USA > California > Tuolumne County > A history of Tuolumne County, California : compiled from the most authentic records > Part 24
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
J. S. CADY
Was born in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, on Feb- ruary 19, 1826, and was there raised and educated. In September, 1849, he went to the State of Wisconsin, where he remained one year, and returned to his native home to pay a visit, before starting for California. He chose the Nicaragua route, taking passage on the steamer North America, in February, 1852, and had the ill-fortune to suf- fer shipwreck on the Mexican coast, thereby retarding his arrival in San Francisco until May 18, of that year. He at once proceeded to Sonora, where he arrived on the 22nd of May. He was engaged in mining until January, 1854, and
335
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
then was employed as a clerk for Gorham & Co., which position he filled until January, 1855, then went to Colum- bia. where he remained until going East in 1855. In 1858, he again came to this county, and engaged in mining on Table Mountain, afterwards opening a store in Sonora on April 23, 1860. His business then, as now, was composed principally of the sale of paints, oils, house furnishing hardware and wall paper. Mr. Cady's store is located on the corner of Washington and Dodge streets. He married Mary M. Curtiss, a native of Massachusetts, on September 5,1855.
W. J. GORHAM.
This well-known citizen of Columbia was born in Canada East, on April 1, 1837, being raised and educated there and in the United States, which is accounted for from the fact of his residence being close to the line separating our Government from the dominions of England's Queen. He left Canada in 1866 for this State, came via the Isthmus of Panama, and landed in San Francisco in August of that year. On the last day of that month he arrived in this county, and settled at Sawmill Flat. In 1868 he came to Columbia, leased Fallon's Hotel, and bought the furniture thereto attached, and was the proprietor of that hostelry for eighteen months, when he sold out, and opened a saloon on Main street, but only remained in that business about one and a half years. Two years ago he was ap- pointed Deputy Sheriff, and about nine months since be- came Constable. Mr. Gorham learned the carpenter's trade when young, and has since been engaged in it as one of his occupations. He married Eliza Jane Wilson, a na- tive of Huntington County, Canada East, on June 9, 1860.
336
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
LOUIS LEVY.
The subject of this sketch is a native of Sabine Parish, Louisiana, and was born on July 4, 1819. In 1852, his parents emigrated to this State via the Isthmus, and settled at Sonora. In 1853, they located at Columbia, where Louis was taught the common branches of learning at the public schools, and finished his education at a private school in San Francisco. After completing his education, he returned to Columbia, went into business with his father, and after a lapse of years he opened a store of general merchandise on his own account, and has since pursued that occupation. On January 15, 1877, he was appointed Postmaster at Columbia, which position he held until Oc- tober 1, 1881, when he moved to Sonora, where he now resides, now occupying the chair of Chief Councilor of the Order of Chosen Friends, and is also Chief Patriarch of Bald Mountain Encampment, I. O. O. F. Mr. Levy married Nellie Kohler, on August 23, 1880. She is a na- tive of New Zealand, but of English parentage.
HENRY KEPHART.
Mr. Kephart began this life in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, on the twenty-fifth of August, 1821. He was brought up to habits of industry and application, be- ing set to learn the trade of forgeman-a trade which he followed in various parts of his native state until 1848, when he went to Iowa and from there to Indiana; there working at his trade until the breaking out of the " Gold Fever," when in the Spring of '50, he started for the Pa- cific Coast across the Plains, arriving in Georgetown, El Dorado County. Travelling through the different mining districts until the fall of '51, he then settled at Shaw's
337
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
Flat, there to follow placer digging for three years, at the end of which time he removed to Campbell's Flat, and from there to Blanket Creek, and a year later to Turnback Creek, where he has since remained, pursuing the occupa- tion of a miner, with the exception of short periods in other localities.
F. J. GROSS
Was born in Georgetown, D. C., where he resided (until coming to this State, via Panama, in 1859. He came direct to Tuttletown, and commenced the butcher business, continuing the same until 1863, and then engaged in min- ing. About two years ago, he purchased a saloon at Tut- tletown, which he is now conducting.
C. H. COLBY
Was born in Ellsworth, Hancock County, Maine, on September 10, 1833. He received his education in the common schools of that place. He went to Boston, and from that port sailed for California via the Isthmus of Pan- ama, landing in San Francisco on September 25, 1856. He came direct to this County, settled at Springfield and went to digging gold, following that business for ten years, when he moved on his present ranch, north from Spring- field, where he has since resided. He married Alvira J. Cushman, a native of St John's, New Brunswick.
JUDGE O. P. GALE.
This pioneer settler of California and Tuolumne County was born in Hadley, Hampshire County, Massachusetts. He received his primary education at the common schools,
338
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
and his academic learning at the Academy at Westfield. He first moved to Wayne County, N. Y .; thence to Picka- way County, Ohio; thence to Hampton, Mo., and finally to the States of Texas and Louisiana, coming from the latter place to California, and arriving in Monterey in June, 1849. He at once came to this county and settled at Jamestown, where he arrived in July of that year. He mined at that place and on the Tuolumne River, and at Angel's Camp until 1850, when he settled on his present place near Tuttletown. In March, 1853, he came into possession by purchase of the Jackson Flat Ditch, and the letting of water to miners has been his principal business. Mr. Gale has, however, quite a large vineyard and wine cellar, the latter being well filled with a vintage of his own growing.
JOHN H. HUNTER
Was born in Greencastle, Putnam County, Indiana, on May 12, 1829. When six months old his parents took him to Vermillion County, in that State, and afterwards to Paris, Edgar County, Illinois. Mr. Hunter went to Mis- souri, where he remained one year, then crossed the Plains to this State, arriving in August, 1852. He came to Co- lumbia, January 20, 1853, where he has continuously lived, and followed the occupation of a miner.
W. J. BECKWITH.
The subject of this sketch was born in Kent County, New Brunswick, British North America, on February 8, 1826, where he was educated. His father was a farmer, owning sawmills and manufacturing lumber; and at an early age
339
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
Mr. Beckwith chose the occupation of a lumberman, that region of country abounding in forests of fine timber, which, being manufactured into lumber, rolls to market like an endless tide. In 1849, Mr. Beckwith moved to the State of Maine, and on July 5, 1851, left Calais and came via the Isthmus of Panama to this State, landing in San Francisco on August 19 of that year. He remained in the city until September 15, then came to this county and set- tled near Sonora, and mined on the South Fork of the Stanislaus River. In the Spring of 1852 he started for the Northern Mines, but went no farther than Stockton, where he remained for two years, then went to the American River, and mined at Rattlesnake Bar. He returned to this County in the Spring of 1855, and settled on the farm he now owns, near Mountain Pass, where he has maintained a continuous residence. Mr .. Beckwith married, for his his first wife, Martha Wadsworth, a native of New York State. His second wife was Elizabeth Agnes Dunn, and was born in Dublin, Ireland. By this union they have: Robert B., Bertha C., and Elizabeth A.
DR. R. M. LAMPSON.
The subject of this sketch was born in South Hero, Grand Isle County, Vermont, December 28, 1832. He was prepared for College at the Castleton Academy, and grew up to manhood among the green hills of that noble little State. In 1852 he embarked on the ship "Race Hound," which coming round the Horn, brought him in safety to the El Dorado, then so prominent in the world's eyes. Going to Long's Bar on Yuba River, he made his initial experiments in mining. A few months later he was settled at Montezuma, there to wield the miner's pick and
340
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
shovel for the next five years. Bidding farewell then to mining, he entered his present occupation, medicine, with constant success, being now, as for many years past, one of the ablest practitioners in all the adjacent country; his services being sought far and near. The gentleman's tal- ents have also commanded respect in other directions, not- ably politics. Elected State Senator, he has twice repre- sented the county in that capacity, and in the Senate, as well as in the late Constitutional Convention, his abilities and his principles have alike commended him to the admi- ration and confidence of his constituents.
Married in Stockton to Mrs. S. F. Graves, the couple have two children, Misses Alice and Lily.
W. J. SMITH.
This gentleman is of English descent, having been born in Somersetshire, in the southern part of England, on No- vember 20, 1834. His parents removed to New York in 1849, settling in Cortland County, in that State. In 1853 Mr. Smith, then a youth of nineteen, started, in company with W. P. Smith, his brother, for California, via Panama, arriving in March of that year. Settling at Springfield, the twain commenced mining, hauling their gold-bearing dirt about half a mile to a spring, where it was washed. In 1862 Mr. Smith mined near Soulsbyville, remaining so employed until 1866, when he, together with his brother, located in their present situation near Cherokee, and have been engaged in mining ever since. Among other proper- ty possessed by Mr. Smith was an interest in the " Masto- don " Ledge, sold to a Boston Company in 1880; and an interest in a mine near Summersville, which he still retains. At present, the gentleman is engaged in gold extraction through the medium of his arastra, which he constantly operates.
341
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
J. H. SMITH.
Mr. Smith, who is mentioned above as a brother of W. H. Smith, was born December 17, 1824, in Somersetshire, England. Coming to New York, May 1845, and remaining in Cortland County until 1853, when he came to this State. Mining at Springfield for a time, he went back to New York for a while, afterwards spending four years in Iowa, as a farmer. The attractions of the " Sunset Land " were too great, however, and he pulled up stakes in 1859, and came across the plains, with his wife. In 1862, they went to Soulsbyville, where they resided until 1866; Mr. Smith working as a miner. At that date he removed to Cherokee, where he now remains. The brothers were owners of the " Mastodon" Ledge, mentioned as having been sold in 1880 to a company of Boston capitalists. Mr. Smith is still engaged to some extent in mining affairs, but carries on, besides, some farming operations. His wife, above spoken of, was Miss C. A. Barker, to whom he was mar- ried in 1850.
EUGENE MULLER.
Born in the Palatinate of the Rhine, a Province of Bav- aria, in 1834, Mr. Muller came to California in 1858, and made his home in Tuolumne County. He became inter- ested in the manufacture of beer, for which purpose he connected himself with the Garrote Brewery, and has car- ried it on ever since, with the exception of a single year, spent in Nevada. This property he purchased in 1865, of F. Stachler, and throughout his connection therewith has done credit to himself in the production of an excellent ar- ticle of beer-the prominent and healthful beverage of the times.
342
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
W. D. GIBBS.
A native of Butler County, Alabama, Mr. Gibbs spent a portion of his boyhood on the old homestead, going to Texas with his parents when nine years of age. In 1849, after spending the intervening years in the pleasant pur- suits of farming, he came across the Plains, a route so many were then taking with such hardships, and located at Hawkin's Bar, then in the zenith of its importance as a mining camp. Passing the succeeding winter at Big Oak Flat, he returned in the ensuing year to the Tuolumne River, at various points on which he mined until 1852, when going down to the lower country, he engaged in farm- ing near La Grange, remaining occupied in that pursuit during the six following years. Locating himself next at Summersville, he has followed his favorite agricultural pursuits up to the present time. Having now a capital farm of one hundred and sixty acres, well cultivated and improved, he is able to enjoy the ease that his wanderings have made essential to him. Marrying Mary F. Summers, at La Grange, in 1853, the large number of fifteen children have been born to them, of whom twelve are now living. There names are as follows: George J., Laura E., Flora E., James L., L. Dora., Francis M., William P., Henry J., Rosa V., Walter A., Jessie J., and Ada.
JOSEPH POWNALL, M. D.
Is a native of Hackettstown County, New Jersey, and was born on August 8, 1818. His primary education was received in that town, after which, at the age of nineteen, he commenced the study of medicine with Dr. William Rea, and in the Spring of 1841 attended a course of lec- tures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at New
343
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
York City, followed by another course during the Sum- mer and Fall at Pittsfield, Massachusetts; then returned and entered the Medical Department of the University of the City of New York, at its first session in the Fall and Winter of 1841-2, from which he graduated on the 9th day of March, A. D. 1842. After a visit to his home of six months, he returned to the city for a month or so, then went to Savannah, in Georgia; remained there a short time and settled in Laurens County in that State. After a six months' residence there he moved to Mi- canopy, Alachua County, Florida, remaining until about July 1, 1846, when he went to New Orleans, thence to Matamoras and Monterey, in Mexico, returning to New Orleans about January 1st, 1847. He remained there until September, 1848, then moved to Keachie, De Soto Parish, Louisiana. On the 28th of March, 1849, he, in company with Capt. I. G. Messec of Gilroy, and fifty others, started for this State, taking the El Paso route, and arrived in Cali- fornia about the 20th of July of that year. The Doctor first settled in Mariposa, the same Fall going to Stockton, and engaging in " packing " to the mines for a short time, and then returned to Mariposa. From there he came to Big Oak Flat in this county, on March 18, 1850. In the Winter of 1850-1 he was engaged in mining at Quartz Mountain, near Sonora. About February, 1851, he went to the northern mines, where he remained till January, 1852, and returned to this county, settling in Columbia. He acquired an interest in the Tuolumne Water Company in January, 1852, and in 1856 was elected its Secretary, and is now Secretary, Treasurer and Superintendent, as well as being one of the Board of Directors. On March 10, 1857, Dr. Pownall married Mary C. Newell. Joseph B., aged 24 years, and Lucy A. H., aged 22 years, are their children.
344
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
F Among the Doctor's lively recollections is an account of an affray between white men and Indians, which took place at Big Oak Flat in very early times, and which has been previously mentioned in this work. This account is given nearly in the gentleman's own words, he having been an eye witness.
When the Doctor was coming to the Flat from a gulch beyond, he witnessed a scene of blood, on the 5th of June, 1850, at a place called Savage's Old Camp. A small tribe of Indians were encamped there, and on that day the Chief, Lotario, and a few chosen warriors, becoming a little more fuddled than would be considered genteel in the higher walks of life, concluded to have a row with some Americans encamped there. Words with them not being quite potent enough, bows and arrows were called into requisition, and the melee became general, and as he came from work he saw the whole tribe of warriors, squaws and pappooses, taking French leave of their heretofore" quiet abode, and making tracks for parts unknown, amid an accompaniment of howls, shrieks and lamentations that would have done no discredit to a pack of hungry wolves. When coming in he saw the Chief and several others lying dead, and another badly wounded. One unfortunate American, named Rose, was so badly wounded with arrows that he died in about an hour.
P. M. TRASK.
This gentleman, one of Tuolumne's old settlers, was born in Franklin County, Maine, on May 9, 1829. At the common schools in Franklin County he was educated, and was raised in agricultural pursuits. He came to California via the Isthmus of Panama, and arrived in San Francisco in July, 1852. He came direct to this county, first settling
345
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
at Columbia, where he mined for about eight years. In 1860 he settled on his farm, located one mile north from Columbia. He has planted a vineyard of about twelve acres, which is now in bearing. Some of his grapes are sold in the market, and others are manufactured into wine. He has also planted about three acres of fruit trees, which are now in bearing. Fruit and hay are the principal pro- ducts of the ranch. Mr. Trask married Susan M. Pierce, on September 19, 1854. She is a native of Penobscot County, Maine. They have three living children, George M., Florence M. and Clara J. One deceased, Charles A.
EDWIN H. CLOUGH.
Edwin H. Clough was born in Sonora, February 11, 1854. His early boyhood was passed amidst the beauties and grandeur of Tuolumne's everlasting hills at a period when " the first low wash of civilization," had begun to flow back from her borders-a period of aftermath, when the mad race for wealth that seemed inexhaustible had settled to a spasmodic search in which hope did not spring eternal in the prospector's breast. It was a boyhood among men whose names and deeds are prominent in the history of the State and Coast. The impression which these surroundings made upon his mind have already borne fruit in graphic delineations of the life and character of this section of California. Mr. Clough is the eldest son of James Perry Clough, at one time County Assessor of Tuolumne, and subsequently associated with Jesse Hanson in the stationery business in Sonora. He was a grandson of Luke Wheelock, a well-known pioneer of the county. In 1863 his parents removed to San Francisco, where he attended the public schools until 1871, when he entered
346
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
upon the career of journalism as a reporter for the Chronicle. He was afterwards employed on the Call, was the first city editor of the Evening Post, and subsequently took a posi- tion as city editor of the Sacramento Bee. In 1875, in partnership with W. H. Roberts, Mr. Clough purchased the Union Democrat, published at Sonora. During two years he acted as editor of this journal, finally disposing of his in- terest to Judge C. H. Randall. During the legislative ses- sions of 1880-81, Mr. Clough reported the business of the Legislature for the Sacramento Bee, contributing to the columns of that paper a series of satirical and burlesque sketches descriptive of the scenes, episodes and actors of the session. At the close of the " hundred days," Mr.
Clough, assisted by Hugh J. Mohan and John P. Cosgrove, published a volume of " pen pictures" of senators, as- semblymen and State officers. The authors wrote without fear or favor, and the result was a fair exposition of the nature and motives of the men of whom they wrote. Mr. Clough was city editor of the Stockton Independent until April, 1881, when he was engaged on the Evening Tribune of Oakland, where he is at present city editor. While connected with the Union Democrat, in 1876, he began the publication, in the Argonaut, of a series of sketches and short stories based upon scenes, incidents and characters native to Tuolumne and the adjacent mountain counties. Among his best known productions are " The Bad Man of Bodie," " A Singed Cat," "The Man From Arizona," " Chispa," " Ah Choy-Barbarian," " Sing Lee-Prose- lyte," and " The Pard's Epistles," the latter creating wide- spread comment on account of the keen satire and broad humor which they contained. The quaint philosophy and childlike simplicity of "James Snaggleby, Esq.," of Raw- hide Flat, and the ostentation, hypocrisy and sham of the people among whom he fell and who fleeced him merci-
347
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
lessly, won for the author a fame that extended beyond the borders of the Pacific Coast. In December, 1877, Mr. Clough married Miss Llewella H. Pierce, also a native of Tuolumne, and the daughter of Llewellyn Pierce, one of Tuolumne's oldest pioneers. Since his marriage he has resided almost continuously in Oakland, where he has engaged in literary and general newspaper work. He is still young, and with fine natural advantages and the encouragement of past success gives brilliant promise of achieving a proud eminence in the lengthening list of Tuolumne's favorite sons.
EDMOND PARSONS
Was born in Greenville County, Virginia, on December 25, 1831. When about eighteen years old he went to Shelby County, Tenn., where he completed his apprentice- ship to the carpenter's trade. In 1852, he came to this State, via Memphis and the Isthmus, and arrived in San Francisco on the 23rd of December of that year. He went to Ione City, Amador County, where he commenced mining. After three months he moved to Volcano, in that county, where he followed the same occupation as before, together with that of his trade. Here he married Mary Jane Bradford, December 6, 1855. She is a native of Mis- souri. July 15, 1856, they moved to this county, settling on Woods' Creek, in Saw Mill Flat. In 1861, he went to Mariposa County, but in the following year returned to the Flat. The Montana gold excitement took him to that coun- try in 1864, but he came back to his old home in the same year. In 1868, he located in Columbia, and in 1872, set- tled in Sonora, where he now lives. Mr. Parsons was twice elected Supervisor of this county, and was Deputy
348
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
Sheriff under Sheriff David F. Baxter. He is now one of the " City Fathers " of Sonora. Charles R., (now a resi- dent of Sacramento), Nettie, William D., Lottie, Mary, Lillie, and Edmond are the names of his living children.
JAMES BELL.
Mr. Bell, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Rutherford County, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 1820. When seven years old his parents removed to Dyer County, Tennessee, and soon after took up a residence in Carroll County, in the same State. There Mr. Bell was educated, and taught in agricultural pursuits. In 1841, the family moved to Massac County, Illinois, thence to Kentucky, set- tling at Smithland, where the father died. Previous to this time, Mr. Bell had learned the carpenter's trade, and here apprenticed himself to that of a mill-wright. On October 20, 1847, he married in Terre Haute, Indiana, Ma- rietta Smith, who was born at Maple Hill, near that place. In 1852, Mr. Bell, with his wife, left Smithland for this State, coming via Nicaragua, and in company with his brother, Andrew N. Bell, arrived in Sonora, this county, November 20, 1852. James Bell, in company with his brother Thomas, erected the present Court House, as well as other buildings in Sonora. On January 9, 1854, Mr. Bell formed a partnership with Heslep Bros. for the pur- pose of constructing and operating a barley mill. Prior to this time there had been built a saw-mill on Woods' creek, west from Sonora, and where Mr. Bell's flour mill now stands. This saw-mill was torn down, and on the site a barley mill was erected. This enterprise proved a finan- cial failure, and the parties erected a grist-mill on the same ground, completing the structure in August, 1854. As
349
HISTORY OF TUOLUMNE COUNTY.
will be seen by referring to the general history in this work, Joseph Heslep was murdered in 1855, but the part- nership of Heslep Bros. & Bell continued until December, 1859, when Mr. Bell became sole proprietor, which he has continuously maintained to the present time. Many im- provements have been made on the mill, until it is now recognized as one of the prime features of industry in Tuolumne county. In 1861, Mr. Bell invested largely in wheat, and the rise in price after the purchase made him quite a fortune. With a portion of the gains made in this wheat speculation he, in company with his wife, visited the World's Fair in London, in 1862, taking also a trip through the old countries. Soon after their return, Mrs. Bell's health began to fail, and she died on October 7, 1869. When her spirit had winged its flight where angels dwell, a grave was prepared in the home for the dead on the sum- mit of one of the eastern bluffs that overlook the city of Sonora, into which her mortal remains were lowered by kindly hands. As her friends stood around the open receptacle of the dead, more than one was seen to weep over the earthly departure of one they had learned to love. Mr. Bell has since erected a tomb on the spot where she was buried, and the remains of hier who left, her Eastern home, parents, friends, all that was dear to her girlhood's memory, to join her husband in coming to this coast, is now sepultured within its spacious walls. The tomb which Mr. Bell has erected in the Masonic Cemetery, the beauties of which cannot fully be appreciated until seen, is a worthy tribute to the memory of so good a woman. Mr. Bell's children are John and Charles. ,
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.