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 39
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In that toiros all Wat been attended by a Dr. Ousley, who was one of the party Mr. Amicky brother suggested to him that there was no use in tak- ing De Oudley's spelicine, so he took a potion prepared by a little herb doctor who was with them and who gave him what Mr. Amiek believes was lol on The doctor told him to take enough to make his stomach a little distorted. The first dose brought on a severe attack of vomiting, and he took a serollit lose with the same effect, thus ridding his system of the offensive uferse which had brought death to so many emigrants on their way across the 1 lailes.
Off reaching Fort Laramie the wagon train separated, a small company and Mr. Anfick and his brother proceeding with a party to the valley of the Humb Mot and then down the Sacramento river to Sacramento, where they arrive late in the fall of 1850. In the succeeding winter he went to Hangtown. now Placerville, where he engaged in mining, and he and his brother taking ent Al nt one thousand dollars each in three months. They then returned to the place where they had first camped, near where the capitol of the state noM stimes. Sacramento was then a city of tents and the most far-sighted (1) rot have dreamed that it was to become the seat of government of Cahè rois, a growing and beautiful municipality, now one of the most mit Ti. tit places on the Pacific coast. Mr. Amick's brother was taken ill and he went to the camp to see whether he could get work. He applied to .. German blacksmith, who inquired if he could blow the bellows and strike. On to lying in the affirmative the man employed him, giving him seven dol- lars a day and his board. After two weeks' work, when his brother had recovered, he told his employer that they were going in search of gold. The Germen replied. "Yen did not know much when you began, and you don't know which now : but if you will stay with me I will give you ten dollars and board" But Mr. Amick had the gold fever and he left for Placerville.
While there the miners. all inexperienced men from the east. concluded that the gold which they found in the rivers and creeks must have washed dowe from some great gold repository in the mountains and a number of theydecided to go in search of this fountain source of the precious metal. belong that they could get all the gold they could carry and would soon
be ret men Mr. Andick joined this party and they tramped many miles to the meuntains but failed to find the source of the gold supply. Each mem- her of the parts carried irm fifty to seventy pounds of luggage on their back- gol the trip was a very arduous yne, leading them into the mountains where they encountered severe storms, snow falling to the depth of four feet Parque the way they subsisted on meat without salt, and they glad ineed to get back to the original camp.
They returned to Georgetown and in Mosquito canyon Mr. Amick and Is brother semired a large claim, in which they each took out a thousand delire in w short tohe. They returned to Georgetown and a number of the proveters decided that there must be a fortune in the bed of the river. A comed was boll in which they reached the conclusion that if they had all tog bet they could chupon thus fortune. Accordingly a man was sent
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for a bell, for which he paid seven hundred dollars, the owner retaining a half interest in it.
About the same time news came of a great gold find in Oregon and Mr. Amick and his brother secured a horse and two mules and with others started on that stampede. The first night they camped above Cache creek and the next morning found that the horse and mules were missing. The others left them in their discouragement, and they started on foot to follow the animals' trail. This they did until they were almost completely ex- hausted, and, fearing death at the hands of the Indians, they returned to the old camp. There a man offered to get them their mules if they would gave him the grey horse. To this they agreed, and the man fulfilled his part of the contract.
Mr. Amick and his brother then returned to Georgetown, where they were making tests with the diving-bell. It was fastened to a limb of a tree that overhung the river, but for some time no man would volunteer to go down in it. Finally one decided to try it, but had no sooner got down than he began to suffocate and began to signal to be drawn up. When he was taken out he was almost dead. but after considerable effort in resuscitating him he finally revived. The diving-bell was pronounced an unsafe venture and was left on the bank of the river.
Mr. Amick then came to Amador county and settled on a farm in Ione valley where for some years he carried on agricultural pursuits. In 1856 he returned across the plains to Missouri, where he purchased one hundred head of cattle. driving them back to California. On this transaction he realized a profit of five hundred per cent and thus got his start, for prior to this time his business ventures had proved rather evanescent as far as success was concerned. Later Mr. Amick was dispossessed of his land by the claimant of the grant and was obliged to buy property. He continued his farming and stock-raising, working hard, and thus securing a good re- turn for his labor. As the years passed he acquired a handsome competence and is now known as one of the wealthy money-lenders of his county. Through an active business career he has ever enjoyed the reputation of straightforward dealing and he is highly spoken of as one of the honored pioneers.
Mr. Amick and his wife reside on the banks of the creek a short distance from Ione, there surrounded by all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life which have come to them through the success of his earnest and well- directed efforts. In 1859 he was happily married to Miss Nancy Philips, a native of Missouri, who crossed the plains in 1856. Their union has been blessed with six children, all born in California : Wesley M., a promi- nent drug clerk ; W. D., also a successful agriculturist ; E. G., a druggist, of Ione: Addie A., who is now the wife of Robert Bagley, a leading mer- chant of Ione: Alfred J., who accidentally shot himself and died from his injuries ; and James M., who lives in Ione. Of the Presbyterian church Mrs. Amick is a faithful member and active worker, and the family is one of prominence, enjoying the high regard of many friends.
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Mr Amik am Fearel a Democrat, but when the south attempted to creation the Ulin he became one of the most loyal adherents, and at that time -marted the Republican party, which sustained the national gov- crinmem af Waslangtud. When war issues were things of the past, however, hc Teenrood we the Democracy.
The room of the oldest living pioneers of lone, familiar with the history of the sector of Califorma, for it was a wild and unimproved region. He ha en odden up and down the valley of Sutter Creek when there was not - hence mot De bank .. The first house built in Ione was erected by John Waster mol -fredl near the site of the present dry-goods store of Scott & Vindl. Hurrel Stewart was the first to open a store in the town. As the vers passed the work of development was carried forward, Mr. Amick wit- ns-mig the entire progress and upbuilding of this portion of the state. He 1 Was just pride in its advancement, for it has become the home of a large poLation of prosperous people, becoming one of the avenues of business and prole -- 10100ife. Mr. Amick is numbered among those who at an early day aided in reclaiming the state for the purposes of civilization, and bore his jon a! pacing it upon a substantial foundation on which has been reared A clintonwealth that is second to none in the Union.
GEORGE FLETCHER.
The general passenger agent of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Rail- hardu Ge rge Fletcher, who for thirty-six years has been numbered among the Medling business men of Grass Valley, and is closely identified with the Wirje of the city as a representative of two of its important business inter- lests. He is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, and his executive ability and excellent management have brought to the corporations with which he is connected a large degree of success. The safe and conserva- tive policy which he inaugurated commends itself to the judgment of all and has been an important element in the successful conduct of the business of the road.
Mr. Fletcher was born in London, England, on the 14th of July, 1837. and is a son of Francis and Charlotte (Towse) Fletcher, both of whom were of English birth, their ancestors for many generations having resided in that land. The father was for many years an officer in the custom-house, and died in 1856. George Fletcher is the youngest in the family of eight chiklren, and after com- pleting his education he entered upon his business career as a salesman in a mercantile establishment, where he was employed for three years. He then came to the United States in 1855, being at that time a young man of eighteen. Ile located in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he continued for eight years. being connected with business interests in New York during that period. In August, 1863. he took passage on the sailing vessel, Mohegan, which made the voyage around Cape Horn to San Francisco.
After a short time spent in the metropolis of the Pacific coast he made his was to the mining district of Aurora, in the state of Nevada, where he con-
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tinued until the fall of 1864, when he located permanently in Grass Valley. For two years he was actively engaged in mining here, and in 1866 opened a mercantile store, which he conducted until 1875, during which time he became associated with railroad work as secretary and treasurer. In this day of marked commercial activity and wonderful business enterprises there is no more important factor in business life than the railroads, which almost annihilate time and space by furnishing rapid transit for passengers and quick transporta- tion for freight. In addition to the offices mentioned Mr. Fletcher is the general passenger agent for the railroad company, and the volume of business detail under his immediate charge demands superior executive ability in its care. His resources are not limited to one line alone, for he has made extensive and judicious investments in mining properties, which are yielding good returns and which will prove even more profitable as they are developed.
On the 22d of August, 1866, Mr. Fletcher was united inmarriage to Miss Mary E. Farrell, a native of New Jersey, whose father was a California pioneer of 1856. Two years later he was joined by his family in this state. and Mrs. Fletcher has since made her home on the Pacific coast. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children, namely : Elizabeth, now the wife of Charles G. Lindsey, of Nevada county ; George H., an employe in the custom house at San Francisco; Agnes and Louis K., who are still at their parental home. Politically Mr. Fletcher is an active Democrat, identi- fied with the gold wing of the party. Socially he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and in the former he has filled various offices. Although a native of the old world he so readily adapted himself to the manners and customs of life in this country that he is to-day a highli type of the American business man, his energy and enterprise having enabled him to rise to a position of eminence in business circles. In all that he has undertaken through his long career he has met with success, owing to his careful direction and per- severance and his keen discernment. He commands the respect of his fellow men by reason of his upright life, and Nevada county numbers him among its valued citizens.
CARLO SORACCO.
Under the blue skies of Italy Carlo Soracco first opened his eyes to the light of day, his birthplace being near Genoa, on the 21st of December, 1840. He acquired his early education in his native land and in 1855, when only fifteen years of age, crossed the Atlantic to New York and then made his way to San Francisco. He had a capital of only about one hundred dol- lars and was ignorant of the language and customs of the people, but he readily adapted himself to his new surroundings and soon mastered the Eng- lish language. From the Pacific port he made his way to Sierra county, where resided his brother Frank, who had come to California in 1850. There Mr. Soracco engaged in placer-mining, continuously following that pursuit for ten years with the usual experiences of those who devote their
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energies hiscatching for gobl Sometimes he made money rapidly and again was very wusteressful. but, having acquired some capital. he turned his at- tent or to quer leading. 1 1800 establishing a store in Sutter Creek, where De halve small stoet of goods. By else attention to business and honorable dealig he bolt of an excellent trade, thus meeting with well earned suc- cess. He lin nous a large business block on Main street, one hundred and Un fee frault anov at the building he carries a large, well assorted and com- flete stock of general merchandise, the sale of which brings to him an ex- cellent mo me. In addition to this property he owns nine dwelling houses in the town of Sutter Creek, which stand as monuments to his thrift and industry.
In 1850 Mr. Soracco was married to Miss Johanna Binchieti, a native of the Empire state but of Italian ancestry. They now have five children : Peter, why is studying medicine in San Francisco, in the medical depart- ment Wi the University of California: Frank and Lawrence, who are in busi- mess with their father: and Katie and Lena, who are still at their parental home. The parents and children are all members of the Catholic church and are highly esteemed as worthy citizens of the town in which Mr. Soracco bas big ben known as a most reliable merchant. Ile exercises his right miranchise in support of the men and measures of the Demperatic party. Hongh he has never sought political preferment. Dependent entirely upon The way resources since the age of fifteen years, and with the additional obstacle of having to learn a new language and business principles. he has steadily worked his way upward, and his example should serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to men who, like himself, are forced to enfer mion a business career without capital or influential friends.
AARON A. FERGUSON.
uns prominent citizen of Dutch Flat came to California in 1849. arriving in San Francisco July 28. He was born in Natchitoches, Louisiana, on the bank of Red river, June 11, 1831, and is of Scotch descent. His grandfather, Wohall' Ferguson, emigrated from Scotland and located in Chesterfield county, Virgilna, on a forni adjoining the one on which George Washington was born. General Ferguson, who was killed during the Revolution, was our subject's great mide. Mr. Ferguson's father. William Ferguson, was born on the Vir- einra varm, where the grandfather had settled. He married Miss Marsalete LFever, daughter of August LaFever, who fought under Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans and was also United States Indian agent for some time. This mum was blessed with s'y children, five of whom are living.
11 1849 the family started for California. While on the isthmus of Panama the father was stricken with cholera and died, at the age of fifty-two Bar. He was buried there and the distressed family were compelled to make the journey to California withont the aid and protection of the husband and inther. Mr. Ferguson, then eighteen years of age, made the coffin in which his father was buried This was the first American family that crossed the isth-
MRS. A. A. FERGUSON
A. A. FERGUSON
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mus. To Mr. Ferguson's knowledge there are but few survivors of that peril- ous journey. The company numbered ninety-two; of this number five are living, Mr. Ferguson, his three sisters and one brother. His mother lived to be eighty-four years of age and is buried at Fresno, California.
After his arrival in San Francisco, Mr. Ferguson mined and did carpen- ter work. Later he, with a company of sixty, mined on the Mokelumne river and when settlement was made received five thousand dollars as his share of the profits. He then turned his attention to farming, but soon became interested again in mining and was thus occupied at Woolsey's Flat, in Nevada county. He was later a second superintendent of a mining claim, at a salary of six dollars per day. In 1862 he came to Dutch Flat, where he has been engaged in mining for many years. He has been deputy sheriff and constable. As an undertaker he has met with satisfactory success. At present Mr. Ferguson is the owner of a number of buildings, the large opera-house at Dutch Flat being among them. He is a trustee of the public schools and takes an interest in everything designed to benefit his town and is liberal, public-spirited and esteemed as a citizen.
November 28, 1865, Mr. Ferguson was married to Mary Eliza DuFour, who was born in New York city in 1848. She was the daughter of Antoine Du- Four, who came to San Francisco in 1854 and to Dutch Flat in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson have had ten children, only three of whom are living: Mary Hellena, the widow of William Niles ; Lucy Lucretia and Alice Arabella. His son-in-law, William Niles, died in Alaska. The Knights of Pythias packed his body sixty miles and Mr. Ferguson had it interred at Dutch Flat.
Mr. Ferguson is a veteran Odd Fellow, having joined the order November 19, 1856, and has passed all the chairs in both branches. He is now ( 1900) the grand guardian of the grand lodge of the state. In other orders, K. of P., Improved Order of Red Men, A. O. U. W .. he has filled all the chairs. Polit- ically he is a stanch Republican. Mr. Ferguson's parents were among the country's early defenders ; his father fought under General Harrison at Tippe- canoe and his mother cast bullets which were used in the battle of New Orleans. As a patriot Mr. Ferguson enlisted in the California Volunteer Infantry and served over a year in the state, receiving an honorable discharge, and now con- siders it his high honor to be a veteran of the Grand Army.
JOHN LAWRENCE STOAKES.
In the successful hotel proprietor there are always certain elements which distinguish him from the business man in other walks of life. He must be a good judge of men, wide-awake and alert in his dealings and at the same time a courteous and diligent host who carefully looks after the comforts of his guests. The possession of these characteristics have made Mr. Stoakes widely and favorably known as the proprietor of the Mountain View Hotel, of Colfax.
California had been admitted to the Union scarcely three years when he arrived within her borders. He is a native of Indiana, born March 31,
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1847 at begles mogge Das father. Clements Stoake-, was a native of Proste Inhum and . joiment lawyer of that state. He married Lu- cds F Landffin att also wa horn in the same state, and her first child w- Tolin Icone ctiv S- volly a year old when his father died. After the desthat heen melegel Alfe Stoakes renewed her acquaintance through correpon ny WAT AS W Danforth, an old friend of the family, who Itwor mne by Cantori m 1849. Subsequently she promised him her hand Dy vorFiDe and My Kommerthe sent for her and her little son to come to the Golden Bu Jo Sarrimento. Mrs. Stoakes became Mrs. Danforth. This de wo kete after the death of her first husband, and John Lawrence Stades was the nuly five years of age. Three daughters were born of the -count om de Metrisua and Helen, twins, and Elizabeth. Helen became me cale p ces Mackett and is now a widow living in Hanford. Tulare Ileirietta married Thomas P. Shade and after his dezalf became flie wife of Charles Casmore, their home being now at Forest Cont Floatfelh bes for the past sixteen years been a successful and promi- tem Teacher in the schools of Truckee, California. The mother is still liv- ing. ii. the seventy -- ceond year of her age, making her home at Gold Run. She is respectol Wy ait who know her as a most estimable lady and a worthy representative of a pioneer family of the state. Mr. Danforth, who was one of the first to Meate in California after the discovery of gold, passed away at Gold Run.
Hodin L. Stoakes acquired his education in Todd's Valley, where his Stupidher conducted a hotel, for at that time the place was a large mining Goth and great quantities of gokl were being taken from the various claims mu the locality. After the camp began to decline they removed to the lower mit of the American Bar, on the American river, and later to Michigan Bluff. In 1865 Mr. Stoakes, then seventeen years of age, started out to make his own way in the workl alone. He came to Colfax and entered the employ of the Central Pacific Railroad Company, acting as one of the rods- men with a gang of the company's surveyors. Later he became foreman of a gang of construction workmen on the road between Auburn and Emi- grant Gap, and when that time had passed he engaged in mining at Gold Run for a number of years. Subsequently he went to the Mayflower mine and purchased the store and hotel there, conducting the dual enterprise with gratifying success for a number of years. In Oregon he had charge of Workmen engaged in the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad and became engaged in the hotel business at Silverton, Marion county, Oregon. On selling that property he returned to California and accepted the position of foreman of the work train from Sacramento to Truckee. In 1893 he pur- chasell the Mountain View Hotel at Colfax, which has since been conducted by Mr Stoakes and his estimable wife. The hotel is a three-story building. thirty by one hundred feet. The rooms are well lighted and ventilated and 're tastefully furnished. Everything about the place is clean and attractive all the guests are treated with the highest consideration.
Mr. Stoakes was happily married in Dutch Flat, in 1876, to Mrs. Anna
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Luella Brown, who by her former marriage had a son and a daughter,- Richard D. and Lillian May Brown. They were well and carefully reared by Mr. and Mrs. Stoakes, who by their marriage have one daughter, Alice Mabei, at home with her parents. They are also rearing a bright little grand- son, Lawrence De Young Brown. The little boy was born on Christmas day, and Mr. De Young had promised a silver cup to all the children born on the 25th of December. The little one accordingly received the cup and they gave him MIr. De Young's name. He now has a pleasant home with his grandparents, who are very devoted to the little fellow. Mr. Stoakes is a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a Knight of Pythias, and is also identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. For many years he gave an unfaltering support to the Republican party, but is now independent in his political affiliations. His wife is a lady of excellent executive ability and has given him very efficient aid in his hotel business.
WILLIAM C. CONROY.
William Charles Conroy is the owner and manager of the Conroy Hotel at Auburn. Few cities of its size afford as elegant hotel accommodations as does the house of which our subject is proprietor. Perhaps no other busi- niess interest so clearly demonstrates the standing of a town or city as does the hotel. The enterprise and industry of its commercial life is indicated here. for the traveling public who have to do with its commercial affairs demand certain qualities of entertainment. Metropolitan in its appointments, perfect in its equipments and conveniences, and supplied with many luxuries that add to the comforts of its guests, the Conroy Hotel has found favor with the public and is accorded a very liberal patronage.
Its proprietor is a native son of California, his birth having occurred in the city of Sacramento, and the 2d of March, 1857. His father, Michael Conroy, was born in county Mayo, Ireland, and was married there to Miss Ella Murphy, a native of county Limerick. Before leaving the Emerald Isle this worthy couple became the parents of a daughter who is now Mrs. William H. Harrison, of El Paso, Texas. Crossing the Atlantic to the United States, the father served as a railroad fireman for three years in the east and then came to California, making the trip by way of the isthmus and arriving in San Francisco in 1856. He engaged in placer-mining and also secured a ranch whereon he devoted his energies in the cultivation of the ground. Sub- sequently he resided for a time in Rocklin, then he removed to Pine Grove. In 1866 he came to Auburn, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring on the 6th of June, 1878. His wife and three children born in California all survive him and are residents of AAuburn. Ella is now the wife of John Davis; Mary, the wife of William H. Harrison; and William C. is the only son in the family.
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