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 113

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 113

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O. O. F., since 1865, and also belongs to Co- sumnes Tribe, No. 14, Red Men, of which he is a Past Sachem. He is an active Democrat po- litically, having cast his first vote in California for Stephen A. Donglas for president, and has represented his party in many eity and county conventions. He was the candidate for recor- der on the unsuccessful Democratic ticket in 1876. On his fifty-sixth birthday, in 1888, he had a brother aged eighty-six years, and two sisters aged respectively ninety-one and ninety- six years, and all sat down to one table together. Mr. Danis was the fourth in order of age of his father's children, and all the older ones are yet living.

ENRY FORTMAN .- Among the more enterprising of the young business men of Sacramento, and consequently worthy of mention in this work, is the gentleman with whose name this sketch commences. Henry Fortman, or " Harry," as he is generally known, is a native of Chicago, born on the south side of that great eity, on the corner of Twelfth and State streets, August 25, 1860. His parents, Michael and Katie (Herbert) Fortman, arc yet living, and reside in the vicinity of Downer's Grove, Illinois. Our subject received his schooling in the public schools of his native city, and when he was nine years old he went to work for his father in the latter's store, at 3446 State Street (new number.) At an early age he acquired an interest in the business, and so continued until 1883, when he came ont to California, and took a position with T. H. Cook & Co., Sacramento. He afterward changed to Christianson Bros., and was with that firm nntil May, 1889. On the 16th of May he started in business for him- self on the northeast corner of Twentieth and J streets, in a building erected especially for him by Mr. J. M. Nielsen. It is 28 x 45 feet in ground dimensions, and two stories in height. Mr. Fortman was married at Chicago, May 26, 1883, to Miss Jennie Brody, a native of that

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city. Mr. Fortman was virtually reared to the grocery trade, and brings to his business here all the push and energy characteristic of the city of his birth and training. It has been only a few months since he started here for himself, and he has done everything on a cash basis. Yet, in that short time, he has built np a trade that many older houses could well afford to ex- change for. His store is really already a busy place. Everything is in order and neat in appear- ance, and there is practically a wholesale stock to select from, as Mr. Fortman is building up a jobbing business with the surrounding country. Mr. Fortman's enterprise and clear business acmnen make him worthy of the snecess with which he is meeting.

ILLIAM WILBUR WHITE, one of the most successful farmers of Brighton Township, was born in Iowa County, Wisconsin, Jannary 18, 1852, the son of Will- iam and Elizabeth (Graham) White, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Maine. His father was a small boy when brought by his parents to Wisconsin, was married there when grown to manhood, and entered land from the Government about eight miles east of Min- eral Point. About 1862 he sold that place and moved to Atchison County, Kansas, twelve miles west of Atchison; but in 1875, as soon as the advantages of California became fully known to the observant class of people, he came to this State, and is now living near Monte Vista in this county, on a place of two and a half acres which he bought in the spring of 1888. After coming to the coast he sold his Kansas property, then consisting of 160 acres; he had previously owned more than that. His wife died in February, 1877. There were ten children in this family, six sons and four daugh- ters, all of whom are living except one, and all the living are in this county except one brother in Missouri. The subject of this sketch first started in life for himself by working for vari-

ous parties in this county. May 1, 1876, he began driving dray for E. M. Leitch in Sacra- mento. Subsequently he worked at the depot for the railroad company six years and three months, during which time he laid up a portion of his earnings, $1,200 or $1,400. He next entered partnership with Mr. Casselman in the cultivation of a large hop ranch, which they leased in Brighton Township, and Mr. White cleared in this operation abont $11,000. Then, intending to live in the city, he purchased a lot from T. W. Sheehan, corner of Fifteenth and O streets, and built a fine residence upon it. Cost of honse and lot, abont $7,000. Finally he purchased from George W. Lott a rich tract of 113 arres, three miles from the city, where he now resides, and on which he has all the equip- ments of a comfortable home. Being an in- genious and industrious mechanic, he is inde- pendent as a carpenter, blacksmith, etc. The deed is dated Jnne 12, 1885. From this last purchase, however, he has sold off tive and ten- acre lots until now he has a trifle less than thirty-five acres. His town property he sold a short time after removing into the country. When he bought his present place there was nothing upon it except old fences, two wells, and a saloon kept by "Coffee Brown;" but now it is furnished with everything necessary to make it an independent home-sunny, neat and cheerful. His residence is a splendid structure, costing 82,000. His barn and hot-house for drying hops cost about $3,000. In this im- mense building, 64 x 96 feet, are the horse stalls, hay and hop press, and a large hop dryer; and the second floor is prepared for a dancing area, whereon as many as twenty sets can do their honors to Terpsichore at one time. There are also on the place a good blacksmith shop and other buildings, wells, windmills, etc. Al- though it is only fourteen feet from the surface of the ground to the water stratnin, one of the wells is seventy-five feet deep, and the other eighty-five, thus insuring an abundance of water. On this farm are 460 Bartlett pear trees, nearly 500 peach-trees, apricots. etc., and about twenty

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orange-trees. All of these are in fine bearing stage except a few of the pear trees, which also will soon reach the same stage. There are no scale-bugs in the orchard. The soil is a sandy sediment; twenty acres is first-class alfalfa land; about eight acres is sowed in alfalfa for seed, and in small grain for hay. The land is especially adapted to almond and apricot. Mr. White was married April 18, 1883, to Miss Maggie R. Foster, who was born in this county, September 26, 1861. Her father, William B. Foster, settled here in 1849, and died June 21, 1877; her mother was born in Saxony, Ger- many, in 1809, and died in 1865. The children of Mr. and Mrs. White are: Pearl Agnes, born March 26, 1885; Ida May, May 13, 1886, and Ada Estelle, January 21, 1888. Mr. White is a member of the order of Foresters, Lodge No. 6742, in Sacramento.

EORGE SMITH, baggagemaster at Sacra- mento for the Central Pacific Company, is one of the well-known old-time residents of the city. He is a native of Chantauqua County, New York, born at Barcelona (the harbor town on Lake Erie for Westfield), on the 22d of February, 1838, his parents being Joel and Thankful (Holmes) Smith. The father came to that county when a mere child with his parents, and was reared there. He was a iner- chant at Barcelona. The mother of the subject came of one of the old families of northwestern New York, and was born in Chautauqua County. George Smith was a mere boy in years when his mother died, and when the California gold fever broke ont the father decided to try his fortunes on the Pacific coast. He sailed around Cape Horn in 1849, arriving in California in 1850. He went into business in Sacramento on the corner of Third and J streets, in partnership with William T. Hines, who had come across the plains in 1849. The partner- ship between them continued only a year or so, but Mr. Smith carried on the business until

about 1867. He died in Sacramento January 18, 1876. George Smith, subject of this sketch, received his schooling at his native place, and then engaged as clerk in a general store. In the early part of 1854 he came to California; going to New York, he took passage on the old steamer " Georgia " on the 5th of February. There were 1,500 people aboard, and on the second day out a terrible storm arose, which continued with such violence as to make it seem highly probable that the vessel and all on board would be lost, and they were right in the wake of the " Central America," which had gone down the preceding year. The "Georgia's " bulwarks were smashed in and she was otherwise dis- abled, but safely weathered the storm, after which she put into port at Norfolk, Virginia. They sent to New York for the " Empire City," which came and carried the passengers to Aspin- wall. The railroad was then completed about two-thirds of the way to Panama, and he rode to the end of it, then went on mule-back the rest of the distance, which required a tedious day and night. Taking a steamer for San Fran- cisco, he landed there on the 15th of March. He come to Sacramento, and went into his father's store. He was there engaged for two years, then went up near Grizzly Flat, El Dorado County, and mined there eight or ten months, with only moderate success. He then returned to Sacramento, and again went into the store. About 1858 he was appointed on the police force. He resigned his position on the force afterward, and served four years as a clerk of the police court under Judge Foote. In 1869 he was elected Chief of Police, and served two years in that capacity. At the expiration of his term, he entered the baggage department of the Central Pacific Railroad as baggagemaster at Sacramento, and has held that position ever since. Mr. Smith was married in this city in April, 1865, to Miss Mary E. Grinnell, who came to Sacramento at the age of two years, in 1852. They have three sons, viz .: William E., Fred Joel and George Herbert. Mr. Smith is a member of the Chosen Friends, and of the

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

Foresters. He is a courteous, genial gentleman, is well known far and near, and has a host of friends in Sacramento and elsewhere throughout California.

HRIST. WAHL, proprietor of the Column- bus Brewery, and one of the active, ener- getic business men of Sacramento, is a native of Würtemberg, Germany, born in Neuf- fen, on the 10th of. May, 1850, his parents being William and Katharine (Ladner) Wahl, his father being a hotel proprietor. He was reared at his native place, attending the Government schools for the customary length of time, and afterward learned the brewers' trade. After his apprenticeship he traveled throughout Germany for the purpose of obtaining a more thorough knowledge of the business. He came to the United States in 1869, landing at New York, but soon coming out to San Francisco, where lie ob- tained employment in the John Wieland Brewery, which continued about one year. He next went to the Chicago Brewery, where he was engaged as cellernian for two months, and then promoted to foreman. In 1881 he bought out the Column- bus Brewery in Sacramento. This brewery is the oldest of those now in the city. It was established by E. & C. Gruhler in 1852, at the present location, and they continned its proprie- tors until the sale to Mr. Wahl. When he took hold, there were between 3,000 and 4,000 bar- rels of beer manufactured per year- He set about making improvements, expended $30,000 to the best advantage, and the capacity is now some 20,000 barrels per annum. The trade, which extends throughout northern California and western Nevada, and is also extensive in San Francisco, is constantly increasing under his judicious management. As it stands to-day, with steam supplanting the old horse-power ar- rangement, the Columbus Brewery is an entirely new and finely-equipped institution. Mr. Wahl was married in San Francisco to Miss Annie Bertsh, a native of Würtemberg. They have

five children, viz .: Lora, Christ., Annie, Selma and Lydia. Mr. Wahl was formerly a member of Concord Lodge, I. O. O. F., San Francisco, but now belongs to Schiller Lodge. He is also a member of Sacramento Turn-Verein; of the Verein-Eintracht, and of Germanic Lodge, No. 138, K. of H., San Francisco. Mr. Wahl is a public-spirited man, and takes an interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of Sac- ramento.

HARLES VOGEL, proprietor of the Wash- ington Bakery, Sacramento, is a native of Germany, born at Tuebingen, Würtem- burg, on the 17th day of August, 1837, his par- ents being Gottlieb and Frederika (Hagemann) Vogel, the father a portrait painter by profes- sion. Charles Vogel was reared at his native place, and there attended the Government schools to the age of fourteen years, also receiv- ing instructions from private tntors, including French, etc. He then learned the bakers' trade. In 1854 he came to the United States, sailing from Havre to New York, where he arrived in May, after a voyage of twenty-eight days. He obtained employment at Yoerk's bakery, on Greenwich avenue, New York, and worked there three years. He then went thirty miles np the Hudson, near Tarrytown, and worked for Heiler about eiglit montlis. He then came to Cali- fornia, leaving New York on an opposition steamer, crossing the Isthmus of Panama, and proceeding by steamer to San Francisco, where he arrived in May, 1858. He remained there about four weeks, but not obtaining employ . ment came to Sacramento and went to work for Matt Karcher, who kept the City Bakery, on Sixth street, between I and J. One month later the place was closed up, and Mr. Vogel went to work for Adam Nenbaner and Frederick Sin- kauer, on Third street, next door to where he himself is now in business. Six months later be bought into the business with Neubaner, and they, with J. F. W. Meyer, carried on the bnsi-

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ness until Mr. Neubaner died, in 1880. Messrs. Vogel and Meyer remained in partnership until July, 1887, when Mr. Meyer died. Since that time Mr. Vogel has been sole proprietor. Mr. Vogel was married in Berlin, while on a visit to the old country in 1868, to Miss Teresa Wilsek, a native of Berlin. Eight children have been born to them, of whoin five are living, viz .: Charles, William, Adolph, Harry and Alice. Mr. Vogel is a member of Sacramento Stamm, Red Men. He has almost made his start in this city, and has become one of the substantial inen of Sacramento. He erected his business building in 1859, and his handsome and sub- stantial residence in 1872. During the floods of 1861-'62 he had his share of experiences. He was on the corner of Tenth and M streets with his wagon when he heard that the water was coming, and he went to the store to pre- pare for the flood. The water came with a rush and a roar, and in less than ten minutes the whole basement was flooded, and the water still rising, though the building was on the highest grade. He baked bread for two months in two feet of water, and boats would come right up to the door for bread. Mr. Vogel is an active, pushing man, and withal has a host of friends in the city and elsewhere.

EORGE W. CHESLEY. -- In the chron. icle of events attending the growth of Sacramento, from an outpost of civilization to her present proud position, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch must always re- main a central figure. As an old-time mer- chant, yet in the front rank of commercial circles, as well as a citizen who has always taken a pride in the advancement of the city of his adoption, Mr. Chesley commands the respect, esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, in a degree, and to an extent, seldom observed. He is a native of Dover, New Hampshire, born February 3, 1822, his parents being Richard and Mary (Twombley) Chesley, both of whom

came of old New England families. His father, who was a contractor, died when the subject of this sketch was a mere boy in years, and he, af- ter going to school at Lynn something over a year, went to Boston to live with a sister who had married and located in that city. There he commenced his first occupation in life,-that of clerking in a dry-goods store. At the age of seventeen years he went to Providence, Rhode Island, and resided there until the 2d of Feb- ruary, 1849, when he went to New York, hav- ing determined to try his fortunes on the golden shores of California. On the 5th of February the "Crescent City" steamed out of New York harbor with Mr. Chesley as a passenger, and she was the second steamer to make the trip to Chagres, the "Falcon " being the first. On the 25th of May following, after having been en- gaged on the Isthmus in the auction and ticket brokerage business, Mr. Chesley resumed his journey to San Francisco on the steamer "Ore- gon," Captain Pierson. On the 13th of June, 1849, the "Oregon" steamed through the Golden Gate, and Mr. Chesley landed on Cali- fornia soil. He at once embarked in the auc- tion and commission business in connection with John A. Clark, son of ex-Mayor Aaron Clark, of New York, and John Johnson, under the firm name of Johnson, Chesley & Clark. That firm continued until March, 1850, when it was dissolved, and Mr. Chesley came to Sacra- mento and engaged in the auetion business, on the corner of Sixth and K streets, which was the center of the cattle and horse market, great droves of these animals being almost constantly about. He was burned out here in the great fire of 1852, and this decided him to return to San Francisco. There he was interested in real estate, having purchased some fifty and 100 vara lots, and subdivided them. These yielded him $3,100. Chesley street was laid out, and took its name in his honor. In 1854 Mr. Ches- ley came back to Sacramento, and in the follow- ing year, forming a partnership with Mr. Bradley (now a retired capitalist of San Fran- cisco), and ex-Mayor Bryant, started the whole-

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sale house of Chesley & Bryant, in the block below the present store on Front street. In 1860, Mr. Bradley, who had previously sold out came back into the firm, which then became Chesley & Bradley. In 1863 the latter's inter- est was purchased by Mr. Chesley, and the firm became G. W. Chesley & Co., which is the pres- ent style. In 1862 the business was removed to the present location (twenty-eight years ago), and now the house is well known and does an extensive business throughout California and adjoining States and Territories. No honse on the Pacific Coast enjoys a better reputation among its patrons than that of G. W. Chesley & Co. Mr. Chesley was married at Provi- dence, Rhode Island, in 1844, to Miss Alice Marie Whipple, a descendant of one of the sign- ers of the Declaration of Independence. Mrs. Chesley is a lady of rare gifts and accomplish- ments, and her letters, written from Paris dur- ing the Franco-Prussian war, afforded material of almost dramatic interest to her friends in California. She was in the French capital when it was besieged by the Gerinan hosts, and endured with great fortitude all the horrors of the dark days of the celebrated siege. Mr. Chesley is a member of the San Francisco and Sacramento Societies of California Pioneers, and has been for three years president of the latter body, despite the unwritten law which confines any member to bnt a single term in the ex- ecutive office. He is a member of the Improve- ment Association, and of the Water Commission. In the days of the volunteer fire department he was an active member of Engine Company No. 3, and is prominently identified with the ex- empt firemen. Mr. Chesley has always been in the front rank in everything having a tendency to advance the interests of Sacramento, and to add to her reputation for hospitality. He was chairman, and an active manager for the com- mittee, having in charge the entertainment of the visiting members of the National Encamp- ment, G. A. R., and the marvelous success of that entertainment will always mark a brilliant page in the history of Sacramento. Mr. Chesley

is a kind-hearted, hospitable gentleman of the old school, who has been an eye-witness and participant in the wonderful progress of Cali- fornia from the pioneer days; nevertheless he yet ranks among the most active and enterprising inen of the capital city. His fund of information concerning the early days of California has a peculiar interest, and his anecdotes of those times, bringing together, as they do, scenes and incidents, both humorons and pathetic, have a eharın which makes them always appreciated by his friends.

RED. BIEWENER .- Among the active business men of Sacramento is the gentle- man whose name heads this sketch. He is a native of Hanover, Germany, born May 4, 1847, his parents being Henry August and Elizabeth (Grothaus) Biewener. He comes of a mercantile family, his father, though retired, being still the head of a large mercantile house at Hoyel. Mr. Biewener attended the public schools at his native place from six to fourteen years of age, and afterward was instructed by private tutors until he had received a liberal education. He then entered his father's store as assistant, but in 1867 came to America, landing at New York, and thence proceeding via Nicaragua . to California, landing at San Francisco, November 27, 1867. He came di- rectly to Sacramento, and commenced the butcher's trade with Heilbron Bros. After sixteen months they sold out, and during the ten months following he was with Reinhart & Dold. On the 3d of February, 1870, he em- barked in business at the Fulton market, in company with Christopher Doscher. A year and five months later the latter sold out to H. Hageman. In 1881 this partnership was dis- solved, and Mr. Biewener has since carried on the business alone. He was married in this city to Miss Henrietta Neuhaus, a native of Alden- burg, Germany. They have five children, viz .: Helena, Katie, August, Fred and Henry. Mr

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

Biewener became a member of the Sacramento Turn-Verein in 1884. He was first elected trustee, and in 1888 was chosen president of the organization, taking the office in January, 1889. He is a trustee of Sacramento Stamm, No. 124, I. O. R. M., and a member of Sacramento Grove, No. 6861, A. O. F. He is also an of-' ficer of the Chosen Friends, and is president of the Butchers' Protective Union since January, 1889. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Biewener is a good representative of the younger and more pushing class of business men, and is a very popular man with a large circle of personal friends.

M A. BAXTER, general foreman of foundry and wheel departments, Cen- tral Pacific Railroad shops, Sacramento, is a native of Vermont, born at Norwich Plain, on the 17th day of October, 1836, his parents being Erastns and Lucy (Freeman) Baxter. When he was but seven years of age, his par- ents removed to Franklin County, New York, where he received his education, and assisted his father on the farm. When he was sixteen years of age he went to Manchester, New Hampshire, and learned the molder's trade at the Amoskeag Locomotive Works. He was em- ployed there four years, then went to Providence, and was engaged at the works of Collins & Nightingill, one of the largest establishments in New England. In 1858 he went to Chicago, and was for several years employed at the McCor- mick Reaper Works. In 1864 he went to Elgin, and in connection with a partner, opened a fonndry there, which they operated until 1866. In 1867 Mr. Baxter came ont to California. Going to New York, he took the steamer Ar- ago as far as the Isthmus, and proceeded to California on the America, landing at San Fran- cisco Jannary 28, 1868. On the 30th he was in Sacramento, and he went out on the Cosmin- nes River to the ranch of his father-in-law, Theophilus Renwicke, who now has a fruit

ranch at Florin. From there he went to Fol- som, and, obtaining employment in the shops of the Central Pacific Railroad there, went to work on the 26th of March, 1868. When they bonght out the I street foundry, in September of that year, he came to Sacramento, and went to work in the foundry here. When the shops were built, two years later, he went into the fonndry department. He worked as a journey- man seven or eight years, then was given charge of the wheel department. In 1881 he was pro- moted to the position of general foreman of the foundry and wheel departments. In these de- partments between fifty and sixty tons of metal are melted per day, and 112 wheels is a day's work. Mr. Baxter was married at Elgin, Illi- nois, on the 8th of June, 1859, to Miss Julia Renwicke, a native of that city. They have one son, Charles (who is an engineer for the Central Pacific Company at Dunsmoor), and one danghter, Miss Bertha. Mr. Baxter is a member of Union Lodge, A. O. U. W., and of Union Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He has been a Republican since the organization of that party, and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont. Mr. Baxter is one of the old-time force of the railroad company, and is a popular man with the employés in his departments.

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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