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 81
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YMAN C. BYCE, proprietor of the l'eta- luma Incubator Company, was born in Canada, near Ottawa, June 3, 1852. The Byce family trace their ancestry back to Hol- land and Scotland. David Byce, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Canada. IIe married a lady named Jane Storey, born of Scotch parents who emigrated from Scotland to Canada. Lyman C. Byce remained at home until after the death of his father,
which occurred in 1872, his mother having died some years previous to that. After receiving a common-school education he engaged in his father's saw-mills, and afterward went into the business of manufacturing potato starch. He had a starch mill located at Kempville, near Ottawa, where he carried on his business for about two years, when. according to the free trade laws of Canada, starch being an unpro- tected article of manufacture, he was compelled to abandon the business. He then took up the study of medicine in Toronto, Canada, where he, remained two years. His health then failing him he gave up his studies, temporarily. as he supposed, and made a trip to California in the fall of 1879, and after spending about a year in Petaluma, and liking the place so well, he de- cided not to go back East, but to make this his future home. During his residence here he has been very successful. In the spring of 1882 he became associated with the Petaluma Incubating Company, of which business he is the present proprietor. Mr. Byee is a past master of Arcturus Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 180, also a member of Petaluma Royal Arch Chapter, No. 22, and Mt. Olivet Commandery, No. 20, K. T. Ile was united in marriage November 1, 1887, to Miss Lily C. Gray, a native of London, England, and daughter of William J. Gray, of Eureka, Humboldt County, California.
IRAM L. TRIPP, the senior partner in the clothing house of Tripp & Thurston, came to Santa Rosa in 1878 and opened the first and the only exclusively gentlemen's cloth- ing and furnishing store in the city. A clothing store in a town the size of Santa Rosa at that time was something of an experiment; but Mr. Tripp had had ten years experience in the business and was master of it. He carried on a thriving trade until 1854, and then took in J. D. Barnett as a partner, who remained with him till May 1, 1888, when he retired,
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leaving Mr. Tripp again sole proprietor. It was only for a short time, however, for his pres- ent partner, George S. Thurston, soon bought in. They carry a stock of ready-made clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods and head gear, in their store at 519 Fourth street, ranging from $15,000 to $18,000 in value, and which in quality and quantity would be a credit to a city of 20,000 inhabitants. Their goods are pur- chased chiefly direct from Chicago and New York manufacturers, at cash prices and are sold for cash: hence they are prepared to give their patrons bargains in clothing. Mr. Tripp is a native of New York State, born April 9, 1848. He started in mercantile life at Glenn's Falls, New York, at the age of twenty years. In 1875 he came across the continent to California. HIe was three years in San Francisco in the clothing business before settling in Santa Rosa. Mr. Tripp is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has taken the chapter and command- ery degrees, and is junior past master of Santa Rosa Lodge, No. 57, and is at present high priest of Santa Rosa Chapter, No. 45, R. A. M. He was married to an Ohio lady, formerly Miss Crane, in Santa Rosa, September 24,1884. Mr. Thurston is also a native of the Empire State, born forty years ago. Most of his active business life has been spent in bookkeeping.
ILLIAM J. ROBINSON .- Among the representative farms in Blucher Valley, Analy Township, special mention should be made of that owned by the subject of this sketch. He is the owner of 547 acres of hill and valley land, located in the Canfield school district, about four and a half miles northeast of Bloomfield. Upon his farm is a family orchard and vineyard, producing a large variety of fruits and table grapes, showing that his lands, the climate, etc., are well adapted to hor- ticultural and viticultural productions. With the exception of twenty acres producing pota- toes, his land is devoted to hay, grain and
stock purposes. Among the latter are seventy head of cattle, fifty of which are milch cows, and used for dairy purposes. Mr. Robinson's dairy is devoted entirely to butter making, in which he is very successful, producing a supe- rior article, which readily commands first-class market prices. He also devotes considerable attention to breeding improved and thorough- bred horses, and he may be justly proud of his success in this enterprise. Among his draft horses are fine specimens of Norman, Duke de Chartres and Pollock stock. His roadsters and trotting stock are bred from Alexander, Bell- ringer, Nutwood and Electioneer stock. The improvements upon the model farm are first- class in every respect. A beautiful two-story dwelling-house located upon high grounds affords its occupants a pleasing and extended view of the valley below. Commodious barns and other out-buildings attest the prosperous and successful farmer. Water is abundant, and is conveyed by a well arranged pipe system throughout all the buildings and over the grounds. This water is from an unfailing spring, located among the hills, about three- fourths of a mile from his residence. The building of the barn and construction of this water supply system are among the improve- ments made by Mr. Robinson since occupying the place in 1883. The subject of this sketch was born in the province of Ontario, Canada, April 22, 1851, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Scott) Robinson, both natives of Ireland. His mother was of Scotch descent. His father came to Canada in his early man- hood and engaged in farming occupations. Mr. Robinson was reared upon his father's farm, where he became versed in the practical knowl- edge of farming and stock-raising, that has been so useful to him in after life. Before reaching the age of twenty years Mr. Robinson conclu- ded to seek his fortune in other climes than his Canadian home, and in 1870 he left his home and started for California. Immediately after his arrival in San Francisco, he went to Marin County, where he worked at farm labor and
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dairying. He remained in that county until 1878. His sturdy, industrious habits and con- stant labor had enabled him to accumulate a small capital. With this he came to Sonoma County and rented 640 acres of land from Will- iam Jones, about one mile from Bloomfield. This land he stocked with seventy cows and established himself in the dairy business. In this enterprise he was successful, and he con- ducted the same until 1883, when he purchased his present farm and residence. Since that date he has devoted himself to dairying, stock- raising and general farming. Mr. Robinson is an enterprising and progressive citizen, one who believes in the future prosperity and wealth of Sonoma County, and is ready to aid in all enterprises that tend to advance the section in which he resides. During his comparatively short residence in this county, he has gained the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He is emphatically a self-made man, and the modest competency which he has secured is the result of industry, honest labor and honorable dealings with his fellow-men. In political matters Mr. Robin- son is a consistent Republican. In 1878 Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Black, a native of Ireland. From this marriage there have been born three children, two of whom are now (1858) living, viz .: James and Arthur. Charles died in 1884, aged four years, four months and twenty-eight days.
ETH MILLINGTON (deceased) was born in Ilerkimer County, New York, in 1819, his parents being Ira and Electa (Pad- dock) Millington, both natives of that State. When he was three years of age his parents moved to Missouri and located in St. Charles Connty, where his father engaged in mechanical labor. Mr. Millington was reared in that county and received a good education, finishing his studies by a course in the St. Charles Col- lege. When fifteen years of age he had the
misfortune to lose his parents, whom death called from their sphere of action. In 1836 he went to lowa where he engaged in the United States Land Survey, after which he began the study of law in Van Buren County. In 1838 he married Miss Leviza Johnson, a resident of St. Charles County, Missouri. She died in 1846. leaving one child. Soon after the death of his wife Mr. Millington enlisted in the Fifteenth Regiment of the United States In- fantry, and entered the Mexican war. Ile served with the regiment in the various engage- ments until the storming of Chapultepec. In this battle he was severely wounded and lay upon the battle-field for six hours before re- ceiving medical attendance. He laid in the hospital at Chapultepec from September 15, to January, 1848, when he was honorably dis- charged. and returned to his home in Van Buren County, Iowa. In the same year he married Miss Maria Woodward, the daughter of Lemuel and Anna (Blakemore) Woodward, who were natives of Virginia. Mr. Millington, upon his return from Mexico, entered into the practice of law. He was also for years the clerk of the district court of Van Buren County. He took a lead and was prominent in political affairs of the county and was the editor of the leading Democratic paper published at Keosauqua, the county seat. Mr. Millington continned the practice of his profession and other pursuits until 1862. In that year he came with his family across the plains to Cali- fornia, bringing four teams and quite a drove of stock with him. Upon his arrival in California he came to Sonoma County, and located in Ben- nett Valley where he purchased 230 acres of land, about two miles southeast of Santa Rosa. Establishing his family upon this farm, he com- menced the practice of his profession in Santa Rosa. He was eminently successful in this enter- prise and soon took a leading stand in the law circles of the county, being the attorney and counsel in some of the most important land cases of the period. But death called him from the scene of his labors and he departed this life
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in March, 1867. Although less than five years a resident of Sonoma County Mr. Millington had by his legal learning, manly qualities, and straightforward business course gained a large circle of friends and acquaintances, who joined his family in sincerely mourning over his death. He was a born leader and took a prominent part in the political and legal cireles in what- ever community he resided. He was also a literary man, whose talents were of no mean order, and was a strong and able writer upon the leading questions of the day. In politics he was a life-long Democrat. over intent upon advancing the best interests and elements of his party. He was a member of the Masonie fra- ternity, being a Royal Arch Mason. Mr. Mill- ington was the father of nine children, one from his first marriage, Ira, who is now living in Texas. From his second marriage he had eight children, viz .: Ada, who married T. C. Jones, living in Oregon; Grace married J. W. Cook, residing in Los Angeles County; Olivia (deceased) married A. Linebaugh, of Sonoma County; James B., who married Miss Margaret F. Maekey of San Francisco, resides at Santa Rosa; Seth, an attorney at law, residing in Col- usa County; John and Anna E. residing on the old homestead, and Zacharia is at the Vander- bilt University, Nashville, Tennessee. Upon the death of Mr. Millington, the eare of the large farm, the rearing and educating of a large family of children devolved upon the mother, and well has Mrs. Millington fultilled the trust. She has displayed a courage, energy, and busi- ness tact rarely found even among the noble women of our day. She has devoted her life to her children and is rewarded by seeing them grown to man's and woman's cstate well educated and taking honorable positions in life in the community in which they reside. Mrs. Mill- ington, assisted by her younger sons, is still engaged in conducting her farm. She has thirty- five acres in vineyard, producing wine grapes of the Zinfandel and Grey Riesling varieties, also ten acres of orchard, prodneing apples, pears, cherries, and plums. Thirty acres are
devoted to hay, and the rest of the land is used for pasturing stock. On this land is a dairy of . forty cows, which is conducted by James B. Millington, who also rents the lands of Mr. Taylor adjoining the home farm. The produets of this dairy Mr. Millington disposes of in Santa Rosa, where he has a large number of customers. His business is conducted under the name of the Santa Rosa Dairy.
B. TRAPET, proprietor of the Promon- tory vineyard and winery, Mendocino Township, is a native of France, born at Marey le Fussey, Canton de Nutscote D'or, November 12, 1829, his parents being John and Madaline (Martin) Trapet. The father, a farmer and vineyardist, was mayor of his native town for nearly thirty years, and his father be- fore him had also been mayor. J. B. Trapet grew to manhood in his native place, and was educated in that vicinity. He was brought up to understand the care and culture of the vine, and became an anthority on matters pertaining to the vineyard. In 1854, however, he decided to emigrate to America, and, going to Havre, sailed on the Notre Dame du Victoires for San Francisco, which port he reached after a voyage of five months and nineteen days. He clerked for two and a half years on Montgemery street, near Sacramento street, near where Wells, Fargo & Co. headquartered. Leaving San Francisco, he went to the mines at San Andreas, where he engaged in mining, and was leader of the brass band, and afterward to Trinity County, remaining altogether about fourteen months. In 1859 he returned to France, and again resumed his connection with the culture of the vine. He took an active part in public affairs, and from 1870 to 1877 was a member of the municipal council of Beanne. Ile was also selected as a member of the gov- ernment commission to inquire into the causes of the deeay of vines, and report on viticultural matters generally, serving on the commission
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with credit to himself. Ile came back to America in 1877, and located where he now re- sides. Mr. Trapet was married in France, in 1861, to Miss Claudine Morand. They have one child-Edmund. Mr. Trapet is a man who believes strictly in the principles of government by and for the people, and in France enjoyed the full confidence of the leading Republicans. Ile preserves to this day the testimonials of many men who have gained distinction in France, testifying their high regard for himn. When in San Francisco, he was a member of the Vigilance Committee of 1856. He is a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Trapet is the owner of a fine place on Dry Creek road. two and a half miles from Healdsburg. Ile purchased 120 acres here in 1877, but has since sold off seventy acres. Ile has a vineyard of twenty acres, mostly Zinfandel, with a few other varieties, and nearly all in bearing. Mr. Trapet has been making wine since 1886. He has a storage capacity for 15,000 gallons, and all his products find a ready sale.
¿LLISON B. WARE, who holds a promi- nent position at the Sonoma County bar, was born at Fort Covington, Franklin County, New York. April 7, 1847, where he resided until he arrived at young manhood and where he received his education. He began life a school teacher and carried on the study of law, and after studying for a period in an office at his native place and subsequently at Santa Rosa, California, he was admitted to practice in the district court of the seventh judicial district of California in 1572. Having passed a successful examination November 13, 1887, he received his license to practice in the Supreme Court of C'alifornia. Afterward he was admitted to the United States Circuit Court. In the fall of 1579 having received the nomination for dis- triet attorney on the Democratie ticket, he was elected by a large majority. It being immedi- ately after the adoption of the new constitution,
his term of office was extended to two years and ten months. On retiring from office he re- sumed the practice of his profession and has achieved enviable success financially and other- wise. Hle first landed in California November 16, 1868, and during his long residence here his ability and worth have constantly been recog- nized. A short time ago he was elected to the position of president of the Santa Rosa Bank, but allowed nothing to be paramount to the practice of his chosen profession.
FUDGE DAVID OLCOTT SHATTUCK .- Among the best known of California's lead- ing men is the subject of this sketch. Judge Shattuck was born in New London County, Connecticut, March 21, 1800. his parents, David and Dorathea (Olcott) Shattuck, being natives of that State and descendants from the oldest families of the Massachusetts Colony. His father was a blacksmith and small farmer, and the subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's farm, receiving such an education as could be gained by attending the winter schools. At the age of nineteen years he commenced teaching in the winter terms of district schools, engaging in farm labor and quarry work during the summer months. When twenty years of age he went to South Carolina, where he was engaged at stone cutting upon canal work. 1 few months of this work broke down his health and he then went to North Carolina, and in the spring of 1821 taught school in Mecklenburg County, after which he located in Chatham County and engaged in teaching until 1823. While there he was licensed to preach in the Methodist Episcopal church. Upon his return to Connectient in 1823 he purchased a farm and entered upon the occupation of a farmer. In 1824 he married Miss Lydia Wattross, a native of Connecticut. She died in the fall of the same year. A few weeks after the death of his wife he returned to North Carolina. During his ab- sence from that State his name had been pro-
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posed to the Virginia Conference of the Methodist church and accepted, and he was appointed to the llanover cirenit. This position he held until 1827, when ill health and a serious throat complaint compelled his abandoning the pulpit, and seeking other occupations. He then engaged in teaching in Johnson County, and was also the principal of an academy in Duplin County. In 1827 Judge Shattuck married Miss Elizabeth Sanders, the daughter of llardie and Edith (Turner) Sanders, natives of Wake County, North Carolina. Mrs. Shattuck was born January 6, 1804. He continued his occu- pation as teacher until 1829. In the fall of that year he emigrated to Smith County, Tennessee, where he rented a farm and engaged in farming occupations. During the time occupied in teaching he studied law, and upon his arrival in Tennessee he was admitted to the bar. After one season spent in Smith County he went to Brownsville, Haywood County, and there estab- lished himself as an attorney at law. He was also at this time actively engaged in the minis- try. In 1833 he emigrated to Mississippi and took up his residenee in Carrollton, Carroll County, where he engaged in a Incrative law practice. While there he decided to take up his ministerial duties, and joined the Mississippi conference, after which he was appointed presiding elder of the upper district of Mississippi. In 1837 he was elected district judge of the seventh judicial district of Mis- sissippi. ITis judicial duties demanded so much of his attention that in 1838 he resigned his position as presiding elder. The position of a district judge in those days was not an enviable one for an upright and conscientious man like Judge Shattuck. This was during the great struggle between Jackson and the United States Bank. The judge's courts were filled with fore- closure suits, etc., and the people almost en masse demanded a suspension of the courts; but their threats, intimidations, and even mob violence, did not deter the Judge from doing his duty and carrying out the law. In 1841 he resigned his office as judge and accepted the
nomination of the Whig party as its candidate for Governor. The great and important ques- tion with the political parties in that State was "Shall the State pay its bonds?" The Whig party was prompt and decided in their answer, and demanded a full payment of all obligations while the Democracy split upon the question and put up an independent ticket, which was successful, but the judge made a strong canvass and was defeated by over 2,000 votes in the whole State. Ile was then engaged in law practice until 1843, when he was induced to ac- cept the position as professor of law in the Centenary College at Brandon, Rankin County, Mississippi. A few months after he entered upon his duties at that college the trustees found it necessary to remove the president of the institution, and Judge Shattuck was elected to fill the position thus made vacant. On ac- count of financial difficulties this college had to be abandoned, and shortly after they purchased the Louisiana State College buildings, which were afterward known as the Centenary Col- lege of Louisiana. Judge Shattuck held the position of president of this institution until 1849, and during that time, by his energetic action and sound business management, placed the financial affairs of the college upon a solid foundation, and succeeded in securing a large and Icrative patronage. While president of this college he was honored by having the degree of LL. D. conferred upon him by the Wesleyan University of Middletown, Connecticut. Soon after resigning his position in 1849 Judge Shattuck embarked on a schooner for the Isth- mus of Panama, en route for California. After many vexations delays upon the Isthmus, he se- cured passage in a sailing vessel from Panama to San Francisco, arriving there in April, 1850. Among the judge's party were his three sons, Francis William, Dickson P., and David O. After some time spent in seenring occupations for the members of his party, he entered the practice of his profession, but in the fall of 1850 he was elected judge of the Superior Court. At that time there were three superior judges
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in San Francisco, and there was not more than business for one, besides having three courts. It naturally caused considerable clashing in granting orders. Judge Shattuck, believing the expense of these courts useless, in 1852 peti- tioned the Legislature that they be reconstructed, and that one judge perform the whole duty. This was accomplished and he resigned the judgeship, came to Sonoma County and located in Sonoma Valley and entered upon the ocenpa- tion of farming and stock-raising, upon a tract of land which he had purchased in 1850. In this same year, 1852, the judge was joined by his family, who took up their residence upon a farm. In 1954 he returned to San Francisco and resumed his law practice, and in the fall of that year he was elected judge of the Superior Court as remodeled. He discharged the duties of that office until 1857, when the act establish- ing said court was repealed upon Judge Shat- tuck's petition. Ile then resumed his law practice, and established a partnership under the firm name of Shattuck, Spencer & Riechert, which was continued until 1861, when the judge sold out his business to his partners. In that year he was prevailed upon to run for Congress upon the Democratic ticket, but was defeated, and in 1862 he returned to his ranch in Sonoma County, where he remained until 1864. In 1862 and 1863 Judge Shattuck was the presiding elder of the Santa Rosa district of the Pacific Conference of the Methodist Epis- copal church, South. In 1864 he went to Mex- ico and engaged in cotton cultivation until 1867, and upon returning to California, finally retired from active business and political life and settled down upon his beautiful ranch in Sonoma Valley. Although Judge Shattuck many years since deeded this farm to his daughter (now Mrs. Mary E. Spencer). he has continued to de- vote his attention to its development and man- agement. The farm, which contains 200 acres of the original 300 acres purchased by him in 1850. is located two miles south of Sonoma, and is devoted to vineyard and general farming. One hundred acres are producing wine grapes
which are manufactured into wine in the commodious winery erected upon the place in 1879. This winery has a capacity of 80,000 gallons. The rest of the land is devoted to general farming and stock purposes. Judge Shattuck, until his retirement, led an active life, and has always taken a leading position in what- ever community he has resided. Possessed of those strong characteristics of right, justice and religious principles, his influence has been of an elevating and ennobling character, and he has gained the well merited esteem and respect of his friends and associates. It can be truthfully said that Judge Shattuck never sought the nom- ination to the many offices and positions of trust to which he has been elected, and as truthfully said that no bribe, intimidation, or any other means were ever able to swerve him a hair's breadth from what he considered his duty toward God and his fellow man. Justice and truth reigned supreme wherever and whenever he controlled. Judge Shattuck is now (1859) nearly ninety years of age. He is remarkably well preserved and in possession of strong men- tal faculties, with a mind richly stored with reminiscences of over three-quarters of a cen- tury of an active, noble and well spent life. Mrs. Shattuck died July 9, 1875, leaving ten children, who are all living.
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