Elias Joel Barnett - Son of Jesse and Lavinia Clark Barnett, was born in Pine Grove, in Lawrence County,
Ohio, June 19,1849, where he resided till the spring of 1851, when, with his parents, he moved to Hanging
Rock, same county; and at the end of one year they moved to Haverhill, Scioto County. In 1854, with his
parents, he crossed the plains to California, and settled in Pope Valley, and resided with his parents
till 1875, when he began for himself, purchasing at that time his present estate, consisting of three
hundred and twenty acres of land, where he has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. Mr.
Barnett married October 10, 1875, Miss Anna Wallace, who was born in Benton County, Arkansas, March
23,1849. By titis union, they have Ida May, born August 18,1876; Henry, born October 31, 1878; Ada
Lena, born January 13,1881.
Peter D. Bailey - A native of Ireland, emigrated to America in 1841 and settled in Ohio. His occupation
while in that State was assistant engineer on the Zanesville and Maysville turnpike road, and school
teaching. In November, 1844, he moved to Jackson County, Missouri, and there engaged in buying and selling
real estate, and school teaching. May 10, 1849, he started with a pack train across the plains to
California, arriving in Sacramento August 8th of that year. From Sacramento he proceeded to the
mines on the Yuba River, where he mined till November 1st. He then came to Napa and remained till
the spring of 1850, when he once more returned to the mines on Feather River, where he remained
till October. He then returned to Napa and embarked in farming, which he continued till 1876. He
then retired from business, since which time he has not been engaged in any business whatever. Mr.
Bailey is unmarried.
Jacob B. Brown - Was born in St. Martins, New Brunswick. Resided at his birthplace
until fourteen years of age. At the age of eighteen months his father died, leaving
his mother with a family of twelve children. The mother died when he was seventeen years
of age. Then moved to St. Johns, New Brunswick, and was bound an apprentice to a firm
named Harris & Adams. Served six years, three years in a blacksmith shop, and three years
in a machine shop. At the expiration of that time he persuaded his brother, W. H. Brown,
to start in business, which he did, and worked in company with him for two years. Then
started for Boston, Massachusetts. He worked in Boston and Chelsea at three dollars per
day. December 4, 1849, started for Bath, Maine, and sailed in the bark " Emma " for California,
under contract with a company that brought out the steamer "H. T. Clay," to pay his passage on
which he agreed to work thirty days, putting the machinery in said boat. He worked his thirty
days, and at the expiration of that time he was paid three hundred dollars a month to finish
putting in machinery and run the same from San Francisco to Sacramento. February 1,1851, he
started for the mines, on the north fork of Yuba River, Poverty Bar, and worked three months.
He then returned to San Francisco and placed his money in the bank, and continued his trade of
machinist and blacksmith, receiving eight dollars a day for several months. He then moved to
Bidwells Bar, and embarked in mining, remaining there until the first of June, 1852. On the
discovery of the "Rich Bar diggings," on Butte Creek, he proceeded there, but remained only a
short time, having but little success. He drew his money out of Adams Express Company's Bank
only a few days before that institution failed. He then removed to Scotts Bar on the north fork
of the Tuba, and continued mining, having to put in a flume, and paid one hundred dollars per
thousand for the lumber, and then carrying it one mile from the top of the mountain. Having
finished the construction of the flume he proceeded to work, and washed one pan of dirt, which
cleared him sixty dollars. A heavy storm coming on the river rose to a torrent, and the trees
floating down carried away his flume. Mr. Brown again found himself financially ruined and fifty
dollars in debt. Borrowing some money he again returned to Bidwells Bar, where he got employment
in a saw mill at one hundred and fifty dollars a month. He remained there until the spring of
1853, the company then failing. He then started a blacksmith shop at Bidwells Bar under the
firm name of Brown & Spear, continuing until 1854, when he was burned out, again losing nearly
everything. He then mined awhile at a new digging called " Sky High," meeting with good success,
and then bought an interest in a hotel, the " Mountain House No. 1," eighteen miles from Bidwells
Bar, and followed this with good success until the following spring, and then sold out. He then
bought a train of pack mules, which he ran for three years. He followed mining and running hotel
until I860 when we next find him erecting a quartz mill at Bull Frog, Plumas County, running it but
a short time. He again bought a lot of pack mules and continued packing until 1864. He then moved
to Indian Valley Plumas County, and started a blacksmith shop, and here he continued until 1874. He then
sold out on account of ill-health, and moved to Napa Valley, locating in Calistoga, and continued at
his trade, and in 1876 bought his present property, erecting thereon the buildings he now occupies,
and is now doing a prosperous business. Mr. Brown married in Taylorville, Plumas County, in March, 1869.
H.R. Bussenius - The subject of this sketch was born in Hanover, Germany, Province Hanover, August
31,1820, and there received his education at the Gymnasiam in Luneburg, and afterward graduated
from the Johanneum College, in the spring of 1840. The following five years Mr. Bussenius spent
in visiting different parts of the globe, arriving in San Diego in March, 1841, and spent some two
years on this coast and in Central America. In 1845 he returned to his native country. He graduated
as apothecary in Hanover, and engaged in the drug business for three years. In February, 1848, Mr.
Bussenius again crossed the ocean to America, first locating in Wisconsin, and engaged in farming,
where he resided for one year; but the climate proving too cold and severe for him, he then, in
company with bis brother, started for California, crossing the plains and arriving September 20,1849,
and first located in Nevada County, where he was engaged in mining,and afterward in a drugstore in
Nevada City, until 1873. We next find Mr. Bussenius in St. Helena, Napa County, engaged in his present
business of druggist, on the corner of Main street and Railroad avenue. Mr. Bussenius was united in
marriage in Nevada County, at Blue Tent, December 26,1861, to Miss Johanna Gebhard, daughter of Mrs.
Dr. Pfeiffer Stone, Oakland, a native of Mainz, Germany. The names of their children are Robert, Adolph,
Lillie, and Ernst.
Jean Adolph Brun - This gentlemen, whose portrait appears in the body of this work, was born in France,
July 25,1845, and is the son of Jean Brun and Jeanne Delpbine Delaveaux. He resided in France until 1872,
having had much experience in his native country in wine, eider, and oil making. In the last-named year
he came to Montreal, Canada, where he remained for fourteen months, being engaged in the manufacture of
photographic materials. He then went to England, and after a stay of thirty days in that country he sailed
for Australia. Here he engaged in the same business, and continued in it for eight months. In September,
1874, he came to California, and shortly afterward came to Napa County, and began as a laborer, being
engaged in several cellars as wine-maker. In 1877 he formed a partnership with Mr. Jean Chaix, and began
his wine cellar at Oakville, a full description of which will be found in the proper place. In 1870 Mr. Brun
took an active part in the great Franco-Prussian war, being in the service for a period of sixteen months.
He was married October 23, 1880, to Miss Emma Mermoud, who was born in San Francisco, September 10,1860.
Jacob L. Beringer - Was born in Mainz, Germany, May 4,1845, and is the son of Louis and Marie Gruber
Beringer. He resided at his birthplace until he was twenty years of age, receiving in the meantime
his education and also learning the cooper's trade and wine-making. In 1865 he went to Berlin and
there took charge of a wine cellar for Messrs. Tim & Kloske, in which capacity he spent two years.
In 1867 he went back to Mainz and took charge of the wine cellar of J. A. Harth & Co., where he had
learned his trade. In 1868 he came to New York and was engaged by Truchess &; Winkenbach as foreman
in their wine cellar and remained with them for one year. He then opened a depot for German wines
and the famous seltzer water, which he maintained until 1872. He then came to California and took
charge of Charles Krug's wine cellar and retained that position until 1878. In 1877 he erected his
present cellar, and in the following year he moved upon his place and has since then been- engaged
in the manufacture of wine. A full description of the place will be found elsewhere. The senior
member of the firm is Frederick Beringer, the well-known malt dealer of No. 40 Whitehall street,
New York. Mr. Beringer was elected to a position on the Board of Trustees of St. Helena in 1878.
He was married April 5,1879, to Miss Agnes Tscheinig, a native of Austria, who was born February
19, 1853. They had one child, which died in its infancy.
John Bateman - This respected citizen of Napa County is a native of Jefferson County, New York,
and was born October 29,1821. At the age of ten years, his parents moved to Herkimer County, same
State, where the subject of this sketch was educated, and employed on his father's farm until March
4, 1849. On that date he sailed from New York, via Vera Cruz, for the land of gold, arriving in San
Francisco hi June of the same year. He first found employment in Sutter's saw mill, El Dorado
County, for a short time, receiving in compensation twenty dollars per day. Mr. Bateman, thinking
this was making money too slow, embarked in mining, in which he was successful; and in September,
1850, he returned to his home in the East, where he sojourned for four months. He returned to San
Francisco, and in 1854 paid another visit to his home in the East. This time he was married, and
after a stay of eighteen months, once more returned to this coast, locating in Big Valley, Lake
County, and engaged in the dairy business, which he successfully prosecuted for ten years. April 1866, found Mr. Bateman located in
Napa Valley, engaged in agricultural pursuits; and in the spring of 1880 he purchased his present valuable
farm of one hundred and thirty-tax acres, and is now chiefly engaged in viniculture. Mr. Bateman was united
in marriage in Herkimer County, New York, in February, 1855, to Mrs. Catherine Willoughby, a native of that
State, and by this union they have one son, Henry.
Robert B. Bell - Was born on Prince Edwards Island, Dominion of Canada, November 10, 1854, and remained
ia bis birthplace until he was eighteen years of age. He then came to California, arriving on this Coast
in June, 1873, and first located in Aptos, Santa Cruz County. Remaining there but a short time, he in
the following September, moved to Napa County and to St. Helena. He first found employment on a dairy
ranch where be remained about eighteen months, and then accepted a situation as salesman in D. B. Carver's
store, a position he held almost two years. His next move was to Watsonvtlle, Santa Cruz County,
where he was a member of the firm of Grant & Co, in the livery business, and in this firm he
continued for two years. At the end of this time he returned to St. Helena, and again to his former
position as clerk for D. B. Carver. August 20,1879, Mr. Bell, in company with C. N. Hale, opened
their now extensive grocery business, under the firm name of Hale & Bell, and is now enjoying a good
patronage, and the confidence of the whole community in which he lives. Mr. Bell was united in marriage
in St. Helena, March 4,1881, to Miss Eva F, Risley, a native of St. Helena, California.
James N. Bennett - Was born in Clermont County, Ohio, April 7, 1816. In 1841 he moved to Illinois, and in
1851 he crossed the plains with ox teams to California, arriving in Sonoma Valley September 19th of that
year. He first located at Sonoma, where he spent one year. He then went to Bennett Valley, being the first
settler in the valley and the man for whom it was named. In 1857 he moved two miles below Santa Rosa, and
in November, 1859, he moved to his present place, two miles north of Calistoga, which consists of ninety-six
acres, a portion of which is in vineyard. He was married October 28,1841, to Miss Catherine Clark, a native
of Clermont County, Ohio. Their children are, Thomas J., Reuben W., Isaac N., Harriet T., now Mrs. Northupp,
Junius J., Laura A. and Oliver P.
Jesse Barnett - The subject of thia sketch, whose portrait appears ia this work, was born in Johnson
County, Kentucky, February 25,1826, where he lived until 1831. In that year his parents moved to Missouri
and settled in what was then Jackson County, now Van Buren County, where they remained until 1836. In that
year they removed to Scioto County, Ohio, where he resided until he started for California, which occurred in 1854.
He crossed the plains and on his arrival in this State he immediately proceeded to Pope Valley, and in the fall
of 1855 Mr. Barnett settled on his present ranch of one thousand acres, and is engaged in general
farming and stock raising. He was married September 28, 1848, to Miss Lavina Clark, who was born in
Lawrence County, Ohio, January 16,1828, and by this union they have seven living children: Elias J.,
Mary E., James P., William A., Jesse W., Samuel P. and Margaret L.
Charles M. Burgess - Son of Luce and Wealthy Huntsley Burgess, was born in Ontario County, New York,
August 11, 1836, where he resided until he was twenty-two years of age. He then sailed from New York
January 16, 1858, for the Golden State, coming via Panama, and arriving in the metropolis of the
Pacific Coast February 18th of the above year. Remaining in San Francisco a short time, he went to
Butte County and engaged in mining, and prosecuted that business for two years. We next find Mr.
Burgess in San Francisco, in the employ of Mr. Lusk, then proprietor of a livery stable, and he
remained in this place for eighteen months. He next entered the employ of Connor & Nye, working in
their livery stable for a short time, and next was secured by the proprietor of the Cliff House, as
manager of the stable and sheds connected with that famous resort, a position he filled some fifteen
years. The subject of this sketch in 1868 paid a visit to his home in the East, where he remained some
three months and was there married. He then, with his bride, returned to this coast, and in 1870 bought
the property where he resides, consisting of one hundred and thirty-seven acres, situated four miles
south-east of Calistoga. He did not, however, take up his residence here until 1880. He is now
extensively engaged in viniculture, having some sixty acres of vines. Mr. Burgess was united in
marriage in Ontario County, New York, August 5, 1868, to Almira C. Harmon, a native of that State.
Their children are, Wilfred H, born July 10,1870; Gracie W., born September 19, 1872; Cora S., born
August 2,1874 ; Edna M., born December 30, 1875.
Charles Henry Burbank (deceased) - Was born in Chautanqua County, New York, August 7,1825. Came to
California in 1850, and settled in the Sacramento Valley, where he resided for some time. He then moved
to Yolo County, where he followed farming until 1874, when he moved to Chiles Valley, and continued farming
until his death, which occurred November 30, 1880. He was married October 29,1875, to Miss Clara Wescott.
She still resides on her birthplace, where she was born July 16,1857. They had three children, John Albert,
born August 29, 1876; George Henry, born August 11,1878; Lena May, born January 14, 1881.
Ebenezer Biggs - Was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania., in 1828, and is the son of James and Sarah Wilkins
Biggs. At the age of seven years, he, with his parents, emigrated West, and settled in Franklin County, Ohio
where he resided till he was twenty-one years of age. In 1846, at the age of twenty years, he took a drove of
cattle, two hundred head, from Columbus Ohio, to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was probably the first who, at
such an early age, was entrusted with a charge of such a nature. In 1848, he went to Louisville, Kentucky,
from thence to New Albany, Indiana, and, in connection with Hugh Wilkins, opened an upholstery shop, fitting up
several steamers then running on the river. On the occasion of General Taylor's journey to Washington to
occupy the Presidential chair, he was one of the party who went down the river from Louisville to escort the
General to that place. In February, 1849, he joined Capt. Harvey's emigrant company, and was a member of the
detachment sent to Missouri to purchase stock. In the same month he went to Boonville, and there went into the
country and bought forty mules; remained one month, and then proceeded to Independence. On this trip occurred
Mr. Bigg's first experience in camp-life, and with coyotes. On Sunday, April 29,1849, the party started in
earnest from St. Joseph for California, making fifteen miles on the first day, and that night he was elected
wagonmaster. On thr day before arriving at Blue
River, six of the six-mule teams ran away, killing a man before they were gotten under control. While at Blue
River a storm arose, forcing the men in charge of an ox-team that happened to be camping near by, to corral their
cattle, the noise of which led the guard of Mr. Bigg's company to imagine they were attacked by Indians. He
gave the alarm, and called up all hands. One of the men, in taking his gun from the wagon, in some manner
knocked the hammer, causing the weapon, loaded with buckshot, to be discharged, the charge entering
the head of and killing a man, who was at a distance of thirty yards. Mr. Biggs' experience with firearms
was limited, so he armed himself with what in his hands was a more destructive weapon, an axe, remarking, "Boys,
you shoot 'em down and I'll cut off their heads." At Deer Creek the captain of the train took charge of a team, and
while going down a hill the mules became frightened and started to run. In attempting to cheek
them the Captain was thrown down and severely injured. His daughter (Mrs. Lieutenant Thompson), jumped from
the wagon, one of the wheels running over and cutting off a part of her ear. At Fort Laramie Mr. Biggs and
others withdrew from the company, and with one team came through to California, arriving at
Sacramento August 27,1849. Mr. Biggs here disposed of his team and as driver went into the employ of the
purchaser. This was the first team ever driven on the west side of the river from Sacramento to Clear Creek,
In six weeks he cleared one thousand dollars in trading, etc. On his first trip he paid, five dollars for a meal
consisting of crackers, bacon and three eggs, the eggs being charged for at the rate of one dollar each - a fact which
caused Mr. Biggs to open his eyes in astonishment, inasmuch as, in the place from whence he came, eggs
were retailing at three cents per dozen. Nevertheless, the bill was paid without a murmur, and our hero
proceeded on his way, a wiser if not a richer man. From Sacramento he went to Deer Creek, back to Sacramento,
and then to Weavertown, remaining at the latter place during the winter of 1849-50. Leaving Weavertown, he
hired out as teamster at Coloma. Greenwood Valley was his next objective point, at which place he entered the
general merchandise business in partnership with a Mr. Brown. In 1851 the partnership was dissolved, and Mr.
Biggs went into the packing and teaming business with Samuel Ringold. Having disposed of this, they opened a
livery business in Sacramento, and in a few months Mr. Biggs became sole proprietor. Was burned out in 1854.
In 1856 he took charge of a stable at Folsom and remained three years. In 1859 he came to Napa, and in the
fall of that year opened the American Stables, on the corner of Brown and Third streets. In two years he was
at his old vocation of teaming, which, together with contracting, he has since followed. In 1872 he was elected
Marshal of Napa City, being the first such officer of the town. Although Mr, Biggs is an ardent admirer of the
fair sex, and has ever been most gallant to them, yet he has proved callous to their wiles and remains a single man.
History of Napa and Lake Counties,: San Francisco, Cal.: Slocum, Bowen & Co., Publishers, 1881
Transcribed by Julie Appletoft, February, 2007 Pages 394-401
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