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 83

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 83

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F. B. Glynn.

Mills and Lumber Yard.

Residence.

Redwood Tree, 15 Feet in Diameter.

RESIDENCE AND MILLS OF F. B. GLYNN, IN COLEMAN VALLEY.

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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

mont until after the death of his father, which occurred in 1864. In June of that year Mr. Sauborn was united in marriage with Miss Emily J. Dewey, daughter of Chandler Dewey, of Orleans County, Vermont. In October, accompanied by his wife, he returned to Califor- nia, located at Sebastopol, Sonoma County, and again commenced his occupation as a teacher in the public schools. In 1866 he pre-empted forty acres of land on the Laguna in the Oak Grove school district, building a house and barn and taking up his residence there. HIe was still engaged as a teacher and only devoted himself to farming operations on a small scale during the vacations. In 1876 Mr. Sanborn increased his landed possessions by the purchase of forty-seven acres, which adjoins his first par- chase on the southwest. This land was entirely unimproved and in its wild state. The subject of this sketch in all these years continued his teaching, having but little faith in his ability to produce much of a revenue from his small farm. The schools he taught were in Analy and Bodega townships. In 1883 he abandoned teaching, his last school being in Oak . Grove school district. Ile then entered into farming and fruit growing in earnest, his mnotto being, " Whatever you do, do in the very best manner, procure the very best varieties of fruits, etc., and then devote your time and attention to their cultivation." He is deserving of success and has gained it, for at the present he is conceded to be the most successful fruit grower in the fine fruit section in which he resides. It is not so much the extent of his orchards as it is that he produces the very finest fruits. Ilis land is located about two miles north of Sebastopol, twelve acres being in orchard mostly devoted to peaches of the orange cling variety. This peach was formerly known as Canada cling, and orig- inated on the widow Canada Ranch, on the Sacramento River. Mr. Sauborn has achieved remarkable success with this fruit. Four acres of five-year-old trees produced in 1888, fourteen tons of perfect fruit. Four aeres are devoted to vine cultivation of the Zinfandel variety. These

he will eventually graft with Tokays. It is worthy of mention that Mr. Sauborn is very successful in all his budding and is constantly studying and experimenting in this branch of his business as an orchardist. A large portion of his land is still occupied by a heavy growth of pine trees, and the rest of his land is pro- dueing hay and is devoted to stock. He only raises sncli stock as are required on the farm. It is mentioned as showing the productions of his hay lands, that thirteen acres, in 1887, yielded fifty tons of first-class hay. Diversified farming is Mr. Sanborn's creed; corn, veget- ables of all kinds are grown, and anything that will yield a profit he considers worthy of his attention. Ile has 150 hens, which in eight months have netted him over $250. Mr. Sau- born is well known in the county, but particu- larly so in Analy and Bodega townships. Ilis long residence and occupation has brought him in contact with a large portion of the inhabi- tants, and has gained him a large circle of friends and acquaintances, by whom he is greatly esteemed and respected. Ile is a member of Lafayette Lodge, No. 126, F. & A. M., of Sebas- topol. In politics he is a consistent Democrat. In October, 1869, Mrs. Sauborn died at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving one son, who is engaged at present with his father in farm and fruit operations.

B. GLYNN was born in New York State in November, 1843. His father, Hiram Glyun, and his mother, Martha M. (Tib- bets) Glynn, were also natives of the same State. Hiram Glynn moved to Michigan in 1849, re- mained until 1853, when he came to California, where he was engaged in mining, here and in Alaska, for a period of twenty years. He then removed to Iowa, and from there to Michigan, and back to lowa, where he died in 1886. There were four children. One of the boys, Fred A., is at the present time mining in Shasta County, California. Clinton 1. and the

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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

only daughter, Addie (Blanchard), are residing in Michigan. Frank B., whose name heads this sketch, was the eldest of the family. He lived with his parents until his twenty-first year, and then attended school for one year, and in 1867 came to California and spent the better part of a year in traveling over the State. Then re- turned to Michigan and went to work on the old homestead, and in the same year, 1868, was married to Miss Mary J. McCarty. In 1869 he bought a ranch near Independence, Iowa, and lived there about two years, and in 1872 brought his wife and child to California with the intention of settling here. They remained but three months in Santa Rosa, when they again returned to Iowa and located near Glenn Wood, Mills County; but having the many ad- vantages of California so thoroughly impressed upon his mind, he determined upon making California his future home, so he again came to Santa Rosa, bringing his family. He bought property and engaged in the selling of humber for the Murphy Brothers. In 1881 he asso- ciated himself with Messrs. Dearbon & Berka, and bought the Jack Smith saw-mill in Cole- man Valley. In the fall of the same year Glynn and Berka bought Dearbon's interest, and in 1852 George W. Williams came into the firm by buying Mr. Berka's interest. In 1883 Mr. Glynn succeeded to the entire business. He then had but 360 aeres of land, but has added to this until now he has 419 acres, and upon this is one of the finest traets of redwood to be found in Sonoma County-estimated at 7.000,000 feet. Ile employs from twenty to forty men upon his place and in the mills, which are fully equipped with all modern improve- ments for turning ont all kinds of lumber. In 1887 he bought one-half interest of F. J. Yandle, Santa Rosa, in his foundry and ma- chine shop, and put in a stock of Inmber also, and associated in said business. Besides his handsome residence he has five other honses npon the place for the accommodation of the men and their families. Mr. and Mrs. Glynn have had three children born to them, all living ---

Mattie E., George A. and Burr. Mr. Glynn is a member of Santa Rosa Lodge, No. 57, F. & A. M .; Santa Rosa Chapter, No. 45, R. A. M .; Santa Rosa Commandery, No. 14. K. T .; I. O. O. F. Lodge of Occidental; Santa Rosa Lodge, K. of P .: Aneient Order of Druids of Santa Rosa, and the Chosen Friends of (cei- dental.

HOMAS M. DUNN .- Among the notice- ably fine places in the Sonoma Valley is that of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. Mr. Dunn's farm of 100 aeres is located about two miles south of Sonoma. The soil at this point is rich and productive, as is well attested by the success he has achieved in vine and fruit growing. He has thirty acres in wine grapes of the Zinfandel, Riesling, Chas- selas and Black Malvoise varieties. Ten acres are devoted to fruit comprising a fine variety of peaches, pears, apricots, apples, ete. The rest of his land is produeing hay and grain, and pasturing stock. His farm is under a good state of enltivation and the improvements are first-class in every respect, and the fine shade trees and well kept grounds surrounding the commodions residence and well ordered out buildings all go to show the enterprise and taste of the owner. Mr. Dunn is a native of New York, born in 1818. His father, John Duun, was a native of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States when a young man, en- gaged in farming in the State of New York, there spent the remainder of his days, and died at the age of over 100 years. His mother, Margaret (Crockett) Dunu, was a native of New York. The subject of this sketeh was reared to farm life and received a fair common school education. Upon reaching manhood, he launched out in life to care for himself, and settled on Long Island, where he engaged in general farming, and was also largely engaged in raising vegetables for the New York markets. In 1862 he came to California. Upon

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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

his arrival in San Francisco he sought for em- ployment, and being something of a mechanic and engineer, he secured a berth as engineer in running a stationary engine in a factory. He was thus employed for a year or two, and then went to Nevada and there worked in a quartz mill until 1867. In that year he came to Sonoma County and located in Sonoma Valley, where he was employed as superintendent or foreman on the ranch of Albert Wheelock, located north of Sonoma. After being thus en- gaged until 1869 he rented a tract of land from Obed Chart, near Embarcadero. In 1873 he purchased thirty acres of his present farm and here took up his residence, afterward purchas- ing an additional seventy acres. Since that time Mr. Dunn has devoted himself to the | towns, until 1856, when he was induced by cultivation and improvement of his lands, in which he has been successful. He is a con- sistent member of the Congregational church. Politically, he is a staunch Republican, and was a strong Union man during the war. While in San Francisco he was a member of the Mer- chant's Company, which consisted of 150 men who were enrolled for the protection of that city during those unsettled times. In 1857 Mr. Dunn married Miss Fannie Sutherland, a native of England, and the daughter of William and Hester Sutherland, natives of Scotland and England. From this marriage there are ten children: Edwin M., Robert J., Charles W., F. Josephine, Lillie C., Albert W., Lathrop C., Harry J., William S. and Annie H.

OHN GIBSON .- The old travelers on the road from Sonoma to Santa Rosa through Glen Ellen, during the twenty years pre- ceding 1888, well remember the genial landlord of the " Half-way House" at Glen Ellen, who is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Gibson was born in Chatham, Kent County, England, in July, 1815. IJis father, John Gibson, was a ship builder, and later a surveyor for the Lloyds Insurance Company. Mr. Gibson attended

school until the age of fourteen years, when he was apprenticed to the trade of a cabinet-inaker and upholsterer. He worked at this trade for about three years, and then, in 1832, emigrated to the United States. Upon his arrival in New York. he apprenticed himself to learn the carpenter's trade. After serving his time he worked as a journeyman carpenter in that city until 1839. He then went to New Orleans, where he con- tinued his calling until 1850, in which year he came, via the Isthmus route, to California. Upon his arrival in San Francisco he readily obtained work at his trade, at from twelve to sixteen dollars per day. Mr. Gibson pursued the occupation of a earpenter and cabinet-maker in San Francisco, and occasionally in interior

Captain Justi to locate in the Sonoma Valley. He purchased from the captain a tract of land upon the east side of the valley above Glen Ellen, and entered upon the occupation of a farmer, vineyardist and wine maker .. This land was afterward proven to be a land grant, to which Mr. Gibson could give no title without a second purchase. He accordingly abandoned the same, and, in 1868, purchased from Dr. J. B. Warfield ninety-eight acres of land located south of his former holdings and east of what is now the village of Glen Ellen. Upon this land Mr. Gibson made extensive improvements, and entered more extensively into grape culture and wine making. For this purpose he erected a winery and cellar with a capacity of 75,000 gallons. He also, in 1869, built a substantial and commodious hotel, which he opened to the public. This well-known " Half-way House " was extensively patronized by the traveling public before the advent of railroads changed the mode of travel and freighting. Mr. Gib- son is now the owner of about seventy acres of land, which he is devoting principally to stock purposes. The Santa Rosa & Carquinez Railroad passes through his land, and event- ually his property will be cut up in small tracts which will form a part of the thriving village ot Glen Ellen. Warfield Station is just north

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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

of and adjoining his land. Mr. Gibson's long residenee and ocenpation has given him an ex- tensive acquaintance in Sonoma County, and gained him a large circle of friends. Ile has always been an energetic supporter of such movements as tended to develop his section of the county, and has filled local offices of trust. For many years he was the postmaster of Glen Ellen. Politically, he is a consistent Democrat. The subject of this sketch has been married three times. Ilis first marriage was in 1837, with Miss Catherine Parker, who died the fol- lowing year. In 1844 be married Miss Maria P. Jamison of New York. She died in Sacra- mento, in 1550, leaving two children: John II .. who lives in California, and Eliza M., who mar- ried George Guerne, and is residing in Santa Rosa. In 1864 he married Mrs. Annie E. Bogman.

OHN CAVANAGH, a native of Dublin, Ireland, was born August 23, 1824. Ilis grandfather and father were both born and reared at Knockbrandon, Parish of Monaseed, County Wexford, Ireland. In 1845 he was a mem- ber of the Repeal Association and so continued until 1847, when he branched off with the Young Ireland party, known as the Irish Con- federation and joined the Gratton Club in Dub- lin. In 1849 he sailed from Liverpool on board of the bark Jane Tudor for California, arriving in San Francisco in August, 1850. He imme- diately proceeded to the mines on the Middle Fork of the American River, mined six weeks and returned to San Francisco where he en- gaged in the grocery business for a short time. He repaired a second time to the mines, locating on El Dorado Slide, remaining there 'until the fall of 1852. In that year he came to Sonomna County and settled on Russian River, near Windsor. In 1557 he sold his farm and came to Petaluma. Here he was interested in the Water Company in which he purchased an in- terest. In December, 1861, he, with T. F. Bay-

liss and others, organized a military company known as the Emmett Rifles, composed of eiti- zens of Irish birth, and the company was mustered into the National Guards of the State of California the same month, T. F. Bayliss, Captain and John Cavanagh, Lieutenant. A few months later, in 1862, the Petaluma Guards and the Emmett Rifles were mustered into ac- tive service and ordered by Governor J. G. Downey to report to the sheriff of Sonoma County, at Santa Rosa, to enforce the law and orders of the district court in the northern part of Sonoma County, the sheriff having been resisted twice by armed forces known as the Settlers' Leagne. The promptness with which the two military companies appeared at the scene of trouble is especially worthy of men- tion, and more particularly the Emmett Ritles, they being a portion of the Irish Regiment of San Francisco. At that time one-half of the National Guards of the State were of foreign birth and it was expected by many all over the State that the officers would resign their com- missions and the companies disband sooner than help the government in its troubles, the Civil war having broken out in the East. The Em- mett Guards was the last company attached to the Irish Regiment and had not yet received their uniforms, but they were all honest " War Democrats " and willingly volunteered to help the government that they, in becoming citizens, had sworn to support against all enemies for- eign or native born. The sudden appearance of those companies at the front where insurrection or rebellion was expected, together with meas- ures and precautions taken by the State of California and the general government, saved California from the horrors of civil war. In 1862 Mr. Cavanagh was elected city marshal of Petaluma, which office he held three years, and in 1866 was elected justice of the peace and was continuously elected justice of the peace or city recorder up to the present time, and now holds the latter office. In 1867 he opened a lumber yard and at about the same time disposed of his interest in the Water Company. June 15,

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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

1860, he was united in marriage with Delia Carrigan, a native of Ireland. The issne of said marriage is seven children: Thomas James, John Edward, Stephen P., Jennie, Laura Ann, Margaret Ellen and Emma Grace, all living at this writing. Thomas James married Miss Ilattie, daughter of the late William R. Roberts. Laura Ann married W. B. Whitney, a promi- nent druggist of Healdsburg. In 1857 Mr. Cavanagh became a member of Sotoyome Lodge, No. 123, F. & A. M., also a member of Peta- Inma Chapter, No. 22, Royal Arch Masons, and is high priest of the same at the present time. He was a member of Santa Rosa Commandery, No. 16, and a charter member of Mount Olivet Commandery, No. 20, Knights Templar, and is captain general of said commandery at present. Ile is also a member of the Pioneer Associa- tion of the counties of Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Lake and Mendocino, and was elected president of the association in the years 1876 and 1877. Ile has held the commission of notary public for the past twelve years. Ile has been a director of the Mutual Relief Association of Petaluma for eighteen years, or sinee its first organization, and has been an active member of the Petaluma fire department for the past twenty-five years.

ARRY C. BROWN, one of the proprie- tors of the Sonoma Abstract Bureau, is a native of California, born in Oakland, Alameda County, twenty-four years ago. His father A. C. Brown, came to the State in 1854 from Columbus, Ohio, where he had carried on a wholesale boot and shoe manufactory, and a wholesale dry goods business for many years, In these enterprises he had been successful and had acenmulated a large fortune. He was also engaged in the banking business there. He was originally from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and, after marrying, settled in Albany, New York, starting in life as a shoe cobbler, and rapidly developing into a large manufacturer. In 1840 he had a stoek of goods on hand worth $10,000

which he bet against an equal value in cash on the election of General William Henry Ilarri- son. Ile won, and it was the only bet or gam- ing he ever indulged in. He married a Miss Taylor, a native of Zanesville, Ohio, by whom he had fonr sons and one daughter. Mrs. Brown died several years prior to the death of her husband, who at his death left an estate worth $150,000. The subject of this sketeh received his early educational advantages in Oakland, and attended the Williston Seminary in Massachusetts. Ilis first business venture was in partnership with his brother, Fred F. Brown, in a fruit and vineyard ranch near Windsor, Sonoma County. After being there two years and carrying on a system of planting and improving the place, whieli contained about forty acres of fruit, mostly pears, prunes and plums, and seventy aeres in vineyard, Mr. Brown sold out to his brother. He ran for county clerk on the Republican tieket in 1886, and suf- fered a defeat by Mr. Mulgrew. In December of that year he went to Mexico with a view of engaging in business, but decided not to do so, and returned to Santa Rosa in the early part of 1887. July 15, 1887, he purchased a half in- terest in the Sonoma County Abstraet Burcan, which he still owns. The partners have invested nearly $25,000 in the enterprise and value it worth inneh more. Mr. Brown was married in San Jose, May 7, 1887, to Miss E. F. Wors- ter, who is also a native of California. He has erected this year. (1888) an elegant residence, in the Ludwig addition, costing with furnishing 817,000. Mr. Brown is a member of the Na- tive Sons of the Golden West.

OLMAN TALBOT .- Among the promi- nent residents of Bennett Valley, and the representative farmers of that seetion of Sonoma County, is the subject of this sketch. Ile was born May 10, 1835, in Adams County, Illinois. His father, Coleman Talbot (a sketeli of whom appears in this volume) is a native of

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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

Kentucky, and his mother, Drusilla (Bowles) Talbot, was also born in Kentucky. In 1830 his father moved to Adams County, Illinois. There the subject of this sketch was reared to farm life until 1852. In that year his father moved across the plains to California and settled in Sonoma County, locating in Bennett Valley, where heentered upon farming operations. Mr. Talbot was engaged in assisting his father in farming until 1859. In that year he proceeded to Butte County, where he engaged in mining for about eighteen months. He then returned to Bennett Valley and was employed upon his father's farm. January 9, 1865, he married Miss Frances Steel, the daughter of Julius A. and Elizabeth (Norton) Steel, residents of Se- bastopol, and early settlers of Sonoma County. Mrs. Talbot was born in Chicago, Illinois, Nov- ember 1. 1847. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Talbot took up his residence upon a tract of land which he had previously purchased from his father, and commenced its improvement and cultivation. This fine farm is located in Bennett Valley, in the Santa Rosa school district, about six miles from Santa Rosa. This farm contains 250 acres of hill and valley land. Mr. Talbot has made extensive improvements in the cultivation and products of this land during the last twenty years. He has now a magnifi- cent vineyard of fifty acres, forty-two acres of which are devoted to the production of wine grapes of the Zinfandel, Riesling and Mission varieties, and eight acres to table grapes, among which are Rose of Peru, Tokay and Muscat varieties. There is also a fine family orchard, containing a large variety of fruits. The rest of his land is devoted to hay, grain and stock-rais- ing. Among other improvements is a beautiful two-story residence, in which Mr. Talbot has combined all the comforts and conveniences that characterize a well-ordered home. This resi- dence is situated upon the hills, which gives a magnificent and delightful view of miles of the beautiful valley. Mr. Talbot has from young manhood spent his life in Bennett Valley, as well as in a large portion of the county. llis

straightforward and consistent course of life has gained for him the well merited respect and es- teem of his associates. Energetic, liberal and enterprising, he is always a supporter of any en- terprise that tends to advance the interest and welfare of the county in which he resides. He is a consistent member of the Christian church. In political matters he is a strong Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Talbot have three children, viz .: Allena, born December 25, 1866: Talitha Augusta, born December 30, 1876, and Lesley, born March 13, 1885. Mr. Talbot is a firm be- liever in public schools and a strong advocate for thorough and liberal education of the rising gen- eration. His danghter Allena is a graduate of the Santa Rosa Ladies' College, and was married November 21, 18SS, to George F. Clark.

R. GIBSON, whose home ranch is in Mendocino Township, is a native of Ken- tucky, born at a place near the line of Tennessee, February 6, 1818. His early boy- hood days were spent in the neighborhood of his birthplace. When in his fourteenth year he accompanied his parents to Jackson County, Mis- souri, where he grew to manhood, and there was married, August 20, 1839, to Miss Laura Rob- inson, a native of Kentucky, born in Madison County, and daughter of John R. and Nancy (Cox) Robinson. Her parents were both reared in Kentucky, but her father was an Englishman by birth. When Mrs. Gibson was a girl of less . than twelve years, her parents removed from Kentucky to Missouri, where she grew to womanhood. In 1853 Mr. and Mrs. Gibson crossed the plains to California with an ox team, and were six months on the journey. They located in Solano County, where they re- sided until the fall of 1854. They then came to Sonoma County, and located near Healdsburg. Two years later they removed to a place twenty- five miles west of Sacramento, and afterward to the vicinity of Lakeport, where they resided nearly fifteen years. From there they removed

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HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

to the vicinity of Bear Valley, their trading point being Colusa, from which they were dis- tant forty miles. Their next move was back to Lake County, and after a residence there of one year, they located in the mountains of Sonoma Connty, where they lived twelve years, and in 1881 settled at their present location. Here they have 116 aeres of land devoted to general farming purposes. Mr. Gibson also has a big sheep ranch in Tom Green County, Texas, to which he gives his personal supervision, his stopping place being Los Angeles. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson have had three children, of whom one-Samuel -- is deceased. Those living are Silas and John Robertson. The former was born in Jackson County, Missouri, and was married to Emma V. Lambert, November 22, 1871. They reside on the home ranch. John Robertson Gibson was also born in Jaekson County, Missouri. He makes his home with his mother on the ranch. Mrs. Gibson has the honor of having killed the largest grizzly bear that was ever killed in this vicinity. It was caught in a trap, and Mrs. Gibson seized a gun and shot it dead.

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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 83

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