USA > California > A Volume of memoirs and genealogy of representative citizens of northern California, including biographies of many of those who have passed away > Part 30
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104
BENJAMIN F. FOSTER.
The pioneers of a community, the founders of a town, or the organ- izers of an enterprise that contributes to the substantial upbuilding and development of a region, are worthy of public gratitude. They perform an arduous task often without a reward at all commensurate with their efforts; 15
234
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
but as long as the town of Paloma exists it will be a monument to the labors, enterprise and progressive spirit of Benjamin F. Foster, its founder. From the far-off Pine Tree state Mr. Foster came to California.
He was born in Calais, Washington county, Maine, on the 25th of March, 1842, and was therefore but eleven years of age when in 1853 he came to the Pacific coast with his father. He is of English lineage and is the son of Edwin and Abigail ( Scott) Foster, both of whom were natives of Maine. They had nine children born in New England. In 1849 Edwin Foster came to California by way of the Nicaragua route. Many of the passengers had the Panama fever and were buried in the sea. A place on the deck was set apart for those who were dangerously ill and when death came to them they were thrown overboard into a watery grave. Mr. Foster saw this done, and when he was taken ill and laid with the others he became so angry at the outrage that he crawled away out of sight and ultimately recovered.
Upon his arrival in San Francisco he was engaged in teaming, run- ning drays and lighters in that then new and enterprising town. In 1853 he purchased a ranch on the Mokelumne river, in San Joaquin county, and renting a place he also operated a ferry. By the homestead act he secured one hundred and sixty acres of land, and in the year 1853 he sent for his wife and children to join him. So with her little ones Mrs. Foster came to California. The children are Clymena, Josephine. Benjamin F. and Edwin. The last named, however, was born on the ranch in this state. The father continued to reside on this farm throughout his remaining days. devoting his attention to its cultivation and further improvement. His death occurred when he had attained the age of sixty-two years. Ile was one of the organizers of the Republican party of Woodbridge and became one of its stanchest supporters, doing all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. The cause of the Union found him loyal in its sup- port and he was known throughout the community as a man of the highest probity of character and of sterling worth. His wife survived him for sev- eral years and died on the old homestead in the sixty-ninth year of her age. \ member of the Methodist church, she was a devoted Christian woman, and her influence was a benediction to all who knew her. She was born on the 15th of May, 1816, and died in 1885, having performed the noble work of rearing to honorable manhood her family of sons. The sur- viving children are Benjamin F., George and Edwin.
Benjamin F. Foster was educated in San Joaquin valley, and he haule ] the first load of lumber used in erecting the first building in I ckeforI. He inherited his father's farm and added to it until he became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land at that place. He also purchased one hundred and eighty acres where the town of Paloma now stands, and with the development and progress of Calaveras county he has been actively identified. He was called to public office and for six years served as a deputy assessor.
In 1863. in answer to his country's urgent need for more volunteers
235
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
to aid in crushing out the Rebellion, Mr. Foster enlisted at Stockton as a member of Company K, First California Cavalry. The regiment was sent to New Mexico and he was detailed to act as a scout with Kit Carson, continuing with that celebrated scout through the remainder of the war. They engaged in chasing Indians and traveled three times from New Mexico to the Missouri river. They also pursued Quantrell in Kansas, but failed to overtake him. Mr. Foster rendered very valuable service to his country, but was never wounded, and after the close of the war he received an hon- orable discharge, on the 3d of April, 1866, at Fort Sumner, New Mexico. He then visited relatives in his native state and by way of the isthmus returned to San Francisco.
In Stockton, on the 29th of October, 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Foster and Miss Flora Starkey, a native of Sonoma. California, and a daughter of Singleton Starkey. Their union has been blessed with one daughter. Clara Belle, who is now a student in San Francisco. They removed to his property in Calaveras county in 1895, and on it Mr. Foster platted the town of Paloma, which is now a thriving business center with a number of stores and other commercial and industrial concerns, a fine school house and a large hall. It is located one mile distant from the Gwinp mine. and many of the miners have their homes in Paloma. The town is on the stage route from Valley Springs and Mokelumne Hill, about equally distant from the two places, and is in the midst of a rich mining and fruit-growing district. Mr. Foster has sold his lots at moder- erate prices and is doing all in his power to improve and upbuild the town, his efforts resulting to the benefit of others as well as himself. He follows farming and stock-raising, is the owner of a livery stable, and he also con- ducts a business in real estate. His progressive spirit is manifest in the manner in which he conducts his affairs.
A Republican in his political views, he is unswerving in his advocacy of the party. Socially he is connected with the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and its Rebekah degrees, also with the Knights of the Maccabees. He has always been prominent in public affairs, and no one has been more actively or com- mendably interested in the welfare and development of this section of the state. He is a man of enterprise, positive character, indomitable energy. strict integrity and liberal views. and has been fully identified with the growth and prosperity of the state of his adoption. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and gained a most satisfactory reward. His life is exemplary in many respects and he has the esteem of his friends and the confidence of those who have had business relations with him.
JOSEPH W. HUGHES.
Judge Hughes, of Sacramento, is a distinguished member of the judi- ciary of California and is one of a class of American jurists whom the people regard as a Gibraltar of justice. In the hands of such judges the
236
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
individuals and state feel that every interest is safe and that the law will be administered with the broadest intelligence and with a keen regard for equity. He took to the bench the very highest qualifications for this most responsible office in the system of government and his record as a judge has been in harmony with his record as a man and a lawyer. distinguished by unswerving integrity and a masterful grasp of every problem that has presented itself for solution.
Joseph W. Hughes was born in Fayette, Howard county, Missouri, June 10, 1860, and is a son of J. R. Hughes, of that place, who was born in Kentucky, son of William and Nancy ( Morrison ) Hughes. The grand- father was a native of Virginia and died in Fayette, Missouri, at the age of forty-four years. His wife, whose birth occurred in Kentucky, also spent her last days in Missouri. The maternal grandparents of our subject were Joseph and Amanda ( Stapleton ) Wilcoxson, and the former, who was probably born in Virginia, died in Fayette, Missouri. J. R. Hughes, the father of our subject, is a farmer by occupation and from Kentucky he removed to Missouri with his parents and is still a resident of that state. Ilis wife bore the maiden name of Priscilla Ann Wilcoxson and was born in Missouri. They became the parents of six children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Joseph W., William, Minnie, Morrison. Gussie and James R. The father entered land from the government in Missouri, and taking up his abode on the wild tract transformed the wild prairie into rich and fertile fields.
On the old homestead Judge Hughes spent the days of his boyhood and youth and in early life attended the public schools of the neighborhood. When seventeen years of age he became a student in the college in Fayette. Missouri, but left that institution five months before his graduation. Enter- ing upon his business career he secured a clerkship in a general store, where he remained for eighteen months and then bought out his employer. after which he conducted the store until his removal to California. On the 6th of April. 1882, he left his home in Missouri and started for the Pacific coast, reaching Sacramento on the 16th of the same month. Here he accepted the position as bookkeeper for Jefferson Wilcoxson, his great uncle, in whose employ he remained for five years.
In the meantime he determined to make the practice of law his life work and devoted all his leisure hours in mastering the principles of juris- prudence as set forth in Blackstone and other reliable works on law. On the 11th of March. 1886, he was admitted to the bar, and in his profession Ic has won a position of prominence that many an older practitioner micht well envy. His thorough understanding of the law, his careful preparation vi cases and his ability to apply judicial principles to the point in litigation won him marked success before court and jury and gained to him a liberal clientage. In 1806 he was elected a judge of the superior court and is now acceptably filling that position. The judge who makes a success in the discharge of his multitudinous delicate duties, whose rulings are seldom reversed and before whom counsel and litigant come with an unshakable
1 -
1
237
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
confidence, is a man of well rounded character, finely balanced mind and splendid intellectual attainments. That Judge Hughes is regarded as such a jurist is a uniformly accepted fact.
The Judge was married in 1893 to Miss Nellie Stanley, a daughter of Lee Stanley, who came from Indiana to California in the fall of 1850, when only seventeen years of age. He possessed marked determination and his resolute will and indefatigable energy enabled him to make continuous and marked progress on the road to success. He was first employed by a mining company engaged in draining the middle fork of the American river near Mount Gregory. Later he entered into partnership with a man who was operating Works' ranch in Eldorado county, ten miles above Georgetown. After two years passed in that way he engaged in teaming. making regular trips to Georgetown and Mount Gregory, with two teams. During this time lie maintained his residence in Sacramento. In 1861 he was married and aban- doned teaming, devoting his energies to the hay and grain business. He was conducting a livery stable when he was elected the sheriff of Sacramento county in 1890, being the candidate of the Citizens' Association and endorsed by the Democracy. He is, however, and always has been, a Republican in poli- tics, and the majority which he received was a high compliment to him, indi cating his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. He is now a member of the firm of Clark Brothers & Stanley.
Judge Hughes is a Democrat in his political affiliations and cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland in 1884. Socially he is connected with Sacramento Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master. He has also taken Scottish Rite degrees and is a charter member of the Order of Elks in San Francisco, and is a past grand chief ranger of the Foresters of America. Of all men he seems to be satisfied with the simple discharge of his duty with- out regard to its effect upon his growing fame. Indeed, in his very modesty of manner and fidelity is found not only the chief causes of his popularity among his associates, the legal profession and the people, but also one of the best evidences of his marked ability and worth.
FRANK WILLIS FISK.
In the town of Murphy's. Calaveras county, Mr. Fisk is well known. being actively identified with its business interests. Here he is serving as the postmaster and is also a druggist, conducting a well-equipped store in that line. Throughout his business career he has represented commercial pursuits here.
He was born in Oldtown, Maine, on the 20th of March, 1857. and belongs to a family of English origin. His father, Charles Fisk, was a native of Vermont, born in 1813. and removing to Oldtown, Maine, he engaged in merchandising until 1864. He was recognized as an influential citizen whose opinions and efforts did much toward shaping the public policy of the place. He served as one of the selectmen and as a member of
238
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
the board of education. He married Miss Mary Ann Eaton, a native of Nova Scotia, and in 1864 they came to California, locating in the town of Washington, in Yolo county, where the father operated a sawmill and engaged in the lumber business. He was subsequently the proprietor of the Fisk Hotel at Silver Mountain, and in 1869 he came to Murphy's, where he owned a placer mine. Here he engaged in merchandising until his life's labors were ended. his death occurring in November, 1897, when he was cighty-three years of age. He was a citizen of the highest probity. While in Alpine county he was public administrator. His wife departed this life in 1893. survived by five of her children. In the family were eleven children, but six of the number had departed this life. Those who are still living are : Mrs. Mary J. Mauk, of Phoenix, Arizona; Charles E., of Murphy's; Mrs. Emily Smith, a widow living in Sacramento; Fred E., of Los Angeles ; and Frank Willis.
The last named. the youngest, was twelve years of age when he came with his parents to Murphy's. He attended the village school and at an early age began to assist his father in the mercantile establishment, thus acquiring a knowledge which enabled him to continue business on his own account with excellent success. He was appointed the postmaster of the town and took possession of the office in 1898. He has a very neat and well equipped office in a portion of his store, and his daughter acts as his dep- uty, while his son also assists in the office.
On the 7th of June, 1879. Mr. Fisk wedded Miss May P. Shearer, a native of Murphy's and a daughter of Volney Shearer, one of the early settlers of California. They have now two children,-Effie May and Charles Frederick. They occupy a nice home in the town and the members of the lic usehold maintain a high standing in social circles. Mr. Fisk was elected one of the supervisors of Calaveras county in 1886, and ably and faithfully served for four years, during which time roads and bridges were built and others improved, and the county hospital was also erected. Mr. Fisk giving hi- hearty co operation to all movements for the general good. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and has been financier of the society since its organization in 1883. Almost his ewire life has been spent in this locality, and that those who have known him from boy- ho diare numbered among his stanchest friends is an indication that he is afright and honorable and worthy of high regard.
JOSEPH WOOLFORD.
Jeeph We lived, who is practically living a retired life in Plymouth. has abrigh his well directed efforts won a competency that now enables hin 1: rgely to poit avide business cares. He is a native of England. his birth hay- ing Depurrel in Ratisbury, Wiltshire, on the 7th of February, 1830. For my generation the family re bled in that country. His father, William Wi- fiord. married Miss Elizabeth Hobbs, a native of his own town. and they had fourteen children, but only three are now living. He reached the
239
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
very advanced age of eighty-four years, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy-two years. They were members of the Church of England,- honest, industrious and upright people.
Joseph Woolford was early trained to habits of industry and economy. When only eight years of age he began to earn his living, and in consequence his educational privileges were very limited. He served an apprenticeship to the blacksmith's trade in the city of London, after which he worked on the Great Eastern steamship, and in 1857 went into southern waters, locating in Peru, where he assisted in the building of an iron mate or wharf which ran out into the sea past the surf. Determining to make his home in Cali- fornia, he arrived in Plymouth in the spring of 1862, and was for two years engaged in placer-mining in different places in the county, but, making only about six dollars a day, he was not satisfied with the wages. Subsequently he spent eighteen years in the employ of the Haywood Mining Company, working at his trade and at all kinds of blacksmithing and iron-working required in the mill and mines. He was the foreman of their shop, and being an expert workman he gave excellent satisfaction to his employers. He also worked in the Empire and Pacific mines for the New London Folks for two years, and in 1872 he took up two hundred and eighty acres of land adjoining the town of Plymouth. He now resides upon his farm. He has improved the property and erected a good residence, but in a measure he has retired from active business, although he still has a shop and his high reputa- tion as a first-class workman brings to him considerable trade.
Mr. Woolford has always given his support to the Democratic party, but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business affairs. He adheres to the faith of the Episcopal church and has led an honorable and upright life, his word being as good as his bond. His marked industry has been the source of his prosperity, and he belongs to that class of energetic and reliable men who have truly won the proud American title of self-made.
Henry Woolford, a nephew of our subject, with his family, is living on the farm and working it, while Mr. Woolford makes his home with them.
FRANK J. SCHOETTGEN.
Frank Joseph Schoettgen has long been engaged in the butchering and meat-market business in Columbia, and has been a resident of California since 1855. As his name indicates, he is of German birth, the place of his nativity being Baden, the date March 11, 1823. His parents were John B. and Johanna ( Folmer) Schoettgen, both of whom were natives of Germany and faithful members of the Catholic church. The father owned and conducted a dyeing establishment in his native land. His was a long. useful and active career, terminated in death when he had reached the age of eighty years. The mother of our subject departed this life in the fortieth year of her ; ge. The father afterward married Johanna Spitzmiller, also a native of Germany.
240
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Their family numbered ten children, all born by the first wife, three of whom died in infancy.
The subject of this review, however, is the only survivor of the family. To the public schools of the fatherland he is indebted for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. For some time he occupied the position of bookkeeper in Germany. He could not only speak his native tongue but was also conversant with the French language. He had, however, no knowledge of English until he came to the United States, in the thirtieth year of his age, believing that he might better his financial condition here where opper- tunities for young men were greater. He landed at New Orleans and made his way to St. Louis, where he embarked in business, spending two years in that city. On the expiration of that period he came to California, by way of the Nicaragua route, arriving in San Francisco in July. 1855. and pro- ceeding thence directly to Calaveras county. Here he engaged in mining until the time of the Fraser river excitement, when he made his way to the new gold fields, but success did not smile upon his ventures there. At dif- ferent times he mined at San Andreas, Mokelumne Hill and Camp Sago. He then came to Columbia, arriving in July, 1856, and here he engaged in mining and then turned his attention to the butchering business, opening a meat market, which he has since continued, supplying the citizens of the 1 wwn and surrounding country with a good grade of meat and doing an hon- oralle and successful business. He paid cash for his stock, but sold much on credit ard in this way he lost considerable money, yet prosperity has come t . him and he is now the possessor of not only a good business but also a comfortable home. He is still conducting his business, but has practically retired from active duty, his store being conducted by his sons an 1 son-in- law, the latter being Mr. Napole m, who has been connected with the enter- prise for many years.
In June. 1854. Mr. Schoettgen was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Bren mer, amat've of Germany, whom he had known in the fatherland. They were married in St. Louis and the wife remained there while he made the trip t . (. Ffornia and secured a start in business in the far western state. In 1857 she joined lem in his new home and here they have become the parents of eleven children. six of whom are living at the time of this writing, namely : Lovisa, the wife of George Napoleon; Wilhelmina, who is acting as her Either's housekeeper: August, a resident of Stockton: Katie, the wife of George L. Alams: John B. and Frank, who are in the meat market. One Sco. William, died in his thirtieth year, and the mother of these children was calle l to her final rest May 20, 1899, when in the sixty-seventh year of her age. leaving not only her family but many friends to mourn her loss. She was a devoted, faithful wife and mother and indeed proved a companion and helpmate to her husband. Iler many acts of kindness gained her the respect and esteem of all with whom she came in contact and her memory remains - an unalloved benediction to all who knew her.
Mr. Schoettgen has been a lifelong Republican, upholding the principles that party by his ballot ; but at local elections, where no national issue is
------- - --- 1 1 I
241
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
involved, he votes independently. As a business man and citizen he has made a good record. His devotion to his adopted country is above question and no native son of America is more true to her institutions or more faith- ful to the duties of citizenship. From Germany he came to the new world and entered upon a successful career, yet his prosperity is not the outcome of propitious circumstances, but the honest reward of labor, good management, ambition and energy, without which no man can win success.
PETER REICHLING.
Through the years of his identification with the interests of California Mr. Reichling has watched the marvelous growth and development of the state, for he came to the Pacific coast when this region was sparsely settled and when the work of civilization had scarcely begun. He has been an active factor in the business affairs of Amador county and at all times his honorable methods and straightforward dealing have gained for him the con- fitlence, good will and respect of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
Mr. Reichling is a native of Prussia, Germany, his birth having occurred there on the 18th of December, 1824. His parents, Jacob and Mary ( Claf- man ) Reichling, were also natives of Germany and the father was a forester by occupation. Both he and his wife were devout members of the Catholic church, and were people of the highest respectability. He lived to be eighty- tlirce years of age, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy-five years. They were the parents of ten children, of whom only four are now living.
Peter Reichling was educated in the schools of his native country and there spent the days of his minority. In 1856 he bade adieu to friends and fatherland and sailed for the new world with the hope that he might better his financial condition thereby. In December of the same year he arrived at Volcano, Amador county. California, where he resided with his brother Francis, who had crossed the plains to California in 1849. Together they engaged in purchasing gold from the miners who took the precious metal from the earth, and n 1858 Mr. Reichling, of this review, came to Jackson and opened a jewelry store, which he conducted in connection with the other branches of the business. He handled large amounts of gold, shipping it to San Francisco and Sacramento, having an account with banks in both of those cities.
He enjoyed an unlimited credit. the banks honoring his check for any amount. In this way for many years he served as a private banker for the miners and was of material assistance to the business interests of the town. He acted as his own assayer and the gold was received at the banks without question, such was his known honesty in business affairs. Through all the years he was also extensively engaged in the development of the rich mineral resources of the state, for ten years occupying the position of superintendent of the Kennedy mine, and is now one of the principal owners of the Anita
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.