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 95
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
Mr. Green was married, in 1882, to Miss Mary Hoxey, of Placerville, a native of that state and a daughter of M. P. Hoxey, a California pioneer. They have three children, Ruby Estella, Edwin and Myrtle. Mr. Green is an active member of the Republican party and for thirteen years has served on the Republican county central committee, his efforts proving of great ben- efit. He is a man of marked business ability, never making an engagement which he does not fulfill and never incurring an obligation which he does not meet. His prosperity is the result of his diligence, capable management and keen sagacity.
JOHN W. TULLOCH.
Through almost his entire life John W. Tulloch has resided in Califor- nia and is one of the respected and enterprising citizens of Stanislaus county, where he carries on farming three miles east of Oakdale. He was brought
755
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
to this state in 1852 from his native state of Missouri, his birth having occurred in Hannibal, on the 23d of May, 1850. His father, David W. Tul- loch, was born in Albemarle county, Virginia, in 1814, and when a young man emigrated westward to Missouri, where he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah White, a daughter of John White, who fought in the war of 1812, participating in the battle of New Orleans. He also defended the rights of his country in the war with Mexico. The paternal grandfather of our sub- ject died in Missouri, but John White, the maternal grandfather, crossed the plains to California in 1849, and three years later returned to the Missis- sippi valley and brought out to the Pacific coast a party of settlers. This was in the year 1852. Mr. Tulloch's parents with their family accompanied Mr. White on the long journey across the plains from Kansas City to Sacra- mento. They made the trip with oxen and were six months upon the way. During that time Mrs. White, the grandmother of our subject. died of cholera at Green river and was buried there. Ex-Governor Bradley, of Nevada, was of the party, as was also Major Lane, who was an uncle of Mr. Tulloch and the father of Charles D. Lane, who became one of the most prominent and successful mining men of California.
The parents of our subject first located at the Fourteen Mile House, on the Stockton and Sonora road, the father conducting the hotel at that point. A little later, however, he turned his attention to mining near Sonora, and in 1858 removed with his family to Knight's Ferry, where he purchased an interest in the flouring-mill, having two partners. In 1861, however, he sold his interests to his partners, taking a mortgage upon the property. In 1862 the mill was washed away by a flood and he was obliged to take the mill- site in payment. He then rebuilt the mill, in 1863, and continued its of era- tion until 1873. when he removed to Fresno county, where he engaged in the sheep-raising business. Subsequently, however, he sold out there, returned to Knight's Ferry and in 1883 repurchased the mill, continuing in that lu i- ness until 1896, at which time his life's labors were ended in death. He was then eighty-two years of age,-a man highly respected for his probity of character, for his ability and for his influence which was ever exerted in behalf of the right, of progress and of advancement. His fellow townsmen. recognizing his ability, elected him to the office of supervisor of San Joaquin county, in which capacity he served for a number of years. In his business affairs he was very successful and was at one time the largest tax-payer in his county. His wife departed this life in 1882. Mrs. Tulloch was a member of the Presbyterian church, while Mr. Tulloch was a member of the Christian church.
John W. Tulloch, whose name introduces this review, is the eldest living of the family of five children, only two of whom are now living. He enjoyed excellent educational privileges, completing the work of the sophomore year in the State University of California. He then turned his attention to the sheep-raising industry, with which he was connected for a number of years, and later he was extensively and successfuly engaged in farming until 1887. when he was elected the assessor of Stanislaus county, in which capacity he
755
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
served so acceptably that he was re-elected, discharging the duties of that office with promptness and fidelity through a period of eight years. On retir- ing from office he resumed farming and is now the owner of one thousand acres of land, which he operates in connection with an additional twelve hun- dred acres which he leases. He is one of the most extensive wheat-raisers in this portion of the state. In the period of the early development of Cali- fornia mining was almost the sole industry of the people, but the rush of emi- grants was so great that all could not profitably engage in the search for gold, and some in consequence turned their attention to other pursuits. Thus it was learned what splendid resources California offered to the agriculturist and horticulturist, its fields and gardens giving an almost phenomenal yield in return for the care and labor bestowed upon them. Mr. Tulloch is among those who are successfully following agricultural pursuits and he is thor- oughly conversant with the best methods of farming and is a man of undaunted industry and enterprise, as is indicated by the excellent results which attend his operations.
In 1875 Mr. Tulloch was united in marriage to Miss Anna Bell Patter- son, of San Joaquin county. Their marriage has been blessed with four children: Earl P. and Charles W., who are at home: Anna Bell, now a stu- dent of the State University ; and John W., who died in 1879, an infant.
Mr. Tulloch became a charter member of Fresno Lodge, F. & A. M., was honored with election to the office of master and is now the master of Oakdale Lodge, No. 275, in which he is laboring earnestly to promote the wel- fare of the craft. He also belongs to the Royal Arch Chapter. Throughout his life he has been a stanch Democrat and is widely known as a man of integrity and uprightness, reliable as a citizen, straightforward in business life, and faithful in friendship and to the ties of private life. Since his second year he has resided in California and feels a just pride in the advancement and progress of the state.
JOHN ERTLE.
Faithful to the public trust, John Ertle is now capably serving as the postmaster at Rocklin, his administration of the affairs of the office being prompt, business-like and practical. Such men are ever of worth in the com- munity in which they reside, and as a representative citizen of Placer county John Ertle well deserves representation in this volume.
He was born in Massillon, Stark county, Ohio, on the 23d of August, 1840, his parents being Frederick and Regina Ertle, both of whom were natives of Germany. On leaving the fatherland they crossed the Atlantic to America, accompanied by their four children and located in Massillon, Ohio, where eight more children were added to the family. The father was called to the life beyond in the sixty-third year of his age, but the mother, long surviving him, attained the advanced age of eighty-eight years. They were honest, industrious people, highly respected by all with whom they came in contact.
1
757
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
John Ertle was the youngest of their large family. He Was educatel in his native town and in 1860 he came to California, sailing on the Aerial from New York city to the isthinus, while the voyage on the Pacific waters was made as a passenger on board the Champion. He arrived in San Francisco and thence made his way to Pine Grove, where he engaged in placer mining. working for others. Subsequently he went to Weaverville, Trinity county. where he was engaged in mining on his own account; but, in answer to the call of President Lincoln for volunteers to preserve the Union; he enlisted. in September, 1861, as a member of Company H, Fourth Regiment of Cali fornia Infantry. The regiment was organized at Auburn, Placer county, and was stationed at Camp Union, near Sacramento, and at Camp Lathan, in Los Angeles county. Their duty was to suppress the strong secession ele- ment in California. After thirteen months' service with his regiment Mr. Ertle was taken ill and was finally given an honorable discharge on account disability.
At Rocklin he has engaged in blacksmithing for a number of years. In February, 1898, he was appointed postmaster of the town by President McKinley. He removed the office to the central portion of the town, added a number of new boxes, and has made it one of the most convenient post- offices in the county. He is giving to his official duties his best attention and is an obliging, courteous and capable official. He has been a life-long Republican, yet has never been an aspirant for office. His appointment at Rocklin, however, has given the fullest satisfaction to his townsmen, who recognize his fidelity and sterling worth. The same loyalty, which Mr. Ertle manifested in responding to his country's call for aid he has ever shown in discharging his duties of citizenship. His life has been one of industrious, honorable toil, and the qualities which everywhere secure success have brought him to a comfortable competence.
In 1867 occurred the marriage of Mr. Ertle and Miss Mary E. Davis, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of H. A. P. Davis, of Massillon, that state. She arrived in California in the fall of 1860, and by her marriage has become the mother of seven children, of whom four are living, namely : William J .. who is now carrying on the blacksmith business in Rocklin; Charles Albert ; Ella Frances, the wife of C. M. Hamlin, of Sierraville ; and Agnes, at home. They have a very pleasant residence in Rocklin, which was erected in 1890. The family enjoy the good will and respect of their fellow townsmen and the hospitality of the best homes of the place is extended to them.
PHILETUS B. CLARK.
Philetus B. Clark, of Colfax, Placer county, California, came to this state in 1853. He is a native of Vermont, born November 8, 1833, and is descended from Welch ancestors, who were among the early settlers of Massa- chusetts. Two brothers by the name of Clark came from Wales, one of them settling in Virginia and the other in Massachusetts, the latter being the ancestor of our subject. Noah Clark. Mr. Clark's great grandfather took
758
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
an active part in the affairs of the colony of Massachusetts, and his grand- father was a participant in the Revolution. Philetus Clark was born in South Hampton, Massachusetts, and spent the most of his life as a Presbyterian minister in New England. He married Miss Irene Brown, a native of Ver- mont. In 1847, his voice failing, he retired from the ministry and purchased a farm in Rutland county, Vermont, where he resided for six years, until he regained his voice, after which he had a charge in Sharon, New Hampshire, and later in Sharon, Massachusetts. He reached the ripe old age of eighty- one years and died in Memphis, Tennessee, at the home of his daughter Amelia, wife of Lewis Knowlton Ristwoch.
Mr. Clark's mother died when he was one year old and he lived with his grandfather Clark until his fifth year, when his father married again and he then lived with him, receiving his early education from his father, and later attended Castleton Seminary, in Vermont, and the seminary in South Hampton. Afterward he became a clerk in a dry-goods store in Boston, where he remained until 1849, when he went to South Bend, Indi- ana, clerking there until 1853. That year he came to California, making the journey overland as one of a party composed of thirty-eight men and twelve women. Their outfit consisted of one hundred and forty horses, forty mules, fourteen large wagons, a carriage, and a conveyance containing medicines. Nothing of particular interest happened to Mr. Clark on this journey, except- ing that, while hunting one day, he drank alkali water, the effects of which nearly caused his death. One member of the company, a Mr. Goode, was taken ill with blood poisoning and died. Mr. Clark gave twenty dollars for the privilege of burying him inside of an enclosure. The place is now the site of the town Genoa. The Indians were somewhat troublesome at different points along the way, but the company were well armed and cautious and were not attacked by the red men.
Mr. Clark passed through Hangtown, now Placerville, on his way to Sacramento, and at the latter place secured a position in the store of Werner & Company, at the corner of Fourth and K streets, at a salary of one hundred and eighty dollars per month. He remained there, however, only eight months. Being desirous of trying his fortune in the mines, he left the store and went to Iowa Hill, Placer county, where he engaged in placer and tunnel- mining. He made money on contract work, but his own tunnels never paid. In 1855 he went to Georgetown. About this time, being in poor health, he was advised to engage in the butchering business, which he did, and was thus occupied for eight months. After regaining his health he purchased a meat wagon and sold beef all over the county, driving sixteen miles every day. This he continued until 1864. Since 1866 he has been a resident of Colfax. That year he purchased a meat market here, which he conducted suc- cessfully for a period of thirty-one years, or until 1897, when he retired from active business, with a comfortable competency, the result of his years of honest industry.
In 1863 Mr. Clark married Miss Elizabeth Kitching, and of the seven children born to them all are living except one. They are as follows: Amelia ;
759
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
May, wife of George Griffin; Nellie, wife of A. D. Fenton ; Charles and Will- iam, both residents of Colfax ; and Ida, wife of Richard Montgomery. Polit- ically, Mr. Clark is a strong Republican; fraternally, a member of the Chosen Friends. ,
Mr. Clark owns a pleasant home, surrounded by a beautiful garden, in which he busies himself, and it may be said of him that he is living in peace and happiness under the vines and fruit trees planted by his own hands.
FREDERICK W. LOWE, M. D.
Although one of the younger representatives of the medical profession in Stanislaus county, Dr. Lowe is enjoying a large and lucrative practice as a physician and surgeon. His years seem no bar to his success, for he has pre- pared himself carefully for the discharge of the important duties which devolve upon him, and his skill and ability, both natural and acquired, have enabled him to capably minister to the needs of the sick and suffering at Knights Ferry and through the adjoining country.
The Doctor was born at Knights Ferry, on the 8th of September. 1870, and is a son of Dr. James Humble Lowe, one of the early physicians of Stan- islaus county, where for many years he practiced with splendid success. He was born in Louisiana, on the 20th of June, 1836, and was graduated from the medical department of the State University of Louisiana, in 1858. He then engaged in practice in his native state and during the Civil war, served as sur- geon in the Confederate army. He was wounded by the explosion of a shell, but recovering he remained at his post of duty until the cessation of hostilities. After the close of the war he engaged in the practice of medicine and in the raising of cattle in Louisiana until 1868, when he determined to take up his abode in California, arriving at Knights Ferry in February, of that year. For thirty-two years he was an honored and valued member of the medical frater- nity of Stanislaus county. In the early days he rode on horseback forty or fifty miles to minister to the suffering people of the community, never refusing to respond to a call no matter what hardships were entailed thereby. Added to his excellent ability and careful preparation his was a very generous and no- ble spirit which prompted him to put aside all personal wishes when his fellow men needed his professional services. He responded as freely to the call of the poor as to the rich, never stopping to consider whether he would receive remuneration for his services. Ile won the love and respect of many and his memory is enshrined in the hearts of a very large circle of friends. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and in his life exemplified its benevolent principles. On the 16th of October, 1900, he was called to his final rest and his loss was deeply and sincerely mourned throughout his portion of the state.
Dr. James Lowe had been happily married on the 18th of November. 1869. to Miss Hulla Maria Kapplemann, a native of Germany, but reared in Wisconsin. Their union was blessed with four sons, all of whom are living, and the good wife still survives her husband, residing in a nice home which he had provided for her in Knights Ferry. The sons are well known in business
760
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
circles and are as follows: Frederick W., whose name heads this record; Eugene, who is chief electrician on the United States gunboat, Castine; Milus O., who is an engineer ; and C. D., who is in the railway postal service, his route being between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Dr. Frederick W. Lowe of this review is the eldest of the family. His common-school education was supplemented by a course in the University of California and he was graduated from its medical department on the 13th of December, 1892. For a year he was in the United States Marine Hospital and the Presidio. He then returned to his home in Knights Ferry and joined his father in practice, the association between them continuing until the latter's death. Dr. Lowe has since carried on the work laid down by his father and is the only physician in the town. While in the hospital he gave special atten- tion to surgery and is particularly well qualified in that branch of his chosen work, but he engaged in general practice with excellent success. A member of the Masonic fraternity he belongs to the blue lodge, was one of the charter members, and is past patron of the Eastern Star. In politics he is a Democrat, prominent in the work of his party and is now serving on the Democratic county central committee. He is a member of the board of school trustees of the town in which he was born and in which he still makes his home, and as a citizen he has ever been public-spirited and progressive, giving his support to all measures calculated to prove of public benefit along social, moral, mate- rial and intellectual lines.
JACOB S. TOWER.
Forty-nine years have passed since Jacob S. Tower, now deceased, came to California to cast his lot with the pioneers, and the period of his residence here covered twenty-nine years. People of the present can scarcely realize the struggles and dangers which attended the early settlers and the heroism and self-sacrifice of lives passed upon the borders of civilization, the hardships endured, the difficulties overcome. These tales of the early days read almost like a romance to those who have known only modern prosperity and conven- ience .. To the pioneer of the early days, far removed from the privileges and conveniences of city or town, the struggle for existence was a stern and hard one, and those men and women must have possessed indomitable energies and sterling worth of character as well as marked physical courage when they vol- untarily selected such a life and successfully fought its battles under such cir- cumstances as prevailed on the Pacific coast.
Jacob S. Tower was a young man of twenty-three years when he took up his residence in California. His early life was spent in the Green Mountain state, his birth having occurred in Springfield, Vermont, November 8, 1828. There he remained until he determined to seek a fortune in the far west. He came to California by way of the Panama route and secured work on the Gar- celon ranch, receiving one hundred dollars per month for his services. Ile acted in the position of foreman, but in 1855 he took up his abode on the present Tower & Bisbee ranch at Salt Spring Valley, Calaveras county, enter-
JACOB S. TOWER
761
OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
ing into partnership with Mr. Bisbee, a relation which was blamtained throughout the remainder of his business career. They lived together and con- ducted their enterprise in the most harmonious manner, both being imbued with the principles of honesty, uprightness and consideration. They were industrious and capable and success came to them as the result of their intelli- gent efforts. They carried on stock-raising on an extensive scale and acquired the possession of a large, valuable ranch of twenty-four hundred and eighty acres, on which they erected a commodious residence, large barns and other outbuildings, adding all the accessories of a model farm. Their home became a noted and popular stopping place for teamsters and travelers between Stock- ton, Angel's Camp. Murphy's and the Big Trees.
The partners kept "bachelors' hall" until 1863, at which time Mr. Tower married Miss Mary E. Howard, a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a daughter of James Howard, a native of England. There came to bless their union eight children, of whom five are living: Henrietta became the wife of Aldus Beck and resides in Oakland: Jacob F., the eldest son resides on a por- tion of the farm and is interested in the butcher business : Willard H., Frank S. and James .A. are all living on the home farm. Mr. Hower died in May, 1881, at the age of fifty-one years. He was a loving, devoted husband and fa- ther, and was a citizen of the highest integrity, being public-spirited and benev- olent, doing everything in his power to advance the interests of his county. He did gratuitously much work to improve the condition of the roads in his vicin- ity and thus became a public benefactor, for there was much travel over those highways. He never withheld his support from any movement or measure which he believed would contribute to the public good. In politics he was a. stalwart Republican. All who knew Mr. Tower respected him for his sterling worth, and to his family lie not only left a good property but also a good name, which is rather to be chosen than great riches.
Since Mr. Tower's death Mr. Mosher, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Tower, has resided upon the ranch and assisted in its management, until the sons were old enough to assume the responsibility. The lady is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal church. She possesses that too often rare quality of practical common sense which is so important an element in business affairs. She is most hospitable in her home and does all in her power to promote the comfort and enjoyment of the guests who stop for entertainment at the Tower & Bis bee ranch.
J. J. AND C. H. MERKLEY.
The name of Merkley is so well known in central California in connec- tion with agricultural and professional interests that these gentlemen scarcely need an introduction to the readers of this volume, for they have always been residents of the state and are now leading business men, actively associated with interests that contribute not alone to their individual success, but also to the general welfare of this city, for the prosperity of a community. in this present utilitarian age, depends upon business activity. John J. Merkley was
48
762
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
born July 1, 1865, and Charles H. Merkley was born September 28, 1868, their birthplace being the family home near Sacramento. Under the parental roof they spent the days of their childhood. Their residence is in Yolo county, just across the line from Sacramento, which is the market for the extensive products of their farm. They are engaged in hop-growing on a very large scale. They have not only their farm in Yolo county, but are also proprietors of a ranch in Sacramento county.
John J. Merkley was married, December 23, 1889, to Miss Elizabeth Flanders, who was born in Sacramento county, and died at her home in Yolo county, leaving one daughter. The other child of that marriage died prior to the mother's death. On the 22d of November, 1893, Mr. Merkley was again married, his second union being with Kate C. Flanders, a sister of his first wife, by whom he has three children, a son and two daughters.
John J. Merkley remained at home until 1885, and then removed to his present residence. In connection with his brother he owns two hundred and two acres of land in Yolo county and two hundred and fifteen acres in Sacra- mento county.
Judge C. H. Merkley continued under the parental roof until he had attained his majority, the public schools of Sacramento affording him his educational privileges. He was married, on the 5th of December, 1893, to Miss Minnie Beitzel, who was born in Oakland, California. They now have two children. After his marriage Judge Merkley located on the ranch and lias since devoted his energies largely to the management of his extensive hop fields. In 1849 he was elected judge of Sutter township for a four-years term and he filled the office so capably that he was re-elected in 1898 for a second term of four years, so he is the present incumbent. The brothers both cast their first presidential vote for Benjamin Harrison, in 1888.
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.