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 32
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
252
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
chandising store of Smith & Mendelson. After the death of both partners Mr. Sersanous was appointed one of the administrators, with Hon. John Boggs, closing the estate in a satisfactory manner to all concerned. In 1880 he removed to Willow. He became the bookkeeper in his father-in-law's hard- ware store in Willow, Glenn county. Mr. Freeman died October 4, 1896, since which time Mr. Sersanous has been the administrator and manager of the business. Ilis excellent business and executive ability enabled him capably to control the enterprise, and under his guidance the business steadily increased, bringing to its owners a handsome financial return.
On the 15th of August, 1880, Mr. Sersanous was united in marriage to Miss Emma F. Freeman, a daughter of George W. Freeman, who for many years was one of the most prominent business men and wealthiest citi- zens of Glenn county. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Sersanous now living are Claude I., Freeman and Marie. They have also lost three children.
His fellow townsmen, recognizing his ability and talents as a financier and his trustworthiness in all life's relations, have frequently called Mr. Sersanous to public office. He was elected county treasurer in 1895, and was again chosen for the position in 1898. Hle discharged his duties with marked promptness and fidelity. He cast his first presidential vote for S. J. Tilden and has since affiliated with the Democracy on national issues. He is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Native Sons, all of Willow. He is also a member of Chico Lodge, No. 423. Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of Pythias. His has been an honorable career over which there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and he justly commands the confidence and regard of his fellow men.
ELEAZER S. POTTER.
Fleazer S. Potter, who is living in Plymouth. Amador county, came to the state at an early era in its development. He is numbered among the utile sus of Connecticut, his birth having occurred in Harwinton, Litch- fiehl county, on the 10th of November. 1826. The family is of English lineage and was carly founded in the New England states. Isaac Potter, the father of min subject, was born in that state and married Miss Hanna Scovill. They were farming people and stanch Presbyterians in their religious faith. The father attained the age of sixty four years, while his wife departed this Die in her sixtieth year. Three of their eight children are still living, namely : Suple. now the wife of B. F. W vne, a resident of Platteville, Wisconsin ; Ahijado wio ofer is living in Wisconsin : and Fleazer Scovill, of this review.
Tle It named was reared on hi father's farm, acquired a good com- Theceed edbe dien and entered upon his business career as a peddler in i- mate date In 184- he removed to Illinois and thence to Platteville. Wilgen, rethsonnig in the latter place for three years. He afterward spent we yers m Missour in search of lead ore and then returned to the Badger Slag avere her eenpied a clerkship for a time. In 1852 he paul seventy five
1
253
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
dollars for the privilege of coming with an ox train across the plains to Cali- fornia. He also worked for his passage. One boy in the train died of cholera on Big Sandy river, but with that exception all reached their destina- tion in safety. Mr. Potter arrived at Volcano, Amador county, in the fall of 1852 and at once engaged in placer-mining, making from ten to twelve dollars a day. Like others, however, he lost much that he made in mining opera- tions and after two years went to Tuolumne county. In 1853. in Drytown, he saw the heads of Joaquin and Jack on exhibition. They were atrocious murderers and robbers who had been captured and killed. On one occasion during those early mining days Mr. Potter and two companions were engaged in placer-mining when a young, green-looking fellow came along and asked them where he had better begin digging; thinking to play a joke on him, they told him to dig near a certain tree. He followed their advice, and, much to their surprise, secured more gold than all the others. His findings soon enabled him to return home with a handsome competence. After a time Mr. Potter engaged in merchandising at the Arkansas diggings, pur- chasing his goods in Sacramento. That venture proved a profitable one, and after five years he removed to the Buckeye valley, where he was engaged in business for four years, when he came to Plymouth. In 1866 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining the town, and has since been engaged in farming,-raising grain, hay and stock. His industry has been rewarded with success and he is now one of the substantial citizens of the community.
In 1858 Mr. Potter married Miss Harriet Louisa Howard, of Forest Home and a native of Michigan. They have fourteen children, five of whom are now living, namely : H. E., a prominent merchant of Plymouth ; F. M., who is a successful farmer: Mary, now the wife of L. G. Griffith; Kate, the wife of Dennis Madden ; and Charles, who is living with his father. Mrs. Potter, who was a true and loving wife and mother, died in 1897 and her loss was deeply mourned throughout the community.
In politics Mr. Potter has always been a stalwart Republican, and in 1883 was chosen by his party as a candidate for county supervisor. Being elected, his service was most creditable, gaining him high commendation. Since 1851 he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is now the treasurer of his lodge. His life has been characterized by unfaltering activity and by reliability in all business transactions, and all those who know him esteem him for his sterling worth.
DR. RICHARD W. KENT.
The benefits which certain classes of invalids derive from the healthful and invigorating climate of California are known the world over, and Cali- fornia has become the field of labor of many medical specialists who have gained a national reputation. Prominent among these is Dr. Richard W. Kent, the proprietor of the new sanitarium at Carter's, Tuolumne county,
254
REPRESENTATIV'E CITIZENS
who is one of the best known and most successful physicians and surgeons in his part of the state.
Dr. Kent was born in New York city January 16, 1861, and is descended from English ancestors who settled early in the colonies. His great-grand- father in the paternal line was a lieutenant-colonel in the Revolutionary army and was killed in one of the battles for American independence. His son. Thomas Kent, came with him from the north of England and located in New York, where he became a chemist. Richard Kent, a son of Thomas Kent and father of Dr. Richard W. Kent, was born in New York city in 1820 and is living there at this time. at the age of eighty years. He married Elizabeth Martin, a native of Dublin, Ireland, who came to New York when a little girl and died when Dr. Kent was a child, leaving four children, of whom he is the only survivor.
Dr. Kent received a good English and classical education in New York, and, after a due course of reading and study, was, in March, 1886, grad- nated in medicine in the medical department of the University of the City of New York. He practiced his profession in New York city until 1890, when he came to California and became a surgeon for the Sierra Butts Min- ing Company at Eureka Mills, Plumas county, which position he retained for five years. He then located in Sonora. Tuolumne county, where he was in private general practice until 1900, when he built the Carter's Sanitarium, a sightly and commodious structure, the ground floor of which is occupied largely by Dr. Kent's drug store and offices. the rooms above being fitted up for the accommodation of about twenty invalids, for the comfort and treat- ment of whom every convenience and appliance is at hand. The location of this institution is a favorable one, its altitude of two thousand six hun- dred feet feet above the sea level being considered neither too high nor too low. While Dr. Kent's practice is general, he makes a specialty of pulmonary and nervous diseases, in the treatment of which he has been markedly suc- cessful. He is the physician to the West Side Flume and Lumber Company, which employs about seven hundred men, and to the Sierra Railroad Com- jany, which has its terminus near his sanitarium. His professional standard is high and he is in all ways a physician to be trusted. He holds member- ship in the California State Medical Association, is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, and in politics is a Republican. While a resident of New York city he was a member of the board of health.
Dr. Kent was married, October 24. 1899. the lady of his choice being Miss Josephine Walker, a native daughter of California. She is a daughter of D. J. Walker, a highly respected citizen of San Francisco.
C. H. & E. F. TAYLOR.
C II. & E F. Taylor constitute the firm of Taylor Brothers. the pro- prictors of a large factory and machine shops in Grass Valley. Their busi- new was established in 1801 and they probably have the largest and best comppeil factory in the interior of northern California. The plant, located
:
255
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
on Mill street, is built of brick and is operated exclusively by water power, which is owned by the firm. The various departments of the foundry, machine and pattern shops are all supplied with the best and latest improved mechanical appliances for conducting their work, and their products are of such superior grade as to win for them a liberal patronage. They make a specialty of the manufacture of mine pumps, car wheels, shoes and ties, and also manufacture and repair steam-engine boilers, quartz-mill machinery, building castings and wrought-iron pipe. The firm is doing a large and constantly increasing busi- ness throughout Nevada and adjacent counties, the brothers being practical and expert machinists, who control their extensive plant with marked ability.
C. H. Taylor, the senior member, was born in Grass Valley March 4, 1866, his father being Michael C. Taylor, a native of Ireland, who was born in 1829 and came to America when fourteen years of age. He, too, is a machinist by trade, and followed his chosen vocation in many of the eastern cities. He went from New York city to Ohio, thence to the Isthmus of Pan- ama, from which point he sailed for California. In 1861, in connection with J. M. Lakman and Philip Francis, he established the business which is now conducted by his sons. For many years it was under his immediate supervision, but at length he retired and is now a resident of San Francisco. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Maria Quinn, was born in Ireland in October. 1828, and they became the parents of three children. The mother died in October, 1898.
Charles H. Taylor spent his boyhood days in Grass Valley and pursued his education in the public schools, being graduated in the high school with the class of 1884. He learned the machinist and molder's trade with his father, and his business experience has always been along the line of his present connection. He was married, in this city. November 14, 1896, to Miss Harriet J. Cryer, a native of Grass Valley, and in the community they have a large circle of warm friends. In politics he is a Republican. Socially he is connected with Quartz Parlor, No. 58, N. S. G. W., and with the Young Men's Institute of this city.
E. F. Taylor, the junior member of the firm, was born in Grass Valley July 8, 1869, and is a graduate of the high school of the class of 1887. He also learned the machinist's trade under his father's instructions, and his life has been one of industry and enterprise. In 1894 was celebrated his mar- riage to Miss Ann Thomas, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of William R. Thomas. They now have three interesting children .- Emmet C .. Harriet and Helen B. Like his brother he is a Republican, and is identified with the same social organizations.
The firm of Taylor Brothers is one of the most prominent in business circles in Nevada county. Both Charles and E. F. Taylor are financially interested in mining properties and are actively concerned in the development of the rich mineral resources of this section of the state. In business they enjoy an unassailable reputation, and their comprehensive knowledge of the founder's and mokler's trades, combined with their capable management and sound judgment, have secured to them success. As citizens they contribute
255
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
to the welfare of the town and county by their support to many measures for the general good, and are ever loyal to the interests of the state. Having always resided in Grass Valley, their acquaintance is a wide one, and those who have known them from boyhood are numbered among their stanchest friends.
FRANK S. REAGER.
As county superintendent of schools Frank Seymour Reager is promi- nently connected with the educational interests of Glenn county. He was for a number of years a successful teacher and his labors have been most effective in promoting intellectual advancement in this section of the state. Well qualified in his chosen calling, he has gained prestige as a representa- tive of the educational profession, and in this connection he well deserves mention among the leading citizens of northern California. He was born on a farm near Orland. Glenn county, June 20, 1868, and is a son of Martin A. and Amanda ( Goodrich) Reager. His father was born in Flint Hill, Virginia, and when nineteen years of age crossed the plains to California. He drove an ox team, but himself walked nearly all the way. He was attracted to the far west by the discovery of gold and for a year he engaged in mining. but not meeting with the success that he had anticipated he turned his attention to a pursuit with which he was more familiar, locating in the Sacramento river valley, where he carried on agricultural pursuits for ten years. In 1850 he took up his abode in what is now Glenn county and became one of its successful farmers, devoting his energies to the operation of his land throughout his business career. He was a Democrat in his political affiliations, but never sought or desired public office. He died in December, 1895. but his wife, a native of Albany, New York, is still living. her home being in the village of Orland. Most of her children are yet living. one son being a teacher in the high school in Orland, while a daughter is also successfully engaged in teaching.
Mr. Reager, of this review, has spent his entire life in Glenn county. He first pursued his education in the little school on the home farm, and afterward continned his studies in Orland, also spent one term in college. Of a studious nature, his investigations have been largely carried on outside of the school-room and through his unaided efforts he has become a man of scholarly attainments and broad general information. He was thus emi- nently qualified for the work of teaching. and in 1888 became actively con- nectel with the profession. He successfully conducted the schools of Orland until 1898, when he was elected county superintendent, in which position he has since served with cre lit to himself and satisfaction to the public.
On the 17th of September, 1800. Mr. Reager was united in marriage to Miss Emma Scribner, a lady of culture and refinement who was born in Tchama county, California, and is a graduate of the Orland schools. They have one daughter. Mary Amanda, born August 26, 1900.
Suce casting his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland Professor
8
1
257
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
Reager has been an advocate of Democratic principles and by his ballot has supported its nominees. He belongs to various civic societies, including the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Independent Order of Foresters and the Masonic fraternity, all of Orland, and in the first named he has filled all the chairs. He also belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Chico. He and his wife are consistent Christian people, taking an active part in the work of the church and occupy an enviable position in social circles, where true worth and intelligence are received as passports into good society.
JAMES L. GILLIS.
This gentleman has been prominently before the people of Sacramento for many years. In business and in politics he has commanded the highest respect and confidence of the public. Unassuming, conservative, conscientious and honest in the discharge of duty, he has always bee regarded in an emi- nent degree as safe and reliable in every relation of life. The men whose biographies are really the most interesting and instructive are not those who through some exceptionally favorable opportunities have been suddenly thrust into prominence, but are those whose lives have been a steady and grad- ual development and progress. Mr. Gillis is a representative of the latter class. There have been no brilliant flashes in his career but a modest, faithful following in the path of duty wheresoever it led and a constant exhibition of substantial, dependable character. He is now occupying the position of state librarian of California and is eminently qualified to discharge the important duties devolving upon him.
James Louis Gillis was born in Richmond, Washington county, Iowa, October 3. 1857, and is a son of Charles and Emily Eliza (Gelatt ) Gillis. His paternal grandparents were Enos and Lucretia ( Hart ) Gillis. His mater- nal grandparents were Richard and Eliza ( Morey) Gelatt. The former was born in Savoy, Massachusetts, and died in Bentonsport, Iowa, at the age of sixty-three years. The latter was born in Charlton, Worcester county. Massachusetts, and died in Bentonsport, at the age of fifty-two years. On the maternal side the ancestry can be traced back to John Gelatt, who came from Paris, France, at the end of the French and Indian war in 1755. being then eighteen years of age. His father was a wealthy silk manufacturer. John was induced to come to this country by the offer of French officials of a govern- orship of some territory here, but instead of this he was given a gun and put into the ranks. He settled in Taunton, Massachusetts, where he married and had three sons and a daughter, namely: John, George, Abraham, and Lydia. From Taunton he removed to Savoy, Massachusetts, where he died when about one hundred years of age. George Gelatt, the second son, was born in Taunton and lived through that pioneer epoch in the history of the colony when the settlers had to carry their guns to church in order to protect themselves from possible Indian attacks. When a young man he enlisted in the Revolutionary war and served in the navy for seven years. After
258
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
American independence was secured he married Hannah Collins, of Bedford, Massachusetts, and to them were born three children, after which they removed from Bedford to Savoy, Massachusetts, where three more children were added to their family. These were all sons, save one, namely : Robert, Collins, Abigail, George, Richard and Jonathan. The father died in Gibson. Pennsylvania. December 3, 1852, at the advanced age of one hundred years, and his wife passed away at the same place August 24. 1848, at the age of ninety- one years. Richard Gelatt was a lumberman and spent the greater part of his life in Jay township, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, but his last days were spent in lowa.
The father of our subject, Charles Gillis, was born in Victor, Ontario county, New York, February 20, 1820, and married Miss Gelatt, whose birth occurred in Jay township. Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, March 9. 1822. For some years they resided in Washington county, lowa, but during the early childhood of James Gillis they removed to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where they lived till April 9. 1861, when they started with ox-teams for California. The journey across the plains consumed five months, but was largely unevent- ful. On one occasion they came across a horse train stranded, some members of the train having been wounded while their horses had been stolen by the Indians. The train with which the Gillis family traveled was not molested and they reached Empire City, Nevada, late in August of that year.
The father engaged in the hotel business in that place, conducting his hostlery until the following spring. when a heavy rise in Carson river over- flowed the hotel and practically destroyed the whole property. A new build- ing was immediately erected upon higher ground, which they occupied as a hotel until the fall of 1863. when it was sold, the family removing to Carson City, where the father engaged in teaming. There James Gillis entered the public schools, but in the spring of 1864 the family again removed, locating in Antelope valley upon a farm, which was their place of abode until the latter part of 1866, when they started for California, reaching Placerville in December. There they spent Christmas and in January, 1867, arrived in Sacramento. The father purchased a house and lot on L street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets, where the family remained till 1870, when they went to San Jose. During their residence in Sacramento. James L. Gillis was a student in the public schools there.
After a short residence in San Jose, Charles Gillis rented a fruit ranch at Saratoga, Santa Clara county, where a year was passed, after which he returned with his family to Sacramento, in the fall of 1871. His death occurred in San Francisco, at the age of seventy-five years. The mother is still living, making her home with our subject. Two daughters of the fam- ily yet survive : Emeline Lucretia and Sabra Nevada, while two sons and four daughters have passed away.
After the return of the family to Sacramento, James Louis Gillis en- tered a private school c ducted by the Rev. M. Goethe, conducted in the Ger man Lutheran church, of which he was the minister. He left that school Au- gust 12. 1872, to enter the service of the Sacramento Valley Railroad Com-
------------ - -- 1 1
1 4 i 1
- -- --
259
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
pany as messenger boy. He was to work for three months without pay and then receive twenty dollars per month; but the superintendent was so well pleased with his service that he paid him twenty dollars for the first month and the second month increased his salary to forty dollars. He learned telegraphy and gained a good general knowledge of railroading in its vari- ous departments. For some time he served as a telegraph operator and bill clerk, and in 1876, on the death of C. S. Johnson, a son of the superintendent and his assistant, Mr. Gillis was appointed to fill the vacancy. After the resignation of Josiah Johnson, September 1, 1878, the superintendent, Mr. Gillis remained with his successor, J. B. Wright, until 1894, when it was thought neccessary to curtail expenses there and he was offered the position of chief clerk in the freight office at Sacramento. He declined to serve in that capacity, however, and on the 26th of November. 1894, severed his con- nection with the railroad. He had served in almost every capacity from messenger boy up. He had charge of the road in Mr. Wright's absence. acted as paymaster, and relieved the cashier during his absence from the state. He was on duty almost constantly during the strike of 1894. after which he suffered a severe attack of illness as the result of hard work and exposure to the hot sun during that time.
On Christmas day of 1881 Mr. Gillis was united in marriage to Miss Kate Petree, of Sacramento, and to them have been born three daughters : Mabel R., Emily G. and Ruth M. The family has a wide acquaintance in this locality and the hospitality of many of the best homes of Sacramento is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Gillis.
On leaving the railway service Mr. Gillis was appointed chief clerk of the committee on ways and means of the assembly session of 1895. by Hon. Judson Brusie, a member from Sacramento and the chairman of the com- mittee. At the close of the session he received the appointment of keeper of the archives in the office of the secretary of state and filled that position until 1897, when, on the solicitation of Chairman W. R. Guy, he was again appointed the clerk of the committee on ways and means. When his duties in that connection were ended at the close of the legislative session he again returned to the secretary of state's office, which he left to accept the posi- tion of deputy in the state library. He was at that time attempting to secure the position of state librarian, but after being defeated for the office he resigned his position as deputy and returned to the office of secretary of state. On the assembling of the legislature in 1890 he was for the third time appointed the chief clerk of the committee on ways and means, by its chairman. L. H. Valentine. On the Ist of April, 1899. on the resignation of the state librarian, Frank L. Combs, he was elected state librarian for the term ending April, 1902. He has been active in Republican politics in Sacramento county since 1890 and has given his best efforts for the suc- cess of the party in every way.
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.