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 41
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
In 1855 he returned to his family by way of the Nicaragua route and again engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages. He remained at Rock- away for five years, meeting with a fair degree of success in his business ven- tures, but preferring the climate of California he returned by the Panama route, the trip being a pleasant one. Again reaching the Golden state he took up his abode in Sacramento, where he worked at his trade until the 6th of March, 1861, when he arrived at Sutter Creek and accepted a position in the foundry and machine shop owned by Frank Tibbits. There he remained for seven and a half years, his excellent workmanship and his reliability making him a valued employe. In 1868 he again made the trip to the east to bring his wife and daughter to California. They returned by the Panama route and he once more entered the foundry and machine shop. After Mr. Tibbits' death he continued with the latter's successor. Samuel Manning, for two years, and then opened a wagon and carriage shop of his own, building wagons of various descriptions and doing repair work. Success attended his efforts and he
324
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
carried on a large and profitable business until 1894. when he sold out his shop and retired to private life. As the years passed he made judicious investments in real estate and is to-day the owner of ten thousand acres of land in Texas, which he rents and brings to him a good income.
Mrs. Cooper died January 1. 1881, at the age of fifty-four years, and Mr. Cooper now makes his home with his daughter Sarah, the wife of Thomas Trudgen. His life has been ever honorable and upright and his activity in business affairs has brought to him a merited competence. He has relied entirely upon his own efforts and his industry has been most marked. In addition to the Texas property he owns a good residence at Sutter Creek. In early life he gave his political support to the Democracy, but his devotion to his country led him to espouse the Union cause, and he joined the Republican party, which was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery and which upheld the government at Washington during the Civil war. He, however, believes in the fitness of the candidate for office and always takes this into con- sideration. He has never had political aspirations for himself, but at all times has been faithful to his duty, to his country and to his fellow men. His honor- able life commends him to the respect of all. and his example is in many ways well worthy of emulation.
JAMES McCAW.
It is usually found that the men who have succeeded best in life have had to struggle against adverse fate in starting out on their business career, but obstacles and difficulties have seemed to serve but as an impetus and incentive for greater effort. Such has been the case in the life of Mr. McCaw, who is now a successful wood and coal dealer of Sacramento. He is of Scotch par- entage, but was born in the north of Ireland, on the 18th of January, 1846, the third of the four children of William and Rosanna ( Smily ) McCaw. Both of the parents were natives of Scotland, and died in that country. The father was foreman of a steam loom factory, first in Glasgow and for nine years in Belfast, Ireland, and for several generations the family had been connected with the occupation of weaving.
James McCaw was very young when his parents returned to Scotland, and his education was obtained in the schools of Glasgow and in Ireland, near Bel- fast, where he acquired a fair knowledge of the common English branches. thus being fitted for the practical and responsible duties of life. The surround- ings and occupations of his youth were such as were common to lads in his station of life. He came to the United States in 1867. locating in St. Clair county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming for three years. On the expira- tion of that period he returned to New York city, where he married Miss Annie McCaw, a lady of the same name though not related by the ties of blood. She is a lady of Irish birth but of Scotch parentage, and was brought to America when quite young. The wedding was celebrated on the 4th of April, 1872. and the same year Mr. MeCaw secured passage on a mail steamer bound for California. For three years he operated a sawmill in Nevada City, and then
325
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
returned to New York city, where he remained one year. Realizing the advan- tages of the west and their superiority over the opportunities furnished in the east, he again came to the Pacific slope, locating in the capital city, where he has since resided. For three years he was employed in the works of the gas company, the plant being at that time under the process of construction. Later he was in the service of the firm of Huntington & Hopkins for a year, and when that period had elapsed he established his present business as a dealer in coal and wood at No. 518 L street. In addition to the local trade he fills large contracts for parties in other sections of the country, and has now a very liberal patronage, which brings to him excellent financial returns.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. McCaw have been born six children, namely: Mary Jane, the wife of R. B. Laidlaw, and they have one son, Rupert; Annie, Alex- andria, Margareta, John, James and Irene H. All of these are yet living, and they have lost two, William J. and Ellen, who died in childhood. In his politi- cal views Mr. McCaw is a Republican and earnestly advocates the principles of that party, believing that they contain the best elements of government. Socially he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pyth- ias, the Independent Order of Red Men, the Druids and also the Caledonia Club, of which he was one of the organizers. He has filled many of the offices in those societies and is a valued representative of the different fraternities. His business methods have always been straightforward, commending him to the confidence of those with whom he is brought in contact. He has closely applied himself to the work engaging his attention, and his consecutive efforts and enterprise have won him a place among the substantial residents of Califor- nia's capital city.
ALEXANDER CHALMERS.
One of the most important mines in Angel's Camp, California, is managed and partly owned by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Chalmers was born of Scotch ancestry, in Canada, February 24, 1842. a son of William and Eliza- beth (Templeton) Chalmers, both natives of Scotland. They came to Amer- ica in 1832, settling on a farm and becoming highly respected and influential residents of that locality. Mr. Chalmers was elected to the Canadian parlia- ment, although residing upon his farm until the time of his death. Both Mr. and Mrs. Chalmers were devoted adherents of the Presbyterian church, and were well and widely known as persons of reliability and the highest respectability. Of their family of fourteen children, two of them, George and our subject, are now residents of California, the former now living in San Francisco.
Alexander Chalmers was reared on the farm, attending the schools of the district, but he received his higher education at the Ohio Wesleyan University, following which he spent four years on the great lakes, in the employ of the Steam Navigation Company. Changing his residence, he taught school for four years in Canada and in 1864 came to Coloma, California, where his brother Robert had resided since 1850, and for twenty-two years conducted the
3-
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Derwy Nersolo Elom| Robert Chalmers was much interested in sine culture, W8 apr :. 10 man of lorsiness, was elected to the state legislature and died in 1880.
Our sulfieet cogaevil in general merchandising in Coloma for four years, removing thew: . Stoelen. Where he engaged in the same line of business for thirty-twee veiks: pollingmon. on the first of May, 1900, he then took charge of the Langley nome, m winch he had been one of the principal stockholders arol a mendier or the besto los directors since the incorporation of the company. and vice president for More years. Ile is now the active manager, and since assuming the duties of the position he has given the stockholders entire satis- faction, reducing the pay roll two thousand, five hundred dollars and the sup- phes two thousandft. we hundred dollars, and increased the output nine thousand de fars monthlegal eing y upon a sound basis. Such a desirable result displays the practical method- which are characteristic of Mr. Chalmers. He has intro- duced maclonery inte En- mine, which reduces the loss to but thirty cents to the ten, less than that on atre other mine in the locality.
The marriage of Mr. Chalmers took place in Stockton, in 1869, being contracted with Miss Fannie Wilkins, a native of New Hampshire and a niece of the late United States Senator Patterson, a widely known statesman. Mr. and Mrs. Chalmers have two daughters: Anna, the wife of L. A. Redman, an attorney of San Francisco; and Harriet, the wife or F. P. Adams, now in charge of the electric plant of the city of Stockton.
Mr. and Mrs. Chalmers and family are esteemed members of the First Con- gregational church of Stockton, in which he has been a trustee for twenty-nine years. Socially he is a Mason of the highest degree, is a past master of San Joaquin Lodge, No. 19, .A. F. & A. M. ; a past high priest of Stockton Chap- ter, No. 28. R. A. M., and a past commander of Stockton Commandery. No. 8 K. T. He has taken a great interest in Masonic affairs, attaining the highest degrees in the order.
The beautiful residence of Mr. Chalmers is located on the corner of Eldo- rado and Linsey streets, Stockton, where the family has resided for the past twenty-eight years. It is a charming home, indicative of the taste and refine- ment of its owners.
D. B. GETCHELL.
A modern philosopher has said, "It is possible to fool all of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time." It is this which forms the safeguard of Amer- ican politics : for if the voters are influenced to cast their ballot for one who proves unworthy of the trust reposed in him they soon discover their mistake and the incompetent official is not returned to office. When one is chosen for a position after having served therein for some time it is an indication that his service has been faithful and able. Mr. Getchell is now serving his second term as the sheriff of Nevada county and discharges his duties without fear or favor, thus winning the high commendation of all concerned.
327
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
He is a native of the far-off state of Maine, his birth having occurred in Whitneyville, on the 15th of April, 1846, the second in order of birth in a family of three children. His parents were George S. and Elizabeth ( Farns- worth ) Getchell, both natives of the Pine Tree state and representatives of early colonial families. The father was a log driver and lumberman, and when the discovery of gold in California attracted to the Pacific slope men of worth from all sections of the Union, he too joined the band of emigrants and made his way to the Eldorado of the west. Here he engaged in mining until 1860. He afterwards became prominent in connection with the official service of Nevada City, and for five years occupied the position of marshal. He died in 1888, respected by all who knew him, and his wife passed away in 1889. She was a descendant of Mather West, who carried powder to the American army in 1812, and whose bravery in so doing has become a matter of history. On first coming to California Mr. Getchell did not bring his family, but in 1850 returned to Maine, and in 1851 came with his wife and children, locating at San Francisco. He then went to Humboldt Bay, where he remained until 1854, at which time he became a resident of Nevada City, so that for more than forty- five years the name of Getchell has been associated with the business interests of this locality.
D. B. Getchell was educated in a private school. At the age of fourteen he left home and learned the blacksmith's trade, and since that time has been dependent entirely upon his own resources, so that whatever success he has achieved is the reward of his labor. He followed his trade for seven years in Nevada City and then removed to Virginia City, Nevada, where he remained until 1873. Through the succeeding three years he traveled in Colorado, and upon his return to California he engaged in mining and afterward devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits for eighteen months. On the expiration of that period he entered the employ of George E. Turner, of Nevada City, -dealer in sheet-iron and pipe, with whom he remained for several years. His conscien- tious discharge of all the duties of citizenship and his progressive interest in the public good led to his election for office, and for three and a half years he served as the city marshal. He was then appointed sheriff to fill out the unex- pired term of D. F. Douglas, who was shot by a stage robber and who in turn killed his assassin before his own life expired. In November, 1898, Mr. Getch- ell was elected to that position, for which he was well qualified, having served as special policeman at a prior date. He has a just regard for law and order and discharges his duties in a perfectly just manner regardless of any influence that may be brought to bear upon him. In politics he is an earnest Republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the day and gives an active support to all movements which are calculated to prove of benefit to the public.
Mr. Getchell affiliates with the Knights of Pythias, the Red Men and the United Workmen, and has been a member of the National Guard for thirty- three years, serving with the rank of sergeant. He is also a member of the fire department, and gives his aid and co-operation to every movement calculated to secure progress along material, social, intellectual and moral lines. In Nevada City he was married to Miss Emma Rosenthal, of California, who died
328
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
in December, 1869. leaving a son. George .A. He afterward wedded Alice Bail, who was born in Nevada City. August 25. 1856, and is the second of the three children of Nathaniel and Elizabeth ( Bump) Baily. Her father was born in New Jersey in 1820, was a plow-maker by trade, and in 1849 came to California. For a few years he was engaged in mining, and from 1853 until 1863 conducted a hotel in Nevada City. His death occurred in 1898, and his wife passed away on the 12th of June of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Getchell were married on the 23d of December. 1879, and they had one daughter. Delight E., who died October 13. 1894.
WILLIAM E. PARSONS.
The study of the life of the representative American never fails to afford much pleasing and valuable instruction, developing a mastering of expedients which has brought about wonderful results. The subject of this review is a worthy representative of that type of American character, and his life stands in exemplification of the opportunities afforded to young men who are ambitious and energetic. At the early age of ten years he started out upon his business career and has steadily worked his way upward, overcoming the obstacles and difficulties in his path and at length attained the plane of affluence. He is now engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigars, tobacco and smokers' articles at Grass Valley, and is numbered among the enterprising business men of the place.
Mr. Parsons is a native of Branch county, Michigan, born January 7, 1858. his parents being Renoklo and Sarah ( Misner ) Parsons. The father, a farmer by occupation, was a native of New York and a representative of a family that for eight generations has resided upon this continent. Removing from the east. he took up his residence in the Wolverine state, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death, which occurred in February, 1863. His wife was a native of Ohio and was of German lineage, the Misner family having been founded in Pennsylvania at an early day.
Mr. Parsons spent his childhood and youth in the county of his nativity, pursuing his education in the public schools ; but his privileges in that direction were limited. for at the tender age of ten years he began earning his own liveli- hood : and whatever success he has since achieved is the result of his unaided efforts. Ile learned the cigar-makers' trade in Coldwater, Michigan, and after working as a journeyman along that line in several cities of the Union, le went to Buffalo. New York, where he was employed three years, after which he returne 1 to Michigan. In 1884 he came to the west, locating first in Utah, after which he spent some time in San Francisco, whence he removed to Oakland. In 1884 he came to Grass Valley and, after working for several months in the employ of D. T. Tietgen, he made a trip to the east. Upon his return to this city he entered into partnership with his former employer, an association that was maintained until 1888, when Mr. Tietgen sold his interest to Paul Quick, Sr .. and the enterprise has since been carried on under the firm name of Par- sens & Quick. They manufacture White Labor cigars and also do a retail busi-
329
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
ness in tobacco and smokers' articles, having a well appointed establishment at No. 103 Main street. The quality of their goods has secured them a liberal patronage and their business has steadily increased in volume and importance.
Mr. Parsons has been twice married. In Michigan, in 1879, he wedded Miss Dolly Moore, who died June 3, 1881, and on the 16th of September, 1885, wedded Levinia A. Quick, of Grass Valley. They have two children, Raymond WV. and Emily. Mr. Parsons takes an active interest in political affairs, keeps well informed on the issues of the day and gives his support to the Populist party. At this writing he is the chairman of the county central committee and his executive ability and keen discrimination enables him to control success- fully the working interests of the political organization. He has filled the office of city treasurer from 1894 until 1896, and was afterward elected mayor of the city for a term of two years, his administration being progressive and commendable.
CHARLES H. FREEMAN.
A man enjoying the esteem of his fellow citizens and worthily taking a prominent position in his profession, is the subject of the present review, Charles H. Freeman, M. D., a physician residing in Angel's Camp, Calaveras county, California. He is a native son of California, born in Oakland, April 30, 1870, a son of W. A. Freeman, a resident of Auburn, Placer county, the builder and proprietor of the Freeman Hotel, a well known hostelry of that locality, who is also an experienced mining man and a responsible citizen of Auburn. Another page of the history gives a record of W. A. Freeman.
Dr. Freeman received his education in the University of California, grad- uating in the class of 1893, practicing for a year in the hospitals of San Fran- cisco and the county, locating a year in St. Luke's hospital and professionally visiting the city receiving hospital. These exceptional advantages have given Dr. Freeman experience that is most valuable and made him a welcome citizen of Angel's Camp when he located there in 1896. By courtesy and faithfulness to duty as well as by medical skill, he has built up a lucrative practice, and he is already looked upon by many residents of the town as not only a physician but also as a wise friend and adviser.
Dr. Freeman was united in marriage to Miss Lilian McGaffey, of Angel's Camp, June 7, 1897, and on January 18. 1898, a son was born to them, named Leslie, who died November 15, 1898; and they now have a charming little daughter named Gertrude, who was born December 10, 1899. Mrs. Free- man was born March 23. 1873. and is a lovely character, refined and accom- plished, and both she and her husband are deserving of the high esteem in which they are held by hosts of friends and admirers.
Politically Dr. Freeman affiliates with the Republican party, giving an intelligent attention to the great issues before the country. Socially he is con- nected with the A. O. U. W., the K. of P. and the I. O. of R. M., being examin- ing surgeon for all these orders. He is a man who readily makes friends and as easily keeps them, possessing those qualities which command the respect and affection of those with whom he comes into contact.
21
1
33 .
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
JOHN ROSS, JR.
One of the leading representatives of the mining interests of northern California, Jo po Koss. fr. resides in Amador county and is the superinten lent of the Wildman and the Mahoney gold mines, both located at Sutter Creek. He ;- thoroughly tannhar with the best methods of mine development and is there- fore peculiarly well fitted for the position which he now holds.
A native of Scotland. Mr. Ross is one of the representatives of one of the of løghland families. His father, John Ross, Sr., was born in the land of hills and heather, and was married there to Miss Maria Tyndall, by whom he had ten children, who were born in Scotland. In 1870 he came with his family to America, locating first in Nevada, whence he afterward removed to Sutter Creek, Amador county, where he now resides at the age of seventy-eight years. His wife passed away in 1886. They were Presbyterians in religious faith and people of the highest respectability and worth.
John Ross, whose name introduces this review, was a mere lad when he removed with his parents to America, and in Swansea, South Wales, he acquired his education. . At the age of fifteen years he came with his father to America, and throughout his business career he has been actively identified with the mining interests of California. In 1894 he came to Sutter Creek to accept the superintendency of the Wildman and Mahoney gold mines, carry- ing on the business with excellent success for the past six years. Both are excellent producing gold mines and the property in each includes a forty-stamp mill, which is operated continuously. Both mines were operated in the early history of quartz mining in Amador county and have already produced three an l a half millions of dollars. Work has been carried on at the depth of thir- teen Inindred feet and a new shaft is now being made which will be three thou- sand feet in depth. One hundred and seventy-four men are employed in the mines and the rich mineral products thus contribute greatly to the material prosperity of the community. Mr. Ross has a thorough understanding of the business and is well known as one of the best representatives of the mining interests of this section of the state.
In 1888 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Ross and Miss Carrie Springer, a native of U'nionville, Nevada, and they now have two sons and a daughter, namely: Vesta. Fverett and John. Mr. Ross is a Republican in his political views, yet does not consider himself bound by party ties. Socially he t- connected with the Knights of Pythias fraternity. His reputation in busi- ness circles is very high and he is a man of thorough reliability, widely known for his honorable dealings and his justice in all trade transactions
BAYLESS S. RECTOR.
On of the most prominent residents of Nevada City is Hon. Bayless S. Rector, who for the past two years has filled the office of mayor, his administra- tion being progressive and calculated to advance the welfare of the city along many lines. He was born at Elk Lick Springs, Pike county, Missouri, Noveni- ber 7. 1847. and is a son of Jesse II. and Catherine ( Strother ) Rector, both of
33E
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
whom were natives of Virginia and representatives of old and influential fami- lies of that state. The Rector family is of German extraction and representa- tives of the name served in the war of 1812. The father is still living, in Pike county, Missouri, and the mother died in 1870.
Mr. Rector, of this review, obtained his preliminary education in the pub- lic schools and afterward entered McGee College, in which institution he was graduated in 1871. He is the fifth in a family of six children, and came to California in 1874. Throughout his entire life he has been connected with the hotel business. He was the proprietor of the Hotel Hollister for eight years, and in 1882 he came to Nevada City, where he leased the Union Hotel, which he conducted for four years. In company with his brother, Elijah J. Rector, he then leased and has since purchased the National & Annex Hotel, on Broad street, which is a large structure containing many rooms and is thoroughly and finely equipped, being modern in all its appointments and containing many conveniences which contribute to the happiness and comfort of the guests. All stages depart from the National Hotel for the interior towns in the mountains and the place is patronized by the leading commercial travelers who visit the town. Mr. Rector's long experience in the business has given him a compre- hensive understanding of the needs and desires of the public ; and his earnest desire to please, his genial manner, and his reliable business methods have won him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact and gained him a very enviable reputation and patronage. He and his brother have made judicious investments in real estate and now own extensive tracts of land near Hollister, together with considerable mining property. They also have large cattle interests, being identified with the Monroe Cattle Company, of Albany, Texas.
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.