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 82
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George T. McCabe is their only child. He attended the public schools of his native county and in early life engaged in clerking, being employed in several mercantile concerns in the east, where he acquired a thorough knowl- edge of the business. In 1884 he came to California, locating at Knight's Ferry, where, in 1885, he established a general mercantile business, meeting with excellent success and soon becoming a leading merchant in the town. He continued in business until 1897, when he removed to his present loca- tion in Oakdale. Here he keeps a carefully selected stock of goods, including everything found in a first-class general mercantile establishment, and he enjoys the good will and patronage of a large portion of the best people of the town and surrounding country. He is known to be a merchant of the highest honor and probity of character and is an obliging and genial gentleman. so that he makes friends,-which has much to do with his success as a business man.
Mr. McCabe was happily married on the 16th of September, 1887, to Miss Kate Parker, a native daughter of California, born at Knight's Ferry, July 31, 1866. Her father, Domin Parker, was a respected California pioneer. Their union has been blessed with four children, namely : Velma B., Asa D .. James Garfield and Ruth Naomi. Mr. McCabe is a Republican in his political views, and while at Knight's Ferry he served for four years as the postmaster of his town, by appointment of President Harrison. While there he also acted as notary public and justice of the peace and was the agent for the Wells-Fargo Express Company. Prominent in the Masonic fraternity, he has taken the symbolic degrees and the chapter degrees and is now a past master of his lodge. He is thoroughly informed on all its teachings, its tenets and its prin- ciples and holds high the standard of Masonry, having no sympathy with any- thing that will lower it. For the past four years he has had the honor of being district inspector of the order, and both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star, in which she has taken an active and prominent part, filling the position of associate conductress. They have made hosts of warm friends since coming to Stanislaus county to reside and are highly respected by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
ALBERT J. LOWRY.
A half century has passed since Albert J. Lowry came to California. arriving here in 1850, the year of the admission of the state into the Union He is therefore numbered among her pioneer citizens and has borne his pert in the arduous labors which have contributed in a large measure to her de el opment, material progress and substantial upbuilding. He is a native of Ohi born in Roseville, Muskingum county, on the 16th of December. 1828. Ilis
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grandfather, Canada Lowry, resided in New York and Pennsylvania in his early life and afterward became one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio. His son, Jeremiah Lowry, the father of our subject, became a carpenter and subse- quently engaged in merchandising. He married Susannah Haney. They became the parents of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters. The father attained the age of seventy-nine years, and the mother, surviving him for several years, passed away at about the same age. They were members of the Christian church and their lives exemplified their faith. Ten of their children are still living, in the year 1900.
Albert J. Lowry, their eldest child, is indebted to the public-school sys- tem of his native state for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. He participated in the sports of boyhood during the periods of vacation and also performed such duties as were assigned to him. In 1850 he crossed the plains to California, making the journey with a party from Missouri. They were five months upon the way and the usual incidents of such a trip befell them. The wagons were hauled by oxen and Mr. Lowry drove a team, aided in the cooking of the meals and rendered himself generally useful on the trip. It was on the 18th of August, 1850, that he arrived in Placerville, just three weeks before the admission of California into the Union. Mining was then, as now, the leading industry of the state, and he began placer mining with a pick, shovel and rocker. The business was new to him and he met with only moderate success ; but he continued his operations in the mines until 1861, when he was appointed deputy sheriff. He served for two years and was then appointed deputy county clerk, serving for one term. On the expiration of that period he was made postmaster under the administration of President Lincoln, acting in that capacity for almost twenty years, or until the first election of President Cleveland, when he was succeeded by a Democrat. No higher testimonial of his efficiency and fidelity could be given than the fact of his long continuation in office. On the 28th of December, 1870, he had also been appointed agent of the Wells Fargo Express Company and is still serving in that important office. Nor has this ended his public service. For four years he was one of the county supervisors of Eldorado county, being elected to that position in 1880. In his early manhood he was a Douglas Democrat ; but when the country became involved in civil war he joined the ranks of the Republican party, and has since become one of its stalwart advocates.
Mr. Lowry is a worthy exemplar of Masonic principles. He joined the order in 1869, receiving the master's degree at Indian Diggings. He has filled various offices and had the honor of being master of Eklorado Lodge, No. 20, F. & A. M .. for five years.
In 1872 Mr. Lowry was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah Corning, the widow of C. W. Corning and a daughter of James and Agnes Ardery. By her first marriage Mrs. Lowry had a daughter, Edna, now the wife of T. J. Har- ris, of San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Lowry became the parents of one daugh. ter. Susie, the wife of G. C. Groezinger, also of San Francisco, Mrs. Lowry is n valued member of the Presbyterian church and a lady of many excellent qualities and enjoys in a marked degree the esteem of all who know her. Our
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subject and his wife have a delightful home in Placerville and the circle of their friends is extensive. Through a fifty years' residence in California Mr. Lowry has become thoroughly imbued with the progressive spirit of the age and has taken a deep and abiding interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the state, doing all in his power to promote the growth and substantial upbuilding of the county in which he resides.
JOHN HOLDER.
Almost half a century has passed since John Holder came to California, the year of his arrival here being 1852. He is now located in Penryn, Placer county, and is spending the evening of his life in an honorable retirement from labor. Mr. Holder is a native of North Carolina, his birth having occurred there on the 20th of January, 1826. Of German and English ances- try, he represents old families of the North state. His father, Michael Holder, was born in North Carolina and was of German lineage. He married Miss Katie Donaway, a lady of English lineage and a representative of a family that had long been connected with the south. The father followed the occu- pation of a bricklayer and builder and spent his entire life in North Carolina. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist church and his death occurred when he had attained the age of seventy years, his wife having pre- viously departed this life. They were the parents of six sons and six daughters and of the family only two sons and three daughters yet survive.
John Holder is the only one in California. He was educated in the state of his nativity, whence he removed to Indiana in January, 1852. In company with three of his neighbors, he came to California, by way of the isthmus route. His first business venture here was at placer mining at Osley Bar, on the Yuba river ; but, not meeting with very great success in his search for gold, he turned his attention to brick-laying, a trade which he had learned with his father, following that pursuit in Sacramento. Later, however, he came to Newcastle and once more attempted his fortune in the mines, this time min- ing with gratifying success, not only in mining but in buying and selling claims. In 1856 he married Miss Sarah M. Rowles, who came to California in 1853. and since his marriage Mr. Holder has lived within three miles of New- castle. He has been connected with various business enterprises, conducted a hotel, was engaged in merchandising for fourteen years, and was agent for the Wells-Fargo Express Company for eighteen years.
Unto our subject and his wife were born two children, a son and a daugh- ter : William Francis Holder, who is now a railroad agent in Arizona: and Emily Jane, who is the wife of John Conners. Mrs. Holder died in Newcastle in 1871, and her husband remained single for seventeen years. In 1888 he was inarried to Miss Mildred Elizabeth Johnson, who has since been to him a faith- ful companion and helpmate on life's journey. In 1877 Mr Helder returne 1 to the home of his birth. He had been absent for twenty five years, during which time his parents, three sisters and three brothers bad passed away, and there was more sadness than joy connected with the visit. After two months'
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absence he returned to California and has since gone three times to visit relatives and friends in Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas.
At Penryn he is engaged in fruit-farming, owning thirty-five acres of rich land and a pleasant cottage there. He makes a specialty of raising apples and grapes and is successful in this undertaking. He richly deserves the com- fortable competence he has acquired, for it has been obtained entirely through his own efforts and by honorable business methods. He is one of the okl Masons of the county, having received the sublime degree of Master Mason in Gold Hill Lodge, in 1854. Politically he is a Democrat, and religiously he and his wife are connected with the Baptist church. There is much in his life record that is worthy of emulation, for he has been true to every duty. whether of a public or private character, and in his career has manifested many sterling elements.
GEORGE HOFMEISTER.
This is a utilitarian age and effort must lend itself to some line of use- fulness, contributing to individual benefit or to the public good. Illeness has no part in the movement of the world to-day, and the man who makes prog- ress along life's journey is he of marked enterprise, capable of recognizing and improving opportunities whether they be for his own or for the public welfare. George Hofmeister, an active and energetic citizen of Eldorado county, who is now filling the office of county assessor, was born on the 8th of February, 1863, in the community in which he makes his home.
He is the son of Frederick Hofmeister, who was born in Germany, March 25. 1829, and came to this country in 1848, landing at New York, and went direct to Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he engaged in brick-manufacturing. which he followed for four years, being at that time the foreman of the enter- prise. In 1852 he came to California, stopping at Placerville. He first engaged in mining in this state, but in 1869 he became the owner of the Ohio House, of which he was the obliging landlord until 1886, when he retired from active business. Now, in his seventy-first year, be is enjoying a well earned rest. the labor of former years supplying him with all the necessities and many of the luxuries of life. In the year 1862 he married Mrs. Mell, who by her former marriage had three children. As Mr. Hofmeister's wife she became the mother of four children,-three sons and a daughter. The latter, Mrs. L. II. Pratt, is the proprietor of the hotel at Sugar Loaf. Fred, the son of the family, is in Plymouth, and one of the children has departed this life. Mrs. Hofmeister has been a resident of California since 1854. The parents of our subject have a good home and are spending the evening of life quietly in the midst of friends and family.
George Hofmeister, whose name introduces this review, is indebted to the public schools for his preliminary education, which was supplemented by a course in the Academy at Placerville. After his graduation at that institution he pursued a course in the Pacific Business College, at San Francisco, where he was graduated in 1882. For four years, from 1886 to 1890, he was the dep-
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uty postmaster under James Tyson, and subsequently he engaged in the manu- facture of cigars and had charge of the Eldorado county exhibit at the Mid-winter Fair in San Francisco. He was also for some time the deputy postmaster under A. T. Culbertson, and then received the appointment of deputy sheriff under George H. Hilbert. In 1898 he was elected the assessor of Eldorado county, which office he is now filling with credit to himself and satisfaction to all concerned. The Democratic party receives his allegiance and he has been active and earnest in its support, attending its conventions and working untiringly in its behalf. He was a delegate to the last Democratic state convention. His social connections are with the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Placerville Parlor of the Native Sons of the Golden West. Of the last named he was one of the organizers ind is a past president, while of the grand parlor of the state he is a past grand vice president. He is a very enthusiastic representative of the order and his labors have contributed largely to its upbuilding.
In 1886 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Hofmeister and Miss Annie Ash, of Sacramento, one of the native daughters of California. Their uriont has been blessed with three children, of whom two are living,-AAugustus and Cyril. In all that pertains to the upbuilding and advancement of his community, Mr. Hofmeister takes a deep interest, and he is a public-spirited. progressive man. He served on the commission that erected California's mon- ument at Coloma to James W. Marshall, the noted discover of goldl in January, 1848. He and his wife have hosts of friends in Eldorado county and in Sacramento, and their pleasant home is celebrated for its hospitality. In manner he is free from all ostentation and display, but his intrinsic worth is recognized and his friendship is most prized by those who know him best, showing that his character will bear scrutiny and close acquaintance.
CARLO FORNI.
Mr. Forni is the proprietor of the new Georgetown Hotel. He is a pop ular landlord and his well conducted hostelry secures a liberal patronage from the traveling public. A native of Switzerland, Mr. Forni was born in 1848. and in his native land acquired his education. He subsequently removed to France, where he became connected with the hotel business. On leaving that country he made his way direct to Eldorado, California, where for a time he was engaged in the stock and dairy business, conducting a well equipped ranch. He met with gratifying success in this undertaking and thus gained a good start in business life. Subsequently he rented the Pioneer Hotel. of Georgetown, which he conducted for ten years, when on the 14th of June. . 1897. it was destroyed by fire. He then purchased the ground on which he Mas since erected the new Georgetown Hotel. In height it is two stories and t basement. Its dimensions are eighty by one hundred feet and it contains thirty rooms, elegantly furnished and supplied with all the modern conveniences. The dining-room is supplied with the best the market affords, and Mr. Forni does all in his power to promote the comfort of his guests. The Georgetown
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Here is a credit to its owner and the town and is a favorite resort with the traveling public. No equipment is lacking, and his long experience in the bus- iness has well qualified Mr. Forni for its capable conduct. He believes in sup- plying his guests with the best, at moderate prices, and thus he has made many friends and gained a good patronage. He owns mining interests, but gives his undivided attention to the management of his excellent hostelry.
In 1872 Mr. Forni was united in marriage to Miss Theresa Forni, who though of the same name was not a relative. They have one child, Victor. who is a graduate of Heald's Business College, Of San Francisco, and is engaged in mining. Socially the subject of this review is connected with the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and in all he is an active member. He takes a deep interest in the upbuilling and improvements of his town and is a public- spirited citizen whose efforts in behalf of Georgetown have not been without good results.
FREDERICK WASTIER.
Frederick Wastier has been associated with the upbuilding of Lincoln from the earliest inception of the town and his labors have contributed in no small measure to its advancement and progress along substantial lines of development. Ile arrived in California in September, 1852. His birth- place is Bavaria, Germany, and his natal day the 11th of September, 1829. His parents, Louis and Mary ( German ) Wastier, were also natives of the fatherland, and in 1852 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States and resided in St. Louis, Missouri. They were farming people, but their last days were spent in the city. They held membership in the Presbyterian church there and when called to rest their remains were interred in one of the cemeteries of St. Louis. The father died in the sixty-fourth year of his age, while the mother was called to the home beyond in her seventy-sixth year. They had three sons and four daughters.
Frederick Wastier, whose name forms the caption of this article, was educated in his native country and learned the trade of the butcher there. In 1847. when eighteen years of age, he came to the United States, taking up his abode in St. Louis, where he followed his chosen vocation. The dis- covery of gold in California induced him to try his fortune on the Pacific coast, and in 1852 he crossed the plains with oxen in company with three young men. They traveled in a party of twenty and were five months upon the way ; and though the journey was a tedious one they met with no mis- fortune. When Mr. Wastier arrived at Downieville. Sierra county, he had just twenty dollars in his pocket, and when he reached Sacramento he had. ten cents remaining. However, he at once sought employment, securing work at his trade, for which he received eighty dollars per month and his board. Hle had been receiving adly ten dollars per month in the cast, and the dif- ference was so great that he felt well repaid for making the long journey geras the arid plains to the Golden state. For three years he remained in
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Sacramento, during which time he saved his money, thus gaining the nucleus of his present competence.
On the expiration of that period Mr. Wastier went to Butcher's Ranch, in Placer county, ten miles above Auburn, and at that place conducted a meat market for six years. He sold immense quantities of beef, but he was forced to give much credit, and the miners whom he had trusted failed to secure the gold which they had anticipated, so that many of his bills remained unpaid. This led to his removal to Gold Hill, six miles above Lincoln, where he continued business for four years. In 1865 he came to Lincoln and is one of the two first settlers of the town still residing within her borders. Opening a meat market. he supplied the population of the village and the surrounding country with an excellent grade of meats until 1885, when he sold out and for two years engaged in the lumber business, but for some time he has lived retired, enjoying the rest he has richly earned. He has a nice home in the city and is also the owner of several dwellings, the rental of which is a good income.
Mr. Wastier was married in 1863 to Miss Mary Rittenger, a native of Switzerland. Unto them has been born a son, Frederick Wastier, who is in business in San Francisco. After two years of a happy married life the wife and mother died, and in 1870 Mr. Wastier was joined in wedlock to Miss Elizabeth Shake. They have two daughters : Mary Elizabeth, now the wife of Charles Edward Finney, a merchant of Lincoln; and Emily Louisa, who is at home with her parents. Mrs. Wastier and her daughters are valued members of the Catholic church and our subject is identified with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows. He has been a life-long Republican. He was one of the first trustees of the town, and either in office or out of it he has supported the various measures that have been advanced for the benefit of the city and its upbuilding. He is a most highly respected and reliable citizen who enjoys the esteem of young and old, rich and poor. He has reached the psalmist's span of three-score years and ten and can look back over the past without regret. for in all life's relations he has merited the respect of those with whom he has associated.
FREDERICK MEINECKE.
In the history of a man who has devoted his energies entirely to busi- ness life there is little to awaken the interest of the reader in search of a sensa- tional chapter, but Carlyle has said that "biography is the most profitable of all reading." for therein are set forth the methods which have been followed to win success or which have led to failure. The careful student may therefore learn valuable lessons from such a career as Mr. Meinecke's, for he is one who has worked his way upward, conquering all obstacles and advancing sty dily on the highway to prosperity by determined purpose and ceaseless energy.
Mr. Meinecke was accounted a progressive farmer in Stanislaus county, his home being ten miles northwest of Modesto, and he is also one of the honored California pioneers who in 1849 became identified with the interests of
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the state. He was born in Germany. April 28. 1823. Ilis father, Frederick Meinecke, married Miss Margaret AAllmeras. He served as a first lieutenant in the Prussian army at the battle of Waterloo, and departed this life in the forty-eight year of his age, while his wife attained the ripe old age of ninety years. They were both members of the Lutheran church and in their family were six children, but only two are now living.
Mr. Meinecke, the only representative of the family in California, was edu- cated in his native country, attending the forestry school. In 1848 he bade adieu to home and friends in the fatherland and sailed for New York city, He had learned to read English before his emigration but could not speak it, and therefore he was somewhat handicapped in the outset of his life in the new world. From New York city he made his way westward to Wisconsin. He had not been long in that state before the news of the discovery of gold in California reached him and he at once determined to go to the Eldorado of the west. He therefore joined a company of about sixty-five men, who traveled in a train of thirteen wagons drawn by oxen, having a plentiful relay of those animals. They had no trouble with the Indians and there were many interest- ing incidents and experiences in connection with the long journey across the plains. They killed buffaloes and were thus supplied with fresh meat, and Mr. Meinecke really very much enjoyed the journey to the Pacific coast, being ill not a single day on the trip.
In the latter part of October the company with which he traveled arr vedl at Hangtown, now Placerville, and he engaged in mining on the northern branch of the Calaveras river. In connection with his partner he was the discoverer of O'Neal's Bar, where he took out much gold; but he engaged in prospecting and spent much of his money in a fruitless search for better diggings. In the fall of 1850 he took up his abode on the Calaveras river, near Stockton, and was engaged in freighting from Stockton to Murphy ard other camps in the mountains. That was then a paying business, which he followed until the spring of 1852. He then returned by way of the Nicaragua route to Wisconsin and purchased one hundred and fifty head of heifers and milch cows, at a cost of from fourteen to eighteen dollars each. These he brought out across the plains to California, spending the winter at Salt Lake and starting early in the spring for the Golden state, where he was assure l of good pasturage for his stock. After his arrival in California he sold some of his cows, getting from one hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars per head. However, he kept a good many of them and later the prices declined. For a few years Mr. Meinecke resided at Liberty and thence removed to Georgetown, Eldorado county, where he engaged in the conduct of a meat mar- ket and in the butchering business for several years. Subsequently he removed to Murphy, in Calaveras county, where he engaged in the dairy business until 1858. In that year he returned to Germany and was married to Miss Sophia Hayssen. With his bride he then came again to his home near Stockton, where Mr. Meinecke operated a ferry on the Stanislaus river ,about ten miles northwest of Modesto, conveying teams and people across the river for a period of three and a half years. He then removed to his present location,
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