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 98
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Major Freeman has had a public career which will ever redound to his credit in the history of this county and State. He cast his first presi- dential vote for James Buchanan in 1856, that being his first and last Democratic vote. Though born a Southerner and reared in the semi-South- ern State of Missouri, he cast his lot with the Republican party and was a supporter of Abra - ham Lincoln in his first race for the presidency, and he has ever since been active in the party's councils. In 1870 he was elected to the State Legislature of California, and in that body
served on the Swamp Lands and Ways and. Means Committees. His unselfish, independent course as an advocate of fair play for the peo- ple attracted the attention of his fellow mem- bers, and thus greatly delighted his constitu- ents, and consequently assured his re-election in 1872. During that session he was chosen Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, and served also as a member of the Committee on Swamp Lands. This session witnessed even greater advancement of Major Freeman in popular esteem, and he proved a stumbling- block in the path of monopoly. He advocated about thirty-eight ineasures which became laws, and signalized his second term in the Legisla- ture by accomplishing as much work as was ever done by a member of that body. The " Freeman Freights and Fare Bill," which he carried through the lower House after a long fight against tremendous opposition and which was lost only through defeat in the Senate, on account of the great pressure brought to bear by the railroad companies, achieved even national notoriety for Mr. Freeman, and his efforts in this direction were encouraged by the leading newspapers of California, including the San Francisco Examiner, Bulletin, Chronicle and others and the Sacramento Union. This fight created more excitement than any other contest made before or since on any measure before the Legislature of this State. Among the many laws which he had passed at this session was one to reorganize the Yolo County government, making the compensation of officers payable by salary instead of fees. He also had passed the bill providing for a form of government for Woodland, whose citizens wished to incorporate, and theaffairs of the municipality were conducted under his system until it was reincorporated in 1890 under the general laws. The effect of this measure was to secure for Woodland through all these years a remarkably low rate of taxation and to turn it over to the new regime out of debt. Major Freeman was the regular candidate of the Republicans for Speaker of the House during the last session he was a
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member. His able efforts in behalf of the peo- ple gave him a strong hold upon their esteem and affection, and he could undoubtedly have had the nomination for Governor on either the Republican or the Independent ticket in 1874. He would not have entered the independent ranks, however, under any circumstances, and knowing that there were troublous times ahead for the regular Republican ticket, he would not consent to the use of his name before the con- vention. He has always remained true to the Republican party. During the war he was one of the stanchest supporters of the old flag to be found in California. He held a Major's com- mission in the State militia from Governor Downey, and while his services were never called for he would have been found under the banner of his country if the trouble had occurred that many anticipated in the State. The title of " Major " which came to him through this commission has always clung to him. He is a Knight Templar in Freemasonry, belonging to Woodland blue lodge and chapter and be- ing a life member of Sacramento Commandery.
Mr. Freeman's family consists of his esti- mable wife and one daughter, Miss Lillian, wlio is at present pursuing a collegiate course at Mills' Seminary. His beantiful residence was built in 1870, and is one of the many of which the town is justly proud. It is surrounded by a magnificent lawn, beautified by sub-tropical trees and shrubbery. South of the house is a large orange tree, which was planted by his baby daughter some years ago. In 1889 it was found necessary to plnek a large number of the oranges from it to prevent the branches from breaking.
Yet- in the prime of life, a resident of the beautiful city which has grown np from his own beginnings and under his fostering care, Major Freeman holds a secure place in the hearts of his fellow citizens. Genial in his nature, he ever maintains a youthful spirit that makes his company a constant pleasure to his large circle of warm friends. Generosity has always dis- tinguished him. It is said by his old neigh-
bors that when he was a merchant no one was turned away for want of funds whenever he knew that that was the reason of their failure to ask credit. It would be an almost endless task and now an impossible one to collect all the tes- timonials of this nature that have been occa- sioned by the Major's generosity.
AJOR GORHAM GATES KIMBALL is one of the most prominent of the business men of the city of Red Bluff, Tehama County, California. He was born in the town of Calais, Washington County, Maine, April 5, 1838. His father, James G. Kimball, was born in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Soon after the family removed to Newburyport. From there, in 1820, he went to Calais, Maine, where he married Emeline Gates, a daughter of Solo- mon Gates, one of the founders of the town of Calais. Our subject's father was a strict Congregationalist, and followed mercantile pur- snits all his life. He was the son of James Kimball, son of Nathaniel, son of John, son of Caleb, son of Caleb, Sr., son of Richard Kimball, who, with his wife, Ursula, and six children, came from England in the ship Elizabeth, in 1634, lived in Watertown a few years and removed to Ipswich, where four other children were born to them. In 1605 Lord Viscount Kimball, of London, England, received as a seal of royal favor from his gov- ernment the following coat of arms which de- scends to the name and family: "He bearetli argent, an eagle displayed between two dia- monds, azure, by the name of Kimball, granted arms 1605." An attested copy of this coat of arms was taken from heraldry and sent to Bos- ton on the 7th of November, 1799. This copy is now in the possession of Mr. G. G. Kimball, he having received it from his father. It has been handed down through eight generations. It is a rare historical relic of the family and is highly prized by Mr. Kimball. He is the one hundred and eighty-second child and of the
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eighth generation born in the United States of America. No better ancestry could be given to a man than to be the seventh generation of hardy, liberty-loving New Englanders, reared to econ- omy, honesty and industry, reared in the faith of the Puritans and reared in the love of liberty. Such are the sons New England has sent to the West. Their power for good has been felt in every State in the Union, and they have led the overland march of Empire until at last they have brought their enterprise to the shores of the great Pacific; and none have more ability to develop the resources of this great State than they.
Mr. Kimball apent his boyhood in his native town and attended the common schools and the academy. Having a natural love for trade, in 1855, when only seventeen years of age, he pre- vailed upon his father to allow him to leave school and engage in business. He went to Boston, made his own purchase and embarked in his first business enterprise, and for two years was a popular young merchant in his native town.
The glowing accounts of the gold mines on the Pacific coast filled him with interest and a desire for a new and wider field in which to operate. When he made known his desires the family gave their consent with great reluctance. His father took the business from him, assumed the debts, and furnished him the money with which to come to California. Also, to provide against a contingency, he gave him a draft of $600 to be used if sick or to pay his passage home, fully expecting to see him return dis- gnsted with his folly. However, the young man exhibited his spirit and character by after- ward returning with his thanks the canceled and unused draft. Mr. Kimball came to Cali- fornia with a number of other young men of Calais, whose names he takes pleasure in record- ing. They were: Thomas Horton, Daniel Smith, Leonard McAllister, Parker Hinkley and James Simpson, M. D. The latter has attained prom- inence as a physician in San Francisco. They went together to New York city. All agreed to
start at " bed rock " by taking steerage passage. They made the Atlantic voyage in the Moses Taylor, and on the Pacific ocean they took pas- sage in the Golden Gate. The journey was one of great risk and peril. The ship was packed with passengers and the small-pox broke out among them. Those on board who were victims to the scourge were consigned to a watery grave. It created a great panic among the passengers, but was fortunately checked. The ship subse- quently caught fire and caused a fearful fright, but the fire was gotten under control, and they were all safely lauded at San Francisco in Octo- ber, 1857.
Upon reaching California Mr. Kimball had $35 of his money left. His first work was piling lumber for Mr. Z. B. Haywood, a lumber dealer in San Francisco and an old friend of his father, to whom he had a letter. His wages were $2.50 per day. The young men kept " bachelors' hall" in a honse on Pacific street, the basement being given over to midnight orgies and revelry as a dance honse. While working with Mr. Haywood he visited his aunt, who was the wife of General Alfred Redington. The General was condneting the business of the California Steam Navigation Company at Sacramento, and was taking a prominent part in California affairs. He offered Mr. Kimball work. He, however, re- fused to accept it and returned to San Francisco, as he had not tired of that city. He then pur- chased a one-horse dray and the good will of the business from a man who was homesick and wished to return to the States; so he became a drayman and continued it for several months, clearing $100 per month. The former owner returned and bought back the dray from Mr. Kimball. At this time he accepted a position from General Redington as porter on one of the Navigation Company's steamers. He attended . to his duties faithfully. His affable manners and good nature made him many friends, and the four bits and even larger coins came in freely; so that often he had twenty dollars at the end of a day's work. He was soon promoted to steward and afterward to clerk, and ran on
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all the boats of the company from Sacramento to Red Bluff, then the head of navigation on the Sacramento River.
While thus engaged he made the acquaintance of many ladies and gentlemen, who still remem- ber the efficient clerk, Gorham Kimball, of those early days of river transportation.
During all this time, which brings us down to 1860, Mr. Kimball enjoyed the advantages of being an inmate of General Redington's home, which was presided over by his aunt, with whom he was a favorite and to whose kind influence for good he feels that he owes much. His health became impaired while steamboating, and he regained it by two sea- sons' hunting and fishing on the Coast Range. His next business venture was a partnership with General Redington in the sheep business. They bought 700 head of sheep at $5.50 apiece. The price was high and the undertaking a bold one for a man without experience. The well- dressed steamboat clerk donned overalls and flannel shirt, became a shepherd, managed the business personally, experienced the mysteries of sheep-raising, successfully treated the " scab," fought off the coyotes, withstood the storms of winter and the heat and losses of sninmer and successfully followed the business with praise- worthy persistency for two years. He finally drove his sheep through Idaho to the Missouri the journey being attended with much hard- snip. Ile sold some of the sheep and traded a part for inules which he brought back and sold in Sacramento, getting out of the business with a handsome profit. The debts of the firm were paid off and Mr. Kimball loaned what money lic had left to a friend who needed financial aid. This placed him back where he was when he first came to the State, out of money.
For one year Mr. Kimball bought mutton sheep and drove to Virginia City, where he re- ceived a fair market price. The mines were being worked at that place and he dealt with the miners direct. Then for a short time he returned to steamboating, but again his health failed and his friend, Dr. Simpson, advised him
to leave the river and engage in farming. He came to Tehama County and engaged in real- estate transactions. He studied the laws of the United States and the State governments, and interested himself in the location and purchase of government lands, being very successful and acquiring large tracts of cheap but valuable lands.
In 1870 he formed a partnership with Mr. J. C. Tyler, and again engaged in the sheep busi- ness. They bought out Mr. Beers Guyre, of Tehama County, giving him $3 each for 2,600 ewes. Mr. Kimball took the management of the business and it grew to large dimensions. They made extensive additions to their lands, and have been instrumental in developing this industry in Tehama and Shasta counties. In 1875 Mr. Kimball formed a copartnership with Major L. S. Welton, in the mercantile business. Mr. Welton retired from the business in 1876 and the firm of Cone & Kimball was formed. The latter took the active management of the business, for which he has shown eminent fit- ness, as he is a born merehant. They largely increased their capital and became the leading merchants and wheat and wool buyers of North- ern California. After several years occupying the old store which they bought when they be- gan business, they, in 1886, built their present beautiful store, 100 x 115 feet, two stories and a baseinent, on the corner of Main and Walnut streets, in the business center of the town. The structure is an imposing and grand one, funished with a tower in which they have placed a town-clock. The building and its con- tents are a credit to the builders and owners and a most valuable acquisition to the city. They have also built three large warehouses on the railroad track, in which to handle their grain and wool. They are owners of a large branch store at Vina, where they are handling large quantities of dried fruit. Mr. Kimball owns several tracts of valuable land and continues to raise sheep and grain.
In politics he has always been a Republican, and has been an active member of the Repub-
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lican State Central Committee for years. In 1882 he was nominated for member of the State Board of Equalization and in his district ran far ahead of his ticket. He has taken a deep interest in local affairs, and never fails to aid in any enterprise that he thinks will promote the interests of his town. He has held the office of President of the Board of Trustees of the city, President of the Board of Trade, and is now President of the Agricultural Society of Tehama County. Upon his own request, Major Kimball was placed upon the retired list of the National Guard of California, with the rank of Major. Born under a lucky star, or, more likely, endowed with nunsnal executive ability, prosperity attends him in all his undertakings. In religious views his preference is given to the Congregational Church, the church in which he was reared, although he is not a member. The different churches of Red Bluff have received liberal aid from him. IIe re- spects the laws of God and man, and believes in that broad religion which feeds the hungry and clothes the naked and brings to the service of a friend absolute fidelity.
Mr. Kimball was married, in 1875, to Mrs. Agnes Pond, a native of Philadelphia. Mrs. Kimball is an estimable lady and an active member of the Presbyterian Church, of which her husband is one of the trustees.
Their home is a most delightful rose and vine embowered one. The lawn comprises three acres and is dotted over with choice flowers, shrubs and trees of various kinds. Its every surrounding evinces the taste and refinement of the occupants. Mr. and Mrs. Kimball are justly proud of their beautiful home, and they take a pleasure in sharing it with their hosts of friends.
J. CLANTON, a fruit-drier at Woodland, is a son of J. M. and Mary (Riggs) Clanton, the former a native of Tennessee, born in 1808, a farmer by trade and now living
in Woodland, at the age of eighty one years, and his mother, a native of Kentucky, born in 1810, died in Woodland in 1867. They came to California in 1853, bringing all their chil- dren with them except the eldest son, D. R., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. E. J. was born in Adams County, Illinois, May 1, 1832. Leaving Quincy, in that county, April 1, 1853, for California, he arrived in Yolo County, September 17. His present home, just outside of the limits of Woodland, on Main street, consists of forty acres, on which he raises grapes and other fruits and dries raisins, at the rate of abont thirty tons a year. Besides, he dries one ton of apricots and a small quantity of Bartlett pears.
Mr. Clanton was first married in 1863, to M. A. Kelsay. Their children were: Josephine, now the wife of James England and residing in Lakeport, Lake County; and Jennie A., who married D. G. Hartman and lives near Dun- nigan, Yolo County. His present wife, nee Mary D. Kettle, was born in Indiana in 1847. Her parents are now living in Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Clanton were married in Callaway Connty, that State, September 10, 1874. Mr. Clanton is a member of Woodland Lodge, No. 111, I. O. O. F.
OHN KEITHLEY, a Yolo County farmer, was born in Harrison County, Indiana, November 15, 1828, a son of Jacob and Sarah (Roberts) Keithley, natives of Kentucky. The grandfather of John Keithley was a pioneer of Kentucky. Jacob was a farmer, and moved from Kentucky to Indiana when a young man, and thence in 1837 to McDonongh County, Illinois, which was at that time a new and wild section of the country. He came to California in 1869, but in the fall of the same year he re- turned to Illinois. During 1870, however, he came again to California and purchased land near Santa Rosa. This he sold and returned to Illinois the second time in 1871. In 1872 he
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acme the third time to the Golden State, prin- cipally for the sake of its climate, and purchased land near Fulton Station, in Sonoma County, and lived there until he died, in Angust, 1875, at the age of sixty-nine years. Ilis wife re- turned again to Illinois, where she is now resid- ing, at the age of eighty five years. They had ten sons and two daughters, all of whom are living except one son, who died in California.
Mr. John Keithley, whose name heads this sketch, was reared on the Illinois farm, com- inencing to plow corn at the early age of eight years. He was a member of the parental honse- hold until twenty-three years of age, when, with all his earthly possessions in a " prairie schooner," he set out, in 1852, across the interminable desert for the Golden Coast. His journey, occupying six months, was a pleasant one. After visiting Downieville, Marysville and Sacramento, he went to Mormon Island, and was engaged in digging a canal about six weeks. Returning to Sacramento a short time, he was persuaded by friends to go to the mines again, and he spent one month among them at Placerville, but with poor success. After pay- ing for his board he had $300, with which he decided to return to Illinois; but on ascertain- ing the fare at San Francisco, he was afraid to start, and he went to the San José Valley for a short time, and then, in company with his brother, William, and a friend, went to Red- wood City and took a contract to cut redwood Inmber. At this work they each cleared $1,160 in seven months. Going again to Sacramento, they purchased cattle with the expectation of returning to Redwood City and following the business of teaming; but on arriving there they sold the cattle, at an advance of $20 a head; and they immediately purchased other cattle and during the following winter followed teaming to Redwood City. The following spring they sold their teams to the mill company and worked by the month nntil fall. Then the company " broke up " and Mr. Keithley and his partner took back their teams for the purpose of carrying on the farm with them a year.
They then returned to Sacramento and followed teaming, principally to the mines at Nevada City, doing a little farming at the same time in Sacramento County, for two years. During the ensuing winter they sold out, and they found themselves in possession of $14,000, which they invested in the cattle trade. Two years subse- quently they sold out again and engaged in sheep-rearing in Solano County, having at one time over 7,000 head; but a collapse and they retired from that business, with a loss of about $20,000. In 1860 they purchased the Henry Conner tract of land, consisting of 1,000 acres, and began raising wheat, and teaming again to Virginia City, and thus they were engaged in partnership until 1865, when they divided their funds. Since then Mr. John Keithley has been a constant resident on the Yolo County farm, where he has made all the improvements and where to-day he is enjoying prosperity. The ranch now contains 840 acres in Yolo County, 640 in another portion of the county and 320 in Solano County. With his general farming busi- ness he also makes a specialty of mules and fine horses. In his political views he is a Republi- can. In 1889 he visited his old home in Illi- nois, for the first time since he left it in 1852.
He was married, in 1865, to Miss Maria E. Briggs, a native of Massachusetts, who died November 15, 1866; and he was married again, in October, 1868, to Miss Alicia Reynolds, a native of Canada, and they have three sons and one daughter: George F. L., William E., James R. and Geneva E.
NCIL L. BROWN, Treasurer of Tehaina County, is a Native Son of the Golden West. He was born in Newville, Colusa County, California, Angust 19, 1862, and is the youngest treasurer this county ever had. Ile is a son of Henry W. Brown, a well known and highly respected resident of the county, whose history will be found on another page of this book.
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Mr. Brown first attended school in Colusa County, and when he was ten years old, in 1872, the family removed to Tehama County. Here he pursued his studies and graduated at Red Bluff College in 1881. After leaving school he engaged in the sheep business, and in that year went with a hand of 6,000 sheep to Colorado, disposed of them there at a handsome profit and returned. The trip required eight months. He then went to San Francisco and accepted a position with a wholesale house as salesman, re- maining there until 1885. In that year he en- gaged in the sheep business, on his own account, buying and driving 6,000 sheep to Wyoming Territory. He reached that place in October, 1885, and remained there until the following Angust, when he made an advantageous sale and returned to Red Bluff. At that time he engaged with his father and brother in the general mer- chandise business, which he conducted success- fully until August, 1888, when they sold out.
During the political campaign of 1888 Mr. Brown was solicited by his friends to perunit his name to run for the office of Treasurer of the connty. He was nominated without opposition, and made a lively campaign against a very popu- lar gentleman on the opposite ticket, being elected by thirteen majority. Thus far he has filled the office with marked success. In the fall of 1889 he collected the sum of $205,000.
He has been appointed by the Board of Supervisors to collect the license tax of the county.
Mr. Brown took an active part in the organ- ization of the Parlor of Native Sons of the Golden West at Red Bluff, in 1881, and is one of the charter members. They have a member- ship of about forty of the best young men in Tehama County. Mr. Brown is treasurer of the organization. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and has held several offices in that order. Poli- tically he is a Democrat. He is a young man of promise and unusual ability. That his integ- rity and business qualifications are appreciated by his fellow citizens is attested by the fact that lie has a second time been unanimously nomi-
nated for County Treasurer,-was nominated without opposition by the Democratic party in Angust, 1890, and indorsed by the Republicans in the following month, and was elected to fill a second term.
Mr. Brown was married on the 19th day of September, 1890, to Miss Mary F. Frank, who is a native of California, and is President of, and one of the charter members of Berrendos Parlor, No. 23, Native Daughters of the Golden West.
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