An illustrated history of Sacramento County, California : containing a history of Sacramento County from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future portraits of some of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also prominent citizens of today, Part 112

Author: Davis, Winfield J., 1851- 4n
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 916

USA > California > Sacramento County > An illustrated history of Sacramento County, California : containing a history of Sacramento County from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future portraits of some of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also prominent citizens of today > Part 112

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

trade with which to fight the battle of life. Ac- cordingly, he entered as an apprentice with Wysold & Pierce, a firm of masons, served his time and became an expert bricklayer. Early in 1850 his half-brother, C. W. Pierce, had come to California, and, in connection with B. F. Alexander, established the firm of Pierce & Alexander, contractors and builders, in the city of Sacramento. In 1852 Mr. Pierce returned to Ohio on a visit, and his account of the "golden" opportunities to be had in this lo- cality induced Mr. Ross to accompany him back to this State. Coming by way of the Nicaragua route, they arrived here in April, 1853. Mr. Ross, being a skilled workman, readily found employment at $12 a day. But as money conld be made much more rapidly in the cattle trade, Mr. Ross, in company with his half-brother, en- gaged in that business, buying their stoek in tule lower counties of the State and driving them across the country to Sacramento, to sup- ply the demand occasioned by the mining ope- rations upon the Sacramento River and other mining districts, whose base of supply was at this point. In this business he continued until 1859, when, having accumulated a handsome suin and become weary of the ardnous duties connected with the cattle trade, he went to the Cosumnes River, in what is now Lee Township, and purchased a ranch of 600 aeres; and it was during this time, October 3, 1859, that he was married to Miss Rachel A. Bailey, daughter of Joshua T. Bailey, a pioneer who crossed the plains from Wisconsin in 1849, and settled in Brighton Township, where he died. Mr. Ross has continued to live upon this ranch for nearly thirty years, peaceful, happy and prosperous. Trials come, it is true, for none escape them. His first son, Angustus, after gladdening their hearts for six brief years, died and was buried here. Four other sons and four daughters have been born in this family. On the 16th of No- vember, 1887, their mother passed to her eter- nal rest, leaving a record of a well-spent life in the hearts of those who knew her. Mr. Ross has been, and is, an outspoken Democrat in his

political sympathies; and the fact that his sup- porters in public office are also derived largely from the Republican ranks speaks volumes in his favor. His district is strongly Republiean; but when in 1885 he received the nomination of his party for the responsible position of super- visor of Sacramento County, in the election that followed he was complimented with the hand- some majority of 150 votes. During his terin of service he was the only Democratic meinber of the Board. He is a member of the order of Patrons of Husbandry, and of Galt Encamp- ment, No. 239, I. O. O. F .; and is also a member of the Caledonian Club.

RANK MECKFESSEL, of Sacramento, is a native of Germany, born ten miles from Bremen, Hanover, on the 8th day of De- cember, 1838, his parents being Frederick and Gretchen Meckfessel. He was reared at his native place until he had finished his education, at the age of fourteen, and, his mother having died when he was only ten years, he came to the United States in 1852. IIe sailed from Bremen to New Orleans on the German vessel " Rebecca," then proceeded to St. Louis, when he again commenced attendance at school, this time for something over a year. He then served an apprenticeship with Weston & Herrish, hat- ters, at the corner of Third street and Wash- ington avenue. He remained with them until 1861, when he came out to California, via New York, which city he left in April, on the steamer "Champion." Crossing the Isthinus of Pan- ama, he resmined his sea voyage on the steamner " Golden Gate," and landed at San Francisco April 26, 1861. He came at once to Sacramento and has resided here ever since. Since 1869 lie has been engaged in trucking and by fair and honest dealing and prompt attention to the calls of business, he has built up a large and perma- nent trade, and a solid and lasting reputation. Mr. Meekfessel was married in this city on the 25th of January, 1865, to Miss Eliphalet Skel-

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ton, a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Meck- fessel have reared one son-Frank, Jr., a young man of much promise, now engaged with Hunt- ington, Hopkins & Co., as stenographer. Mr. Meckfessel is a member of Schiller Lodge, No. 105, I. O. O. F.

ACOB M. NIELSEN, one of the most prominent representatives of the black- smithing business in Sacramento, and brother of C. Nielson, whose sketch appears else- where, is a native of Denmark, born at Gudj- berg, near Svendborg, on the 22d of September, 1855. He was reared there, and attended school from his seventh year until he had reached the age of fourteen years. He then commenced the trade of blacksmithing, and served an appren- ticeship of four years. He also attended the King's Veterinary College, at Copenhagen, and there learned the trade of horse-healing in all its fine points, having been sent there by the Agricultural Society. When he was six months past his twenty-first birthday he entered an engineer regiment, in the army, composed of mechanics. He served with his regiment fifteen consecutive months, and in the fall of the follow- ing year went back for a short term. In the spring of 1878 he came to this country with his brother, C. Nielsen. Proceeding by rail to Hamburg, they took steamer to Grimsley, Eng- land, thence went to Liverpool, and from there made the voyage to Halifax on the steamer "Caspian." They left home on the 3d of April, and left Hamburg on the 4th. They were two days on the North Sea, in Liverpool five days, and eleven days from there to Halifax. From there they proceeded to Montreal, thence to Chicago, and from there to Sacramento. He went to work here for Holzman, Anderson & Co., Eleventh and J streets, and remained with them seven or eight months. He then went to Ynba City, and after working a short time there returned to Sacramento, and engaged with M. L. Wise, with whom he remained until he went

in partnership with his brother in business, in May, 1880. Since the partnership was dis- solved, in 1883, he has been in business alone. In 1888 he put up his present substantial brick building at 1011 Tenth street. It is 28 x 40 feet in ground area, and affords the best facili- ties for his business. He employs two skilled workmen, besides himself. In the horseshoe- ing line he makes a specialty of the shoeing of race-horses and fine animals generally. Among his patrons may be mentioned Wilbur Smith, Dr. Hicks, Matt Storms, and many other own- ers and handlers of fine horses. None but the most skillful operators can command this trade, bnt Mr. Nielsen's thorough scientific training especially fits him for this difficult class of work. In him Sacramento has one of the mas- ters of his profession. Mr. Nielsen was married in Sacramento, March 8, 1882, to Miss Ida Bondeson, a native of Sweden. They have three children, viz .: Niels Elwood, Jacob Roy and Eda Elbertina. Mr. Nielsen is a popular man, and well deserves the success that has at- tended him in business. The parents of the Nielsen brothers are now living in Denmark, but the business formerly carried on by the father is now conducted by his son Nicolai. Another son besides those mentioned here is a resident of Sacramento, viz .: Corfitz Nielsen, of the firni of Westwick & Nielsen, grocers and manufact- urers of the Danish Viking Bitters.

ILLIAM MELVIN (now deceased) was for many years one of the best-known residents of Sacramento, having been identified with the city from the mining days until the time of his death. He was a native of Belfast, Ireland, born in 1819, who came to this country with his parents when he was twelve years of age. The family located at Rochester, New York, where the father con- dueted a blacksmithing, wagon and carriage- making shop, and there William Melvin learned his trade on arriving at a suitable age. In

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HISTORY OF . SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

1854 he came to California via New York and Panama, footing it across the Isthinus. Land- ing at San Francisco, he came at once to Sacra- mento, and obtained employment with the stage company, at their shops, on the corner of Fifth and L streets. Leaving them, he went with the firm of Pike & Young, corner of Fourth and L, with whom he reinained until 1857. He then went back to Rochester, New York, and in the follo ving year brought his family out to Sacra- mento. He went into business for himself on Fourth street, between I and J, afterward re- moving to the corner of Fourth and I, and removing to the present location of the shop in 1881. In 1884 he took his son Herbert G. Melvin into partnership, and the firin so con- tinued until his death. He was married in Rochester, New York, to Miss Honora Ann Geegan, who died in 1865. By that marriage there were four children, of whom three are living, viz .: Herbert G., Margaret, wife of Da- vid Faulkner, of Sacramento, and Nettie J. The deceased child, William Montgomery, was aged about twenty-one at the time of his death. Mr. Melvin wasa member of the American Prot- estant Association. He was one of the oldest members of the Neptune Hose Company, in the volunteer fire department; was for a long time its foreman, and was a prominent member of the Ex- empt Firemen's Association. He was a stanch Re- publican in his political affiliations, but after the celebrated " Short-Hair Convention," as it was facetionsly called, to which he was a dele- gate, he never took an active part in party or- ganization. IIis death occurred on the 1st of June, 1887, and was mourned by a large circle of friends.

ERBERT G. MELVIN, now the proprie- tor of the business still conducted under the firm name of William Melvin & Son, is a native of Rochester, New York, born An- gust 26, 1852. He was reared in Sacramento, and received his education in the public schools

of this city. He learned his trade in his father's shops, and in 1884 became a partner in the business. Since his father's death the business has fallen into his hands entirely, and his man - agement of it shows his excellent business quali- fications. He employs, on an average. eight skilled workinen, and does all kinds of wagon and truck manufacturing, general blacksmith- ing, horse shoeing etc., but makes a specialty of the manufacture of heavy trucks, in which this shop stands unequalled. The demand for these trucks extends to a considerable distance from this city. Mr. Melvin was married in this city, in September, 1878, to Miss Nettie J. Russell, a native of Sacramento County. He is a mem- ber of Columbia Lodge, K. of P., and of Enreka Lodge, I. O. O. F. He was for seven years a member of the City Guard of Sacramento, and rose from the ranks to the rank of First Ser- geant. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Melvin is one of the most active and enterpris- ing young men of business in Sacramento, and well deserves the success with which he is meeting.

HARLES WILKE, manufacturing jeweler, Sacramento, is a native of Germany, born at Hoff, Bavaria, on the 31st of July. 1841, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Zinn) Wilke, the father a musician by profession, and leader of a military band. The subject of this sketch was reared at his native place, received the education afforded by the public schools of Hoff, and was graduated at the Lower Polytech- nic School, which he attended for three years after leaving the common schools, being one of the snecessful candidates, although forty-eight out of a class of sixty-four were rejected. He served an apprenticeship at the jeweler's trade with John Laupmann, then traveled to polish up his knowledge of the trade, being engaged in all five and a half years in Europe, including his apprenticeship. He worked at Prague and Vienna, thence went to the frontier. "He de-

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

cided to go to America, and on the 3d of Sep- tember, 1863, he sailed from Bremen on the old sail ship Atlantic, and landed at New York on the 25th of October. He remained there until the 1st of December, working in his own room, then went to Pittsburg. There he en- gaged with Charles Terhuyten, with whom he remained three years. He then worked in his own shop for the firm of McFadden & Co .. In . 1870 he started for himself, and later worked some six or seven months for the leading firm of Pittsburg (now James R. Reed & Co.). In 1876 he came to California, locating at Sacra- mento, and soon commenced business on the corner of Fifth and J streets, up stairs. He manufactured work for the trade there nearly seven years, and in Jannary, 1883, established himself at his present location on Seventh street, between J and K. Mr. Wilke was mar- ried in December, 1863, to Miss Louisa Diet- rich, a native of Bohemia. They have had eight children, of whom six are living, viz .: Chris, who married Emma Schwann; Emma, wife of Seaman Wilde, of Sacramento, and Martha, George, Nellie and Charles. Mr. Wilke is a member of California Lodge, K. of P .; of Harmony Lodge, K. & L. of H .; of Walhalla Grove, No. 6, A. O. D., and of the Verein-Eintracht. He is a pushing man of business, and has earned his snecess by his own efforts.

DIERSSEN & Co .- Probably no firm in Sacramento offers an instance of such rapid rise to a place among the leading business houses, as does that of D. Dierssen & Co., wholesale and retail grocers, corner of Ninth and L streets. Therefore a personal sketch of the gentlemen who have been identi- fied with the firm becomes necessary in this connection. D. Dierssen is a native of Prussia, born near Bremen, on the 5th of February, 1852, his parents being John and Anna Eliza (Roquit) Dierssen, the father a merchant. He

spent his early boyhood days at his native place, and there received his schooling. In 1865 he came to the United States, locating at Brooklyn, where he remained three years. The following year he was in New York, and in 1869 he came to California, locating in Sacramento. He was but a mere boy in years yet, was an entire stranger, and had bnt $4 in his pocket. After he had been here a few days, he got out of funds, and meeting Charles Heisen, obtained employment tending bar for him at his place on Seventh and I streets. Eight months later he formed a partnership with Mr. Laminermann, corner of Eighth and L streets, but after about two weeks Mr. Lamermann was taken sick, and sold his interest to Mr. Heisen. One month later Mr. Heisen sold out to Fred. Koster, and the latter and Mr. Dierssen remained in business about eleven months, when Claus Feld- husen purchased Mr. Dierssen's interest for $625. The latter then rested for three or four weeks, and he then went in partnership with D. Kohler, and they engaged in business on I street, between Sixth and Seventh. The interest of Mr. Dierssen was estimated at $1,000, and he paid on it $625 in cash. After they had been in business six months, Mr. Kohler said he wanted to go back to Switzerland, and would buy or sell for $250. So Mr. Dierssen bought him out, and continued the business alone. Then a fire burned the building and stock, and the Occidental Insurance Company, in which he was insured, paid but forty cents on the dol- lar, having been crippled by the great Chicago fire of six months before. Mr. Dierssen lost even all his extra clothing by the fire, and with his $400 insurance money paid up his debts. Thus, after three years of hard work, he was left to start over again from the very last round of the ladder. He obtained employment with John Batcher, on Third and M streets, and after working for him two years had saved up $163. One day, as he was passing a store on the corner of Twelfth and O streets, then in charge of Charles Lnhrs, an acquaintance, that gentleman told him if he would buy the place, he would

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see him through. Mr. Dierssen considered the proposition, accepted the offer, and then gave up his position with Mr. Batcher. There was but the slimmest kind of a stock in his new store, and he commenced business there with an actual capital of only $163, and a debt of $400. There was a little room back of the store-room, and in it he boarded himself. He cleaned up the place, and put the small stock in good order, and commenced to build up a trade, He had no one to assist him, and he delivered goods after nine o'clock at night, when the store was closed. In six months he had money enough to pay off his indebtedness. He kept improving gradually, and after he had been in business four years and a half at Twelfth and O, he removed to the southeast corner of Ninth and L, across the street from the present store. In 1884 the fine building now occupied by the store was erected, and is now the seat of a mag- nificent trade. Mr. Dierssen was married in this city, on the 7th of February, 1875, to Miss Sophia Lauken, a native of California, born in Yolo County, and educated in Sacramento. They have four children, viz .: Addie, Laura, Willie and Richard. In 1887, Mr. Dierssen purchased a ranch in Yolo County, and sold it in 1889, for $8,100. In the latter year he pur- chased 2,160 acres of land in Kings County, Washington, stretching between points from one and a half to nine miles from Seattle. This land is eligibly situated, and must prove a great investment. He has an interest in a hop ranch near McConnell Station, in Sacramento County, which he purchased in 1881. In 1877, Mr. Dierssen took a trip to Europe for pleasure and recreation, having well earned a vacation from business cares. Mr. Dierssen's ease certainly presents an edifying example for young men. Commencing work in this city when his pocket was literally empty, he began the battle with fortune amid the most adverse circumstances, and he has fought his way to the front until he is now a capitalist, able to retire, thoughi still a young man, in the prime and vigor of life. He will, however, attend personally to his invest-

ments, and is destined to make his mark in yet brighter fields. His rank in financial circles has always been of the highest, and since he com- menced in business on the corner of Twelfth and O streets, he has never contracted a debt, but paid cash as he went. In social circles his standing is equally high, and he is an esteeme'l and honored member of the community in which he resides.

EORGE E. A. DIERSSEN, now control- ling the business of D. Dierssen & Co., is a brother of D. Dierssen, whose sketch appears above, and was born July 31, 1863. He was educated at Bremen between the ages of six and fourteen years, and in 1877 came to America with his brother (then home on a visit), and came on to Sacramento, after spending a week in New York. After reaching this city he en- gaged with his brother in the store, meantime attending night school with Mr. Goethe, corner of Twelfth and K streets. 1n 1884 he became a member of the firm, and is now the proprietor of the business. He was married on the 11th of April, 1889, to Miss Edith Ernst, who was reared in Sacramento, Mr. Dierssen is a mem- ber of lodge No. 40, A. F. & A. M., and of Sacramento Chapter No. 3, R. A. M. His store on the corner of Ninth and L streets, is one of the most complete in point of volume and variety of stock, and completeness of equip- ments, to be found in central California. The store is handsome in appearance, everything is in its place and in the neatest of order, while the whole place is light and dry, and exceedingly attractive in appearance. The large circular display stand, at the great corner windows, is a fine and novel feature. All the details of con- struction about the store are of the latest and most convenient patterns, affording unnsnal facilities for rapid handling of goods. The house does an extensive wholesale and retail business, and both departments are constantly increasing, so that this store, started on such a

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small scale, is getting to be one of the most prominent factors in the commercial circles of Sacramento. Mr. Dierssen is one of the bright- est and most active young business men in the city, is genial and courteous in his manner, and has a host of friends.

LEXIS JOSEPH DANIS, merchant, of Sacramento, is a native of Lower Canada, born at Montreal, September 17, 1832, his parents being Alexis and Ursula (Etchier) Danis. His father, who was born in France March 17, 1800, is yet living; while his mother, a native of Canada, of French descent, died in 1854, aged forty-nine years. A. J. Danis was reared at St. Eustace, twenty-one miles from Montreal, where his father, a potter by trade, had a pottery and blacksmith shop. He was educated at the French College at St. Eustace, and graduated there at the age of sixteen years. He obtained employment in the wholesale house of John Thompson, at Montreal, going to work at $2 a month, and having his wages in- creased until they reached $12 a month at the end of one year, including board, etc. He was next employed by Tiffine & Elliott, Montreal, and from there went to St. Eustace, where he opened a general country store. In 1856 he sold out his business for the purpose of re- moving to California. Going to New York, he took passage on the steamer Golden Age, on the 2d of June, and after crossing the Isthmus of Panama, eanie to San Francisco on the steamer New West, landing June 28. With him had come his brother Ozias (now in San Francisco), and a brother-in-law, Israel Millard. They met a Frenchman named Lachance, who said, " Boys, if you go to Oroville with me, there is a flume being built on the Feather River, where you can have employment." Mr. Danis had started with $2,200, and consequently had plenty of money. His offer was accepted, and the four started for San Francisco by boat, and getting into Sacramento at 2 A. M., spent the night at

the Free Swiss Hotel, where Baker & Hamilton now do business. They went by boat to Marys- ville, and thence by stage to Oroville. After three or four days, with mules, they took the trail to their destination, on Feather River. There they found the boss to be a French Cina- dian, and Mr. Danis, who was the only one of his party who could speak English, applied for work. The boss asked him where they were from, and when he answered " from Canada," he im- mediately gave them work, which continned for sixty-five days at 84 per day, with board. Then the finme was sold to a Chinaman, and Mr. Da- nis and his party returned to Sacramento. He obtained a situation with Lindley, Wooster & Weaver, at Seventh and J streets, and afterward with Shreet & Arnold. He was next with Dis- petcher & Field, on J, between Second and Third streets, where he became head porter, and when Mr. Dispetcher went to France he left Field in partnership with LeRoy. Field, after his mar- riage, went to France, and LeRoy closed ont the business, Mr. Danis being thus thrown out of a situation. He next went to work in the store of A. Wolf, with whom he remained until 1864. Just previous to the flood of 1861 he started on horseback toward the levee, to see how it stood at the old tannery. Arriving there, he saw water breaking through, and hurried back to give the aların to all whom he knew. When he got to Eighth and K streets, and told Mr. Cheva- lier, the latter laughed at him, but Mr. Danis told him he would have to be astir, or he would lose his goods. When he got to his own resi- dence, he found there was already from eighteen to twenty-two inches of water on the ground. The flood of the 9th of December, 1861, had already commenced its work of destruction. He hastened to the store and saved everything he could, and when he got back home to see how things were getting along, he fonnd four feet of water there, and constantly rising. By 4 o'clock P. M. there was from five to six feet of water on K, L and M streets, and four feet on J, but in the morn- ing it receded on account of the break on the R street levee. On the 10th of January,

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1862, the flood came again, mnuch heavier than before, and the water remained nine or ten days all over the city, so deep that one could get about only with canoes or boats. Mr. Danis and his brother (the latter being a good carpenter), built two boats, and they would eall on their friends in the second stories of honses. Mr. Danis' present wife, with her parents and sister, had to seek safety in the Stanford House, at Eighth and N streets, obtaining entrance through the second-story windows, their own house being only one-story in height. During the first night a horse swam right into the second-story of the house, and was saved. After the flood Mr. Da- nis recommenced work for his former employ- ers. In 1864 he engaged with L. Parsons & Co., with whom he remained three years, in the capacity of salesman and manager. He next went with Chevalier & Co .. with whom he re- inained until they removed to San Francisco. He then went to the city and obtained employ- ment as a salesman. He opened up Ebner Bros'. place on Fourth street, in the St. George build- ing, in the winter of 1863-'64, buying all the goods for their stock. In 1865 he again re- turned to the employ of Chevalier. His next employer was Jones, with whom he remained two years, and then went with G. W. Chesley, taking charge of his cigar department, which had just been started, Mr. Danis buying all the goods. He next went with Harris .& Cran or, and afterward went to Aurora with his two ten- inule teams loaded with liquors. On returning to Sacramento he went to work for Selden, and after a varied experience entered the employ of H. Weinreich. He next opened a shoe store on the corner of Sixth and J streets. After sev- eral months he closed up the store and went to work on commission. He commenced his present business in October, 1887. He was married to Catherine McCarthy, who was reared at Boston, Massachusetts. They have four children living, viz .: Lena, a graduate of the high school, now a teacher; Ella, a writer in the Mechanics' Store; Belle and Mabel. Mr. Danis has been a member of Capital Lodge, No. 87, I.

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Author: Davis, Winfield J., 1851- 4n Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 916

Author: Davis, Winfield J., 1851- 4n
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 916