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 40

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 40

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currences public attention was called to the matter all over the country, and a great deal of interest excited. Mr. Hinkson was much liked by the teachers over whom he had the direction. At the elose of his last terin in 1879, they com- pletely surprised him by presenting him with a magnificent gold watch, suitably engraved, and this is the time-piece Mr. Hinkson now carries. They had previously presented him a petition, signed by every one, to allow his name to be brought forward for the fourth time. Upon the establishment of the Free Public Library in 1881, he was chosen one of the trustees of that institution, and still holds that office. He has labored indefatigably for its welfare, and the result of his efforts is plainly shown in the admirable selection of books and in its general popularity. Mr. Ilinkson was married in Ne- vada City on September 13, 1871, to Miss Hunt, the daughter of Dr. Hunt, a well known profes- sional gentleman of that part. They have one son, Add. C., Jr., a promising young man now in attendance at the Military Academy in Oak- land. He has one sister, now the wife of Judge Armstrong, and another, the wife of M. T. Littlefield, Esq., of Amador County. He has also two cousins, Misses Mary Hinkson and Lucy Hinkson, engaged in the teaching profes- sion in this county, while an uncle, Mr. M. A. Hinkson, is a prominent resident of Modesto. Both Mr. Hinkson's parents died in this State, after a life of active and worthy accomplish- ment.

ROF. J. C. BAINBRIDGE, thongh little over twenty-seven years of age, is at the head of one of the most prosperous com- mercial colleges in America. A description of the college appears at another page of this volume. It is but just to say, however, that Prof. Bainbridge owes somewhat of his success to the unusual energy and abilities of his wife, a sketch of whose life follows this article. Prof. Bainbridge was born November 23, 1861, in Lincoln County, Missouri, but when young

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removed with his parents to the city of St. Louis, in that State. When he was twelve years of age the family came to California, set- tling in San Joaquin County, where his father, Dr. J. A. Bainbridge, a well-known physician of those parts, still resides. Young Bainbridge received his education in the schools of Oak- land and Berkeley, and took a business course in the Stockton Business College. After re- turning from the University he accepted a posi- tion in the Stockton Business College, Mr. Clark being then the proprietor, which he held for three years. At the end of that time he bought Mr. Clark out, and conducted the school him- self until in the fall of 1887 he sold ont, came to Sacramento and founded the Bainbridge Business College and Normal School. Its really wonderful success has proved Mr. Bainbridge's peculiar fitness for the work he has undertaken, and mark him deservedly one of Sacramento's prominent citizens. He was married in July, 1885, to Miss Belle C. Rogers, of Stockton. They have no children. Since taking up her residence in Sacramento, Mrs. Bainbridge has taken a leading position among musical people of this city, and as a teacher, whether of voice or piano, she is singularly successful, a result due not less, perhaps, to her wonderful vitality and inexhanstible energy than to her splendid training and practical methods of imparting knowledge. She is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, her father being still a resident of Akron in that State, but lived in New York State during most of her childhood and yonth, beginning her musical education in the city of New York under Prof. Taylor. Later she went to Boston, and continned the study of music under Prof. J. D. Parker, now a teacher in the Boston Con- servatory of Music. In 1881 she accepted the position of teacher of music in the Stockton Business College in this State, and came out immediately to fill it. There she met Prof. Bainbridge, and the acquaintance ripening into love, they were married in July, 1885. While in Stockton Mrs. Bainbridge was organist and leader of a choir of forty voices at St. Jolin's

Episcopal Church in that city, and occupied there the same leading position in all matters musical that she possesses here. Not satisfied with her knowledge of harmony or of music, whether vocal or instrumental, Mrs. Bainbridge took courses of lessons, including the very severest work, with Ugo Talbo, the distinguished tenor of San Francisco, and also with Prof. Hugo Mansfeldt, of the same city, who is ac- knowledged to be the best instrumentalist on the coast. Upon coming to Sacramento, Mrs. Bainbridge was not content to follow the ordi- nary hum-drum of a professional life, but at once set to casting abont for some suitable per- son who could aid her in the establishment of an institution of greater pretensions than any existing in this city, or indeed upon this coast. In Prof. Charles Heywood, now well known in this city, she found the required ability, and in the popular St. Cecilia Club we see the be- ginning of the institution referred to. This club began with about twenty pupils, gotten together by Mrs. Bainbridge's indefatigable efforts. Prof. Heywood is the leader, and Mrs. Bainbridge the accompanist. Now the club has fifty members. Miss Mary W. Bainbridge, or more familiarly known by her many friends as Mamie, the teacher of Elocution in the Bain- bridge Business College, is the sister of the principal, and a young lady of very superior talent. She is a graduate of the California School of Oratory, her diploma dating May 11, 1888. She has acquired considerable reputa- tion as a skillful reader and reciter, and is not only a popular young lady when such talents are in demand, but is also a great favorite in social circles generally throughout the city.

ON. LEROY S. TAYLOR was born July 23, 1827, in Delaware County, Ohio. . In 1835 his parents removed to Illinois, where the son resided for the succeeding fifteen years. At Chicago he spent a number of his younger years, having published a directory of

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

that city in 1847, when it had a population, all told, of only 20,023, and there he also entered npon the study of law with Horn & Skinner. Next he became a member of a party who called themselves the " Illinois Company," and set out for the long journey across the plains. When approaching Salt Lake City, some of the boys found an old wagon and utilized a portion of a wheel for making pack saddles. The noted Perley P. Pratt, of Mormon notoriety, happened along, and seeing the opportunity for extortion, seized quickly npon it. He claimed the owner- ship of the wagon and demanded heavy damages for the broken wheel. They refused his claim and he brought suit against tliem at Salt Lake City. Mr. Taylor was chosen to defend; but, seeing there was no hope of a fair trial they paid $40 to settle the matter. Fortunately they had no other serions trouble on the journey, except se- vere suffering from the alkali upon the desert. Finding a stray Mexican steer, they killed it for food. Eating of this caused the most viru- lent diarrhoea. This clung to Mr. Taylor for years, and at one time threatened to cause his death. They reached the "classic " shades of Hangtown August 19, 1850. Mr. Taylor was glad to take the first thing that came to hand, and agreed to work for a man who was digging a prospect hole, to be paid according to the re- sults. At the end of one day, however, the man threw np the undertaking; paid one dollar only for the work done and sent Mr. Taylor off. With two others he then went to Colomna and washed for gold, taking out about $4 a day for a little time. From there he went to George- town, and thence to Cañon Creek, where he did well, but was so reduced by the diarrhea, already spoken of, that he gave entirely out and was carried by conveyance to Colonia, and lay sick for a long time. Upon becoming able to go around again, he went to Secret Ravine, and from there to Ox-bow Tunnel, near Grey Eagle, where, after long and arduons toil in damming the river, etc., got nothing at all. Afterward he mined at various other points, with varying success, having spent in all about three years

mining in El Dorado County. After this he went to Solano County, engaged in merchandis- ing, and for about a year held the position of deputy district attorney. He then went to Santa Cruz County, where, in the red-woods, he was engaged for some time in superintending the construction of mills. Finally, in 1857, Mr. Taylor returned to Sacramento, where he has resided ever since. He first became a clerk in a general store, but soon began the study of law. In July, 1858, he was admitted to practice, and has ever since that time been in the successful pursuit of his profession. Mr. Taylor is a man who makes no display of his powers. His high character and his uniform success has proved the value of his services to his clients. It is not alone as a lawyer, however, that he has made his influence felt in this community. For a long time he was county commissioner in this county, and during the term ending in 1889, represented the Nineteenth Assembly District in the Legislature. During the last session he was chairman of the Ways and Means Commit- tee, probably the most important of all the committees in the House. He is a stanch Re- publican. Mr. Taylor is a married man, and has two children, a son and a daughter. The son, E. D. Taylor, is a leading searcher of rec- ords, having his office in the same building as his father. Mr. Taylor is Past Grand Master in the Odd Fellows order.

ON. J. L. HUNTOON, Treasurer of Sa- cramento County for the second term, is one of the best known and most esteemed officials of the county, having resided in this city since the spring of 1855, and been pro- prietor of prosperous hotels since that time. He was born in Groton, Vermont, in 1822, where his father was a farmer, but removed with his parents to Craftsbury when only a lad of six or seven years. Until he reached the age of nine- teen he resided at home, working hard upon the farm during the summer and attending school

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

during the winter. In 1843 he went to Ports- month, New Hampshire, and obtained employ- ment as driver of a baker's wagon. This he continued for three years and then engaged in traveling for the firm of H. S. Doane & Co., of Boston, Massachusetts, in the sale of brushes throughout the State of Maine. Later he was employed in the sale of confectionery and cigars, and later still he traveled over the New England States for the New York house of Curtis & Perkins, the agents for the sale of Mrs. Wins- low's popular soothing syrup. Those were the days before railroads went to every little town. He was given a team and a light wagon, and he drove over the country roads from town to town, living hard and working laboriously, as it often happened, and exposed to all sorts of weather. Tiring of this at last, in the fall of 1855, Mr. IInntoon set out for this State, proceeding to Panama by the steamer George Law, which carried so many Californians, and finally reach- ing this city in the spring of the following year. First he purchased and conducted the Telegraph Hotel on J street, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets, long a popular hostelry. After three years he leased the house, bought a band of sheep and drove them down to Solano County. Selling these out two years later, he returned to Sacramento and took the Fountain House on J street, above Tenth, and carried it on successfully until 1865. He then went east for a visit, making the journey again via Pana- ma. Upon this trip he was absent from Febru. ary to September, and had an enjoyable time. Upon his return he engaged in the furniture business, and also carried on the manufacture of mattresses, npholstering, etc., continuing in this until 1883. From that time until his election as treasurer of the county, Mr. Hun- toon acted as an administrator, being engaged in the settlement of estates, etc. He has always taken an active and intelligent interest in poli- tics, and is well known as a stanch Republican. Mr. Huntoon was married in 1851 to Miss Charlotte P. Cunningham, at the town of Wash- ington, near Augusta, Maine. They have had

four children, of whom one, a daughter, is de- ceased. The names of the others are as follows: William F., the cashier of the l'eoples' Savings Bank, of this city; Eva May and Joseph Edgar. Mr. Huntoon has also two brothers living, who reside in the State of Massachusetts.

EV. A. C. HERRICK, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, has, with one exception, been settled in charge of this influential society a longer time than any other Baptist minister in California, his charge beginning in 1884. He was born at Sedgwick, Maine, in May, 1834, his father being a sea captain who was lost at sea when the subject of this sketch was but twelve years of age. By this sad calamity he was left an orphan, as his mother had died some time previously. He was pre- pared for college at Hebron, Maine, where is the oldest Baptist Academy in that State, and in 1857 was graduated at Colby College in Waterville, Mainc. For one year Mr. Herrick acted as principal of Orono High School, and then for two years occupied the same position at East Corinth Academy. In 1860 he went to Europe, visiting not only the points of usnal in- terest to the tourist, but also spending some time in the Holy Land, Egypt, etc. Returning from this journey, Mr. Herrick was principal of He- bron Academy ten years. During this time he took a course of three years' duration at the Union Theological Seminary in New York, graduating in 1866. This he was enabled to . accomplish by the kindness of a friend to whom he entrusted the management of the academy while his studies necessitated his absence in New York. Was pastor of the Hebron Baptist Church one year. In 1871 he was settled in charge of the Baptist Church at Canton, Maine, holding the charge until 1876, when he became pastor of the Freeport Baptist Church. While at Canton he was ordained to the Baptist min- istry, in October, 1872. In the same year lie made a short trip to Europe, visiting St. Peters-

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

burg, Russia, and other parts of the less cus- tomary routes of travel. It was in this way that Mr. Herrick gained the material for the illustrated lectures on the Holy Land, Europe, the United States, etc., that have made his name well known in the lecture field. Mr. Herrick was married in 1867 to Miss Kate Powers, of Amenia, New York. She is one of a family that has made itself felt in more than one direction in this country. One of her brothers is the Rev. H. N. Powers, D. D., an eminent and popular Episcopal clergyman on the Hudson, New York. Another brother is Dr. Fred. Powers, a prominent physician of Connecticut; while other brothers occupy lead- ing positions as lawyers and civil engineers. Mrs. Herrick is herself a lady of high artistic talent, conducting a large and successful class in art in this city. They have two daughters, Jennie, aged fifteen, and Katie, aged fourteen- both attending the High School here. Since Mr. Herrick was settled in charge of Calvary Church in 1884, it has known a period of en- largement and progress. In 1886 a vestry was built, at a cost of $1,200. Again, in 1887, a inission was opened in Washington that has now 100 members, and of which Mr. Herrick has charge. During his pastorate of Calvary Church no fewer than 127 persons have united with the church, and now active steps are being taken to erect a new church edifice on the cor- ner of Sixteenth and I streets, at a cost of $20,000, thus keeping pace with the growth of spiritual interests. Calvary Church also opened . the Sabbath-school at the Orphans' Home, and has now a young man preparing for the minis- try at the Rochester, New York, University; another, of Mexican birth, studying here with a view to teaching in Mexico, while a young lady is diligently preparing herself for mission- ary labor on the Congo. Mr. Herrick is a pas- tor beloved by his people, and a minister esteemed by the people at large. He is an orator; sound, clear and deep in his arguments. There is no more active and energetic worker than lie, in all canses that tend to the moral and

spiritual good of man. Finally, he is personally a hearty, whole-souled man of engaging pres- ence. He has also had some experience in political life, as he represented in the Legisla- ture during one term (1867) the Oxford Dis- trict in Maine.

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ON. SYLVESTER TRYON, well known as the chief mover in the manufacture of woolen goods in Sacramento, is worthy of special mention. The Capitol Woolen Mills were built and the company incorporated in 1868, with a capital of $100,000, Mr. Leonard Goss being the first president, and Mr. Tryon one of the heavy stockholders. A man named Tatterson, supposed to be experienced, was im- ported from the East to act as superintendent. He inaugurated a period of great extravagance, and consequently the mills did not pay. Finally in 1870 the superintendence of the mill was turned over to R. T. Brown, who held that position until 1872, but also without satisfac- tory results. In that year, at the request of his fellow-stockholders, Mr. Tryon, who was president at the time, also assumed the man- agement and devoted the whole of his attention to the mills. He started wisely by starting slowly and allowing the business to suggest its own extensions, and as a result succeeded in making a paying concern of it. The ground occupied comprises two entire blocks, sitnated in the northern portion of the city, adjoining the line of the Central Pacific. A fire had con - snmed the mill in 1875. Immediately there- after the buildings were reconstructed, with all the improvements that Mr. Tryon's long experi- ence could suggest, and as a consequence the establishment was in tip-top shape and running nicely with a force of employes ranging from fifty to seventy-five men, when the last fire of 1886 caught them without insurance. Though by no means a crippled man, Mr. Tryon felt himself so discouraged that he has not as yet rebuilt, but contemplates doing so at an early

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date. In connection with the mills he always conducted a tailoring and sales department at No. 822 J street. This is still continued, although now of necessity from goods other than his own manufacture, and enjoys a fair share of the business in that line in the city. It should be stated before leaving this portion of the subject that after the first fire the com- pany was reincorporated with a capital stock of $200,000, and the new factory comprised a complete four-set mill. The life of Mr. Tryon has been one of great variety and incident, and presents an apt illustration of what may be accomplished by energy, application and the following of right principles. He was born in 1827, in the State of Ohio. Upon the dis- covery of gold in California he set out for the trip across the plains. The journey, lasting six months, proved a very long and tedious as well as perilous one, although happily made without cerious accident. He reached Sacramento An- gust 22, 1850, bringing with him a band of horses and mules for trading purposes. Dis- posing of his stock, he went to El Dorado County, and during two years was busily and successfully engaged in mining. He returned to this city July 1, 1852, and immediately entered into business on his own account as keeper of a livery stable and dealer in grain and hay. He had taken up a ranch on the Cosumnes River, where he cut several hundred tons of hay. As it chanced, in the great fire that swept the city in November, 1852, almost the entire stock was consnmed excepting that of Mr. Tryon, and the result was that he coined a great deal of money out of his happy venture. Tryon's stable was one of the well-known estab- lishments of the early days, being situated on Tenth street, not far from the Plaza, and where the brick portion still remains, being still a prosperons undertaking, although rented out to others. A fire, to be noticed later, destroyed the wooden buildings which were necessary to meet the large business demands of the days when Mr. Tryon conducted it in person. In relating the circumstances of the flood of 1862,

Mr. Tryon recounts some thrilling instances of the excitements and troubles of the times that appear in our history of that period. He has always been an active Republican and Unionist. During the days of the Rebellion he was ap- rointed enrolling officer for Sacramento by President Lincoln, and necessarily incurred the hatred of the rebels, who were numerous in California in those days. Not content with bravado, they set fire to his stables, burning the wooden buildings to the ground, with great loss to Mr. Tryon. During all these years he was a most pronounced worker for the good of his country, taking an active interest also in poli- tics and aiding more than a little in keeping California in the Union. When he became president of the Woolen Mills Company he found it necessary to devote himself chiefly to its interests, and has since that time ceased to busy himself so actively with politics. He was one of the old volunteer Fire Department, and was one of the organizers of the present efficient department, and is a member of the Exempt Firemen of this city, an account of whose or- ganization will be found elsewhere. It will thins be seen that Mr. Tryon has been one of the active movers in all good causes in this city, of which he has always been a citizen of prominence and importance, taking a part in every undertaking that promised to be of gen- eral benefit. He is a large property-holder and a heavy tax-payer in the city, and has been such from the first, and as a public-spirited and valu- able member of the community ranks as high as any. Mr. Tryon was married to Miss Mary Merrill, a native of Massachusetts, in 1869. They have two children, named respectively Arthur Lincoln and Willia.n.

G. TRYON was born February 4, 1825, at Middletown, Connecticut, his father being a well-to-do and highly respected citizen of that place. The family has had an honored history of importance. Mr. Tryon re-

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HISTORY OF SACRAMENTO COUNTY.

ceived a good practical education in the schools of his native city, but, being naturally of a business turn of mind, he went when but four- teen years of age to Lancaster village, Sonth Carolina, where he assisted a brother-in-law in a store. The climate proved injurious to him, and four years later he returned again to his native State, at that time a tall and delicate stripling of a youth. In 1846, however, he went again to South Carolina and spent two years at Camden in that State. In 1849, together with his younger brother, Mr. A. S. Tryon, he joined a company of sixteen men all told, in the pur- chase of a schooner called the " Julius Pringle," of which they owned one-eighth. They set sail August 28, 1849, from New London and finally reached San Francisco, February 14, 1850. Of the company the other fourteen were all old sailors and navigated the vessel. The voyage was made without mishap, although off the Rio de la Plata they encountered a six days' storm, and undertaking the passage through the Straits of Magellan they experienced head winds that delayed them eighteen days in it. On Jannary 1 they were at Valparaiso, where they stopped for water and provisions. The voyage np from there was made in forty days, reaching the Golden Gate on the date inen- tioned. They immediately came up the river to Sacramento, arriving here in the latter part of the month of February, 1850. The two brothers then purchased an additional interest in the schooner, and in company with some of the others traded on the river for the course of two months, running her in connection with Starr, Benson & Co., a well-known firm of early days. They then sold out and went up to Coloma, where they mined for a little while, but soon started a store, where they kept on hand a stock of general miners' supplies. This business was continued for five years, A. S. sell- ing the goods at Coloma and attending to the store, while A. G. came to this city, did the buying, and freighted them to his brother at Coloma. By this time, however, from being a delicate young man he had grown to be very

strong and robust. In 1856 the brothers dis- continued the business at Coloma. A. S. re- turned to the East and now resides at Leroy, New York. The subject of this sketch, how- ever, came to Sacramento city and has lived here constantly ever since, with the exception only of the numerous pleasure trips which the gentleman has made and is still making to dif- ferent parts of the world. Since he has resided here Mr. Tryon has engaged extensively in the buying and selling of real estate and in lend- ing money. He has been one of our most pub- lic-spirited and energetic citizens, and his large mneans has enabled him to accomplish a great deal. As an example of his character, one in- stance may be cited. At the time of the raising of the grade of I street from Seventh to Tenth, the amount levied for the work was the enor- mous sum of 35 per cent. of the assessed valu- ation. Every one of the property-owners interested, with the exception of Mr. Tryon, by taking advantage of a technicality, escaped pay- ing, although they were the very parties who had petitioned to have the work done, while Mr. Tryon paid up promptly and fully. The levee tax has always been the great burden of the city, amounting in 1862 to 7g per cent. Mr. Tryon was a member of the old Tehama Hose Company in the early '50s. While on a visit to the East in 1855, however, the company dis- banded. He was married March 12, 1863, in San Francisco, to Mrs. Amanda Engenia Gris- sim. She died in 1879. They had no children. Her two children by a former marriage reside with Mr. Tryon. The Tryon family is one of the oldest Connectiont families, tracing its pedigree back to ancestors who sailed from Eng- land before the Revolutionary days, and going still further back to an honorable origin in Flanders. When they first arrived in America they settled at Glastonbury, on the Connecticut River, where portions still reside. It is a very long-lived family, as is shown by the great age of Mr. Tryon's immediate relatives. He has two sisters now residing in Connecticut, at the ages respectively of eighty-four and seventy-six

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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