USA > California > Sonoma County > An illustrated history of Sonoma County, California. Containing a history of the county of Sonoma from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time > Part 108
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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.
Lafranchi is a native of Switzerland and was born in Tessin Canton of that Republic in 1843. He was the son of Joseph and Catherine La- franchi, both natives of the district of his birth. When he was but eight years of age he had the misfortune to lose his father, who went to Austra- lia, dying there after a few months residence. Mr Lafranchi was educated in the schools of his na- tive home until fifteen years of age. At this youthful age, in 1858, he started in life for himself, following the footsteps of his father, going to Australia. Landing in Melbourne, he sought such work as could be had and engaged as a waiter in a hotel. After some months of this labor he went to the mines, and there engaged in various ocenpation. He was also employed as a ranch hand. In 1862 he went to New Zealand and engaged as a wood chopper and a miner until 1867. In that year he returned to his native home in Switzerland, where he en- gaged in the dairy business. There he married Miss Engenia Reghetti in 1869. She was the daughter of John Antone Reghetti, a native of Switzerland. Mr. Lafranchi, desirous of im- proving his condition, left Switzerland in 1871, and emigrated to the United States. Upon his arrival in New York, he immediately sought the golden west, and came to Sonoma County, locating at Petaluma, where he worked in the dairy business. After some months thus spent he went to Nevada and engaged at labor as a charcoal burner. This work not being suited to his tastes, he returned to Petaluma, and was employed at his old occupation as a dairy hand for a few months. He then went to work at farm labor near Prescott, Marin County. Al- ways industrious and economical, he saved some money and then started in business on his own account by taking up a quarter section of government land. and establishing a small dairy. This he increased gradually until he became desirous of enlarging his business beyond the capacity of his 160 acres. He consequently returned to Sonoma County and rented land from John Walker in Santa Rosa Township. This he stocked, and conducted his business there
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until 1882. In that year he purchased 310 aeres of rich bottom land on the Santa Rosa and Sebastopol road, five miles west of Santa Rosa, and there took up his residence. Mr. La- franchi has a fine dairy of fifty cows, all of good graded stock. lle is a thorough master of his calling and his products-always of the best -- - command the highest market prices. Ilis farm is mostly devoted to hay, grain, and stock pur- poses. Hle has but five acres of orchard, but the varied products, such as apples, peaches, prunes, plums, etc., all yielding well, show that his lands are well adapted to horticultural pur. poses. Mr. Lafranchi although not a long resident of Santa Rosa Township, has by his honest dealing, and manly course, made many friends. Hle is a publie spirited and progressive citizen. In political matters he is a strong Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Lafranchi have five children. Adela, Olimpia, Clara, Eldorado and Marino.
DAM BARTHI resides on the Santa Rosa and Healdsburg road, one mile south of Windsor, in the Windsor school district. Ile is the owner of 152 acres of rich and pro- ductive land, well adapted for the cultivation of the varied productions of Sonoma County. Thirty acres of this land are producing wine grapes of the Zinfandel and Goodell varieties. He also has a large variety of table grapes for family use, and two and a half aeres of orchard give him a large variety of the most approved fruit, such as apples, peaches, pears, French prunes, plums, cherries and figs. The balance of his farm is devoted to hay, grain and stock. Among the latter are forty head of Spanish merino sheep, and twenty head of cattle, im- proved by Durham stock; also some fine speci- mens of draft horses. This farm is under a high state of cultivation and the improvements are noticeable, particularly his beautiful two- story residence, in which he has combined the comforts and conveniences that characterize the
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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.
well ordered modern home. Mr. Barth was born January 4. 1519. He is a native of Prus- sia and his parents, Jacob and Christina ( Fox) Barth, were also native, and residents of the place of his birth. His father was a well-to-do farmer and his early life was spent on his father's farm. Afterward he engaged in meehan- ical and chemieal pursuits, and was schooled in the practical details of the manufacture of paints. oil. etc. In 1542 Mr. Barth eame to the United States and soon after his arrival in New York. secured employment in the large paint works at Poughkeepsie, New York. He was the efficient foreman of those extensive works for many years, or until 1554, when he entered into busi- ness upon his own account, establishing large paint and oil works in Poughkeepsie. He con- ducted this business until 1856. In that year a fire destroyed his works, sweeping away all his property and destroying the accumulations of years of toil. He had no means with which to rebuild his manufactory. Nothing daunted he started for California with the determination of retrieving his fortunes. He came by the steamer route. and upon his arrival in San Fran- cisco, proceeded to Sacramento County, where he engaged in mining until 1857. Ile then went to Nevada and located at Austin, where he ex- tablished a wholesale liquor store, and also en- gaged in the manufacture of vinegar. He remained there until the great excitement sprung up over the White Pine mining dis- triet. lle was one of the first arrivals at that place. The second building ever erceted at White Pine was built by Mr. Barth, the lum- ber costing him $300 per thousand feet. lle carly saw that more money was to be made in some legitimate business than mining, and he built and established the first brewery in that district-the Philadelphia Brewery. lle also engaged in the liquor trade and vinegar manu- facturing. These enterprises were successfully conducted by him until he saw the collapse that was to follow. He then sold out his business interests at a good round price and came to So- noma County in 1586. Upon his arrival he
purchased a farm about one and a half miles north of Windsor, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1880, when he sold ont and purchased his present residence. Mr. Barth, during his residence in Sonoma County, has gained the respect and esteem of the commun- ity. His success in life has been the result of straightforward, honest dealing. and sound busi- ness principles. In politics he is a strong Re publiean. but is conservative and liberal in all local matters. In 1845 he married Miss Cath- erine Lahr. daughter of Henry Lahr, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. Her father was a soldier under Napoleon I. After the war he emigrated to the United States, and located in Orange County. New York. From this marriage three children are living, viz .: Adam Il., Lonise and Mary E. Adam IL, is ummarried and is living upon his father's farm, which he manages and in which he has an interest. Ile is an enterprising. industrious and practical farmer, and the successful results produced upon his farin are due to his efficient manage- ment. He is a member of Osceola Lodge, No. 215. I. O. O. F., of Windsor. Louise married Frank E. Curtis, of Sonoma County. He died in 1553. leaving one child, Edwin Barth Curtis. Mrs. Curtis and son are members of her father's family. Mary E. is also residing at home.
BNER II. KNAPP .- For thirty years the subject of this sketch has been identified with the business interests of Bloomfield, and he has done much toward developing the resources of that section of the country. A brief sketeh of his life, herewith given, is of interest. Mr. Knapp is a descendant of one of the old families of New England. His father, William Knapp, was a native of Connectient, who located in New York in 1808; and his mother, Sarah (Seeley) Knapp, was also born in Connecticut. Mr. Knapp was born in Sullivan County, New York, January 7, 1524. Ilis father was a mill- wright and lumber dealer, and in early life the
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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.
subject of this sketch was schooled in mechani- cal pursuits, first as a wood-turner and then as a carriage-maker. At the age of twenty years, in 1844, he went to Delaware County, where he engaged in farm labor for about a year, and then established a turning shop. After that he located in Shandaken. Ulster County, where he worked at his trade as a turner, as well as ear- riage-making and other vceupations. In the fall of 1847 he returned to Fallsburg, and en- gaged in the mercantile business until March, 1§51, when he moved to Rockland and engaged in farming, and also built a saw-mill on the Willemack, which he operated, rafting his lum- ber to Philadelphia. In 1855 he returned to Fallsburg and ran a market line to Newburg until December, 1857. when he left New York for California, via the Isthmus route, and arrived in San Francisco January 14, 1858. AAfter a short stay in that city he came to Sonoma County and located at Healdsburg, where he worked at his trade until the fall of that year, when he came to Bloomfield. Upon his arrival here he worked at his trade as a carriage-maker for some months, and then established a shop for the manufacture and repair of wagons, agricultural implements, etc. Mr. Knapp has successfully conducted this business since that date. In 1573 he established a general merchandise store, which business he is still conducting. Hle has made many improvements, las purchased a large briek store, livery stable, dwelling houses, etc., and is the owner of some of the finest property in Bloomfield. In 1873 he was appointed postmaster. a position he has held since that date. Ile is also notary public. Mr. Knapp is one of the representative men of his section. Progressive and public-spirited, he has done much in advancing the interests of his section of the county. Politically, he is a Re- publican, but is liberal and conservative in his views. Ile is a prominent member of Bloom- field Lodge, No. 191, I. O. O. F. Mr. Knapp went to New York for his family in the fall of 1860, returning to Bloomfield in the fall of 1861. and had some trouble when passing through
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New York City on account of the draft ineident to the outbreak of Southern hostilities. Janu- ary 1, 1848, Mr. Knapp married Miss Harriet Hare, a native of New York. She died August 4, 1872, leaving the following named children: Charles 11 .. General W., Denman L. and Sophia S. The latter was the wifeof W. J. Mills, both of whom are deceased. They left three children - Ilattie, William and Allie Mills. Charles II. married Miss Mattie McAllister, of Sonoma County, and they are now (1888) living in Hollisten, San Benito County. General W.
married Miss Alice Hamilton. They make their home in Bloomfield. Mr. Knapp was married again to Miss Ella .1. Eastman, of Uls- ter County, New York. They have one child Charles A. Mr. Denman L. Knapp is a resident of Bloomfield, and is engaged with his father in · conducting his mercantile enterprise.
HAARLES WILBUR SAVAGE .- The sub jeet of this sketch was born in Windsor, Kennebec County. Maine, on the 17th of January, 1854. He moved with his father in 1857 to Lee County, Illinois, where the family remained three years, and then removed to Auburn, Sangamon County. At the age of eighteen Mr. Savage commeneed the study of dentistry at Edwardsville, Illinois, but at the end of a year he concluded to study for the practice of medicine. To do this he taught school during the winter months to provide the wherewith to prosecute his studies. At the age of twenty-two years he graduated at the Homeopathie Medical College of Missouri, at St. Louis. This was in 1876, and he started immediately for California, and for a time located at Marysville, where he devoted a portion of his time to professional work, remaining in and about Marysville for a year and a half. In the fall of 1877 he came to Sonoma County, locating at Santa Rosa. Deem- ing the field a better one for dentistry than medicine, he openel up well-arranged dental
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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.
rooms and has built up a good business. But outside of his profession Dr. Savage finds time to perform well his part as an active, enterpris- ing citizen. He is one of the trustees of the Santa Rosa Library Association; and as an Odd Fellow, has passed every chair belonging to the subordinate lodges of that order, and has been a delegate to all Grand Lodges and En- campments of the order in the State, and also held offices in the same. Dr. Savage is a typi- cal American who has fought his way up in life by dint of energy and pluck. He is a gen- tleman who stands high in the community in which he resides, respected and esteemed by all who know him. During his residence in Marys- ville he was united in marriage with Miss Julia G. Hempstead, daughter of Dr. W. C. F. Hemp- stead. This marriage has been blessed with three children, all daughters: Tessie L., born December 1, 1877; Florence W .. March 30. 1852 (now deceased), and Helen Gertrude. July 4. 1855.
TEPHEN AKERS .- No personal or local history of Sonoma County or the beauti- ful Sonoma Valley would be considered complete without a more than passing mention of the pioneer and representative man whose maine heads this sketch. The facts. in brief. in regard to his life and advent into Sonoma County are of interest. Mr. Akers is a native of Patrick County. Virginia, and he dates his birth July >. 1515. He is a descendant of one of the old families of the Old Dominion. Nathaniel Akers, his father, was a native of Franklin County, his mother. Elizabeth Akers, was also a native of Virginia. Mr. Aker's early life was spent upon his father's farm, receiving such an education as the common schools of that date afforded. Being of an ambitious and self-reliant disposition, he started early in life to seek his fortunes in the newer States of the West, and in 1831. at the age of sixteen years. he located in Saline County, Missouri, where he was en-
gaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1832 Mr. Akers joined a party of traders and with them made a trip through the southwestern Territories. this expedition extending into New Mexico. A company of United States soldiers accompanied and convoyed the trains, and estab- lished some of the frontier posts. In 1834 Mr. Akers was united in marriage with Miss Letha Snead. a native of Virginia. Mrs. AAkers parents, Thomas and Cynthia (Penn) Snead. were descendants of the Penn colonists. ller mother was a direct descendant of the historic William Penn, the founder of the colony. In 1850 the subject of this sketch started overland for California. This long and toilsome journey was accomplished by the typical ox teams of the period, and aside from the usual hardships eu- countered upon plains, mountains, ete., was devoid of any startling incidents. October 11. 1550. he arrived in Sonoma County and located in Sonoma Valley, and engaged in teaming. etc., until the next year. lle then purchased a tract of land about four miles south of the town of Sonoma and commeneed his career as a fariner and stock-grower. The rich and fertile soil was then in its wild and uncultivated state, but the energetie and well directed efforts of Mr. Akers soon produced good results and ere long he had one of the representative farms of the section. Although devoting his time principally to farm- ing occupations he also engaged in other business enterprises, and in 1853, he, in part- nership with Willis C. Goodman, established a general merchandise store at San Luis. better known as the Embarcadero, which business was successfully conducted for two or three years. Mr. Akers is now (1883) the owner of 114 acres located on his original tract, at what is now Shellville, on the Santa Rosa and Car. quinez Railroad, in the San Luis school distriet. The most of the land is devoted to general farming, producing hay, grain and stock. His land is well adapted to the varied products of Sonoma Valley, as attested by the fine fruits grown in his family orchard, and eight acres of vineyard which, in addition to produeing wine
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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.
grapes of the Zinfandel variety, also produces a large variety of table grapes. For nearly forty years the subject of this sketch has been identi- fied with the growth and progress of Sonoma Valley. His long residence, consistent mode of life, and sterling qualities have gained him the respect and esteem of the community in which he resides. In the earlier days he was ealled upon to take a prominent part in the affairs of the county, and in 1856 and 1857 was the supervisor of his district. In 1858 he was elected justice of the peace of Sonoma Town- ship, a position which he held until 1864. He was a strong supporter of the public schools, and was one of the first school trustees of So- noma, and for many succeeding years held that office. Ile is a prominent member of the Ma- sonie fraternity, was one of the charter members of Temple Lodge, No. 14, F. & A. M., which was organized in 1851. In political matters,
Mr. Akers is a consistent Democrat of the .lef- fersonian stamp. From the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Akers there are five children living, viz .: Harriet, Cynthia, Montgomery, Ellen, and Martha. Harriet married R. B. Lyon, and resides in Sonoma. Cynthia is the wife of Willis C. Goodman, living in Sonoma County. Ellen married William Cassebolum (deceased). She is now (1888) living under the parental roof. Martha married Charles Dillon, residing in Petaluma. Montgomery married Miss Mary IIen- derson, a native of Jackson County, Missouri. From this marriage there are two children. Willie May and Stephen. Mr. Montgomery Akers and family are residing upon the old homestead, where he is associated with his father in conducting the farming operations. He is also the postmaster of Shellville, being the first postmaster ever appointed at this office. which was established in 18SS.
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