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 55
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
436
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Connecticut Infantry, in which he served with the rank of corporal. He enlisted August 28, 1862, and faithfully defended the old flag and the cause it represented. William Bugbey, a son of E. W. Bugbey. Jr., the eldest brother of our subject, enlisted December 2, 1861, re-enlisted December 13, 1863, was wounded June 3. 1864, and died on the Lith of the same month at Cold Harbor, Virginia. Three cousins, Clark, Sumner and Frank Bug- bey, the last named a member of a Massachusetts cavalry regiment, also died in the service. Other relatives were numbered among the "boys in blue," and thus the military record of the Bugbeys is one of which they have every reason to be proud.
B. N. Bugbey spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native vil- lage, acquiring his education in the schools of Stafford. At the age of nine- teen he accepted a position as a commercial salesman, remaining upon the road until 1848, when he went to Quincy, Massachusetts, being connected with mercantile affairs at that place. In that year gold was discovered in California, and desiring to gain a fortune in that land of promise Mr. Bugbey returned to his home and joined a party preparing to make the trip to the new Eldorado of the west. He started in December. 1848, taking with him pro- visions for three years, machinery, tools, and a house which was ready to join together on reaching his destination. The Hampden Mining and Trading Company, of which he was a member, chartered a vessel. the John Castner, and ran to Brazos, or Point Isabel, thence crossed through Mexico from Mata- moras to Mazatlan. As a passenger on board the French bark Olympia, he finally arrived at San Francisco, on June 12, 1849.
Immediately he made preparations to enter the mines and began his search for gold at Condemned Bar, on the north fork of the American river. In the fall of that year he went to the future capital city and at the first election held there aided in electing P. B. Cornwall to the general assembly. In February, 1850, he again returned to the mines, and on the 5th of May, of the same year, began trading at different places. He was thus engaged at Rock Spring and Condemned Bar, and was the organizer of the Rock Bar Company, of which he was made the president. They built a mill-race for the first flour-mill, in 1852.
In the fall of 1851 Mr. Bughey returned to Connecticut, leaving Cali- fornia on the 4th of October, on board the old steamer Independence, bound for New York, via Nicaragua, connecting with steamer Prometheus on the Atlantic side. The ice supply on the Prometheus was exhausted during the voyage and all their fresh provisions were thus rendered unfit for use. On the way the vessel anchored in Havana Bay, off Casabianca, and without a guide Mr. Bugbey visited Morro Castle. He viewed the structure from all points and says that no picture ever printed has given a correct idea of the old fort.
Mr. Bugbey remained in the east until May, 1852. when he returned to California, arriving at San Francisco on the 25th of June. He engaged in the hotel business for a short time and afterward purchased another hotel, the Monte Cristo, on the old Coloma road eighteen miles east of Sacramento
437
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
city. Later he established a furniture store in Sacramento and built a shop for the manufacture of his goods. The big flood and fire which swept over the city caused him severe loss, and the overcrowded condition of that branch of business also led him to turn his attention to ranching. He removed to a ranch sixteen miles from Sacramento, on the American river, and there carried on agricultural pursuits until the spring of 1856, farm products at that time bringing high prices. In the operation of his land and for the purpose of con- veying his goods to market he used a bull team. On his way home he would frequently go to sleep and the team would stop, standing quietly in the middle of the road until he would awaken and start them again on their way.
He was early recognized as a leader of the better element in the com- munity and was chosen constable, which position he filled for five years. Imme- diately after being elected constable he commenced a war on the thieves and robbers, and the following June arrested thirteen in one gang. He continued in this work during his entire term, completely ridding the section of this class. He was elected on the 5th of November, 1861, sheriff of the county. At the close of his term it was his desire to enlist in the Union army after the breaking out of the Civil war, but Hon. F. F. Low, the governor of California, said he wanted home guards; and as Mr. Bugbey was filling the office of sheriff of Sacramento county he felt that he was doing good service for the government at home. He was chosen for the position in September, 1861, and on. October 6th following, entered upon his duties, and with fearlessness discharged every task devolving upon him until his retirement in 1864. Every Saturday night he would return to his home at Folsom. He had dur- ing his incumbency established a vineyard, and for sixteen years was exten- sively engaged in the cultivation of grapes, being one of the pioneers in that industry in the state. His efforts were so successful and the fruits which he raised of such a high grade that he won three gold medals from the state and two from the Mechanics' Institute. He was the first man to produce raisins in America. He is yet regarded as high authority on matters of hor- ticulture and has written many letters and articles setting forth his manner of producing fruits and other articles in this locality. His methods are very practical, yet progressive, and he is a recognized leader in this line of business.
In February, 1879, Mr. Bugbey took up his residence again in Sacra- mento and engaged in the real-estate business, which he continued for two years. He then accepted the position of under sheriff, under Sheriff M. M. Drew, and at the same time was connected with mining and farming interests. He has met many difficulties and obstacles, his buildings having at three differ- ent times been destroyed by fire, and on one occasion his loss amounted to over one hundred and forty-six thousand dollars! Such disaster would have utterly discouraged most men, but with determined purpose and renewed energy he resumed his work and has conquered adverse fate.
Other political offices have been accorded him, including the appointment to the position of United States commissioner. Great trouble had arisen on account of the opposition to Chinese immigrants, and the objection to the "Celestials" was carried into the realms of violence. It was necessary that
438
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
law and order should be maintained, and in order to do this Mr. Bugbey placed eighteen of the prominent leaders in jail, which was an intrepid act and one which many a man would not have performed, for influential citizens thus aroused might use their power against him; but he never for a moment shirked his duty. He served as under sheriff under Lee Stanley for one term, and during a portion of Mr. O'Neil's term. In November, 1898, he was elected to the office of tax collector and ex officio license collector on the silver Republican ticket. There were fourteen candidates against him and he made a very bitter fight, but his popularity and well known reliability triumphed over all opposition and won him the office.
He cast his first presidential vote in 1848, and since that time has mani- fested an active interest in political affairs, keeping well informed. on all the issues of the day and earnestly supporting every measure which he believes will advance the welfare of the American people. He is now the secretary of the silver Republican county committee and is one of the leaders of the party in this state: is a member of the state central committee and was a delegate to the national convention of that party that met July 4, 1900. Socially he is con- nected with the Masonic Lodge, in which he has attained the Knight Templar degree. He attends the Oak Park Methodist Episcopal church and gives his aid and co-operation to all measures for the public good. He well deserves mention among the honored pioneers of California, for through more than half a century he has resided in this state, and his efforts have been potent in the development and upbuilding of this great state. His business interests have ever been conducted in an honorable manner, and in public office his capable, impartial and faithful service has gained him the respect of even his political enemies.
EUGENE E. BURCE.
Eugene Edgar Burce, of Mokelumne Hill, has been a resident of Cali- fornia since 1854. Ile claims Rhode Island as the state of his nativity. his birth having occurred there on the end of April, 1851. He was therefore but three years of age when he arrived in California and as he grew to man- hood he became deeply interested in the affairs of the state, having ever manifested a laudable disposition to support all movements and measures which have contributed to the public good. He is of Scotch lineage, his ancestors having been early settlers of Rhode Island, where they located on crossing the Atlantic from the country of hills and heather.
Fbenezer Parker Burce, the father of the subject, was born in Massa- chusetts and was married there to Miss Jane Strange, a native of his own state. On crossing the plains to California in 1854 they brought with them their two children, but Judge Burce is now the only survivor. They arrived 0 Volcano on the 12th of August. 1854, and he was there employed in build- og the canal for two weeks. Subsequently he came to Mokelumne Hill and worried a hod to assist in building the first store in the town. For a year He engaged in mining and later devoted his energies to shoemaking, which
439
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
vocation he followed up to the time of his death, which occurred in the liome in which he had resided from the time when they took up their abode in Moke- lumne Hill. She and her husband were strong temperance people and were of very high moral worth, their influence and support being ever given to those things which tend to ennoble and uplift man.
Judge Burce was therefore reared amid the refining influences of a good home, and in the public schools of Mokelumne Hill he acquired his literary education, which was supplemented by a course of study in Heald's Business College. He was graduated there in 1871 and afterward learned the printer's trade in the office of the Calaveras Chronicle. He worked his way steadily upward, being connected with the paper for sixteen years. He became its able editor and publisher and is still the owner of the plant, but has leased it to its present publisher. In politics he has been a life-long Republican and ever edited his journal in the interests of that party. In political circles he is a recognized factor, his influence being potent for the good of the organiza- tion with which he is identified. In 1898 he was elected a justice of the peace and has since intelligently and ably filled that office.
Mr. Burce has one of the nice homes at Mokelumne Hill. He was mar- ried on the 3d of July, 1873, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Shire, a native of Iowa, who came to California during her early girlhood. She was reared and edu- cated in this state and by her marriage has become the mother of three chil- dren,-Gladys, Shirley and Charles Frederick. The Judge is a Mason and an Odd Fellow, has passed all the chairs in both fraternities and has been a rep- resentative to the grand lodge. His Masonic record is most creditable. He received the sublime degree of Master Mason in October, 1898, in Mokelumne Hill Lodge, No. 298, and has since been deeply interested in the work of the order. doing all in his power to inculcate its principles among men. He is now serving his second term as the master of the lodge, an honor that is con- ferred upon few whose identification with the fraternity does not cover a longer period. For almost half a century he has been a resident of Calaveras county and is now widely and favorably known.
JOHN STRINGER.
John Stringer, who resides a short distance north of the town of Milton, where he has a nice residence and farm and follows general agricultural pur- suits and stock-raising. was long since enrolled among the pioneers of Cali- fornia, having arrived in this state on the 10th of September, 1853. He was born in the county of Wicklow, Ireland, on the 21st of March, 1832. and his parents, John and Ann ( Kinch) Stringer, were also natives of the Green Isle of Erin. His father was a seafaring man.
The subject of this review acquired his early education in Ireland and in 1850 sailed for South Africa. He spent one year in East London, thence went to the isle of Java and later to Singapore and other ports of the far east. Ultimately he arrived in New York city and from the American metropolis sailed for San Francisco, reaching his destination forty-seven years ago. He
440
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
then nomde a trip quake Golden Gate to Panama, but in the spring of 1854 returned pe tin- state am, engaged in placer-mining in Plumas. He also mined In Batte am! Sierra counties, but with only moderate success, and in the spring of 18the left Butte county, going to Big Oak flat in Tuolumne only. In the fan af 1800 he arrived in Calaveras county and for a num- ber of years ( gayeff in on ing on Whisky Hill. near where his present farm 'sLocated. He took myckis able upon the farm in 1873 and now owns five indrel an bean gre of land, on which he is successfully raising hay and cattle. For theather of years he alsoraised sheep, keeping on hand as high D. (bur tiem-and.
In 1802 Mn Singer wedded Miss Margaret Donahoe, a native of Indi- ac, and to alien: ils been born a son. J. F., who is living with his father. Viter fifteen por be happy married life Mrs. Stringer was separated from her by led by the end of death. In 1800 he was again marrie 1. his second mon being wal Vis. Addie Swinford. a native of Stockton. She had two dowiren. Nobe meni William Swinford, byher former marriage. Mr. Stringer Is a member of the Independent Order of Old Fellows, has filled all the chairs in the balge. am in his political affiliations is a Republican. He is now spending the euenity of his active ant useful life in his pleasant home in (averts county, processing an ample competence for all his wants. His has hevn & varit career, in which his experiences have been many, as he has toutdel isht rt to port visiting many of the countries of the orient as well as of the vordent.
JOHN G. BISBEE.
Ton G w! Bisbee. one of Auburn's old and highly respected citizens. Gren Calcium in 1858, arriving in San Francisco December 28, the same Sw- tool ouyepy to Placer county January 6. 1859.
He was born in Lisbon, Maine, March 31. 1837. and is of old English tre early settlers in New England. His great-grandfather Histienes- the songenit or of the family in America. He settled in North The Bisbee- were active participants in the early his- thrwir the www. trt fall in the Revolution. Mr. Bisbee's father. Arza Bisbee. wie down the sun it which his ancestors had first settled and where sev- eral gecomas itte inmily were born. For a number of years he was the foreman odlo roh s department of a large woolen factory. In 1850 he came to Camidron. idoing sled from Boston around the Horn. the journey He was first employel in a sawmill in Napa. iet sien wes i alle pres at "Haligtown." now Placerville, where he met with me lemnte spies = mining and for a time was also engaged in me- Manimal of De vous cted and Had varions mining claims and made and send money De tuning speridation- like many of the pioneers of the state. Therewas three times married! By His first wife there were two children. and 18 A second wife. John Gould Bisbee's mother, there were four children. thirdenf whom are worm living. There were no children by the third mar-
441
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
riage. In his death, which occurred in the seventy-sixth year of his age. California lost an honest, upright, industrious citizen.
The subject of our sketch was educated in the public schools of his native town and after his arrival in California was employed with his father at blacksmithing and wagon and carriage making. Later he operated the Morn- ing Star mill and was for some time its superintendent. He established a saw- mill for the lowa Hill Canal Company and while at work there was elected treasurer of the county of Placer and came to Auburn to reside in 1880. As the first treasurer elected after the adoption of the new state constitution, he filled the office acceptably for two years and ten months, after which time he embarked in blacksmithing and wagon and carriage manufacturing in Auburn. He has since carried on the business successfully, giving the fullest satisfaction to his patrons, accumulating a competency and, what is better, re- taining a good name as one of the worthy and reliable citizens of the town.
He was married November 17, 1858. to Miss Elizabeth Madden. Almost immediately after their marriage he came to California with his wife and during the pioneer days she was his faithful helpmate. There were born to them at Iowa Hill seven children, five of whom are living : Clarissa, the wife of Lewis Joninon: William, associated with his father in business: Hettie. the wife of Henry McCann: George W .. prominently interested in fruit-rais- ing : and Minnie, wife of S. K. Clement. The faithful wife and kind and indulgent mother departed this life on April 21. 1878. She was very much beloved by all who knew her and her loss was seriously felt by her family. Mr. Bisbee married for his second wife Miss Morgan, who, unfortunately, was only spared to him two years. December 25, 1896. he married Mrs. Lola Van Auken, who is now the valmed partner of his old age. They reside in a delightful home which he has built in Auburn.
Mr. Bisbee is a prominent and esteemed member of the I. O. O. F. and has passed the chairs in both branches of this order and was district deputy for many years. In the Masonic fraternity he also stands very high : past master of the blue lodge, past high priest of the chapter and past thrice illus- trions master of the council and past patron of the Eastern Star. He is now ( 1900) principal conductor of the works of the Grand Council and an emi- nent brother in that branch of the order : for several years was district inspector of the blue lodges in his district. and at the present time is deputy grand lecturer of the chapter in his district. In politics Mr. Bisbee has been a life-long Republican. His record as a citizen of California is as bright as the sun- light of her skies.
DAVID E. BERRY.
At an early day in the history of California David E. Berry became a stage-driver and has since followed that occupation, though the years have brought many changes and wrought a great transformation. Conditions are now vastly different and the population has changed from a camp of miners to families interested in the various business affairs which are common to the east as well as to the west.
28
442
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
Mr. Berry was born in Liberty, in the state of Maine, on the 30th of April. 1834, and is of Scotch lineage, his parents being Samuel and Irene Edwards ) Berry, both of whom were natives of Maine and were respected farmers there. The father was a Universalist in religious faith, while his Wife was identified with the Methodist church. They had six children, of whom three are now living. Mr. Berry died in 1880, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years, and his wife also attained the same age, passing away on the okl homestead on which they had always lived.
David E. Berry was educated in his native state and on attaining his majority started for California. He sailed from New York on the George Law, and after crossing the isthmus of Panama he took passage on the Golden Gate, which plowed the Pacific waters until reaching the harbor of San Francisco, on the 20th of May. For a short time he was located at Mud Springs, in Eldorado county, and thence went to Railroad Flat, in Cal- averas county. Later he located at Sacramento and engaged in driving stage from Sacramento to Mokelumne Hill, a distance of sixty-five miles, going out one day and returning the next. For eight years he drove from Lodi to Mokelumne Ilill and returned each day, a distance of eight-four miles. Dur- ing all these years he was never waylaid by highwaymen except on one occasion, and then the robbers did not get a cent. He now owus a stage route and carries the mail from Valley Springs to Mokelumne Hill. His son. William B., is now the driver of the four-horse stage and is very com- petent, being able to manage his horses with skill, and at the same time he is storteous to his patrons and enjoys the high regard of all with whom he is fili- associated. The father also owns a livery stable at Valley Springs, where he no v resides.
1 1 --
In 1873 occurred the marriage of our subject to Miss T. Wildlermuth. a Jative of Illinois, who came to California in 1872. She is a daughter of Eli WWermuth, of Illinois. They now have two sons and two daughters. wamely : Laura, William, Elsie and David S. Irene, the oldest daughter. Mol at the age of seven, in 1881. Since the organization of the party Mr. Berry has given his support to Republican principles and has served as con- table at Valley Springs for the past nine years. He has long been recognized - a thoroughly reliable citizen and has a wide acquaintance in northern Cali- fornio. his many estimable qualities gaining him the frendship and regard of all with whom he is associated. Not to know David E. Berry in Calaveras county is to argue one's self poorly posted, for as stage-driver and owner he Its formed a very extensive acquaintance.
HENRY W. BESSAC.
Henry William Bessas is the proprietor, publisher and editor of the News Messenger, a weekly journal issued each Friday at Lincoln. Placer county. PlM& a native of Wisconsin, born at Randolph Center. on the Ist of April. usage and is of French lineage, although for several generations the family Jos been in America The father. Henry L. Bessac, was a native of Hudson,
1
1 1
-------
---- -
443
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
New York, and became one of the first settlers of central Wisconsin, being numbered among the pioneer farmers there. He married Amanda Mosher, also a native of Hudson, where the paternal grandfather of our subject had located at an early day, since which time representatives of the name have ever been found there. Henry L. Bessac died of typhoid fever at the age of thirty- two years, leaving a wife and three children, and the mother was called to the home beyond at the age of forty. One son died and the daughter, now Mrs. Maritta Alliger, is living in Wisconsin.
Henry W. Bessac spent his boyhood days in Hudson, New York, acquir- ing his education in the public schools there. He began his newspaper career on the old Hudson Star in 1864, a celebrated journal of that time, and since has been connected with various papers in the western and northwestern states. He has owned and sold fourteen different papers published in towns from British Columbia to Mexico. He was at one time the owner of the Santa Anna Herald, the Ontario Observer and also established the Vidette in Monte- sano, Washington. In the spring of 1894 he came to Lincoln, and being favorably impressed with the town and its people he is now doing good work for this section of the country as the editor and publisher of the News Mes- senger. This is an independent paper devoted to the interests of Lincoln and Placer county. The journal is a six-column, eight-page paper, and has an excellent circulation and large advertising patronage. It is well conducted after the most modern methods, and is a bright and entertaining sheet that supports all measures and movements for the public good.
In 1874 Mr. Bessac married Miss Virginia Bagnall, a native of Ohio and at the time a teacher in the public schools of Wisconsin, and unto them have been born eight children: Henry William, a leading school-teacher of Placer county: Virginia G., who is occupying the position of bookkeeper ; Anna O .. who is attending schools in Stockton; H. Bremner, of Lincoln : Richard D., who is in his father's office; and Grace E .. Charles N. and Eugene P., who are at home. The family have a pleasant residence in Lin- coln and a large circle of friends. Mr. Bessac has been a member of the Masonic fraternity since 1874 and is a past master of the order. He is also an attendant of the Methodist church and contributes to church and charitable work in a liberal manner.
ROBERT EMMETT GREEN.
Robert Emmett Green is one of the leading citizens of Grass Valley. who by his energy and integrity has risen to a responsible and honorable position, winning the respect and confidence of his fellow men in all classes of society. He is probably the youngest justice of the peace in California, butt his ability well qualifies him for the office. A native of Massachusetts, he was born in the city of Boston on the 12th of October. 1874. his parents being James B. and Elizabeth ( Rowe) Green. His father was born in Mas- sachusetts February 27. 1845. but the grandfather, Robert Green, was of Irish birth, as was the great-grandfather, who served as a soldier in the Eng-
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.