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 87
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OWELL S. LAWSON, President of the Sacramento Society, California Pioneers, . is a native of New York City, born An- gust 17, 1829. His father, Martin I. Lawson, was a ship carpenter by trade, and his ances- tors in this country, who were from Holland, were among the first settlers of New Amster- dam. He spent the latter years of his life on a farm in Ulster County, where he died, about
1856, aged 106 years and 7 months. His mother, whose maiden name was Hannah Linas, was a native of Ulster County, and was also from one of the oldest families of the Empire State. She died in December, 1849, in her fifty-ninth year. Powell S. Lawson, the subject of this sketch, was reared in New York city, and in her public schools received his education. He served his time as tinsinith, coppersmith and sheet iron worker with Charles Zimmerman, at No. 232 Hudson street, remaining with him till he had reached the age of nineteen years, and then worked at his trade as a journeyman. When the discovery of gold in California was made, he was like every one else, excited thereby, and his mind was soon made up to go in person to the scene. Early in 1849 a party was organized for this purpose. They purchased the bark " Galindo," and left New York April 7, under the command of Captain Macy, there being seventy in the party. The voyage was a pleasant one until off the mouth of the Amazon River, when their first rough weather was experienced. Off Cape Horn they lay for thirty-two days under close- reefed sails, whilst the vessel was one mass of ice. During two weeks of this time they had no fire even to cook their food with. At the conclusion of the storm they started to resuine their voyage, but the rudder-head was bursted, and they had to steer by a spar over the stern of the vessel. When they got to Valparaiso they refitted, and thenceforward had a pleasant trip to California. They arrived at San Fran- cisco November 22, 1849, and Mr. Lawson ob- tained work at his trade with Thomas H. Selby & Co., in the alley between Sacramento and California, Kearney and Dupont streets. He remained there until March, 1850, and when working piece-work on stoves, would make from $30 to $45 per day. He then came to Sacra- mento on the propeller McKim, and a few days later proceeded to Marysville, being introduced on the way to General Sutter, at the latter's farm. At Marysville he engaged an ox team, and with John Kehoe and John Lawrence went to the South Fork of the Feather River, and
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took up a mining claim two miles below String- town. They dng a long ditch, and commenced mining. Mr. Lawson here took ont his first gold, his " find " weighing 73 cents. The party mining next-below thein backed the water upon them, and they were thns unsuccessful. On the 3d of July he started for Nelson's Creek, and remained there with better success, until August 20, when he went to Orion Valley. The first night he camped there was the most memorable one of his life. A terrible storm came up, the night was bitter cold, and in the morning there was eighteen inches of snow all about him. He left there and went to Long Bar, on Feather River, and thence to Smith's Bar, where he mined till February. Then, with his companions, he went to Rich Bar, on the North Fork of Feather River. Soon after their arrival they were snowed in, and being out of flonr, they made an attempt to go over to Las- sen's ranch to lay in a supply of that article. Starting early in the morning, they reached the top of the mountain that night, and there en- camped. The next morning the journey was resumed. There was a heavy crust on the snow, and it was necessary to cut a trail down the mountain for the mules. Only a portion of them were taken at first, and when a bench of the mountain was reached, a halt was made, and the animals tied for safe-keeping, while a trip back was made for those left behind at the camp. On arriving there it was found that one was missing, and a search revealed the fact that she was lying on the side of a mountain against a log. In order to release her it was found neces- sary to cut down a sapling and let the log roll away. This was done, Mr. Lawson having hold of a rope to keep the mule from going down. When the log started the mule tried to get up, but slipped and started to roll, the skin being torn from Mr. Lawson's hands. The mule rolled down and down for fifty yards, and was finally stopped with feet in the air by the two pack saddles which she carried. Mr. Lawson went down and shoved her over, remarking that she was " all right." It was a laughable inci-
dent, but it was nearly night when they got back to the bench on the mountain to camp for the night. The next morning the trip was re- sumed. But when they got to the North Fork of the North Fork of Feather River, it was found that the bridges were gone, and they could not get across. So they went back to Rich Bar, and a few days later to Long Bar. Mr. Lawson went from there to Marysville, thence to Sacramento, next to Stockton, and from there to Smith's Ferry, on Merced River. After mining there a couple of weeks, he went to Fly- away Gulch, seven miles from Coulterville, and then he and his companions struck a claim which they worked a month by means of a rocker. There they averaged 822 a day to the man. The Kern River excitement then came on, and in June, 1851, he started for the new fields. After prospecting on Kern River for a time, he left there, and on the 1st of Angust got back to Pleasant Valley, on the Merced River. He worked off and on in the river and gulches until September, 1852, and then went to San Fran- cisco, and entered into partnership with Joseph Vaile in the roofing business, which continned until February, 1854. He then went East, but returned in June, via Panama, and went in business for himself in San Francisco. On the 1st of January, 1855, 'he went to Mariposa. In July he came to Sacramento, and from here went again to San Francisco. In Angnst he pro- ceeded to Shasta, and mined about two miles above Redding until April, 1859. He then came to Sacramento, took up his permanent residence here, and went in partnership with George Boehme in the metal-roofing business. Atter eleven years this partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Lawson has since carried on business alone. He was married on the 5th day of Oc- tober, 1862, to Miss Alice Carrington, who died in 1882. Two children were born to this mar- riage-May Frances, who died at the age of six years, and Miss Alice Belle. Mr. Lawson was again married, his present wife having been Miss Hannah A. Towner. Mr. Lawson is an old-time Mason, having joined Sacramento
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Lodge in December, 1859. He joined Sacra- mento Royal Arch Chapter in 1860; Sacramento Council, the same year; Sacramento Command- ery No. 2, in 1865; and the Scottish Rite, and Grand Council in 1868. He is a member of Sacramento Lodge, No. 2, I. O. O. F., and of Occidental Encampment, No. 42. In the days of the volunteer fire department he was a mem- ber of Knickerbocker Company, No. 5, and was its president five years. He is past president of the Exempt Firemen. He joined the Society of California Pioneers in December, 1859, and has ever since takeu an active interest in the welfare of the society. He was elected presi- dent of the local body in 1888, and re-elected in 1889. He is also a member of Union Lodge, No. 21, A. O. U. W., and was a charter member of the first lodge of Knights of Honor organ- ized here. He has been a Republican in poli- tics since 1861, though he was previously a Democrat. Mr. Lawson is one of the most re- spected and honored citizens of Sacramento, and his open-hearted ways have won for him the respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. Having been a resident of California since the early mining days, he has been an eye-witness to the great changes and progress made since that time, and has an ex- ten led acquaintance throughout the length and breadth of the State.
R. STRONG .- Among the promi- nent citizens of California and repre- sentative business men of Sacramento, is the gentleman with whose name this sketch commences. W. R. Strong is a native of Cay- uga County, New York, born May 12, 1817, his parents being Ezra and Betsey (Dunning) Strong. His father, a physician, educated in Connecticut and a native of that State, was a descendant of Elder John Strong, who landed in Massachussetts shortly after the settlement of Plymouth Rock. The Dunnings were also an old Connecticut family. In 1821 Dr. Strong
and family removed from Scipio to Rochester, and there the Doctor practiced his profession for years, and afterward lived a retired life until the time of his death. W. R. Strong was reared in Rochester, and educated in her public schools. He commenced work as a clerk in a dry-goods store, but after the firm went ont of business, he engaged in the manufacture of gloves, and after- ward in the manufacture of whips. The latter business still continues, and is now carried on by the extensive firm of Strong & Woodbury, the first named member of the firm being a nephew of our subject. Another nephew, Dr. A. H. Strong, is president of the Rochester Theological Seminary. In 1849 a party of sev- enteen was organized in Rochester for the pur- pose of going to California, Mr. Strong among the number, and on the 2nd of October of that year they sailed out of New York harbor on the steamer Ocean Queen. The trip was made via Panama, where they lay for three weeks after having spent four days crossing the Isthmus. A body of 170 people chartered a sailing vessel, the bark Eliza Ann, for the purpose of contin- uing the journey to San Francisco, and Mr. Strong was one of the number. They were sixty-seven days on board the vessel, being de- layed outside the Heads by adverse winds, and passed through the Golden Gate into the harbor on the 12th of January, 1850. Mr. Strong re- mained in the city about a week, then proceeded via Stockton to the Southern inines, locating on Wood's Creek, below Sonora. He remained there but a short time, and was soon going from place to place, following the untrue stories of others, who claimed to have made great gold discoveries at different places. In the fall he engaged for a time at a hotel seven miles this side of Drytown, but soon afterward went to Nevada City. In July, 1852, having prospected throughout the Northern mines, he reached Sacramento. Here he engaged, in company with Edward Fay (now of Buffalo, New York), 'n mercantile trade on the site of the present Red House. In November, while Mr. Fay was in San Francisco, buying goods, the great fire
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occurred, and their store and stock were swept away. Mr. Strong succeeded in removing a few traps upon a vacant lot, and, paying $500 per thousand feet for lumber, proceeded to put up a shed. This was done, when, on the 9th of No- vember, occurred the great flood, which devas- tated the city, and the water reached up over the counter of his store. He rigged up a raft and floated a few goods out to the place where Hoboken was started. He sold goods there eight weeks, then returned to Sacramento, and started again in the old place. The ground was very soft, and mud boats, hauled by oxen, were used to convey goods to the store. Goods were delivered in the same way, the oxen going down to their bellies at nearly every step. In the following year the business was closed out on account of disasters and independent speenla- tions, and the partnership theretofore existing between Messrs. Strong and Fay was dissolved. Mr. Strong then engaged in trading in cattle or anything he could get to handle, but finally, soon engaged in partnership with a Mr. Gordon, he re-established himself in mercantile business where the California State Bank now stands. July 13, 1854, the store was burned down. The thermometer at the time registered 110 in the shade, making it difficult to prevent the spreading of the flames. Mr. Strong got a few goods out into the street, but they were burned there. About $100 worth were taken down on Fourth street below K, and there were saved. Mr. Strong was overcome by exhaustion and the intense heat, and lay insensible until between eight and nine o'clock that night on the steps of a church. He then went inside, and made his bed that night on a seat. Two days later he had re-commenced business on the corner of Second and K streets. He occupied that location abont two years, and was then induced to take a partnership in a candle factory on M street, opposite the old Pavilion. It was an unfortu- nate partnership, and the business proved un- successful for him. In 1857 he went back to the old place where the Red House now is, and remained in 'business there until 1865, when
Booth & Co. removed to the present location, and Mr. Strong moved down and rented the building where he is now located. For a long time he carried on the business alone, then Mr. Robert Williamson came into the firm, and later Mr. Philemon E. Platt, forming the firm of W. R. Strong & Co. The business of this house is now very extensive, and they are known through- ont the United States, which is the field of their business. Besides this great commission busi- ness, they have their own orchards and nurseries, which are almost equally noted. Mr. Strong has been twice married; first in New York State to Miss Elsa J. Brewster, who died at Rochester. Ilis present wife, to whom he was married in 1854, was formerly Mrs. Eliza J. Martin. Her maiden name was Davis, and she was a native of New Brunswick, New Jersey. By this inar- riage there are two children, viz .: Ella J., wife of Ellery J. Turner; and Charles B., who is in his father's store. Mr. Strong became associ- ated with the First Baptist Church of Rochester, New York, when but fourteen years of age, and has been a church member ever since. He be- came associated with the First Baptist Church of Sacramento in 1852. He was one of the organizers of the Calvary Baptist Church, has been an officer nearly ever since, and is now deacon. While a Republican politically, he has never been in public life, preferring to leave that to others, though he was a candidate for the office of publie administrator in 1857. He was a Whig in the days of that party, but when the Republican party was organized he was one of the first to join the new movement, and helped organize the party in Sacramento. He has been treasurer of Pioneer Council, Legion of Honor, from its organization. Mr. Strong has always been recognized as one of the most honorable, active, pushing inen in the business career of Sacramento, and made a success even in the face of untoward obstacles. No citizen has ever en- joyed in a greater degree the confidence and es- tee.n of the community than he. Coming here among the pioneers, he has seen and taken an active part in the great growth of California,
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and has always been in the van in all movements calculated to advance the true welfare and in- terests of the State and city of his adoption.
C. SWEETSER, one of the old-time resi- dents of Sacramento, and a California pioneer, is a native of Waterville, Maine, born November 3, 1819, his parents being Rich- ard and Sarah A. (Low) Sweetser. Richard Sweetser, a ship- builder, died at the age of forty-seven; he was a son of a Revolutionary veteran, who lived to be ninety-four years of age. The mother of the subject of this sketch was a native of Maine, and was a daughter of Rev. Robert Low. A. C. Sweetser was in his seventh year when the family removed to Bel- fast, Maine, and there he was reared and educated in public and private schools, and also in the schools of Winterport, Maine. He was but a mere !ad when his father's death occurred, and on arriving at suitable age he went to learn the trade of house and ship joiner. He followed that business in all its branches at Belfast and Frankfort until 1847, when he engaged in the shoe trade at Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, but was induced to leave there to go into business at Boston. The latter part of the plan was not carried out, however, and instead he embarked in contracting. In the fall of 1848 he became interested in the talk of California, then agitat- ing the country, and became associated with one of the companies being organized to go to the new El Dorado. The movement resulted in. the formation of the Boston and Newton Joint Stock Association, consisting of twenty-five men. One year's provisions were purchased, and sent to California around Cape Horn, while the party left Boston April 16, 1849, proceed- ing to Buffalo, thence by lake to Sandusky, by rail to Cincinnati, and by steamer to St. Louis. Thence they went by steamer to Independence, where they completed their ontfit. Saddles and harness they brought from Boston. The next stopping point, Mr. Sweetser went on to St.
Joseph to look after provisions, and returned with supplies to Independence. From the lat- ter place the party started on the 16th of May. They followed the regular route to Salt Lake City, and there sold their wagons and harness, purchasing pack-saddles instead. After a rest of ten days at the Mormon capital, they re- sumed their journey to California, making their first stop in this State near Placerville, and pro- ceeding next day to Sacramento, where they ar- rived on the 27th of September. Sending to San Francisco for their provisions, they sold their horses, mules and trappings, divided ont the provisions, and the party broke up. They had had a rather enjoyable trip, and mnost of them had got in the habit of walking a great deal. Their last provisions were eaten at Shingle Springs, where they lodged the last night be- fore reaching Sacramento. Mr. Sweetser and two others camped the first night at Sacramento north of the ridge, and the first they had to eat for that entire day was a loaf of bread and some syrup that one of the party brought out there. The next day they came down to what is now the State Capitol grounds, and there they sold for $400 a large military tent which cost them $60. Mr. Sweetser had to wait for his tools, which had gone around Cape Horn, and then he took charge of a company of men engaged in clearing off lots. He next took charge of a gang of men unloading the brig " Belfast," at $10 per day. He next proceeded, with five othere, to the North Fork of the American River, four miles north of Beal's Bar. A few days later he came back to 'Sacramento with a team to get provisions to sell to the miners. The roads were bad and it took two days to get to Sacramento. The rain came down in torrents while they were here, and Mr. Sweetser told one of his companions that he "guessed he would take his chances in Sacramento," at the same time offering to sell his interest for $100. The offer was accepted, and he remained. He made $16 to $20 a day, and in company with a school-mate bought a lot where Campbell's furniture store now stands, for the purpose of
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putting np a building. Willow poles were util- ized for posts, and Mr. Sweetser paid $20 for a board, which he carried up to the building on his back. The structure was covered over with canvas, and tarred, and when it was completed a building for a residence was put up on the alley. One side of the roof was completed when the weather cleared up, and the north wind cansed a rise in the river. About fonr o'clock in the afternoon the water was running down the alley like a river. They were living in a tent, but they put down a' floor three feet above ground, and on this put their little cook- stove and their bedding. Before morning the water was above their floor, and they had to pack up and move. They hired a boatman to take them down on the levee, where they boarded a brig. A friend of Mr. Sweetser had charge of the brig, and kept it as a boarding-house, and as the berths were wide Mr. Sweetser was taken into that of his friend. Board was $30 a week, and there was plenty to eat, although there was no butter. Mr. Sweetser got some lumber at $400 per thousand, and with the assistance of another man, built a boat, for which, on com- pletion, he was offered $100. One evening, on one trip, he took in $7 with the boat. On a pile of lumber, with water all around, he made from $10 to $20 per day, making boats and oars. Ile made a lot of bath tubs, and built a bath house for a man, at $20 per day. When the waters receded, he went up to his own building, fitted it up, and engaged in contracting, fitting up stores, etc., which he followed until the fire of 1852. After this he turned his attention to architecture and the superintending of build- ings. He also embarked in mining to some extent, but without success. In 1860 he com- menced in the real estate and insurance busi- ness, which has ever since been his vocation, and in which he has met with deserved success. Mr. Sweetser was married in Sacramento, in December, 1853, to Miss Sarah S. Pratt, a na- tive of Portland, Maine, who came out here from Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, in 1852. They have had one child, Sarah Emina, who
died in November, 1857. Mr. Sweetser is a member of the Sacramento Society of California Pioneers. He is the only one of the organizers of the Congregational Church now among its members or living here. The next year after organization he was elected deacon, and has filled that post for a long time. He is also treasurer of the congregation. He was also for four years superintendent of the Sunday- school. He was one of the organizers of the First Division, Sons of Temperance, and has always taken a lively interest in temper- ance and church work. In the days of the volunteer fire department Mr. Sweetser was a member, and for some time assistant fore- man of Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1. During the last year, however, he was a member of Young America Company, No. 6. He is a member of Eureka Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Pacific Encampment, and has passed the chairs in both, and is a veteran Odd Fellow. He was a Whig in the days of that party, but later a Republican. He has been a member of he boirl of education, secretary of that body, and ex-officio city superintendent. He is at this time a notary public. Mr. Sweetser has been at all times an active and influential citi- zen, and holds a high place in the esteem of the community. The various events in the history of Sacramento have passed as a panorama be fore his vision, and he has witnessed the growth of the city from a frontier ontpost to its pres- ent proud position.
OHN GRUHLER .- In 1847 three brothers, Elias, Christian and Jacob Gruhler, came to this country from Germany, and settled in Cincinnati, where they built up a business of some magnitude. In 1852 the two first named came out to California, located in Sacramento, and established what was among the first brew- eries in the city, and in fact, in this portion of the State. It was situated on the corner of Second and L streets. Later they established
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the well-known and extensive Columbus Brew- ery, at Sixteenth and K streets, building up a large business. Christian died in 1878, and Elias about two years later, being counted at the time among our representative men. In 1856, the third brother, Jacob, came also to Sacramento. Jacob was a remarkable man, and a man of won- derful enterprise. He made during his life-time more than one fortune, the first being in the to- bacco business in Cincinnati, and the last in the mines here. He opened a saloon on Sixth street, between J and K, which became at once the habitual resort of the best element in the city, and only them, for he, like his successor, Mr. John Gruhler, seemed to have the faculty of attracting about him only gentlemanly and con- genial spirits. Later he opened the present popular place at No. 522 J street. Here he died suddenly, in November, 1877, wearing still at the last the smile that always wreathed his features. Upon his death the business devolved upon the present popular proprietor. John Gruhler was born July 22, 1850. in Wurtemberg, Germany. His father's name is Frederick. He is still alive in Germany, at the good old age of sixty- seven years. He was not related to the three brothers already mentioned, although, strangely enough, he married their sister, who is the mother of the subject of this sketch, and is still alive. She has had fourteen children, of whom ten are still living. Mr. John Gruhler came to America from Germany in 1870, going first to Cincinnati. From there he came to California in 1873, proceeding at once to Sacramento. For the first nine months he worked in a candy store and dining-room combined ou J street. Finally, in April, 1874, he started in with his uncle Jacob at No. 522 J street, and upon his death in the November following, assumed the busi- ness, and has, if possible, still further increased its popularity. He was married July 22, 1878. to his consin, Miss Panline Gruhler, the dangh- ter of Jacob. They have no children. Mr. Gruhler has three brothers and three sisters re- siding in the city. The brothers, E., F. and Jacob, are in business here. The sisters are
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