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 61

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 61

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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

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city council and served four years. In the spring of 1888 he was nominated for mayor of the city on the Democratic ticket, but his farm interests requiring him to be absent from home a portion of the time, he declined the proffered honor. Mr. Brooke is a charter member of Valley Lodge, No. 135, in Linden, San Joa- quin County. John P. Brooke, the father of the subject of this memoir, was born on the ocean when his parents were en route to America from Ireland, their native land. Ile married Miss Esther Bennett, an English lady, who bore him thirteen children, of whom Mr. Brooke is the tenth. Ilis father died in 1880 at the ripe age of eighty-four, and his mother died in 1882, aged eighty-six years. The old gentleman was a farmer by occupation.

ONRAD IIAEIIL is the proprietor of the Mount Vineyard and Winery, adjoining Cloverdale. The ranch contains 158 acres, of which twenty-two acres are in vines, ranging in age from two to ten years. The varieties are: Zinfandel, Riesling, Chasselas, and a few Mis- sion, Rose of Peru, Muscat, Tokay, Black Ham- burg, Black Malvoise, Isabella. The winery, which is two stories in height, and 40 x 50 feet in ground dimensions, was erected in the spring of 1886. There is a storage room for 75,000 gal- lons, and from 12,000 to 20,000 gallons are manufactured annually. The quality is excel- lent and the wines command a ready sale. Much study has been given by Mr. Ilaehl to the sub- ject of wine-making, and this coupled with his many years of experience, has tended to the advancement of the industry in this section. Mr. Ilaehl is a native of Indiana, born in Shelby County, May 11, 1846, his parents being John Jacob and Catherine (Carwine) IIaehl, both of whom were natives of Bavaria. The father was in the wine business in Germany. In 1832 he came to America and, after a short stay in Cincinnati, located in Indiana, where he was an early set- ter, and bought Government land at $1.25 an

acre. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native county, and in 1868 he came to Cali- fornia, via New York and Panama, taking the steamer Henry Chauncey on the Atlantic side, and landing at San Francisco July 1, 1868, from the steamer Montana. After a short stay in the city he went to Mendicino County, where he had a brother. Two years later he went back East, and he and his brother and a brother-in- law were engaged in the California wine busi- ness at Indianapolis. Conrad Haehl returned to California and bought and shipped wine to his partners for several years. When on a trip to Indiana. in 1874, he was married and brought to California his wife and also his parents. Ilis mother died here in December, 1882, and his father in February, 1884. Mr. Haehl's wed- ding occurred in June, 1874, and his wife, a native of Brookville, Indiana, was formerly Miss Rosa Il. Tirpank. They have four children living: Carl, Otto, Fred., and Edward. They lost one by death, Gustav. Mr. Haehl has taken an active part in the advancement of the grape and wine industry and was one of the main fac- tors in the organization of the Grape-Growers' Association.

H. SHAW, who owns and occupies an orchard home one mile east of Sonoma, has been identified with the horticultural and viticultural interests of Sonoma Valley inany years. In company with his brother, S. W. Shaw, now a resident of San Francisco, he planted the first vineyard of foreign grapes designed for market ever planted in northern California. The enttings from imported stock were brought from Los Angeles County, where they were bought at $150 per thousand. The first crops were sold at twenty-five cents per ponnd. At first the vineyard comprised six acres, but it was enlarged afterward and is still in existence, making part of the property known as " Maple Lodge," situated less than one mile east of Sonoma, and owned by William Pickett.

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Mr. Shaw was one of four brothers who came to California in the days of its early history. Ilis brothers, S. W. and S. L. Shaw, were among the Argonants of 1849 (the latter is now de- ceased), and another brother, who now lives in this neighborhood, came in 1856. The subject of this sketeh was born in Windsor County, Vermont, in 1835. His father, Seth Shaw, died when he was but thirteen years of age. In 1856 he came to Sonoma County, and until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion his time was varionsly employed, a part of that time working in vineyards and also teaching school. In February, 1863, he enlisted in Company E, California Battalion, an organization which later became a part of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry. His service of eighteen months was in the Army of the Potomac. His discharge for disability becoming necessary, he became a resident of the State of Massachusetts, where, at Lynn and Gloucester he engaged several years in merchandising. At Lynn he wedded Miss Annie Porter, now deceased. Their only son, L. H. Shaw, is a resident of Lynn, and is en- gaged in the boot and shoe business. Mr. Shaw's present wife was formerly of Gloucester, Massachusetts. By her he has three children : Susie M., Gracie E., and Helena P. In 1877 Mr. Shaw again became a resident of California, and again made his home in Sonoma Valley. The following year he established his residence at his present home. He is a member of Temple Lodge, No. 14, F. & A. M., and a charter mem- ber of the Colonel Allen Post, No. 45, G. A. R., of Gloucester, Massachusetts. The promi- nent part that Mr. Shaw has had the past few years in making the County of Sonoma known for its horticultural productions, makes recogni- tion of him in this historical work an act of justice. Without making a detailed statement of his services, we will. state that in 1887 he was, as vice-chairman, associated with a com- mittee in charge of exhibits from Sonoma Val- ley, J. II. Drummond being chairman, and R. A. Poppe, secretary. Largely to his efforts was due the fact that Sonoma Valley, in competition

with the State, received at the Mechanics' Fair. at San Francisco that year, the first prize, $1,000 in cash for the best exhibits of fruits. In 1888 he was an honorary member of a committee rep- resenting Sonoma County at the annual fair held by the same organization. That year the county received the second premium, $600, the famous exhibit of Santa Clara County outrank- ing Sonoma County.

ARETON D. GROVER was born in Jack- son County, Michigan, March 26, 1841. His father, Francis W. Grover, was born in Cattaraugus County, New York, April 5, 1818, and his grandfather, Asher Grover, was a native of Vermont, who emigrated from that State into New York. About 1832 the entire Grover family removed to Michigan and settled in the neighborhood where the subject of this sketch was born. Francis W. Grover married Lucinda Williams, a native of New York State. IIer father was also a native of Vermont, who emi- grated from New York into Michigan about the same time the Grover family moved there, and settled in the same neighborhood. The heads of both families died in Michigan. In 1859 Francis Grover and his family emigrated to California, taking six months lacking three days to make the overland journey from Jackson County to Red Bluff, where they first located. Mr. Grover rented a hotel at Red Bluff, which he conducted for a while, and then bought a farm, devoting his time to the raising of hay, grain and stock. In the fall of 1863 he moved to Alameda County, and not being satisfied with that location, he soon after returned to Tehama County, where he resided until the fall of 1867 when he came to Sonoma County. He rented land for one year, after which he bought 180 acres in Vallejo Township. Mr. Grover resided here until the fall of 1871 when he moved to Oregon and bought a farm in Linn County, near Brownsville, where he now re- sides. They had a family of four children-all

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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

sons: one died in Michigan, at the age of seven years; one in 1864, in the Union army; Royal II. Grover lives in Oregon, where he is engaged in farming; and Carlton D. Grover, the subject of this sketel. When Carlton D. was eighteen years old he went into the mines, where he worked four months. Ile was married in 1869 to Miss Eliza E. Todd, who was born in Rush County, Indiana. When she was five years old her parents moved to Lee County, Iowa, where she was reared. Iler father, Ilugh Todd, made his home with them during his old age, and died February 1, 1881, at the age of eighty-five. Mr. Grover has always resided on the family property, which was owned by them jointly before his father moved to Oregon. IIe has at present 120 aeres of fine land situated in Vallejo Township, just at the edge of Petaluma. Mr. and Mrs. Grover have had three children: Jennie L., born January 18, 1871, and died November 29, 1871; Charles II., born May 22, 1873, and died September 6, 1873; Elnor May, born April 27, 1881.

F ENRY W. HUDSON, of the firm of Hnd- son & Wright, furniture and carpet dealers, Santa Rosa, is a native son of Cal- ifornia, born in Los Guilicos, Sonoma County. His father, Martin IIndson, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, nee Miss MeElroy, of East Tennessee. They were married and lived in Missouri until coming to California, in 1848, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They had seven children, five of whom are now living. Mr. Hudson's active life was passed in farming and stoek-raising. He died in 1873, at the age of sixty-seven years, and his widow passed away in June, 1888, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-nine. The subject of this sketch was educated at Santa Rosa and at the State University, and at twenty years of age started out upon a business career as salesman in the house of Leibman & Co., and after being with them seven years went to Tombstone, Ari-

zona, and engaged in general merchandising on his own account, remaining three years. He sold out and returned to Santa Rosa in January, 1883. and in the fall of that year opened a car- pet house on Fourth street, near the Occidental Hotel. Ile continued there until December, 1886, when S. B. Wright came into the firm, and the partners bought out the furniture stock of B. Cruthers, whose store was on Hinton avenue, where they moved the earpet depart- ment, and in the fall of 1886 eommeneed the large building they now oceupy on B street. They moved into the new building in April, 1887. The store is 50 x 116 feet, and in addi- tion they have a storeroom 20 x 40 feet. They carry a large general line of earpets, furniture and bedding, and do all their own upholstering. Their stock embraces a very fine line of both carpets and furniture, and is valued at about $20,000. Their sales run fully $50,000 a year, and are steadily growing. They carry much the largest stock in both lines in this eity, and the largest in northern California, exeept Sac- ramento. Mr. Hudson is a member of the or- ganization of Native Sons of the Golden West, and is First Lieutenant of Company E, Fifth Infantry, National Guards. This company is composed of sixty-five Santa Rosa men, from eighteen to thirty-five years of age, L. W. Jull- iard being Captain, and J. Dunbar, Second Lieutenant. The company has been organized three years, and has weekly drills every Monday night. Mr. IFudson is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He has one sister residing in Sonoma County.

O. WILCOX, M. D .- Who in Sonoma County has not heard of bluff, hearty, good-natured Dr. Wilcox, the eclectic physician of Healdsburg, whose eminent quali- ties of head and heart have endeared him to the community? He was born in Marshall County, Illinois, in 1851; is the youngest of four boys and son of Orin and Parmelia (Davidson) Wil-

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cox, the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of Scotch ancestry and a native of New York. They were married in New York and emigrated to what was then the West, settling in Marshall County, Illinois. The subject of this sketch was educated at Elgin, and gradu- ated at the Bennett Medieal College, Chicago, in 1873. He at onee removed to St. Clair County, Ilinois, where for the next ten years we find him practieing his profession, in the meantime having married Miss Lelia Leota Varner, daughter of Abram Varner, Esq., an Illinois farmer. They decided to east their for- tunes in the Golden West, and came to this county in 1583, where the Doctor has closely identified himself with the practical interests of the community, and where, with his interest- ing family, consisting of two daughters and one son, he still resides. The Doetor is a promi- nent member of the K. of II., and is a leading spirit in the Republican party. He has won many warm friends and acquaintances in the county, and has securel to himself a liberal share of patronage.

B ENJAMIN CLARK, of Russian River Township, is a native of Indiana, born in Perry County, May 4, 1825, his parents being Robert and Nancy (Masterson) Clark. both of whom were Kentnekians by birth. In 1831 the family removed to Illinois, loeating in Bureau County, and there Benjamin Clark was reared. In 1553 he joined an Illinois party bound for California. They crossed the Mis- souri River at Kaneville, and choosing the Salt Lake route, arrived in Shasta County on the 16th of September, having been to that time from the 17th of March in making the journey. After a residence of four months in Shasta County. Mr. Clark removed to Contra Costa County where he farmed until 1857, when he removed to Sonoma County. At the time he came here his farm was covered with timber and all the improvements now upon the place have

been made by him. Mr. Clark was married in Illinois to Miss Elizabeth Fletcher, a native of Fanquier County, Virginia. They have five children: James Hl. IL., born March 12, 1526; Jacob S., Samuel T. (all of whom reside on the home farm); Esther A., wife of J. J. Lindsay of Windsor; and Margaret Melissa, wife of Philip Wells, resides in Contra Costa County. Mr. Clark has been identified with the Republi- ean party ever since its organization, and cast his first presidential vote for Fremont. In 1888 he was nominated by the County Convention of that party for supervisor from the third distriet of Sonoma County, and was elected in Novem- ber by a handsome majority. He is a member of the Windsor Lodge, F. & A. M. The sub- jeet of this sketeli is the owner of a fine ranch of over 260 aeres, a mile and a quarter from Windsor, the most of which is devoted to gen- eral farming purposes. Three aeres are in or- chard, the trees being abont twenty years old, consisting of almonds, apples and chestnuts. There are two acres of younger trees -- peaches, prunes, apricots and plums. All are in good condition and yield well. Mr. Clark is an up- right, conscientious man, and enjoys in a high degree the confidenee of his fellow-citizens.

ON. EMERSON J. GRIFFITHI was born in the State of North Carolina thirty- seven years ago. At the age of eight years he removed with his parents to Virginia. From that time till sixteen years of age he attended the county schools and worked on a farm alter- nately. He then taught a subscription school in southwestern Virginia. At the age of sev- enteen he went to Kenton County, Rentneky, and was elected principal of a boys' academy near Independence. The following year he re- turned to Virginia and pursned his studies on his own account, and taught as principal of a high school till nineteen years of age. He then entered Emory and Heury College, Virginia. where he graduated with honor, taking the de-

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grees of A. B. and A. M. During his course at college Mr. Griffith won the " Collins prize medal," which was awarded to him by the faculty of the University of Virginia sitting as a committee. Ile also won the highest honors in the linguistic department and oratory, and on receiving his degrees delivered a classical oration in Latin. Soon after his graduation he married Mary Virginia Dunn, of Virginia, and the young people settled in Santa Rosa, Califor- nia, early in October, 1874. In January, 1875, he was elected Professor of the Natural Sciences and Modern Literature in the Pacific Methodist College, which position he filled with credit to himself and to the institution. Having grad- nated in international and mercantile law while at college, he had a strong desire to engage in the practice of the law. Accordingly he re- signed his professorship in May. 1879, and in the following autumn removed to the city of Fresno and opened a law office, where he has since practiced with more than ordinary success. Ile has represented Fresno County twice in the Assembly of the State, where, as a skillful par- liamentarian and a trained speaker he was ac- corded a first place by that body. Mr. Griffith was the first to take active measures looking to a settlement of the irrigation question, and many of the remedies suggested by him have since become laws. So much did his fellow- citizens appreciate his knowledge and services that a great mass meeting of the people in 1884 elected him along with Judge J. W. Worth as a delegate to go to Sacramento and assist in formulating the necessary irrigation measures. Mr. Griffith was a member of the State Democratic Conventions which nominated Governors Stoneman and Bartlett for the posi- tions which they subsequently held. He has always been a vigorous advocate of Democratic doctrines, and has ever been ready in an honor- able way to promote the interests of his party. Mr. Griffith is essentially a self-made man. having himself earned money sufficient to ob- tain a liberal education. In despite of many disadvantages he has succeeded in business and

has accumulated a neat sum of money. He owns handsome and valuable city and country property in Fresno County. Some months since he purchased the fine residence on the corner of B and 7th streets, in Santa Rosa, and removed his family to this beautiful city, which he avers he loved first and can but love last. IIere Mr. Griffith, though yet young, hopes to spend his life. IIe and his estimable wife have three children, a son and two daughters, the two eldest being now in attendance at one of the many excellent schools of Santa Rosa.

ACOB R. SNYDER, deceased .-- No history of Sonoma County or of California would be considered complete without more than a passing mention of him whose name heads this sketch. He was born in Philadelphia in the year 1812. His father, John Snyder, was a flour merchant, and during the war of 1812 was made a bankrupt by the loss of three cargoes of flour which were captured by the British squad- ron on Chesapeake Bay. Shortly after the close of the war he turned his attention to brick making, a business he pursued with great energy till his death. John Snyder was no ordinary man. Taking for his motto that of the phil- osophical Benjamin Franklin, that a trade was a fortune to its possessor, he brought up each of his sons to some useful branch of mechanical labor, earnestly exhorting them to excel, each in his particular business. At an early age Jacob R. Snyder was apprenticed to the carpenter and joiner's trade, but his longing desire for a life in the far West caused him, during his apprenticeship, to mature a plan for emigrating to the land of his dreams. In the year 1834 he could have been found on the banks of the Ohio where the present city of New Albany, Indiana, now stands, at that time almost an unbroken forest. There he remained several years, but the same adventurous spirit that led him from the old home, still urged him on, and in 1845, while California was yet a Mexi-

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can province with no hope of its becoming a part of our great Union, except as a dream possibly to materialize in the distant future, he determined to make it his future home. With nine others, early in that season, Mr. Snyder proceeded to In- dependenee, Missouri, from whenee, after neces- sary preparation for the ardnous journey over almost trackless plains, deserts, and mountains, they started for this sunny land. After almost ineredible hardships the little band separated at Johnson's ranch on Bear River. September 23, 1845, Mr. Snyder continuing his journey to San Francisco, where he remained some time. At this juneture the Californians had begun to inanifest a strong desire to not only resist the tide of American emigration but also to drive ont those already here. Mr. Snyder, in 1846, ap- plied to the Governor for a grant of land, with the view of building a fort for the protection of emigrants. The Governor, however, became sus- picious of the designs of the Americans, and fearing their restless energy and power, refused to make the grant. The same year, 1846, Mr. Snyder joined Colonel Fremont and, by his knowledge of the country and acquaintance with the enstoms and habits of the people, he contributed in no slight degree to the success of the operations which so rapidly and successfully cleared California from Mexican domination. As quartermaster of Fremont's battalion he re- mained in the service until the war ended. He was then appointed by Governor Mason Sur- veyor-general of the middle department of California. In the exercise of the difficult and arduous duties of this office he won the esteem and confidence of the people, and re- signed his office amid universal regret, after which he entered into business in Saera- mento. In 1849 he was one of the leading men in the convention called by Governor Riley for the formation of a constitution for the State. His firm decided course, his clear prophetic vision, showing the needs of the future, his manifest desire to serve the interests of the people, and to faithfully perform his duty, in- dependent of party control, gained for him

almost universal esteem and confidence. In 1851 Mr. Snyder was elected to the State Sen- ate from San Francisco by a large majority. As a Senator he made an honorable record. The previous year he had become a member of the well-known banking firm of James King & Company. In 1553 he was appointed by Pres- ident Picree, United States Assistant Treasurer at San Francisco, a responsible position which he held during the administrations of President Pierce and President Buchanan. Upon the ont- break of the Rebellion he rose above the level of the partisan and by word and deed allied himself stannelly with the loyal citizens of the State in the active support of the Union cause. In fact, it is claimed and believed that the atti- tnde of Mr. Suyder had more influence than can be estimated in preventing an attempt to overthrow governmental authority in California. In 1862 he retired from the cares and anxieties of an official life to live upon his splendid prop- erty at Sonoma. There he passed the remainder of his days, resisting all efforts of his friends who tried to induce him to again enter public life. Mr. Snyder was a remarkable man. En- dowed by nature with a stalwart frame, he was possessed of a mental strength and vigor fully equaling his physical. Perhaps no one has passed away leaving behind so long a record of California experiences. Commencing life here as a lumber merchant, he passed through mostly all phases of business. Shortly before his death he was president of the Wine Growers' Associa- tion of the State. As a soldier and as a eivil- ian he ever did his duty. and by all was credited as being thoroughly honest and conscientious in all his acts, and to-day his memory is held as fresh and green as the loved hills and valleys of his loved home in Sonoma County. Ilis death occurred April 29, 1878. In 1850 Mr. Snyder wedded Miss Susan H. Brayton, of Massachu- setts, who died June 20. 1871. April 20, 1874, he took for his second wife Miss Rachel J. Sears, daughter of Franklin and Margaret (Swift) Sears, who was born at the home of her parents in Sonoma Township. Mrs. Snyder occupies the

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beautiful home established by her husband. The estate of 130 acres about one mile north and east of the eity produces fruits of all kinds and is one of the most delightful rural properties to be found in the favored Sonoma Valley.

RA BIDWELL, of Washington Township, one of the old settlers of Sonoma County, is a native of Lafayette County, Missouri, born within a mile and a half of Lexington, Angust 8, 1828. He was there reared to man- hood, and in 1850 set out for California, with a party of neighbors from Cass and Henry counties, Missouri. They followed the main trail until it divided, thence by Fort Hall and down the Humboldt, and what was known as the Carson route. After a journey of six months duration, he arrived at Georgetown, where he mined about a year. A few days before Christmas, 1852, he arrived in Sonoma County, and located near the old Franklin Bidwell raneh, within a half mile of Russian River, and also near the Fitch and Alexander land. Ira Bidwell and Cyrus Alexander were the only occupants of Alexander Valley at that time. For several years he followed the business of hunting game for the San Francisco market. HIe would haul the game, principally deer, to Sonoma by wagon, and then ship on a launeh for San Francisco, thus requiring from three to five days to get game to market, where it would bring from 12g to 20 cents per pound. Game was plentiful and seven months in the year good shooting was afforded. There were none of the hunters of that day who could exeel him at hunting, though he was not the best marks- man at target shooting. Since coming to So- noma County he has killed grizzly and black bears to the number of twenty-three. He has not followed hunting as a business since 1857, in fact he has done very little since then. It was the enstom to hunt in parties of three or four in partnership, and in this way they often secured more than $50 worth of game in a day. ;

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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 61

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