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 65
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sisting of three daughters and four sons, he resides, enjoying the leisure which comes after a well-spent life, and being respected and honored by the community.
EREMLAHI RIDGWAY, deceased .-- Among the men who settled at Santa Rosa during its early history and became pioneers of Sonoma County, few were better or more widely known than the subject of this sketch. Ile brought a large capital to the new country, and early became interested in its development and prosperity. Mr. Ridzway was born at Tuckerton, New Jersey, in 1504, of one of the old Quaker families of that State, the fam- ily being of English origin. In his youth and early manhood he followed a sea-faring life, pass- ing through all the grades from a cabin boy to a master of a merchant vessel. In the prime of manhood he wedded, in New York City. Miss Sarah Ann Ridgway, a lady who, though bear- ing the same name, was from a family tracing no relationship. After his marriage Mr. Ridg- way became a merchant at Thekerton, and a few years later he engaged in farming near Philadel- phia, afterward moving westward he engaged in general merchandising at La Porte, Indiana a business which he successfully followed for a unmber of years. Finally determining to make the Pacific coast his future home, he, in the spring of 1854, joined at St. Joseph, Missouri, an overland train destined for this State. From the autumn of that year until the spring of 1857 he resided at Sacramento. He then came to Santa Rosa and purchased 160 aeres, one of the most desirable tracts of land in the neigh- borhood, situated on what is now Mendocino street, adjoining the city plat on the north, in fact the family residence and fifty acres of the homestead are included now iu the plat of the city. Mr. Ridgway, investing his means in productive property, became one of the wealthy men of Northern California. The great be- reavement of his life was the death of his wife,
PP AUDIBERT 1. ...
John Adams.
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in September, 1869, at the age of sixty-two years. She was the mother of three children, viz .: Judith, Jeremiah, and Joseph, of whom the first and last mentioned reside upon the homestead, Jeremiah having the last few years had his home in the East. Mr. Ridgway, though over thirty years a resident of California, had still large interests in the East. In faet, 'tis said that his investments in real estate were always judiciously made, and never changed. In May, 1884, he left his home on business con- nected with his interests in the East, destined never to return alive. He died at La Porte, In- diana, in February, 1885. His remains were brought home for burial. Thus, one by one, the pioneers are passing away.
OHN ADAMS .- There is no man in So- homa County better or more widely known, particularly in agricultural and horticult- ural cireles, than John Adams of Santa Rosa. A sketch of his life is of more than passing interest in a history of the county to which he has devoted the best part of his life in building up; briefly stated it is as follows: Mr. Adams was born in Jackson County, Missouri, July 31, 1827. llis father, Lynchburg Adams, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, and emigrated to Mis- souri in 1818. His mother is a native of Mis. souri, and was born at Boone's Fort in Boone County. Mr. Adams is descended from the pioneer element of the great West. He was reared in pioneer settlements and early in life was inured to the hardships and practical labors of pioneer farming and stock-raising. Ile was engaged in farm labor upon his father's farm until 1850. May 10 of that year, he started for California. IIe joined Michael T. McClel- lan and worked his passage across the plains by driving an ox team. After months of toil and hardship, unavoidable upon such a journey, he arrived at Sacramento, October 1 of that year. There he was taken with the cholera, suffering from an illness that lasted nntil midwinter. In
the fall of 1850 he went to Shasta and engaged for a short time in mining. Afterward he pro- ceeded to Rush Creek, where he followed the same oceupation until August of the same year. At that time the Indians became trouble- some and he was compelled to abandon his inin- ing prospects. Ile then came to Sonoma County and engaged in farm labor for James Hud- speth, on land now occupied by W. S. M. Wright, about one mile and a half west of Santa Rosa. In the fall of 1852 he proceeded by steamer ronte to New Orleans, and from thence returned to his old home in Missouri. The next spring he went through Southern Missouri and Ar- kansas, purchasing cattle. After securing 175 fine milch cows, he started his herd aeross the plains. He was successful in this enterprise and arrived with his stock in Sonoma County in the fall of 1853. Ile then located his herd on lands west of Santa Rosa, where he remained until February, 1855, when he took his cattle into the mountains at the head of Mark West Creek, northeast of Santa Rosa. Not suited with his location, in the fall of that year he left the mountains and settled about one and a half miles northwest of Santa Rosa, in what is now the Lewis school district, on Adams Lane. There he purchased a squatter's right for 160 acres of land and established himself as a gen- eral farmer and stock-grower. Mr. Adams was one of the first to recognize the adapta- bility of the soil of Santa Rosa Valley for fruit culture, and was the pioneer fruit grower of the section in which he resides. As early as 1856 he procured grafts from Oregon and planted an orchard upon his lands, and he has also planted a vineyard of Mission grapes. Mr. Adams increased his land holdings to about 350 acres, making extensive and substantial improvements in buildings, etc. In 1860 he built a substantial and commodious residence, around which he planted a large variety of shade trees that have added greatly to the beauty and comfort of his pleasant home. In the past few years he has sold portions of his land until his farm now (ISSS) contains 236 acres. These
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lands are in a high state of cultivation and are very productive. Among his improvements is a perfect system of drainage, easily controlled and applicable to his farm. His fruit cultiva- tion includes twenty-five acres of orchard, con- taining a large variety of fruits, among which are apples, pears, plums, peaches, French prunes. cherries, figs, almonds and walnuts; also a fam- ily vineyard in which he has wine and table grapes of the most approved varieties. The rest of his land is devoted to hay, grain and stock-raising. Among his stock are some thor- oughbred Jersey cattle and fine specimens of draft horses, improved by Norman stock. The subject of this sketch is a strong believer in the glorious future that awaits the agricultural and horticultural industries of Sonoma County. Despite the progress already made and success achieved in these industries. he deems them but still in their intaney. Public spirited, energetic, and progressive, he has been in the front rank and taken a lead in all enterprises that have tended to advance the interests and build up Sonoma County. He was one of the originators of the system of county exhibits in the fairs and various cities of the United States, whereby the wonderful productions of Sonoma County have been displayed throughont the country. He is a member of Santa Rosa Grange, No. 17. Patrons of Husbandry, of which he was form- erly the master. He is also the master of the Pomona Grange. Taking a deep interest in the public schools, he has for over twenty-five years served as a school trustee in his district. Ile is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, a strong believer in churches and the influence which they exert in improving the welfare and morals of the community, and he has always contributed liberally toward the building of churches - - without regard to de- nomination-as well as for other public build- ings. In political matters Mr. Adams is associated with the Democratic party, and though not an office seeker, he has always taken an intelligent interest in all political questions of the day. His influence has always
been exerted to advance the best elements of his party. In 1952 Mr. Adams was united in mar- riage with Miss Holly D. R. Hndspeth, the daughter of Charles M. and Naney ( Draper) Hudspeth. Her parents were natives of Ten- nessee, and pioneers of California and Sonoma County, having settled in the county in 1549. From this marriage there have been born eleven children, nine of whom are living, viz .: Lynchburg, who married Miss Ellen Hill, liv- ing in Santa Rosa; John II., married Miss Mattie Dunkley, residing near Occidental; Rob- ert Lee, Albert Sidney, Charles Edward, Press S., Bettie, Susie and Mattie. The second child, James Buchanan, died August 18. 1875, at the age of twenty-one years. The third, William Carroll, died in 1562, when two and a half years of age.
ON. G. R. CODDING .- The subject of this sketch was born in Bristol, Ontario County, New York, June 14. 1526, and is of the old Puritan stock. Here he received his education and remained until the year 1546, when he proceeded to Will County, Illinois, and embarked in the nursery business, which he fol- lowed until April 1, 1849. The reported fabu- lons discoveries of gold in California prompted him to make the then dangerous and tedions trip to the Pacific across the plains. Arriving at the Platte River he constructed from cottonwood a number of boats and engaged in ferrying for four weeks. There was a large travel over this route at this time, and Mr. Codding was kept busy day and night. During these four weeks he ferried 500 emigrant wagons, including the noted train from Missouri led by Colonel Pope, consisting of fifty wagons and 250 emigrants. From this poin on he traveled with a pack-horse via Salt Lake City, where he arrived on the 24th of July. As Mr. Codding had been reared in a Christian land, and been tanght from childhood up to regard the Sabbath day according to the strict letter of the law, he thought it as much his duty to re-
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speet the Holy Writ upon the wild and track- less plains as when traveling in his native land. During the first week he was with other traveling companions, but as soon as Sunday morning dawned he was deserted, as he always rested on the Sabbath day. The consequence was that he made most of the journey alone, his only companion being his faithful horse. However slow his progress seemed, he succeeded in reaching Sacramento City far in advance of nearly all of those with whom he traveled while making the journey. Ile arrived in Sacramento September 21, 1849, where he remained one week. Sacramento at that time though a trad- ing post of considerable importanee, was so new that the grass had hardly been trodden in its principal streets. There were no churches, and the name of God was only heard in profanity; gorgeous saloons were opened to allure the un wary, and spiritnous liquors flowed like water. Here Mr. Codding resolved anew to adhere to the pledge taken in his youth which yet he had never broken, to abstain from the use of intoxi- eating drink. To this resolve he attributed the fact that, although not of a strong constitution, he outlived many of his friends and aequaint- anees, who have fallen through the too frequent use of intoxicating liquors. After a week's stay in Sacramento, Mr. Codding, in company with others, proceeded to Napa City for the purpose of establishing a shingle factory, but after giv- ing the matter a thorough canvass they con- cluded that the scheme was impracticable, and abandoned the idea. Late in the fall of 1849 we find Mr. Codding at Redding, Shasta County, prospeeting in mining. Here he was taken ill and was obliged to abandon his pursuit for the glittering metal and, in company with Mr. Bowles, of Galena, Illinois, found his way to Sonoma City. In the fall of 1854 he settled in Petaluma Valley and engaged in the nursery business until 1860, when he became a resident of Petaluma. Here he opened the news and ex- change business. In 1868 Mr. Codding was led to the investigation of the then prevalent system of life insurance, his investigation being
stimulated at that time by the loss in one of these companies of $700. In studying the workings of these institutions, he became eon- vinced that too many of them were merely coneocted schemes to mislead the unwary, and to fleece the poekets of the unsuspecting for the benefit of the companies and their agents, and that too often these companies became mere con- fidence men, under the guise of life insurance. These convictions led his practical mind to de- vise some system that should carry with it the benefits derived from life insurance and avoid the expense and uneertainty attending the latter. After comparing the different systems of co-operative associations, he perfected the plan and organized the Sonoma and Marin Mutual Benefit Association in 1868, which association distributed before its disbandment over half a million dollars in benefits. After it passed out of his management it fell into the hands of parties who did not understand the principles of insurance thoroughly, and as a consequence it deelined in numbers and influence and finally disbanded. In 1870 he organized the Mutual Relief Association of Petaluma, of which insti- tution he was the continnous secretary and busi- ness manager until the time of his death in 1884, carrying it upward until it now has assets of over $100,000 and has paid dividends of over $60,000. The history of these associa- tions will appear in their proper place in this volume. These associations, with others that soon followed, were so vigorously attacked by those interested in life insurance companies. that adverse laws were attempted to be enacted through the powerful influence of the wealth of these incorporations. This aroused Mr. Cod- ding again to the necessity of protecting these societies that he had labored so arduously to build up, and accordingly in 1873 he was instru- mental in getting an aet passed by the California Legislature especially for the protection of these associations. As a consequence, the system of co-operative protective societies has beeomne a protection now much sought after by those de- pending upon life insurance. In 1876 M ..
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Codding organized the Real Estate Association of Petaluma, being its secretary until his death. It was a stock company with a capital of 850,000. organized for the purpose of buying and selling real estate, building houses, making loans, etc. It has done very much for Petaluma in the way of making its advantages known, building it np, introducing capital, etc. It is still actively engaged in business under the management of its secretary, Mr. George C. Codding, the eldest son of the late Mr. George R. Codding, and who seems to have inherited his father's talent and ability as a manager and successful promoter of public enterprises. The Pacific Benefit Association was organized in 1880, under the direction and management of both George R. Codding and George C. Cod- ding, who have continued its secretary and man - ager. Since then it has paid benefits of over 8100,000, extending its business over the Pacific slope. Its active and careful manage- ment is giving it a very prosperous career, and under its charter, members are secured by ample and sufficient guarantees. This association is considered an advance npon the ordinary methods of co-operative associations in the matter of graded assessments and other regards. It is founded upon the better and more success- ful principles of the associations which have preceded it, and was instituted after the life study and experience of George R. Codding-a life spent in the successful management of these associations. On June 28, 1865, George R. Codding was married to Miss Millie M. Colby, a native of Vermont. There are six of their children living, as follows: George C. Codding was born at Petaluma, March 24, 1866, was educated in the same town and upon his father's death in 1884, was compelled to leave school and enter actively into business in con- nection with the companies. Mr. Codding has been appointed special agent for Sonoma County, for the California Insurance Company of San Francisco, and as such he has established sub-agencies throughout Sonoma County, and carries on a general business in real estate and
insurance. The other members of the family are Charles R. Codding, an electrician, now in San Francisco, and the younger children, two boys and two girls, who are attending school. One of the most noteworthy of the elegant resi- dences in Petaluma is the newly constructed home of this family on Sixth street. It is a handsome modern construction, showing itself the home of comfort and taste in its handsome proportions and trim surroundings.
S. FARQUAR, another member of the Sonoma County bar, is a native of North Liberty, Ohio, born December 20, 1548. He was educated at Monmouth College, Illi- nois, from which he received a diploma in the class of '73. During the years 1873-'74 he held the position of instructor in languages and mathematics at Smithson College of Logans- port, Indiana. In the spring of 1875 he came to California, and taught in the public schools of San Francisco and Sonoma County for two years. Mr. Farquar subsequently commenced the study of law and was admitted to practice by the Supreme Court in 1878. 1Ie entered into a partnership with W. B. Haskell, Esq .. of Petaluma, and continued the practice of his profession with the firm until 1582. Mr. Far- quar then removed to Globe, Arizona, where he remained until the fall of 1884, at which time he returned to California, and was the Republi- can nominee for district attorney in 1886. Be- ing defeated, he resumed the practice of law, locating at Santa Rosa, where he has since re- sided.
P. INK, Cloverdale,-Among the rep- resentative citizens of northern So- noma County is the gentleman with whose name this sketch commences. Ile is a native of Tompkins County, New York, born January 22, 1819, his parents being George and
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Mary (Rose) Ink, the former born in New Jer- sey and the latter in New York State. Mr. Ink was reared in his native county, and when he was twenty-one years of age removed to Ohio, loeating in what is now Morrow County. Hle taught school parts of fifteen years, and was elected and served as justice of the peace at the county seat. Ile took an active interest in the events which led up to the America Civil war, and when that struggle came on his sympathies were entirely with the Union cause. When he became satisfied that the war was to be a test of strength and endurance between the hosts of the contending sections, he decided to offer his serv- ices in his country's cause he went to Colum- bus, enlisted in the United States service, and went into eamp at Camp Chase. The Eighty- fifth Ohio Regiment was then being made up and he was made a Sergeant. His health, never robust, gave way entirely under the strain of camp life, and when the command left for the seat of war, he was not permitted to accompany it. No improvement taking place, he was honorably discharged in September, 1862, and in October following he came out to California for the purpose of recuperating his health and strength. His journey was made by the steamer America on the Atlantic side, then via Nicara- gua, and on the steamer Moses Taylor to San Francisco, where he arrived January 1, 1863. After spending a bricť time in San Francisco and Marin County, he went to Sutter County and engaged in stock business and dairying near Yuba City, and while there was elected and served as justice of the peace. In 1875 he came to Sonoma County, and in 1878 located at Cloverdale. HIc has a ranch of 3,000 acres two miles from the town, where he is extensively engaged in sheep raising, usnally keeping from 1,500 to 2,500 sheep on the range. Ile is prob- ably the largest wool grower in Sonoma County, and his animals are all high grade Merinos. Mr. Ink is a Republican politically, and is one of the leading men in the councils of the party in the county, usually having a place on the central committee. He is a Knight Templar in the
Masonic order, having passed through all the chairs of Santa Rosa Lodge. He holds member- ship in the Odd Fellows lodge at Yuba City, in which he has passed all the chairs. Mr. Ink was married in New York State to Miss Hannah Herald, a native of Seneca County, New York. Both are members of the Presbyterian church.
- ENRY WEYL .-- Among the representa- tive and progressive business men of So- noma must be classed the above named gentleman. A sketch of his life and association with the business enterprises of Sonoma arc of interest. Mr. Weyl was born in Bingen on the Rhine, Germany, May 29, 1834. IIis parents, Henry and Anna (Beck) Weyl, were natives of that place. There Mr. Weyl was reared and re- ceived his education, being brought up as a cooper and distiller, the occupation of his father. Being ambitious and desirous of seeing some- thing of the world, in 1854 he left his native land and embarked for the United States. Upon his arrival in New York he worked at his trade as a cooper in that city and in Williamsburg, until 1855. In that year he shipped on the bark Sappho, Captain Seaburg commanding, for a whaling voyage to the North Pacific and other places. Mr. Weyl remained in that em- ploy until 1859 when the bark returned to New Bedford, her home port, after which he went on board the ship Congress, Captain Swift com- manding, for a whaling voyage around Cape Horn to the Pacific Ocean. Upon the arrival of his ship at Calleo, he left the vessel and en- gaged in work as a cooper. Being of an ingeni- ous mind and skilled in various trades, he was also employed as a blacksmith and carpenter. After some months spent in labor in Calleo he proceeded to Guayaquil, where he was engaged as a carpenter and stair bnilder. From Guaya- quil he went to Panama, and in the absence of other employment, engaged as a butcher on the steamer Sonora. This steamer was one of the Pacific mail vessels, bound to San Francisco.
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where she arrived December 14, 1860. Upon his landing in San Francisco Mr. Weyl sought work at his trade as a cooper and worked for P. Malloy until 1862. He was then engaged by Mr. Henry Gerke as a superintendent and man- ager in the manufacture of wine and brandies upon his ranch in Tehama County. He was thus employed until the fall of that year when ill health compelled him to abandon that occupa- tion, and he returned to San Francisco. Upon recovering his health he again engaged in work at his trade, which he continued until 1867. when he came to Sonoma County and located at Sonoma where he established a cooper shop. He successfully conducted this business, and as his capital inereased, established a winery and Ium- ber yard. These enterprises were successfully condueted until 1877. He then went to Peta- luma and established a wholesale wine and liquor house. This business he conducted in connec- tion with his winery at Sonoma until 1879. when he returned to Sonoma and the next year commenced extensive building improvements upon his land, which is situated on the northwest corner of the plaza. Ile erected a large two- story building, containing three storerooms on the first floor and a hall in the upper story. Ile also completed a fine two-story residence, and in the same year added to his business enter- prises by opening a butcher shop and market in connection with Herman Nanert. This partner- ship existed for about a year, when Mr. Weyl bought out the interest of his partner and eon- ducted the business alone. In 1884 he opened a general merchandise store in his block, a busi- ness which he is now (1888) conducting. Mr. Weyl, in addition to his real estate in Sonoma, also owns 100 acres of farming lands two miles north of Sonoma. This land is used principally for stoek purposes, but fifty acres of it are well adapted to vineyard or orchard purposes. Upon this place he is engaged in quarrying basalt rock for paving purposes, which finds ready sale in San Francisco. There are two fine quarries of that rock upon the place, one of which he leases. Hle pays considerable attention to stock-raising
and has some fine Holstein and Jersey cattle, and draft horses of the Norman and Clydesdale breed, also roadsters of Patchen stock. Mr. Weyl is one of Sonoma's most progressive and publie spirited citizens. A strong believer in the future wealth and prosperity of the beauti- ful Sonoma Valley, he is always ready with time and money to aid and encourage any enterprise that will build up and develop its wonderful re- sources. A residence of over twenty years in Sonoma has made him well known, and his straightforward and consistent mode of life and manner of dealing with his fellow men have gained him hosts of friends. In 1886 and 1887 he was a member of the City Board of Trustees and has also served for several years as school trustee in his district. He is a member of Temple Lodge, No. 14, F. & A. M., of Sonoma. In polities, Mr. Weyl is a consistent Republican, taking an intelligent interest in all the political questions of the day. December 18, 1869, Mr. Weyl was united in marriage with Miss Mary Knackstadt, the daughter of Henry and Amelia Knackstadt, natives of Germany, but residents of Sonoma County. From this marriage there are seven children living: Henry J., Anna, Gustave, William, Frank, Clara, and Albert J.
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