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 37
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Calvin Farnsworth, the paternal grandfather, was born in New Eng- land. whence he removed to Virginia in 1812. From that state he went to New Orleans, where he died of cholera, when about thirty-five years of
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
aty The surnek lyby Wasbono wim died in Virginia, at the age of sixty- Soll years Set Dimey die the other of our subject, was born in Ver. 11000000 1812-200000of his parents on their removal to Vir- gimo, aber he level the trade of manufacturing woolen goods. He also Bloed Stal foryear in Pit-lane. Pennsylvania, and after a time began Tears- 70 102 499 Se ME in The Old Dominion, where he remained until alawn iste, sier le remyet with his family to Ohio. He was married to The Thin' Storey aler genne of New Hampshire and a daughter of Witteon ani Llado Ene, olo, were residents of New England, whence the zimnoved po Siertes Miloo, dying in the Buckeye state. The former WEGObier w fc Recap gory war and also in the French and holian Will ad went with Went to Oucher, taking part in the capitulation of Hal dy TLE Gel when, more than sixty years of age, and his wife passed Shop peronelig ne amenall milestone on life's journey. Seba Farns- will continue que vedeprem Obie for a time, but subsequently went to Mit Virginie and in 1852, accompanied by his wife and five children, stadel le Gadbmnig melidir the journey across the arid plains of the welk 0h Los wyu wo of The children was drowned. Eventually reaching telefoon was made in Eldorado county, where for some Top 3. Farnew riff ssinetat an .1-fashionel tavern. About 1870 he money I to Sperimen where he spent the last days of his life, dying at the Ige to seypor finess yenge Hl :- wife was called to her final rest when i - a TMou money, at the age of sixty five years.
Wallaby I Fartenforthe glee name introduces this review, spent his Ent al diss onder the precipi roof. remaining at home until 1849. when. Suriyel lg Theali- overs và gabi in California, he came to the Pacific slope. The Mat iliter years herre the emigratien of the family. With a party Teye men started from West Virginia and after a long and tedious komer of Ax no de robbed Eldorado county. There he engaged in wmine alineas the first wooter and in the spring of 1850 went to Placer muore where he des ord Ins energies to mining for two years. At the 125TH05-0 6. ITret pe fod le met his parents and aided them in establishing - nofly With The faining interests of the state he was connected until the Call of 60 whowe moved to Sacramento, where he learned the car- Tone - Swle of be Jo ther-in-law, following that pursuit through the to ne mengeos Hebecame an expert workman and in 1860 removed 16 13-1400, Grycon, bem identifil with the building interests of that oWY VY57 Ce fk promo to Sacramento county in the latter year he Tocame romsectori kalli the dots business in Richland, but after a year came w he alty of Setameans wilere he has since made his home. Through tlie mnat twomy-tu voir To lors been connected with the improvement of deventer grund- nulf- que in charge of many plats in the city of the nl He did 56 3900 from 1877 until 1884 and again from 1888
Co the en 1 9 8868. Mr. Farnsworth was united in marriage to N Meses Rador_ 92%. Fw Born in Towa, and by her marriage she became il reste- of -6ay " odw free of whom are yet living, namely : Merey,
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at home; Percy E., of Sacramento, who is married and has one son; and Grace E. One of the family died at the age of three years and three of the children died in infancy. The living children have all been provided with excellent educational privileges, and Mercy has been a student in the normal at San Jose and in the Leland Stanford University. The family attend the Congregational church. Mr. Farnsworth is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In politics he was a Whig until 1852, and his first vote was cast for the governor of California. He is now a Democrat on national issues, but has never been an office-seeker. preferring to devote his time and energies to his business interests, in which he has met with credit- able success. He has gained for himself a comfortable competence and is now practically living retired.
CHARLES W. LONG.
Charles W. Long is occupying the position of constable, and is one of the reliable and popular officers of Nevada county. He is of German lineage, but for many generations the family has been a resident in Amer- ica, the advent of his ancestors in the new world antedating the war of the Revolution.
Mr. Long is a native of the Hawkeye state, his birth having occurred near Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on the 14th of December. 1849. His father, Winthrop S. Long, was a native of New Hampshire, whence he removed to the west in 1845. For a number of years he occupicd the position of purser on a line of steamboats on the Mississippi river, plying between St. Louis and New Orleans. Attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he resumed his westward journey and made his way to the mines of Placer- ville. where for some years he devoted his energies to the search for the precious metal. Some years later he became a resident of Nevada county, and his fellow townsmen recognizing his worth and ability called him to public office in 1877, by electing him assessor of Nevada City. He filled that position until 1882, when his life's labors were ended in death. His wife, whose maiden name was Nancy Jane Neice, was born in Pennsylvania in 1819. and belonged to one of the early and prominent families of that state. She was related to the well known Cary family, among whose mem- bers was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Mr. Long now has in his possession some of the teaspoons which originally belonged to Rachel Cary, of Philadelphia, one of the early members of the family in America. Mr. and Mrs. Long became the parents of three children, only one of whom, C. W. Long. is living.
The subject of this review, the second of the family. was reared and educated in Nevada county, for it was during his early infancy that the family came to California. He completed his education in 1864, and after- ward entered upon his business career, working in the mines and in a mill. Four years were this passed, during which time he became an expert in his capacity as a batteryman. In 1868 he took up his abode in Truckee, and in 1873 was appointed deputy constable under J. R. Cross. In 1891
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he was elected constable and is now serving his fourth term in the position, Ins incumbency continuing until 1903. He discharges the arduous duties Which deweise upon him in a most creditable manner, and no higher testi- mothal of - service could be given than the fact that he has been continued In the office for so many years.
In Juo. 1876. Mr. Long was united in marriage to Miss Linnie D. Erratt, a native of Maine and a daughter of Stephen G. Erratt, a native of London, England, who is numbered among the California pioneers of 1849. Socially Mr. Long affiliates with the Ancient Order of United Work- welt an 1 with the Knights of Pythias of Truckee, and has filled all the offices in both organizations. He was at one time identified with the Order of Red Men and the Foresters. Politically he is allied with the progressive wing of the Democratic party, and he takes a deep and active interest in political affairs, keeping well informed on the issues of the day. He belongs to that chiss of progressive and public-spirited citizens who give a substantial support to the measures which they believe will prove a public good. One of the honored pioneers of the state, he has watched the wonderful growth www progress which have transformed California in the past few centuries from a trackless wild into one of the leading states of the Union. At the time of his arrival the mountain fastnesses were the haunts of wild beasts aul savage men, for the Indian tribes roamed through the forests at will. Little mining settlements indicated the beginning of civilization, and with the passing years the work of progress was carried forward. In the com- munity in which he has made his home Mr. Long aided in the work of avancement and upbuilding, and well does he deserve mention among the honorel early settlers and reliable citizens of northern California.
GEORGE WITHINGTON.
George Withington, deceased, who for many years was a leading resi- Ment of lome, was one of the most highly respected pioneers of California. Do town of Shingle Spring. Eldorado county, stands as a monument to his memory, for he was its founder and to it he gave its name. He was born 111 the state of New York, at the foot of Lake Geneva, Seneca county, on the Joth of May, 1821, and when two years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Monroe, Michigan, which state was then under terri- torial government and was situated almost upon the border of civilization. There he grew to manhood amid the scenes of pioneer life, and on the 3d of December, 1845, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Kirby. Their union was blessed with three children, but Mrs. Augusta Welsh is now the only survivor of the family.
In the spring of 1849, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, Mr. Withington crossed the plains, arriving at Sacramento on the 15th of August of that veae Hle made his way to the present site of Shingle Spring And there he built a shingle mill in September. 1849. In the following month Wie erected the first shingled house in the town and in upper California. His leave formed the nucleus around which sprang the village, and he called
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the place Shingle Spring, but the post-office is simply known by the first name, Shingle. In 1851 he sold his property there and removed to Ione valley, in Amador county, settling on a farm on Dry creek, between the Swift and Perkry places. This property was afterward declared by the court to be a part of the Arroyo Seco grant, and with many others he was dispossessed of his farm. In 1855 he removed to Muletown and built the first shingled house in that place. Two years later he took up his abode in Ione and in 1857 erected a good brick residence on the banks of the creek, just below the town.
In 1877 Mr. Withington was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. They were charter members of the Presbyterian church at Ione, which was erected in 1862, and in its work they took an active part, Mr. Withington long serving as one of its officers. Seven years passed and on the 3d of December, 1884, he was united in marriage to Mrs. S. J. Maddux, the widow of James Maddux, an early and prominent settler of Sacramento. who was widely and favorably known as a business man and citizen. She had four children by her first marriage. Mr. Withington attained the ripe old age of seventy-eight years, and was known among his friends as "Uncle" George Withington. He was one of the first elders in the Presbyterian church at Ione and was an exemplary man, enjoying the unqualified con- fidence of his fellow citizens by reason of his honorable career. Mrs. With- ington, a most estimable lady, still survives him and enjoys the warm friend- ship of many of the leading people of the county.
JOSEPH H. GASSAWAY.
Joseph Hannibal Gassaway is the proprietor of the Excelsior Dairy, of Grass Valley, and the success he has achieved has been won as a result of the improvement of the opportunities which surrounded him. He is one of California's native sons, his birth having occurred in Nevada county September 22, 1863. His father, James Gassaway, was born in Kentucky. but the family is of Welsh lineage, the original American ancestors having come from Wales with Lord Baltimore. James Gassaway was a carpenter by trade. In 1857 he crossed the plains to California, locating in Nevada county, where he followed farming and mining, meeting with very desirable- success in the latter undertaking. His death occurred in 1883. Before leaving the state of his nativity he was united in marriage to Miss Olevia Gassaway, who also was a native of Kentucky but was not related to him through family ties. They became the parents of seven children, Joseph H. being the third in order of birth.
In the public schools of Nevada county Mr. Gassaway, of this review, became familiar with the branches of English learning which fit one for the practical duties of life. He laid aside his text-books in 1881, and then became connected with the dairy business, with which he was familiar from boyhood, his father being the owner of a farm. At this writing Mr. Gassa- way has charge of the Huntly ranch, three miles west of Grass Valley, which he is operating under lease. He milks forty-two cows and sells milk and
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creanv ru ibp residents of Grass Valley and people of that vicinity. His busme -- de pour extensive and brings to him a good income. From 1889 to 180; he wasactively engaged in mining, filling the position of foreman of the old Pennsylvania mine during that period.
Mr. Gassaway was imited in marriage, in 1893. to Miss Annie S. Harry, a native of Newila county and a daughter of Alexander E. Harry, a native of Cornwall. England. They have two children living. Reta and Katie, and have also lost two daughters. Mr. Gassaway is a valued member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, the Knights of Honor, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows: and politically is a Republican, but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests, with which he has met with creditable success. By perseverance, determination and honorable effort he has overthrown the obstacles which barred his path and has reached the goal of prosperity.
JONATHAN SALLEE.
Almost half a century has passed since Jonathan Sallee came to Cali- fornia. The history of pioneer life will ever compete in interest with that of the soldier, for it requires almost as great bravery and fortitude to meet the hardships and dangers of life on the frontier as those upon the field of Iattle. Conditions in California were peculiarly hard, for great stretches of barrens and almost impassable mountains cut off the travelers from the comfort aol conveniences of the east. As there was no organized govern- macht it gave excellent opportunity to the lawless element, who sought here the chance for committing crime. The pioneers thus had to meet not only De bordships brought to them through inability to gain the comforts of relation, but also had to face desperate characters who had no regard for The rights of law and property. However, a band of resolute and earnest www. bal in citizenship, faithful in friendship and true to right and honor. personal in their purpose of founding hontes on the Pacific slope and laid IN impystate of The commonwealth that now ranks with the best in the Egon ME Sale deserves mention among these honored pioneers, and it Te To meters with plen uire that we present the record of his life to our
Wwwwe vi LEpenbounty, Missouri, he was born on the 17th of June. The most of Frault Histenot ancestry, who settled in the colonies at any pay ingto do elipment of the new world. His grandfather. Philip Soll que poneer etop of the state of Kentucky, and his son, William ID Sill fix some of our subject, was born in Washington county. Ken- Tel: @ bo d if March, Sob. He married Miss Sarah Neil, a native . f Farth (Intim, she aber was of French lineage. On leaving the Blue (- imate They werewrc' to St. Dalis, Missouri, and in 1881 the father came in A Similar sey Velly in Amador county, California, where he died in The boyjay-seyretlover of bis age. Ilis wife had departed this life in 1852. Hoy ser Teple of the logliest respectability, their excellences of character wiring tlou the confolence and good will of all. They had eight children,
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six of whom are living, two being residents of Missouri and four of Cali- fornia.
Jonathan Sallee, their second child, was reared on his father's farm in Missouri, working in the fields through the summer months, while in the winter season he pursued his education in the public schools of the neigh- borhood. Attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope, he came to California in 1852, driving an ox team across the plains. There were eighty people in the party with which he traveled, and four months were consumed in making the trip, which, however, was rather a pleasant journey, as they were unmolested by the Indians and did not suffer from sickness. On the 13th of August they arrived at Mud Springs, Eldorado county, and Mr. Sallee engaged in placer-mining in Weaver creek, where he met with fair success, accumulating some money, although he did not acquire a for- tune. In 1859 he made his way to San Francisco, where he boarded a steamer, and, by way of the isthmus route, he returned home.
In 1861 Mr. Sallee was united in marriage to Miss Mary Beach. They purchased a farm in Missouri, and two children were born to them in that state, namely: William Harvey, who is now a resident of Oregon; and Eleanor, the wife of George W. Easton, of Plymouth, Amador county, California. Mrs. Sallee was spared to 'her husband for only four years, departing this life at her home in Missouri, in March, 1865, leaving him with two little children. In April, 1866, he married Miss Sarah Jane Long- fellow, a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of a daughter, Clara Nettie, who was born in Missouri and is now a teacher in Tulare county, California; also of a son, George Everett, who died in his infancy.
In 1871 Mr. Sallee returned to California, bringing with him his wife and children. They took up their abode upon his present farm, he pre- empting one hundred and sixty acres of land, to which he added by purchase another quarter-section. He built a nice residence and developed one of the best farm properties in the county, its improvements indicating his practical and progressive spirit. He raises grain and stock, and his industry and enterprise have brought to him a good profit. Mr. and Mrs. Sallee have not only reared their own children but have also given homes to two orphan children,-Edward and Harriet Matthews.
Our subject and his wife are members of the Christian church, in which he is an elder, and in the work of the church they take an active part. Mr. Sallee is also an old and valuable member of the Masonic fraternity. He was reared in the Republican faith, but his views on the temperance ques- tion have led him to give his support to the Prohibition party for a number of years. The family are among the highest respected citizens of Amador county, being widely and favorably known. His life has ever been upright and honorable, consistent with his belief and professions, and those who know him esteem him highly for his sterling worth.
ROBERT RASMUSSEN.
Robert Rasmussen, one of the most progressive merchants of the flour- ishing town of Angel's Camp, Calaveras county, California, and the genial and accommodating agent for the Wells-Fargo Express Company at that
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ponny has Been arenot of the state for the past forty years. He was com Urcafile: 28. 5804. I Denstark, both of his parents being natives of Lat enlaley -good will worthy pe ple, who spent their lives there and died, Vteof firefor- T The Lutheran church.
MIS Ramsseo, our subject, was educated in his native country until The age of ponete 0, when he made the voyage to Australia, where he engaged of wenn In- success being only moderate after a trial of six and one colescos de sailed to California and first located on Big Oak TTO we Un dome comos. where he mined for five years, going from there La the mines ay Catsoff Creek and Vallicita, as new discoveries caused these places to became known. Not succeeding to his perfect satisfaction, He assoggel'a derk-Wp ma store in Vallicita, where he became thoroughly oursel ge the werdendie and express business. After four years with the nou fre entered the employ of Mr. Scribner, a merchant of Angel's (and where in 1883 he entered into partnership, this connection continu- the wolf 1802. when it was dissolved by the death of his partner. Since this time he has been the sole owner and proprietor and has made a suc- Les- ME the business. He keeps a large and finely assorted stock suited to the emotils of the community and has adopted modern methods of con- during Ip- business that render him popular over a wide section of country. Flo. Well -- Fargo Company has located their express office in his store, and ion Te motgages to their entire satisfaction.
M- Rasmussen is a Republican in politics, and is considered one of the wes progressive and important citizens of Angel's Camp. He has suc- could lo his attention to business and honorable dealing and merits the sticheil which he is held in the community.
CHARLES W. BAKER.
Migrles W. Baker is a well known representative of the legal fraternity In Sacamento, and is now serving as district attorney, having been elected to The office 201 1898, for a term of four years. He was born in Newport, Ken- Tureby. January 16. 1849.
Why- father. Peter Berkman Baker was born in Lancaster county. Penn- kan. and for many years was a minister of the German Methodist Episco- powoch. but about twenty years ago he was injured while attending a picnic di lds church and afterward retired to private life, his home being now in Ger mamawd. Ohio. Ilis wife, Eliza nec Zeller, was born in that place, and died there au slie age of thirty nine years. In their family were nine children, four vi whoon vet survive.
Mr Baker, of this review, spent his boyhood days in Kentucky and Ohio. He lig m his education in the schools of Louisville, in the former state, but wiik he- parents rendived to Germantown, where he continued his education unola venteen years of age, at which time he went to Dayton, Ohio. There he bono | the trade of carriage painting, following that pursuit in the Buckeye Mateotil 1877, when he came to California. He has since been a resident of
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OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
Sacramento, and for three years after his arrival he was employed in the shops of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. In the meantime he had studied law, and in 1882 he was appointed clerk in the police court, under Judge Heney filling that position until 1886. In 1885 he was admitted to the bar, and in the following year was elected city justice, filling the office for two years in a capable manner. On the expiration of that period he took up the private prac- tice of law and his clientage steadily and constantly increased. He has prepared his cases with thoroughness and exactness and fortified his position with every possible advantage afforded by the principles of jurisprudence. He was enjoy- ing a large practice when, in 1898, he was elected district attorney for a four- years' term. His arguments are forceful and his reasoning logical and convinc- ing, and he has won many notable triumphs before the court and jury. In poli- tics he has always been a stalwart Republican since casting his first presidential vote for Grant in 1872.
On the 2d of April, 1877, Mr. Baker was united in marriage at Dayton, Ohio, to Miss Mary A. Hogan, who was born in Montgomery county, that state. Four children graced their union, but one, Anna I., died at the age of four years. Those living are Alice K., Charles De Witt and Ethel E.
Socially Mr. Baker is connected with the Odd Fellows order and has filled various offices in both branches of the fraternity, and has been the chairman of the committee on legislation appointed by the grand lodge. He is a valued representative of Union Lodge, No. 21, A. O. U. W., and of the Royal Arca- num. Of his future, professionally and politically, there can be no doubt. His talents and character insure for him a prominence and usefulness that will be gratifying to his friends and will be a satisfaction to any ambition he may have. In all the relations of life he has shown a high degree of manliness and in the official position that he is occupying he has manifested a degree of ability and fidelity that has won for him universal commendation. It is remarked on every hand that the business of the district attorney's office-always important and often complicated-under his management has been conducted with good judg- ment, tact and economy.
WILLIAM F. MICHELL.
William F. Michell, the proprietor of the City Brewery, was born in Gun- tersdorf, in Bohemia, Germany, September 18, 1848, his parents being Egnotz and Francesca ( Fritch) Michell, both of whom are now deceased. His father died in 1866, and his mother, long surviving him, passed away in 1894.
William F. Michell is the youngest of their six children and was reared and educated in the place of his nativity. He crossed the Atlantic to America in 1866, when a young man of eighteen years, locating at Milwaukee, Wiscon . sin, but after a short time removed to La Crosse, that state, where he remained for two years. On the expiration of that period he made his way to the north- west, and after two years passed in Leesburg, Idaho, came to California. He first located at Dutch Flat, where he carried on the brewing business for eight- een years. He then went to the city of Mexico, in the interest of the English
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