History of Fresno County, California with illustrations; Wallace W. Elliott & Co. Publishers; San Francisco, California (1882) Page 127
A. M. CLARK was born August 25, 1831, and spent the early years of his life in Madison County, Mississippi, receiving an ordinary education, such as the country schools at that time afforded.
He left Hinds County, Mississippi, in January, 1850, for California, coming by way of New Orleans, from there with a company of about twenty-two men to Matamoras in Mexico, where they bought an outfit and continued through Mexico, partly on the line of march of General Taylor during the Mexican war. A four-horse wagon hauled their baggage, etc., as far as Durango, where they sold out their stock and wagon and hired a pack train to take them across the mountains to Mazatlan. From thence they took a sail vessel to San Francisco, arriving in May, 1850, just after the large fire.
He first engaged in mining in various portions of the State, for about fifteen years, but never meeting with any success. First he tried the mines of Nevada County from 1850 to 1853. He was in Santa Clara County in 1853-4, Mariposa County from 1854 to 1858, Plumas County (formerly Sierra), at La Porte from 1858 to 1863, and then back to Mariposa. He finally came to Fresno County in 1867, and was employed as a laborer about a copper mine, and soon after turned his attention to general farming-, raising some choice fruits, and stock of various kinds.
In the meantime, in 1865, he married Miss Emma B. Glidden, a native of the State of Maine, who died in October, 1880, leaving two boys and two girls, Ada Belle, aged sixteen years; Sarah Paulina, eleven years; Angus, nine years, and Frank Marion Clark, aged four years.
He was elected County Clerk of Fresno County at the election in 1873, and entered upon the duties of the office the following March. He has filled the place with great satisfaction to the people, and proved himself an efficient officer.
A Memorial and Biographical History of the Counties Fresno, Tulare and Kern, California, Illustrated; The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago (1892); Pages 329-330
A. M. Clark, one of the early pioneers of California, was born in Madison County, Mississippi, in 1831. He was educated in the private schools of that period, which were held in log cabins, and lived on the farm with his parents until he was nineteen years old.
In January, 1850, Mr. Clark started for California, crossing Mexico to Mazatlan and thence by water to San Francisco, where he arrived in May of that Year. He then went to Nevada City to join his father, who came west in 1849. For sixteen years he followed mining continuously, always with paying results, but never striking a bonanza claim. He came to Fresno County in 1867, and he engaged at the copper mine at Buchanan, for about six years.
In 1873, Mr. Clark was elected County Clerk and Recorder of Fresno County, assuming the duties of the office in March, 1874, at Millerton, which was the county seat. In the fall of 1874 he moved the records to Fresno, and in September of the same year assisted in laying the corner stone of the new courthouse. In the interim his office was located in a cheap structure on the courthouse grounds. Mr. Clark held the office of County Clerk and recorder for eleven years. By 1884 the business of the office had increased so much that it was deemed best to separate the work of the clerk and recorder, and he retired. in 1885 he was elected to the Legislature, and since the expiration of his term of office he has devoted himself to his private business, saying he has no further political aspirations.
Mr. Clark formed a partnership with W. H. McKenzie in abstract business, and since 1878 they have carried on an extensivve business, using the Durfee system of abstracts. in 1884 Messrs. Clark and McKenzie bought a controlling interest in the Fresno Loan and Savings Bank. The capital stock, the $20,000, has been increased to $300,000, all paid up, and this bank now represents one ofd the leading institutions of its kind in the City. All through these years Mr. Clark has continued his mining interests, now being a member of the Harron Gold Mining Company, the stock of which is all owned by Messrs. Clark, McKenzie & Hoxie. Their mine is located in the foothills, near the old county seat. They have recently erected Huntington rotary mill with rock breakers, concentrators, and the latest improved machinery, capacity of the same being equal to a ten-stamp mill. The quartz ranges from $25 to $30 per ton.
Mr. Clark was a member of the Board of School Trustees during 1886 and 1887. In 1887 he was elected a member of the Board of City Trustees, which office he resigned in 1889, to make a trip East. in addition to his interests already referred to, he has ranch and city property. Mr. Clark is a prominent knight Templar, at this writing being Eminent Commander of the Fresno Commandery, No. 20.
In Sacramento, in 1865, he was married to Miss Emma Gildon, who died in Fresno in 1880. His present wife he wedded in Fresno, December 25, 1882. She is Miss Sadie Bemis, a native of Massachusetts. Mr. Clark is the father of four children two sons and two daughters.
History of Fresno County with Biographical Sketches; By Paul Vandor; Historical Record Company, Los Angeles, California (1919) Pages 257-258
Angus M. Clark
All through the earlier years, Mr. Clark continued his mining interests and was associated with W. H. McKenzie in the abstract and land title business and owned at one time a controlling interest in the Fresno Loan and Savings Bank, for a time a prosperous financial institution. Ill health and reverses in fortune shadowed his latter days.
Pages 948-949
HONORABLE ANGUS MARION CLARK - As one of the old pioneers of the state, A. M. Clark, who passed away December 2, 1907, is remembered by his friends as a man who did much to further the growth and interests of California, where he chose to cast in his lot. He was born in Madison County, Miss., August 25, 1831, and was brought up on a farm in that southern state until he attained the age of nineteen, attending private school in a log cabin schoolhouse. In January, 1850, he started for the Pacific Coast to join his father, Angus Archibald Clark, of Scotch descent, who was living in Nevada County, Cal., and one among the many who came west in 1849 seeking golden rewards in the mining camps of the early days. Crossing Mexico to Mazatlan, young Mr. Clark took from that seaport to San Francisco, where he arrived in May, going thence to Nevada County. For sixteen years he followed the occupation of mining and in 1867 came to Millerton, Fresno County, and engaged in copper mining at Buchanan, for six years, meeting with varying success.
In 1873 he was elected by his appreciative fellow-citizens to the combined offices of county clerk and recorder of Fresno County, taking office in March, 1874, at Millerton, then the county seat. In the fall of 1874 he moved the county records to Fresno and in September of that year assisted in laying the corner stone of the new court house. In 1878 he formed a partnership with W. H. McKenzie, as Clark & McKenzie, in the abstract business in Fresno, which continued for some years. After eleven years service as county clerk, he retired from the office, and in 1884 he and Mr. McKenzie bought a controlling interest in the Fresno Loan & Savings Bank. Mr. Clark was elected to the Assembly of the State Legislature in 1885, from Fresno County, serving the term to the satisfaction of his constituents. In 1885 he also served as school trustee in Fresno, and in 1887 was elected to the Board of City Trustees, resigning in 1889. His last political office was that of city recorder of Fresno, serving several terms, and as judge of the City Court his decisions were rendered with the greatest fairness.
He organized and was one of three owners of the Harrow Gold Mining Company. Their mines, located in the foothills near Millerton and equipped with modern machinery, were good producers for a number of years. In later years of his life, Mr. Clark had gold mining interests at Auberry Valley. He was also a large owner of city property.
His first marriage occurred in 1865, at Sacramento, when he was united with Emma Glidden, who died in Fresno in 1880. They were the parents of four children, all of whom are living. Ada Belle, who is the wife of L. R. Williams. is now residing in Cottonwood, Shasta County, and is the mother of two children, Marion, now Mrs. A. T. Brown of Cottonwood, and A. Bush Williams, serving in the U. S. Army. Their second child, Sadie P. Clark, is assistant librarian of the Fresno County Library. Angus Clark, assistant secretary and land agent for the Keyroute System, resides in Berkeley. He married Martha Fisher of Woodland, and they are the parents of two children: Katherine Janette and Angus. The fourth child,. Frank Marion, is with the -Western Pacific Railroad in San Francisco.
By his second marriage, which was solemnized December 25, 1882, Mr. Clark was united with Sarah Bemis, a native of Framingham, Mass., who came to San Francisco in 1876. Mrs. Clark is the only charter member of the First Baptist Church now living in Fresno, having always been an active worker in the church, and has done grand work in the organization of charity in Fresno. Mr. Clark was a very prominent Mason, being a Past Master of Fresno Lodge No. 247 F. & A. M. and was also past High Priest of Fresno Chapter No. 69 and Past Commander of Fresno Commandery No. 29, K. T., and a member of Islam Temple A. A. 0. N. M. S. in San Francisco. Mrs. Clark and-, the two daughters, Mrs. Williams and Miss Sadie, were members and Past Matrons of Raisina Chapter No. 89 0. E. S.
It is to such men as A. M. Clark, that Fresno County today owes much of its present greatness, development and prosperity, for with his energy and optimism he was always working to build up the county; was aggressive in the cause of education and zealous for a splendid school system, and a high standard of morals. Thus the best interests of his town and county were always nearest and dearest to his heart.
History of Alameda County, California: page 948
PERRY MORRISON.--
Was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, October 6, 1818. At the age of six
years he was taken by his parents to the vicinity of Indianapolis, where he
was brought up, and resided on a farm until 1839. At this time he
accompanied his parents to Louisa County, Iowa, and there engaged in
farming, in the mean time losing his father in 1843. In march 1847, in
company with a train of eighteen wagons, with whom were Mr. Meek and L.
Stone, at present residents of this county, they started with ox-team to
cross the plains to Oregon, to which terra incognita they proceeded by way
of Fort Hall, and arrived in Oregon City, September 7, 1847. The county
was at that time, as it is to-day, the perfection of a timber country, and
nearly all who arrived there at that commenced the felling of trees and the
manufacture of lumber. On arrival Mr. Morrison engaged in sawing logs, and
such like empolyment, until September 1848, when hearing of the discovery
of gold, he laid down the saw and ax, and betook himself to California and
her prolific gold-fields. Arriving on Feather River in October, 1848, he
followed mining, which abandoning in August, 1849, he came to Alameda
County, then the Contra Costa, and located his present valuable homestead,
then pointing to but little comfort, but now developed into one of the most
splendid places in the township in which he resides. Married, firstly, in
Tipton, Iowa, Miss Mary Davis, a native of Ohio, who died shortly after her
espousal; and secondly, in San Francisco, Miss Martha Hastings, a native of
Hartland, Vermont, By which union there were three children, Only two now
surviving, viz.: Samuel, and George P.
Hezekiah M. MILLER History of Sacramento page 1529
HEZEKIAH M. MILLER. Successful in his chosen work, H. M. MILLER is entitled
to a prominent place among the substantial citizens of Yolo county to which
location he first came in 1871, and although for brief intervals during the
time since he has resided in other sections of the country his strongest
interests and associations are in the community which he selected for a
home. Mr. MILLER is a native of Maryland. His birth having occurred in
Frederick county. November 13, 1850, his parents, Charles and Rosanna
(Myers) MILLER, being natives respectively of Frederick and Washington
counties, same state. The paternal grandfather, John, was a son of the
Fatherland, who emigrated to America and became a farmer in Frederick
county, Md. The latter was a Lutheran in religion and a man of strong
character and upright living. Charles MILLER became a farmer in young
manhood, remaining in his native county for some years, but finally removing
to Washington county, two miles from Sharpsburg, upon land which formed a
part of the battle-ground for Famous Antietam, during which conflict the
family took refuge in the cellar. In that county in 1860 his wife passed
away. Later in life MILLER removed to his old home in Frederick County
where he spent the remainder of his life dying there in 1868, at an advanced
age. Mrs. MILLER was the daughter of Frederick MYERS, also a native of
Washington county, MD. Mr. MYERS was de-scended from German ancestry, a
Lutheran in religion and a farmer by occupation, passing the years of his
life on the banks of Antietam creek.
Of the four children born to his parents. H. M. MILLER is the third in order
of birth and one of the two who are now living. The years of his boyhood
and voting manhood were spent in his native state, his education being
received in the public schools in the vicinity of his home. His first
employment away from home was a clerkship in Maryland, where he remained
until 1869, when he came as far west as Ogle county, Ill., and there located
in Mt. Morris. He was variously employed until the 1st of November of the
following year, when he set out for California, spending the winter in St.
Joseph. MO., and in May 1871, completing the journey, which brought him to
Yolo county. His first occupation here was on a ranch, continuing in this
employment for nearly two years, when, with his brother, Frederick, he
rented land in this locality and engaged in independent farming. The first
of the three years in which they were thus occupied they made only their
expenses, on account of the drought, but later met with better success. In
the Centennial year M. MILLER returned east and in Maryland spent nine
months returning at the expiration of that period to Yolo county, and with
his brother purchasing four hundred and eighty acres near Knight's Landing,
which he two improved and cultivated for upwards of eleven years. In 1888 H.
M. MILLER sold his interest in the farm to his brother and became connected
with Lowe, Myers & Co., a firm which was organized in 1868, through the
purchase of the interest of E. R. Lowe, and this business is now conducted
under the firm name of N. Myers Co. He owns a quarter interest in the ranch
which consists of eight thousand acres of land, twenty-six hundred of this
being tillable, while the balance is devoted to the raising of sheep and
cattle. The partners of Mr. MILLER are his uncle, Noah Myers, and E.
POFFENBERGER, each owning a quarter, and Luther Poffenberger and S. C.
Deaner, owning a quarter in conjunction. Mr. MILLER also owns a ranch of
one hundred and sixty-nine acres ad-joining the company land which property
is now rented. From 1888 to 1902 he resided on his ranch, but in the last
named year he removed to Woodland where he has since made his home.
Mr. MILLER has been twice married, his first wife being Matilda Belle
McGrath, a native of Washington county, MD and a daughter of Samuel McGrath,
a retired farmer of Sutter county, Cal., and the representative of an old
Maryland family. He died March 31, 1897 in Woodland leaving a family of
three children namely: Noah Lee, Elizabeth Rose and Sarah Mabel. In
Sacramento, in 1900, Mr. MILLER was united in marriage with Miss Abbie Lee
McGrath, a sister of his first wife. She is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church to which Mr. MILLER gives a liberal support. He is
connected with many of he business interests of Woodland, being a
stockholder and director in the Woodland Rochdale Company. Fraternally he
was made a Mason in Woodland Lodge. No.156, A. F. & A: M.; was exalted to
the sublime Royal Arch degree in Woodland Chapter, No.46, and belongs to the
Woodland Commandery, No.21, K. T. He also belongs to the Order of Eastern
Star. Politically he is a stanch adherent of the principles advocated in
the platform of the Democratic Party, and has taken a lively interest in
party affairs. He is ex-member of the county central committee Sutter
County, and in 1896, 1898 and 1900 was a delegate to the state convention.
Mr. MILLER is a liberal and enterprising man and citizen, and holds a high
place among the men who have aided materially in the development and
upbuilding of this section of California.
JACOB MORGAN MILLER History of Scaramento page 878
JACOB MORGAN MILLER. One of the largest and most prominent farmers and
stockmen in the Sacramento valley is J. M. Miller, whose father and paternal
grandfather were born in Washington county, Md., near Sharpsburg. His
father, Francis M., was a farmer in Maryland, but about 1868 removed to Van
Clevesville, W. Va. Jacob Morgan Miller was born near Sharpsburg,
Washington county, Md., December 18, 1854, and was brought up on his
father's farm until sixteen years of age. When seven years of age he went
with his uncle over battlefield of Antietam, and witnessed that historic
battle. He was educated in the public schools of Sharpsburg, Md., and of
Virginia, and in 1872 came to California and joined an uncle, Samuel Miller,
who had come to this state some years before and was farming near Woodland.
From May until fall he worked for his uncle on the farm, then for another
farmer for about a year. In 1873 he purchased the necessary implements and
engaged in farming for himself in what is now Glenn county, three miles
north of Willow. This was virgin soil, and he broke and cultivated it two
years, but the second year he lost all of his crop, and after selling out
and paying up his indebtedness, went forth to make another start. He worked
for David N. Hershey for eighteen months, then for W. Anderson in Yolo
county another eighteen months, and in that way made some money, with which
he removed to his present place. In 1879 he went into partnership with John
Kennedy and rented six hundred acres of land. Each of them had a four-horse
team, and the first year raised large crops, thus getting a good start.
Each year they rented a little more land until in 1890, when Mr. Miller
bought his partner out and continued the business alone until 1900, when he
took his brother in with him. Together they operate over seven thousand
acres of land, mostly grain and grazing land, and own six hundred and forty
acres of land on Grand Island. They have two fifty-horse power traction
engines, used for plowing, harrowing and harvesting. They each plow forty
acres per day, and barrow two hundred acres a day. Besides horses, they
have many mule teams, and raise cattle and sheep, and have from three
thousand to six thousand head of sheep, mostly of the Shropshire breed.
Individually J. M. Miller owns three hundred and twenty acres of land.
Mr. Miller was one of the organizers of the Farmers' Transportation Company
of Grimes, of which he is president, and built the steamer, Valletta, of six
hundred tons, carrying freight between Colusa and San Francisco. The steamer
was so named in honor of Mr. Miller's eldest daughter. W. T. Forsman is the
Sacramento manager, and they have offices in both Sacramento and San
Francisco. Mr. Miller was married in Sutter county, September 2, 1885, to
Minnie WEIS, the eldest daughter of Jacob WEIS, who was born in Ohio, and
came when a young man across the plains to California. He engaged in
packing to the mines for a time, then purchased six hundred acres of land at
Cranmore, where he still resides. Her mother, formerly Annie GIBBONS is
also living, and is the mother of seven children, five of whom are living.
Mrs. Miller died in 1899. Four children were born to them, viz.: Carl
Morgan, who was educated at St. Mary's College at Oakland; Valletta, who is
attendance Mills College at Oakland; Lawrence Merrell and Lorna Grace. Mr.
Miller is a most successful man in his line of business, of which he has
made a thorough study, and possessing great executive ability is enabled to
carry out his ideas. Personally he is broadminded and hospitable and is ever
ready to assist those who have been less fortunate than himself. He is a
deep thinker and well posted upon general matters. In politics he is a
Democrat, and is trustee of the Wilkins Slough school district.
L. W. MEYER History of Sonoma County
Mr. L. W. Meyer is a native of Germany and was trained to the business of
vine grower. He emigrated to New York in 1840, and 1846 enlisted in the
United States service for the Mexican War. He was stationed at Monterey, and
at the close of the war went to mines. In 1866 he came to Sonoma and for
five year was Su-perintendent of General Williams' property. He then
purchased property of his own, and has since been engaged in vine growing
Wine making.
Lewis W. MAYER in History of Sonoma County page 679
Mayer, Lewis W, Was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, August 18, 1823. His father
was a weaver by trade, but followed manufacturing wine, grape-growing and
farming. Lewis W. Mayer emigrated to America in 1840, arriving in
Philadelphia on July 4th of that year, where he found employment in a
weaving establishment, until the Mexican war broke out, when he enlisted, in
Philadelphia, for the regular army, being one, of the company of artillery,
commanded by Captain Tompkins, which were then attached successively to the
corps of Generals Sherman, Ord and Halleck. July 12, 1846, he embarked in
the "Lexington" for California, via Cape Horn; landed at Monterey on January
28th of the following year, and was there quartered until the close of the
Mexican war. In 1849 he proceeded to the mines, and in 1850 visited his home
in Philadelphia, shortly after coming back to California in 1852 he once
more returned to Philadelphia, and on the 29th of May, married Johanna S.
Etzel, a native of that city, who was born July 31, 1833. He here pursued
mercantile affairs for some time, but finding that the climate of California
was more suited to his health, accompanied by his wife, he once more
proceeded to that State, and on arrival located in El Dorado county, there
combining mercantile pursuits with mining and grape-growing. In 1864 he
transferred his location to Sonoma county, and, after acting as
superintendent of vineyards and wine-making for five years, in 1871 settled
on his present property, being now engaged in the culture of vines and the
making of wine. Mr. Mayer is a member of the California Pioneer Association.
His children are: Frederick D., born March 3, 1853; Rosina H., March 16,
1857; Corinna A., March 12, 1860; William J., August 31, 1862 (died the same
day); Theresa 5., December, 6, 1869; Lewis B., February 29.1872, and Bertha
Cornelia, July 27, 1874.
Lawrence MEYER in History of Sonoma County
LAWRENCE MEYER.
It is a well-known fact that those born under California skies rarely leave
their native state to make their home in any other part of the country. This
truism is borne out in the career of Mr. Meyer, for he has not only remained
in his native state, but he has never left his native county being satisfied
with its outlook and not wishing to waste time and energy on speculation as
to what other localities might offer. This well-known and successful rancher
in the vicinity of Sebastopol was born in Petaluma, Sonoma county, August
31, 1869, the son of Lawrence Meyer, a native of Germany, who came to this
country in 1849 in response to the attractions offered by the finding of
gold in California during that year. The mines of Virginia City claimed his
attention and energy for a time and from this he turned to teaming,
following the latter employment as long as he remained in the mining
district. From there he finally came to Sonoma county in 1860, and here the
remainder of his life was passed on a ranch in the vicinity, of Petaluma,
his death occurring here it 1893.
Up to the age of eighteen years Lawrence Meyer had remained at home, in his
earlier years attending the public schools at Petaluma, and afterward
working on the home ranch with his father. Though young in years it was
with the courage of a man that he started out to make his own way in the
world at the age of eighteen, empty-handed except for seventy-five cents,
which he highly prized. For a few years he worked as a ranch hand for
neighboring ranchers, laying by from his wages what was not used for the
necessaries of life, and with tile means thus accumulated he purchased a
tract of rough land. Clearing it of trees and brush, he planted it to crops,
and in this condition he sold it as a good profit. Four different tracts of
land were thus bought, cleared and put under cultivation, and as many times
he cleared a good profit on his investment. His last purchase is the ranch
which he now occupies, comprising fifty-nine acres, which he intends to make
his permanent home. Like the other tracts mentioned, this, too, was covered
with a heavy growth of timber and underbrush, and one seeing the thrifty
condition of the ranch today would have considerable difficulty in realizing
that it had been evolved from the wild timbered waste that it was when Mr.
Meyer purchased it. All of this has given place to cultivated fruit trees,
pears, peaches, plums, prunes and cherries, besides which there is a
thriving vine-yard of twenty acres, from which he gathers fifty tons of
grapes annually. Twelve acres of cherries yield annually about twenty tons,
apples sixty tons, peaches ten tons, and prunes fifteen tons. When it is
considered that all of this has been made possible on land which when Mr.
Meyer purchased it eighteen years ago was covered with a virgin forest, his
accomplishment has been little short of marvelous. He bought a ranch of one
hundred and sixteen acres on Mark West creek in 1907, and in 1910 he traded
this property for a building in San Fran-cisco containing eight flats, which
he rents. and from which he derives a good income.
In Sebastopol in 1897, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage with Miss Bertha G.
Smith, who though born in England has passed the greater part of her life in
the United States, California principally. Three children have been horn of
this marriage, Charles L., Wesley G., and William W. Fraternally Mr. Meyer
is an Odd Fellow, and in his political preferences he is a Republican.
History of the Sacramento Valley p296
THEARIS JOSEPH BOHLING
Thearis Joseph Bohling, an able and successful young financier of Butte
county, where he has been continuously identified with the banking interests
since 1916, is in full charge of the Butte County Savings Bank, which is
located on Broadway and is the oldest moneyed institution of Chico. He was
born in Salt Lake City, Utah, May 29, 1897, his parents being Joseph and
Alice May Bohling, the former of French and English lineage and the latter
of Dutch and Scotch-Irish descent. The paternal grandfather of T. J. Bohling
was captain of a French merchant ship.
Thearis J. BOHLING was a lad of six years when in 1903 he accompanied his
parents to Sacramento. California, where the family home was maintained
until 1910. During the two succeeding years he resided at Colusa, where he
completed a grammar school course by graduation with the class of 1912, and
for the past eighteen years he has made his home at Chico. He was graduated
from Heald's Business College in 1915 and the same year secured a
stenographic and clerical position in the Bark of Chico, while in 1916 he
became a clerk in the Butte County Savings Bank. He was promoted to the
position of assistant cashier in 1918, was advanced to the cashiership in
1922 and since 1927 has served as vice president, in which official capacity
he is largely contributing to the growth and success of the institution.
On the 4th of September, 1916, in Sacramento, California. Mr. Bohling was
united in marriage to Miss Bertha l. Bowman, who was born in Berkeley,
California, December 13, 1897. Her parents. Frank and Edith R.(White)Bowman
are natives of Ontario, Canada. The father is a railroad man and a
well-known Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish
Rite in the order. Mr. and Mrs. BOHLING are the parents of two children,
Dorothy Roberta and Thearis Edward, who are twelve and eleven years of age,
respectively. Mrs. Bohling has member-ship in Josephine Chapter of the
Eastern Star at Chico.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Bohling has
supported the men and measures of the republican party. He is opposed to the
world court or any other foreign entanglements and he advocates the
modification of the Volstead law. He was made a director of the Chamber of
Commerce of Chico for 1924-1925 and again for 1930-1931. He was one of the
charter members of the Chico Exchange Club but withdrew from club activities
in 1925. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order, being an
officer of Chico Chapter, No.42, R. A. M., while in religious faith he is a
Presbyterian. Though not a member of the church, he finds communion with
the Divine in God's great out-of-doors. Mr. Bohling and his family seek
recreation principally in horseback riding through the mountain country, and
he is the owner of some fine saddle horses. He has a cabin in Butte Meadows
at an elevation of over five thousand feet.
History of Sacramento County p 967
CASPER G. AMACKER - A man of recognized worth and ability, highly respected
and honored among his many acquaintances, is Casper G. Amacker, who was born
on March 24. 1893, at Tacoma, WA, the son of Casper J. and Effie (Towles)
Amacker. His father was born in Switzerland and the mother in Huron, S.D.,
of Scotch parentage. His parents came to California in 1898. Casper J.
Amacker has been employed by the Sacramento Transportation Company for a
great many years as superintendent of the construction work in the boat
yards, and he and his wife are now residing in Sacramento.
Casper G. Amacker, the second oldest of two children, was educated in the
public schools of Sacramento. He attended Howe's Academy and was employed as
a fireman on boats for the Sacramento Transportation Company. He soon
became barge pilot and then pilot, and in 1920 received his papers as
captain and has had charge of boats ever since.
In Portland OR, on January 13, 1912, Casper G. Amacker married Miss Clarice
Johnson, born in Alameda, a native daughter of the Golden State. She is the
daughter of Christ and Clarice (Weiding) Johnson, old-timers in San
Francisco, where her father was chief engineer on the Southern Pacific
ferry-boats till his death. Her mother resides in Alameda.
Mr. and Mrs. Amacker are the parents of three children: Alberta. Dorothy,
and George, all of whom are attending school. Captain Amacker is
nonpartisan in his political affiliations. He is a Red Man, and a member of
the National Mates and Pilots' Association of America, and is very fond of
hunting, fishing, and all outdoor sports, especially baseball. He is deeply
interested in Sacramento, and does his utmost to be numbered among the
public-spirited citizens of his community.
History of Sacramento Valley page 71
AARON BECK
Among Yolo county's old and honored residents is Aaron Beck, who has been
living here continuously for nearly fifty-five years, during which period he
has set a worthy example of persistent industry, good citizen-ship and
neighborliness, and has gained the sincere respect of all who know him. He
was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, May 19, 1847, and received a good public
school education. He learned the trade of shoe-making, which he followed at
various places in Germany and Switzerland, including Constance, on Lake
Constance in Switzerland. In 1854 his father and three brothers emigrated
to the United States, locating in Newark, New Jersey. Shortly afterwards
occurred the death of the father, who had intended to form a German colony
in that state, but died soon after his arrival. Later the oldest son went
to Pennsylvania, thence went west to Nevada, and from there to Boise, Idaho,
reaching Yolo County in 1861.
Aaron Beck, who came to the New World in 1866 with his mother and three
children, is now the only surviving member of the family. They crossed the
ocean on the old sidewheel steamer "Atlantic," which on its next trip was
lost with four hundred passengers. Aaron Beck was nine-teen years of age
when he reached Newark, New Jersey, and there he engaged in making custom
shoes and later worked in a shoe factory. In October 1876, he boarded an
emigrant train, as a third class passenger, for California, and on his
arrival in this state located in the Capay Valley, Yolo County. There he
opened a custom shoe shop, and later formed a partnership with James Duncan,
opening a shoe store in Woodland in 1887. This proved an unfortunate
venture, however, as fire completely destroyed their store and stock. Mr.
Beck bought ten acres of land in the Willow Oak Park district in 1890; and
subsequently added ten acres more, securing the property in fee and clear of
incumbrance. He now has the twenty acres planted to walnut trees and juice
grapes, though formerly he had it planted to alfalfa, during which time he
was running a dairy and raising hogs. He has been a hard worker, but has
been progressive in his methods, so that he has secured maximum results and
has a highly improved and valuable property.
In 1869, in Newark, New Jersey, Mr. Beck was united in marriage to Miss Mary
E. Krumeich, who was a native of that state and a daughter of one of its
pioneer pottery makers.
To this marriage were born the following children who are living: Anna E.;
Selma, the wife of Alfred Streng, of Oakland, this state; Mrs. Joseph
Wetzel, of Oakland; Jesse J., who was born in the Capay Valley and is in
charge of the home ranch; and Francis H., of Sonoma, California. Maria,
Aaron, Jr., and Gertrude H. are deceased. The mother passed away March 10,
1912. Mr. Beck is a member of the Sons of Herman and his religious
affiliation is with the Roman Catholic Church. Kindly in manner, generous in
disposition and an earnest supporter of those things which make for the
well-being and advancement of the community, he is regarded as one of its
best citizens and popular men.
History of Yolo County p546
AARON BECK
A native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born in 1847, Mr. Beck received a thorough
education in the public schools of that section. Later he learned the
shoemaker's trade in which, upon his immigration to America in 1866, he
engaged in Newark, N. J., serving in a shoe factory ten years. He then came
to Capay, Yolo county, CA, where he remained a similar period. In 1886 he
located in Woodland, when he worked at his trade until the purchase of his
present twenty-acre ranch in Willow Oak Park in 1890.
During the past twelve years Mr. Beck has devoted his property to alfalfa.
His thrift and perseverance, united with strictly honorable methods, have
won him a place among the most influential and highly esteemed citizens of
the community.
In Newark, N. J., in 1869, Mr. Beck was married to Miss Mary E. Krumeich, a
native of that state, and eight children were born to them, as follows: Anna
E., at home; Mamie, deceased; Selma, the wife of Alfred Streng, of San
Francisco; Aaron, deceased; Jesse J.; Lavinia, Mrs. Joseph Wetzel, of
Woodland; Francis H. and Gertrude A. The mother of these children passed
away at her home March 10, 1912.
Always keenly active in public movements of worth, Mr. Beck maintains a
special interest in educational progress, observation and study having not
only added to his culture, but enabled him to keep fully abreast of the
times as well. He is a member of the Herman Sons, and also holds active
membership in the German Lutheran Church of Woodland, while the children are
members of the Catholic Church, as was his wife also.
History of San Joaquin County -page 1583
LOUIE J DELMEGE.-A pioneer merchant who has had much to do with thc
development of important commercial and realty interests in San Joaquin
County is Louie J. Delmege, of the Delmege Realty Company at Manteca He was
born in Denver, Colo., on September 30, 1886, and grew up to enjoy a good
common school and business education acquired while he lived in Colorado,
Iowa and North Dakota, prior to coming to California. He was assistant
station agent at Knox, N. D., and it was there that he saw some stray copies
of the Sunset Magazine and read of the superior attractions of the Golden
State. In 1905 he removed with his family to the Coast, and immediately
invested in a ranch two and one-half miles east of Manteca which he later
developed into a fine vineyard. Forty dollars per acre was considered very
reasonable in those days for raw land, hut today that type of farm-tract
cannot be bought for less than $400 per acre, due for the most part to the
productivity resulting from irrigation. Mr. Delmege has never lost a whit of
his enthusiastic devotion to Manteca which he characterizes as the one city
in this valley which is four-sided, that is, it is bounded on all sides by
fertile lands and highly-productive ranches.
One of the first important events in the early history of Manteca was the
establishing of "The Toggery," a first-class men's furnishing store on
Yosemite Avenue, stocked and opened by Mr. Delmege, who had a partner, J. J.
Rawleigh. They began in 1909, and were active and successful together for
nine years, or until 1918, when Mr. Delmege disposed of his share of the
concern. The following year he established the Delmege Realty Company, with
an office at the corner of Vine and Yosemite streets. There he conducts a
real estate and insurance business, operating strictly according to modern
business methods. He has important interests in various real estate and
ranch-holdings in or near Manteca; is a member of the State Realty Board of
California; and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce of Manteca, in which he
is also a live wire.
At Stockton, in 1911, Mr. Delmege was married to Miss Jessie Ruby, the
accomplished daughter of Mrs. H. E. Ruby, who now resides at Manteca at the
home of her daughter. Mr. Delmege is a Republican, and a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America.
History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties CA page 239
SUNDAY FARAOLA.
Sunday Faraola, an enterprising business man whose progressive methods and
reliable standards have made him a dependable factor in industrial and
financial circles, is the genial and accommodating manager of the Western
California Fish Company, with their conveniently located offices on the City
Wharf at 74 Washington street, Santa Cruz. He was born in this city, April
6, 1873, and his parents were Dominic and Bessie (Herman) Faraola. The
father came to Santa Cruz in the year that California was admitted to the
Union, and with A. Palidini and T. Simmons was a pioneer among the first
foreign fishermen on this coast. At first they had to fish from rowboats,
but before Mr. Faraola died, in 1877, he saw a newer era, when fishing was
far less a hardship, if also less a sport. Mrs. Faraola, the devoted wife
and mother, is still living at the age of seventy-one years, an interesting
representative of an old family, once owners of a great Spanish grant.
Sunday Faraola attended the Santa Cruz public schools, and at the age of
eighteen entered the service of the H. Cowle Company, doing a lime and
cement business a Santa Cruz. He remained with them for eighteen years and
then joined his brother, John Faraola, in handling fish both at retail and
wholesale. They did a thriving trade together for several years, both being
favorites. After their partner-ship was dissolved, Sunday Faraola continued
with the Western California Fish Company that took over their fish trade,
and became the local manager for the concern.
On the 4th of April, 1897, Mr. Faraola was married, at Santa Cruz, to Miss
Rose Molares, also a native of this city, and a member of another old-time
family. Several children were born to them. Percy was a member of the famous
Rainbow Division in the World war, and was gassed in France; yet he was
fated to die from the effects of an automobile accident after his discharge
and return home. His funeral was one of the largest ever held in Santa
Cruz, attesting to his own popularity and the high esteem enjoyed by the
family. Leland is the only son now living. Mr. Faraola is an Eagle and it is
safe to say that his standing in that well-known order is enviable.
History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties CA page 245
JOHN FARAOLA.
A popular enterprise that must prove most interesting is that of John
Faraola, who owns and manages the pleasure boats putting out from Pleasure
Wharf at Santa Cruz, in which town he was born, January 18, 1869, the son of
Dominic and Bessie (Herman) Faraola. The father was a pioneer who arrived
here about 1850, ac-companying T. Simmons and A. Palidino, early fishermen.
He passed away nearly fifty years ago, but Mrs. Faraola has survived him,
the center of a circle of devoted friends.
John Faraola obtained his education in the country schools and when only
twelve years of age became a bell boy in a hotel. He was gradually advanced
and continued to he associated with hotels until many years afterward. He
started work in the old Douglas House and then entered the service of the
Pacific Ocean House. When a lad of fifteen he showed some proficiency as a
baseball player and getting a position at the St. James Hotel as night
clerk, he was enabled to play with the J. W. Spring Base Ball Club. He also
spent a year at the Vendome Hotel, in San Jose; was with the Lewis House at
Watsonville for three years; and for two years was at the Mansion House in
the same city.
His next venture was in the business of leasing and running pleasure boats
at Santa Cruz for three years and then he and his brother, Sunday Faraola
established a wholesale and retail fish business. When this partnership was
dissolved, our subject took the pleasure boat concession, and now he has
five fine vessels. They are used for outings by the general public and
occasionally for the more prosaic occupations of the fish-packers. Mr.
Faraola maintains a keen interest in athletic sports, and this is second
only to his devotion to business. He supports the republican party.
Mr. Faraola married, in Santa Cruz, in September, 1898, Miss Hattie Maxey,
of Rockland, Maine, and their family consists of three children: Eva, John
Faraola, Jr., and Marcelia, now Mrs. Francis Murray, of Los Angeles. There
are also three grandchildren.
History of San Joaquin County p. 1582
CHARLES G. DELMEGE.--Among the ranchers of San Joaquin County who by strict
attention to business have been able to retire from active work, is Charles
G. Delmege of Stockton. He was born in Bristol, Kendall County, IL on
November 22, 1846, and at the age of seventeen, in company with two
schoolmates, ran away from home and enlisted for service in the Civil War he
also had two brothers who served in the army, one enlisting in 1861, and all
served in the same company. On February 10, 1864, he enlisted under Capt.
F. W. Sowerby in Company H of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry in command of Col.
A. G. Brackett, with General Hatch as division commander, the brigade known
as Hatch's cavalry. Three days after joining his regiment he was under fire
with the Army of the Tennessee. being engaged against Forrest until ordered
to cross the river to fight General Hood's army. The only two battles he was
in were Franklin and Nashville. While engaged against Hood the army was
under command of Gen. Schofield; later was under Gen. Thomas; although in
active service all the time he came out without a scratch.
His service continued until October 31, 1865, when he was mustered out, and
then returned to his home in Illinois. In 1867, removing to Iowa, he bought
a farm near Afton, consisting of eighty acres; his father and one of his
brothers also owned farms in that location. He spent twelve years on his
place, which was devoted to the raising of grain, then he removed to Denver.
Colo., and became interested in politics. He was appointed by the mayor and
served four years as a member of the police department, and then for two
years was city jailer. On account of a change in administration Mr. Delmege
left the employ of the police department, and at the current election worked
for a particular candidate for county sheriff, who was elected and who, in
appreciation for services rendered, appointed Mr. Delmege county jailer,
serving two years.
Trading his Denver property for a farm, he then went to Boulder, Colo.,
farming near there for four years, then resided in Boulder for two years. In
the fall of 1899 he was sent to Des Moines as state agent for the Anchor
Mutual Fire Insurance Company, being appointed by his brother, who was
president of the company; then he was in the lumber business for two years
at Larimore, Iowa, and was also interested in the real estate business
there. From lowa he removed to Knox, N. D., and went into the real estate
business. and while residing there took up government land, which he farmed
for four years; then in 1906 he came to California and bought a ten-acre
tract of land at Manteca, which he planted to wine grapes. While his vines
were maturing he conducted a poultry business, and after twelve years sold
out and moved to Stockton, where he has since resided.
The marriage of Mr. Delmege occurred at Afton, Iowa, on November 8, 1870,
and united him with Miss Amanda Keating, a native of Ohio, and they are the
parents of two sons: Clarence A., of Sheridan, Wyo., is married and has
three girls, one of whom has a daughter; and Louie J. is married and lives
at Manteca, Mr. Delmege is past commander of Rawlins Post No. 23, G. A. R.
of Stockton, while Mrs. Delmege is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps and
the Ladies' Circle of the G. A. R., and during the World War was an active
Red Cross worker. Both Mr. and Mrs. Delmege attend the Christian Science
Church of Stockton.
History of Merced, Stanislaus, Calaveras, Tuolumne & Mariposa Counties page 375
IRA HARRIS, Jr.-The subject of this sketch is a native of Rhode Island, and
dates his birth at the old town of Smithfield, November 18, 1848. He was
reared and educated in his native State, and there learned the trade of
machine blacksmith. His parents, Ira, Sr., and Fannie (Clark) Harris, were
also born in Rhode Island, and were of English extraction. His mother is
deceased. His father, now well advanced in years, is still hale and hearty,
and fills the place of a mechanic in the shops of his son.
Mr. Harris, Jr., came to California in 1884, and established his present
business at Modesto some three years ago. His shops contain several
forges and turning lathes, and are equipped with all the necessary machinery
required in a general repair shop. He is a thorough mechanic in every
respect, and is doing a thriving and constantly increasing business.
He was married in Rhode Island in 1868, to Miss Mary Mulholland, also a
native of that State. They have six children, namely: William, Emma,
Hannah, Mary, Ira and George.
Mr. Harris casts his vote and influence with the Democratic party.
Socially, he is connected with the F. & A. M., Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 8,
of Lincoln, Rhode Island. He has passed the chairs in the blue lodge, and
has advanced to the Royal Arch degree.
History of Solano and Napa Counties page 637
JOHN L. ROWLEY.
Although a young man with many years before him, John L. Rowley has already
shown himself capable of achieving success from the way he has managed his
ranch. He is a native of Capell valley, Napa county, born September 27,
1874, a son of George W. and Martha H. (Loftis) Rowley. The former came to
California via the Isthmus in 1860. and the latter. a native of Arkansas,
came with her parents across the plains while an infant. the familv locating
in Solano county. John L. Rowley has one sister, Lily R., the wife of L. C.
Carden, a native of Tennessee; with their two children, Merle W. and Loleta,
they reside in Oakland.
In 1909 Mr. Rowley bought the old place of his parents, consisting of one
hundred and fifty acres, of which sixty-five acres are under cultivation,
four acres in alfalfa and the balance in hay and pasture. He keeps a few
cattle and horses for domestic use. Mr. Rowley married Orinda Sprague, a
native of Maine, and they have one daughter, Lilian O. Politically he is a
Republican.
History of Siskiyou County CA 1881 page 209 (actually p208 or 209a)
WILLIAM SULLAWAY is a son of Joseph and Susan (Sargent) Sullaway, who were natives of New
Hampshire, his father having been horn at Bellows Falls, and his mother at
Hookset. They reared a family of twelve children, viz.: John, Joseph, Susan,
Jacob, Dorethea, Jason, Sarah, Harriett, Benjamin (who died, and was
followed by another son, whom they called Benjamin, and who also died),
Mary, and William, the subject of this sketch, who was born at Springfield,
New Hampshire, May 16, 1823.
When thirteen years of age he went to Massachusetts, where he engaged in
business in a public house, near Cambridge, in a village called Fresh Pond.
From here be removed to Rhode Island, and on the eighth day of August, 1845,
was united in marriage to Miss Mary Parker, daughter of John H. and Armah
Parker, who were natives of Goshen, New Hampshire, where Mrs. Sullaway was
born. For some time after marriage he continued to drive stage from
Pawtucket to Providence.
In the month of October, 1849, he sailed from Fall River, Massachusetts, for
California, on the vessel Delaware, intending to come around Cape Horn, but
owing to bad seamanship was compelled to abandon that route, and put in to
the West India Islands, and then by way of the Isthmus to San Francisco,
where they landed in April, 1850. He went then to Stockton, and began
driving an ox-team at $200 per month; afterwards mining for a short time in
Calaveras county, and in 1852 removed to Siskiyou county. He engaged in
mining, then started an express wagon between Yreka and Hawkinsville, and
was the founder of the pioneer stage line from Yreka to Shasta, in 1857,
which runs via the Sacramento river road, being carried from Soda Springs to
Shasta by pack-mules. After two and one-half years he closed this line, and
started one through to Red Bluff. Tired of stage managing he sold out,
purchased the place he now owns, at that time, and since, a station on the
line called Forest Ranch, beautifully located in a fine pine forest, near
the base of Mount Shasta. A view of the residence can be seen on another
page. Mr. and Mrs. Sulla-way have reared a family of five children, viz.:
Joseph Edwin, now at Kelton, Utah, John W., Charles F., Mary, and Ned F.
From NDGW he died July in Sisson, Mount Shasta, July 13 1893.
History of Solano and Napa Counties CA page 1007.
HENRY BEDDOE.
A native of Utah, Henry Beddoe was born in Salt Lake City June 26,1853. one
of the seven children born to his parents, William and Mary B. Beddoe. The
children were as follows: Henry, Benjamin, Elinor, Margarette, Mary A.,
Naomi and Margaret. Mary A. married M. Frazer, a native of Indiana, and six
children were born to them. Margaret became the wife of Park H. Hall.
Henry Beddoe remained in his birthplace until his parents moved back to St.
Joseph, Mo., settlement being afterward made in Rolla, Phelps county, that
state, and he continued under the parental roof until he was forty-five
years of age. In Missouri be married Ella Moore, a native of New Jersey. and
nine children were born to them. as follows: Daisy E., Pansy L. William W.
Benjamin E., Thomas H., Everett E., Adolph R., Morris and Roy R.
William W. married Hannah Wiley, of Rolla, Mo., and they have three
children; Benjamin E. married Anna Lowe, of Hannibal, Mo., and they have two
children; Thomas H. married Edna Stone, and they have two children; Daisy E.
married James A. Stephens, a minister residing in San Francisco.
Henry Beddoe came to California in 1898 and purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Chiles valley. He died in the year 1906, and the work of
the farm is now carried on by the children. The ranch is divided as
follows: Thirty acres of grapes, eighty acres of pasture and timber, fifteen
acres of alfalfa and fifteen acres of grain. The orchard consists
principally of peaches and prunes, from which a good yield is obtained.
Politically Mr. Beddoe was a Republican and fraternally he was a member of
the Odd Fellows. The Beddoe family has done much to promote the welfare of
the community and has materially added to the progress of the county.
History of Santa Barbara County page 489
One of Santa Maria's greatly esteemed citizens is Paul M. Hiratzka, who, in
both business and welfare activities, has shown himself capable and
industrious, so that his record is one of which he has no reason to he
ashamed. He was born in Japan on June 14,1888, and is a son of Mankichi and
Nobu (Fukushima) Hiratzka. The father, who was born in Japan in about 1840,
died in that country in 1905. He was a farmer and brewer, and was well known
and liked in the Fukuokaken for his interest in public affairs. His widow,
who was born in Japan in about 1868, is now living in Tokio. She reared four
children, of whom Paul M. is the only one in Santa Barbara County.
Paul M. Hiratzka was given the advantage of an excellent scholastic
training, having attended the grammar schools of his own country and Rikyo
University of Tokio, which in the United States is known as St. Paul's
College, a missionary institution of the Episcopal church, and from which he
was graduated in 1912. On leaving the school in Tokio in 1912, Mr. Hiratzka
went to work for the Singer Sewing Machine Company, serving about a year as
auditor. In 1913 he came to the United States, locating in San Antonio,
Texas, where he was associated with N. T. Wilson in the automobile business
until 1915. In that year he moved to Detroit where he entered the University
of Detroit, where he was graduated in 1918. He then took a position with the
Continental Motors of Detroit, with which concern he was associated until
1921. He then came to California and lived in San Francisco and later, Los
Angeles, until 1927. During this period he devoted his efforts to general
welfare work among Japanese as general secretary of the Central Japanese
Association of Southern California. In 1927 he moved to Santa Maria and
engaged in the produce business, which he carried on until 1934, when he
associated himself with H. Y. Minami & Sons. at Guadalupe where he remains.
During 1926-27 Mr. Hiratzka was associated with the Japanese Consul in Las
Angeles in an advisory capacity. That Consul, 0. Hashi, is now a
vice-minister of foreign affairs in Manchukuo.
In 1912, in Japan, Mr. Hiratzka was married to Miss Keiko Nagano, a native
of Japan, where her mother is still living. her father being deceased. Mrs.
Hiratzka is now living in Santa Maria where she is serving as treasurer for
the Woman's Aid Society in the Japanese Union Church. To Mr. and Mrs.
Hiratzka have been born three children, namely: Tomiharu ("Tom") T., born in
Japan in 1913, graduated from Leland Stanford University in 1937 and is now
taking the medical course in that institution; Amy. born in San Francisco in
1922, is in the Santa Maria High School; and Jordan F.. born in Los Angeles
in 1923, is a student in the Santa Maria High School. Mr. Hiratzka is a
communicant of the Protestant Episcopal church being the treasurer of St.
Peter's congregation in Santa Maria. He is a man of high ideals, is cordial
and sincere in his social relations, and since coming to this country he has
won a host of warm personal friends.
History of Tulare and Kings Counties page 708
HENRY F. ROCK That progressive merchant and real estate investor of Armona, Kings county,
Cal., Henry F. Rock, was born in Shasta county, in this state, September 12,
1870. His youth and the earlier years of his manhood were passed on a farm
and he was educated in the public school in his home district. When he was
about twenty-nine years old he located on a farm in Fresno county, which he
operated with varying success for some years. By this time he had made up
his mind that he would be a merchant and had saved money with which to go
into business. Buying the 0. B. Hanan store at Centerville, Fresno county,
he conducted it four years, meanwhile farming on rented land in the
vicinity. In 1907 he closed out the merchandise business to Messrs. Elliott
& Coleman of Conejo, Fresno county, and came to Armona, Kings county, to
take over the well established mercantile enterprise of Muller Brothers, who
had been trading here five years. He has since handled the business with
increasing success. From his merchandising he has found time to interest
himself in real estate, and has acquired an interest in town and country
property. in different alfalfa ranches and in a farm of seventy-eight acres.
Besides, he is a stockholder in the commission house of Zaiser Brothers, Los
Angeles.
Fraternally, Mr. Rock affiliates with Lucerne lodge No. 275, I.0.0.F.,
Hanford. He married, November 6. 1890, Miss Lora Burner, at Glenburn, Shasta
county. She was born in Colusa county, and has borne him four children, only
one of whom survives, Carl L. who was educated in the public school of
Armona and Heald's Business College at Fresno, and is now engaged in the
bakery business at Armona. Taking a deep and abiding interest in the uplift
and development of his community, Mr. Rock has proven himself dependable
when demand is made for aid in movements for the public good.
History of the State of CA & Bio Record of San Joaquin Valley CA page 1306
ISAAC HENRY WASH. Among those who have come to Fresno within the last decade
is Isaac Henry Wash, the owner of a fine sixty-acre farm eight and a half
miles southeast of Fresno, where he is profitably engaged in the raisin
business, having twenty-six acres of bearing vines. A worthy descendant of
a distinguished family of Virginia, the lineage of Mr. Wash is traced back
to John Wash, the great-grandfather, who fought in the Revolutionary war
under Washington. He was a native of Virginia, as was also his son. John
Wash, Jr., who died in that state about 1847. From there the family moved
into Kentucky, and it was within the borders of the latter state that both
parents of Mr. Wash were born. His father, John Martin Alexander Wash, was
born in 1820, and his wife, whose maiden name was Annie Adams, was born
November 8, 1822. Some time after marriage this esteemed couple went west
and settled in Lewis county, MO., where the father died July 24, 1844.
During his life he followed the occupations of farmer and miller, and was so
engaged up to the time of his death. He left but two children, Isaac Henry
and Lucy, and the latter is now deceased. In 1855 the mother contracted a
second matrimonial alliance, this time with Enoch Hanshorough, who died in
1863. His widow now makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Annie Mathiesen
of Billings, Okla.
Born October 20, 1841, six miles from La-grange, Lewis county. Mo., Mr. Wash
spent his boyhood in the vicinity of his birthplace. His education was limited. At
sixteen he left home to make his own way in the world. and the following
year found him in Texas. While there he followed the cattle business three
years in Collin county, and in 1861 west of Montague, following similar
work, Upon the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted in Company F.
Fourteenth Texas Cavalry as a private, and served until December 31, 1862
Participating in the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn. during which he fell, he
was left on the field for dead. At this time he was serving under division
commander General McCown. Being picked up by Federals, he was taken to their
hospital and afterward returned to Texas. He subsequently returned to
Marion county, Mo., and followed farm pursuits there for a couple of year.
November 7, 1865, he was united in marriage with Mary S. Taylor, who was
born in Missouri in 1844. The year following their marriage the young couple
moved to Knox county, and this continued to be their home until 1890.
Disposing of his farm in December of that year, Mr Wash came to California,
locating for a time near Fresno, but in the spring of 1891 he purchased the
farm which is still his home and which to-day ranks among the best improved
in his vicinity. He has made many improvements on this place. Of his
children, one is deceased and the others are all residents of Fresno county.
They are as follows:
A memorial and biographical history of the counties of Santa Barbara, San
Luis Obispo and Ventura CA Page 607
DURRELL STOKES GREGORY was born in Virginia, June 14, 1825. About the year
1838 he removed to Cobb County, Georgia, and was educated in Marietta. He
read law under ex-Governor McDonald, and was admitted to practice under
special enactment of the Legislature, on account of being under the lawful
age. Afterward he was in partnership with Governor McDonald until starting
for California, in 1850, he first located in Santa Cruz, in the practice of
law; thence he went to Monterey, from which place he was sent as a delegate
to the Peace Convention, which met at Charleston, in 1860. About tile year
1862 he formed a law partnership with P. K. Woodside, which continued many
years. In 1872 he removed to the new town of Salinas, where he remained
until 1882, when he came to San Luis Obispo, although for several years
previous he had maintained an office here. His law practice here grew
rapidly, and in the course of time he was selected by Governor Stoneman to
fill the position of Superior Judge, made vacant by the death of Judge
McMurtrie, which occurred February 11, 1883. At the expiration of the term
of this appointment, Judge Gregory was a candidate before the people and was
elected to the Superior Judgeship, which position he held until his death,
which occurred at 3:30 p. M., June 12, 1889. Judge Gregory's political
services to the State of California were varied and invariably in the
interests of good government and order. He was twice a member of the Senate,
from the district composed of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, and of the
Assembly from Monterey County.
Early in the year 1888 the Judge began rapidly to fail, being troubled with
a disease which rendered him practically helpless; and so he had been on his
back most of the time for a year, and utterly unable to assist himself
during the four mouths prior to his demise. He was a most patient sufferer,
always gentle in spite of the great pain which racked his every bone. For a
long time the Judge had realized his helpless physical condition and looked
forward to the end with calmness. A man of most loving and affectionate
disposition, ever true to his family and friends, he was universally
popular. As a lawyer he was bright, alert and accurate, always going into
court thoroughly conversant with every detail of the case in hand. Although
not a flowery orator, he was clear, concise and convincing in argument, and
was generally favorably regarded by jurists. As a judge he was strict, but
invariably courteous and impartial. A man of the strictest integrity, no
man nor combination of circumstances could induce him to swerve from a
position he knew to be right.
Judge Gregory was married August 20, 1876, to Miss Amelia Hartnell, whose
family were early pioneers of California.
History of the state of CA and bio record of Santa Cruz, San Benito,
Monterey and San Luis Obispo page 478
PETER TOGNAZZINI.
Left fatherless when he was only five years of age, Mr.Tognazzini was
deprived of advantages that he would have otherwise enjoyed. However, in
spite of hardships and obstacles, in spite of having to start for himself in
a strange county without friends, he has gained a success that reflects
credit upon his sterling Swiss characteristics. Since 1860 he has lived in
California, having during that year emigrated from Switzerland where he
was born in 1852. The voyage was made via Boston and the Isthmus of Panama
to San Francisco, where he arrived Mar 20,1860. At first he worked in the
employ of dairymen in Marin and Sonoma counties, and thus gained a knowledge
of the business, as carried on in the west.
During 1873 Mr. Tognazzini came to San Luis Obispo county, where he has
since made his home. Renting land on Little Cayucos creek, he stocked it
with a herd of dairy cows, and from that small beginning he has built up a
large dairy business. As soon as he had the necessary means he purchased
land. In 1880 he bought two hundred and twenty acres to which he later
added two hundred acres. At this writing he owns six hundred and fifteen
acres of fine land near Guadaloupe, of which in 1901 he had two hundred and
fifty acres in alfalfa for his dairy cows. He was the first in all the
vicinity to attempt the raising of alfalfa and his success proved that his
judgment was not amiss in believing it would he a profitable crop.
Since becoming a property owner Mr. Tognazzini has given close attention to
the improvement of his land. He has planted trees, including a number of
fine palms. In 1890 he erected a residence which is unrivaled among the
homes on the Little Cayucos. His dairy house is provided with the modern
improvements. Between one and two hundred cows of the Holstein breed form
the dairy and the butter produced is of such a fine quality that it has
several times been awarded premiums at county fairs. No one is more familiar
with the dairy business than Mr Tognazzini and his thorough acquaintance
with the industry is proving financially profitable to him. The dairymen
throughout his county recognize in him one of the leading representatives of
their occupation and his influence is everywhere acknowledged. He is a
director of the Dairymen's Union of San Francisco. As president and a
director of the Guadaloupe Creamery Company at Guadaloupe and president of
the Union Creamery at Morro, he is closely associated with two growing
industries that are proving helpful to their localities. These interests,
while important and far-reaching, do not represent the limit of Mr.
Tognazzini's influence. In addition he is a director of the San Luis
Commercial Bank, the San Luis Obispo-Savings Bank of San Luis Obispo and the
Swiss-American Bank of San Francisco.
Since coming to America and entering into citizenship in our county Mr.
Tognazzini has been actively associated with local Republican affairs. As a
member of the county central committee and as executive member from the
Cayucos district, he has done much to promote the welfare of his party here,
and he also represented his district as a delegate to the state convention
which nominated Hon. H. H. Markham for governor of California. For several
years he has been a school trustee. Fraternally he is connected with San
Simeon Lodge No. 196, F & A. M.; San Luis Obispo Chapter No.62, R. A. M.;
and San Luis Obispo Commandery No. 27, K. T.
In the lodge he is a past master and has been a delegate to the state grand
lodge. At the time the proposition was made to build a railroad from
Templeton to Cayucos he was deeply interested in the project, took a
personal interest in the scheme and contributed toward the fund for the
making of the survey. In 1881 he married Miss Mary Gaxiola, by whom he has
five children: Irene, Romeo, Juliet, Mabel and Benjamin.
History of the New California - 1905 p721
ABRAM BLOCK.
Abram Block, well known as a representative of the fruit-shipping industry
of central California makes his home in Santa Clara. He was born on the
12th of February, 1830, in Bohemia, and is a son of Zalma and Maria (Kafka)
Block, both of whom were natives of that country and in their family were
four sons and four daughters, of whom Abram is the youngest and the only one
now surviving. The father was a farmer by occupation and thus provided for
the wants of his wife and children.
Abram Block pursued his education in the private school at Schwihau,
Bohemia, continuing his studies until he reached the age of fourteen years.
In the spring of 1845 he came to the United States, and going to Missouri he
there continued his education as a public-school student for a brief
pe-riod. Later he entered upon his business career as a clerk in a
dry-goods and groceries establishment in St. Louis, Missouri, and continued
in that trade until I852 when he came to California. Men from every walk
and station in life were flocking to this state, attracted by its business
possibili-ties brought about through the discovery of gold and the great
tide of emigration to the far west. Mr. Block came by way of New Orleans and
the Isthmus route. He too sought a fortune in the gold fields, but after
spending a short time in the mines he left the search of the precious metal
to others and engaged in dealing in general miners' supplies in Nevada City.
In 1855 he removed to San Francisco, although he still maintained his
business in Nevada for a time. In the former place he turned his attention
to manufacturing enterprises. He was interested in what was known as the
Pioneer woolen factory, which he conducted with success for six years. In
February, 1878, he removed to Santa Clara, where he has since been engaged
in fruit-raising and shipping. With keen foresight he recognized that this
was one of the coming industries of the state, and prepared to meet the
demands that would arise in this direction. Levi A. Gould shipped the first
fruit from California from San Francisco in the year 1869, and this has
always been one of the leading fruit producing centers of the state. The
fruit sent out by Mr. Gould was raised in the orchard now owned by Mr.
Block. Mr. Gould, who originally owned the orchard, was one of the pioneer
orchardists in this section of the country, and was a very active and
enterprising man. doing much for the development of the fruit industry in
this section. He not only raised fruit, but he operated the first dryer and
was also an extensive manufacturer of vinegar. He came to San Francisco in
1853. Mr. Block's sales of fruit are extensive and he annually sends to the
citv markets of the west and of the east many boxes of pears and plums. his
products being considered among the best in the state. His orchard comprises
one hundred and eighty-seven acres and he has eighty acres in the homestead
place, while adjoining property is controlled by him in his fruit-raising
industry.
HISTORY OF YUBA AND SUTTER COUNTIES page 903
JAMES EDMAN PLASKETT.-A retired rancher who, through untiring effort and
energy, close study, and careful attention to vital interests has made a
place for himself among the men worthy of mention in the making of the
Golden State, is James Edman Plaskett, who was born either in Nova Scotia or
New Brunswick, Canada. His father being engaged in shipping lumber, our
subject has never known just where they were residing when he was born on
May 13, 1838, in that country. His parents were Joseph and Lucretia
(Wallace) Plaskett, natives of Carlisle. England, and Canada, respectively.
As stated above, Joseph Plaskett, the father was engaged in shipping lumber
from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Maine to England. In 1842 the family
moved to Wayne County, Pa., where he continued in his lumber and farming
business. Mrs. Plaskett was of Scotch descent. She passed away when her son
James was a young lad. Joseph Plaskett came to California in 1855 via the
Panama route, and was laid away to rest in the Golden State. Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Plaskett were the parents of nine children: William, deceased, who
was a major in the 144th Regiment of New York Volunteer Infantry and served
in the army of the Potomac during the Civil War; Sarah; Jane; two other
girls, who died in infancy; Peter; James Edman, the subject of this review;
John; and Henry.
James Edman Plaskett attended the district schools in Pennsylvania and
finished his education at Laurel Hill Seminary in Deposit, N. Y. However,
he received the greater part of his knowledge from the school of experience.
He is vitally interested in all progressive movements and is very well
posted on all of the important topics of the day. In 1857 he started out
for himself, and came to California via Panama, taking passage on the Moses
Taylor from New York to Aspinwall and on the Golden Age from Panama to San
Francisco, his destination being Forbestown. He came up the Sacramento
River as far as Sacramento, where he stopped for a few days; and then he
journeyed up the Feather River by boat to Marysville, where he landed. From
there he came by stage via Oroville to Forbestown, and passed through Yuba
and Butte Counties en route. He was so impressed by the wonderful country
that after he had his fill of mining he determined to remain in California
and locate in the Sacramento Valley. Mr. Plaskett mined from 1857 to 1864 in
Empire Hill and other places in Plumas, Butte and Yuba Counties, also
traveling over parts of Nevada and Arizona. When he returned to Sutter
County, he preempted a quarter-section of government land five miles west of
Yuba City, adding additional land from time to time until he acquired 800
acres. At first he raised whatever seemed the most profitable; but later he
raised grain, and of recent years he has developed this land into a
profitable orchard and vinyard.
James Edman Plaskett returned to New York and married Miss Emma Bortle on
May 13. 1868, in Hancock, Delaware County. She was born in Greene County.
N. Y., and reared in Delaware County, the same State, and was a daughter of
Daniel and Rose Bortle. Mr. and Mrs. Plaskett became the parents of eight
children: Isabelle, Mrs. W. W. Brawn, of San Francisco ; May. Mrs. Jess
Flanery, of Yuba City ; James Wallace, residing at home ; Gertrude, Mrs. J.
M Maynard, also on the home place ; Bertha, Mrs. C. P. Reische, of Meridian
; Sylvester L., William and Henry, all residing at home. They are the
grandparents of twelve children. James Wallace was united in marriage with
Miss Myra Elizabeth Poe on July 3, 1905, at Marysyille. She was born at
Lakeport, Lake County, a daughter of Alonzo and Elizabeth Poe, and was
reared from the time she was four years old at Lincoln, Placer County. Of
recent years James Edman Plaskett has given portions of the home place to
his children, but the land still remains in the family. A stanch Republican,
Mr. Plaskett is a loyal supporter of the principles of that party.
James died at age 88 in Sutter County on Jul 31 1926. He was survived by his
wife, Emma (BORTLE), and Isabelle, Mrs. W. W. BRAWN, San Francisco; May,
Mrs. S. J. FLANERY (Jess), Yuba City; Bertha, Mrs. C. P. REICHE, Meridan;
Gertrude, Mrs. J. M. MAYNARD, Sutter County; and James Wallace; Sylvester
L.; William H. and Henry L. PLASKETT all of Sutter County.
H. E. PLASKETT in the History of Sutter County p122
Some more snippets:
Francis M. PLASKETT died age 79 in Alameda on Nov 11 1939.
Major Wm Pillsbury PLASKETT was a major in the 144th Regiment of New York
Volunteer Infantry and served in the Army of the Potomoc during the Civil
War.
He was born in 1824 in New Brunswick, CAN, his parents were Joseph and
Lucretia (WALLACE) PLASKETT, natives of Carllisle, England and Canada.
His father was engaged in shipping lumber form Nova Scotia, New Brunswick
and Maine to England. In 1842 the family moved to Wayne Co. Penn. William
was the eldest of nine children, Sarah, Jane, (the other girls died in
infancy), Peter, James, Edman, John and Henry.
Lucretia PLESKETT passed away in PA in about 1854. In 1885 Joseph came to CA
via the Panama Route to join his brother, Peter. Joseph's name appears in
the Martin Knox business ledger at Brownsville as buying supplies.
James followed in 1857 and settled in Sutter County.
The Major followed in 1875 and settled in Forbestown where he built a saw
mill. His wife was Jane Ann (ROSE). They have two children: Minnie and
Peter Luther, both educated in PA. Minnie married Thomas G. HODGKINS, whose
father was "Chips" HODGKINS, the famous Wells Fargo messenger from 1851 to
1892. They had a family of 5 children: William, Guy, Ira, Peter and Earl.
Peter Luther PLASKETT was twenty years in 1875 and may have come to CA
before his father as he was an engineer for a steamship company that
operated on the Pacific Coast.
Evidently Peter was visiting his father in Forbestown where he met Julia
LAGUE who came to CA in 1880 with her family from S?tton, CAN. In January
1883, Julia took the stage from Forbestown to Oroville, a train to San
Francisco, and a ship to Seattle, where she married Peter Luther PLASKETT on
January 22, 1883. Peter and Julia had seven children.
The Major died in San Francisco when he was hit by a cable car. He is buried
in the Presido.
History of the State of California and Bio records of Coast Counties CA p489
GEORGE E. DE GOLIA. As lawyer, politician and social leader, the Hon.
George E. De Golia has held a position of prominence and importance in the
city of Oakland for more than a quarter of a century, and is widely known
and honored throughout the entire state. A native son of California, he was
born at Placerville May 3, 1857, the son of Darwin De Golia, an early
settler, and was reared throughout his boyhood in his native locality.
Ambitious and enterprising he became a page in the assembly at the age of
fourteen years, and with economy and thrift unusual in one so young he saved
his earnings, with which he contemplated paying his way through college. At
sixteen years of age he entered the state university, and upon his
graduation four years later was fifth in a class of twenty-six members,
standing first in the college of engineering, which course he took there as
well as a literary course. In 1878 he became managing editor of the Oakland
Daily Transcript, on which newspaper he remained about a year.
Upon the election of the Hon. Henry Vrooman in March, 1878, to the office of
district attorney, Mr. De Golia entered his office as clerk and student and
with unusual application was admitted to the bar in the following year. In
1879 he was chosen secretary of the senate judiciary committee, after which
he practiced law until 1883. He was then appointed assistant district
attorney of Alameda county, which position he held for six years. Later he
formed a partnership with Mr. Vrooman which continued until the death of the
latter, when he succeeded to an extensive practice.
From the time he cast his first ballot, Mr. De Golia has been interested in
the political life of the community, continuing an active participant in
public affairs up to 1894, and after the death of Mr. Vrooman was considered
the Republican leader in Alameda county. He attended the National Convention
a Chicago in 1888, being actively interested in national affairs as well as
local. In the line of his profession he has been a member and secretary of
the Oakland Bar Association since its organization, and is a charter member
of the Athenian Club. Fraternally he is one of the most prominent men in the
city, holding membership with Oakland Command-Cry, K. T., as well as the
Scottish Rite branch of Masonry, and the Mystic Shrine. In 1890 he
organized a lodge of Elks in Oakland, of which he served as exalted ruler
for several years, also representing the order in the Grand Lodge in the
east at several annual sessions. He is a leading member of Piedmont Parlor,
Native Sons of the Golden West, and has been delegate to the Grand Lodge of
that order since 1892.
The marriage of Mr. De Golia united him with Caroline Barroilhet Rabe, a
daughter of Dr. Rabe, distinguished in the early history of California, and
of this union were born two children, a son and daughter, namely: Ellis and
Noelle. Prominent in Oakland society, Mr. De Golia has long been a leading
member of the Oakland Golf Club, and is one of the directing members of the
Claremont County Club, as well as taking an active interest in athletics,
being especially skillful with the foils. As a successful lawyer he has
the respect and esteem of both confreres and clients, both safely trusting
their interests to the honor and integrity of the man who has proved himself
in their midst. It is justly a matter of pride with him that no lawyer has
ever asked him for a written stipulation. The work in which he is now
engaged in includes both that of probate practice and the duties of a
corporation attorney, holding the latter position for several of the
important corporations of the city.
From NDGW
Darwin De GOLIA was born in Lake George Co. NY Mar 9, 1818 and came to CA
before 1855. He married Lavinia WHEELER BALDWIN on September 26, 1855 in Pla
cerville CA.
Children were:
1.George Ellis de GOLIA born about 1857; died at age 61 Alameda Jan 18 1919
Married Caroline B. RABBI (RABE); she died Alameda at age 57 8-19-1917
Children:
a.George E. Jr.
b.Noel (Mrs. Challen PARKER), New York
2.Abbie Laninia de GOLIA born Apr 15, 1859; died 1941
Married George Benjamin FLINT 1887 in Placerville CA
Children:
a.Arthur D. FLINT
b.Chester B. FLINT
c.Edna FLINT CONE
3.Darwin Curtis de GOLIA born Placerville about 1865; died age 70 Alameda
2-13-1935
Married Anna FOGERTY
Child: Jack de GOLIA
4.Edwin Baldwin de GOLIA born Placerville
Married Netty GATES
Children:
1.Harold Gates de GOLIA
2.Edwin B. de GOLIA Jr died age 37 San Francisco CA 1-10-1937
Married M. P.
3.Yvonne de GOLIA (Mrs. George Clayes STEVENS)
Material submitted by Mrs. Edna FLINT CONE, granddaughter living at 1435
Bonita Avenue, Berkeley, CA
(In 1870 census El Dorado pg 107 Plcvl
History of Santa Cruz County pg 354
H. E. MAKINNEY.
The subject of this sketch was born near the town of Eaton, in Preble
County, Ohio, on the thirty-first day of July,1840. His father was a
farmer, and a greater part of the son's early life was devoted to the same
vocation. He attended the public schools in his neighborhood, and at the
age of fourteen, when his father's family removed to Keo-kuk, Iowa, Mr.
Makinney entered Ballinger's Academy of that place. At the age of seventeen
he had qualified himself for the profession of teaching and began work in a
country school near his father's farm.
On the 15th of April, 1862, Mr. Makinney was married to Miss Astoria G.
Anderson, at the village of New Boston, near Keokuk. The happy couple
immediately started on their wedding trip, which was to be quite unique as
well as lengthy, toilsome, and dangerous. Their conveyance was a wagon and
ox team, and their route lay across the plains, two thousand weary miles, to
the State of California.
The year 1862 was fraught with dangers and hardships for emigrants, and many
travelers were murdered by Indians or perished through sickness and
privation while on their way to California. But fortune was more kind to
the bride and groom on their wedding tour. In September, 1862, they arrived
at their destination, Placerville, California.
Mr. Makinney immediately began to look for employment. His first work was
hauling wood. The trip across the plains had used up the wagon, so he
borrowed one from the man for whom he was working, and set out to earn his
first California gold.
He worked at this until he earned $11 and thought he was getting along
pretty well, when his team took a "gee" pull and broke the pole off the
wagon. The owner thought that $11 would about pay for repairing the
damages, so the account was squared and Mr. Makinney stopped hauling wood.
His next undertaking was digging a cellar. He followed this laborious work
until his hands were blistered and his back sore.
The county examinations for teachers was held about this time, so Mr.
Makinney laid down his pick and shovel and took up the pen to win the
credentials that would entitle him to employment more in keeping with his
taste, qualifications, etc. He began in a country school near Placerville,
and was soon after engaged in a town school, and in 1865 was elected
principal of the Placerville High School. He was soon afterwards attacked
by a severe fever and ague, which compelled him to resign his position. He
was advised to try a change of climate, and, through the influence of an
Episcopal clergyman, secured a position as principal of the Santa Cruz
School. He came to Santa Cruz the last of December, 1866, and filled the
puncipalship of the school with great satisfaction until December, 1873. In
1867 he was elected county school superintendent, and held the office until
his election as county clerk, in 1873. From 1873 to 1885 he held the
position of county, clerk, auditor, and recorder, when he retired from
politics and engaged in his present business, abstract and conveyance, also
dealing in real estate.
Mr. Makinney also served on the county board of education from 1880 to 1887,
served three terms as deputy district attorney, and three terms as city
clerk, and one term as city clerk, and one term as city school trustee. In
1884 he was admitted to the practice of law.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Makinney. The eldest, Kate V.,
is now the wife of Dr. K. D. Wise, of Los Angeles. His son, Fred, is his
father's partner, and the younger daughter, Pearl, is also in her father's
office.
History of Santa Cruz County pg 354 & 305
FRED W. MAKINNEY.
The young gentleman whose name appears above is the son of W. E. Makinney,
and was born in Placerville, El Dorado County, on the fourteenth day of
October, 1865. When he was about one year of age his father removed to Santa
Cruz. Fred received his education in the Santa Cruz public schools and the
State University of California.
After leaving school Fred joined his father in the searching and abstracting
business in 1886, at which he still continues. His abilities and
achievements certainly entitle him to the appellation of a successful young
man. His portrait will be found in the group of young business men of Santa
Cruz.
History of Butte County p844
EUGENE FORTUNE COUTOLENC.--In the town of Jauziers in the beautiful valley
of the Ubaye in the department of Basses-Alps, surrounded by the magnificent
scenery so common in the mountain region of the south of France, lived the
honorable French family of Jean Antoine and Antoinette (Bellon) Coutolenc.
To this worthy couple a son, Eugene Fortune was born. His grandfather,
Antoine Coutolenc was a merchant and trader. He had made contracts to the
amount of eighty thousand francs with Napoleon's troops when they were on
their way to Italy, but lost it all when the French government failed to pay
the obligation. Eugene's father was a butcher. He was married twice; of the
first union there were two children one of whom Jean Coutolenc, came to
California in 1851, became a butcher and died at St. Helena when he was
eighty-two years of age. The second marriage resulted in the birth of eight
children: two of them are in California and are the only survivors of the
family; Auguste, of San Francisco, and Eugene F., of this review. The
father died on March 19, 1871, after having lived a long and useful life.
The third in the family of eight children, Eugene F. Coutoleac, was born in
1854 and was reared in Jauziers, where he attended the public school. From
when he was a small lad he worked around his father's butcher shop, and in
time he became an adept at the trade. When he was nineteen, in 1873, he
arrived in San Francisco, where his two older brothers were located, one in
that city and the other across the bay, in Oakland. For one year he was
employed in the packing-house of Barraty and Coutolenc. He then crossed the
bay and went to work for the brother who had a market in Oakland. While he
was working for his brother he spent his odd moments in the study of
English, and his evenings in attending night school, thus soon learning to
speak the language of his adopted county. Desiring to go into business for
himself, he opened a wholesale and retail coffee house at 307 Clay San
Francisco, continuing for six months. He then went over the bay to Sausalito
and entered the employ of a Mr. Josse, who conducted a meat market there,
but soon after he bought the business with Jean Barraty for a partner, the
firm doing business under the name of Barraty and Coutolenc.
This establishment is still doing business and is being conducted by Edward,
a son of the former proprietor and an ex-mayor of Sausalito. Mr.Coutolenc
sold his interest after two years and returned to Oakland to work for his
brother, Jean, in a shop known as the Willow Market, located at Third
Jefferson Streets, continuing for two years.
Mr. Coutolenc was married in Sausalito on January, 19, 1879, to Miss
Gabrielle Picard, who was born in Chinon, Department Indre-et-Loire, France,
and came to San Francisco with her parents when she was a young woman. Some
time after their marriage the young couple went to Butte County to visit
Mrs. Coutolenc's parents, and upon their return to Oakland, Mr. Coutolenc
bought out his brother and conducted the Willow Market alone for two years,
then on account of ill health he sold out and went to St. Helena, where in
partnership with his brother Jean he ran a shop for a like period.
Meanwhile his wife died and he became so ill that a physician advised him to
take a sea voyage to the Sandwich Islands for a change. This he did, in
1884, and remained there five months. While in the islands he became
acquainted with a young lady, and their acquaintance resulted in their
marriage on February 7, 1885. This lady was Miss Amelie Rochet, born near
Lausanne, Canton Vaud, Lake Geneva, Switzerland, a daughter of Jean David
and (Lambelet) Rochet. They were farmers who spent their entire lives in
their native canton, where their five children were born, three of whom now
living: One brother, Louis, is in Switzerland; a sister, Adele, Mrs. P.
Remond, lives in Berkeley; and Mrs. Coutolenc, the youngest. She re-ceived a
good education and was traveling companion to an English woman, and had
spent considerable time in London, going to the Sandwich Islands in 1881
with this family. There she met Mr. Coutolenc.
After their marriage, Mr. Coutolenc's health having become normal once more,
he brought his bride back to California and they located in Butte County. He
leased a store and ranch from Victor Poumarat, at the place now known as
Coutolenc, and engaged in the general mercantile business and in raising
hogs and packing pork for the markets. At the end of five years he prospered
so well that he bought the various properties from Mr. Pou-marat and at once
erected a new hotel, built a concrete reservoir, piped the water from a
large spring to it, and from there to the hotel and cottages, which he had
erected for his summer boarders and tenants. He ran the hotel, store, and
the pork-packing business, and was very successful.
Mr. Poumarat had the post office then named Lovelock at his place and served
as postmaster for several years, but after that did not want to bother with
it, so got a Mr. Benner to take it, and it was moved to his place about a
mile and a half north, still retaining the name of Lovelock.
Coutolenc first located on the place he was advised to try, to regain the
post office. He waited two years, then secured enough signers to a petition
and the office was moved to his place again, and he was appointed
postmaster. This move created a disturbance in the neighborhood of Mr.
Benner's place and as a result the office was moved back there. Our subject
could see the necessity of having an office in his neighborhood for the
convenience of the citizens and suggested that it be named Old Lovelock, but
at this the postal authorities demurred and the petition was denied. He
persisted in his efforts and at last an office was established at his place
and named Coutolenc, in his honor, and he was appointed postmaster by
Mr.Wanamaker and held the position for nineteen years, his good wife being
his able assistant. In 1909, he sold out his store and other holdings to
Clarence Musselman, and moved to Chico Vecino, where he bought a house at
Fourth and Streets; he later bought a store on Esplanade and started a meat
market which he ran for several years, when he sold the business.
Mr. and Mrs. Coutolenc have had five children; Adele, who died at the age of
seven years; Leila, Mrs. P. L. Roberts, of Chico; Ida, a graduate of Chico
High School and the State Normal, is teaching in Oakland;Valentine, a
graduate of the Chico High School, and now a student at the Chico State
Normal; and Eugene David, at home.
Mr. Coutolenc has always favored good schools and for years was a trustee of
the Coutolenc district named in his honor. and he served as clerk of the
board for some time. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Coutolenc is
interested in mining, owning a two-third's interest in a mining property
with Mr. Poumarat as a partner. This is a free milling gold-ore quartz
claim and promises to develop into a good investment. Mr. and Mrs. Coutolenc
are highly respected Citizens of the county.
History of Northern CA.
J. W. AND W. B. RODDAN.--Among the enterprising and prosperous young farmers
of Yuba County none are better known than these two gentleman. A history of
the county would be incomplete without some mention of their ranch and its
productions. They are the owners of 510 acres of rich bottom land, located
two miles from Wheatland. The products of their farm are grain and hops, but
it is to the latter that they are giving their principal attention. They
annually produce immense quantities of hops, and their entire crop is
contracted for before it is picked, or, indeed, before it is grown.
Messrs. Roddan are the sons of Hugh and Emeline (Browning) Roddan. The
father was born in Scotland and is now a resident of San Francisco, and the
mother, a native of Pennsylvania, died in Yuba County, California, in 1853.
They came with their parents to California, in 1862, and landed in Nevada
County. Two months later they came to Yuba County and settled where they now
reside. Both are members of the I.0.0.F., Sutter Lodge, No.100.
J. W. was married at Wheatland, in 1883, to Miss Eva Plomteaux, a native of
California. They have two children: Cecil W. and Guy H.
W. B. wedded Miss Flora Hezlip, in Wheatland, in 1876. She is a native of
Minnesota. They are the parents of five children, viz.: Aldine P., Vivian
E., Mattie 0., Flora 0. and Doland B.
Headline: The Wheatland Crime.
William B. RODDAN and his wife arrested by the Detectives.
Wheatland, September 15th.-- The community was thrown into a state of
excitement this morning by the announcement of the arrest of William B.
RODDAN and his wife, Flora, at whose residence the recent outrage on Ida
DUNN and Cora HENSLEY was committed. The streets are filled with people,
discussing the affair, and the terrible deed is brought up again to the
minds of the community. Opinion differs as to the guilt or innocence of the
arrested parties. The preliminary examination will be held tomorrow morning.
Detectives Harrison, Gay and Waddell made the arrest.
I also found that Eva Lenore (PLOMTEAUX) RODDAN died in Roseville June 3
1947 at age 82. Her obit was in the Sacramento Bee on June 3 1947 (18-7).
RODDAN -- In Roseville, June 3, 1947, Eva Lenore RODDAN, wife of the late
John W. RODDAN, loving mother of Cecil W. RODDAN of San Francisco, Guy H.
RODDAN of Los Angeles, and Mrs. Erma Lenore ANDERSON of Roseville; a native
of Lincoln, CA, aged 82 years. Friends are respectfully invited to attend
the funeral from the home of Miller & Skeleton, 1015 Twentieth Street,
Thursday at 3 p.m. Interment East Lawn.
One other item from the CADI: John Wesley RODDAN was the brother of William
Browning RODDAN. He was a farmer in Wheatland on July 23 1896. Age was 40
and he was 6 feet tall, light complexion, had blue eyes, black hair and was
from Iowa. William Browning RODDAN was 42, stood 5 10 1/2 and had light hair
and blue eyes.
History of San Joaquin County p1414
MRS. MARTHA ALICE FREDERICK.
--For more than a half century Mrs. Martha Alice Frederick has been a
resident of San Joaquin County and is honored throughout the county for her
true worth. She was born at Rising Sun, Polk County, Iowa, on August 19,
1862. the youngest of a family of nine children born to Robert R. and Mary
Jane (KING) Wilcox, both natives, of New York, born February 25, 1819, and
January 10 l823 respectively. Her parents located in Pennsylvania on a
homestead in 1828 where Robert R. Wilcox became identified prominently in
the lumber and oi1 business and there amassed a large fortune. He was
married at Oil Creek, Pa., to Miss Mary Jane King and nine children were
born to them: Eleanor became the wife of James R. Curtiss and settled in
western Kansas: she passed away at Summerfield, Kans. on April 17, 1922,
aged eighty-one, and was survived by five children. James R., a veteran of
the Civil War in which he was twice wounded, is a retired farmer and
stockman residing with his family of three children at Beattie, Kans.
Clarissa Angeline is the widow of Benjamin G. Frederick, who was born July
3, 1844, near Southern Whitney, Ind., and was reared on a farm. Early in
1870 he and his wife arrived in California and settled in Ripon, where he
erected the first building and conducted a boarding house; later Mr.
Frederick became a prominent orchardist. He was a veteran of the Civil War,
having served in Company I, 18th Volunteer Infantry from Iowa. He was
familiarly known as Uncle Benjamin in the vicinity of Ripon and was a
prominent member of the Brethren Church; he passed away June 29, 1906. Mrs.
Benjamin Frederick divides her time between Stockton and her old home at
Ripon. John Gilbert is residing with his wife and six children in Council
Bluffs. Iowa, where he is engaged in the hardware and implement business; W.
R., an inventor and mining expert in Manhattan, Nev., died November 15.
1922: Sarah Jane is deceased; Henry F. is a building contractor in Salida,
Colo.; Emory is deceased; Martha Alice is the subject of this sketch.
Robert R. Wilcox, the father of our subject, settled in Ripon in 1882 and
farmed for a few years near Taylor's Ferry; he passed away at Ripon,
November 23, 1904, aged eighty-five years; his wife had passed away May
23,1863.
Martha Alice Wilcox accompanied her sister, Mrs. Clarissa Frederick, to
California in 1870 and grew to young womanhood in Ripon. On August 14, 1881,
she was married to Harrison Frederick, born in Indiana, September 20, 1845,
a son of Duncan and Lucinda (Beatley) Frederick, natives of Ohio, the father
a pioneer farmer of his native state of Ohio.
Harri-son Frederick accompanied his two brothers, John and Thomas, whose
sketches also appear in this history, to California across the plains in
1862, bringing with them considerable stock; they settled on the Stanislaus
River near the present site of Ripon where they engaged in farming and stock
raising, and all three of the brothers became well known and influential
citizens.
Mr. Frederick built a fine large residence on his ranch where the young
married couple began their wedded life. Three children were born to them:
Gilbert is married and has two children---Benjamin and Harrison; he is a
rancher and merchant; Clara Lillian resides at home with her mother; Nellie
B., is the wife of Clyde Wilcox and they have three children: Robert Wilcox
and Martha; they reside at Melones, Cal. Mr. Frederick was a liberal
contributor to all worthy movements; he gave the land to the county for the
San Joaquin school and served as a trustee of that district for many years;
fraternally he was a charter member of the Mt. Horeb Lodge, I.0.0.F. When
he passed away November 11, 1913, the county lost one of its most worthy
pioneers.
After her husband's death, Mrs. Frederick and her daughter, Clara Lillian,
continued the management of the home place, which became one of the show
places of the Ripon section. In 1919 the home place was sold for a large
sum and in 1921 the family residence at 601 Tuxedo Park, Stockton, was
built. Mrs. Frederick is past matron of the Rebekah Lodge at Ripon and she
and her daughter are members of the Iowa Club of Northern California.
History of San Joaquin County page 559
MRS. SUSAN J. FREDERICK. -A prominent and highly esteemed California
pioneer, Mrs. Susan J. Frederick has been a resident of San Joaquin County
for nearly her entire lifetime, having witnessed as much of its development
and growth as probably any other living resident, and the large success
gained by herself and husband, the late Thomas Frederick, was entirely
earned by steady industry and business management. She was born near
Memphis, Scotland County, Mo., September 24, 1855; a daughter of William H.
and Barbara E. (Dye) Crow, both now deceased. William H. Crow, familiarly
known throughout his locality as "Uncle Billy," was born in 1819 in
Kentucky, but was reared in Pike County, Mo; whither his parents had removed
in the early '30s. He was next to the oldest in a family of eight boys and
one girl. On February 2, 1843, William H. Crow was married to Miss Barbara
E. Dye, born in 1828 in Morgan County, Ohio, a daughter of John and Nancy
(Archer) Dye, farmer folk who settled in Missouri when their daughter,
Barbara E., was a small girl. After his marriage, William H. Crow continued
to reside in Scotland County, Mo., where he became a successful stockman,
remaining there until 1850.
News of the gold discovery in California having reached Missouri William H.
Crow's father, 'Capt.' Walter Crow, lost no time in organizing a com-pany,
among which were his two youngest sons, and of which he was made captain.
They brought a large number of cattle with them. The two sons remained in
California, but Walter Crow returned to his home in Missouri via the
Isthmus; the next year, 1850, he came out again, and brought four more of
his sons with him, one of whom was William H. Crow, the father of the
subject of this review. The journey was completed successfully; the party
stopping at Shaw's Flat, Tuolumne County, where they disposed of their stock
at fancy prices to the miners. Capt. Walter Crow died in Sutter County in
1850, but William H. Crow opened a butcher business at Shaw's Flat, which he
conducted until 1855. He made three trips in all across the plains. His
second trip was in 1852 when he brought his wife and one child with him. Of
their four children the oldest was Walter J. Crow, who was born in Missouri
and was the only child who accompanied the parents on their trip out from
Missouri in 1852; the second, Emma J., is the widow of the late Judge
Prewett and resides at Auburn. Placer County, Cal.; the third was Susan J.,
the subject of this review, who was born while the parents were back in
Missouri; and the fourth, Lewis B., was born after the parents returned to
California, and is a prosperous rancher near Sanger, Fresno County, Cal. The
oldest son became a rancher near Hanford, where he died. Returning again
with his familiar to California in 1857, and crossing the plains for the
third time, William H. Crow finally settled permanently on the Stanislaus
River, near Ripon, twenty miles south of Stockton, where he took up land, to
which he added from time to time, until he became an extensive land owner.
Transportation was made in those days overland and by riverboats. One boat,
the Clara Crow, plied the San Joaquin and Stanislaus rivers to San Francisco
and Stockton for many years. The boat (for a single trip) reached what is
now known as Riverbank, but at that time was known as Burneyville.
Of William H. Crow's brothers and sisters, there were eight brothers and one
sister in all. The two brothers and one sister remaining back in Missouri
moved out to California in 1865 with their families. Six of the Crow
brothers settled in Stanislaus County and one, James A. Crow, settled in
Stockton, where he passed away. In 1865 the mother of our subject passed
away at the River Ranch and subsequently William H. Crow married Mrs.
(Virda) Trolinger, a sister of John Jones of Escalon. William H. Crow was a
Democrat in politics and for many years was an active Mason in the Modesto
lodge. He passed away at the River ranch. July 29, 1884, his widow
surviving him until 1906. The extensive land holdings of William H. Crow
(900 acres in all) have been sold in small ranches and the section is now
under a high state of cultivation. Lewis B. Crow and our subject, and Emma
J. the widow of Judge Prewett of Auburn, Cal., are the only surviving
members of the William H. Crow family. Judge Prewett was the administrator
of the large Crow estate. For thirty-two years he had served as superior
judge of Placer County and when he passed away on July 7, 1922, he was
justly mourned by a large circle of friends and the public in general, whom
he had served so long and so faithfully. He was survived by his widow and
two children, William J. and Nellie E.
On September 1, 1872, Miss Susan J. Crow was married to Thomas Frederick,
born January 27, 1849, near South Bend. Ind., and was a babe in arms when
his parents removed to Iowa. He was a boy thirteen years old when he came
to California as a member of his stepfather's family. After his father's
death his mother was married to Elias Nutt, who became a prominent grain
farmer in the Ripon section of San Joaquin County. Thomas Frederick
received his education in the old San Joaquin school and in young manhood
acquired 160 acres in the Jackson district of Stanislaus County: later he
exchanged this with William H. Crow, the father of our subject, for a fine
quarter section two miles west of Ripon. At that time only one house had
been erected between this quarter section and the town of Ripon and in those
pioneer days the mail was brought from the station known as Morrano, two
miles north of Ripon. A store was erected at Ripon in 1875 and conducted by
a Mr. Crook, who gave the village its name after his hometown in Wisconsin.
The first house erected by Mr. Frederick on his ranch was a small cottage,
then in 1875 was replaced by a much finer residence and in 1886 remodeled
into a fine house, where the family resided until 1904. Four children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Frederick: Genoa resides in Ripon; Charles is
represented in this work; Hattie resides at home in Ripon; and Lulu, now
Mrs. H. L. Dickey, has two children. Mr. Frederick was active in the
development of Ripon; he organized the Ripon Lumber Company; was one of the
organizers and a di-rector in the Bank of Ripon and was active in the
development or irrigation in this section. In politics he was a Democrat
and fraternally was a charter member of the Mt. Horeb lodge of Odd Fellows.
In 1904 the family removed to Stockton and located at 324 West Park Street,
where he passed away sud-denly July 4, 1920. Mrs. Frederick later returned
to Ripon, where she built a home on Orange Avenue. She retains her interest
in the Bank of Ripon and is all active member of the First Congregational
Church, to which she contributes liberally of her time and means. Mrs.
Frederick is held in high esteem, and the kindly social qualities with which
she is endowed wins for her the friendship and good will of all.
History of San Joaquin County page 947
JOHN W. FREDERICK.-A native son and life-long resident of San Joaquin
County, who is also a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist is John W.
Frederick, residing on his 160-acre ranch three miles west of Ripon, which
he farms to wheat and barley. He was born on the place where he now resides,
November 4, 1871, a son of John and Nancy (Underwood) Frederick. John
Frederick was born in Indiana and later was taken to Iowa by his parents,
where the family lived until 1860 when they crossed the plains with an
emigrant train to California. The Frederick family located rear Stockton, on
the Peter Clapp ranch, where they remained for one year; later they removed
to the salt grass land and range country three miles west of Ripon. At that
time the land was thought to be worthless for farming. John Frederick had
married in Iowa Miss Nancy Underwood, a daughter of Philip Underwood, born
in Iowa, and the Underwoods accompanied the Fredericks to California in
1860. Seven children were born to this pioneer couple: Mary Ellen resides
at home; Flora, Mrs. Frank Stephenson, has two daughters and one son, and
are ranchers on the homestead near Ripon; Mrs. Birdina Curtis resides in
Ripon; Ida, Mrs. H. A. Buchanan, resides at Folsom, and has four sons;
Eliza, Mrs. John Garrison, resides in Ripon and has four daughters and four
sons; John W., the subject of this sketch, and James W., resides with his
wife in Modesto, where he is engaged in the real estate business and
ranching.
John Frederick homesteaded 160 acres and purchased 160 acres, making 320
acres, which he farmed to grain; he also raised considerable stock on his
ranch. He bought ten acres of timberland near Taylor's Ferry on the
Stanislaus River, which is now owned by our subject, John Frederick, served
as a school trustee of San Joaquin school district until he passed away in
1885. The mother and sons managed the ranch until 1896, when our subject
took full charge of it and leased other lands on which he raised large
quantities of wheat and barley, besides having considerable stock. In 1900
the original house built by his father more than a half century ago, was
replaced by a more commodious residence, which stood for seventeen years and
then was destroyed by fire; three years later Mr. Frederick built his modern
residence where he and his family now reside. The mother passed away In
Ripon in 1916, and John W. became administrator of the estate.
In 1920 John W. Frederick was married to Miss Kathryn Nutt, a daughter and
third child of thirteen children born to Henry D. and Sarah M (Hull) Nutt,
natives of Indiana and Iowa, respectively. Mr. Frederick purchased the
interests of all his brothers and sisters and owns the original 160 acres,
as well as the ten acres of timber land on the Stanislaus River, which his
father purchased so many years ago for the permanent home of the Frederick
family.
The irrigation activities of San Joaquin County has always found an ardent
supporter in Mr. Frederick and his influence for the advancement of his
particular locality has been given enthusiastically.
History of San Joaquin County CA page 391
ALFRED L. COWELL.-Prominent among the representatives of the bar in
California is Alfred L. Cowell, the attorney-at-law and irrigation expert of
Stockton, who was born at Woodland. Yolo County, Cal., on March 17, 1870,
the son of Alfred H. and Emeline (Hubbard) Cowell, both natives of Ohio. Mr.
Cowell crossed the great plains in 1858, riding a mule, while Mrs. Cowell
came out to California, when only ten years old by way of the Isthmus, so
that they were married in the Golden State. In 1885, Mr. Cowell removed
from Woodland and located at Woodbridge in San Joaquin County, where he
kept a general store.
Alfred Cowell attended the San Joaquin Valley College at Woodbridge, from
which he was graduated in 1892, when he went East and became a student at
Union Biblical Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, after which he returned to Woodbridge
and became president of the San Joaquin Valley College, which responsible
office he held from 1895 through 1897.
For the next year he was principal of the Lodi high school, and from 1898 to
1899 he was principal of the Siskiyou County high school at Yreka. In July,
1899, he became reporter for the Mail newspaper at Stockton, and later,
until 1911, he was editor of that influential journal, and then, going to
Modesto, he bought an interest in the Modesto News. While there, he became
particularly interested in irrigation, and he was appointed secretary of the
California Irrigation Districts Association, and since then he has been
active in behalf of irrigation projects in the San Joaquin Valley. During
the session of the California Legislature in 1913, he represented the
association at Sacramento in securing important amendments to the irrigation
district laws of the state.
From 1914 to 1916, Mr Cowell was assistant director of congresses at the
Panama-Pacific Exposition held in San Francisco in 1915 working under
Director J. A. Barr, of Stockton; and he also taught in the Stockton high
school for a year. Then he studied law and in 1918 was admitted to the bar.
Since then, making irrigation matters a specialty, he has taken part in the
organization of some of the largest irrigation districts in the San Joaquin
Valley and devotes nearly all his time to district affairs.
When Mr. Cowell married at Woodbridge, in 1896, he chose for his
life-companion, Miss Alice Gingrich, a native of Pennsylvania. He is a
member of Charity Lodge No.6, I. 0. 0. F., at Stockton.
The History of San Joaquin County, CA p504
JOSHUA COWELL.-It is generally known that Joshua Cowell originally owned
nearly all the land on which the thriving town of Manteca now stands, and
the appellation "Father of Manteca" is well applied. He was also the first
mayor of Manteca after its incorporation in May, 1918. In 1910 Mr. Cowell
was harvesting grain from the land where now stands the modern city of
Manteca with her 1,200 inhabitants. He has been most active in the
upbuilding of this city having erected a number of Class A buildings in the
business district. He is now interested in general farming and is one of
the leading advocates of irrigation, having proved in his own farm
operations the value of this method in enhancing the productiveness of the
land. So widely and favorably is Mr. Cowell known that his record cannot
fail to prove of interest to our readers.
A native of Tioga County, N. Y., he was born on January 2,1842, and is a son
of Henry and Elida (McMaster) Cowell, also natives of the Empire State. The
paternal grandfather, Joshua Cowell, was a sol-dier in the War of 1812.
About 1845 the father. Henry Cowell, removed with his family from New York
to Grant County, Wis., and there he lost his wife nine years later. Joshua
Cowell was reared in Grant County, where he made his home until 1861, when
at the age of nineteen years he came to the West, making the journey across
the great plains with a train of emigrants. He drove an ox team all the
way, reaching his destination after four months of travel. He left the
train, however, at the Carson River in Nevada and remained for a time in
that state. Subsequently he continued his journey to California, where he
arrived in January, 1863, crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains on foot and
coming direct to San Joaquin County. He then took up his abode at the place
where he now resides and it has been his home continuously since. He had two
brothers. Henry W. and Winston Cowell, who also located with him on the
ranch and for some time they conducted farming operations there.
On November 25, 1868, Joshua Cowell was united in marriage with Miss
Vienetta Rachael Graves, born in Grant County, Wis., and who came across the
plains in 1864. They became the parents of six children; Elida A. married
James Salmon and died leaving one daughter; Mary E. became the wife of
Charles L. Salmon and they have two children; Clara C. is Mrs. Clifford
Wiggins and the mother of three living children; Otis M., the only son, is
the father of one child. Two children died in early childhood. Some time
after the death of the wife and mother, Mr. Cowell was married a second
time, in September, 1884, when Miss Emily F. Sanders became his wife. She
was born in New York state in 1849 and came to California in 1876 By this
marriage there is one daughter, Hattie V., now the wife of Maxie Mewborn,
and they have three children There are five great-grandchildren in the
Cowell family circle. In 1864 Joshua Cowell's father came to California,
accompanied by F. Marion Cowell and Phoebe Cowell and he died in San Joaquin
County aged sixty-six years.
After his marriage Mr. Cowell took his bride to his farm where he has since
resided and has become one of the best known and most progressive citizens
of his locality. He has always been a strong advocate of irrigation and with
many others of the early settlers had the vision of water on those thousands
of fertile, sandy and thirsty acres, so they dug a canal from above Knights
Ferry, a distance of forty-five miles, taking water out of the Stanislaus
River and they brought it down into the hot valley. They were laughed at for
their dreams. The attitude towards the project was unfavorable, and the
dream was unrealized and many of the promoters lost fortunes in the early
throes of the irrigation movement. A trace of the old canal may still be
seen. Then came Charles Tulloch and his interests, with more water, taking
over the defunct concern's water system. and finally the formation of the
South Side Irrigation district. For a number of years Mr. Cowell was engaged
as a contractor in the building of irrigation ditches and levees mainly in
San Joaquin County. His ranch is devoted to general agricultural pursuits
and stock-raising, and both branches of his business have proved profitable.
He has also been extensively engaged in the dairy business, and for five or
more years served as president of the Cowell Station Creamery, being the
first incumbent in that position. What ever he undertakes he carries
forward to successful completion, and while his labors have brought him
prosperity they have also been of a character that has promoted the general
good. In his political allegiance Mr. CowelI is a Republican, but while he
renders unfaltering support to the party he has never sought or desired
public office for himself, preferring to give his attention to his business
interests. He was, however, a candidate for the office of supervisor in the
'80s. He belongs to the Brethren Church and never withholds his support and
cooperation from any movements that he feels will contribute to the general
good. His business career exemplifies the force of industry and energy in
the utilization of opportunity. He certainly deserves much credit for what
he has accomplished, and though he started out in life empty-handed he
attained a high degree of success.
History of San Joaquin County CA page 1583
ELBERT ALLEN COVELL.-Prominent among the well-to-do citizens of Woodbridge
is Elbert Allen Covell, a native of San Leandro, Alameda County, where he
was born on February 5. 1874. His father. Allen T. Covell came to
California in 1856 from New York state; he was a carpenter by trade, but
like thousands of others a that time, he joined the rush to the mines. He
did not follow mining long, however, but turned to civil engineering, and in
1876 removed to Fresno County where he helped to lay out and establish the
Washington Irrigated Colony. In 1888, he came to Woodbridge, where he
acquired land, which in time he set out as a vineyard.
Allen T. Covell lived to be eighty-two years old; his devoted wife, who was
Mary Elizabeth Sherwin before her marriage, reached her sixtieth year. They
had four children, three boys and a girl.
Elbert Allen Covell attended the Woodbridge common school, and afterwards
was a student at the San Joaquin Valley College. When he was old enough to
do so, he took up farm work, taking charge of a portion of the vineyard
which his father had set out; while his brother, George F., also took over a
part of the vineyard ranch. The whole property consisted of 160 acres. Today
Mr. Covell owns thirty choice acres set out to Tokay grapes, west of the
town, and this trim little farm is well irrigated. He and his brother
together, own a ranch of 270 acres in Stanislaus County, between Salida and
Modesto mostly set out to vineyard.
At Stockton, on August 3, 1904, Mr. Covell was married to Miss Florence
McMurtry, the daughter of Lewis C. McMurtry. She was born in Gold Hill. Nev.
Her father, a well-known hotel man, came to Woodbridge when she was a little
girl, and here she was reared and educated. Mr. Covell was made a Mason in
Woodbridge Lodge No. 131, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master. He is a
member of Stockton Charter No.28. R. A. M.; Stockton Commandery No. K. T.:
and Islam Temple. A.A.0.N.M S., San Francisco; and with his wife he is a
member of Woodbridge Chapter No. 118, 0. E. S., of which he is a past patron
and Mrs. Covell is a past matron. In 1922 Mr. and Mrs. Covell made a
four-mouth trip to Europe visiting England, Scotland and the Continent.
Prominent figure in his day was Angus M. Clark, a Millertonite that helped make county and city history. He died December 2, 1907. He was a Mason, a Knight Templar and Shriner and a charter member of Fresno's first Masonic lodge and its first master. He came to California at the age of nineteen during the gold excitement in 1850 and after following mining for seventeen years in various parts of the state came to Fresno in 1867 and worked in the copper mine at Buchanan, early enterprise of great promise.
He abandoned mining work when in 1873 he was elected county clerk and recorder, assuming the duties of the office in March at Millerton. In the fall the county seat was removed to Fresno and to Mr. Clark as the custodian of the public archives fell the task of removing the records to the new town on the plains, and he assisted at the laying of the cornerstone of the second county courthouse. He held the office for eleven years and in 1885 its business had so increased that the work of the office was separated and he resigned. He was elected to the state legislature this same year. Other political activities included two terms as district school trustee and two or three terms as city recorder before there was a police judge under a charter.
Samuel J.; Annie H., wife of R. L. Rutherford; George, deceased; John J.:
Henry M.; Mary L. and Nadine Belle: the latter two, together with Samuel J.,
are still at home. The family worship at the Malaga Baptist Church. Mr. Wash
united with the Baptist Church in 1857. His political preference is given to
the Democratic party, and he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having
been made a Mason in Knox county, Mo.
Sylvester L. PLASKETT died in Yuba county at age 63 on Sep 12 1948. There is
an obituary in the Sacramento Bee on 16 Sep 1948 page 12 col 6.
Francis M. PLASKETT married Lena B. FULLER Feb 3 1885 in San Jose and there
is a write-up in the CALL Feb 10 1885 3-7.