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 77
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Mr. Richardson was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, on the 28th of September, 1818, and is of English, Scotch and Irish descent, his ancestors being among the early settlers of Virginia and participating in the events which find mention in the annals of the Old Dominion. One of the repre- sentatives of the name also served in the war of the Revolution. Robert Richardson, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia, removed to Kentucky and at the time of the war of 1812 entered his country's service under command of General William H. Harrison. He married Miss Cath- erine Bullen, who was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, a daughter of John Bullen, one of the heroes of the war for independence. They removed to Pike county, Missouri, and a number of their children were born there. In 1827 they took up their abode in Pike county, Illinois, becoming pioneer settlers of that locality, where they secured government land, the father developing thereon a good farm upon which he made his home until the time of his death in 1845. While in Missouri he held the office of tax col- lector. Both he and his wife were Baptists in religious faith and were up- right, reliable and respected farming people. Mrs. Richardson passed away in the fifty-sixth year of her age. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom all reached mature years, but only two of the number are now liv- ing, the sister of our subject being Fammey, the wife of William Wagener, a resident of Pike county, Illinois.
Thomas Richardson, of this review, was eight years of age when with his parents went to the Prairie state, and in the primitive log school-house
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of the neighborhood he pursued his studies through a short period each win- ter. At the time of early spring planting he took his place in the fields to assist in the cultivation of the farm and was employed with plowing. culti- vating and harvesting until after the crops were garnered in the autumn. His life was passed in the quiet routine of the farm until 1850, when the country became stirred by news of the gold discovery in California and he determined to make his way to the Eldorado of the west. Accordingly he joined a com- pany of ninety men that secured an outfit in Pike county and started in a train of twenty-nine wagons on the long and arduous journey across the plains. They were well supplied with provisions, and, as two physicians were of the party, were protected against prolonged illness. The journey was made by way of South Bear river, Green river and Humboldt, and they were on the journey about six months, at the end of which period they arrived in Hangtown, now Placerville. September 18. 1850. Although many emi- grant trains suffered greatly from cholera, only three of their party had died of the disease.
Mr. Richardson began his career as a placer miner with pan and rocker on the American river below Coloma. He met with a fair measure of success, taking out considerable gold. and followed mining until 1851, when he returned to his home by the water route in order to bring his family to California, and with them he journeyed across the plains, in 1852. On the 9th of January, 1845. he married Miss Lucinda Jane Wagener, a native of Tennessee, and they had two children-John and Mary Jane-ere their re- moval to the Pacific coast. Their daughter has since departed this life. The son is still living and cultivates a farm near his father. The year 1852 proved a very disastrous one to many emigrants, the cholera being very prevalent among those who journeyed across the plains, but the train with which the Richardsons traveled lost only one of their party, a woman. However, they saw many newly made graves along the route. Mr. Richardson had the honor of being the commander of the companies with which he traveled on both of these journeys across the plains.
When with his wife and little family our subject arrived in California he settled on one hundred and sixty acres of government land that are included within the boundaries of his present ranch. This region was then an un- settled country and there were many Indians in the locality, but he never had any trouble with them. He had brought with him from Illinois forty head of cattle and horses and here he engaged in stock raising. Notwith- standing that he met with many reverses in business, he diligently prosecuted his labors until he became the owner of nine thousand acres of land and was numbered among the wealthiest men of Stanislaus county. This grand old pioneer is now living retired from active business in a large and com- modions frame residence that stands on the extensive ranch which his enter- prise and industry have secured to him. He leases his land and the rental therefrom supplies him with all of the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life.
After their arrival in California Mr. and Mrs. Richardson became the
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parents of a son, Ephraim, who is now residing in Oakdale. There are also eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His wife, who long shared with him the sorrows and joys of life, traveling by his side as a faith- ful companion and helpmeet on life's journey for fifty-two years, was called to her final rest on the 19th of January, 1897, at the age of seventy-two years, four months and fifteen days. She was very devoted to her family, counting no sacrifice or labor too great that would promote the happiness or enhance the welfare of her husband or children. In return she received their deepest love and respect, and she also enjoys the warm regard of a large circle of friends.
For many years Mr. Richardson has been a worthy member of the Masonic fraternity and is now a representative of Oakdale Lodge, No. 275, F. & A. M. He also belongs to Modesto Lodge, No. 49, R. A. M. His political support has long been given to the Democracy and at one time he served as a justice of the peace, but has never sought or desired office. Through- ont a long and active business career he has been known as a man of unques- tioned integrity, his word being as good as his bond. His has been an active and useful career, in which determined purpose has enabled him to conquer all obstacles and advance steadily upon the path to success until he has reached the goal of prosperity. At the same time he has taken an active part in the work of developing the rich lands of California, and of reclaiming the waste stretches for the purposes of civilization. Such men therefore wrought for the prosperity and upbuilding of the communities which they represented.
SEYMOUR HILL.
Seymour Hill, a prominent merchant of Eldorado, California, is a native of the town in which he lives, born August 27, 1864, a son of Samuel Hill, one of the early pioneers of the Golden state.
Samuel Hill was a native of Marietta, Ohio, born in 1823, and there passed his early boyhood days. In his mental constitution was a combination of Irish and New England strains. At the age of sixteen years he went to Wisconsin, where he subsequently found and married Miss Mary Jane Sackett. with whom he sought a new home in the then far west. They first came to California in 1851, but returned shorty afterward, and in 1853 again crossed the plains to the west coast. After his second coming to this state Mr. Hill became the owner of a large stock ranch, gained a prominence in political cir- cles, and was elected a member of the California state legislature. To him and his wife were born, in Eldorado, six children, all, with one exception, still living: Virginia died at the age of thirty-two years. The others are Julia, the widow of Charles Beard: Lillie, the wife of M. J. Williams: Sarah. the wife of W. H. Burns: Grant, who is carrying on mining operations ; and Seymour, whose name introduces this sketch. The father departed this life in 1892; the mother in 1896. They were among the worthy pioneers of their locality, well known and held in high esteem by all.
Seymour Hill was educated in the public schools of Eldorado and Amador
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counties, and after leaving school became a clerk in a store, where he soon acquired a thorough knowledge of the business and fitted himself to carry on a business of his own. In 1890 he opened his present store, in a small way, and by close attention to business and by liberal and honorable methods soon became not only the leading merchant of the town but took rank with the first of the county, handling a varied line of general merchandise, including all kinds of farm implements. The store which he erected and occupies is a two-story building, 48x44 feet in dimensions, and he also has a large ware- house, 48x80 feet, in which he stores his goods. Also, in partnership with his brother Grant, he owns and operates several mines.
Mr. Seymour Hill was happily married. in 1888, to Miss Ruth Squires, who was born in the state of Illinois and reared in Eldorado, California. "They have two children .- Hazel and Oralea.
Politically Mr. Hill gives his support to the Democratic party, but has never sought or filled office, his time and attention being wholly occupied by his personal affairs.
DANIEL E. STRATTON.
Daniel Edgar Stratton, who is engaged in the practice of medicine at Chinese Camp, Tuolumne county, as a representative of the regular profession and as physician and surgeon of the Eagle, Shawmut and Jacksonville mines, was born at McGregor, Iowa, on the 4th of December, 1863. He is of English and Holland lineage. His paternal ancestors were early settlers of Vermont, and on the maternal side were pioneers of New York. Joseph Stratton, the grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the colonial army and valiantly fought for the independence of the nation. Charles Stratton, the Doctor's father, was born in Schoharie county, New York, and was married to Miss Hannah Van Auken, also a native of the Empire state. Soon after their marriage they removed to Wisconsin, casting in their lot with its pioneer settlers, and subsequently they became pioneers of Iowa. Both are still residents of the Hawkeye state, the father having attained the seventy- ninth year of his age, while his wife is ten years his junior. They are mem- bers and earnest workers of the United Brethren church and are loved by all who know them. The father was a strong Union man at the time of the Civil war and in answer to President Lincoln's first call for volunteers to crush out the rebellion in its incipiency he enlisted, serving a three months' term. The war had not then ended and he re-enlisted, taking part in many of the hotly contested engagements which were necessary for the preserva- tion of the Union. While in the army he contracted scurvy. that has caused him great suffering and almost terminated his life. Being thus incapacitated for work much of the time, the government granted him a pension of sev- enteen dollars per month. His brothers and his wife's brothers were also valiant Union soldiers, and the military record of the family is one of which its representatives have every reason to be proud.
The Doctor is one of ten children, but is the only representative of the
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family in California. His literary education was completed in the State University of Iowa and he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in that institution with the class of 1886. He afterward served for one term in the State Hospital and thence came direct to Chinese Camp, California, where he has since built up a very satisfactory practice that brings to him a good income. He also has a beautiful residence on the hill overlooking the town.
In 1889 occurred the marriage of Dr. Stratton and Miss Helen Cutting, a native daughter of Chinese Camp. Her father, C. B. Cutting, came to this state at an early period in its development and is now a resident of James- town, Tuolumne county. Dr. and Mrs. Stratton have one daughter, Viola. Socially he is connected with the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias fraternity. He is devoted to his profession, his interest arising from his broad humanitarian principles and his love of scientific research. His skill and ability are of a high order and he has a strict regard for the ethics of the professional code. As a man and citizen he is widely and favorably known and in this volume he well deserves honorable mention.
GEORGE BEATTIE.
Before California was admitted to the Union and when the greater part of the state was divided into extensive land grants owned by Spanish people or settlers of Spanish descent. George Beattie came to the Pacific coast, arriv- ing in the year 1849. Unlike many of those who sought a fortune here immediately after the discovery of gold, he has been very successful, for he has continued his operations in one locality and has not been drawn hither and thither by every new mining excitement, many of which proved. but a delusive will-o'-the-wisp. For forty years he has been constantly en- gaged in the development of rich mineral resources of the town of Georgia Slide.
Mr. Beattie is a native of Scotland, born June 24. 1827. His parents were John and Ann ( Richardson ) Beattie, who were married in Scotland and with their two little sons emigrated to the United States in 1827, our sub- ject being then but six weeks old. They settled in Boston, where the father followed his trade of stone-cutting. He also was a stone-mason and worked at both occupations. On removing with his family to Rhode Island he set- tled in Newport, where he resided until his life's labors were ended in death. when he had reached his forty-eighth year. They had four sons and a daughter, of whom but two are living: William, who resides in Fall River, Massachusetts; and George. The former came to California in 1852, made some money and returned to his home in the east.
The latter was educated in the public schools of Rhode Island, being a student in the first public school organized in that state. He learned the stone-cutter's trade of his father, and after the latter's death was the sup- port of his widowed mother, providing for her until she was called to the home beyond. In 1849 he joined a party of young men who had learned of
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the discovery of gold in California and started to make the long voyage to the Eldorado of the west. Seventy of them formed a company, purchased an old whaling ship, the Audley Clark, prepared her for the voyage and secured an outfit and provisions. The entire cost of the ship, with two years' provisions, amounted to twelve thousand dollars. The services of a trusty sea captain were secured. The plan was that if the stories of the gold proved to be untrue they would land in South America and send the ship on a whaling expedition. for she had all the appliances. Later she would return and take the men back home. After rounding Cape Horn they spoke an English brig out of Valparaiso and inquired if the tales of the discovery of gold in California had any foundation. They received the reply that there was "lots" of gold there; and after a pleasant voyage Captain Dennis, who was a thoroughly experienced navigator, took his ship safely into the harbor of San Francisco. A company from the Empire state had made a landing, which they called New York Landing, and the Audley Clark was invited to enter there. There was a survey schooner not far from their landing and they sent a lieutenant and five men on shore to investigate. Those men never returned and it was supposed that the lientenant was killed by the men, who then proceeded into the woods. This so exasperated the captain of the schooner that he offered a reward of twenty-five hundred dollars for the capture of the men, of whom he gave a description. After two days spent in the woods, during which time they could get nothing to eat, those men went to the Audley Clark and asked for food. They were taken on board and fed, and the captain of the schooner was notified that they were there, so that he and a number of men came aboard and arrested the party. He said to them, "You thought you had murdered the lieutenant; but he is living ; but you shall hang just the same." He took them to the schooner, went through the form of a trial and hanged two of them to the yard-arm, imprisoning the others, and the owners of the Audley Clark obtained the reward for the capture; but Mr. Beattie and his party did not relish taking the money.
After reaching California they found that they could not all keep together and so separated into small parties, dividing the provisions, and left a few of the older men in charge of the ship, while the younger men went to the mines in Tuolumne county, where Mr. Beattie engaged in mining for three months, with moderate success. They suffered for lack of water and re- turned to the ship, which was the home and headquarters of the party. Subsequently they started for Oregon Canyon and the Georgetown district. At that time the county was full of prospectors. A Mr. Hudson had dis- covered the place, and, being from Oregon, named the place Oregon Canyon. He had six men with him and he worked there trying to keep his discoveries secret ; and when it was known he decided to leave and packed his mules with the gold he had taken out. Mr. Beattie learned of this movement on the part of Mr. Hudson and he therefore determined to go to the claim, where he has since remained, the period now covering a half century. In one year he took out eight thousand dollars. In 1851 he returned to the east, in
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accordance with a promise he had made with his partner to return with him. The latter was going home to marry a girl he had "left behind," and thus Mr. Beattie revisited the scenes of his youth. In the winter of 1852, how- ever, he returned, by way of the isthmus, and has since owned and operated his mine at Georgia Slide. Up to 1862 four of his party had taken out twenty thousand dollars each, and our subject returned home to make ample provision for his mother, placing a deposit in the bank for her future use.
Again he came to California, and in 1862 he wedded Mrs. Catherine Miller, a native of Hamburg, Germany. She came to this state in 1855 with her sister, Mrs. August Waldeck, who now resides in Sacramento valley. After his marriage Mr. Beattie built the home in which they have since resided and in which they are now contentedly spending the evening of life, for he has acquired wealth through his mining operations and at the same time has gained the regard and friendship of many by reason of his honorable business methods. His mining property is known as the Beattie Mine, in which gold is found in seams of quartz and slate. It is two hundred feet deep and the yield is seemingly inexhaustible.
Mr. Beattie has three sons and two daughters, namely : Christie, Adolph, William, Annie and Mary,-all born in the house at Georgia Slide. William is a practicing physician and is a Sir Knight Templar. The other children are with their parents. Mr. Beattie has been a life-long Republican and in the Masonic fraternity he is connected with the lodge, chapter and council. He has been an active member and office-holder and represented his chapter in the grand chapter of the state in 1900. He was reared in the Presbyterian faith, his wife in the Lutheran faith, and high moral principles have actuated them throughout the journey of life. No history of this section of the state would be complete without the record of George Beattie, and it is with pleasure we present his history to our readers.
R. W. H. SWENDT.
The subject of this sketch belongs to a class of men whose ranks are each year growing thinner, namely, the Mexican war veterans. Also he is a California pioneer, having landed in the state in 1854. As such his history is of interest and briefly is as follows :
R. W. H. Swendt was born in Albany county, New York, September 29, 1829, the son and only child of German parents, John Randolph and Maria (Strew) Swendt. His mother died at the age of forty-six years and his father lived to be eighty-six. From New York state they emigrated at an early day to Georgia, where the son was reared and educated. When he was nineteen the war with Mexico was in progress, and so patriotic and ambi- tious was he to be of service to his country, he enlisted for the war, claim- ing that he was twenty years of age. He went to the front under Captain John S. Lowry, in the Second Tennessee Regiment, with which command he served twelve months, at the end of that time being honorably discharged on account of the end of his term of enlistment. 39 Re-enlisting immedi-
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ately thereafter, he became a member of Company C, Fifth Tennessee Regi- ment, his company being commanded by J. C. Vaughn. During his service Mr. Swendt participated in all the battles from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico, under Generals Taylor and Scott; was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and went all through the war without receiving a wound. For service in that war he is now the recipient of a pension, amounting to twelve dollars per month.
After the trouble between the United States and Mexico had been settled and Mr. Swendt had been honorably discharged, he returned to Tennessee and from there, in 1849, started for California. At that time, however, he did not continue the journey further than Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he remained until the winter of 1854. He then came on to California. The party with which he traveled had many skirmishes with the Indians, but all escaped death and landed safely in California. They also escaped the cholera, which was then prevailing in many parts of the country and which caused the death of many an overland traveler.
Arriving in California, Mr. Swendt located first at Placerville, where he was engaged in placer mining until 1862. While mining on the south fork of the American river he was one of a party of four that took out about fifty dollars a day, and on one occasion they found a single nugget valued at fifty dollars. A great portion of his time since 1862 Mr. Swendt has worked at his trade, that of carpenter, and has assisted in the erection of most of the houses in Eldorado.
Politically Mr. Swendt has been a life-long Democrat. He was at one time elected a supervisor of Eldorado county, an office which he filled faith- fully and well for a period of four years.
The subject of this sketch has never married. He is a well pre- served representative of the Mexican war veterans as well as of the California pioneers and early mining men.
MOSES ADAMS.
The beauty of a city depends largely upon its architecture, and to those who design and construct its buildings is due the credit of the position it holds in this direction. Among those who have done a large amount of work which adorns the streets and avenues of Modesto, Stanislaus county, is Moses Adams, who is well versed in the details and principles of this branch of industry and has established an extensive and lucrative business. He is prepared at all times to execute orders with accuracy and promptness and manifests the courtesy and fairness which ever marks the successful business man. Many of the fine structures in his city and the surrounding country stand as monuments to his industry and skill.
Mr. Adams was born in Waterford, Vermont, on the 12th day of July 1838, of old English ancestry. The ancestors of one branch of the family landed with the Pilgrims from the Mayflower on Plymouth Rock. The great-great-grandfather of our subject became one of the early settlers of
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Waterford, Vermont, and men of worth and prominence belonging to the family have since resided in that portion of the Green Mountain state. The family is one of distinction in American history. Jonathan Adams, the father of our subject, was born in Waterford, on the 3d of May, 1811, and became an industrious and well-to-do farmer. He was also a valued member of the Methodist church and his life was well worthy of emulation, while his influence was ever on the side of right and the good. He married Roxanna Ladd, a native of his own town, born November 3, 1814. She belongs to another branch of the family descended from the ancestors to whom he traced his lineage. The Ladds were honored early settlers of the Green Mountain state and were noted for their uprightness, intelligence and prominence in the commonwealth in which several generations had lived and died. Mr. and Mrs. Adams spent their lives on a farm near Waterford, respected and esteemed by all who knew them. The mother of our subject departed this life on the 3d of February, 1889, and the father was called to his final rest on the 21st of March, 1894, having attained the ripe old age of eighty-three years. He left to his children an untarnished name. Five of the six sons and daughters who constituted the family are still living, Martin having died i11 1856. The others are Otis, Moses, Jonathan C., Orange and Hannah, the last named being the wife of Henry Hudson, of Vermont, while the sons are well-to-do and respected citizens of the Golden state.
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