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 121

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 121

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great many years, having also no less than five branch houses in the State of Michigan. IIe came to the Pacific coast in 1873 from Michi- gan, and in 1976 he and two sons engaged in business at San Jose in this State. Business grew rapidly, and in 1878 a house was opened in Salinas; in 1879 in Petaluma; in 1880 in Sacramento and Stockton; in 1883 in Los An- geles, and in 1887 in San Diego. In all there are seven brothers, one for each store. On account of its central position, being, as it were, at a radiating point for the whole coast, the Sacramento house may be considered in a sense as the head of the whole system; its trade has increased the fastest, and consequently the greatest improvements and facilities have been centered here. It was established in 1880, in comparatively a small way, at No. 812 K street; but the pressure of increasing business drove it to the corner of Ninth and K, where it has re- mained; but it was then in a quite small build- ing. In 1882 they enlarged the store by twenty- five feet. In 1884 another twenty feet was added, while in 1888 twenty feet additional was taken in on Ninth street, and the fine architect- ural structure three stories in height which now graces the corner was erected to satisfy the demands of their ever- growing trade. But the growth is constant, and this enterprising firm have purchased another strip, 40 x 160 feet in size, on K Street, upon which they will con- struct an addition that will give them a pile 120 x 160 feet on the corner. The name of the gentleman in charge of the Sacramento house is E. W. Hale, its representative head. In New York city the firm is represented by M. Hale, Jr., and P. C. Hale, who with another are con- stantly on the watch in the New York market for bargains in every line, and for varieties, new styles and fashions,-anything, everything, that may go to meet the wants of the public. While the house does a wholesale trade to some extent, it does not cater to it nor seek for it, aiming rather at being the great retail house of Califor- nia. The wonderful rapidity of the rise of this honse to its present position as the leading firin

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

in dry and fancy goods and kindred lines, is nothing less than phenomenal; and while typical of our State, the development, of the trade of the northern end especially, is the most remarkable growth of business on the Pacific coast and presents one of the most interesting features of the commercial advancement of the State. The business is carefully yet liberally managed, the methods adopted are eminently just and fair, the firm is alert to study and meet the peculiar needs and wants of this eoast, and hence it is but right to expect an indefinite further exten- sion of their already great trade and popularity.

E. SMITH, of the firm of Weber & Co., is a native of New York State and was born in the city of Albany, September, 13, 1850. His parents, L. T. Smith and M. L. Smith, are both residents of this city. Ilis father started for the Pacific coast in 1859, and npon reaching Aspinwall found there was no connecting line. He returned to New York and started again, coming round the Horn. In 1861 his wife and family followed him to the Golden State and came to Sacramento. The subject of this sketch received his education in this city, graduating from the high school in 1867, Prof. Templeton, principal. He learned the trade of plasterer, and after following his trade one year, he entered college, where he spent a, year, and then resumed his trade until 1874, when he entered the book and stationery store of A. S. Hopkins. He was afterward elerk for the Reed Quicksilver Mining Com- pany on the Coast Range for five years. lle then returned to Sacramento and entered the employ of the old-established firm of W. R. Strong & Co., and held the position of salesman for five years, when he resigned to engage in business for himself, and formed a partnership with Mr. Weber, under the firm name of Weber & Co. Mr. Smith belongs to the I. O. O. F. and to the American Legion of Honor. He was married December 31, 1870, to Miss Emma

Horner of Terre Haute, Indiana. They have five children, viz .: Gertie, Howard, 'Arthur, Clara and Frank.

OHN S. MILLER .- This worthy pioneer of Sacramento was born in Washington, District of Columbia, May 31, 1829, the son of Isaac S. and Jane (Sanford) Miller. He attended sehool during his boyhood in the city of his nativity, but when fourteen years of age went to Baltimore, Maryland, where he remained until he set sail for California. The ronte chosen was via Cape florn, taking passage in the ship Jane Parker. The voyage consumed six months lacking only four days. They arrived in San Francisco July 21, 1849, and Mr. Miller settled in Benicia, forming a partnership in the mer- cantile business in the firm of Webb, Beveridge & Miller. Here he remained until 1852, when he went to Colusa, engaging in business for two years. He then returned to Benicia and was there and at Vallejo and Suisun until 1864, being employed in the Quartermaster's Depart- ment, U. S. A. In that year he was sent to Sacramento, holding a position in the Quarter- master's Department at General Wright's head- quarters. He was in Sacramento when the General was informed of the assassination of President Lincoln. After two or three years in this position, he engaged in the forwarding business at Latrobe and Galt, combining the agency for the stage lines with it. At this business he continued for six years, when in 1874 he was appointed a gauger in the revenne department, a position that he has held since that date, which makes him the oldest commis- sioned officer in continuous service upon the Pacific coast. He has held more than one office of a public nature, as well, having been deputy clerk, and also deputy assessor of Solano Connty. He is a prominent member of the Pioneer Association in Sacramento, being its president during 1878-'79, and for the past eight years its seeretary and in charge of its affairs. It

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

will be of interest to mention further that he was quartermaster's clerk at the time the Sixth Infantry were sent down to whip the Mojave Indians. Mr. Miller was married in 1856 to Miss Esther C. Dean, a native of Massachusetts. She died in 1882, leaving two daughters: Ida V., who has been teaching in Sacramento for many years, and Laura, now the wife of Fred Weil, nephew of John Weil, Esq., of this city.

ON. JOHN RYAN .- The domain of his- tory is wide, embracing in its scope not alone all objects and interests with which the attention of mankind is engaged, but as well the grandest movements of the greatest nation; yet withal, when examined minutely, it is found to consist at bottom of nothing what- ever else than the actions and attributes of in- dividual men. For inasmuch as individuals make the nations, so do their individual acts make the history of the nations, and hence of the world. It is, therefore, with no feeling of hesitancy or of doubt that pen is taken in hand to record in the annals of Sacramento County this biographical sketch of one who, while not a man of '49, yet came early enough in the history of the city to have borne a prominent part in our city's upbuilding, as will be clearly seen in the following lines. Hon. John Ryan was born in Ireland in 1825, and came to America in 1843, going first to Lowell, Massa- chusetts, where he remained until 1848. In that year he went to New Orleans, and after a short time came up the Mississippi River to Memphis and St. Lonis. Finally, in the spring of 1852 he set out for the long and tedious journey across the plains to California by ox team. They met plenty of Indians on the way, but fortunately experienced no difficulties with them of a serious nature. They reached Ilang- town (now Placerville) August 1, 1852. Mr. Ryan went at once to the mines, remaining there for two years. At the end of that time he came down to Sacramento and began the

manufacture of brick, engaging at the same time in contracting of all kinds. From that time to this, or for a period of thirty-six years, he has been successfully and prominently iden- tified with the building and progressive inter- ests of the city, being now the oldest of the more prominent contractors and brick mann- facturers of the capital. His brick-yards are situated just outside the city limits, south of Y street. Like so many others of our older citi- zens, he has known times of trial and hardship as well as times of prosperity, bearing his full share of misfortunes,-misfortunes, however, which he rose above, refusing to be daunted by them. During the flood, at one time, he was forced to break a hole through the roof of his cottage, by means of which he was enabled to pass his family into a boat, and thence remove them to a place of safety. Mr. Ryan has held public office on more than one occasion. We may instance the facts of his being street com- inissioner, second trustee, superintendent of streets, etc. He was married in June, 1856, to Miss Maria Lyons, a native of Ireland. They have three sons and five danghters, bearing the following names respectively: Frank D., Henry L. and J. L., and Mary, Agnes, Blanche, Rosa and Celia. Mr. Ryan has been honored in his children, as will be seen in the biography of his eldest son, Hon. Frank D. Ryan, which appears elsewhere.

ILLIAM II. HAMILTON, although a resident here but a comparatively short time, having come only in 1879, has already attained a leading position among the architects of the Pacific Coast, by skill, talents and attainments, as is evidenced by the elegant, tasteful and appropriate structures which have been erected from his plans and under his direc- tions. It should be stated, however, that he did not come to the coast as a new man, but as one having already wide experience and an estab- lished reputation which followed him from his

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

Eastern home. Mr. Hamilton is a native of Virginia, where he was born September 4, 1838, the son of James and Mary A. (Morrow) Ham- ilton. His mother is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, but came to this country when very young. She is still living at Washington, Dis- trict of Colminbia, hearty and in good health. His father was a native of Virginia. He died in 1838. Soon after this event the widowed mother removed to Philadelphia, taking her young family with her. In that city young Hamilton received his scholastic education, and began the study of medicine. One term of this pursuit, however, decided him that it was not his vocation, and he was drawn by natural apti- tude and a taste in that direction to enter the office of S. D. Britton, one of the most promi- nent architects in the country. Here he re- mained for four or five years. After fitting himself for his profession, he went to Washing- ton, just at the time of the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion. He entered the army and was instrumental in raising one of the first volun- teer companies for the defense of the Govern- ment, drawing largely upon his own means for this purpose, and making many sacrifices. After the conclusion of the war he returned to Phila- delphia and resumed his professional working, designing many fine buildings in that city and vicinity. His health had become serionsly im- paired, however, during the war, and he was obliged to seek change of scene. Accordingly, he went to Utica, New York, and remained in that State for twelve or thirteen years, design- ing many of the finest buildings throughout Central New York, and being kept busily occn- pied hy the calls upon his powers. Among his works may be mentioned the fine Opera House in Utica, an arcade of thirty-two stores, two large halls, and other erections. Owing to ill- health in his family, however, Mr. Hamilton was led, in 1879, to remove to California. His first work was the handsome Hall of Records in Sacramento, since the construction of which building he has had his office and headquarters in the Capital City, although his business ex-

tends throughout the State. He has made an especially careful and exhaustive study of the subject of ventilation, being regarded as an au- thority in the matter, and has frequently been invited to address large audiences npon the sub- ject, as well as delegations appointed to call upon him and obtain his views. Mr. Hamilton . was married in 1867 to Miss Frances E. Bailey, a native of the State of New York. They have one son, named R. Morrow Hamilton.

R. WATSON, deceased, was one of the early settlers of the Pacific Coast and an honored citizen of Sacramento, and a na- tive of England. He was born in London, Feb- ruary 12, 1821. During his boyhood he attended school, and npon reaching early manhood came to the United States in 1840. After reaching New York he went to Charleston, South Caro- lina, where he remained nine years. He came to the Pacific Coast in 1850. After spending a short time in San Francisco he went up to Placer County and engaged in mining. He next went to Folsom where he remained for a time, and afterward engaged in railroading. He was connected with the construction of the Central Pacific, and was on the first train that ran over the line. He was conductor on the road and train dispatcher, and for many years was pur- chasing ugent. He was prominently identified with the establishment of the Railroad Hospital -- one of the first established in the country. He was superintendent of the hospital, and was actively interested in its efficiency during his life. He was connected with the railroad for twenty-two years, and resigned January, 1886. He was elected president of the Gas Company and was actively identified with its management for many years. In 1860 he was elected repre- sentative to the State Legislature. In June, 1877, Mr. Watson was nnited in marriage to Miss Martha M. Gardner. She is a native of Massachusetts and received her education in New England and came to California in 1869.

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

Mr. Watson's death occurred September 11, 1889, and in his death the city and State lost one of its most estimable and honored citizens. Mrs. Watson occupies their attractive home, corner of Eighth and D streets.

H, POND, Principal of the Sacramento High School, was born at Downieville,

6 Sierra County, California, November 1, 1862. His parents, William C. and Helen W. Pond, came to the Pacific coast at an early day, his father arriving here in 1852. Professor Pond received his education in this State, gradn- ating as A. B. at the University of California in 1884. He engaged in teaching at Hopkins' Academy, Oakland, until 1886, when he came to Sacramento, and since then has been con- nected with the high school as teacher and vice- principal. In 1888 he was elected principal of the High School, and since then has filled that position with credit to himself and the satisfac- tion to the Board of Education. He is actively identified with educational interests here and throughout the State. Professor Pond was united in marriage March 12, 1887, with Miss Grace Hamilton, danghter of Judge Noble Hamilton, of Oakland, California.

AMES B. DIVINE, a native of our Golden State of California, while but a compara- tively young man, has already been worth- ily entrusted with official position, holding the responsible office of justice of the peace for the city of Sacramento for now two terms. He was born in the city of Sacramento, April 1, 1861, his parents being P. J. and Ellen V. Divine. His father, P. J. Divine, was one of the well- known citizens of the city, and a man of unu- snal talent in his profession, and widely known on the Pacific Coast. He came to California in 1856 from New York, where he had mastered the art of sculpture, and was one of the pioneer mar- 50

ble workers of the Pacific Coast. Specimens of his work will be seen in the beautifully designed marble work upon the State capitol, which is much admired, and at once established his repu- tation as a senlptor. We may instance, also, the bust of Senator Broderick upon his monninent in San Francisco; the bust of Senator W. R. Ferguson; of Governor Weller; of Thomas Starr King, and others. He died Jannary 1, 1870, leaving three children surviving, two sons and one daughter, all in this city. Mr. James B. Divine received his education in Sacramento, studying law in the office of Judge McFarland and of A. C. Freeman, and he was admitted to practice at the bar May 31, 1882. and immedi- ately began to practice his profession in this city. For some years he was court commis- sioner. In January, 1887, he was elected jus- tice of the peace, and was again re-elected in January, 1889. Mr. Justice Divine is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West.

LBERT HART, superintendent of Sacra- mento city schools, was born in Barbadoes, West Indies, May 18, 1830. His parents, Joseph and Hannah Hart, were natives of Eng- land, who came to America in 1838 and went to Cincinnati, and from there to New Orleans, and afterward returned to the West Indies, where the father died. His mother returned to New Orleans. Mr. Hart received his education in Cincinnati and New Orleans. When the gold excit ment in California attracted the attention of young men in nearly all parts of the world, he came to the Pacific Coast via the Isthmus, arriving in San Francisco in March, 1850. He engaged in mining in Placer County, and also in teaching, being one of the earliest teachers in the State now engaged in educa- tional work. He taught from 1854 to 1857 at Yankee Jim's, Iowa IIill, and Dutch Flat. In 1861 he came to Sacramento and for several years was in the State Library. He was the first librarian of the San Francisco Law Library, as

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

well as the San Francisco Free Public Library. He was appointed private secretary to Governor Booth, and also served in the same capacity for Governors Pacheco and Perkins. He held the office of United States Pension Agent under President Hayes, and was appointed Superin- tendent of the money order department in the San Francisco postoffice under General S. W. Backns. In the fall of 1889 he was elected to his present position of superintendent of Sacra- mento city schools. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity; of the I. O. O. F., and of the Knights of Honor. In 1859 Mr. Hart mar- ried Miss Harriet N. Lafferty, of Iowa, and they have six children, fonr sons and two danghters.

M ATT. KARCHER, an old settler and Captain of the Police of Sacramento City, was born in Baden, Germany, October 15, 1832. At the age of fourteen he started out in the world for himself, emigrated to this country and stopped in Boston, Massa- chusetts, where he had a brother, and there learned the bakery trade. He remained there five years, and on October 18, 1851, sailed from New York, and coming by way of the Isthmus, arrived in San Francisco November 18, making a very quick passage. The following day he came to Sacramento. After working a short time in a restaurant, he went to work in the Star Bakery at $200 per month, remaining there one and a half years, and saved $1.100, and then began business for himself on Sixth street, be- tween I and J. In 1855 he married Frances Haberstroh, from New Orleans. She is of Swiss parentage. After carrying on the busi- ness for fourteen years, suffering from the ad- verses of fire and flood, he sold out. He could only collect $33 ont of $3,000 which was due him. Having a wife and five children to sup- port, he was offered a position on the police force and accepted it, and served on street and office duty seven years. After serving tive years he was offered the position of Chief of

Police, but he declined it. In March, 1872, after the regular nominations of both parties were inade, only five days before the election, he announced himself as an independent candi- cate and was elected by 687 majority, and 156 majority over the entire vote of both the other candidates. In 1874 he ran as an independent candidate and was elected by a majority of 714. In 1876 he ran independent again with in- dorsements of the Democrats, and was defeated by a small majority. For four years he was engaged in business, and in 1880 he again ran as an independent candidate, and was elected Chief of Police. In 1882 be was nominated by the Republicans, and was elected and served two years. After this term had expired he served as deputy sheriff under Sheriff Wilson, and was appointed to his present position, and for the past four years has served as Captain of Police. He has eight children, five sons and three dangh- ters. In 1886 he lost one danghter, sixteen years of age, and in 1888 a son, twenty-five years old.

HARVIE, contractor, is a native of Nova Scotia, and was born December 23, 1851. His father, Nicholas Harvie, was of Scotch descent, and his mother, Elizabeth Ettiu- ger, was a native of Pennsylvania. Young Nicholas attended school during boyhood and served an apprenticeship to the trade of carpen- ter and joiner. In 1870 he went to Bos on and remained there and in Providence until 1873, when he came to the Pacific Coast, and passed the first nine months in Alpine County, and then went to Virginia City, Nevada, where he remained four years. After spending one year in Santa Cruz, he came to Sacramento in 1878, and engaged in contracting, and by his energy and ability has become one of the responsible contractors of the Capital City. He received the contract for building the winery on Eight- eenth street, and also the New Eagle Winery, on Twentieth street and the railroad, and was

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

awarded the contract for the erection of the malt-house, kiln, bottling works, office, stables, etc .. of the Buffalo Brewing Company. He has had a large practical experience as a contractor and builder. Mr. Harvie is prominently iden- tified with the order of Foresters, being P. C. R. of Court Sacramento, No. 6861, A. O. F., and P. C. of Sacramento Conclave, No. 12, K. S. F .; delegate to S. H. C., A. O. F., Minne- apolis, Minnesota, in 1889; delegate to the Sn- preme Conclave, K. S. F., at Minneapolis; Junior Past Arch of Union Grove, No. 61, U. A. O. D .; representative to Grand Grove of California in 1889; delegate to the organiza- tion of the Grand Grove of the State of Cali- fornia, and delegate to the Supreme Conclave of the K. S. D. of the world, and was honored with the position of chairman of Supreme An- ditors. In 1876 Mr. Harvie married Miss Mary A. Cochran, a native of Sacramento. Her par- ents, Robert and Mary (Williamson) Cochran, were from New York State, and came to Cali- fornia in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Harvie have two children, Ada R. and G. Edwin.

M F. ODELL, senior member of the well- known firm of Odell & Herzog, is a native of Indiana, being born in In- dianapolis January 10, 1853. His father, M. M. Odell, came to the Pacific coast in 1855. After remaining here several years he returned to his Eastern home, and in 1861 brought his family overland to California, reaching here in the fall of that year. He engaged in the cattle trade in this valley, and prominently identified himself with the business for many years. The subject of this sketch had an early practical training, was brought up in the business, and after reaching manhood engaged in trade near the corner of K street in 1875, and carried it on until 1886, when Mr. Herzog was admitted as partner, and the firm became Odell & IIerzog. Their place of business, Nos. 1020 and 1022 K street, known as the New York Market, is large

and commodious, the leading and most attract- ive retail market in the Capital City. They have a large wholesale trade and supply many retail shops. They have their own slaughter- honses, south of the city on the Riverside road, where their meats are dressed to supply their extensive trade. They also buy and feed a large amount of stock, thus giving their trade the advantage of the best selections. The firm is widely and favorably known as one of the most responsible in this section of the State. Mr. Odell is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the order of Knights of Pythias. He was married June 7, 1883, to Miss Myrtie Under- hill, a native of California, and daughter of Jo- seph Underhill, formerly surveyor of Sacramento. Mr. and Mrs. Odell have three children, Hazel A., Edna B. and Merrill M.

L. SILLER, of the firm of Siller Brothers, real-estate owners and contractors, was born in Hancock County, Illinois, May 23, 1859. In 1872 his parents came to Cali- fornia. Soon after reaching Sacramento the family settled on a farın near Florin, and re- inained there some years. In 1880 he came into the city, and the following year began to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner. In 1884 he and his brother engaged in contracting and building, and since then the firm of Siller Brothers has carried on a large and successful business. Besides, they have been constant buyers of real estate, and making improve- ments, the rental of which already brings them a good income. During the past year their real estate sales amounted to between $15,000 and $20,000. Their success is due to their own ef- forts, ability and good management. Mr. Sil- ler was married November 10, 1886, to Miss Mary Eckman, a native of Germany. They have one son, Edward L. They have an attract- ive home at 1322 P street.

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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