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 92
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104
A native of Ohio. he was born in Allen county, on the 19th of April, 1844, and is of Scotch lineage, his ancestors dating their arrival in Amer- ica from the time when the Pilgrims landed from the Mayflower on Plym- outh Rock. His paternal grandfather. Jesse Chapman, was born in Ireland. but was of Scotch lineage, and Jesse Chapman, Jr., the father of our subject. was a native of Ohio, numbered among the prominent pioneer settlers of that state. He married Miss Hardesty and subsequently removed with his family to Wisconsin. In 1852, accompanied by his wife and their six sons and a daughter. he started for Oregon, and soon after their arrival the father died.
731
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
His wife, a noble pioneer woman, is still living and now resiles in Oak- dale, California, in the ninety-third year of her age. All of her children yet survive, and through many years they have been actively identified with the progress and development ot this portion of the country.
Emory W. Chapman was the fifth child in order of birth. He was edu- cated in Olympia, Washington, and in 1861, at the time of the great gold excitement in Idaho, he went to that territory and engaged in placer min- ing in various claims. He also followed mining in Montana with good suc- cess, and in 1868 he came to Fresno county, California, where he was in charge of a large irrigating canal. In connection with this he likewise fol- lowed farming and stock-raising. In 1889 he came to Eldorado county and has since been a prominent representative of the mining interests of this locality. He resides at Placerville and devotes his energies to the operation of the Rivera mine. He was interested in and had the management of the Taylor mine for nine years, which was a paying producer during all his con- nection with it. He was also interested in and managed the Lant Graff mine, which was very profitable, and was a stockholder in the Three Stars and the Golden Rule mines, but has disposed of his interest in both. He also developed the Gold Motto mine, and is now actively engaged in the development of the Garfield mine, in partnership with the Parker brothers. During his entire residence in Eldorado county he has been an important factor in the pro- motion of its mining interests,-one of the leading industries of the state, contributing in a larger measure to the welfare and prosperity of the com- monwealth than any other one industry.
In 1867 Mr. Chapman was united in marriage to Mrs. Miller, and unto them was born one son. Harry. The mother died in 1887 and the Senator has since remained single. His son is now a resident of San Francisco. In his political affiliations Mr. Chapman has been a life-long Democrat, and in 1896 he received the nomination of his party for state senator. He made a strong canvass of the district and won the election over a very talented competitor. He took his place in the upper branch of the general assembly and discharged his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to his con- stituents, laboring earnestly for the adoption of all measures which he he- lieved would prove of public good. He secured the passage of the bill for the appropriation of fifteen thousand dollars for the purpose of improving the grounds and Marshall monument at Coloma. The work of improve- ment is badly needed there, but the bill was vetoed by the governor. Senator Chapman is a prominent Mason, belonging to the lodge, chapter and con mandery and also to the mystic shrine. He was appointed and has ably served as one of the commissioners of the Yosemite valley for eight years and was one of the contractors that built the wagon road in the valley on the south. He is a gentleman of thorough mining experience and a most enterprising and progressive citizen. He has so conducted all affairs, whether of private interests or of public trusts, as to merit the esteem of all classes of citizens. and no word of reproach has ever been uttered against him. He has done much for his adopted city and home and enjoys the added prosperity which
732
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
comes to those genial spirits who have a hearty appreciation for all with whom they may come in contact from day to day and who seem to throw around them in consequence so much of the sunshine of life.
JOHN H. COUGHLIN.
John H. Coughlin occupies the position of ticket and freight agent of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad at Grass Valley, and few per- sons occupy a higher position in the esteem of the residents of this city than he. A native of Grass Valley, he was born August 8, 1869, his parents being Daniel and Elizabeth (Butler) Coughlin. His father, a native of Cork, Ireland, was born November 5, 1827, and became a glass-blower by trade. Upon attaining his majority he left the Emerald Isle, crossing the Atlantic to America, making his first location in Boston, Massachusetts, where he followed his trade until 1855. In that year he came to California and has since been a resident of Grass Valley. In Sacramento he married Miss Butler and they became the parents of five children.
John H. Coughlin, the fourth in order of birth, spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and pursued his education in his native town. On leaving the high school he accepted a clerical position in the freight office at the railroad depot and was thus employed until 1890, when he was promoted to ticket and freight agent. He has thoroughly mastered the business, becom- ing familiar with all the details, and the patrons of the road find him most courteous and obliging. He is also engaged in the wholesale mercantile busi- ness and has a very liberal patronage along that line. He is a man of resourceful ability, of executive force and of determined purpose and is well qualified to carry forward the various interests with which he is connected. In addition to those mentioned he represents the Sacramento Transportation Company for the sale of brick and is also the exclusive county agent for the Utah & Wyoming Coal Company, whose products have a large sale on the market at Grass Valley.
On the 23d of April, 1892. Mr. Coughlin was united in marriage to Miss Lillian Hasking, a native of Grass Valley, and a daughter of Thomas Hasking, who was born in England and is now a retired merchant at this place. Their union is blessed with two children, Frances and Mervin, and they lost one son in infancy. Theirs is one of the most beautiful homes of the city, being pleasantly located on Bush street amid attractive surroundings. The interior decorations and furnishings indicate the culture and refinement of the owner, and the library, well filled with the works of standard authors, attests the literary taste of Mr. and Mrs. Coughlin. Their home is the center of a cultured society circle and their friends are legion. Politically Mr. Coughlin is allied with Democracy and is a valued member of the Masonic fraternity. the Eastern Star lodge, the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is also past president of Quartz Parlor, N. S. G. W. He has been an active member of the fire department of Grass Valley, and is a public-spirited and progressive citizen whose efforts in behalf
- -
:
733
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
of the advancement and upbuilding of the town and county have been effective and beneficial. He has a wide acquaintance throughout this section of the state and is highly respected as a successful business man of integrity and ability.
EDWIN R. CRAWFORD.
Edwin R. Crawford is a prominent farmer residing in Langworth, two and one-half miles west of Oakdale, Stanislaus county. Mr. Crawford is a native of Michigan, his birth having occurred in Macomb county, April 23, 1834, and the blood of Scotch-Irish ancestors is in his constitution. The family was founded in America at an early day, and among its members were those who, at the time of the Revolution, joined the colonial ariny and fought for the independence of the nation. His father's uncle, John Craw- ford, was a soldier with the American forces throughout the long struggle that gained independence for the republic.
Jacob A. Crawford, the father of our subject, was born in Ontario county, New York, in 1801, and was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Bachelor, a native of his own state. In 1832 they removed to Macomb county, Michigan, and cast their lot with the pioneer settlers of that locality. The paternal grandfather of our subject settled in Milford, Oakland county, Michigan, in 1838, while Mr. Crawford's parents continued to reside in Macomb county for fifty years, or until 1882. The father was a successful farmer and a man of prominence and influence. His marked ability led his fellow townsmen to confer upon him public honors and offices. For twenty years he was one of the supervisors of the county and was also a postmaster for many years. His wife died in Michigan in 1852, at the age of fifty-one years. They were the parents of seven sons and two daughters, but both of the daughters and two of the sons have passed away, while five of the number yet survive. William Albert resides in San Diego, California. In 1896 the father came to California to live with his sons, Levi and Edwin R., and with them he spent the last years of his life, passing away at the very ripe old age of ninety-two years. In early manhood he had been a miem- ber of the Methodist church, but he afterward joined the Presbyterian church and in its work took an active interest, serving as elder up to the time of his death. He was blessed with a cheerful and happy disposition, lived an upright, honorable life and may well be termed one of nature's noblemen. His son, Levi Crawford, came to California in 1862, locating in Stanislaus county, where he engaged in teaching school for seven years, subsequently giving his attention to farming. His wife died in April, 1895, and he sur- vived her less than a year. Their death was mourned by a large circle of friends for their genuine worth. They were highly respected by all who knew them. Luman G. Crawford, another of his sons, was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting in the Third Infantry Michigan Volunteers July 20. 1864. with commission of second lieutenant: on January 8, 1865, was promoted first lieutenant, and on February 25. 1866, was promoted captain. He was mustered out June 10, 1866. He held the position of commissary of subsis-
:
734
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
tence under General Thomas and was on his staff. He is now a resident of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
Edwin R. Crawford, whose name begins this review, was educated in the public schools and in the Plymouth high school of Michigan, after which hc engaged in teaching, with good success. He also devoted his attention to farming until 1866, which was the year of his emigration to California. On reaching this state he made his way directly to his present home, pur- chasing one-half of the Langworth farm, and to-day he owns seven hundred and fifty acres, constituting a valuable property, which is conveniently located near Oakdale and is improved with all the modern accessories and conveniences. There is an excellent residence, and good barns and outbuild- ings which furnish shelter for grain and stock.
In 1869 Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Gregg, a native of Steubenville, Ohio, born April 30, 1850. Their union has been blessed with five children, of whom four are living, namely : Lucy, now the wife of A. F. Finney, the county surveyor of Stanislaus county; Ger- trude, a graduate of the State Normal school, and now a teacher in her home district; Henry and Margaret, who are still with their parents; and Walter, who died when one year old. Mrs. Crawford is a valued member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Crawford has been a life-long Republican who keeps well informed on the issues of the day, and is therefore able to support his position by intelligent argument. He is classified among the successful farmers of his county, operating twelve hundred acres of land which is planted to wheat and alfalfa. He follows progressive farming methods, having a thorough understanding of the best methods of cultivating his fields in order to produce good crops. He is practical and enterprising and above all is reliable in his transactions with his fellow men.
CHARLES SCHULZE.
Charles Schulze. proprietor of the Sierra Nevada Hotel at Coloma, Eldor- ado county, California, is a native of Germany, born of German parents, July 30, 1852. At the age of seventeen he emigrated to this country. After spending a month visiting his relatives in Pennsylvania, he came west to San Francisco, where he went to work to make his fortune. He had learned the trade of blacksmith from his father in the old country and upon his arrival in San Francisco found employment at his trade, receiving at first ten dollars per week and later having his wages increased. He spent two years in San Francisco and then he went to the quicksilver mines, where for two years he worked at his trade for the Manhattan Company. His next business ven- ture was in the hotel business in Sausalito, after which he was variously occu- pied at different places, at one time conducting a saloon in San Francisco, at another time residing in Reno, Nevada, and for two years he worked at his trade in Bodie. Then seeking a warmer climate he went to Mexico and was there thirteen months. California, however, had its attractions for him and at the end of that time he returned to San Francisco, where he suffered from a severe illness.
735
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
Upon his recovery Mr. Schulze went to Sierra City, where he worked at his trade two years and thence came to Coloma. In addition to the Sierra Nevada Hotel at Coloma, Mr. Schulze has a resort in the mountains called "Uncle Tom's Cabin," situated half way between Coloma and Lake Tahoe, beautiful for location and in many ways attractive, commanding a delightful view and affording fine fishing. This resort is frequented by many people from Sacramento and from all parts of the surrounding country.
In Coloma Mr. Schulze was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Armdesholden, who has a son Arnold, by her former husband. Mr. Schulze also had been previously married. His first wife, who was Mrs. A. Florire, he wedde 1 111 Sausalito. By their union there were two children, one of whom is now liv- ing, Miss Daisy, who is her father's secretary.
For thirteen years Mr. Schulze has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has filled all the chairs in both branches of the order and has represented his lodge in the grand lodge of the state, and he and his family are identified with both the Order of the Eastern Star and the Rebekah degree lodge. He is also an active member of the Masonic order, in which he has served officially, and is a member of several clubs. Being an intelligent, enterprising, up-to-date business man, his membership is valued in all these organizations. Politically he is a Democrat, not, however, taking an active part in political matters.
HARRIS L. MOODY.
Occupying an eminent position at the bar of Nevada county is Ilarris 1 .. Moody, whose connection with the legal fraternity covers only a short period. for he is yet a young man, but his ability is such as to have already gaine ! for him prominence among the leading practitioners of Truckee. He is a native of Platte county, Missouri, born July 5, 1869. his parents being James Y. and Sarah A. ( Jasper ) Moody. His father was a native of Tennessee, and during a greater part of his business career carried on merchandising. In 1882 he came to California, locating at Los Angeles, and his death occurred in 1896. He was descended from sturdy Scotch ancestry, whose advent on the American continent antedates the Revolutionary war. The mother of our subject was a native of Missouri and of English lineage, and her death occurred in 1877. In their family were ten children, Harris L. being the youngest.
Mr. Moody of this review accompanied his parents to California and com- pleted his literary education in the high school of Los Angeles, in which he was graduated with the class of 1886. His early life was devoted to merchandising. and he entered upon his professional studies in 1889, under the direction and in the office of William E. Arthur. He is a graduate of the Law School Association, and in 1891 was admitted to the bar, after which he at once began practice in Los Angeles, where he continued until 1895. In that year he opened an office in the city of Truckee, where he has since followed his profession. From 1895 until 1897 he filled the office of deputy county attorney
736
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
under P. T. Riley. He has made a specialty of corporation law, and has already an extensive practice which is constantly growing. Admitted to the bar, he at once entered upon the prosecution of his professional labors, and from the beginning was unusually prosperous in every respect. The success which he has attained is due to his own efforts and merits. The possession of advantages is no guarantee whatever of professional success. This comes not of itself. nor can it be secured without integrity, ability and industry. These qualities Mr. Moody possesses to a large degree, and is faithful to every interest committed to his charge. He has also been connected with the military service of the state, having been a non-commissioned officer in the Eighth California Regiment. In June, 1898, that command was called out and made preparations for foreign service, but after being stationed for six monts at Vancouver, Washington, it was found that the regiment would not be needed and the soldiers, therefore, returned to California.
Politically Mr. Moody is a Democrat and has taken a deep interest in the questions and issues of the day, doing all in his power to promote the wel- fare of his party. Socially he affiliates with Summit Lodge, No. 54. Knights of Pythias, of Truckee. He is a man of progressive views, and is always ready and willing to aid and encourage all measures which have for their object the welfare of the community. Throughout his whole life whatsoever his hands have found to do, whether in his professional or in his official duties or in any other sphere, he has done with his might and with a deep sense of con- scientious obligation.
SUMNER T. DIBBLE.
A well known representative of the bar of Grass Valley is Sumner T. Dibble, who by close application to his professional duties, his earnest prepara- tion of cases and his power of analysis has gained a leading place in the ranks of the legal fraternity of Nevada county. His entire life has been passed in California. He is a native of Nevada county, born August 26, 1860. and is a son of General Alford B. Dibble, who was a distinguished lawyer of Grass Valley. He was born in New York but came to California in 1852, by way of the isthmus route. Atracted by the discovery of gold, he spent some time in the mines but afterward turned his attention to the legal profession and won distinction in his chosen calling. He was also prominent in the public affairs of the state and filled several important positions. He was adjutant-general of California and also served as the first commissioner under Governor Stone- man. His death occurred February 16, 1896, and the community thereby lost one of its leading men. He was married in California in 1854. to Miss Emma Allen, a native of New York. Her family name was McComen, but in early life she was adopted by a family of the name of Allen and was always thus called. She still resides in Grass Valley, being one of the estimable ladies of the town. Her father was a soldier in the English army.
In a family of five children Sumner T. Dibble was the third in order of birth, and in the public schools he acquired his preliminary education, which was
737
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
supplemented by study in the University of the Pacific, at San Jose, and in the Napa Collegiate Institute. Determining to make the practice of law his life-work he matriculated in the law department of the University of California, but left that institute in 1884 to become secretary of the state senate in Sacra- mento, being appointed by Governor Stoneman. He filled that position for two years, and completed his law studies under the direction of his father. In 1888 he was admitted to practice in the state courts, and in 1897 he was appointed notary public by Governor Budd. In politics he is an active Demo- crat, and has many times served as delegate to the conventions of his party, but his time is largely given to his professional duties and his devotion to his client's interests is proverbial.
WILLIAM HENRY SCHMAL.
Among the self-made men of Tuolumne county, California, no one more richly deserves the success that he has achieved than William Henry Schmal. foreman of the App mine at Quartz. Mr. Schmal was born at Buffalo, New York, and is descended from German ancestry and his father was born there also. His grandfather was a native of Germany and was an early settler at Buffalo. Mr. Schmal's father, who was a painter, wagon-maker and black- smith, was reared, educated and married in his native city. In 1877, when the subject of this sketch, who was born October 31, 1871, was about six years old, he came with his wife and child to Reno, where he established a shop and acquired some property. From Reno he removed to Bodie, Mono county, where he remained one year. Then he removed to Columbia, Tuolumne county, and worked there and at Jamestown for some years and died in Fresno county at the age of fifty-four years. He was a hard-working. honorable man, who battled bravely against reverses. He left a widow and four children. of whom three are now living. His daughter. Christina, is the wife of J. S. Higgins, of Fresno. His son Charles Frederick Peter is a well known mining man at Bodie. His widow lives at Georgetown, Nevada.
William Henry Schmal attended public schools in Tuolumne county in his childhood and began to earn his own living when he was ten years old. He spent a year in Stanislaus county, herding cattle at ten dollars a month, and after that lived for four years with John Pereira at Jamestown and worked in his store for board, clothing and schooling, and later he was employed in a sim- ilar way by Mr. Leland. Subsequently he drove a team for a time and then worked at the Buchanan mine, running the steam pumps and the underground hoist for three years.
Mr. Schmal next turned his attention to mining on his own account. After operating for several years at Jamestown, he spent a year in Sierra county and then, after mining at Jamestown, Rawhide and Tulltetown, went to Nevada City, where he was employed ten months in the Providence mine at mining and timbering. Later he mined on his own account at Mormon Creek, where he worked a gravel claim with gratifying success. He then worked for some time at the White Cliff mine and in 1805. came to the App
738
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
mine, where he was employed ten months as a miner. On the expiration of that period he was employed for a time at the Rawhide mine and had charge of a mining property at Acton, Los Angeles county, until he returned to the App mine to accept his present position as foreman. This is a large mine and one of the oldest quartz mines in the state, and Mr. Schmal has supervision of everything connected with it, and fills his responsible position with great energy and fidelity. Mining has been his life-work, and operations, as he directs them, are based upon practical experience rather than theory. With a considerable force of men under his direction he is making an extensive addi- tion to the capacity of the mine. Combining great force of character with a cheerful and obliging disposition he is peculiarly qualified to fill the import- ant place to which he has been called.
Politically Mr. Schmal is a Republican, but he is too busy to give much attention to the work of practical politics, though his enterprise, public-spirit and good judgment make his advice desirable to the leaders of his party. He was married in March, 1894. to Miss Elsie Kahl, who was born in Tuolumne county, a daughter of William Kahl, a native Californian, and they have a daughter named Frances Ruth. His home is well appointed and hospitable and he and Mrs. Schmal are highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances.
ALBERT BURNETT.
More than half a century has passed since Albert Burnett came to this state and therefore throughout the greater part of his life he has reside1 on the Pacific slope. As one of the honored pioneers of this section of the country he has been prominently identified with its development, progress and upbuild- ing from an early day. He was born in Dutchess county, New York, in 1830. His father. Jacob Burnett, was a successful farmer of the Empire state. Upon the homestead farm the subject of this review was reared and early became familiar with all the labors and duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and in 1849 he crossed the plains, driving a mule team. The company started from Galves- ton. Texas, with fifteen teams, stopping at different places along the way. and completed the journey after four months.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.