USA > California > A history of the new California, its resources and people; Vol II > Part 41
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Mr. McLeod was married on January 1, 1902, to Miss Pearl A. Bess- mer, a daughter of A. J. Bessmer, of Humboldt county, California. They have one child, Maxine E. Mr. McLeod is a stanch Republican in politics, and his fraternal affiliations are with Santa Rosa Aerie No. 210, F. O. E.
GRANVILLE PERRY SWIFT.
Granville Perry Swift is a native son of California and a representa- tive of one of the pioneer families closely connected with frontier history in this state. His birth occurred on the 8th of February, 1861, his parents being Captain G. P. and Jane Eliza (Tate) Swift, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Illinois. Both, however, were representatives of old Kentucky families and the father's ancestry can be traced back to Daniel Boone. Our subject now has in his possession a powder horn upon which are seen his father's initials, crudely engraved on Mount Diablo, Cali- fornia, in 1844. This is the only date relative to his advent to the state. He was a man of extraordinary physique, well fitted by nature to cope with the hardships and difficulties of frontier life. In his early manhood he was identified with Kit Carson and General Fremont, the pathfinder, in their explorations and travels through the wild west. Early in the '4os he built the stone corral, now the oldest landmark in Colusa county, excepting the old adobe building on the farm of the late Senator Boggs. Captain Swift was a typical pioneer, a worthy representative of an honored class. He was a man of noble presence, tall and well formed, with dark hair and blue eyes. He was ever generous and openhanded, had a strong fund of humor, was every ready to encounter an adversary if need be, although he preferred to take part in something that would furnish fun. He was, however, known as a warm friend and a fearless foe. He was a member of the famous Bear Flag party and one of the renowned twelve who made the desperate charge at Vallejo's troops at Ft. Sonoma. It is said that his son and name- sake at Napa City is a second edition of the father in many respects. The father remained a resident of California throughout his remaining days, his death resulting from an accident in Berryessa valley, Napa county, in 1875. His wife survived him until 1888 and died in San Francisco, but her re- mains were interred in a cemetery at Sonoma, California. The two surviv- ing children are W. T. Swift, now residing at Berryessa, where he is con- ducting a ranch; and Granville Perry, the subject of this review.
The latter began his education in the public schools of San Francisco and afterward attended a private school in Green Valley, continuing his studies at intervals in that institution from 1874 until 1880. He was largely dependent upon his own exertions for a living, as he has had no near rela- tive to aid him, save Mrs. Fred Jones, who is one of the noble characters in the history of this portion of the state, and who died May 23, 1894, at
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Green Valley, Solano county, at the age of seventy-five years. Her grand- mother was a sister of Daniel Boone and she was a sister of Captain Gran- ville P. Swift, the father of our subject. Throughout the greater part of his life Granville P. Swift of this review has been engaged in stock- raising, mining, fruit-raising and farming in Berryessa, Napa county. He began this work here in 1889 and practically devoted his attention to it since that date. He is, however, extensively interested in quicksilver min- ing in Rocky Creek, Lake county.
On the 25th of April, 1889. in Woodland, California, occurred the marriage of Mr. Swift and Miss Ida May Owen, daughter of L. F. Owen, who was also one of the early pioneers of California. To them have been born six children, namely: Jennie May, now thirteen years of age; Gran- ville P., eleven years old; Allen Wade, now deceased; Walker Lee, eight years old: William Stephen, three years of age; and Earle Morgan Swift, who is sixteen months old. In May, 1903. Mr. Swift moved from his place in Berryessa valley, and with his family took up his residence in Napa City, where he still lives and is now acting as special deputy sheriff at the court house and county jail of Napa City, under D. A. Dunlap, sheriff of Napa county.
There are manifest in him many of the strong characteristics of a pioneer ancestry, the fearless defense of what he believes to be right and a strong and determined purpose and yet a careful regard for the rights and privileges of others. He has a very wide acquaintance in central California and the circle of his friends is extensive.
DAVID BUSH.
David Bush, well known in the social, business and political life of San Francisco, is now engaged in operating in real estate and has been closely identified with the development of the modern city as it has progressed along lines leading to substantial development and improvement. He was born in Ohio and came to California in early boyhood days. His ancestors were identified with the Revolutionary war, who defended the cause of the colonists until their independence was established. Henry Bush, the father, was born in Vermont and after residing for some years in Ohio, Michigan and Roches- ter, New York, in the foundry business, came to California via Cape Horn in 1849. He brought an iron house to San Francisco, and it was erected on the northwest corner of Clay street and Waverly place. In the big fire which occurred the following year every other house of the embryo city was de- stroyed with the exception of that which belonged to Mr. Henry Bush. He then conducted an eating house for some time and subsequently began dealing in flour. He was actively identified with the early improvement and develop- ment of the city, was recognized as a thoroughly reliable business man, and Bush street of San Francisco was named in his honor. In the early days when slavery flourished in the south he manifested strong opposition to the institu- tion and became an advocate of the abolition party. Later when the Repub- lican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery, he joined
David Bush
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its ranks and continued as one of its supporters until his death, which occurred in 1874.
David Bush became a resident of San Francisco in May, 1852, and was engaged in business with his father for several years. In 1863 he went to Virginia City, California, where he was engaged in a banking business for a time, and later in plumbing, gas and steam fitting for over twenty-five years, later turning his attention to real estate operations. On again coming to San Francisco, he started a plumbing and gas fitting establishment and, taking contracts for the installation of gas plants and plumbing, conducted an exten- sive and profitable business, fitting up the Palace Hotel and many of the other large buildings here. He was also awarded the contract for thus equipping the capitol at Sacramento. In 1886 he began operating in property and has since continued in the real estate and investment business. He now has a large clientage and has negotiated many important realty transfers, which have had marked effect upon the business prosperity and growth of San Fran- cisco.
In 1855 Mr. Bush married Miss Ellen M. Morgan, of Rochester, New York. She was a daughter of Dwight Morgan, of Peninsula, Ohio. Three children were born, two daughters and one son: Mrs. Brightie, wife of Josiah O. Lowe, of San Francisco; Dr. Alice Bush, of Oakland, a practicing physician ; Hartley M., associated with his father and residing on his father's ranch at Martinez.
Mr. Bush is a member of the F. & A. M., Pioneers' Society, California Art Association, California Promotion Committee, Merchants' Association of San Francisco, State Board of Trade, California Real Estate and Building Association, and vice president of the latter.
Mr. Bush is well known as a champion of Republican principles and has been active in the work of the party, both in Sacramento and San Francisco. The rewards of office, however, have had little attraction for him, and he has held no place of political preferment save that of school director. He is one of the directors of the Unitarian church, is active in Masonry and is one of the founders and a director of the Bohemian Club. All churches have his respect and good wili and many have received from his open purse substantial aid. In his private and public relations his influence is given for social prog- ress and for the elevation and welfare of mankind. During the labor trouble in the Kearney times, Mr. Bush provided for the relief of the unemployed by heading the subscription list for fifty dollars, known as the Golden Gate Park Fund for the relief of the unemployed, there being at different times over $300,000 raised and expended through his efforts, thereby benefiting the unemployed and at the same time beautifying the park. He has always been willing to devote his wealth and energies to any feasible undertaking that would increase the prosperity of the city and add to the comfort of its inhabi- tants. His life has been a success. He has accumulated a handsome compe- tence and has used only such means as will bear the closest scrutiny. Per- sonally he is sociable, ever willing to accord to any one the courtesy of an interview, and his actions have during his career been such as to distinctively entitle him to a place in this publication.
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HENRY PHILIP DALTON.
Henry Philip Dalton, assessor of Alameda county, California, was born in Tuolumne county, this state, April 27, 1860, one of the family of two sons and two daughters of Henry N. and Julia A. (Cammeyer) Dalton, both natives of New York city.
Henry N. Dalton came to California in the spring of 1850, landing at San Francisco after a long and tiresome voyage around Cape Horn. For ten years he followed the fortunes of a miner, in various camps and with varied success. Then he turned his attention to the foundry business, in Contra Costa, where he resided until 1876, when he moved to Oakland, his present home. Here he has since carried on a foundry business and for some years past the firm name has been Henry Dalton & Sons Company, of which Henry P. is a member.
Henry P. Dalton received his early education in the public schools. In 1881 he entered the University of California at Berkeley, where he dili- gently pursued a course of studies until he reached his junior year, leaving the university at that time in order to associate himself in business with his father.
Mr. Dalton has always been an ardent Republican, ever taking a deep interest in local and state politics. In 1893 he was elected a member of the Oakland city council, and served two years, resigning, however, before the expiration of his term in order to qualify for another office, he having been elected assessor of Alameda county in November, 1894. He was re-elected to the assessor's office in November, 1898, and again in 1902, and is still the incumbent of that office.
Fraternally Mr. Dalton has numerous connections. He has membership in Live Oak Lodge No. 61, F. & A. M., of which he is a past master. He has also been initiated into the mysteries of the Knights Templar, Thirty- second Degree Scottish Rite, and Mystic Shrine. Other organizations with which he is identified are the N. S. G. W., W. O. W., K. of P. and Eagles.
IRVIN NEGUS FRASSE, M. D.
Dr. Irvin Negus Frasse, a leading member of the medical profession in San Jose, is of French Huguenot ancestry on the paternal side, while in the maternal line his ancestral history dates back to a very early period in the settlement of New York city by the Dutch. Henry Frederic De Frasse, the grandfather, was born in Switzerland in 1781 and belonged to a French family of the Huguenot faith. He crossed the Atlantic to America in 1803 and in 1806 he established in New York the Frasse Company, which is still in existence and which owns and controls the oldest hardware store of that city. On his death he was succeeded in the ownership by his son William Henry Frasse, and when the latter died in 1869 the store became the prop- erty of his widow and is now managed by Henry Frederic Frasse, a brother of Dr. Frasse. The grandfather, Henry Frederic De Frasse, not only con- ducted his mercantile business, but also assisted Robert Fulton with his ex- periments and made the working models and wooden patterns from which
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castings were moulded. He married Catherine Van Yuyl, a native of New York city and a direct descendant of David Precoost, who was mayor of New Amsterdam, now New York city, from 1669 until 1671. William Henry Frasse, father of Dr. Frasse, was born in New York city and, as before stated, was engaged in the hardware business as his father's succes- sor. He married Miss Sarah Negus, who was also born in the metropolis. Her father, a native of England, came to America in 1817. Her mother bore the maiden name of H. Jane Davidson and her people came from Eng- land in 1802. To Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Frasse were born seven children, three of whom died in infancy, while four are still living.
Dr. Frasse was born in Jersey City, just across the Hudson river from New York, April 7, 1865, and began his education in private schools. When still a young lad he was sent abroad in order that he might more readily learn foreign languages, and he studied in Germany at Heidelberg, Strass- burg and Bühl. He also studied in England and then returned to his New York home when eleven years of age. He afterward attended various schools in this country and was instructed in Greek and Latin by private teachers.
Dr. Frasse began his preparation in 1884, when he entered the Bellevue Hospital College, of New York, studying there for two years, after which he matriculated in the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, where he completed a four years' course. This was very soon after the course had been extended to embrace four years' work. He also pursued studies along special lines in the spring and fall months, and in 1890 he was graduated, at which time the degree of Doctor of Medicine was conferred upon him. The summers of 1886 and 1888 he spent abroad-in Edinburg and London- where he continued his studies under the direction of distinguished physi- cians and surgeons of Great Britain.
He entered upon his profession thoroughly equipped for the difficult and arduous duties of the calling. Following his graduation he practiced for a year in Brooklyn, New York, and in the summer of 1891 he came to California to visit some of the friends of his boyhood days. He was so favorably impressed with the country that he decided to make a perma- nent location on the Pacific coast, and, after returning to New York to ar- range his business interests there, he again came to California, arriving at Pasadena on the 2d of October, 1891. He remained there for about a year and a half, when he came to the conclusion that a town of not more than four thousand population, from which most people departed in the summer months, did not offer a very lucrative field for practice, and he decided to remove to San Jose. He made the entire trip by carriage, in order that he might gain a good idea of the country, traveling by way of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo. He reached his destination on the 17th of June. 1893, and entered upon the practice of medicine, in which he has continued to the present time, and is accorded a liberal patronage. His superior quali- fications, his deep interest in his professional work and his devotion to a high standard of professional ethics have gained him prominence and well merited success.
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On the 8th of September, 1896, Dr. Frasse was married to Miss Maude Frances Arques, who was born in Santa Clara county, near Mountain View, at the old Murphy homestead. She is a granddaughter of Martin Murphy, who with his father, Martin Murphy, Sr., crossed the plains to California in 1844-several years before the discovery of gold turned the tide of emi- gration strongly to this state. They journeyed most of the way along the trail that has since become the road of the Union Pacific Railroad. The parents of Mrs. Frasse are Joaquin and Nellie G. (Murphy) Arques. Her father was born in Spain and during his infancy was brought to America by his parents, who arrived about 1849, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers of this state. Dr. and Mrs. Frasse have one son, Irvin Arques, born August 27, 1903. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and both are promi- nent in the social circles of the city, the hospitality of the best homes being cordially extended to them. The Doctor is a man of strong mentality, which has been cultivated through extensive study, and research and investiga- tion, and his scholarly attainments and broad culture, together with a genial manner, make him a favorite among both social and professional acquaintances.
WVALDO WADE WAGGONER.
Waldo Wade Waggoner, of Nevada city, now serving as county sur- veyor of Nevada county, is perhaps best known to the state at large through his connection with the debris problem. A native of Illinois, he was born in June, 1860. The family is of German origin but during the colonial epoch in American history was established on the soil of the new world, and when the colonists attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppres- sion representatives of the name aided in winning American independence. Dr. F. R. Waggoner, the father of W. W. Waggoner, was also a native of Illinois and became an active member of the medical profession. He served as a surgeon of the Union army during the Civil war and was a pioneer with Kit Carson in his early explorations of the west. He practiced medi- cine and surgery for forty years, was a capable representative of his profes- sion and was a citizen whose personal worth, professional skill and patriotic spirit made him a valuable addition to any community. After the Civil war he crossed the plains and was connected with the Indian service in Nevada. In 1880 he became a resident of Nevada City, California, but during the last fifteen years of his life was a resident of Sacramento, his death occur- ring there in 1903. In early manhood he had married Miss Eliza Hollo- way, who was a native of Indiana and a descendant of good old Revolution- ary stock. She was also connected with the Woolman family, to which be- longed the Quaker who did so much in the cause of anti-slavery. Mrs. Waggoner still survives her husband and yet makes her home in Sacra- mento. Dr. and Mrs. Waggoner had three sons and two daughters: Ruel H., a clerk in Sacramento: Fieldon Woolman, a civil engineer of Nevada City, California ; Pearl and Rosa Bonnie, who are living with their mother; and Waldo WV. Waggoner.
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The last named was educated in the public schools of his native state and in the Southern Illinois Normal University, at Carbondale, Illinois. In 1880 he went to Nevada and was employed as a clerk in the Nevada Indian agency for a time, while later he turned his attention to mining. In 1888 he came to Nevada City, California, and became a pupil of W. F. Engel- bright, a civil engineer. He succeeded him in 1890 and became chief engin- eer of the South Yuba Water Company, since which time he has followed civil engineering, and from study and practical experience is constantly broadening his knowledge of the profession. He has also been connected with various mining enterprises and is consulting engineer for a number of mines, as his education also embraces a comprehensive and accurate knowl- edge of mining engineering.
Mr. Waggoner was married April 19, 1894, in Nevada City, to Miss Mary Sims, a native of England, and a daughter of Rev. Josiah Sims, of Nevada City, California. They have one daughter, Dorothy. Mr. Wag- goner socially is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Technical Society of the Pacific Coast.
In his political views Mr. Waggoner is a Republican, active in the work of the party and in 1898 was elected surveyor of Nevada county for a term of four years, while in 1902 he was re-elected for a second term. On the 27th of July, 1901, he was appointed, by Governor Gage, as debris commissioner for a term of four years. He is particularly well qualified for this position by educational training and by practical experience in survey- ing, mining, and civil and mining engineering. As an engineer he has made a special study of the debris problem from a mountain standpoint, studying the sources of and flow of the debris. He is a recognized authority on the subject and is represented with the state in the construction of barriers on the Yuba river to hold the debris, in conjunction with a corps of engineers, known as the California debris commission, the object of which is to im- prove navigation on the Sacramento and Feather rivers and eventually to allow the resumption of hydraulic mining. The debris question is a most. important one, affecting in large measure the destiny of California, and the work which will be done in this direction is as yet an unknown chapter in the history of the state. All the engineers. who up to this time have had anything to do with the debris problem, it is said, came from the Sacramento valley and San Francisco, and have not been interested in the mines: know nothing of the effect of storms and heavy rains, nor of hydraulic or placer mines in their various stages, and as a result all the writings and reports concerning the subject have been of no actual value, because of a lack of reliable and adequate information on the subject on the part of the writers of such literature.
Being of an investigating turn of mind and also public-spirited, Mr. Waggoner has made an exhaustive study of the situation with a laudable desire to see the hydraulic mines resume operations. He has made a study of the amount of debris resulting from this mining process; what amount the elements move; how and when the debris is moved; and at the last ses-
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sion of the legislature submitted an annual report on the subject that has attracted considerable attention. Mr. Waggoner took occasion to criticise methods in vogue and believes that he has arrived at a solution of the prob- lem which confronts the state in regard to the debris question. He asserts that the navigable rivers may be relieved of the menace of debris that they have been subjected to during the past fifty years, and at the same time there will be a resumption of hydraulic mining, his idea being to make the project so broad and comprehensive as to give the greatest security to the valley. His plan is diametrically opposed to the present idea of river improvement, where by the building of levees and the construction of jetties one section is improved by the cleaning out of material, while the neighbors below are injured. He looks forward to the adoption of a method by which the entire debris flow may be cut out right down to navigable rivers and the construc- tion of dams with waterways of solid rock, rather than sand floods over them ; subsequently taking the waters off the sand wastes and giving them clean channels by divesting the rivers, his idea being to shut out all debris, from whatever source, past, present and future, so as to give the rivers re- lief, that they may scour their own channels and enlarge their carrying capacity.
Every war has its own generals, every great work its originators, and Mr. Waggoner will undoubtedly be the leader in settling the great debris question for California, although others have been failures. The cost of the work will be reasonable and the methods so simple and yet so effective that the miners could afford to stand the cost, as it would be very small in proportion to the benefits derived. His is a wholly new theory of river improvement and will show that the mines are not wholly responsible for the debris. The state, recognizing the importance of the question and his capability, has selected him for a strenuous and important task, but one for which he is well qualified.
GEORGE HENRY MARTIN, M. D.
Occupying a position of prominence as a professor at San Francisco, the ability of Dr. Martin has gained him a reputation which classes him with the eminent members of the medical fraternity on the Pacific coast, where his writings and educational labors have made him known to the profession throughout the country. He was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, March 31, 1859, a son of John M. and Kate Martin, the former of Scotch-Irish lineage, while the latter was descended from an English family that was estab- lished in the state of Maine at an early epoch in its development. John M. Martin was a soldier of the Civil war, enlisting in the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment. The members of this command were the first troops that went south, proceeding to Annapolis, Maryland, under General Butler, and they assisted the Sixth Massachusetts in making their way through Baltimore and on to Washington. Mr. Martin served for three months and was then mus- tered out, but soon afterward re-enlisted in what was known as the Ellsworth Sharpshooters, and at one time the special duty of picking off General Mosby
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