, whose influence has always been powerfully felt wherever they have resided. He himself is by birth a Canadian, and in that land of solid ideas received the practical training of every-day life so characteristic of that country, and the medical education and experience that have borne such substantial results in Dr. Ross's after life. He is the son of Murdoch Ross, a native of Rosshire, Scotland, who emigrated to Canada about 1815, and established a carriage and agricultural implement manufactory at Lancaster, Glengarry County, Ontario. This he carried on successfully, building it up into a large concern. He married, in Lancaster, Miss Catherine Ross, not a relative although of the same name, but of good Scottish lineage like himself. Her father was George Ross, originally a farmer in New York, and one of that worthy band of United Empire Loyalists who left home and possessions in the United States to follow the flag of their birth, the English -- after the Revolutionary war. Of the children of Murdoch and Catherine Ross, four are now living, viz.: Mrs. Bathia Fortune, now in British Columbia; Thomas, the subject of this sketch; John, residing on the old homestead in Canada; and Janet, who is married to Andrew Harkness, a successful physician, of Lancaster, Ontario. In his latter days Murdoch Ross closed out his manufacturing business, and turned his attention to farming, an occupation that he followed until the time of his death. His farm was one of the largest in the county, consisting of 300 acres.

Thomas was born in Lancaster, Ontario, November 25, 1840. His primary education was received in the common and grammar schools of his home, and later he took a course at St. Andrews Academy. His medical studies were begun in 1858, lectures being attended at the Medical Department of that stanch old institution, McGill University, Montreal, at which he was graduated in 1863, having also become a licentiate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Dr. Ross located at Lancaster, Ontario, and in the seven years of his residence there he built up a large and profitable practice. But at the best the opportunities at that point were limited, and besides, Dr. Ross was desirous of finding a milder climate. He came in 1870 to California, and after an examination of the State located in Woodland, with whose progress he has since been actively identified. He was led to choose this location by seeing the vast fields of wheat and grain waving over the rich and fertile lands of Yolo County, and noting the prosperous condition of the section. His experience since that time has shown him that he chose wisely and well.

In August of the same year he was married at San Jose, to Miss Martha, daughter of Captain Alexander Lindsay, of Malone, Franklin County, New York. She died in December, 1881, leaving one daughter, Olita. The Doctor was married to his present wife in August, 1886. She was before marriage Miss Ibby, daughter of J. W. Chiles, an old and respected pioneer of the coast, arriving in California in 1849, and has long been a resident in Yolo County. They have one daughter, Janet.

Dr. Ross has rapidly risen to the front rank professionally, and to-day stands among the foremost practitioners of this portion of the State. He is a prominent member of the California State Medical Society, as well as of the Yolo County Medical Society. From December, 1878, to June, 1882, he was official physician for this county. In political matters Dr. Ross ranks as one of the Republican leaders, though in no sense of the word as office-seeker, but takes such an active interest in all public affairs as to necessitate active work by him and in the councils of his party, and is a working member of the Yolo County Republican Central Committee. He is a Mason in good standing, and a charter member of Yolo Lodge, No. 22, A.O.U.W.

Of late years Dr. Ross has devoted considerable attention to business matters, and is interested in several important local enterprises. He is the present Vice President of the Woodland Street Railway Company, and is financially interested in the Yolo Winery and the Woodland Gas and Electric Light Company. Of all these he was among the organizers. On his ranch he has thorough-bred and graded Holstein cattle, and a number of good horses, some of them being from high-class stock. His place is but a mile and a half northwest from Woodland, and was purchased by him in 1881. It contains 100 acres of land, and is among the best improved places in the county. His attention was first given to the matter of planting grapes, of which he set out ten acres the first year, and working from this beginning he now has a large acreage in vines and fruit. One field of twenty-five acres is all planted to grapes, and of another field, of forty acres, the three outside rows are devoted to White Adriatic figs, pears and French prunes; the remaining space is all devoted to grapes. There are the Tokay and Emperor table varieties, the Muscatel and Seedless Sultana raisin grapes, while the wine varieties are represented by the standard Zinfandel and Matero. The vineyard must certainly be ranked among the finest in the State at its age. The ground seems to be peculiarly adapted to the healthy growth of the grape, the vines are all in fine condition, and the yield is surprisingly and uniformly heavy. An irrigating ditch, supplied from the waters of Cache Creek, divides the two fields mentioned, but irrigation has not yet been required on the grapes, generally, and has only been used in dry seasons alone on the raisin varieties, as it is claimed they do better with irrigation. He has five acres devoted principally to apricots, with some Bartlett pears, which also show fine growth and excellent prospects. A field of twenty acres, which is left to clover, shows handsome net results each year.

Dr. Ross has made all the improvements on this place, which was a mere grain-field when he purchased it. Among the more recent additions to its equipment is a large and well-appointed dryer, covered throughout with corrugated iron, and constructed on the plans most approved in that branch of industry. A feature of his own was the construction of the building two stories in height, so to utilize the surplus heat from the artificial dryer in an additional dry-room, a measure resulting in much larger drying capacity without increase in amount of fuel used. Having identified himself so thoroughly with the fruit, raisin and wine interests by his investments in these directions, Dr. Ross has given much attention to the subject of their development, as well as to the problem of properly marketing products. At the convention of fruit-growers held at Woodland in May, 1890, he delivered an address, which showed such intelligent thought upon the subject of the new and old industries of this county as to command the profound attention of all hearers. As a result a lively interest in the subject was engendered, and some opposition in sentiment was encountered among those whose attention has been given entirely to grain-raising. The able and convincing argument employed by the Doctor in support of the theory that grain is surely giving way in California to the vine and fruit trees, shows how thoroughly he has digested the subject. The entire address is here recorded, partly as a matter of instructive reading now and partly as a prophecy on the correctness of which history should pass.

"Mr. President and Gentlemen, Fruit Growers of Yolo County: When I say that I am in hearty sympathy with the objects and aims of this Convention, I express myself very feebly. The object is stated in the call to be, 'To consider the advisability of establishing a raisin-packing union, and maintaining in the interests of the fruit industry of Yolo County a mutual protective and educational society.'

"The experience of each one of us, especially with commission men, proves that the establishment of an organization of this character is a great desideratum. We grow as fine table and raisin grapes, prunes, pears, and apricots in Yolo County as can be produced in the world. In fact, a Yolo County man, the pioneer raisin-grower of the State of California, Mr. R.B. Bloners, demonstrated that Yolo County can produce the best raisins, by carrying off the first premium in the Centennial at Philadelphia in open and fair competition. Then why, ask you, are our raisins not first sought for? and why do they command the highest price in the market? I think you will agree with me in the opinion that it is principally because each grower has his own mode of packing, -- that we have no uniform grade so that the dealers can confidentially rely on the brand stated on the box. The London layers of one grower is very different from the London layers of another. The same with the Three Crown loose and so on. This uncertainty of quality, of care in packing, etc., acts to our detriment, reduces our profits, and gives our product a bad name.

"The aim of this convention is to form an organization to correct this great error. Many benefits would be secured to the producers by the organization of a union as is to-day contemplated. Among which may be stated:

"1st. -- Unity of action in effecting sales, thereby disposing of our products to the best advantage.

"2d. -- The dissemination of practical information from one grower to another in regard to the cultivation, irrigation, pruning, etc., of vines and fruit trees.

"3d. -- The impetus and stimulus which the raisin industry would receive, and that necessarily follows the interchange of ideas among practical men. Many other benefits could be named as instructive in planting, etc.

"I would suggest that the association take into consideration also the disposing of green fruits, as we grow here in Yolo County, -- table grapes of fine quality possessed of remarkable shipping virtues. Tokays here yield enormously and are of fine quality, color beautifully and can be shipped further without injury than those grown in any other section of this State.
"The fruit-growing industry in Yolo County is yet in its infancy, but is destined to be the industry, and a great source of wealth.

"We may roughly divide the industrial history of California into four decades. The first may be called the Mining Period, when California was considered to be of no value except for the precious metals its mountains and river-beds contained. The second, the Live-Stock Period, when our fertile valleys and plains were considered fit for nothing but grazing stock. Wheat-raising as a profitable industry was not dreamed of. The third is the Wheat-Raising Period, which continues to the present time. The fourth, the Fruit-Growing Period, which is even now in its infancy, a healthy and vigorous youngster, threatening to crowd out the wheat industry, which now shows marked tendencies of decline and decay.

"The wheat-grower has fallen into hard lines for the past few years. He generally owns large tracts of land, which trebles and quadruples in value, so that his taxes are yearly increased on each acre. The rate is yearly getting higher while its wheat producing capacity is gradually decreasing. The value of wheat in the market is steadily growing less, while the cost of labor remains about the same. He is, however, fighting nobly, and by the aid of steam plows and steam harvesters he hopes to so curtail the cost of raising wheat that he will reap a respectable profit, even at the low prices now prevailing. If he will not succeed in this, his last effort, then wheat-raising will indeed be a thing of the past, a pleasant memory.

"I cannot but feel, when I see those enormous machines passing through our streets, that they are mighty evidences of the nearing end; that they indicate the last expiring struggle of a great and honorable industry among us, which has added millions to the wealth of the State. In fact, the history of wheat-raising in the United States plainly points to the migratory habits of the wheat industry.

"I will read an extract from Erastus Wiman, an eminent writer in the North American Review of January, 1889, which I think will be a surprise to you. He says: 'The steady movement toward the north of the wheat producing regions of this continent is remarkable. Wheat might be supposed to be cultured safely only in the most temperate zones. But the movement of the wheat-producing areas toward the North Pole has been as steady as the movement of the needle in the compass in that direction. Within the memory of many the Genesee Valley, in the State of New York, was the great wheat-producing region, and Rochester was named the Flour City. No longer is Rochester the center of the wheat-producing areas. Westward these took their way, first to the valleys of the Ohio, then to the prairies of Illinois and Iowa, and the valleys of California, until now the most northern tier of States and Territories is found the great source of natural wealth in the production of the great cereal. The milling activities of Minnesota, the marvelous railroad development of the Northwest, both toward the West and North, and more recently toward the East, for the special accommodation of this flour and wheat trade, tell the story, so far as climate is concerned. Wheat has found its greatest success in the States of the extreme north.'

"Its steady trend to the north for so many hundreds of miles, makes it highly probable that beyond the 49th parallel wheat should be produced largely and profitably. Indeed, this is certainly so, for it so happens that north of the Minnesota line and within the Canadian territories are wheat areas possessing all the advantages of the regions to the south, but in richness, fertility and extent much greater. It will be a startling statement to make, that even in its extreme northern latitudes, the Dominion of Canada possesses a greater wheat-producing area than does the entire United States, -- that the soil of this area is richer, will last longer, and will produce a higher average of better wheat than can be produced anywhere else on the continent, if not in the world. Wheat is known to have been grown in the vicinity of numerous Hudson Bay Company's stations for twenty consecutive years, without rotation and without fertilization, and annually producing crops averaging thirty bushels to the acre.

"In corroboration, I quote a portion of a letter received from a brother-in-law, A.L. Fortune, a stock-raiser and wheat-grower located over a hundred miles north of the forty-ninth parallel of latitude north of the northern boundary of the United States; and in order to show his veracity, I will state that he was a Scotch Presbyterian minister of the Gospel, whose health failed in the ministry and was regained in the occupation of farming and stock-raising. I quote from his letter: 'Now, last year, on forty-five acres of land we estimated that there was ninety tons of fall wheat, and the balance that was under crop by unfavorable tillage only yielded one ton to the acre. The year previous twenty-five acres of the same produced twenty-eight tons, while thirty acres produced forty-five tons. All the land in this valley is wonderfully productive.'

"It is plain to every intelligent observer, who has given this matter any thought, that in the near future wheat-raising in the best parts of Yolo County, especially in the remarkable rich country around Woodland, will cease to be profitable. This, combined with the high price the land will command, will induce the landowners to sell in small tracts to fruit-growers, who will build homes, improve the lands thus secured and contribute to the prosperity of our merchants, mechanics and all of our people, by adding a most desirable class of industrious, prosperous and intelligent citizens.

"The natural advantages of Yolo County for the successful growth of grapes of all kinds, and fruits especially, the pear, prune, apricot, fig and olives, cannot be excelled in any portion of the State. Nature seems to have designed it for the fruit-growers. We have the soil, the climate, and an immense natural reservoir of pure, fresh water, just waiting to be coaxed into this valley to make it smile like a veritable Eden -- to shower treasures of wealth right and left among us. This reservoir is twenty-five miles long and ten miles broad in some places, and has an area of 200 square miles; it is situated at an altitude of 1,500 feet above the level of the sea, and has an average depth of twenty feet. I allude to Clear Lake, Lake County, the main source of Cache Creek. If this beautiful body of fresh water, so vast in extent and so favorably situated for irrigation purposes, and so easy to turn to profitable account, was located in almost any other portion of the State, especially in the southern part, it would have long ago been utilized and would have contributed millions to the wealth of the State. It, however, remains unused, in seclusion, patiently awaiting the time when the dormant energies of our people shall arouse and invite it into our valleys and scatter blessings and riches along its path.

"California is the home of the raisin grape, is the only country in the United States which is especially adapted to the grape, possessing climate, soil and conditions necessary for its luxuriant growth. Wheat is considered and has been shown to do best in northern latitudes.

"By a provision of nature the extent of country where wheat can be profitably grown is immense, while that in which the raisin grape finds the peculiar combination of soil and climate necessary for its profitable culture is very limited. Raisin grapes cannot be grown in northern climates; the severe winters will destroy them; if attempted in any country it is desirable to plant or sow that which has been found to be best adapted to its soil and climate.

"This paper has exceeded in length anything I intended. I thank you for your patient and attentive hearing."

Source: Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891, Pages 625-629
Transcribed by: Bonnie Phelan

Jesse G. ROWE, Sr.

The Rowe family comes of old eastern extraction. Jesse G. Rowe, Sr. was born in New Jersey, January 6, 1837, and at the age of two years was taken to Ohio, where his father, Philip Gray Rowe, settled on a farm near Cincinnati. In that neighborhood he attended school and also gained a practical knowledge of agriculture, later also acquiring proficiency in the trade of an engineer. At the age of nineteen years he left Ohio and went as far west as Iowa, where he remained for a number of years and followed his trade as well as agricultural pursuits. While living there he met and married Miss Susan R. Armstrong.

The journey that brought Mr. Rowe to California in 1864 was exceedingly circuitous owing to the absence of railroad connections between the east and the west. Starting at Burlington, Des Moines county, he traveled via the railroad to New York City, where he took passage on the Ariel for Panama. Crossing the isthmus on the railroad he then took passage on the Arazaba, which landed him at San Francisco in April with thirteen hundred other passengers. His plans had been made and brought him on to Sacramento and from there down into the country to aid in boring wells. After four months he went to Folsom City, Sacramento county, and rented eleven hundred acres, largely adapted to the pasturage of stock and thus utilized by him. Three hundred acres were in hay and barley and in 1865 he delivered at Sugar Loaf station fifty tons of hay and fifty tons of barley, for which he received $50 per ton. Nine profitable years were passed on that ranch and he then removed to Davisville, where ever since he has made his home.

Nine children were born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Rowe. John D., the eldest son, married Mary Horning, a native daughter of the state, and they have four children. Philip H. chose as his wife Daisy Simmons, a native of California, and they have two sons and two daughters. Jesse G., Jr., married Miss Etta Wire, a native of the state, and they have six children. Charles H., who married Florence Davis, likewise a native daughter of the state, has one child, a daughter. Laura A., Mrs. Perry Scheffer, is the mother of seven daughters. Nettie V. married Charles Hadsall, a native son of the state and at present serving as county clerk of Yolo county; they are the parents of four daughters. Minnie, Mrs. Charles Fissel, lives near Davisville and has two children. Zillah, Mrs. Orrin Wright, is a resident of Davisville. Eva is Mrs. F. A. Russell, of Woodland, and has two sons. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe are very proud of their nine children and thirty-two grandchildren, and they now have several great-grandchildren who form an object of especial affection.

During early life Mr. Rowe became identified with the Methodist Church, and he is a Democrat, as also are his sons. Fraternally Philip and John hold membership with the Woodmen, Charles has local connection with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Jesse G., Jr., belongs to Athens Lodge No. 228, F. & A. M., of Davisville. The firm of Rowe and Wire, of which Jesse G. Rowe, Jr., is a member, engages in the tinning and plumbing business, also conducts a general repair shop and deals in pumps, windmills, tanks, gasoline engines of all sizes and well-boring machinery. Outside of the men in the shop and office five men are given constant employment in the boring of wells and a large business is conducted in that line.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, pages 632 - 633.

Watson M. RUBERTS

One of Yolo county's prosperous and progressive fruit ranchers is W. M. Ruberts, who came to California in 1879. He was born in La Salle county, Ill., November 27, 1850, and while a small boy accompanied his parents to McDonough county, in the same state, where he lived until he reached the age of twenty-eight years. At this period he determined to seek his fortune in the far west, and with his family journeyed forth, settling in Woodland, Cal., where he resided about a year. Later he removed to Rumsey, Capay valley, where he purchased twenty acres, eight of which he planted to grapes, subsequently setting out on the remainder apricots and pears. He now has only eight acres, having sold off all but this amount.

Shortly after locating on this land the Southern Pacific Railroad Company bought the upper end of the valley and proceeded to improve it, building a station and subdividing the land into ten and twenty acre tracts which they planted to fruit. Owing to the superior shipping facilities thus established, the value of the surrounding land increased immensely and this section became on of the leading fruit belts of that state. Not the least to profit by the change, Mr. Ruberts prospered rapidly, and in one season he and a neighbor shipped an entire car of raisin grapes.

Mr. Ruberts was married in LaHarpe, Hancock county, Ill., in 1878 to Miss Hattie Edgington, a native of Des Moines, Iowa. Four children were born to them, namely: George, a machinist at Willows; C. Arthur, an electrical engineer of Bakersfield; Charles Irvin, a contractor of Coalinga; and Richard, an electrical engineer employed in Yolo county and residing in Rumsey. Mr. Ruberts is a stanch Republican, well versed in the political issues of the day, and is a citizen worthy of the esteem and popularity which he enjoys.

Transcribed by Bea Barton
Source: "History of Yolo County, California" by Tom Gregory. Published by the Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1913, page 360.

Calvin RUDDOCK, M.D.

Calvin Ruddock, M.D., although not a practicing physician at present, yet is one of the oldest citizens of Woodland, and of this State for forty years. His present hardy constitution and hale physique he inherits from the sturdy Scotch. His father, Edward Ruddock, emigrated from Scotland about the age of eighteen years, and the Doctor's mother is a native of Massachusetts, town of Whately. The Revolutionary war being in progress at the time, he (Mr. E. Ruddock) enlisted in the American army at Bunker Hill, and served through the remainder of the war. The Doctor's step-grandfather Stafford, and his grandfather on his mother's side, Thomas Sanderson, were also both soldiers in this war, serving from the beginning to the end. Edward Ruddock first settled in Boston, where his first occupation was milk-peddling. He afterward moved to Whately, Franklin County, Massachusetts. Shortly after he married and moved into the town of Buckland, where he made his permanent home, bringing up a family of six sons and six daughters. His wife's maiden name was Martha Sanderson. She was a native of Franklin County, and was seventeen years old at the time of her marriage, while her husband was three years her senior. They lived a happy life together for seventy-eight years, the old gentleman being ninety-eight years old and his wife ninety-seven at their death. When they went to the town of Buckland they rode, both on one horse, a distance of twenty miles into the wilderness and settled on 200 acres of heavily timbered land, which in due time was all cleared except a scanty amount left for fuel.

Calvin Ruddock, our subject, was born in Buckland, Franklin County, Massachusetts, January 18, 1814, and was brought up to the monotonous labor of farm life. At the age of sixteen years he began to learn the carriage-making trade in Ashfield, same county, and served an apprenticeship of five years.

After his five years' apprenticeship expired he went to Clinton, in Oneida County, New York, where he attended a literary school called the Liberal Institute. He afterward began the study of medicine, under the instruction of Dr. Stewart, of that place. About that time the celebrated William H. Seward was elected Governor of New York, in 1840, and Mr. Ruddock went to Albany and attended medical lectures. While there he spent a year in the office of Drs. Wing & Boyd, and continued his study there, while at the same time he attended lectures. Next he attended another course of medical lectures at the Berkshire Medical Institute at Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he graduated in 1842. All through this period the Doctor had to devote his vacations from study to teaching school, in order to replenish his scanty store of funds. His first practice was in the town of Pitcher, Chenango County, New York, which, by the way, is the burial place of all his parents. A year afterward he moved four miles further down to the town of Cincinnatus, in Cortland County, where he thought he could do better. Later he removed to Gilbertsville, Otsego County, same State, where he remained until he came West.

During all this time he was a regular physician, but had given considerable attention to homeopathy, and he at length became a zealous and thorough homeopathist. He feared that his change of system would make him unpopular, but it actually increased his patronage.

A digression to general history is here justified. Samuel A. Ruddock, a brother of Edward, was a well-to-do merchant in Boston, who at length became bankrupt; but he was so far advanced in mathematics that the Government appointed him Topographical Surveyor for the western country. For nine years he was absent on this duty from his family at their home in Charleston, South Carolina, who during all this time heard nothing from him! His work called him through the Western Territories fully to the Pacific coast. He gradually worked his way here through Mexico. While here he found gold on what he termed the "Coast Range of the Rocky Mountains." He had several pieces of metal in his possession when he was captured by the Indians near Fort Hall. To prevent the loss of his life, and even of his effects, he managed to obtain communication with some whites, who came to his relief, proving to the Indians that he was a Government officer; they therefore released him.

The letter which was written by him from this coast, to his brother Edward, gives the details relative to the above facts, and also a general description of the country. He returned to the East by way of Fort Hall, where he met Kit Carson. In later years, Dr. Ruddock having this point in mind, saw Carson at Placerville in 1849, and spoke to him on the subject. The surveyor, having only one eye, was easily described; and when asked as to whether he saw such a man at such time, Carson replied that he did recollect him, and gave the place of meeting as being between Fort Hall and the States, where Ruddock was then going. He went on to the East, and while in New York had his precious findings assayed, and it proved to be gold twenty-two carats fine.

Mr. Ruddock then continued on his journey to Washington, resigned his position and organized a company for a trip to this coast to follow gold-mining; but as he was about to start, the mountain fever was revived which he had contracted on his journey to the East, and he died; and all traces of his travel and discoveries were lost to the family. It is supposed that by the phrase "Coast Range of the Rocky Mountains," used in his letter, the Sierra Nevada was meant, as at that day the geography of this region was very obscure. His letters nerved many a '49er for the contest and fatigues of the journey. Samuel A. Ruddock laid out his route through the Southern States, New Mexico and onward to the Pacific coast by way of Fort Hall; and it was while in New Mexico or Arizona on this trip that he was taken sick and was laid up on the desert where there was no water or food for either man or beast, and the escorting company had to move on to some place for subsistence. Mr. Ruddock had therefore to be left alone to die; for to remain was death, and to go on was hope. They left him with his horse, rifle and blankets, etc. On the third day, about sunset, an elk appeared in sight; Ruddock rolled up on his elbows and brought the animal down with his rifle, and by extraordinary effort he crawled up to the fresh carcass, opened a blood-vessel and drank to satisfaction. That night he slept well. His fever was broken on the fourth day, and he moved on in pursuit of his company. Before reaching it, and while crossing a small stream running west, he discovered what proved to be gold, twenty-two carats fine.

This discovery was made eighty years ago, and the letters referred to were the wonder of Calvin's youth, and were worn into pieces by frequent perusal. Thus we have another account, to be added to several already published, of the discovery of gold in California prior to Marshall's discovery in 1848.

Mr. Calvin Ruddock, our subject, left New York State in 1848, with the intention of making a trip to this State with a company of others to whom he had imparted a knowledge of the above facts as a secret; but some of them failed to give security, and the organization was not completed. However, he continued westward, stopped in Wisconsin and practiced his profession for one year, and while there the news went abroad over the world of Marshall's discovery. He quickly organized a company and crossed the plains with a band of cattle, coming by the old Fort Hall route, and first stopped in this State at Findlay, on Bear River, where for a time they pastured their cattle. They ended their march at Sacramento in 1849, on the site where the old French Hotel was, on Front street. A few days later the Doctor went on to Placerville, where he spent a portion of the winter mining and practicing medicine. His patients became so numerous that he opened a hospital at Placerville, the first homeopathic hospital on the coast. In the fall of 1851 he came down into the Sacramento Valley to collect money which he had lent, and having to take live-stock for payment, he floated it into Yolo County, and has made it his home here ever since. This movement caused him to turn his attention to stock-raising. He first located on the Monument ranch, on the west side of the Sacramento River, eight miles above the city. About 1857 he bought a place on Willow Slough, half way between Woodland and Davisville, near where Merritt's Station now is. There the Doctor carried on general farming until 1872, when he moved into Woodland, where he has since resided. The first fifteen or sixteen years of his residence in this city he was in the eastern part of the town; in 1887 he purchased his present home, comprising two and a half acres of land on Oak avenue, west of Cleveland.

He was married December 25, 1862, to Mrs. A.B. Guilford, who was born in Portland, Maine, a daughter of William Bell.

In political matters the Doctor was an old-time Whig, casting his first Presidential vote for General Harrison. His next vote was for James G. Birney, of Detroit, Abolitionist. Birney had been nominated by a convention in Albany, New York, to which Dr. Ruddock was sent as a delegate from Oneida County. The Doctor was also nominated on the Abolition ticket in Chenango County, for the New York State Senate. He is now a strong Prohibitionist Republican. Religiously he was educated a Congregationalist, and joined that church at the age of sixteen years, but for the past six years he has been a Methodist.

Transcribed by Kathy Sedler, August 2004.
Source: Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1891. pg. 355-357

Amandar Carlton RUGGLES

Amandar Carlton Ruggles was born in Erie County, Ohio, January 27, 1831, a son of Salmon Ruggles, a native of Connecticut. His mother's maiden name was Rebecca Nyman, and she was a native of New York State and of German descent. The tradition is that the Ruggles family in America originated with three brothers who came to this country from Scotland, one of whom settled in Connecticut, one died shortly after his arrival and one went to the Southern States; and the latter is the one from whom nearly all the people by that name in the South have descended. Nearly all of them in former times were slave owners and some of them participated in the Rebellion. The northern branch were all anti-slavery and Union men. Some entered the Union army and some were killed in battle. The father of the subject of this sketch, a master mechanic, ship-builder and ship superintendent, had an important position in the Union army, in the department of the Mississippi. He had a ship-yard and dry-dock at Milan, Ohio, about eight miles from Lake Erie, where he built a great many vessels for the lake trade.

Judge Ruggles, the subject of this sketch, was brought up in his native state. He was nineteen years of age when he was educating himself at an academy called the Huron Institute, at Milan, and the gold fever brought him to this State, with the consent of his father. In company with friends, he purchased and completed a large outfit of wagons and horses with provisions to make the long journey across plain and mountain. They also started with a considerable quanity of clothing, hats, caps etc., but had to abandon it fifty miles west of the Missouri River. The wagon was taken back to Weston, Missouri, and sold, and the party came on with pack horses and mules. There were nine in the party, divided into two messes, and they traveled together until they reached the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains, when, as is natural and usual, they disagreed and separated. The party of five, of whom Mr. Ruggles was a member, by a little stratagem the night before the separation, s