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 79

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 79

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&DOLPH WESKE. - Santa Rosa Valley with its rich and productive soil, delight- ful climate, cultured and progressive citi- zens, affords many attractions that induce the wealthy city resident to locate his country home within its bounds. With this in view, the sub- ject of this sketch purchased fifty-four acres on the Santa Rosa and Healdsburg road, two and a half miles north of Santa Rosa, where he is making extensive improvements in building and planting. A fine cottage residence of modern architectural design and convenience, large and well appointed barns and other out-build- ings indicate a comfortable home farm. An

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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

orchard with twenty aeres has been planted with a variety of almost all the fruits ca- pable of cultivation in the county, also a fanily vineyard of choice table grapes. Mr. Weske is devoting the balance of his land to thoroughbred stock. Ile is a great admirer of fine horses, and is the owner of the stallion " Prince Imperial," from the famous " Black Prince " and " Dictator " stoek. He also has some fine specimens of thoroughbred Jersey cattle. For the training and speeding of his horses he designs building a race track of one mile in length. Mr. Weske was born in Germany in 1829, his parents being Henry and Caroline Weske, both natives of that country. He was afforded the advantages of a good schooling and was educated as an architect, and also as a practical carpenter. In 1850 he left home and embarked upon a sailing vessel for a voyage around Cape Horn to California. Upon his arrival in San Francisco in April, 1851, he en- gaged in work at his trade until July, and then went to El Dorado County and engaged in mining. With the exception of a few months in 1853 spent in Sacramento, Mr. Weske was for the next nineteen years interested in min- ing, and during that time was connected with several mining enterprises in various parts of the State, one of the most important of which was the famous Weske mine at Michigan Bluff's, Placer County. In partnership with others he purchased this mine in 1858. Months and years were spent in tunneling and prospecting until one by one his partners abandoned the undertaking leaving him alone. His faith in the mine was not shaken, and with a persist- eney that would yield to no argument Mr. Weske worked in his drifts and tunnels often alone and unaided. He never abandoned the claim. and for years all his earnings in other enterprises and labor was devoted to the Weske mine. In 1870 his years of labor and waiting were rewarded by a remarkably rich strike in his mine, taking out over $1.000 worth of gold in one day. In this same year, after a few months spent in Germany, Mr. Weske took up

his residence in San Francisco, where he has sinee resided. During his residence in that city he has been largely identitied with many business industries, one of which was the estab- lishment of the well known California Cracker Company, now the American Biscuit Company. Mr. Weske is an active and progressive citizen, and a desirable acquisition to any community. In political matters he is a consistent Republi- ean, and has supported that party since its or- ganization in 1856. He is a member of Mountain Lodge, No. 14, I. O. O. F., of Michigan Bluffs, Placer County, and also of Michigan City Lodge, No. 47, F. & A. M. In 1873 Mr. Weske was united in marriage with Miss Eloise Simones. Her father, Silas Simones, died in 1852 on the Isthmus of Panama, while serving as a soldier in the United States army. There is but one child, Rita, living from this marriage.

OHN B. HINKLE .- In the history of Pet- aluma and of Sonoma County, Mr. Hinkle and his family bear an important part, and are deserving of extended notice, having had since their arrival here an active share in the progress of this portion of the State. Mr. Hinkle was born at Travelers' Rest, in Jefferson Connty, Virginia, on the 24th of December, 1825, his family being one of the oldest of that oldest part of the United States. Travelers' Rest is especially noteworthy from the fact that there was erected the first publie inn for the use of travelers in the United States-hence the name. In 1836 the family removed to Spring- field, Ohio, and there Mr. Hinkle gained his education and resided until coming to this State. There he was married to Miss Arabella Mc- Langhlin, sister of Mr. Charles Mclaughlin, who was a pioneer in this State, coming here in 1849, and was long one of the most prominent, even among the Argonauts. Ile had engaged extensively in merchandising in the mining camps and had pack trains carrying goods to them from Marysville and other distributing

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points. The first stage line from Marysville to Foster's Bar was started by him. Of late years, however, he was best known as a railroad con- tractor and builder, having built the line from San Francisco to San Jose, which was the first road built in California. Hle also built most of the old Western Pacific, which was afterward merged in the Southern Pacific. He was also at the time of his death a very extensive land owner and capitalist. In 1855 he arranged that Mr. Hinkle with his wife and family, which then consisted of three young children, should come to this State. The trip across the plains was withont serious incident, and going to Marysville Mr. Hinkle engaged in staging, run- ning lines from that city to the mining camps. In 1857 he decided to come to Petaluma, and for a long time engaged in staging here, running a line to the Haystack, the steamer landing a short distance below this city. He opened the first mail and stage route to Cloverdale and Ukiah, and thence to Eureka, in Humboldt County. He was the proprietor of this line during the early sixties, when the serious In- dian tronbles occurred. Serious delays took place and great losses were experienced from the raids of the savages. At the Spruce Grove station on the line they burned the cabins. stables and barns, involving a loss of nearly $3,000 upon Mr. Hinkle, in the shape of horses killed. hay and buildings burned, etc. Fortu- nately the station-keeper and others escaped. though with great difficulty. In 1866 he sold ont this line, which was largely instrumental in opening to settlement a large and now very wealthy seetion of country, and for three years was land agent for Charles MeLanghlin, on the line of the Central l'acific Railroad. Mr. Hinkle has since that time undertaken several important contracts, among which may be especially men- tioned the long tunnel upon the line of the Santa Fe & Union Pacific Railroad near San Rafael, a work of great magnitude, which was rapidly and successfully completed. For some time he then devoted himself to agriculture and kindred pursuits. Mrs. Hinkle, who was

formerly Miss Arabella McLanghlin, was born at Zanesville, Ohio, April 29, 1831. She was edneated at St. Mary's Convent, at Somerset. Perry County, Ohio, and also at the Ohio Con- ference Academy, Springfield, in the same State. On her trip across the plains in 1855. her inother accompanied her. She died in Pet- aluma at an advanced age. Mr. and Mrs. Hinkle have had eleven children, of whom seven are living. Their names are as follows: Charles A., who is thirty-nine years of age and is a resi- dent of San Francisco; Ella, the wife of Osear V. Walker, a well-known business man of San Francisco: Jeanette, wife of J. P. Rodgers, the prominent attorney of Petaluma; Edward, who is connected with the Argus in Petaluma; Mary. wife of F. K. Zook, the chief engineer of the Union Pacific & Santa Fe Railroad; Walter. who is pursning the study of law with W. H. L. Barnes, the eminent attorney of San Fran- ciseo, and Miss Katie, the youngest of the family and still fondly termed "the baby," although nearing the limits of handsome woman- hood. The Petaluma residence of this family is a large and elegant structure, surrounded by tastefully laid out grounds, situated at the corner of F and Fourth streets. Over it Mrs. Ilinkle. who is a lady of fine presenee and courteous manners, and is an acknowledged leader of society, presides with tact and dignity. In conclusion, it should be stated that Mr. Ilinkle is a gentleman of high standing, popular and esteemed by all.

ICKS LAPUM resides in Green Valley in the Green, Valley school district, Analy Township, at the corner of the Santa Rosa and Guerneville road and the west Green Valley road, ten miles west of Santa Rosa and five miles west of Sebastopol. Ile is the owner of sixty acres of rich and productive valley land. thirty- three acres of which are planted in orchard, as follows: Fifteen acres in apples, seven acres in Wiley eling peaches, four acres in French

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prunes, two acres in Bartlett pears, and five acres containing a large variety of choice peaches. Among the latter are blackberries, raspberries and currants. The rest of his land is devoted to hay and stock, the latter for farm use only. Among his stock are some fine specimens of Jersey cows. He will increase his orchard this season (1SSS) by planting eight acres of Wiley cling trees. This peach is a favorite with Mr. Lapum, and one with which he has been noticeably successful. IFis four- year old trees (from the dormant bud) of this variety yielded him, in 18SS, $150 per aere. Ile is one of the most practical and successful orchardists in Green Valley, and justly deserves the success he has attained in fruit culture. His orchards as well as the whole farm show the care and attention they receive. A comfortable cottage residence and commodious out-buildings, among which is a dry-house with the most improved dryers, all attest the successful and prosperous farmer. Mr. Lapum dates his birth in Addington County, near Kingston, Canada West, August 29, 1833, his parents being Stephen and Jane (Darling) Lapun, both na- tives of Canada. His grandfather, Robert Lapum, was a native of Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farın until the age of twenty-one years, when lie engaged in farming on his own account upon a farm adjoining his old home, and conducted the same successfully until 1864. In that year he came to New York City, took the steamer route for California, arriving in San Francisco April 7, 1964. From San Francisco he went to Toulumne County and took charge of the stock ranch of John Cardinell. In 1865 he went to Santa Clara County and engaged in the dairy business for Melville Drinkwater, continu- ing this business nntil 1867. He then returned to San Francisco and engaged in draying, and afterward, in connection with M. S. Rice, en- tered into the wood and coal business on How- RNST RUFUS, deceased, was one of Cali- fornia's earliest pioneers. Ilis advent into the country was years before the ard street, between Nineteenth and Twentieth streets. In 1868 they moved to the corner of Twentieth and Shotwell streets, where they in- ! mass of pioneers crossed the plains, and while

creased their business and became quite exten- sive dealers in wood, coal, hay, grain, etc. July 9, 1871, Mr. Lapum was united in marriage with Miss Hattie A. Jones, daughter of James and Joanna (Heald) Jones. Her father was a native of Vermont and her mother of Maine. and were residents of Maine, where Mrs. Lapum was born January 20, 1836. Mrs. Lapum is a descendant, upon her mother's side, from Oliver Heald, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. She came to California in 1869. Mr. Lapum continned his business in San Fran- cisco until 1872, when he sold out his interests, moved to Sonoma County, purchased his pres- ent residence, and commenced its cultivation and improvement. He has planted twenty-one acres of his orchard, built the dry-house and made many other improvements. Bring- ing to his present occupation sound busi- nes> principles, a practical knowledge of farming in other localities, combined with energy and industry. he has been emi- nently successful and ranks as one of the best farmers in Green Valley. Although not a pioneer of Sonoma County, he is well known throughout the section in which he resides, and wherever known is respected and esteemed. He is a consistent member of the Methodist church, and a strong supporter of churches and schools. A publie-spirited and progressive citizen, he is always ready to aid in every enterprise that will advanec the welfare of the community in which he resides. In political matters he is a strong and consistent Republican, taking an intelligent interest in all the politieal questions of the day. To Mr. and Mrs. Lapum have been born three children whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Harvey W., born July 23, 1872; Oscar E., May 18, 1874; Fanny L. L., May 1, 1877.

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the territory was still under Mexican domina- tion. Ile was associated with what is now Sonoma County long before the arrival of our pioneers of '48 and '49. The few facts gath- ered in regard to his life are of particular in- terest. Mr. Rufus was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, October 13, 1810. He was reared to agricultural pursuits until about seventeen years of age, when he entered the military serv- ice of the Pope of Rome as a member of the Swiss Guards. He was there engaged for many years, finally returning to his native country where he engaged in various eallings until 1836. His roving and adventurous disposition then prompted him to seek his fortunes in the new world, and he emigrated to the United States. Upon his arrival in New York he settled down to work for a few months, and then sought for new fields, traveling through the Southwest and Sonth until about 1839, in which year he was in New Orleans. There he joined a party of trappers and went through Texas into New Mexico and through the Rocky Mountain eoun- try. After a long and hazardous journey of six months at length arrived at Yerba Buena, the present site of San Francisco, in 1842. Upon his arrival he sought the rendezvous of hunters, trappers, etc., of that - date-Sutter's Fort. There he was employed by General Sut- ter as his superintendent or major-domo. There he served out flour and provisions to the immi- grants who crossed the plains in the early forties. The General early recognized his mili- tary skill and training and employed him in organizing and drilling a force for the protec- tion of his possessions. Mr. Rufus' first effort in this line was the drilling of some sailors to aet as soldiers. This not proving a success lie solicited and obtained the consent of General Sutter to organize a company of Indians of whom the General had hundreds in his employ. In this he made a success, organizing and drill- ing 100 uniformed Indians until they made a very creditable appearance. This did not pass unnoticed by the Military Governor of Cali- fornia, and, in 1844, when the Californians

under Gen. Jose Castro rebelled against Gov- ernor Mannel Micheltorena, the Mexican ruler, the Governor solicited the services of Mr.

- Rufus, who accepted a major's commission under the Mexican Government and served with distinction and gallantry. As early as 1844 or 1845 Mr. Rufus was employed in enter- prises in Sonoma County, such as stock raising. In 1846 when the Bear Flag party captured General Vallejo, they also imprisoned Mr. Rufus, presuming him to be in full sympathy with the Mexican Government. However, he was released after a day or two, as it was under- stood they had nothing to fear from him. In 1846 Mr. Rufus located permanently at Fort Ross, where he had been granted 10,000 aeres of land known as the Raneho de Hermann, given to him in consideration for services rendered the Mexican Government in quelling the revolt. There he engaged for years in general farming and also had a flour-mill. He occupied the old Russian buildings and fort and was the em- ployer of a large number of Indians. Ile took a prominent lead in all enterprises tending to develop the seetion in which he resided, and was elected a member of the Legislature, be- sides holding local offices. He was also iden- titied with the landed interests of Sonoma Valley where he was quite a land owner. In 1854 Mr. Rufus made an extended tour through Europe, occupying over a year in his travels. While in Germany, in that year, he married Miss Frederika Montigel, a native of Wurtem - burg. In 1855 he returned with his bride to Sonoma County and took up his residence in Sonoma, after which he established his resi- dence about one mile east of Sonoma, and de- voted himself to grape cultivation. He was one of the first to recognize the possibilities of Sonoma County in the matter of producing wine, and did much to encourage and build up the wine industry. Mr. Rufus remained upon this place until his death, which occurred Sep- tember 2, 1887. In his death the community lost one of its most respected citizens. A man of unblemished character, both public and private,

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his integrity was unquestionable, and it was well and truthfully said that his word was as good as his bond. Ile was widely known through- ont both county and State, and his funeral was more largely attended than any that ever "oc- cnrred in Sonoma Valley. Of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus there are four children liv- ing, viz .: Louise M., Otto R., Bertie 1., and Mina. Bertie A. married Henry Wicker, and is now (18SS) residing in San Francisco. The other children are living with their mother upon a portion of the old homestead, which is under the control and direction of Otto R. Rufus.

S J. HOPKINS, one of the most enter- prising citizens, and a leading lumber merchant of Petaluma, was born in Yates County, New York, June 23, 1843. His father, Samuel J. Hopkins, was a native of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and his mother, whose maiden name was Hannah L. Moore- honse, was born in New York State. In 1852 the family, consisting of Mr. Hopkins, his wife and two children, sailed from New York for California, making the trip via Panama, and landed in San Francisco February 3, of that year. The old gentleman located in that city and carried on the lumber business until his death, which occurred in May. 1868. The widow is now a resident of Petaluma, where she is making her home with her son, at the advanced age of seventy-five years. The sub- ject of this sketch was about eight years of age when he came to this State. He was educated at the public schools of San Francisco until 1860, when he went to Massachusetts and entered the Sedgwick Institute at Great Bar- rington. remaining there about one year. He then returned to San Francisco and engaged in teaming and hauling lumber for his father with whom he remained two years. At the expira- tion of that time he went to work for the Men- docino Lumber Company-Jolin T. Pennell ---

where he was employed a year and a half. After that he next engaged in draying in San Fran- cisco until he came to Petaluma, June 21, 1869. For three years he was engaged in the milk business, and from that went into the mercan- tile trade, handling furniture, crockery, etc., in which he remained until 1876. He then entered the Rice lumber yard, taking a five years' lease of the same and running it on a percentage. At the expiration of that time he bought the entire business, which he now con- trols. It is the pioneer Iminber yard of this city, and was first started by C. B. Rice. Mr. Hopkins has on hand at all times a full and gen- eral assortment of first-class lumber, carrying on the average a stock of half a million feet. Mr. Hopkins became a member of the Petaluma Lodge, No. 30, I. O. O. F., about fifteen years ago. He was united in marriage, June 23, 1864, to Lois W. Raymond, daughter of Jaines M. Raymond. Mrs. Ilopkins was born in Bos- ton, Massachusetts, and came with her parents from New York to San Francisco about 1834. They have one daughter, Lulu W.

O. B. GUNN, of San Francisco, has a ranch of 160 acres lying about one-quarter of a mile south of West Windsor. Of this tract 118 acres are planted to vineyard, the most of the vines being from seven to eight years old. One-third of the acreage is in the Zinfandel grape, the remainder being Johannis- berg, Grey and Franklin Riesling, Golden and Fountainbleau Chasselas, and Mataro. The place is now in excellent condition, and the vines, nearly all of which are in bearing, present a uniformly healthy appearance. The winery is a large brick building, well constructed. hav- ing a cellar with an area of 69 x 43 feet. and was erected in 1984. The fermenting room, which measures 36 x 50 feet on the ground, was built in 1888. The winery has a storage capacity of nearly 80,000 gallons: every process of manu- facture is carefully superintended; and the wine

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has an excellent reputation. John Champion, whose main interests are at Asti, manages the business at the plant, and exercises a general supervision.

OHIN CHAMPION, of Asti, owns a ranch of 285 acres on the road between Ilealds- burg and Cloverdale, three miles south of the latter place. About seventy acres of the ranch are in vineyard, the remainder being pasture and Russian River bottom land, the lat- ter devoted to general farming purposes. About twenty-five acres of the vines are eight years old, the rest ranging in age from two to tour years. The varieties are Pomillon, Sauvignon Vert, Black Burgundy, Fountainbleau Chasselas, Tarrat, Mataro, Fehrzagos and Troussean, and a few Missions among the older vines. Most of the improvements are due to the present pro- prietor, and the place occupies a picturesque lo- cation and presents a handsome appearance. He is a native of Nottinghamshire, England, and was educated at Ilarrow. In January, 1882, be came to America, and located in California, near Los Angeles. From there he removed to his present location. Besides giving his atten- tion to his own ranch interests, Mr. Champion also manages the business of the Gunn ranch and winery, near Windsor.

EV. SAMUEL S. FISK, pastor of the Santa Rosa Baptist church, was born in Nova Scotia, British North America, where he was educated at Horton Academy and Acadia College. Soon after completing his collegiate course he came to the United States and taught school a year in Belvidere, Illinois. Ile was then ordained to the ministry and took pastoral charge of the Baptist church in St. Charles, that State. After filling that pulpit three years he was called to the pastorate of the church of that denomination in Wanke- 33

gau, Illinois, where he officiated three years. Both of these churches were large and flourish- ing societies when he severed his connection with them. In March, 1876, Mr. Fisk came to California, settling for a time in Los Angeles, and was not engaged in regular pastoral work, but preaching occasionally, for about two years. In 1879 he was elected pastor of the Baptist church in Santa Barbara, and during his five years of administration the society greatly in- creased in membership, and in material as well as spiritual prosperity. While there he affected the purchase of a honse of worship for his con- gregation from the Episcopalian society of that city. Mr. Fisk resigned his pulpit in Santa Barbara, expecting to return to the East; but received and accepted a call to preach at Duarte and Pasadena. At the latter place he organ- ized a church, starting with thirteen members, which increased to sixty during the year, and in that time the members subscribed $1,800 to build a church edifice on a lot which was pre- sented to the society. The labor at the two points proving too arduous, Mr. Fisk, after the first year, confined his pastoral work to the church in l'asadena. At the close of the second year he resigned, owing to the ill health of his wife, and spent a year at Long Beach, after which he re- turned to Illinois with the intention of remain- ing; but a few months experience in that climate sufficed to make them very homesick for the Golden State. Determining to come back to this land of sunshine and flowers, they reached Santa Rosa in the latter part of the summer of 1886, and September 1st, Mr. Fisk entered upon his duties as pastor of the Santa Rosa Baptist church, which relation he still sustains. The church has had a prosperous career under bis ministrations, there having been eighty four accessions in the two years, increasing the mem- bership to a hundred and sixty communicants in good standing, while the congregation has more than doubled in number. Mr. Fisk is a gentleman of affable manners, fraternal and com- panionable in society; and in the pulpit his ser- mons are characterized by clearness and logical

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force, and are presented with that sincerity and Christian zeal which impresses and convinces his anditors. Mr. Fisk resides with his family on the fine fruit farm, of which he is joint owner, consisting of eighty acres situated two miles north of Santa Rosa, and valued at $400 per acre. Hle also owns two dwelling houses on College avenue in the city.

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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 79

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