USA > California > San Joaquin County > An illustrated history of San Joaquin County, California. Containing a history of San Joaquin County from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its future prospects; > Part 45
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three or four years, taking a few tourist trips to other places, however. He went home to con- scription for the army, but his name was not drawn, and he remained at home one year. In 1868 he emigrated to America, sailing from the port of Hamburg on the "Wieland" and landing at New York. After five days there, he went to Philadelphia, where he remained about the same length of time, and then proceeded by rail to California. He located at Stockton, and went to work as a carpenter on Bachman & Brant's chiccory factory. He next assisted in some building operations at Atlanta, and in April, 1879, he did his first furniture work here, at Fickett's factory. He worked there until the failure, and two weeks later started in business for himself, corner of Market and California streets, up-stairs. He did work there, keeping two or three inen busy. A year and a half after starting there, however, he entered the employ of Logan & Doan, who bought him out as an inducement to him to go with them to the old Fickett fac- tory, which they had re-opened. He served as a foreman there for one year, and then built the shop where he now does business, corner of Au- rora street and Miner avenue. He employs only first-calss workmen, and his product is mostly hard wood of the better grades, though he makes upany wood that is susceptible of a high polish. His specialty is office, stair and store work, though he makes some house furniture for par- ties who want first class work. Good customers always prefer his work, and will have no other. He can compete with the world on hand-made work and rich designs. In catering to this class of trade he often gets orders from remote places, even turning out work for San Francisco and Sacramento. The hobby horses in Golden- Gate Park, San Francisco, were made by him.
Mr. Schneider is a member of Centennial Lodge No. 38, K. of P., of the Verein-Eintracht, Turn- Verein and of the Chosen Friends. He is an active, enterprising man, and has a large circle of friends.
Mr. Schneider was married in this city, June 8, 1879, to Miss Anna Wille, a native of Ger-
many, born and reared in the same neighborhood as himself, and who came to this country at the same time. They have six children, viz .: Ber- tha Amelia, Johann Frederick, Carl Ludevig, Martin Otto, Maria Louisa and Anna Barbara Katherina.
His mother, who was born in 1827, is still living on the old homestead in Germany, but his father, who was born in 1823, died when aged fifty-nine years. Their four sons were; John, John George, Martin (our subject) and Jacob. John George is a fresco painter and the present Burgess of Belle Vernon, Fayette county, Penn- sylvania. Our subject mnet him (who had come to America eleven years before) at Pittsburg when he came to this country. He visited with him then for three or four hours and has never seen him since.
ENRY C. SHATTUCK was born August 31, 1826, in Hookset, New Hampshire, his parents being Charles and Sarah (Tag- gart) Shattuck, the former a native of Massa- chusetts, and the latter of Maine. The father, a farmer by trade, also a mechanic, moved to Michigan in 1844, where he remained until his death in 1884. The mother died the same year: there was but twenty-five days interval between their deatlıs. There were nine children in the family.
Henry, the subject of this sketch, learned the cooper's trade, which he followed until he came to California in 1849, crossing the plains with ox teams. They arrived at Bear river, after a trip of six months. Mr. Shattuck went to Sacramento, where he laid the first wood floor that was ever laid in that city. He went to San Francisco, thence to Marysville, and thence to Downieville, where he started the Downieville Express, and the first store, at that time called the Forks of North Yuba. In the fall of 1851 he went to Suisun Valley and took up a ranch and went to farming. In the fall of 1852 lie returned to Michigan and married Miss Maria
# le. Shaw
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Hass, a native of that State. They came to California, crossing the plains and arriving at Suisnn September 1, 1852. They remained there until Angust, 1860, when he sold out his different places, came to this valley and pnr- chased a squatter's claim to hiis present home situated ten miles from Stockton, on the Stock- ton and Woodbridge road. He now owns 400 acres of choice farming land, which he has himn- self improved. The place is devoted to general farming. Mr. Shattuck planted the first vine- yard in this county. He is a practical farmer and one of the most successful in the county. Everything around his home is comfortable and cheerful, and everything that meets the eye is indicative of taste and neatness.
Mr. Shattuck was married, as before stated, to Miss Maria Hass. They have by this nnion two children living and one deceased, Jeanette M., Blanche V., and Francis L., deceased.
AMUEL F. MATHEWSON was born November 5, 1834, on Staten Island, New York, his parents being John and Eliza (Johnson) Mathewson, the mother a native of New York and the father of North Ireland. The latter came to America when a boy, and was in early life a tradesman, later a farmer. In 1839 he went to Illinois, it then being new country; he located about thirty-five miles from Chicago; here he died in 1884, at the age of seventy-six years. In the family were eleven children, seven boys and four girls.
Samuel, the subject of this sketcli, was raised on a farm; he went to Illinois with his parents and remained with them until twenty-one years of age. In 1859 he came to California, crossing the plains with ox teams. He started April 15, and arrived in California October 19, 1859. He came to San Joaquin County, where he rented land and went to farming. He made his first purchase of land in 1866, in Elkhorn Town- ship, which he has improved and added to until he now has 320 acres of choice, improved farm-
ing land. His home is situated eleven miles from Stockton, and five from Lodi. He does a general farming business, raising barley, wheat and stock.
Mr. Mathewson was married in March, 1859, to Miss Carrie Hatch, a native of Massachusetts. They have six children, two boys and four girls, viz .: Frank G .. Nellie M., wife of S. D. Osborn; Emma J., wife of J. D. Fish; Willie W., Mary A. and Birdenia E. Mr. Mathewson came to California with but limited ineans, and owes his success to industry and economy.
C. SHAW .-- Prominent among the bnsi. ness men of Stockton who have identified themselves thoroughly with the commer- cial interests of the San Joaquin valley, stands the gentlenian whose name heads this sketch. A brief resume of his early life and antecedents therefore becomes necessary for the purpose of this volnme. He was born at Steuben, Wash- ington Connty, Maine, November 9, 1833, and comes of an old New England family. The progenitor of the family in this country, accord- ing to the generally accepted public records, was Thomas Shaw, of Scotland, a member of one of the old Scottish clans, who emigrated to the eastern coast of America in early colonial days. Francis Shaw, his son, was born in Boston on the 29th of March, 1721. In 1745 he mar- ried Lydia Dickman, who died December 26, 1746, leaving one son, who died the following year. On the 22d of September, 1747, Francis Shaw married his second wife, Sarah, the daughter of Benjamin Burt, the silversmith, of whose skill in his trade many specimens still exist. In February, 1754, as appears by the book of records, he bought a house and land in the town of Boston, on the street or highway leading from Fish street to the old North meet- ing-honse, and bounded by lands of the New Brick meeting-honse, of John Tudor and Paul Revere. Other conveyances, of which there are several on record, show that he gradually in-
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creased his investments in real estate, and he is elsewhere mentioned as a " merchant engaged in extensive business, and distinguished for intelli- gence and enterprise." The house above men- tioned became his residence, and was probably that of his widow until her death, when it was sold by the heirs, and described as " late the mansion of Francis Shaw, esquire, deceased." It was here that took place the quarrel between Samuel Shaw, the third son of Francis, and Lieutenant Wragg, of the British army, an account of which is given by Hon. Josiah Quincy, in his memoir of his friend, Major Samnel Shaw. Major Pitcairn and Lieutenant Wragg had been billeted on his father, and the Lieutenant, having at the table spoken con- temptuously of Americans, was challenged by young Samuel-or, as another account says, received from him the contents of a glass of wine full in the face, -- but a duel was prevented by the intervention of Major Pitcairn. "The incident," to quote from an Eastern publication, "shows the principles of the family, and that of most of the inhabitants of the North End, where they resided," and which was also, as Quincy says, " the abode of some of the most active and ardent spirits who gave character and impulse to the American Revolution." Like many other patriots, the family left Boston while egress was still permitted, and found refuge with Mrs. Burt, at Newburyport, In 1776, after the British had evacuated Boston, they returned to their homes, and in 1779 Francis Shaw was collector of taxes for the town. His finances had been crippled previous to the war of the Colonies with Great Britain, lie having, in 1770, in company with Robert Gould of Boston, and Lane, Son, Brazier & Co., eminent merchants and bankers of London, em- barked in a disastrous colonization enterprise.
They obtained from the crown a grant of a township of land in the then province of Maine, and, after a careful reconnoissance, fixed upon the location of a fine seaport town, which they named Gouldsboro. Settlers were brought in and all necessary live-stock and implements pro-
vided, farms cleared up, mills erected, etc., but when everything promised splendidly, the war of the Revolution came on, putting a stop to all business, with disastrous results to the promot- ers of the enterprise. Mr. Gould, who had been largely engaged in counnerce, was ruined, and his share of the responsibility, as well as of the property, fell to Francis Shaw, who likewise made advances for Lane & Frazier, and ex- pended nearly the whole of his estate in the purchase and transportation of supplies. There was no relief until the close of the war. when a renewal of business operations was attempted by Francis Shaw and his son. Improvements of all kinds were again placed under way, but this did not last long: Francis Shaw died in Boston on the 18th of October, 1784. His eldest son, Francis Shaw, Jr., was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He was born on the 28th of July, 1748, and was educated by Mr. Gould before mentioned. When the Goulds- boro enterprise was undertaken, he was sent there as the agent of his father and of Mr. Gould, and his finances suffered with the others. He was married at Gouldsboro to Hannah Nickels, who was born in Boston, October 20, 1754, and was the daughter of William and Margaret ( Breck) Nickels. He participated in the struggle for independence with credit, hold- ing the rank of Major, and afterward of Colonel. He died at Gouldsboro April 17, 1785. His younger brother, Samuel Shaw, heretofore men- tioned as a young Boston patriot, the third son of Francis Shaw, Sr., was a yet more distinguished figure in the the American Revolution, and became a very prominent man. He was born in Boston, October 2, 1754, was educated in the public schools of that city, and entered the Latin school under the tuition of James Lowell. Though destined for commercial pursuits, he left the school-room for the exciting scenes of camp life when the colonies commenced their struggle for liberty from the British yoke. He entered the army as a Lieutenant, but was soon promoted for meritorious conduct, and became a member of General Knox's staff. When he lef -
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the army he received the following testimonial from the commander-in-chief:
"This certifies that Captain Samuel Shaw was appointed a Lieutenant of Artillery in the army of the United States of America in 1775; in the year following he was appointed Adjutant, and in 1777 was appointed to the ranks of Cap- tain-Lieutenant and Brigadier-Major in the corps of artillery, in which capacity he served until August, 1779, when he was appointed Aide-de-camp to Major General Knox, command- ing the artillery, with whom lie served till the close of the war, having been promoted to the rank of Captain of Artillery in 1780. From the testimony of superior officers under whom Captain Shaw has served, as well as from my own observation, I am enabled to certify that, through the whole of his service, lie has greatly distinguislied himself in company which could entitle him to the character of an intelligent, active and brave officer.
"Given under my hand and seal this 3d day of November, 1783.
"GEORGE WASHINGTON."
Colonel William N. Shaw, the youngest child and fourth son of Francis Shaw, Jr., was the father of our subject, H. C. Shaw. He was born November 12, 1783. He inherited the prevailing military spirit of the family and took an active interest in the militia, in which he held the rank of Colonel. In civil life, he followed mercantile pursuits, milling, etc. He died March 2, 1845. The maiden name of his wife, who died May 19, 1880, was Nancy D. Stevens.
Henry C. Shaw, the subject of this sketcli, was the tenth in order of age, and the sixth son of his parents' twelve children. He commenced attendance at school in his native place, but when in his thirteenth year left there to commence a higher education at North Yarmouth Acad. emy. Ilaving completed his studies there, he began attendance at Phillips Academy, Andover. His education completed, he went to Boston, and engaged as clerk with the firm of Horatio Harris & Co., No. 8, India street, a commission
house in the foreign trade. With them lie re- mained until 1851, when he decided to try his fortune in California, and sailed on the clipper ship Shooting Star (Captain Baker) from Nan- tucket. Having been partially dismantled by severe weather while in the gulf stream, the vessel put into port at Rio Janeiro for repairs. Resuming the vovage she proceeded to San Francisco without further noteworthy incident, and arrived at her destination after a voyage of 144 days. George N. Shaw, a brother, was then in business in San Francisco on Battery street between Bush and California, as head of the commission house of George N. Shaw & Co., and our subject joined him and became en- gaged in the establishment mentioned. About the first Sunday after his arrival, he saw, near his brother's place of business, the hanging of two men by the first San Francisco Vigilance Committee in 1851. This sight had a depress- ing effect upon Mr. Shaw, unaccustomed as he was to such scenes of violence. He had been in San Francisco but a short time, when he went to the Sandwich Islands on a trip combin- ing business with pleasure, returning some five or six months later. He thien went to the mines with the intention of joining in the search for gold, his work in this direction being principally on the north fork of Feather river, at Potter's Bar. He had been at work but a short time when he became sick, due principally to exposure in the water, and from which he did not fully recover for about three years. He returned to San Francisco, and from there went again to the Sandwich Islands, where his health improved. He was most of the time at Hono- lulu, and when he left there went back to San Francisco. From there he went to Washington Territorry, and located at an Indian trading post on Nealı bay. He became engaged there with C. L. Strong, but later left that employ and went into business for himself, trading with the natives. In the course of trade, he visited the northern tribes as far away as Queen Char lotte's island. His business compelled him to familiarize himself with the native tongue, and
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he acquired a good commercial knowledge of half a dozen Indian dialects. While pursuing his other interests, he also explored some of the rivers in that region for gold. In all he re- mained in the northern conntry some three years, and then left to join his l rother in the Washoe district of Nevada. He had proceeded on his way as far as the Big Trees of Calaveras County, California, where he was again taken with sickness so severely as to induce his return north as far as Neah bay. After one year there, his health having returned, he came back to California, located in Stockton, and engaged as clerk in an establishment for the sale of agri- cultural implements. From that position he progressed into business for himself, which he has handled with abundant success. The plow works which bear his name were established in 1879, and their product is widely known and favorably received. Mr. Shaw, during a long and successful career as a business man, has gained an enviable reputation as an upright, generous and public-spirited citizen. His oc- cupation has placed him in close relations with farmers and producers the length and breadth of San Joaquin valley, and through adversity and failure of crops, he has all these years stood by and assisted many worthy but unfor- tunate producers. On the subject of California farming he is enthusiastic, and has given the subject a great deal of attention, especially in importing and manufacturing improved imple- ments and machinery and equipments for ranches, large and small. His high sense of honor, for- bearance and universal generosity among his neighbors have given him a degree of popnlar- ity and respect that is indeed unusual. Mr. Shaw has an abiding faith in the resources, pro- dnetiveness and future growth of this section of California, and believes that the city of Stock- ton with her natural advantages in a commercial point of view, is destined to be the great inland city of the State and the center for manufactur- ing agricultural implements and machinery.
Mr. Shaw has been master of Morning Star Lodge, F. & A. M., two years, and is a member
of Stockton Chapter and Stockton Commandery. In the Grand Commandery of California he has hield the office from junior deacon to junior warden. He also belongs to Stockton Lodge, I. O. O. F. He is an exempt member of Weber Engine Company of the old volunteer fire department, and has been in the past identi- fied with the National Guard of California, having been First Lieutenant of the Stockton City Guard.
Mr. Shaw has three brothers who came to California, and all of them were pioneers. Of these Colonel William T. Shaw, thie eldest, gained national reputation, and his sketch fol- lows:
Colonel William 'T. Shaw was born September 22, 1822, was reared in Maine, and received his education at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary. He went to Kentucky as a teacher, but enlisted in the Second Kentucky Infantry for service. in the war with Mexico, in which he remained until the close of that struggle. Afterward he participated in the Indian war on the borders. Having obtained a reputation for noble daring, he was chosen in 1849 as the leader of the first party of thirty-six men who crossed the plains to California in search of gold. He came to Stockton, and was one of the first to go to the mines from this point. In 1853, leaving Cali- fornia he went back East, and located at Ana- mosa, Iowa, where he yet resides., In 1861, when the civil war broke ont, he offered his services in behalf of the flag of his country, whose colors he had followed in two former wars, and threw his whole soul into his efforts in behalf of the Union. He raised a regiment, and on the 24th of October, 1861, was elected its Colonel. His regiment, the Fourteenth Iowa, distinguished itself in every battle in which it was engaged, and the Second Brigade, Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, which was subsequently commanded by him, gained the name of the "Iron Brigade," from its power of endurance and unflinching bravery in battles. At Fort Donelson and at Pittsburg Landing, the fighting of the Fourteenth Iowa
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was fearfully in earnest, and gained the admir- ation and applause of both friend and foe. Beaureguard said, " We charged the center five distinct times, and could not break it."
Colonel Shaw was more than once reproved by his superior officers for disobeying the strict- est orders and rushing into the fight before the command was given. " It will be remembered," says the Davenport, Iowa, Gazette, " when Gen- eral Prentis lectured in Davenport on the bat- tles of Shiloh, he spoke of the bravery of Colonel Shaw, and referred to the strong language he could use when provoked to it, even excelling Prentis himself in the use of the adjectives. When Colonel Shaw's term of service expired, he was relieved by the following order:
" Headquarters Right Wing, Sixteenth Army Corps, Harrisonville, Missouri, October 29, 1864.
" Special Order No. 132 .- 1. Colonel W. T. Shaw, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry Volunteers, is relieved from the command of the Third Di- vision, Sixteenth Army Corps, and will forth- with rejoin his regiment at Davenport, Iowa. The quartermaster will furnish him transporta- tion for himself and authorized servant.
" 2. In relieving Colonel Shaw from the com- mand of the Third Division prior to his being mustered out, it is but an act of justice to an energetic, thorough and competent officer, to say that for the last fifteen months he has been in this command as commanding a post, brigade and division, and in every position be has per- formed the incumbent duties faithfully and well; with an ability that few can equal; with courage, patriotism and skill above question. The service loses an excellent officer when he is mustered out.
" By order of Maj. Gen. A. J. SMITH, " S. HOUGH, A. A. G."
When the Colonel was about to take leave of his compatriots in arms, the officers of the di- vision which he had commanded presented him with a costly sword and scabbard, one of the most beautiful ever made.
On his return to Anamosa he engaged in
business, agriculture and banking, and has ever since taken a lively interest in every enterprise likely to aid his city, county or State. He has been the moving mind in three different suc- cessful railway enterprises, and in everything has shown the broadest public spirit, being noted for his perseverance and indomitable energy. He is a man who holds the confidence, esteem, and respect of all who know him. A stanch Republican, he has contributed muchi to past successes of his party in the State of Iowa, and made one of the most exciting races for Congress in the history of his district, being defeated only on account of the exceptionally peculiar position in which the Prohibition movement placed the Republican party that year, attacked from front and rear. It was concluded that he made a grand race, and came nearer success than any other Republican could have done .that year. Colonel Shaw has been for many years the leading spirit of Anamosa, which pretty city is indebted to his enterprise for her finest buildings and for the establish- ment and success of nearly all her enterprises.
George N. Shaw, the next younger brother of W. T. Shaw, has been previously mentioned as engaged in the commission business in San Francisco in the early days. He died in the Washoe district of Nevada, where he was an operator in mines.
Edward B. Shaw, the other brother referred to, came to this State via Cape Horn in 1859, and died shortly after landing from the ship.
ILLIAM NORTHROP, of Elkhorn Township, was born May 13, 1830, in Litchfield County, Connecticut, his parents being Lord W. and Cornelia (Buckley) Northrop. Lord Northrop was raised as a fariner, which occupation he followed up to the time of his death. He came to California in 1857, via the Isthmus. He came to Elkhorn Township and purchased land, the present home- stead, nine miles from Stockton. He died Au-
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gust 15, 1889, at the age of eighty-six years. His wife is still living, aged eighty-one years. In the family were twelve children, nine boys and three girls, four of whom are now living. Mr. Northrop was a successful and practical farmer; he is well remembered by a host of friends. He has passed away like many other old settlers, and leaves only his children to tell the story of his early life.
William, the subject of this sketch, was raised on a farm until sixteen years of age, when he learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed until he came to California. In 1851 he sailed from New York for California, coming via the Isthmus. He went at once to the mines at Sonora, where he remained abont a year, when he came to this valley and settled on a piece of land. In the summer of 1852 Ezra Fiske was taken into partnership with him. In the fall of that year their first crop of grain was planted. They continued their partnership nntil Jnly, 1853, when William sold his share to Baker, went again to the mountains and engaged in teaming. In the fall of that year he returned to this valley and located on a ranch of 160 acres in Elkhorn Township, on which he re- mained until 1869, when he sold out for $30 an acre. He then went to San Francisco, where he remained until 1887, working at his trade. At the present time he is superintending the home farm, showing great ability as a farmer. He resides with his aged mother.
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