A Volume of memoirs and genealogy of representative citizens of northern California, including biographies of many of those who have passed away, Part 79

Author: Standard Genealogical Publishing Company, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago, Standard Genealogical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 902

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 79

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Alexander Kelley, the subject of this sketch, passed his youth and early manhood at the different places where his parents lived, as above indicated. It was in 1848 that they crossed the plains to Salt Lake. He remained in that city with his parents until 1852, engaged in farming and stock-raising, and that year came to California. Arrived here, he engaged in mining in Tuolumne county, where he continued the occupation three years, with but little success, however. Often he was within eight or ten feet of a rich vein, but he never made more than fair wages in the mines. He mined, at intervals, until 1860. He spent some time in the Red Woods in Napa county, getting out timber, and afterward made a trip to Carson Valley, where he remained three years. He has since been a resident of Eldorado, where he has a home and is comfortably situated, and is now retired from active life.

Mr. Kelley has been twice married. By his first wife, whom he wedded in 1853, he had three children, namely: William, of Placer county ; Mary, now Mrs. John Robertson: and Henry, a rancher near Eldorado. In 1884 Mr. Kelley married Mrs. White, his present wife, and they have one son, Alexander Budd, a resident of Eldorado county.

During the Civil war Mr. Kelley was a Union man and a Republican, but after the war he returned to the ranks of Democracy, where he is now found. He has seen much of- pioneer life, has done his full share toward "blazing the way for settlement and development." and enjoys the high respect and esteem accorded to the worthy frontiersman.

CHARLES A. SWISLER.

In the last half of the nineteenth century the lawyer has been a pre- eminent factor in all affairs of private concern and national importance. The man versed in the laws of the country as distinguished from business men or professional politicians, has been a recognized power. He has been depended upon to conserve the best and permanent interests of the whole

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people, and without him and the approval of his practical judgment the efforts of the statesman and the industry of the business man and mechanic would have proved futile. The reason is not far to seek. The professional lawyer is never the creature of circumstance. The profession is open to talent, and eminence or success cannot be obtained except by indomitable energy, per- severance, patience and strong mentality.

A most prominent and able member of the profession in Placerville, Cali- fornia, is Charles A. Swisler, whose life history cannot fail to prove of inter- est to many of our readers, owing to his wide acquaintance. He was born in Akron, Ohio, on the 24th of June, 1863, and through many generations his people have been American citizens. His father, Dr. Elias H. Swisler, was also born in Ohio, and when he had arrived at years of maturity he wedded Miss Mary Wise, a native of the same state. On emigrating to the west they located in Chico, California, but in 1879 removed to Placerville, where the father was engaged in the practice of medicine until 1882, when his life's labors were ended in death, in his forty-eighth year. His wife passed away in 1897. The paternal grandfather was a physician and a Methodist minister, and Mrs. Swisler, the mother of our subject, was a valued member of the Presbyterian church. The parents were both people of high respectability whose well-spent lives commended them to the confidence and good will of all with whom they came in contact.

Charles A. Swisler, their only child, acquired his preliminary education in the public schools of his native state, and in 1874 became a resident of California. Here he attended the Chico high school. Healdsburg College and the Placerville Academy, acquiring a broad and comprehensive literary knowl- edge to serve as a foundation upon which to rear the superstructure of his professional learning. Determining to make the practice of law his life work, he entered the law department of the University of California, and on the completion of the full course was one of six chosen as class orators. He graduated at the Hastings College of Law, with the degree of L. B., in 1883, and was thereupon admitted to practice in the supreme court of California and the United States courts at San Francisco. He has since been an active representative of his profession and has won a position of distinction in the legal fraternity. He was associated with Hon. George G. Blanchard until the latter's death, which occurred in December, 1891, and since that time has continued in practice alone, acquiring a large and distinctively representa- tive clientage which extends into adjoining counties. He has earned the reputation of having a thorough knowledge of the law and of being an able advocate and orator. The greatest characteristic of his mind is strength, his predominant faculty is reasoning and the aim of his eloquence is to con- vince. Merit has enabled him to mount the ladder of fame and he now occupies a prominent position.

Mr. Swisler is also a recognized leader in political circles, being a stanch Republican. In 1804 he became a candidate of his party for the assembly branch of the state legislature, and, being elected. served in the session of 1895. He was a leading member of that body and left the impress of his

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individuality upon the legislation of the state. He served as a member of a number of important committees, among them the judiciary committee, the ways and means committee and the committee on roads and highways, having the chairmanship of the last mentioned; and he was the author of the bill whereby was established the Lake Tahoe wagon road, a state highway extend- ing from Placerville to the eastern boundary of the state on the route to Carson City, Nevada. This was a measure of considerable importance and established the first state highway in California, besides restoring and improv- ing an old and historic inter-state road, crossing the Sierra Nevada mountains to the state of Nevada. During his service in the assembly Mr. Swisler was a faithful worker and labored earnestly for the adoption of every measure intended to benefit the commonwealth. As few men have done, he seems to realize the importance of the profession to which he devotes his energies, and of the fact that justice and the higher attribute of mercy he often holds in his hands. His reputation as a lawyer has been won through honest. earnest labor, and his standing at the bar is a merited tribute to his ability.

In 1885 he married Miss Mabel Blanchard, a daughter of Hon. George G. Blanchard, then his law partner. They now have a daughter, whose name is Sybil. Mrs. Swisler is a valued member of the Presbyterian church and is a lady of culture and refinement. They have a delightful home in Placer- ville and enjoy the high esteem of all who have the pleasure of their acquaint- ance. Mr. Swisler is an active member of the Masonic fraternity, belong- ing to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery, and has the honor of being the eminent commander of El Dorado Commandery, No. 4. Knights Templar, which is located in Placerville. He is also a past noble-grand of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, and for many years was the chairman of the committee on legislation in the grand lodge of that order. He was appointed by the governor a member of the board of election commissioners for the reorganization of the city government of Placerville in January, 1900, and assisted in the reorganization of that city as president of that board.

He is also deeply interested in educational matters, and for a number of years has been, and still is, the chairman of the board of education of the city of Placerville. He also takes an active interest in military affairs, and is a regularly commissioned officer in the National Guard of California. He is the captain of Company H, of the Second Regiment of Infantry, Third Brigade, and his command is one of the most efficient companies in the state service.

HENRY A. GIEBENHAIN.

Henry A. Giebenhain is numbered among California's native sons. He is now residing in Placerville, where he is engaged in business as the pro- prietor of the Mountain Brewery, which was established in this city in 1853. He was born here on the 15th of December, 1864. His father, Fred Gieben- hain, was a native of Germany and crossed the Atlantic ocean and North America to California in 1852. The next year he came to Placer county,

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where he engaged in mining. He followed that pursuit at Gold Hill and at Mud Springs, and also conducted a bakery at Gold Hill. In 1857 he came to Placerville and purchased the Mountain Brewery, which he successfully conducted. It was one of the first in the county and he supplied Placerville and the adjacent cities with the products of his brewery, which were also shipped to Nevada. . As the output was of excellent quality he enjoyed a large sale and his business continuously increased.

In 1857 Mr. Giebenhain was united in marriage to Miss Mary Foster, a native of Germany, who in 1856 emigrated from her native country and became a resident of Auburn, California, joining her sister, who was then living there. Mr. and Mrs. Giebenhain became the parents of seven children, all born in Placerville, and of this number six are still living, namely : Fred, at home; Carrie, the wife of Jacob Winhart, a resident of Dayton, Washing- ton: George, who died in the thirty-first year of his age; Henry .\., of this review : and William. Frank and Mary, who are still with their mother. The home is a large brick residence situated near the brewery. Mr. Giebenhain died leaving his family in good circumstances, for through an enterprising business career he had acquired a comfortable competence.

In politics he was a Democrat and in religious views was a Presbyterian. His wife is a member of the Catholic church and is an estimable lady. The sons, Henry and William, hold membership relations with the Native Sons of the Golden West. Henry Giebenhain is a careful and prosperous business man, of keen discernment and indefatigable energy, and in the control of the brewery is meeting with excellent success. He is a worthy representative of a family that is widely and favorably known in Placerville.

PHILIP TEUSCHER.

In the subject of this sketch is found one of the oldest residents of Coloma, California, and a most intelligent and entertaining pioneer of the "Golden state." His history is replete with interest. Briefly sketched, it is as follows :

Philip Teuscher was born in Bavaria, Germany, on the 4th of Septem- ber, 1827, a son of Philip Teuscher. The senior Philip Teuscher and his wife, both natives of Bavaria, emigrated with their family of young and small children to this country and made settlement at Akron, Ohio, where the father purchased a farm and stone quarry and where he passed the rest of his life and died, the last event occurring in 1859. at the age of fifty-three years. The wife and mother died the first year after their arrival in America. Only two members of the family are now living,-the subject of this sketch and his brother Daniel, who resides with him in Coloma, these two having been partners in all their dealings in California.

Philip Tenscher crossed the plains in 1849, lured hither by the discovery of gold. The original party with which he started for California comprised fifteen members. From Ohio they traveled by river to Independence, Missouri, where they landed, and stopped with Colonel Gilpen until after they pur-

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chased their mules. The next steamer that arrived after their landing brought the cholera and on the next one there were seventy-five people sick with that dread disease; and in order to get away from that plague young Teuscher and his party continued their journey with as little delay as possible and made the best time they could until they reached the Kansas river. There they let the mules graze and rest for a day or two. When they reached the Platte river other companies caught up with them, increasing their number to forty, with twenty-five wagons. They then elected Mr. Laterty captain. On their way up the Platte their mules were stampeded by a large herd of buffalo going down to the river to drink, and the whole party were in danger of being killed. Fortunately, however, the herd separated, passing on both sides of them, and the only loss to the emigrants was the breaking of an arm of one man. Further up the river another emigrant party caught up with them.

The Sioux Indians being on the war-path, it was necessary at this time for the overland travelers to keep a constant guard, which added no little to the excitement of the trip. In crossing Ash Hollow the trail was so steep that they were obliged to let the wagons down with ropes. There they stopped long enough to kill buffalo and dry and lay in a sufficient supply of meat. Near Fort Laramie a company of Mormons met them. These Mormons were from Salt Lake, were short of provisions, and asked help from the emi- grants, and in return for the food they received they gave warning concern- ing the Indians, and then the Mormons pursued their course down the river on their raft. They traveled close together and kept constant watch. While at dinner one day they saw the Indians ahead of them-big six-footers on fine horses. Immediately the red men rode down upon the train, with a great clatter, intending to stampede the minles. The emigrants all carried guns and waited orders from their captain to fire; but the Indians only circled round them and went back up the hill. The loose horses of the train ran with them. Some of the men at once started in pursuit, but the captain, anxious to avoid a fight, ordered them to return, saying it was better to lose the horses than to get into a fight with the red men. At Willow Springs they camped for the night, and at 12 o'clock that night the Indians came up and fired upon them, again thinking to stampede their animals. So securely were the horses and innles tied, however, that none of them got away. For sev- eral days the party was pursued by the Blackfeet Indians, until they reached the country of the Snake River Indians, when the former turned back; the latter were peaceful and with them the emigrants traded horses. At Salt Lake our party sold their wagons, and from there continued the journey with a pack train. On Sunday at Salt Lake they attended services in the Mor- mon church, and at that meeting Brigham Young told his people not to be too anxious to trade with this party, as more emigrants were coming. While there Mr. Teuscher traded a gun and a few pounds of coffee and sugar for a horse, which he sold after his arrival in California for one hundred and fifty dollars.

Finally, after a long and tedious journey, our party arrived in Placer- ville, July 27. 1849, and came to Coloma on the following day, and here with

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as much haste as possible the subject of our sketch began his mining opera- tions, with a partner. The first few days' digging, however, did not bring them the gold they had anticipated. The partner left to seek other diggings, and Mr. Teuscher, with others, took a contract for cutting saw-logs for the mill built by James W. Marshall for General Sutter, at which they made ten dollars per day ; but this mill was soon closed, as the men were all excited over the gold discovery, and the hope of "striking it rich" lured them away to the "diggings." Mr. Teuscher went to Canyon creek, where the Georgia mines were, located a claim in the middle of the creek, and took out gold rapidly. Afterward he returned to Coloma and next mined on Weaver creek, where he and his partner took out an average of twenty-five dollars per day. Ile continued there until the spring of 1850, after which he mined in dif- ferent places, with the miner's usual luck. Returning to Coloma again, he secured a claim on the banks of the south fork of the river, where he con- tinued to dig for gold and made about an ounce a day. He at one time had a claim at the point where the suspension foot bridge is now located. Here he and his brother took out about fifteen hundred dollars' worth of gold. They have maintained their interest in mining operations ever since that time, and are at this writing engaged in quartz pocket mining.

Both brothers have remained unmarried. They have a comfortable home. surrounded with a fine orchard comprising a variety of choice fruit, located near the site of the old Sutter saw-mill, where gold was first discovered in California. Philip Teuscher was appointed by the governor as the guardian of the Marshall monument, a position he faithfully filled for a period of four years. Politically he is a Democrat, while his brother is a Republican. Both are men of the most sterling integrity and are held in high esteem by their fellow citizens. Philip was a constable for a number of years. During the Civil war he was a strong Union man. He enlisted as a member of Company FF. Fourth California Volunteers, and served his country faithfully in Cali- fornia and Arizona. He is now identified with the Grand Army of the Republic, with his membership at Placerville, where he fills the office of senior conductor of his post. Daniel is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity.

A. S. BOSQUIT.

.A. S. Bosquit, who is efficiently serving as the sheriff of Eldorado county, his home being in Placerville, is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth occurring in Allegheny City, on the 7th of August. 1851. His father. John Bosquit. was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1821, and was of French and German descent. Ile removed to the Keystone state and was there married to Miss Rosanna Beck. Three children were born to them during their residence in Allegheny county, and with his little family Mr. Bosquit sailed from New York for San Francisco, coming direct to Placer county. He took up his abode at Virginia Town and was engaged in placer mining below that place, following that industry until 1860, at which time he opened a large claim. The vein was very deep and required much work to obtain the gold. He con-

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tinued his operations until 1861, without much success, and in the winter of 1861-2, with four men shoveling in the sluices, he cleared as high as fifty ounces in one day. Then a great flood came and washed away everything! Later, however, Mr. Bosquit reopened his mine, but a little later sold out for eight thousand dollars. He then became the owner of fifty-two Chinese houses, from which he received a rental of from four hundred and fifty to five hundred dollars per month.

In politics he was a Republican and as such was elected a member of the state assembly in 1864. He was strongly opposed to slavery and did all in his power to promote abolition principles in the early days of the existence of the Republican party. While serving in the California house of representatives he was active in securing the passage of the bill for the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad. From that time until his death he was very active in the public affairs of his county and was recognized as a prominent and influential citizen, his opinions carrying weight in party councils. His death occurred in 1868, when he had reached the age of forty-nine years. His wife survive him some time and passed away in 1882, at the age of fifty-two years. Six children were added to the family in California, but all are now deceased who were born in the golden west. One of the daughters is Mrs. Thorndike, a resident of Truckee, and Matilda, another daughter, is the wife of G. W. Armstrong, of Auburn.

In taking up the personal history of A. S. Bosquit we present to our read- ers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Eldorado county. He was only two years of age when brought by his parents to Cal- ifornia, and hence during the greater part of his life he has been identified with the interests of this state. He pursued his education at Gold Hill and Lincoln, and also took a course of study in the McClure Academy, in 1869. In 1870 he bound himself to S. W. Willis to learn telegraphy. He was to receive one hun- dred dollars for his services and was to board and clothe himself. His employer also conducted the post-office and was engaged in the stationery business, and with the work of both of those Mr. Bosquit became familiar. When his term of apprenticeship had expired he accepted a position with the Sacramento and Placerville Railroad Company, as bookkeeper and telegraph operator at Shingle Springs. He was also the agent for the Wells Fargo Express Company. He there remained until September, 1873. Subse- quently he successfully engaged in farming and mining until 1891, when he was chosen by his fellow citizens for public service, being elected county clerk, auditor and recorder of Eldorado county. In those positions he served with marked efficiency for eight years, having been elected for a second and third term. His fidelity to duty led to his selection to the office of sheriff in 1898, and he is thus now capably serving, discharging his duties without fear or favor. He has made judicious investments of his capital, and in addition to his fine home in Placerville he owns a farm of four hundred and thirty acres of land at Shingle Springs, on which hay, grain and stock are raised. A portion of it is also devoted to the cultivation of fruit, and while Mr. Bosquit resided there the property was one of the most productive and valuable in the county.

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On the 12th of October, 1873. our subject was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Catherine Gray, a daughter of Allen T. Gray, a prominent pioneer of 1854 and the founder of Gray's Flats, in Eldorado county. They have three sons, all born in this county, namely : Dallas . A., Edwin L. and Owen T., who are residents of Placerville. Mr. Bosquit is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Foresters and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. and in the last named he has filled all the offices and has served as a representa- tive to the grand lodge . He is an active and earnest Democrat, a progressive and enterprising citizen and a thoroughly capable and faithful public officer.

ALEXANDER B. McRAE.

A vacillating purpose will never bring success. It is in persistency that the elements of prosperity lie, and continued effort, when guided by sound judgment, never fails to gain a gratifying and desirable reward. Prominent in the business circles of Roseville is Alexander Bell McRae, and his life record demonstrates what may be accomplished through determination, energy and capable management.

.A native of Ontario, Canada, he was born on the 16th of June. 1853. and is of Highland Scotch ancestry. His grandfather, John McRae, was born in the Highlands of Scotland, and emigrating to Canada brought with him his wife and two children. He spent his remaining days in the English province and attained the ripe old age of eighty-five years. Alexander McRae, the father of our subject, was also born in Scotland and during his childhood accompanied his parents to the new world. He was reared in Canada and there married Miss Josephine Monro. By trade he was a millwright and followed that occupation until he lost his life by drowning, when his son Alexander was five years of age. The mother of our subject had died when he was a babe of nine days, and he was reared by his grandparents, acquir- ing his education in Canada in the public schools. He came to California in 1872 to accept a position as a bookkeeper in a San Francisco house, but instead he purchased timber land and engaged in dealing in wood, furnishing that commodity under contract to the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. He carried on the business successfully for a number of years, it proving a profit- able venture.

He then purchased a ranch near the present town of Roseville, where lie engaged in farming and in the breeding of fine horses. He has since con- ducted the business and is now one of the most extensive breeders of Norman Percheron, Clyde and English coach horses in this section of the country. In this way he has done much to improve the grade of horses found in north- ern California, and his efforts have not only been of individual benefit but have contributed to the general prosperity, for the improved grades of stock raisedl bring higher prices. Mr. McRae also deals in hay and gram, which he raises and sells in large quantities, doing a wholesale business. He built a large brick warehouse in Roseville, and by his capable business methods has dojuired a very enviable reputation as a reliable and trustworthy man through-

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out California and adjoining states. He was the owner of Colier, one of the most celebrated French coach horses ever brought to California. His farm adjoins the corporation limits of Roseville and one portion of it was within the border lines of the town. This he platted and sold as town lots. He is most reliable in all dealings and his word can be depended upon entirely. He has never permitted himself to bet on any horse, believing it a kind of gambling. If he recommends a horse the purchaser may be sure that it is all that he claims for it. In all transactions his word is as good as his bond, and such a life record as his, crowned with enviable success, proves that honesty is the best policy.

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A Volume of memoirs and genealogy of representative citizens of northern California, including biographies of many of those who have passed away, Part 79

Author: Standard Genealogical Publishing Company, Chicago, pub Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Chicago, Standard Genealogical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 902

Author: Standard Genealogical Publishing Company, Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago, Standard Genealogical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 902