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 49

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 786

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 49

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

ILLIAM B. HASKELL, a prominent and active member of the Sonoma County bar, was born in New York City, October 10, 1542, son of Barnabas Ilas- kell. a sketch of whom appears in this work. He was five years of age when his parents moved to Boston, and upon their leaving for

California, he remained in Boston, attending the public schools of that city. After finishing the course of study in the Phillips grammar school he went to Urbana, Ohio, and entered the Urbana University, where he remained two years and then came to this State, via Panama. arriving in Petaluma September 1, 185s. Ile then attended the public school in Petaluma for three years when, finding it necessary to start out in the world, he obtained employment at the dairy of David Knowles, an old pioneer in the northern part of the county, at the month of the Russian River. There he remained two years and with the proceeds of his labor he entered the law school at Benieia, which at that time was known as the Benicia Law School. Among his fellow students there, were Joseph Mc Kenna, now Congressman from the Third Dis- triet of California: George A. Lamont, for many years a leading attorney of Solano: Hon. James .A. Stephens, mayor of Virginia City, and district attorney of Story County, Nevada. After remaining at Benieia three years, Mr. Haskell was admitted to the bar, in 1866, hy the Supreme Court of the State. He then com- menced the practice of law in Petaluma, which he continued one year, when, at the expiration of that time he entered his father's store as clerk and bookkeeper. remaining there until 1874, four years of which time he was a partner in the business. Then desirons of resuming the practice of his profession, he went to Winne- mueea. Humboldt County, Nevada, where he was appointed Deputy United States Internal Revenue Collector for that State. Ile opened an office in the practice of law, at the same time attended to the duties of his official position; and invested what means he had in a stock ranch, in Paradise Valley, with R. 11. Scott, an old pioneer of Humboldt County, Nevada, with whom he was in business about six years. Being offered the cashiership of the Savings Bank of Petaluma, in 1576, he accepted the same and returned to this city where he filled that position two years, when, in September, 1578, he opened a law office in the Odd Fellows building, then

321

HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

just completed, where he has since been in the active practice of his profession. Mr. Haskell was married September 3, 1867, to Katie V. Kelley, only danghter of Alfred and Eunice Kelley of this eity. They had three children two sons who died in infancy, and a daughter, Euna G. Mrs. Haskell died in 1880, and three years later, in July, 1883, Mr. Ilaskell was united in marriage with Emma A. Denny. widow of Thomas Denny of Siskiyou County, and sister of A. A. Weber, a large land owner of Selma, Fresno County, California. By this union they have one daughter, Ruth E.

&.J. J. GOBBI, proprietors of the Sotoyome Winery, Healdsburg, are among the en- terprising men of their seetion of Sonoma County. The Sotoyome Winery was established by P. & B. Gobbi in 1881, and they carried on the business until 1884, when J. J. Gobbi bought the interest of B. Gobbi, and the firm became as at present known. The main building of the winery is 60x80 feet in ground dimensions, while the still-house adjoining is 20x30 feet in floor area. The storage capacity is about 70,000 gallons and from 60,000 to 65,000 gallons of wine are made annually, some 10,000 gallons being annually kept over. They raise no grapes themselves, but buy from the farmers of the surrounding country. The wine manufactured by P. & J. J. Gobbi has a fine reputation, and commands a ready sale in San Francisco as soon as prepared for market. They also manufact- ure grape brandies, and the product of their distillery never has to wait for a market.

Julius J. Gobbi, of this firm, is a native of Italy, born in the province of Dongo, December 16, 1858, his parents being Julius J., Sr., and Mary ( Mache) Gobbi, the father being a vine grower. In 1869 the family came to America, landing at New York, and from there came to California, via Panama. landing at San Fran- cisco March 18, 1869. After a residence of a short period at Healdsburg, they removed to

Ukiah, where the father bought property and started improvements, but died the following year. The family established a vineyard there. and Julius J. Gobbi learned the business of vine growing and also the rudiments of wine-making at Ukiah. In 1883 he went back to Italy, go- ing via New York, and after spending four months in Europe, returned to California and located in Healdsburg. He entered the employ of P. & B. Gobbi, and in January, 1884, bought the entire interest of B. Gobbi. lle was mar- ried in this county April 17. 1887, to Miss Ella Yengling, a native of l'etaluma. They have one child Henry. Mr. Gobbi is an active, en- ergetic man, and takes a lively interest in the welfare of the community.

Peter Gobbi, senior member of the firm of P. & J. J. Gobbi, was born in the province of Dongo, in Italy, September 4, 1853, his parents being Charles and Giovannina (Mantuva) Gobbi. His father was an extensive vine-grower and wine manufacturer. Peter Gobbi was reared in his native country to the age of sixteen years, and acquired there a knowledge of the indus- trial pursuits followed by his father. Early in 1870 he went to London, and there entered the employ of an unele, who was engaged in the furniture business. He was there engaged un- til the summer of 1873, when he took passage on a vessel bound for America, and landed in New York on the 7th of July. lle soon started west and in a short time was in San Francisco. From there he went to Ukiah, and after a visit of eighteen or twenty days, went to l'etaluma. where he was employed in the dairy business. In 1877 he engaged in the same industry for himself at Bloomfield, and on the 1st of June, 1882, started the Sotoyome Winery. Mr. Gob- bi was married November 16, 1879, to Miss Emma Yengling, who was born in Petaluma. They have two children-Charles and Ella. Mr. Gobbi, realizing the desirability of a thorough schooling, has determined to give them the advantages of the best education to be had on this coast. As for himself. he has given his best endeavors toward the building

332

HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY,

up of an industry which has circulated thou- sands and thousands of dollars in this community. and which is a credit to Healdsburg. Mr. Gobbi is a member, and inside watchman of Friendship Lodge, No. 34, K. of P., and is foreman of Healdsburg Lodge, No. 31. A. (. U. W .: also a member of the local lodge, I. (. (. F. He and a brother (now a civil engineer in Buenos Ayres, South America), are owners of the old home place in Italy, a valuable prop- erty.

AMUEL B. BERRY. Among the lead- ing business men of Sebastopol, none rank higher than Samuel B. Berry, the proprie- tor of the only livery and sale stable in that place. IIis establishment is first-class in every respect. and he is also the owner and conduetor of the United States mail stage line from Santa Rosa to Sebastopol, and from Sebastopol to Free- stone. The equipments on these lines are un- excelled by any in the county. Two trips a day are made over these rontes, and he also carries Wells, Fargo & Co.'s express. A sketch of Mr. Berry's life is of interest and is as follows: Ile was born in Sangamon County. Illinois. Febru- ary 14, 1842. Ilis father. B. B. Berry, asketch of whom is contained in this volume, is a res- ident of Sebastopol. Mr. Berry came to Sonoma County with his parents when but ten years of age. Here he was reared and educated. Ilis early life was spent on a farm, where he became versed in the practical knowledge pertaining to that calling as well as stock-raising. In 1865 he married Miss Mary J. Miller, daughter of John and Mary (Holman) Miller. Her parents were natives of Ilinois, came to California at an carly date, and were pioneers ef Sonoma County. After his marriage Mr. Berry engaged in farm- ing about two miles west of Sebastopol. where he remained until 1568. In that year he sold ont, moved to Lake County and located at Gue- nock, Coyote Valley, and established a hotel and livery stable. He successfully conducted this

enterprise until 1872, and in that year he sold out his hotel and livery stable and returned to Sebastopol. Upon his return he purchased from his brother, John H. Berry, his interest in the livery stable of Berry & Son, and in part- nership with his father, B. B. Berry. entered into the livery business. The stage line at that time was from Santa Rosa through Sebastopol to Point Arena, but upon the completion of the North Pacific Coast Railroad in 1879. the western terminus was changed to Freestone on that road. January 28, 1876. Mrs. Berry died, leaving four children. September 7, 1876, Mr. Berry married his second wife, Miss Lucinda J. Purvince. daughter of Jackson Purvince, a native of Illinois, in which State Mrs. Berry was born. Her father is now (188S) a resident of Washington Territory. In 1881 Mr. Berry and his father met with great losses, their stable, horses, carriages and coaches being destroyed by fire. Here Mr. Berry showed the enterprise and pluck that is one of his characteristics. He at once began re-building his stables and purchased a new outfit. In this enterprise he was alone, his father having retired from the business immediately after the fire. Although the fire swept away all of Mr. Berry's stock, etc .. he did not lose one day in the transpor- tation of the mails. express or passengers. The greater portion of Mr. Berry's life, since ar- riving at man's estate, has been spent in Se- bastopol and vicinity. He is one of its promi- nent and progressive citizens. well-known and respected. lle is a member of Evergreen Lodge. No. 161, I. O. O. F .: Rebecca Degree Lodge, No. 44. I. O. O. F .; Chosen Friends Lodge, No. 21. and of Lodge No. 5. of the Golden West. All of the above lodges are of Sebastopol. Ile is a consistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He has al- ways taken a deep interest in the public schools. and for eight years was a school trustee of his district. In 1868 he was deputy sheriff of Lake County and rendered efficient services in that capacity for four years, or until he removed to Sonoma County. In political matters he is

325

HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

Democratie, but is liberal and conservative in his views. llis success in life has been gained by his energy and business tact. Among his property in Sebastopol, mention may be made of his residence and one acre of fine orehard in which he is growing nearly all varieties of fruit produced in the county. Ile is also the owner of a valuable tract of timber land, 680 acres in extent, located in Humboldt County. From Mr. Berry's first marriage there are living the following named children: Oliver M., Charles E. and Clyde S. The third child, Martha L., died in 1887, at the age of sixteen years. From the second marriage there are two children living, Elmer I. and Gertrude E .; one, Lenia M., is deceased. All of his chil- dren are members of his family. Ilis three eldest sons are rendering him great assist- ance in conducting his business. Two of them are driving the coaches on his stage lines, the other being engaged in the care and business of the stables.

RMSTEAD RUNYON, deceased, was born in the State of Kentucky, November 25, 1800. When he was twelve years of age his father, Michael Runyon, moved with his family to Ohio and settled near Dayton, where the subject of this sketch grew to man- hood and married a Miss Hornbecker, and soon after went to Illinois, locating at Lockport, Will County, before Chicago was incorporated as a village. His father also brought his family to the Prairie State and spent the remainder of his life at Lockport. During the war with the Sac and Fox Indians the few settlers at that place took their families to Fort Dearborn for safety, the men occupying a block-honse con- structed for their defense in case of attack by the Indians, while pursuing their vocations to earn a living for their dependent ones. In 1839 Mr. Runyon lost his wife, who died leav- ing a family of six children. On July 7, 1840, he was joined in marriage with Miss Mary

Crawford, a resident of Lockport, of Anglo-Ger- man parentage but a native of Ireland, born September 25, 1824. She came with her pa- rents, Washington and Mary (Geddes) Crawford. to America when a small child. Iler mother died at Lockport, and her father afterward went to Wisconsin where he passed the remainder of his life. Some years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Runyon moved to Missouri and set- tled about fifty miles south of Springfield; re- sided there until 1848, returned to Lockport, and the following spring Mr. Runyon crossed the plains to California, bringing with him his three oldest sons. Unlike most of the Forty- niners, Mr. Runyou never went to the mines, but stopped in Sacramento Connty, at Onisho, now Courtland, and engaged in farming, which had been his occupation in the East. In the spring of 1853 he returned to Lockport, and in November of that year started with the re- maînder of his family for California, via New York and the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in San Francisco, December 16. They proceeded to the farm above mentioned, which was their home for many years, and which Mrs. Runyon still owns. When starting with his family from New York Mr. Runyon, having faith in California as a fruit growing country, purchased and shipped $5,000 worth of fruit trees, which he saw securely packed and prepaid the trans- portation charges on them. At Panama he employed an agent to receive and forward them, but from some cause never ascertained by him they failed to reach their owner. Not dis- couraged by this severe loss and the futility of his first effort, Mr. Runyon procured trees and planted the first orchard in the Sacramento Val- ley. In 1871 the family removed to Santa Rosa, where Mr. Runyon died September 8. 1876, and where his widow still resides in her beautiful home on B street. During the latter years of his life Mr. Runyon was quite extensively in- terested in mining operations, among which was a silver mine in Mexico, which he sold for 865,000 before coming to Santa Rosa. Their object in moving to the city was largely for the

526

HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

purpose of edueating their children, of whom Mr. Runyon had six by his first wife and seven by the present widow. Being interested in the cause of education, he contributed liberally toward building the Christian College (now a Catholic convent) and also the Pacific Methodist College. Mr. Runyon left an estate valued at $140,000, of which the Sacramento County farm of 340 aeres and the Santa Rosa homestead owned by Mrs. Runyon, are a part. The latter comprises three acres of land and the family residence erected at a cost of $15,000 about fifteen years ago, the premises being worth $20,- 000. Mrs. Runyon's children are Victoria, wife of Arthur Brown, of Oakland; Henry A .. who was formerly a commission merchant in San Francisco, died February 24, 1886; Albert J., who resides in Oregon, unmarried; W. N. Run- yon, married, living on the farm in Sacramento County: Charles E., married and residing in Portland, Oregon: Frederick M., married, living in Oakland; and Emma F., wife of Edwin T. Earl, of the Earl Fruit Company, fruit shippers of Sacramento and Los Angeles.

ILLIAM HOOD, proprietor of Los Guilucos Ranch, is one of California's pioncer men. No history of the county or State conkl be well written withont mention of him. A full history of his more than merely . active life would, if it could be detailed, be of great interest: but lack of space prevents us from giving more than a brief review, leaving out many an adventure by land and sea. and many a thrilling narrative of great danger passed only by display of great coolness and daring. Were- cord that he was born in the ancient city of St. Andrew's. Scotland, September 9, 1818, of an old Scottish faniily. After receiving a fair schooling for a youth of those days. he served under his father, James lood, five years as an apprentice to the carpenter and cabinet-inakers' trades, acquiring at the same time a knowledge of the manufacture of agricultural implements

and of general wood work. When nineteen years of age he left the old home, and at Dun- dee, Scotland, engaged in ship-carpentering and and cabinet-work. following that occupation three years. He next, in 1540. in the city of London, spent a few months in house building: then filled with the spirit of adventure and deter- mined to try his fortune in a new land, he em barked for New Zealand, where he landed after a dreary voyage of six months. Life in New Zealand in those years required constant vigi- lance to guard against massacre by the natives, and building and guarding stockades was a part of the duty of every able-bodied white man. In 1843, with two fellow shipmates, Mr. IIood sailed for Valparaiso. Chili, where, owing to the eity having been largely destroyed by fire, mechanics were in great demand and at good wages. Until 1846 he worked in that city. Then, although California was yet under Mexi- can domination, the stories of its fertility and genial skies determined him to visit the province. Not being able to go direct, he reached Peru, where, after a delay of two months, he was en- abled to procure a passage to Monterey, reaching that place the week following the arrival of Commodore Sloat, who had raised the American Hag and by proclamation taken possession of the land in the name of the United States Govern- ment. The same season Mr. Hood visited So- noma County and Los Guilucos Valley. Inex- pressibly charmed with what he saw, he left with the determination that it he could control the future he would finally make the valley his home. Before returning to San Francisco, Mr. Hood visited General Vallejo, at the request of the latter, who was still hell as a prisoner by the American forces, at his own home. Later he passed the present site of Sacramento, then occupied by one solitary Indian and his squaw. At San Francisco Mr. Hood again took up the active life so natural to him. Accordingly, the next two years he was a building contractor, engaged in house building, ship repairing, etc. Upon the discovery of gold his men left him and he found himself engaged in work contracted

327

HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

for upon labor basis of one dollar per day. pay- ing eight dollars per day for the same labor, and a rapidly rising market. Finishing his last contract, he, too, went to the mines, but sick- ness soon compelled his return to the city. With an increased demand, he resumed profitably his former business, and rapidly laid the foundation of a large fortune. In December, 1849, he re- visited Los Gnilucos Valley, and soon after bought all the land known and described as the " Guilucos " grant, in Los Gnilncos Valley, one of the most pieturesque valleys in the whole State of California. The grant was originally made by the Mexican Government, to the wife of Don Juan Wilson, a famous sea captain under the old regime, and his wife, Ramena. The boundaries became the subject of litigation. The final adjudication confirmed Mr. Hood's title to over 18,000 acres. With the purchase he became the owner of 500 head of cattle. The work of improvement began at once, upon por- tions of the grant. A part of the ranch, was subdivided, and sold to men trying to hold as squatters, at a nominal price. Mr. Hood com- menced the building of the splendid home he now occupies in 1857. The dwelling-house is a large substantial structure, which might well be called a mansion, situated at the foot of Hood's Mountain, surrounded by shaded grounds whose great natural beauty have been enhanced by art. All the building improvements seem to have been erected with a view to utility and convenience rather than cost. A noticeable fea- ture is the substantial winery and wine cellars, where the product of 200 acres of the ranch in vineyard is manufactured and stored. The ranel of to-day contains about 1,500 acres, and altogether makes one of the most charming rural homes to be found in California. It is located on the Santa Rosa and Sonoma road, nine miles east of Santa Rosa, and thirteen miles from Sonoma. Few persons of California have passed through more of its trials than the subject of this sketch. Always public-spirited, in many an enterprise he has been engaged, and has met with sad reverses in fortune; but through all 21

has carried his manly dignity, his genial kind- ness, liis ever welcome hospitality. Suffering often times losses through the unfaithfulness of others, he has ever kept his faith with all men. He has the respect and confidence of all who know him well and he enjoys the consciousness of having never wronged any man.

ICHIARD FULKERSON, deceased. The subject of this sketch located in Santa Rosa when that now flourishing city was but a frontier village, having been christened only about two years. If only for the part he took in laying the foundation of the present prosperity, and for the energetic effort displayed in the pushing forward of the work of improve- ment and development, Mr. Fulkerson should have honorable mention in this historic work; but he is and always will be among the pioneers. and early and later settlers best remembered for his many manly qualities and kindly nature. Honorable in business, accommodating as a neighbor, kind and indulgent as a parent, his memory will ever be cherished by all who knew him well. Mr. Enlkerson was born of one of the pioneer Kentucky families, in Hardin County, that State, February 11, 1806. Ilis father, Fulkird Fulkerson, of German extrac- tion, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and when eleven years of age was brought to Ken- tucky by his father, John Fulkerson, very soon after the close of the Revolution. The family found refuge from the Indians upon first reach- ing that territory in the stockade at Lexington. Fułkird Fulkerson, reaching manhood, married Sarah Davis, daughter of another pioneer fam- ily. Of her children, Richard Fulkerson was the eldest, and since his death Dr. T. S. Fulker- son, of Rincon Valley, is the only one now (1888) living. Richard Fulkerson was reared to a farm life, and had but limited opportuni- ties for an education; but, possessed of a keen observation and retentive memory, he overcame the lack of youthful advantages. In the county of

328

HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

his birth, October 21, 1824, he married Miss Sally Shepherd Clawson, also a native of Kentucky, born July 10, 1810. She became the mother of nine children. five of whom were born in that State. AAfter a short time spent in Tennessee, where two children were born that died young, Mr. Fulkerson and his family, early in the thirties', became pioneers in the wilds of Mont- gomery County, Indiana, where their daughter P'hebe, now the wife of Jacob Harris, was born. Later they removed to Vigo County, that State. There their son John was born. In that then wild, rugged, heavily timbered country several years were spent. In 1844 the family became pioneer settlers of Davis County, lowa. That now wealthy county was then almost as nature had made it. Just ten years later, or in the spring of 1854, with his family and all his worldly possessions, Mr. Fulkerson started with ox teams for this sunny land, reaching Santa Rosa October 4. Ile made his home on ground now almost within the city limits. His capital was limited, but sufficient to enable him to pur- chase 300 acres of land, and thus lay the found- ation of his future competence. His purchase adjoined the city on the north, and is now par- tially included in the city plat. He added to the original purchase and became the owner of a splendid tract of 600 acres. Of the children born in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Fulkerson, four died in infaney in the East. Of the others we record that Ruth, the eldest, died the widow of Alexander Barnes, in Santa Rosa, in 1887. Phebe and her husband, Jacob Harris, reside upon a portion of the old homestead. Mrs. Mary Mize, a widow, also resides upon the home property. Jolin resides in the city of Santa Rosa, and Stephen T., upon a fine ranch in Rincon Valley. Full sixty years Mr. Ful- kerson was a member of the ancient, honor- able order of Free Masons. Fully ripe for the harvest. past four-score in years, he was gathered to the fathers, November 24. 1887. Tenderly he was buried, " Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," with the beautiful and impressive ceremonies of the order so proud of his mem-

bership. The estimable wife who had shared with him the trials and hardships of pioneer life in Indiana and Iowa, before coming to Sonoma County, his loving companion for nearly three score years, preceded him to the grave, her death occurring March 18, 1583, at the age of seventy- three years. The old family residence is now owned by Richard Barnes, son of Mrs. Ruth Barnes, and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Fulker- son.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 49

Author: Lewis Publishing Company Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 786

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 786