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 59
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Mr. Kelly was educated in the public schools near his home in Wiscon- sin, and in October, 1868, went to Colorado, where he was for six years engaged in mining, part of the time as the foreman of the Dolly Varden mine. In the fall of 1874 he returned to Wisconsin and early in the follow- ing year he went to Virginia City, Nevada, where he arrived on the 5th of February. After mining there for a short time he went to Silver City, Idaho, but soon returned to Nevada, where he mined with more or less success until
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1877, when he went to Bodie, Mono county, California, where he was the underground foreman of the Standard mine until 1880. Then going to Tomb- stone. Arizona, he was employed there for some time in the same capacity. In 1883 he became an underground foreman of the Bonanza King mine in San Bernardino county, California. He attained some success also in working mines of his own at Calico. In 1887 he assumed charge of the Dublin Bay mine in Nevada county, California, and from there he came to Tuolumne county, where for a year he was the foreman of the Buchanan mine. After that he devoted five years to pocket mining at Sonora. In 1896 he came to the Jumper mine at Stent and after two years' service as foreman was given his present position as superintendent. Ile is held in high esteem as a mining man and his career as such has been active, successful and productive.
He was made a Master Mason at Bodie, California. In political affilia- tion he is a Democrat, but while influential in the councils of his party he is not an active politician and sought the office of sheriff of Mono county in 1878.
October 24, 1894. Mr. Kelly married Miss Mary Ryan, of Sonora, Tuol- umne county, a daughter of Dennis Ryan, a respected pioneer. Their union was blessed with the advent of a daughter, whom they named May. Mrs. Kelly died January 11, 1900, deeply regretted by all who had known her.
JAMES MEEHAN.
Fifty years have passed since James Meehan became a resident of Cali- fornia, the date of his arrival in the state being February, 1850. Probably no living resident of California has a more intimate knowledge of the min- ing interests and the history of the mining development of this state than he. Born in county Monaghan, Ireland, on the Ist of November. 1833. he is descended from one of the old families of the Emerald Isle. His father. George Meehan, was born in Ireland and there married Miss Mary McKenna, a native of his own town. They were honest and industrious farming people and devout members of the Catholic church. The father lived to be seventy years of age and was twice married, his family numbering twelve children, seven by the first marriage and five by the second.
Mr. Meehan, of this review, was a lad of thirteen years when, with his older brother, Patrick, he arrived in New Orleans, in the year 1846, and the country was engaged in war with Mexico. The Crescent city was then but a small town and he obtained work on a milk-ranch, peddling milk throughout New Orleans, receiving for his services nine dollars per month and his board. Later he was employed in a bakery, and in 1849. attracted by the dis- covery of gold in California. he sailed for San Francisco, making the voyage around Cape Horn on the ship Ontario. The trip was a very long one, con- suming nine months, but at length arrived safely in port in February. 1850. It was not until the oth of September following that California was admitted into the Union. Mr. Mechan at once made his way to the mines, his first claim
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being on Poverty Hill, Tuolumne county. He was one of the first to secure a claim in that "digging." but the property yielded to him a good return in gold. With three companions he worked the claim, taking out thirty-six ounces of gold daily. When the water supply failed them he was one of the company that went to Downieville and sunk the first shaft on the old Durgan flat. They found plenty of gold there, but having no adequate means to pump the water they abandoned the work. The claim, however, has since been operated and has proved very rich.
From that place Mr. Meehan went to Goodyear's Bar and was one of the party that built the tunnel to State creek ; but he continued there only a short time, going to Horseshoe Bend, on the American river, where they began to turn the river. They whipsawed lumber and pulled it down the moun- tains by hand in order to build a flume; but even when this work was com- pleted, at great expense, the water still leaked through and they were obliged to abandon the mine. Some men, however, determined to continue their labors there. Mr. Applegate was conducting a general merchandise store there and agreed to provide such miners as had no money with provisions and to be paid when they could secure gold, but the venture did not prove successful and Mr. Applegate therefore was a very heavy loser. Mr. Mehan and his partner, however, always had plenty of money to provide themselves with the necessaries of life, and moreover possessed a hopeful and courageous dispo- sition which enabled them to press forward when many a man had grown discouraged.
He then returned to Tuolumne county and again engaged in placer-min- ing on Poverty Hill, where he secured a good claim and met with excellent success. While here he took out a fine nugget, weighing two pounds. Later he returned to New Orleans, leaving San Francisco in July. 1852. He arrived at the Crescent city at a time when the yellow fever epidemic was raging, but his strong constitution warded off the disease. When he once more reached Poverty Hill he found that his claims had been jumped and he accordingly made his way to Columbia, securing a claim on Chinaman flat. There he also prospered, operating a claim on what is now the principal street in Sonora. After prosecuting mining operations in various places in that locality he removed to Calaveras county, where, in company with Ben Thorn, he engaged in mining on San Antonio creek.
In 1854 Mr. Meehan came to Amador county and purchased an interest in the old Georgia claim at Volcano, where he successfully engaged in mining for thirteen years, getting out gold in lumps valued at from three to five dollars. and he also owned other mining interests there. In 1867 his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, elected him as a nominee on the Democratic ticket to the position of county treasurer, after which he removed to Jackson. filling the position in a most acceptable manner for eleven years. On the expiration of that period he was appointed by President Cleveland postmas- ter of Jackson, and administered the affairs of the office for four years and two months, during all this time, however, being still interested in mining. Ile is now the sole owner of the quartz mine in Echo county, Nevada, which is
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being operated with good returns, and he also has a paying mine at Crown Point and valuable mining property in Amador county.
In 1857 Mr. Meehan was united in marriage to Miss Mary .A. Rawle, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Matthew Rawle, one of the early and brave California pioneers. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Meehan, but two died from that dread disease, diphtheria, in early life, and one son. Emmett James, passed away when twenty-four years of age. John, died at the age of fourteen, and one died in infancy. The four still living are George MI .. a mining engineer ; Raymond, who also is connected with mining interests and resides in Jackson ; Mrs. Nellie Fontenrose, also of Jackson; and Loretta, who is still with her parents.
Mr. Mechan and his wife have a very pleasant home situated on one of the beautiful hills. The spacious grounds are eleven acres in extent and form a pretty setting to their residence. Mr. Meehan belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Chosen Friends, and both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church. From the early age of fourteen years his life has been one of ceaseless activity and all that he has acquired is the reward of his own labors. He is a man of strong purpose and resolution who brooks no obstacles that can be overcome by earnest and honorable efforts, and it is this laudable quality that has led to his success.
EDWARD C. VOORHEIS.
Perhaps no announcement has ever caused more wide-spread interest in business circles than that concerning the discovery of gold in California, and upon the growth and development of the nation it has had a marked effect, causing the tide of emigration to flow steadily westward and making this sec- tion of the country one of the most potent in the affairs of the Union. From the time when Marshall first found the precious metal, the development of the rich mineral resources of the state has been one of its leading industries, and for many years Mr. Voorheis has been actively identified with the mining interests of Amador county. As a business man he is energetic, indefatigable. resolute and possessed of keen discernment and marked executive power. These qualities have insured him success, and at the same time he has been classed among the representative American citizens who, while advancing individual success, contribute largely to public prosperity and welfare. High official honors have been conferred upon him and these he has borne with signal fidelity.
Mr. Voorheis is a native of Michigan, his birth having occurred in the city of Ann Arbor, on the 7th of August. 1850. He is of Holland Dutch ancestry, the progenitor of the family in America having been Stephen Chert Voorheis, who left his home in Dreith, Holland, in 1660, sailing for the new world in company with his wife and seven children. From them are descended many of the name in this country. The early members of the family in AAmerica were farming people and were members of the Dutch Reformed church. For several generations they were natives of New York. The great-
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grandfather of our subject was John Voorheis, the father of Isaac Voorheis, who was an active participant in the Revolutionary war and loyally aided the colonies in their struggle for independence. His son, William C. Voorheis, the father of our subject, was born in Ovid, New York, in March, 1813, and married Sophia Garland, of Bangor, Maine, whose birth occurred in April, 1815, and who was of Scotch ancestry. Mr. Voorheis engaged in merchan- dising. He had made his way to Detroit, Michigan, in 1825, immediately after his father's death. He was then only twelve years of age, but from that time forward he was dependent entirely upon his own resources. He worked his way to the west, and from Detroit removed to Ann Arbor, where he later embarked in merchandising, which he carried on for a number of years.
When the Republican party was formed under the oak trees at Jackson, Michigan, he was made a delegate to that meeting and took an active part in the formation of the new organization, which has since made such a glorious record in upholding American institutions and in establishing the supremacy of the flag throughout the Union and on the islands of the sea. He was a friend and contemporary of Zachariah Chandler, Jacob M. Howard and Goy- ernor Kinsley S. Bingham, all prominent in the formation of the Republican party. Later in life he removed to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where his death occurred in 1895, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife survives him and is now in the eighty-fifth year of her age. They were both devoted members of the Presbyterian church, taking an active part in its work, while Mr. Voor- heis served as a deacon for many years. In the family were seven children. of whom three sons and three daughters are yet living.
Edward C. Voorheis, the fourth child, was educated in Ann Arbor until his fourteenth year, after which he pursued a course in Swensberg Bus- iness College, in Grand Rapids. He graduated in 1868. Subsequently he accepted a clerkship in the manufactory of W. H. Powers, and for a time engaged in clerking in a store. Later he was connected with office work for a railway corporation, and in the spring of 1877 he came to Sutter Creek, California, becoming connected with reduction works. Since that time he has been an active factor in reducing ore in this section of the state and has largely promoted the mining interests of northern California, thus contribut- ing to the general prosperity. For several years after his arrival he was in the employ of C. J. Garland, and in 1880 he associated himself in business with E. S. Barney, purchasing some very valuable mining property. In 1898 the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Voorheis purchasing Mr. Barney's interest, since which time he has carried on operations alone.
A man of resourceful ability and marked enterprise, he has been instru- mental in establishing a number of industries which have brought good finan- cial returns to the stockholders. He is one of the founders of the Amador Electric Railway & Light Company, in which he was associated with C. R. Downs. They furnish electric power for illuminating purposes at Sutter Creek, Jackson and Amador, and the business is constantly increasing. Mr. Voor- heis was also active in promoting the development of the Gwin mine in Califor- nia, being associated in the enterprise with M. W. Belshaw, F. F. Thomas,
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David McClure, Jr .. and Charles P. Eells. They opened the mine, which has since been one of the best paying mines of the county. Ten thousand tons of ore taken therefrom are crushed each month, yielding from fifty to seventy-five thousand dollars in gold. In 1897. with the gentleman above mentioned, Mr. Voorheis organized the Lincoln Gold Mining Development Company, and is now actively concerned in the work of the corporation. The Lincoln mine was formerly owned by Leland Stanford and R. C. Downs, and in the early days was one of the best producers in California. The new mining company is making extensive plans for its operation, expecting to find a con- tinuation of the rich mineral deposits which at one time made the property so valuable.
In 1880 Mr. Voorheis was united in marriage to Mrs. Clara E. Keys. a daughter of E. B. Melntyre, of Sutter Creek, who removed from Lancaster. New Hampshire. to California. Mr. and Mrs. Voorheis now have one daugh- ter, Gertrude, who is attending school in Oakland. They have one of the most delightful, attractive and commodious homes in Sutter Creek, and enj. y the warm regard of a very extensive circle of friends. Mr. Voorheis is one of the prominent Knight Templars of his state and has also attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite of Masonry. He likewise belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is ever loyal to the benevolent principles of those fraternities. In politics he has been a life-long Republican, and his fitness for leadership led to his selection for the office of state senator, in 1890. Four years later he was re-elected and proved a very competent and prominent member of the upper house. He was the chairman of the financial committee for three consecutive sessions, during which time he labored most effectively and beneficially in the interests of the constituents of his state. He has made a close study of the political issues and questions of the day and he has built a monument for himself of duty performed and of greatness achieved. Hle was elected the president of the California Miners' Association November 20, 1900. This association is a state organization, composed of men from all parts of the state who are engaged in the mining industry. The people of California are to be congratulated upon a character so splendidly developed that has conserved the best interests of the commonwealth, justly gaining a place among the able statesmen of California. His public and private life are above reproach, and his name is now conspicuous on the long roll of eminent mien.
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JAMES L. GIBBS.
James I. Gibbs is a resident of Carter's and is one of the native sons of Tuolumne county. He was born on his father's ranch, situated on the banks of the Tuolumne river, four miles from the town, his birth occurring on the 2ist of March, 1864. His father, William D. Gibbs, came to this state in 1849. He was a native of Alabama, born April 4. 1827, and was descended from one of the old southern families. When he was five years of age his parents removed to Texas, and he was therefore reared in the Lone Star state.
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When James Marshall discovered gold at Coloma, the news of that dis- covery spread like wild-fire throughout the country and from all sections there flocked to California men of strong purpose who were resolved to seek fortune in the mines. Mr. Gibbs crossed the plains with mules and a pack train, leav- ing home in April, 1849, and arriving in San Francisco in August. While en route the party with which he traveled had several encounters with the Indians, in which a number of the emigrats lost their lives and many of their horses and other animals were stolen by the red men. The company was a very numerous one when they started, but after a time they separated into several divisions, and, thus divided, the smaller companies continued on their way. The train with which Mr. Gibbs traveled proceeded to Los Angeles and thence up the coast. He at once made his way to the mining district and began the search for gold at Big Oak Flat, where he was very successful, taking out several ounces of gold each day. Later he went to the Tuolumne river and built a dam across the stream, but when the heavy rain storms came it was washed out and the money he thus expended was lost. Subsequently he engaged in ranching near La Grange, and in 1861 he came to Carter's, which was then called Summerville. Here he became interested in quartz mining and prosperity again attended his efforts. He was also in the butchering busi- ness for a time, but ultimately removed to his ranch, where he had three hun- dred and twenty acres of valuable land. He carried on stock-raising exten- sively and his fields were highly cultivated. He had a good home upon his place and for thirty-five years it was his residence. A man of much intelli- gence, Mr. Gibbs was formerly a very active and influential member of the Democratic party, but he left office-holding to others. He was a valued mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity.
Mr. Gibbs was united in marriage. December 24, 1853, to Miss Mary F. Summers, a native of Missouri and a daughter of a California pioneer. They had sixteen children, twelve of whom reached years of maturity, while eleven are still living. The father died on the 9th of September. 1895. but his good wife still survives and is now in the sixty-fifth year of her age, one of the highly esteemed and brave pioneer women. whose identification with Cali- fornia covers a long period. The children living are: G. J., now a resident of Texas: Laura E., the wife of Robert A. Sowrie, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, South ; Flora E., the wife of William R. Barger ; James Lee and his twin sister, Lee Dora, the latter the wife of Fordy Ball; Frances, the wife of W. E. Booker, one of the supervisors of the county: H. J., who is in Texas ; W. A., a resident of Chinese Camp: Rosie, the wife of Rev. Z. Need- ham, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, South: J. J., who is now in the store with his brother; and Roy, who is in Fresno county.
James Lee Gibbs, whose name introduces this review, and who has so kindly furnished the material for the history of his honored parents and family, was educated in the public schools of Tuolumne county, and resided on the ranch with his father until his twentieth year, when he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed at Carter's until 1896. He then embarked in mer- chandising and now carries a new and well selected stock of general merchan-
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‹lise, keeping everything needful for the population of the town and surround- ing country, including mining supplies. He is a very obliging and popular merchant, his straightforward dealing and courteous treatment of his custo- mers securing him a very liberal patronage, which is constantly growing. His trade thus grows in volume and importance and is now a profitable source of income.
Mr. Gibbs was married August 24, 1898. to Mrs. Dell Pruett. a widow with two children .- Harvey and Jessie. Mr. Gibbs is a valued member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has followed in the political foot- steps of his honored father, being a stanch Democrat. He has a wide acquaint- ance in the county in which he makes his home and where his entire life has been passed, and those who have known him from boyhood are numbered among his warmest friends,-a fact which indicates that his career has been worthy of regard.
DAVID MATTLY.
Since an early period in the development of California David Mattly has resided within the borders of the Golden state and is now an esteeme I resident of Jackson, Amador county. For many years he was a representative of the industrial interests, carrying on an extensive dairy business, but at the present time he is living retired. enjoying the rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.
A native of the land of the Alps, he was born on the 25th of December, 1831, and his parents, Felix and Kate ( Gerrich) Mattly, were also natives of that land, belonging to old families of that country. Our subject was reared and educated there and in 1853 came to America. Two years later he made his way to California, by way of the isthmus route, crossing Panama on the railroad, which had just been completed. He came direct to Placerville, where he was engaged in placer-mining for some time. The work, however, was very hard and at most he could make only twelve dollars a day. On one occa- sion he took out a nugget worth ten dollars, found near Georgetown.
He followed mining only for a year. however, and then started out in the milk business at Placerville, having twenty-five cows. He received a dol- lar per gallon for milk in the early days and made money very rapidly, his business steadily increasing in magnitude. After a time he was forced by pop- ular demand to keep forty cows, and throughout the surrounding country he sold the products of the dairy until 1857. when he disposed of his business at Placerville and removed to Jackson, where he purchased fifteen acres of land. There he again eml arked in the dairy business, and owing to his indus- try and systematic methods his trade steadily increased and his income pro- portionately grew. As his financial resources became larger he added to his Lin leil possessions until he is now the owner of two thousand acres, in Jack and adjacent counties, He has had and handled as many as two hundred forel of cattle at one time: but he is now living retired, the fruits of hos former toil supplying him with all the necessities and many of the luxuries
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of life. He made the dairy business his chief occupation throughout his active career, but at one time was the owner of the Globe Hotel at Jackson.
In 1899 Mr. Mattly erected a very attractive and commodious residence on Main street in Jackson and there he and his family are living. He was maried in 1860, on Sutter creek, to Miss Mary Yager, a native of Switzer- land, and their union has been blessed with nine sons, six of whom are living, namely : William, David, George, John, Albert and Joseph. These sons are still with their father and are carrying on the dairy business as his successors. Mr. Mattly is of the Catholic faith, while his wife is a Protestant in her religious belief. He has been a life-long Democrat and since 1862 has been connected with the Masonic fraternity. He also belongs to the Independ- ent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Chosen Friends.
For many years his life has been one of ceaseless activity in the business world. Industry and enterprise are numbered among his chief character- istics, and through the aid of these qualities he advanced steadily on the road to prosperity. Meeting with creditable success, he won a handsome competence and is now in possession of a property that enables him to live retired. He has surrounded himself with a large circle of friends who were won to him by his genuine worth and his unselfish interest in his fellow men.
EMUND C. SNOWDEN.
This highly respected retired business man of Auburn, California- Edmund Christopher Snowden-is a native of England, but has been a resident of this country since his boyhood and is thoroughly identified with its inter- ests, having fought for the preservation of the Union during the days of civil strife and having enjoyed a long and prosperous business career. The fol- lowing sketch of his life is of interest in this connection.
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