USA > California > A history of the new California, its resources and people; Vol II > Part 20
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NELSON HANSON WULFF.
Nelson Hanson Wulff, one of the best known and most popular citizens of Napa and this section of the state of California, is likewise one of the oldest of the living pioneers to the Pacific coast country. From the year 1850 until the present he has seen and experienced from actual participation almost every phase of activity of the state. He had several experiences in mining the precious metal which gained the first fame for the Pacific coast Eldorado, and was also concerned in some ventures in connection with that industry, but the line of enterprise in which he has been most successful and to which he was reared is the operation of water craft, both sail and steam boats, and he is best known in many sections of the state for the boats of which he was master or owner. He is now partially retired from the more active duties of his career, and in the last years of a life which has extended its period of usefulness past the threescore and ten mark, he enjoys the respect and wholesome regard of all with whom he has had dealings in business or a social way, and can look back on years filled with honorable effort and strict integrity of action.
Mr. Wulff was born in Denmark, December 11, 1830, a son of Nelson E. and Margaret Wulff, both natives of Denmark, and the former of whom died at the age of sixty-eight years and the latter at the age of fifty-three. Mr. Wulff was educated in the excellent public schools of Denmark, attend- ing during the compulsory time limit from six to fourteen years of age, and
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after that time his training was mainly of a practical character. He early became acquainted with a seafaring life, and made his arrival in California in November, 1850, as a sailor aboard the brig Courier, which made harbor at San Francisco. For some months he followed the sea, doing service on the vessels Henry Tuck, Montgomery and others. In June, 1851, he went to the mines of Shasta county, but had little success during the summer he spent there, and returned to San Francisco and the sea. He shipped for Mexican ports on the brig Josephine, but after one round trip he went to the Mormon Island placer mines. He built some extensive flumes, but the spring floods washed everything away, and he then quit mining ventures in disgust. From 1853 to 1856 he was in the ship-ballasting business in San Francisco, in partnership with some men who had come with him from Denmark and been partners in all his enterprises. From 1856 to 1859 he ran the sloop Ceylon from San Francisco to Sacramento and Stockton, and then ran in suc- cession the steamers Master Mariner, Silver Cloud, Cinderella and Zinfandel, from San Francisco to Napa, carrying both passengers and freight. He still runs the last-named vessel, which he built in San Francisco fifteen years ago. He went back to Denmark on a visit about 1889, and has been engaged in the steamboat business ever since, in which he has amassed considerable wealth. He has always made his home at the Napa end of his route, where he owns a splendid home. He employs a captain to navigate his vessel.
Mr. Wulff was married in San Francisco, December II, 1859, to Miss Margaret O'Brien, who was born in Ireland and came to the United States in 1856. Two children were born to them, a son and a daughter, but the latter died when two years old, and the son, Nelson, now thirty-nine years old, has for the past eighteen years been associated with his father in steam- boating, and most of that time has acted as purser. Mr. Wulff is a charter member of the Master Mariners of San Francisco, and has always been a Republican in politics, although he has never sought or held public office.
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DAVID ANDERSON DUNLAP.
David Anderson Dunlap, who is now serving his second term as sheriff of Napa county, California, has been identified with the life and the affairs of the coast country for over a quarter of a century. During most of this time he has had at least a semi-public career, having been engaged in enterprises or held offices in which it has fallen to his lot to serve and aid his fellow citizens, and his record throughout has been most praiseworthy. He is en- dowed with the talents which make for leadership among men, and his execu- tive ability and clear-headedness in crises have made him an especially happy incumbent of the office of sheriff, and his popularity among all classes of people in the county is shown by the universal satisfaction with which they regard his six years' tenure of the office.
Mr. Dunlap was born in Crawford county, Missouri, March 16, 1854, and was a son of S. F. and Amanda ( Anderson) Dunlap, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Missouri. Mr. Dunlap was educated in the public schools of his native county, and the royal road to learning in his day
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and generation was filled with many obstacles and difficulties, so that his lit- erary training was not gained without many hard knocks. He attended school until he was sixteen years old, and from then until he reached his ma- jority was engaged in the general merchandise business in that state.
He came west to California in 1875, and after remaining a short time in San Francisco went to Humboldt county, where he employed himself at several enterprises for two years. During the next year he followed mining in Lander county, Nevada, and for a short time after that conducted the Overland Railroad Eating House at Battle Mountain. He then took the position of chief deputy in the office of Sheriff Captain J. C. Harper, of Lander county, and after the death of Captain Harper held the same position under his successor for two years. In 1882 he was elected sheriff of Lander county, and served until 1884, when he returned to California. He was engaged in farming and the hotel business in Humboldt county for two years, and in November, 1886, came to Napa, where he has since had his residence. He was one of the proprietors of the Napa Hotel for two years, and has been otherwise engaged during his stay in the county. He was elected sheriff of Napa county in 1898, and was re-elected in 1902, the length of term having been changed in 1894 from two to four years.
Mr. Dunlap was married in San Francisco county, February 22, 1880, to Miss Sarah E. Strong, a native of Humboldt county, California. Her father was a pioneer to the state. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have two sons. Harry C., aged nineteen, is a student in the University of California, and Edgar S., aged seventeen, is attending the Napa high school. Mr. Dunlap has always been a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. He is also prominent in fraternal circles. He has been a Mason for twenty-seven years, having attained the Knight Templar degree. He is also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, being treasurer of the lodge; of the Independent Order of Foresters; is a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, of which he is treasurer, and also charter member of the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks.
JOHN THOMPSON GAMBLE.
John Thompson Gamble, who is well known in Napa and the surround- ing country as a man of business activity and energy, is a native of Water- ford, Ireland, his birth having occurred there on the 26th of May, 1845. His parents, George and Susan (Thompson) Gamble, were also natives of the Emerald Isle, where their ancestors had resided through many generations. George Gamble, however, determined to sever the business relations that bound him to that country and seek a home and fortune in America, believ- ing that he might have better opportunities in the new world, where compe- tition was less and advantages were greater. Accordingly he made prepara- tion for coming to the new world, and with his family started for the United States in 1845, when his son John T. was only three months old. There were six children in the family, namely: Jane, Richard and Thomas, all of whom are now deceased; William, who is a resident of Solano county, Cali-
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fornia; Susan, who has also passed away; and John Thompson, of this review. After the arrival of the family in America they made their way across the country to Beloit, Wisconsin, and it was there that Essie, the youngest daughter of the family, was born.
John T. Gamble spent his early youth in Beloit, Wisconsin, and at the usual age entered the public schools, there pursuing his studies until he reached the age of fifteen. The following year, in December, he came to California and has since been a resident of this state. He worked for three months on the levees in the employ of Morse & Butterick, and on the expira- tion of that period went to Sacramento, where he secured employment in the feed store owned by W. H. Pierce, with whom he remained for a year and a half. He then drove a team over the mountains from Sacramento to Austin City, Virginia City and Carson, Nevada, following teaming for four years at a time when that occupation was quite a profitable one in this section of the country. In this connection he was actively associated with the ma- terial improvement of the community. In 1865 he hauled the first load of bricks out of Sacramento to the old Arcade House, a distance of five or six miles, these bricks to be used in building a culvert. In 1867 he returned by steamer to the east, eventually reaching his old home at Beloit, Wisconsin, and a short distance from the city he engaged in farming. Later he removed to Minnesota and afterward returned to Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1873. He then again came to California, settling at this time at Elmira, Solano county. In the community he became a recognized factor as a public official, being elected constable of Elmira in 1874. He served in that office for two years, and then in 1876 was elected roadmaster and was continued in that position for four consecutive years, proving a capable and reliable official. Removing to Dixon, Solano county, he was there engaged in the livery business for two years, after which he sold the establishment to his partner, John Lyons, who is now in Vacaville. Mr. Gamble then re- turned to Elmira and has since been a prosperous well-boring contractor, horseman and auctioneer. He does a good business in each line and is known for his energy and reliable qualities, which always insure at least a fair measure of success. He made Napa his home in 1891, being there engaged for a time in the livery business.
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On the 6th of June, 1869, in Beloit, Wisconsin, Mr. Gamble was united in marriage to Miss Jennie McDowell, of Ohio, and they have two children : Clara, who is now the wife of F. S. Parker, a liveryman of Napa, and has two children, Stanley and Edna; and Irving J. Gamble, who is foreman of the stables connected with the state asylum for the insane at Napa. In his political affairs Mr. Gamble is an earnest and inflexible Democrat, believing strongly in the principles of the party and never faltering in his allegiance thereto. He keeps well informed upon political questions, being recognized as a stalwart champion of the Democracy. Socially he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He came to California a young man without capital, save that of determination, resolute purpose and industry, and the success he has achieved may all be attributed to his possession of these qualities.
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EDGAR POMEROY.
Edgar Pomeroy, who for a quarter of a century has been engaged in the abstract business in San Jose and who for fourteen years has been connected with public service as a trusted and trustworthy official, was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, on the 21st of October, 1841, his parents being Charles W. and Permelia (Valentine) Pomeroy, both natives of New York. The father was a manufacturer and in 1850 came to California, arriving on the 21st of January of that year. He settled first in Lassen county, where he engaged in farming, but subsequently took up his abode in San Jose, where he became a factor in the active management of the Bank of San Jose, being connected with this institution from 1866 until 1892. He has a high place in the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens, won by him in the long and honorable business career through an upright and consistent course and by personal worth and loyalty in friendship. He has always been ready to liberally assist any worthy or creditable movement for San Jose's advancement, and for years has occupied a leading place in the confidence and regard of the people of the community. Following his retirement from business cares he has spent the winter seasons with his son, Abram E., in Los Angeles, California, and the summer months with his son Edgar in San Jose. He arrived the in latter city in 1854, casting in his lot with its early residents, and for many years his influence and co-operation formed a potent factor in the progress and prosperity of the community. He served as county treasurer for a number of years, was a member of the board of education and also a member of the town council. Through his efforts the city park was preserved, for he had the sagacity to look beyond the needs of the moment to the exigencies of the future- and to provide for the city a pleasure ground the value of which all now acknowledge. His birth occurred on the 8th of April, 1808, and he is, therefore, now over ninety-six years of age.
Edgar Pomeroy was one of a family of eight children, of whom three are living. He was a youth of twelve years when he came to California, arriving in San Jose in 1855. His early education was acquired in the public schools of San Jose and he continued his studies in the University of the Pacific until 1861. He was nineteen years of age when he put aside his text books in order to don the blue uniform of the nation and march to the front as a defender of the Union cause. Prompted by a spirit of patriot- ism he offered his services to the government and was assigned to duty with Company D, First Regiment of Infantry, California Volunteers, under the command of Captain H. A. Gorley. The regiment served under General Carlton and was known as "The column from California," having marched from San Pedro to what is now El Paso, Texas. Mr. Pomeroy served for three years, participating in many hotly contested engagements and winning promotion from the rank of a non-commissioned officer to that of first lieutenant. On the expiration of his term of service in October, 1864, he received an honorable discharge and returned to California.
Not long afterward Mr. Pomeroy was appointed to the position of
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deputy in the county clerk's office, and under different administrations he has served in that capacity for fourteen years. At present he is one of the firm of the San Jose Abstract Company, which business was established in 1887. He has, however, been connected with the abstract business for a quarter of a century, and in 1891 consolidated the Pomeroy & Howes Abstract Com- pany with the Pittman & Edwards Company under the present style of the San Jose Abstract Company, with J. M. Pittman as president and Mr. Pomeroy as secretary. The business of the firm is extensive and the part- ners are well known in San Jose as most reliable and thorough-going busi- ness men.
In 1866 was celebrated the marriage of Edgar Pomeroy and Miss Lizzie O. Putney, daughter of Corydon M. and Carlotte A. Putney, who came to this state at an early day, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Santa Clara county. To Mr. and Mrs. Pomeroy were born four children, but only one, Charles E., is now living. The wife and mother died in 1877, and in 1887 Mr. Pomeroy was again married, his second union being with Miss Peoria I. Cunningham, a native of California and a daughter of W. J. Cunningham. They have one son, Earl S. Pomeroy, who is attending the high school in San Jose.
In his social relations Mr. Pomeroy is an Odd Fellow and he also belongs to Phil Sheridan Post No. 7, G. A. R., thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades, as he also does through his connec- tion with the Loyal Legion. His political support is given to the Repub- lican party. He has ever discharged his public duties with marked ability and fairness, for he is a most loyal, public-spirited citizen. As a business man he has been conspicuous among his associates, not only for his success but for his probity, fairness and honorable methods. In everything he has been eminently practical, and this has been manifested not only in his busi- ness career but also in social and private life.
ALBERT G. DEARDORFF, M. D.
Among the argonauts who came to California in search of the golden fleece, was W. H. B. Deardorff, a native of Indiana, who arrived in this state in 1849. Making his way to the mines, he was engaged in searching for the precious metal until the winter of 1851, when he went to Oregon, and in the spring of 1852 returned with a friend to Burlington, Iowa. There he was married, and in the spring of 1853 he brought his bride to the Pacific coast, traveling across the plains as captain of an emigrant train. The wagons were drawn with ox teams and the progress was necessarily slow. The roads were bad, being oftentimes nothing but a trail, and the way was fraught with dangers, but eventually the party reached their destination, and Mr. Deardorff settled near Oakland, Oregon, becoming one of the first resi- dents of that part of the state. He followed farming and stock-raising, and the experiences of life on the western frontier formed part of his life history. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Georgiana Harrel, was a native of Ohio. By her marriage she became the mother of three sons and four daugh-
A.B. Davidoff
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ters, all living in Oregon with the exception of the doctor. The family is of German origin and was established in Pennsylvania in 1729. Represen- tatives of the name were soldiers of the Revolutionary war and also served in the war of 1812.
Dr. A. G. Deardorff was one of the first white children born in the vicin- ity of Oakland, Oregon, his birth occurring in Douglas county, in Septem- ber, 1854. His boyhood days were spent under the parental roof, and he attended the public schools near his home, after which he continued his edu- cation in the Wilbur Academy, which was a branch of the Willamette Uni- versity of Oregon. He completed his course by graduation when twenty years of age, but in the meantime he had engaged in teaching school for a number of terms. Following his graduation he turned his attention to farm- ing in the vicinity of Salem, Oregon, and he also taught school for two terms in that locality.
Desiring to devote his life to professional work and deciding upon the practice of medicine, Dr. Deardorff went east in the fall of 1878 and entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, Iowa, where he com- pleted a regular course and was graduated in February, 1882. He then re- turned to his home at Jefferson, Oregon, and continued in the practice of medicine at Jefferson and at Salem until the summer of 1886, when he re- moved to Fresno, California, where he entered upon active work in connec- tion with his profession and soon gained a good patronage, as he ably dem- onstrated his ability to cope with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician. While residing there he also became an active factor in community affairs, especially in political circles as a leader in Republi- can ranks. He was chairman of the Republican county central committee, and it was under his guidance in this position that Fresno county, for the first time in its history, elected Republican county officials.
Dr. Deardorff continued in Fresno until the spring of 1895, when he re- moved to San Francisco, where he has practiced continually to the present time. He has acquired a high reputation as a surgeon and physician, and his practice is now extensive and lucrative. He is now visiting physician and surgeon to the Buena Vista Sanitarium. While in Fresno he was appointed by Grover Cleveland to the office of pension examiner and served in 1894 and 1895. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and while he is in hearty sympathy with the beneficent spirit of those orders, his time and attention are chiefly occupied with his professional cares, which have continually increased in extent and importance. He has made good use of time and opportunities, and his professional career has been one of continued progress that has rendered his service of greater and greater value in the alleviation of human suffering.
WILLIAM BENJAMIN HAMILTON.
William Benjamin Hamilton, now special deputy collector of port at San Francisco, has had a noteworthy career in public capacities in Cali- fornia, and is one of the native sons who have honored and been honored by
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their state. He has been familiar with the internal revenue and customs service of the United States since boyhood, when he was first placed in a position under the federal government. His executive ability has brought him in touch with men and duties of national importance and reputation, and he has been meritedly advanced in the confidence and esteem of the gov- ernment and the people.
Mr. Hamilton was born at Centerville, Alameda county, California, June 1, 1857, a son of Noble and Lydia D. (Marston) Hamilton, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Maine. For generations back the family on the father's side had resided in Kentucky, and on the mother's in Maine. Noble Hamilton had engaged in the practice of law after the Mexican war, and had come to California with his wife in 1854.
Mr. Hamilton received his early education in the public schools. In 1874, at the age of seventeen, he served a short term as inspector of customs at the port of San Francisco, and while there attended the Pacific Business College, from which he was graduated in 1877. He studied law in his father's office for two years, and in 1881 was made chief deputy county recorder of Alameda county, in which office he remained until 1887. Feb- ruary 15, 1890, he was appointed deputy naval officer at the port of San Francisco, and remained during the four years of Danforth's term as naval officer. From 1894 to 1897 he managed the affairs of George C. Perkins in connection with the latter's campaign for election to the United States senate. Senator Perkins was elected for the unexpired term on the first ballot, and in 1897 was elected for the full term by unanimous choice. June I, 1897, Mr. Hamilton was appointed cashier of the custom house at San Francisco, under Collector of Port J. P. Jackson, and on January 1, 1901, was appointed special deputy collector of port, under Collector Stratton, and the duties of this position he is still discharging most satisfactorily and efficiently.
September 12, 1889, Mr. Hamilton was married at Oakland, California, to Miss Ceil Doyl. a native of Nevada. They have one son, Allan Wooster Hamilton, who is eleven years old. Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Na- tive Sons of the Golden West, of the Athenian Club of Oakland, and the Family Club of San Francisco.
ERNEST WOODBURY CONANT.
Among the enterprising, progressive and public-spirited citizens of Santa Clara county is Ernest Woodbury Conant, of San Jose, who is now serving as county treasurer and who is also connected with horticultural interests, being accounted one of the active and successful business men of his portion of the state.
He was born on the 2d of July, 1862, in Dayton, Hennepin county, Minnesota. Far back into English history can his ancestry be traced. There is record of the family as early as 1277, or during the reign of Edward I. Rev. John Conant, D. D., a lineal ancestor of our subject, was rector of Exeter College and vice chancellor of Oxford University, devoting his life
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to educational work. He became a distinguished representative of his pro- fession and one whose labors had marked influence upon the intellectual de- velopment of his locality. The first representative of the name in America was Roger Conant, who crossed the Atlantic in the vessel Anne, that arrived at Plymouth, Massachusetts, in July, 1623. He built the first house at Salem, Massachusetts, and was actively and prominently identified with the early history of the colony. Seventy-seven members of the Conant family, descendants of Roger Conant, were identified with the war of the Revolu- tion as patriots of the American army, while seventy-six of the descendants took an active part in the war of the rebellion as defenders of the Union. There were also ten representatives of the family in the war of 1812 and one in the Mexican war.
Timothy Conant, the father of Ernest W., was a native of Ohio, and at the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south he enlisted for service as a defender of the Union cause, becoming a member of Company F, Fourth Minnesota Regiment of Volunteers. He participated in many im- portant engagements and went with Sherman on his celebrated march through Georgia to the sea. He afterward became a member of Phil Sheridan Post, and at his death was buried with military honors at San Jose, California, in I889.
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