A memorial and biographical history of northern California, illustrated. Containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its occupancy...and biographical mention of many of its most eminent pioneers and also of prominent citizens of today, Part 105

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1000

USA > California > A memorial and biographical history of northern California, illustrated. Containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its occupancy...and biographical mention of many of its most eminent pioneers and also of prominent citizens of today > Part 105

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In 1876 he built a comfortable residence, and was married to Miss Augusta Lorn, a native of San Francisco. Her parents were natives of Germany and came from the extreme western border of that country. Mr. and Mrs. Clements are the parents of two daughters, Blanch and

March, both born in Red Bluff. They are mem- bers of the Episcopal Church. For three years Mr. Clements has been Past Master of the Masonic lodge. He is Past High Priest, and has been for seven years a Royal Arch Mason. For two years he has served as Commander of the G. A. R. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. Politically he is a Republican, and was nominated by that party for Assemblyinan and ran far ahead of his ticket.

F. EDMUNDS, dealer in harness and saddles at Lakeport, California, was born in Scottville, Allen County, Kentucky, in 1832. His parents were natives of that State. He received his education in the schools of Scottville. At the age of fourteen he entered a harness and saddlery store in his native town, where he served two years in learning that trade. He then went to Elkton, where he was engaged for a little more than a year, completing his ap- prenticeship, after which he traveled in Ken- tucky, Tennessee and Missouri, working as a journeyman in the harness and saddlery busi- ness. While in Missouri he worked two years at New Madrid. In March, 1853, he started for California via New Orleans. He traveled down the Mississippi River on a steamboat. At New Orleans he embarked on the steamship United States for Aspinwall. Crossing the Isthmus to Panama, he sailed on the steamer Cortes for San Francisco, where he arrived May 4. From San Francisco he went to Marysville and from there to the northern part of Sierra County, where he engaged in mining for a few months. He then engaged in merchandising, in which he continued until 1858. During this time he was also engaged in mining ventures, with the variable results incident to that busi- ness. In 1858 he bought the Columbus House, a hotel located at Strawberry Valley, Yuba County, where he remained till 1862, doing a very profitable business. He then sold his hotel and removed to Marysville, where he engaged

A. r. Brown

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in the wholesale liquor business, in which he continued two years. In 1864 he sold his bnsi- ness in Marysville and engaged as a traveling salesman for a wholesale liquor house of San Francisco, in which he continned till about 1870. He then again engaged in the liquor business in Marysville, in which he continued abont a year and a half, when he sold out and renewed his engagement as a traveling salesman. In 1880 he went to Pennington, Sutter County, where he built a hotel, and also a store building, which he occupied as a harness and saddle and variety store. In 1883 he disposed of his property in Pennington and removed to Lake County, where he opened a harness and saddlery store in Lake- port. His business here is constantly increasing and he now carries a line of carriages, sewing- machines, etc., in connection with his other busi- ness. Heisalso engaged in the insurance business and represents a number of first-class companies.

He was married, in 1857, to Miss Mary C. Spillman, a native of Allen County, Kentucky, They have three children living: Alice, Samnel and James R. Alice is married to Read Mc- Craney, a jeweler of Lockport. Samuel is a painter and James R. is in the harness business in Hopland, Mendocino County. Mr. Edmunds is connected with the Christian Church, and is a member of the Masonie fraternity.

ENRY W. BROWN came to California in 1850, and is one of the best known and mnost respectable citizens of Tehamna County. He was born in Jackson County, Ohio, February 10, 1823, the son of Zephauiah and Elizabeth (Rawls) Brown, the former a native of New York State, and the latter of Kentucky. He was the youngest except one of a family of ten children, five of whom are still living. When he was a child the family re- mnoved to Indiana and settled on a farm, where he was inured to the hard labors accompanying farm life and where he received but meagre educational advantages. There he laid the 42

foundation for his future useful life. In 1844, after having remained with his father until he was twenry-three years old, he removed to Illi- nois, which was at that time considered the far West. Four years later he removed to Iowa. Hearing of the wonderful gold discoveries in California, he became filled with a desire to seek the new El Dorado of the West. In 1850 he crossed the plains with ox teams in company with a small party of emigrants, and arrived at Hangtown (now Placerville) in the middle of September of that year. Mr. Brown mined at Mud Springs during the fall, with moderate success. He then went to Forbestown and mined the following winter, spring and summer, with equally good success. In 1852 he engaged in the general merchandise business, selling supplies to the miners for abont six months, also doing well at that. Then he built a large hotel, which he condneted successfully for a number of years. Again the infatuation to dig for gold returned to him, and for a time he mined on Ohio Flat.

After mining off and on for about seven years, he removed to Newville, Colusa County, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising, a business in which he was experienced and for which he was eminently qualified. His first purchase of land was 160 acres. To this he added until he had about 1,200 acres, which he improved and on which he built. He remained on this ranch and prospered until 1872, when he sold out for $11,000. In that year he came to Tehama County, and, in company with Mr. John Curtis, purchased a large tract of grazing land and several thousand sheep, the purchase price being $46,000. They held it only a short timne, however, after which they sold it back to the same parties. From the Gooch Brothers they then bought 3,500 acres of land with all the stock running on the place, which included 7,000 sheep, for which they paid $75,000. Their able management of this property soon developed it into a large and remunerative busi- ness, and in 1874 Mr. Brown purchased his partner's interest and became sole proprietor.

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HISTORY OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.

At this time he turned his attention to breed- ing fine sheep, bought five pure-bred bucks, and soon his flocks became the finest in the country. He was well repaid for his wisdom and his enterprise, both by the increased value of his stock and the quantity and quality of his wool. In 1877 Mr. Brown conceived the idea of find- ing a more profitable inarket for his sheep, and sent 10,000 very fine ones to Colorado, under the care of Mr. Reardon, an experienced sheep man, who found a ready and profitable market for them. This proved Mr. Brown's judgment to be keen, and opened a new market for the immense flocks of Tehama County. In 1879 he sent over 6,200 sheep to the same place, with the same fortunate results. From time to time he made accessions to his landed estate until he became the owner of 11,000 acres. On it he built, and made many improvements, and it became one of the finest sheep ranches in the country, yielding Mr. Browu a handsome income. This property he sold for $100,000, and in 1882 moved into Red Bluff and bought a home at the corner of Main and Cedar streets, where he now resides. In partnership with Dr. West he bought 3,800 acres of land, on which they are running about 2,800 sheep. On this place they have the buildings and appliances necessary to conduct the business in a inost successful manner. Mr. Brown also owns another farm of 320 acres, on which there is an orchard and tine buildings.

December 31, 1840, is the date of Mr. Brown's marriage to Miss Juliette Parish, a native of Tippecanoe County, Indiana. He was only eighteen years old at that time, but his jndg- ment was as unerring as it has been in later years and the union has proved a most happy one. Mrs. Brown has been a constant sharer of her husband's joys and sorrows, and has ever been a faithful and loving wife and inother. When Mr. Brown came to California, in 1850, he wisely left his young wife in Iowa with their three little children. After mining nearly two years he returned to Iowa for his family. April 20, 1852, they turned their faces toward

the setting sun and their new home. On this journey across the plains they suffered the greatest calamity of their lives. The cholera, that fearful scourge, seized upon them and tlcir two first-born sons found a resting-place, with many others who were victims to that same dread disease, in that great wilderness near the Rocky Mountains. With sad and heavy hearts the sorrowing family continued their way west- ward and arrived at Forbestown in September, 1852, after a weary journey of five months, Their danghter, Elizabeth, who was born in Iowa, is now the wife of A. F. Roberts, and resides in Forbestown, Butte County, California. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown after their arrival in this State: Charles L., in Forbestown. Hle married Miss Amanda Boat- man, and is at present book-keeper in the Te- hamna County Bank at Red Bluff; Acil L. is the popular Treasurer of Tehama County. (See history of him on another page of this book.)

All his life Mr. Brown has affiliated with the Democratic party. Twice he was elected As- sessor of Colusa County. Since his residence in this county he has served two terms as Super- visor. For eight years he has been Chairman of the Democratic County Committee, and his earnest work and sound judgment have been of great value to his party. IIe is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and for several years has been Master of his lodge. Since his resi- dence in the Golden State he has aided in the organization of a number of lodges.

This worthy couple, Mr. and Mrs. Brown, are nearing the anniversary af their golden wed- ding. Notwithstanding they have seen so many years of pioneer life, they are both well pre- served. Long may they live in their beautiful California home to enjoy the fruits of a well- spent life.

APTAIN ELBRIDGE G. REED, one of the prominent citizens and honored pio- neers of Red Bluff, came to California in 1850. A brief sketch of his life is herewith

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given and will be found of interest to many. He was born in Maine, in July, 1819. His father, William Reed, was born on Plumb Is- land, and his grandfather Reed was a native of Massachusetts. Their ancestors were Scotch people. William Reed married Hannah Hutch- ings a native of Maine. To them were born nine children, all of whom are now living, so far as Captain Reed knows. His father was a Methodist and, in politics, he was a Democrat before the war, but after that struggle he gave his vote and influence to the Republican party. He was a seaman and was both owner and cap- tain of the ship, the William Reed. He was also the owner of and had an interest in several other vessels.

The subject of this sketchi received his edu- cation in his native State, and, at the age of fourteen years, entered upon a seafaring life with his father, going before the inast. When he was fifteen years old he was mate, sailing in summer with his father and going to school in the winter. At the age of eighteen he had com- mand of the schooner Diamond. After that at various times he had charge of different vessels. At twenty-three he was commander of the brig Lamertine, in the West India trade. He also sailed the schooner Odd Fellow, a packet from Angusta, Maine, to Boston.

In 1849 Captain Reed set sail in the ship Rob Roy for San Francisco. He was one of a company who built the steamer Kennebec, to ply on the Sacramento River between Sacra- mento and Marysville. His brother William was commander while Captain Reed was mate. They ran her for two years and during that time made a considerable amount of money. They then sold the vessel, and Captain Reed went as mate for Captain William Moore on board the San Joaquin. Soon after this he bought the United States Hotel, conducted it about two years and sold it to Mr. Brown. In the spring of 1852 he came to Red Bluff and built the first frame house in the town. It was located about thirty rods east and north of the north end of the bridge on Reed's Creek, that

creek having been named for the captain. For years he entertained travelers in his house, and hunters and miners also found a temporary home with him. Mr. Cavit, the first merchant of Red Bluff, had a small stock of goods in a little board store on the bank of the river. Bull & Baker also started a little store there. These early merchants boarded with Captain Reed. After be moved on his ranch the old hotel was utilized for a school-house, and was finally blown down. In 1870 the captain built his present brick house. At that time his ranch contained 200 acres, but he has since sold a part of it for $100 per acre.

For a time during the navigation of the river Captain Reed acted as night watchman. Before the bridge was built for many years he ran a pontoon. More recently he has engaged to some extent in the real-estate business.

In 1843 he married Miss Susan Randall, a native of Augusta, Maine, and the daughter of Captain Samuel Randall. They had a family of six children, three of whom are living: Ellen M., married A. W. Bishop, and resides with hin in Oakland, California; Alvira B. married Charles Adams, with whom she resides at Sacra- mento; and Annie wedded William Cahoon, cashier of the Tehama Bank at Red Bluff. After thirty-six years of married life Mrs. Reed died. Captain Reed subsequently married Mrs. Emily A. Eastinan, widow of Mr. Harvy East- man. They reside on their ranch south of Red Bluff.

This worthy pioneer has had many interest- ing experiences which he is unable to relate, and regrets that he did not keep a diary of the events as they occurred.

DMOND G. BURGER, a farmer near Black's Station, Yolo County, was born in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1826, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Schoeh) Burger, natives also of that State; the father was the most of his life in the gold and

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silver watch dial business. Edmond was seven years of age when he went with his parents in their change of residence to New York, where he served his time in the same trade, working at it until 1849, when he sailed for California, landing at San Francisco. From July to Sep- tember he followed mining on the Yuba River, and next until the fall of 1851 he was at Shasta City; then he visited the valley, and soon after- ward settled upon the place where he now re- sides, about three miles from Black's Station, and where he has been a constant resident ever since 1852. At present he has 160 acres, which is well improved.

He was married in Philadelphia, February 16, 1860, to Miss Susan Schoch, a native of Pennsylvania, born February 16, 1842, and they have had eight children, six of whom are living: Lynford E., born in 1861; Joseph, de- ceased, born in 1862; Clara, born in 1866; William, 1863; Nellie, 1868; Howard, 1872; Edna, 1883; and Edmond, deceased, born in 1865.

OBERT O. ARMSTRONG, an enterpris- ing farmer of the Capay Valley, in Yolo County, is a son of William C. and Eliza- beth (Smith) Armstrong. His father, a native of Kentucky, was a farmer most of his days, and crossed the plains to California in 1857; fol- lowed farming and stock-raising here and in Capay Valley, and later he went to Lake County, where he died in 1885. The snbjeet's mother, a native of Tennessee, died in Capay Valley, in 1862. All their seven children are living in California. Mr. Armstrong, the subject of this paragraph, was born June 14, 1848, in Andrew County, Missouri, where he lived until 1877, when, as before stated, the family eame to Cali- fornia. They lived in Nevada County for a few months, and then came into Capay Valley, where Robert and five brothers are still living. Mr. Armstrong started out in the world for himself in 1866, first renting a place of Mr.

Davis for three years, and in 1871 purchased his present place, which is situated in the finest little valley in the State; it consists of 165 acres of excellent land.

Mr. Armstrong was married in the " City of the Woods," February 21, 1873, to Miss Mag- gie J. Alexander, who was born in Capay Val- ley in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have two sons and three daughters, namely, Otta M., Robert A., Erma P., Alma L., Agnes L. and Ernest C.

ACOB GUYSI, a Yolo County farmer, is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born No- vember 26, 1827. His parents were na- tives of Switzerland. His father was born in 1774 and his mother in 1784. They came to the United States when young and were married in Philadelphia about 1819, and raised a family of seven children. Jacob, the fourth, received his edneation in the public schools of Cinein- nati. He left home March 7, 1849, and went to New York city, where he took passage on the bark Rising Sun for San Francisco via Cape Horn.

The bark was fitted out by a company of 100 men to come to California to engage in mining. They took about twenty passengers, who paid $250 each for their tickets. They landed at San Francisco September 10th, having been 165 days on the ocean. Mr. Guysi remained a few days at San Francisco, then went to Auburn, Placer County, where he engaged in mining for the winter. In the spring of 1850 he went to Sacramento, where he worked at putting np iron buildings for a time. He also bought an interest in a sloop, which was used for carrying freight and passengers between Sacramento and Marysville. In the fall of 1850 he returned to Auburn and resumed work in the mines on the same ground that he had left in the spring. In March, 1851, he sold his mining interests at Anburn and went to the east branch of the north fork of Feather River, where he mined on

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Rich Bar till about the first.of July. He then came to Yolo County and bought out a squat- ter, who had settled on land nine miles south- west of Sacramento. He now owns 320 acres of good land, and is engaged in raising grain and stock.

He was married in 1878 to Mrs. Morgan, a native of Ireland. They have five children: Charles, George, Henry, Robert and William. Mrs. Guysi is the mother of one child, result- ing from her first marriage, Frederick Morgan. Mr. Guysi has a fine property, with good im- provements, which is rapidly increasing in valne. In politics he has always been identified with the Republican party.

AVID S. SCOTT, a contractor of Wood- land, was born in West Virginia, Decem- ber 11, 1834, a son of Peter W. and Lucinda (Spielman) Scott, father a native of Pennsylvania and mother of Maryland; his father was born in 1803, and was a mason by trade. In 1853 Mr. Scott went to Dayton, Ohio, and served his time at the mason's trade, learning it of Daniel Richmond. In 1855 he traveled to some extent and finally located at Leavenworth. Kansas, and from there he came to California, arriving first in the southern part of the State in 1860; then came to Nevada City; and in 1867 he went to Sacramento and worked upon the State capitol during the sum- mer. He then came to Woodland for a short time, returned East on a visit, and to Woodland again in 1870; in 1874 to San Francisco and was employed upon the Palace Hotel until the next year; was then in Oregon until 1880, when he finally returned to Woodland, where he has had the building of the best blocks in that beautiful town,-such as the Opera House Exchange Hotel, Bune's Hotel, Prior Block, Gibson & Co.'s Block, J. S. White's residence, etc. He owns eight acres of ground on Oak avenue, on which he has a comfortable resi- dence.

He was married in Ohio, April 28, 1869, to Miss Shellhamer, a native of Michigan, born April 30, 1844. Mr. Scott, by a former mar- riage, has a son, named Chester C .; and his wife, also by a former marriage, has a daughter, named Effie J. Tethers.

AMES F. TOBIN, deceased, was for many years one of the prominent business men of Vallejo and a large contractor with the United States Government in the supply of the navy and navy yard in the line of fresh meats. He was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, August 15, 1830, and served an apprenticeship in the grocery business in his native town, and in that country an apprentice to any business becomes thorough before he leaves it. At the age of nineteen years he camne to America, settling in New York, where he spent about five years, on Staten Island, in the grocery business. In 1855 he came to California, remaining in San Fran- cisco a short time, and then came to Vallejo, where he remained permanently and where his family still continue. Ile at once engaged in the butcher business, which he soon enlarged, so that for many years he had heavy contracts to supply the inan-of-war vessels, and the foreign shipping that came to Vallejo for wheat. This business he continued until his death. He was also interested in farmning and stock-raising, be- ing at the time of his death one of the largest land owners in the county, possessing not less than 3,000 acres in this connty alone. His stock ranch is still conducted by Mrs. Tobin, who supplies from it all the beef used in filling these and many other contracts, and also the shop, which has been purchased by Mr. James McCudden. The family live in their lovely home on Virginia street in Vallejo. Mr. Tobin was all through his life an active and devoted business man, continually extending his opera- tions. He had no time to devote to politics ex- cept as required by his duty as a citizen, bnt always supported the Republican party. He

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died in Vallejo, July 24, 1889, of Bright's dis- ease, after one year's illness.

He was married in San Francisco, in 1860, to Miss Catherine Lynch, a native of County Cavan, Ireland, and five of their children are living, namely: William J , born September 1, 1861, and now in the grocery and provision trade in Vallejo; Lizzie, who received her edn- cation at the Convent of Notre Dame at San José; Marie E., who is a graduate of St. Vin- cent's Convent at Vallejo; Lilly A., also a graduate of the same and now attending a course at San Rafael; and Cecilia, now attend ing the Convent of St. Vincent at Vallejo. Two children have died,-Martin E. and James P.

ENRY SEAMAN, a prominent farmer five miles west of Winters, Yolo County, was born October 12, 1826, in Prussia. His parents, Jacob and Catherine (Jacobs) Sea- man, natives also of Prussia, emigrated in 1837 to Cincinnati, Ohio, and the next year to Indiana, where he died in 1845; he was a farmer most of his days. Henry's mother died when he was very young. As he grew up he was first employed in a general store, from 1837 to 1847. In 1858 he came across plain and moun- tain to California, with ox teams, and for the first seven years he was a resident of Sacra- mento: ten months of this time he was clerk in the Bee-Hive Hotel. In 1859 he purchased a ranch on Putah Creek, in Solano County. His place now contains 2,000 acres, fifty acres of which are in orchard. He has also been a very extensive stock-raiser. In 1890 he bonght a nice residence,-a house and four lots-in Winters, where also he is raising some very fine fruit.

He was united in marriage in Sacramento, in 1858, to Miss Peredes, a native of Chili, who died in 1864. The next year, in Suisun City, Mr. Seaman married Ellen Ryan, a native of Ireland, born November 15, 1837. Their only

child, Henry, was born Angust 19, 1866, and died in 1875.

ETER MORRISON CLEGHORN was born in Lenoxshire, Scotland, April 25, 1820. His parents, James and Betsey (Morrison) Cleghorn, were natives of Scotland. They carried on farming, in a limited way, and were faithful members of the Presbyterian Church. To them were born fourteen children, and all except one lived to adult age. Eight of the family still survive. The oldest brother, James, is a resident of Iowa and, at this writing, is eighty-three years of age. The subject of this sketch was the fifth child. He received his education in his native land and became pro- ficient in farming and in the care of stock, es- pecially sheep. Ile emigrated to Canada in 1848. He there worked at lumbering, both in the woods and saw-mills, and later became an engineer. After remaining in Canada for five years and losing his health, he sought a change of climate, went to the State of New York and for four years drove a teain for Seymore Bros. & Co. He then went to Iowa, where he spent a year, after which, in 1859. he crossed the plains to California. He immediately engaged in mining, on Butte Creek, and made good wages. From there he went to Chico and worked for General Bidwell, driving and break- ing horses. Next he assisted Mr. John N. Montgomery in the sheep business. In 1866 he entered into that business for himself. He began with about 475 head of sheep and not a foot of land, and continued the business for eighteen years. At the end of that time he had 3,400 acres of land and from 2,500 to 3,000 sheep. In 1884 he sold out, and purchased a neat and tasteful home in Red Bluff, where he now resides. He employs his time in caring for the grounds around his home, and he lives on the interest of his money.

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A memorial and biographical history of northern California, illustrated. Containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its occupancy...and biographical mention of many of its most eminent pioneers and also of prominent citizens of today, Part 105

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago : The Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 1000

Author: Lewis Publishing Company. cn
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago : The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 1000