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 42
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While prominent in business affairs, Mr. Rector is also a recognized leader in politics and is an earnest advocate of Democratic principles. He was a city trustee for two terms, and in May, 1898, was elected mayor, which position he is filling at the present writing. Socially he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and with the Knights of Pythias, in which he has filled all the offices, including ten years' service as keeper of the records and seals. He was united in marriage in October, 1871, to Miss Susie F. Grif- fith, of Missouri, and to them were born two children, Jessie G. and Vivia A .. the wife of I. C. Lindley, an attorney of Nevada City, but the former is now deceased. The parents are consistent members of the Episcopal church and take a deep and active interest in its growth and upbuilding. Mr. Rector well deserves mention among the leading and influential men of Nevada City, for his life has been one of industry and integrity, true to every manly principle and to every trust reposed in him.
JACOB KUENZLY.
Jacob Kuenzly, one of the prominent old-time residents of Colfax, came to the state of California in 1859, and during the years that have intervened between that date and the present time he has done his part as a citizen to aid in the development of the state, and as a result of his years of well
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directed effort he is to-day in the enjoyment of a pleasant home and a com- fortable competency.
Mr. Kuenzly is a native of Switzerland. He was born June 1, 1839, a son of Henry and Elizabeth ( Isler ) Kuenzly, natives of that country, and he is now the only survivor of the family. His mother departed this life in Switzerland, at the age of sixty-one years; his father died in California, in 1874, at the age of sixty-eight years. They were members of the Reformed church and were highly respected people. The father, in 1859, accompanied by his son Jacob, came to this country, arriving in Auburn, California, on the 13th of April ; and the other son, Henry, joined them here four months later.
Jacob Kuenzly began his business career in California as a placer and drift miner at Dutch Flat. Ile next learned telegraphy and entered the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company, with which he was con- nected as an operator for a period of fifteen years, and after which he turned his attention to the real-estate business. He has bought and sold a number of pieces of realty in Colfax and has built several good houses here, including a very handsome residence, which he and his family occupy at the present time. Also he owns several tracts of land, consisting of two hundred and forty acres.
Mr. Kuenzly has been a lifelong Democrat. At various times he has been placed in responsible public position and he has always discharged his (luty faithfully and well. In 1895 he received the appointment of post- master, under the administration of President Cleveland, and served in that office four years, with an efficiency that gave general satisfaction, and dur- ing that time the income of the office steadily increased. Mr. Kuenzly has also served as justice of the peace, having been elected year after year for a period of thirteen years, in a district that had a Republican majority of one hundred and twenty, and during this long term of service he acquired a reputation for the fairness of his decisions. Ile has also held the office of notary public for eighteen years last past, and is to-day holding that office. . Mr. Kuenzly has long been a valued member of the A. O. U. W .; is a past master workman, and for years has served his lodge as master work- man, recorder an | financier. lle is also a member of the Telegraphers' Mutual Profit Association.
In 1873 Mr. Kuenzly married Miss Maria Kerins, a native of the state of Rhode Island, and their imion has been blessed with two children : Frank D. a resident of San Francisco: and Lulu, the wife of Henry Lobner, a prominent merchant of Colfax.
LEWELLYN TOZER.
There may be found in almost all American communities quiet, retir- ing men who never ask public office or appear prominent in public affairs, vet who nevertheless exert a widely felt influence in the community in which they live and help to construct the proper foundation upon which the social
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and political world is built. Such a man is General Lewellyn Tozer, who is now actively identified with the business interests in Sacramento, as a resident partner of the firm of William P. Fuller & Company, wholesale and retail dealers in paints, oils and glass.
A native of the far-away state of Maine, General Tozer was born in Kennebec county in 1843, and his youth was passed upon a farm where he early became familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He watched with interest the progress of events that preceded the Civil war and resolved that if the south made an attempt to overthrow the Union he would go to its defense. Accordingly with patriotic spirit he enlisted as a private, in August. 1862, and with his battery (the Fourth Maine) was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, sharing in the many hotly contested battles and tedious campaigns of that division. He remained at the front until June, 1865. when hostilities having ceased he received an honorable discharge and returned to his home.
He was a young man of determined spirit and ambition, and, with a hope of improving his condition in the west, he made his way to San Fran- cisco, where he resided for three years. He first secured employment of the firm of Cameron, Whittier & Company, which was a consolidation of the former firm and that of Fuller & Heather. The year 1869 witnessed his arrival in Sacramento. The firm with which he was connected established a wholesale and retail house in this city and he remained as one of its employes until 1875, when he was admitted to the partnership in the busi- ness, having in the meantime been advanced to higher positions of greater trust and responsibility. He is now the resident partner and manager in Sacramento, and under his capable control the enterprise is proving one of success and assuming extensive proportions.
On questions of national importance Mr. Tozer has ever given his political support to the Republican party and is a strong advocate of its principles. At local elections, however, where no issue is involved, he votes independently, supporting the man whom he thinks best qualified for office. In the fall of 1893, at the solicitation of friends, he became a candidate for city trustee, under the new charter, and was elected on the Citizens', Non- partisan and Reorganized Democratic tickets, receiving more votes than the combined support of his three opponents. This indicates his personal pop- ularity and the confidence reposed in him. He is widely known as a reliable business man, straightforward in all his dealings and fair in his treatment to patrons and employes. Over the record of his life there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and he well deserves honorable mention in the history of Sacramento county.
M. A. NURSE.
Much has been said of the infidelity of public officials, but such men as Hon. M. A. Nurse restore public confidence and in the discharge of their official duties largely promote the welfare and advancement of the localities
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which they represent in office. The long public service of Mr. Nurse is an unmistakable evidence of his fidelity.
He was born in Scioto county, Ohio, June 9. 1846. His father, Uriah Nurse, was a native of New York and a miller by occupation. About 1825 he removed to Ohio and in 1863 crossed the plains to California, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in Colusa, in 1876, at the age of seventy years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Narcissa Turner, was born in Virginia, and died at her home in Yolo county, California, at the age of eighty-six years. She was the mother of eleven children, five of whom -two sons and three daughters-are yet living.
Mr. Nurse, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the schools of Ohio and in 1865 became a resident of California, locat- ing first in Yuba county. Subsequently he removed to Amador county, where he was engaged in making a survey for a railroad. After his mar- riage he resided in Yolo county, and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to public office in 1876, at which time he was elected county surveyor. A year later he resigned. He has for nine years been connected with the office of engineer of the public works. He served as assistant chief engineer under Governor Markham, and under Governor Budd, and under Governor Gage has been the chief engineer to the com- missioners of public works. He is now holding that office and his course is worthy of high commendation.
At the age of twenty five Mr. Nurse was united in marriage to Miss Mary Word, of Yolo county and unto them have been born eight children. One child died at the age of eight years. One son is married, but the others are all with the parents. Mrs. Nurse is a native of Esparto, Yolo county. Iw his fraternal relations Mr. Nurse is connected with the Independent Order vi Foresters. For thirty five years he has been a resident of California, interested in its growth and doing all in his power to promote its substantial upbuilling. He is numbered among the valued citizens of Yolo county and well deserves mention in this volume.
CHARLES W. TRYON.
Prominent among the business men of Angel's Camp, Calaveras county. is Charles W. Tryco, why has been closely identified with the history of this community as a representative of one of its most important business interests throughout his active career. He is a man of keen discrimination and sound judgment, ond has executive ability and excellent management which have brought to the coffeeris with which he is connected a large degree of success. The safe conservative policy which he has inaugurated commends itself to the judgment of all and has been an important element in his prosperity.
Mr. Tryon was born at Angel's Camp on the 5th of October, 1864, and is the son of George C. Tryon, one of the brave and honored California pio- neers of 1849. whose memory is indeed worthy of perpetuation. His birth occurred in New York city, in 1824, and he came to California in August,
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1849, having traveled with a company who made their way through Mexico to the Pacific coast. For a few years he was engaged in mining in the vicinity of Angel's Camp, and for thirty years he was the proprietor of the Angel's Hotel. An obliging and courteous host, he was well and favorably known to a large circle of patrons and friends throughout central California. He served his county as assessor for a number of years, and was also the sheriff of Cala- veras county for a time, filling that office with marked ability and with strict impartiality. He was one of the best known residents of Calaveras county, and his reliability in business, his faithfulness in public office and his loyalty in friendship won him the esteem and confidence of all. After long years of active connection with business affairs, he is now enjoying a well earned rest. He is the owner of the Palace Hotel at Napa, and resides with his son George who is conducting that well established hostelry. He married Miss Adeha Newman in 1856, who came to California in 1854. Eleven children graced their union, but four sons have now passed away, while seven children yet survive. namely : Katie, the wife of C. A. Bryant: Walter, a prominent citizen of Angel's Camp: Charles W., who has kindly furnished the history of his hon- ored father: Addie, who is now the wife of Ernest Matteson : George, James. M. C. and John B., who are all respected cititzens of Angel's Camp.
In taking up the personal history of Charles W. Tryon, we present our readers a life record of one who is widely and favorably known. He was educated in the public schools of his native town and learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed for six years. He then became engaged in the livery business, and has also been interested in various mining enterprises. He was the discoverer of the Drake mine, which is now being operated by a syndicate. He has been very successful in his business undertakings, and is now the owner of valuable town property consisting of a number of business houses in the heart of the town. He also owns realty outside of the city and has thus become one of the substantial residents of Calaveras county.
Mr. Tryon was happily married. in 1889, to Miss Frankie Lillie, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a daughter of Robert Lillie. Theirs is a pleasant home, celebrated for its good cheer and hospitality. In his political views Mr. Tryon is a Republican, and was one of the charter members of the parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West established in Angel's Camp. A business man of ability, the town of his birth and of his present residence has just reason to be proud of him.
HORACE W. HULBERT.
Horace W. Hulbert, the proprietor of the Georgetown Gazette, came to California in 1861. He is a native of Wisconsin, born May 15. 1844, a son of J. W. Hulbert, a representative of the family that was founded in America by English ancestors who made early settlements in New Hamp- shire and New York. Leaving the Badger state, J. W. Hulbert crossed the plains with his wife and five children. The party with which they trav- eled was well armed and the journey was made in safety. On reaching this
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state the father purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Colusa in Colusa county, and became engaged in the raising of grain and in the nursery business. Success attended the enterprise and he was soon recognized Isone of the most prominent representatives of the nursery business in north- ern California, having furnished the trees and planted many of the orchards of this section of the state. Ere his removal to the west he had been engaged in merchandising in lowa. He married Miss Betsey Webb, and located in Chicago when that city was a little trading post. . All of the children who crossed the plains with them are still living.
Horace 1. Hulbert acquired his education in the public schools and was seventeen years of age when he came with the family to California. He learned the printer's trade in Ukiah, Mendocino county. California, after which he published the Sutter Banner, establishing the paper in 1867 and publishing it for six years. He also published the Colusa Independent and through the columns of his paper was instrumental in securing victory for the independent ticket at that time. Success attended his newspaper ven- vores, but after a time he removed to Modoc county, where he engaged in ille stock business. He owned two farms, but after two years spent in that way his health became impaired and he sold out, removing to Auburn, near eluch place he engaged in prospecting and made several valuable discoveries ; but a year and a half of illness largely reduced his financial resources and He established the Auburn Advance, which he published for ten months. On The expiration of that period he went to Georgetown and again engaged in prospecting. On the 9th of April. 1880, he founded the Georgetown Gazette. weekly paper published every Thursday. It is independent in politics and 1: @ well edited journal, having a large circulation and receiving a liberal ayertising patronage. In September, 1900, Mr. Hulbert sold his interest To the Georgetown Gazette to Mr. Horn, who is now" editing and publish- ing the paper. In addition to his journalistic interests he continued his connection with mining, and is a half owner of the Bright Hope mine, which Is considered a very valuable property and is now leased to and operated by Is son-in daw. Mr. Horn, in company with Mr. Hersey.
On the 4th of July. 1874. in Yuba City, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hulbert and Miss Celia Willeford. Their marriage has been blessed with two sons and two daughters. Maude is now the wife of John C. Horn. a practical newspaper nan of marked ability, who is now the manager of the Georgetown Gazette and is operating the mine. His wife is a capable news- roper woman, having become familiar with the business in the various depart- ments under the instruction of her father. Mr. Horn is a native of Cham- Moisburg. Pennsylvania. Ile learned the printer's trade in the office of the Franklin Repository. and with Milton G. Peters established the Harrisburg ( Pennsylvania ) Advertiser, and was for five years in San Francisco with H S. Crocker & Company. He afterward came to Georgetown, where he made the acquaintance of Miss Hulbert, who was acting as the manager of her father's paper. Since his marriage he has assumed the duties of that question and has done much to add to the success of that journalistic enter-
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prise. Dale C., the elder son of Mr. Hulbert, is a traveling acrobat and has a wide reputation in his profession. Clinton H. is in the electrical depart- ment of the California Electrical Works at San Francisco, while the younger daughter, Celia, is living with her sister. Mrs. Hulbert departed this life in 1896, and the subject of this review has since resided with Mrs. Horn.
Messrs. Hulbert and Horn are independent Republicans and the Ga- zette is a clean and progressive paper. They are highly esteemed by their patrons and by their fellow men and their success in business is richly merited. They are wide-awake to the best interests of the town and personally and through the columns of the journal do much to advance all measures which contribute to the general good. Mr. Hulbert is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
JACOB C. RICH.
For a number of years Mr. Rich has been connected with the admin- istration of municipal affairs in Nevada City, yet he is not a politician in the commonly accepted sense of the term. He seeks no office solely for per- sonal aggrandizement, but is patriotic and loyal in the discharge of the duties of the office and carries on the work entrusted to him with business-like dis- patch. In any community, east or west, the man who is for any considerable time kept in public office is one who has proven himself zealous and efficient in the discharge of the duties devolving upon him in his public office. It is the old story, many times repeated, of faithfulness in small things. These reflections have been caused by contemplation of the successful career of one of the prominent officials of Nevada City. Jacob C. Rich, who is a member of the board of town trustees.
A native of the Buckeye state, Mr. Rich was born in Guernsey county November 5, 1830, and is a son of Daniel A. Rich, who was born in West Virginia in 1809. and during his childhood removed with his parents to Ohio. The family is of English lineage. In 1850 the father of our sub- ject came to the golden west, returning the following year, and in 1852 again visited California, being accompanied by his two sons. Making a permanent location, he resided here until his death, which occurred Feb- ruary 15, 1898. During his early residence in the state he was engaged in mining and was largely interested in ditch building. In 1853. in com- pany with Fordyce, he began the construction of the canal, which was to convey the waters of the South Yuba to Nevada. He was also connected with a number of important enterprises planning for the improvement of the locality and which have since come under control of other companies. His wife, whose maiden name was Eliza Law, was also a native of Ohio. and by her marriage became the mother of four children,-two sons and two daughters. The mother passed away in February, 1841.
Jacob C. Rich. the eldest. obtained his education through the instru- mentality of the public schools and was reared to farm life. On his arrival in California he engaged in placer mining, which pursuit he followed for
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some time, For a number of years thereafter he occupied various posi- tion in connection with the South Yuba Water Company and later he turned his attention to the hotel business, which he followed for some time in Nevala City.
In 1863 Mr. Rick was united in marriage to Miss Mary Wagener. a native of Maryland, and their children are Henry W .: Daniel .A. : Jessie V., now the wife of M. J. Rabr. of San Francisco; and Ada M. In his polit- ical view . Mr. Rich has always been a Republican, and though not an aspirant for public ofice he consented to be the nominee for city trustee some years ago and since that time has occupied a place on the board. He exercises his official prerogatives in support of the meastires which are calculated to advance the general welfare. Socially he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both subordinate lodge and encampment, and is a member of. Rebekah Lodge. No. 119, the Chosen Friends and Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, and is a popular representative of those organizations.
CHARLES JOSEPH BOGAN.
All those forceful and winning qualities of the Irish race which have brought Irishmen to the front in all parts of the world have been exemplified in the career of Charles Joseph Bogan, one of the best known citizens of Stent. Tuolumne county, California. Mr. Bogan's parents were Mark and Ellen ( McGinnis ) Bogan, and they came of ancient and honorable Irish fam- ilies and were both natives of the green isle. They came to the United States in 1848 and were married in New York city. In 1850 Mark Bogan came to California by the Panama route and located at Jamestown, where he was one of the pioneers in placer mining. Ile was naturally enterprising and did net shrink from hard work and met with fair success. At Sullivan's creek he found a pugget worth one hundred and fifty dollars and took ont gold to the value of five hundred and fifty dollars in one day. After experi- encing the ups and downs of placer mining for several years he bought two hundred and sixty deres of land near the town of Stent and engaged in farm- ing. He gradually improved his farm and as soon as he was able to do so erected a large and convenient dwelling house. Ilis honesty, industry, thrift and enterprise won their legitimate reward and he became one of the prom- inent farmers and leading citizens of Tuolumne county and is still well. active and prospering, at the age of seventy-five years, public-spirited in all things and enthusiastic as a Democrat. His good wife, who has been his worthy helpmeet for more than half a century, is still by his side, and together they enjoy the honors due to pioneers. Their union was blessed by the advent of twelve children, one of whom died in infancy, eleven reared to manhood and womanhood, and eight are now living: James, Robert. Peter. Hugh, Charles Joseph, Grace, Maggie and Anna. Maggie is the wife of Charles Durgan and Anna and Grace are in college at Stockton.
Charles Joseph Bogan was born in Tuolumne county December 18. 1862, the fifth child of his parents in the order of nativity, and was a twin
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with his sister Maggie, deceased. He was educated in schools near his father's home and reared to the practical work of the farm, but since early in his active life has given his attention to quartz-mining. He was con- nected at one time or another with the Jumper Union mine, the Heslep mine, the Golden Gate mine and the Humbug Gold mine, and has worked himself up to a responsible position in connection with mining operations. After having been for some years a shift boss he became foreman of the Dutch Mining and Milling Company's mine, a large and paying property at Quartz. He is known as a bright, active and capable quartz miner of much experience. and no small part of the responsibility for the proper operation of the mine with which he is connected rests upon his shoulders. His residence at Stent is commodious and well appointed and is well known for its genial hospital- ity. He is a member of the Miner's Union and of the Foresters of Amer- ica, and he and Mrs. Bogan are members of the Catholic church.
Mr. Bogan was married, in 1804, to Miss Margaret G. O'Donnal, a native of San Francisco, and they have a son and a daughter, named Charles Cornelius and Mary Belle.
JAMES F. BENNETT.
James Frederick Bennett was born in Galena, Jo Daviess county, Illi- nois, on the 15th of September, 1837, and is descended from Scotch-Irish ancestry, who located on the Susquehanna river, in Lycoming county, Penn- sylvania, at an early period in the history of that portion of the state. The founder of the family in the new world was James Bennett, who crossed the Atlantic and became one of the prominent citizens of Lycoming county. The old family homestead there is still in the possession of his descendants. George Bennett, the father of our subject, was born in Williamsport. Penn- sylvania, on the old home farm which had been the property of his ancestors, his natal day being the 28th of August, 1808. He married Miss Amanda Fisk, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a daughter of Nathan Fisk. In 1852. with his wife and two children, he crossed the plains to California, mak- ing the journey with oxen. His sons, William Henry Harrison and James Frederick, the latter then fifteen years of age, were of great assistance to him on the journey. There were three other families in the company, and seven teams in all. They left Galena on the 4th of March, and although this was the terrible cholera year their early start enabled them to escape the plague which carried off many of the emigrants. Neither did they have trouble with the Indians, for they arrived safely at Downieville, Sierra county, on the 24th of August, 1852, completing the journey after five months and twenty days spent upon the road.
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