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 87

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 87

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OIIN BAILIFF .- Among the prominent pioneers of Sonoma County is the subject of this sketch. A residence of nearly forty years, during which time he has been closely identified with many interests tending to build mp the county, has made him well known. A brief resume of his history is of interest and is herewith given. Mr. Bailiff was born on the

Isle of Man, St. George's Channel, England, in 1824. Ilis father, Abraham Bailiff, was a na- tive of France, and his mother, whose family name was Brown, was a native of the Isle of Man. Until the age of sixteen years he at- tended school, and by close application to his studies obtained a good education. At that age he was apprenticed to the trade of a carpenter and joiner, at which he served for four years, and afterward worked as a journeyman until 1848. Ile then embarked in the ship Erin's Queen for the United States. This ill-fated ship was plague stricken upon her long passage. She was crowded with passengers, and the dread- ful fever swept away nearly half of the passen- gers and crew before reaching New Orleans. the port of her destination. Mr. Bailiff escaped from the ravages of the disease while upon the voyage, but shortly after his arrival in New Or- leans he was stricken down and for two months was an inmate of the hospital at that place. Upon his recovery he engaged at his trade as a carpenter, and was in the employ of the United States Government in constructing hospital buildings for the returning veterans of the Mexican war. In the fall of 1848 he went to Vera Cruz, Mexico, and there engaged in his calling until the next spring. Then came the news of the wonderful gold mines of California. This gold fever fired his ambition, and he joined a company of twelve others, who, like himself, were mechanics, and started across Mexico for San Blas. Being well supplied with money. they easily overcame the many obstacles attend- ing such a journey at that period, and after about a month of travel over mule trails. arrived safe at San Blas. IIere his party, augmented by quite a number of emigrants seeking the new EI Dorado, purchased a schooner and embarked for San Francisco. But this was destined to end in disaster. The first night out of port a severe storm, accompanied by vivid lightning and terrific thunder, swept over the sea. Their vessel was struck by lightning, which shivered and broke the masts, rent and destroyed the sails and rigging, and left the hull at the mercy

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of the waves. Many of the passengers and crew were stricken down by the electrical bolts, but all recovered except the Mexican servant of Colonel Me.Alpine. The next morning the for- tunate arrival of a steamer relieved them from their dangerous position, and they were taken from the sehooner and landed in San Blas. Mr. Bailiff considers this disaster almost as an inter- position of Divine Providence in preventing a greater one had the vessel proceeded on her way. In fitting up and provisioning the schooner in San Blas, a German was employed as supercargo. He was a master of the Spanish language and familiar with the port. lIe reported the vessel fully provisioned, but just before sailing he was missing or had deserted. It was known after the wreck of the vessel that there were only a few days provisions and water on board. Had - the vessel put to sea the provisions and water would have been exhausted before a third of the voyage was completed. The vessel was crowded, and what their sufferings might have been under such circumstances, is fearful to contem- plate. Shortly after their return to San Blas, they secured a vessel from Mazatlan, and the second time embarked for San Francisco, at which place they arrived in August, 1849. Skilled labor at that time commanded almost fabulous wages, and Mr. Bailiff wisely con- cluded to take the certainties of large wages rather than the uncertainties of mining. He therefore went to Benicia and entered the em- ploy of the United States government as a carpenter in the construction of military barracks. In November of the same year, at the government barracks, a company was formed of thirty mechanics and others, to build a mill in Sonoma County, located near what is now Freestone, and in honor to William Blnme, proprietor of the mill-site, named it the Blumnedale saw-mill. The company was formed with Charles McDermott as president and Mr. Bailiff as secretary. The company, many of whom like Mr. Bailiff. were skilled mechanics, erected a mill upon the land of Mr. Blume, in whose honor the company was named. A fine

twelve horse power steam engine was purchased at a cost of 820,000 and brought to this place. Lumber at that time was $300 per thousand, and the enterprise was a success. Engaged in this enterprise and at work at the mill were many who have since become well known throughout the county and State. Among them may be mentioned Charles MeDermott, Joshua Ifendey, Samuel Duncan (now of Duncan's Mills), deceased; Thomas Smith (now of Valley Ford), also Mr. MeKnight and Mr. Hobbs. In 1852 the price of lumber was so depreciated that the enterprise did not pay. The mill was therefore sold and the company disbanded. The engine was then taken by its purchasers to the north fork of the American River, by Mr. Duncan and Mr. Ilendey, and used in the estab- lislument of the well-known Duncan's Mills. After the disbanding of the mill company Mr. Bailiff took up land on the Laguna, north of what is now Sebastopol, and in partnership with Mr. James Ilayward, entered into stock-raising. Mr. Hayward took charge of the stock ranch, while Mr. Bailiff engaged in building. He was employed in the erection of many buildings for the Mexican residents, receiving his pay in cattle, which he sent to the ranch. By this means his stock enterprise soon assumed large proportions. It is worthy of note that the first frame house that was ever constructed in the now thriving city of Santa Rosa, was built by Mr. Bailiff. In 1859 he purchased from Cap- tain Cooper 380 acres of land on the east side of the Laguna, about eight miles west of Santa Rosa, in what is now the Russian River school district, and there entered into farming opera- tions and stock-growing. He afterward in- creased his land holdings to 609 acres, but in 1856 sold 160 acres, which leaves him his present fine farin of 449 acres. Since 1859 Mr. Bailiff has devoted himself principally to stock- raising and agrien]tural pursuits. He has made extensive improvements upon his lands. At present he has a magnificent vineyard of 135 acres in extent, producing wine grapes of the Zinfandel variety; also fifteen acres of orchard,

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containing a large variety of fruit, among which are apples, pears, French prunes, and apricots. The rest of his land is devoted to hay, grain and stock. Among the latter are 400 head of Span- ish Merino sheep and 100 hogs. Cattle and horses are also raised, but generally only such as are required for his farin operations. Mr. Bailiff has erected on his farm a beautiful cot- tage residence, in which he has combined the conveniences and many of the luxuries that characterize a well ordered home. Commodions and well adapted out-buildings attest the suc- cess which he is attaining in his farm and stock operations. In addition to the large interests Mr. Bailiff has in this connty, he is also the owner of 4,000 acres of land in the southern part of Humboldt County, near Blocksburg. This land is devoted to sheep-raising. Mr. Bai- litt is widely known throughout the county, and during his long residence has always been inter- ested in its growth and development. Public- spirited and enterprising, he has been a strong supporter of all enterprises which in his opinion tend to advanee the welfare of the community in which he resides. He is a liberal and con- servative Republican. taking an intelligent interest in all political questions of the day. His interest in the public schools has induced him to accept the office of school trustee of his distriet, but aside from that he has never desired, nor has he held any office. In 1866 Mr. Bailiff married Miss Jeanetta Ladd, the daughter of John and Margaret Ladd, residents of Sonoma County. They have two children liv- ing, viz .: Geranie and John D. Geranie mar- ried Charles Dillon, and they are now (18SS) living in Fresno County.

EORGE T. ESPEY is a descendant of one of the earliest settlers of Tennessee. His grandfather, Alexander Espey, was one of the first to locate where now stands the thriving city of Nashville, and was one of the builders of the block-house at that place, which was so

necessary for protection from the Indians. Ilis father, John Espey, was born at that place. The subject of this sketeh was born in Tennessee December 15, 1829. His mother, Catherine (Wright) Espey, was a native of Virginia. Mr. Espey's father was a carpenter and cabinet- maker. In 1838 he moved with his family to Missouri, where he remained till 1842 or 1843, when he located in Jackson County and com- menced farming and stock-raising. There the subject of this sketch was reared and taught the practical duties of farm life, being early inured to hard labor and receiving but a limited education. He remained on his father's farm until 1852, when he started across the plains for California. He drove an ox team nearly the whole distance, and after months of toil and weary journeying arrived in California, and in the fall of 1834 came to Sonoma County and located at Mark West. He there engaged in farm labor for I. C. Smith. In the spring of 1553 Mr. Espey married Miss Margaret Smith, the danghter of Andrew and Ann (Eustice) Smith. She came to California in 1852. Her father was a native of Virginia, and her mother of Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1833 Mr. Es- pey located near what is now Healdsburg, and there engaged in farming and stock-raising until 1868. Ile then moved to Mendocino County, where he was extensively engaged in sheep-raising and wool-growing until 1875. In the latter year he returned to Sonoma County, and for the next five years rented farming lands on the Mark West Creek, and between that place and Santa Rosa, upon which he engaged in farm operations and stock-raising. In 1880 he purchased thirty acres of land on the Sebastopol and Green Val- ley road, in Analy Township, Laguna school district, about one mile northwest of Sebastopol. Since that time he has devoted himself mostly to orchard cultivation. His lands are situated in one of the finest fruit-growing sections in Sonoma County. A beautiful residence and suitable out-buildings were upon the place at the time of his purehase. but nearly all the other improvements have been made by him.

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Ile now has twenty acres of thrifty young fruit trees just coming into bearing, mostly peaches and apples. Of the latter it is safe to say that Mr. Espey produced in 1888 some of the finest specimens of the Alexander variety ever grown in the county. The rest of his land is devoted to hay and stock, but it is his intention in the near future to increase his orchards until they occupy all his land. He is destined to have one of the finest orchards in that section of the county. Mr. Espey is a pioneer of Sonoina County, and his long residence has gained him a large cirele of friends and acquaintances, by whom he is respected and esteemned. An enter- prising and progressive citizen he takes a deep interest in the future prosperity of the section in which he resides. He is a consistent mem- ber of the Methodist church, South. In poli- tics he is a life-long Democrat, but is liberal and conservative in his views. Mr. and Mrs. Espey have seven children living: Virginia, Alına, Horace Lee, Charles, George M., Benson and Sydney. Alma married J. Taylor Bradley, and they are now (1888) living in the Indian Territory. Virginia is a teacher in the publie schools at Santa Rosa.

BED CHART, one of the respected citizens of Sonoma Valley, is the owner of a fine rural property and cottage home three miles south of Sonoma, where he established his residence in the autumn of 1867. This place consists of 115 acres of the choicest valley land, forty acres of which are in vineyard, the rest being devoted to the prodnetion of hay and in pasture. Mr. Chart also owns another valu- able tract of land of 100 acres not far east from his home. Ile dates his birth in the county of Sussex, England, December 18, 1806. In his youth he learned the shoemaker's trade, and for many years made that his vocation. In 1828, in his native county, he married Miss Mary Chandler. In 1832 they resolved on emigra- tion to the United States, and made their home 86

in Rochester, New York, removing thenee in 1839 to Allegan County, Michigan. There Mr. Chart became a farmer, and there lived until 1850. His wife went to England on a visit and died there in 1843. Several years he lived comparatively alone, and on August 9, 1832, in that county, he married Mrs. Phebe Wilcox, who is his present wife. She was born in Ox- ford, England, February 19, 1820, and came to the United States in 1844. In 1850 Mr. Chart disposed of his interests in Michigan, and made the overland journey to this State. Two years later he returned to Michigan via the Isthinus, and soon after his second marriage returned to California by way of Cape Horn. Mr. Chart lived a few months in the then small town of Sacramento, when he first came to California, and then moved to San Francisco, and a year or so later engaged in dairying and gardening near the Presidio, first as a renter and afterward as an owner. There his business was conducted energetically and profitably for many years. As before stated, Mr. Chart established his present home in 1867. But little improvement had been made on the place prior to his com- ing, though the house had been erected, but no trees planted. Now the gentle eminence u pon which the cottage stands is shaded by trees, and is one of the pleasantest homes in the county. Both are consistent members of the Congrega- tional church.

P. MOORE, auditor and recorder of So- noma County, was born November 1, 1831, in Brown County, Ohio, where he lived till ten years of age, when his parents moved to St. Louis, Missouri. His father, Cap- taîn John Moore, was a steamboat owner of a line of steamers on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, and on one of these boats the subjeet of this sketeh spent two years. Hle attended school in St. Louis for two years, then, in 1843, moved to Peoria, Illinois, where he lived until coming to California in

HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.

1551. Captain John Moore furnished the money to build the first distillery erected in Peoria. He packed pork and conducted a large mercantile business in that eity prior to 1850, in which year he came to the Golden State, a year before the coming of his son. Judge Moore, the subject of this sketch, first located in Marysville, living there six years, keeping books and elerking for a large wholesale house. In 1557 he moved to Quiney, Plumas County, and there engaged in general merchandising. While there he held the offices of postmaster. justice of the peace, and was county judge by appointment, and afterward. in 1869, was elected to that office, serving in all six years. Leaving that place in 1573 he settled in Oakland, where he remained four years, and where he again engaged in merchandising. From there he re- moved to Geyserville where he held the office of postmaster, and also condueted a general mer- chandise store. On settling in Santa Rosa, he went into the sheriff's office as under-sheriff, which position he filled four years. He was then elected, on the Democratic ticket, in 1886. to his present office, and assumed the duties of the same on the first Monday in January. 1887, and was re-elected in November, 18S8. Judge Moore was married in 1858 to Miss Hannah Mastin, a native of Mississippi. They have five children living and one deceased. One child is married and has three children. The judge is a member of the A. O. C. W., and has been financier of the lodge five years.

APTAIN J. S. YOUNG, proprietor of the Sotoyome House, Healdsburg, has been a resident of that eity since 1953. Ile is a native of West Meath, Ireland, born July 15, 1839, and came to this country in May. 1861, locating in New York City. The civil war then progressing caused him to take an active interest in the National cause. and his sympathies were ; strongly enlisted on the Union side. In May, 1862, he entered the service. He served

throughout the war to its closing days, and ou the 15th of April, 1865, left the port of New- bern, North Carolina, to return to New York City. In the fall of the same year he went to Montana Territory, and was for a time engaged at the mines of IIelena, and afterward at Stock- ton, Utah. In 1566 he went to the great mining eamp at Virginia City, Nevada, where he worked in the mines, afterward engaging in the restau- rant business there on an extensive seale. Ile became a prominent figure in the social and public life of Virginia City. For eleven years he was Captain of the Emmett Guards, and on his retirement was presented with beautifully engrossed resolutions, expressive of the high esteem in which he was held by the members. He also served on the staff of Governor Batter- man, with the rank of captain. He served one term as a member of the board of alderman, and in 1576 was elected mayor of the city, which office he filled with honor and credit. From Virginia City he went to Tombstone, Arizona. in 1880. and, although he remained there only four months, acquired property interests, which he still retains. At Tombstone he had just laid in a large stoek of goods, and, before he had finished unpacking, the entire ontfit was destroyed by fire. 1 meeting of ereditors was soon held, and it was decided that as he had no benefit whatever from the goods, he should be given a elear bill on payment of twenty-five cents on the dollar. When the proposition was made to Captain Young he informed them that there was only one settle- ment that he would consent to, and that was at one hundred cents on the dollar. He adhered to his resolution, and being given carte-blanche by his wholesale houses in the matter of buying goods, soon had a store started in a mining eamp at Lake Valley, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, far removed from civilization, the goods having to be carted many miles by team before reaching their destination. Six months after his disastrous fire, every cent due his creditors had been paid and all elaims at par, instead of twenty-five cents on the dollar as had been

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offered him. While he was in New Mexico the country was in a very disturbed state on account of Indians and outlaws, and a vigilance com- mittee of twenty-seven men was formed for protection. Out of that vigilance committee a military company was organized, which was attached to the Territorial militia as Company A, First Regiment, Lake Valley Guards, and Mr. Young was chosen Captain. IFe held that position until the company disbanded. October 19, 1883, he came to Healdsburg and purchased the Sotoyome House, which, under his manage- ment has taken front rank among the hotels of northern California. Captain Young was first married at Virginia City to Rosanna Bell, a native of New York City. She died while at the springs of Las Vegas, New Mexico, whither she had gone for her health, June 28, 1882. By this marriage there are six children: George (deceased), William J., John J., Rose A., Perley A. and Francis E. He married his present wife January 1. 1884. Her maiden name was Elizabeth LaGrange. She is a sister of General LaGrange, a veteran of the late war, former superintendent of the mint at San Francisco, and now one of the leading lawyers of New York City. By this marriage there are two children -- Lily and Hngh. Captain Young is a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. He is one of the active, public spirited citizens of Healdsburg, and is one of her most energetic business men. Ile is an ardent Republican, and is one of the leaders of his party.

H. HOAG, United States Storekeeper, Fourth District, has been a resident of Sonoma County since 1856, coming here from his native city, Poughkeepsie, New York. He is the youngest child of the family, and his parents, who are both deceased, were also natives of New York, and descendants of old settlers from Vermont. Ilis father, Charles Hoag, died in 1850. The subject of this sketeh was educated in Poughkeepsie, New York, and

there studied law with H. A. Nelson and John I'. II. Tallman, both still living. The former was Secretary of State of New York in 1560, and is one of the ablest lawyers in the State; the latter is a noted probate lawyer. Mr. Hoag com- pleted his law course and successfully passed his examination at the age of eighteen years, re- ceiving his certificate to be admitted to the bar when he reached his majority. Being connected with the prominent law firm above men- tioned, Mr. Iloag had extraordinary opportuni- ties for obtaining knowledge of actual practice, and did a large amount of it in the subordinate conrts. He made his way to California the same year in which he received his certificate, arriving here in May, 1857. He also had two brothers who came to the Golden State. One of them has since died in San Francisco, and the other is still living there. Mr. Hoag en- gaged in farming in the vicinity of Bodega, and occasionally tried a case at law. In 1863-'64 he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, to the Legislature,and re-elected in 1865-'66, his brother being one of the opposing candidates, the first term being the youngest member of that body. In 1873, having been security for a man who was largely interested in Monterey County, and thinking to save himself from losses, he became interested with him in conducting a farm of 1,800 acres in that county. However, he lost. In 1875 he was elected auditor and recorder of Sonoma County, and filled the office two years. After his term of office expired became a mein- ber of the law firm of Hoag & Whipple, the latter, Edwin L. Whipple, being then one of the brightest young men on this coast. Ile died here some years after. After three years this partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Hoag em- barked in the real estate and insurance busi- ness, in which he has since been engaged. Being well posted on the land titles in Sonoma County, he has done a great deal of conveyanc. ing. and a portion of the time he did a heavy loaning business in connection with his brothers and clients, in the way of accommodation loans amounting to $130,000 a year. Mr. HIoag has

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been active in local politics, and an energetic worker inevery campaign for twenty-nine years, until assuming the duties of his present posi- tion. Ilis loyalty to his party is unquestion- able. In November, 1887, he was appointed to his present office, with headquarters at ware- honse No. 2, Santa Rosa. The house has an average of 60.000 gallons of brandy. Mr. Hoag was married in 1860 to the daughter of Judge L. D. Cockrill, a native of Kentucky, and a pioneer of California, who came to this State from Bates County, Missouri. where he served as county judge, and was a prominent educator. Mrs. lloag is a native of Missouri. Her parents both died within the past eighteen months, in Bloomfield. They were both very aged, the father being about ninety, and having served as justice of the peace for many years up to the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Hoag have eight children, all at home. with names in the order of ages as follows: Miss Helen O. Iloag, Cushing E., O. H., Jr., Herbert, Larena E., Edeth, Edwin Whipple and Aletha.

ENRY HUBBARD, whose handsome home ornaments one of the prettiest building sites on Oak Mountain, above Cloverdale. is a native of Litchfield County, Connecticut, born May 6. 1840, his parents being Ithaner and Lavina (Barnard) Hubbard. Both parents were natives of Connecticut, and the father was a farmer and carpenter. Henry IInbbard, the subject of this mention, was reared and educa- ted in his native county, and from there went to New Haven, where he followed mercantile pursuits for many years. In 1868 he came to California, via Panama, landing at San Fran- cisco December 9, and, after four years in this State, returned to Connectient. He came back to California, and since 1576 has resided on Oak Mountain. When he came here he was broken in health and spirits, but has found both health and happiness. Mr. Hubbard was here married to Mrs. Addie M. Moody. a native of

Jefferson County, New York. Her parents were Calvin and Cynthia Ann (Butterfield) Wright. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard are comfort- ably supplied with this world's goods, strong in their religious convictions, and striving to so live in this life that they shall be ready to prop- erly enter and enjoy that to come.

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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 87

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