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 96
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held till his death, which occurred August 22, 1888. Mr. Cooper was a careful, conservative man in his business methods, and one in whose integrity and honesty those having dealings with him placed the utmost confidence. Of their three children Dr. Engene M. Cooper is practicing dentistry in Santa Rosa, and Ella 1. and Ida M. reside with the widow, in the home- stead on Healdsburg avenue.
ILLIAM E. McCONNELL, attorney- at-law, and president of the Santa Rosa Bank, like very many of the men who have stamped their impress upon the community, the State, or the nation in which they live, as molders of thought, or masters in business. is a product of rural life. He was born in Blount County, East Tennessee, No- vember 23, 1839. Fle is the eldest of a family of three children of G. M. and Mary J. MeCon- nell, who were natives of Tennessee. In the spring of 1850 G. M. McConnell started, with his family, to make the journey overland across the plains to California, where they arrived September 1, and located in the mines at Cold Springs, remaining there and at Yankee Jims two years, at the end of which time he settled on a farm near Woodland, in Yolo County. Opportunities for schooling were then very meager in that, as in most portions of this then young Commonwealth; and the subject of this memoir determined, in 1858, to invest the few hundred dollars he had accumulated in an edu- cation. At that time, and for a number of years after, the Cumberland College, then located at Sonoma, was a flourishing institution. under the control of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and there young McConnell took a course of study, extending over four years. He then came to Santa Rosa, and entered the law office of Judge Charles P. Wilkins, as a student, in the fall of 1862. The following year Judge Wilkins died, and Mr. McConnell completed his studies in the office of Judge William Ross,
and was admitted to the bar in 1864. After spending a few months in Mexico he opened a law office in Santa Rosa. where he has ever since been in active practice of his profession. IIe was elected to the office of district attorney in 187- for two years, and succeeded himself by re election, thus serving four years in that office, and each time being elected by a very large majority -- in the first instance over his former preceptor, Judge Ross. This was the only political office for which he has been a candidate, though he has always been quite an active member of the Democratic party. Upon the death of E. T. Farmer, in October, 1885, Mr. McConnell was elected president of the Santa Rosa Bank, as his successor, which posi- tion he still fills with ability, and to the entire satisfaction of the stockholders of that prosper- ons financial institution, whose history is pub- lished on another page of this volume. In his law practice Mr. McConnell has made a spe- cialty of civil and probate law, and ranks among the ablest probate lawyers in California. As a business man he is honest, sagacious and con- servative-qualities which fit him in a remark- able degree for the very responsible position he Holds as the head of the largest and most wealthy banking house in Sonoma County. In April, 1868, Mr. McConnell was joined in wedlock with a former college-mate, Miss Sarah J. Howell, a native of Missouri, but a resident from early childhood of Merced County, Cali- fornia. where her parents immigrated early in the '50's. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. M., two, the eldest and the third-both boys-are deceased. The three living are, May, aged fifteen years; Mark, eight, and Fred- erick W., one year old.
EORGE FRANKLING KING was born of English parentage, at Westfield, Mas- sachusetts, May 19, 1857, and is the fifth of six children, the first four being sisters, and the sixth a brother. The family removed from
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Massachusetts to Chicago, Illinois, where the subject of this sketch attended school until 1871. He then came to California, and continued in school until 1873. At that time he took the position of assistant bookkeeper in a leading mercantile establishment in San Francisco, at the age of sixteen. The vocation not agreeing with his health, he went to work at, and com- pleted, the trade of whip-making. He was at that time nineteen years of age. Being pro- ficient in dancing, Mr. King directed his atten- tion to giving lessons in that graceful accom- plishment. In this he was so successful that he abandoned his trade, and devoted himself entirely to this new vocation. IIe met with such marked success in his business, that in 1878 he built the largest and most elegant hall and dancing academy in San Francisco. His school grew to such proportions that he found his failing health was not equal to the work, and, meeting with a chance to dispose of his academy to advantage, he sold it, and removed to Santa Rosa, Sonoma County. Here he formed a partnership with Clem Kessing, and carried on a mercantile business until 1884. At that time Mr. King sold out, and opened a large business on his own account. In two years his business had increased beyond the capacity of his quarters, and he took his present commodi- ons rooms in the Doyle & Overton Block, on Fourth street. ITis store is 40 x 100 feet, and as finely fitted up as any store in California. Mr. King built a residence at the corner of Hum- boldt and Cherry streets, at a cost of $6,000, and the property now rates at $10,000. In his business he keeps seven men employed, runs three wagons, and publishes a small pamphlet monthly,giving prices. In 1880 Mr. Kingwas uni- etd in marriage with Miss Annie Josephine Kes- sing, daughter of John F. Kessing, one of Cali- fornia's oldest citizens. The result of this union is three children: the first, a daughter, born in 1881; the second, a son, born in 1884; and the third, a daughter, born, in 1887. Mr. King's father died in 1888. Ilis mother is still living, and is seventy-one years of age. He is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian church, and active in all enterprises conducive to the prosperity of Santa Rosa.
RANCISCO J. PACHECO .- Among the principal business and mechanical indus- tries of Fulton is the blacksmith and car- riage repair shop of Mr. Pacheco. In his well appointed shop is found all tools and material needed for the repair of carriages, wagons, agricultural implements, etc., besides all the requirements of conducting a first-class black- smith shop. Horse-shoeing with Mr. Pacheco is a specialty, and he is well supported and patronized by the community in which he resides. A brief sketch of his life in this con- nection is of interest. He is a native of Cali- fornia and dates his birth in Contra Costa County, October, 1854. His parents, Joseph and Jetrudes (Juarez) Pacheco, were born in Santa Clara County, and were descendants from the early Mexican or Spanish settlers of California. In his early youth the death of his father left him to the care of his grandfather, by whom he was reared on a farm, where he became well versed in farming and stock-raising, particularly the latter. He also had some ad- vantages as regards schooling after ten years of age. At the age of twenty he left the farm and learned the trade of a blacksmith. At Pacheco, Contra Costa County, November 12, 1876, Mr. Pacheco was united in marriage with Miss Ro- sara Feguraga, the daughter of Mariano and Maria Feguraga, residents of San Francisco, where Mrs. Pacheco was born in 1859. IIer parents were natives of Chili and came to California in 1849, during the gold mining excitement. They died while she was quite young, and after their death she was reared in Contra Costa County. Mr. Pacheco worked at his calling in Pacheco until 1882. In this year he established a shop in Concord, in the same county, and successfully conducted this enter- prisc until November, 1887. He then sold out
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and moved to Sonoma County and started his present enterprise at Fulton. He is a thorough mechanic and a straightforward business man, industrious and energetic, and a desirable aequi- sition to the community. His early education was limited, but he has schooled himself by read- ing and study sinee arriving at man's estate, and is now well informed upon the current topics. In politics he is a strong Republican, evincing an intelligent interest in all political matters affecting the welfare of the nation. He and his wife are consistent members of the Catholic church. Mr. and Mrs. Pacheco have five children, Diana, Frank, Bersabe, Robert and Vilfonso.
B. LANG .- The subject of this sketeh re- sides upon the property known as the
O "Old Poltner Homestead," on the road leading from Sonoma to Glen Ellen, on the west side of the valley. This estate of 183 aeres is bounded on the east by Sonoma Creek, and on the west rests upon the foot-hills. Mr. Lang, while having been a resident of California since 1868, has but recently lived in Sonoma County, having bought his home in February, 1887. He dates his birth in Monroe County, New York, in 1834. When he was quite young his family removed from that State to Canada. At the age of fourteen years he commenced life's battle on his own account, thus becoming the architect of his own fortunes. At Rochester, New York, he learned the carpenter's trade. Ambitions, and filled with a desire to see the West, he visited Chicago, Milwaukee, Dubuque and other points, and after spending about two years in St. Louis, he erossed the mountains to the Pacific coast. Reaching Oregon, he en- gaged in mining, and so continued for many years, becoming interested in ventures in that State, Montana and Colorado. In 1868 he be- came a resident of, and interested in in- vestments in Southern California, first having a home in Los Angeles County, where he owned ' Colonel Roderic Matheson, who had recently
a raneh of 300 acres at San Gabriel. From 1869 to 1872 he had mining interests in San Diego County, to which he devoted most of his time. During those years Mr. Lang had many different homes in California, and a portion of his time he made San Francisco his headquar- ters. Ilaving sold his San Gabriel ranch he, in 1879, established his residence in Fresno County, where he still has mining interests. From that county he moved to his present home. Few men have led a more active life than Mr. Lang, and the quiet life of a ranch owner in So- noma County has but little charm for him, though he has been active during his short resi- dence here in improving his fine property. In San Franeiseo in 1880 he wedded Miss Katie Nolan, who was born in New York City. They have five children: Snsie Burnie, Katie, Will- iam, James B. and Joseph. In polities Mr. Lang affiliates with the Republican party. IIe was initiated into the mysteries of Free Masonry at North Star Lodge, Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.
F. SEAMAN. One of the attractions of IIcaldsburg, Sonoma County, is it beauti- ful cemetery, the courteous superintendent of which is the subject of this sketeh. He was born in the city of New York in March, 1832, of Quaker parentage, being the son of Obediah and Mary (Fowler) Seaman, natives of lower Westchester County, where both families are well known and highly respected. Young Sea- man, like so many boys of his age, conceived an ardent desire to see the world, and at nineteen decided to come to California, which he did, ar- riving in San Francisco in 1851. The first position which he secured was a clerkship in the comptroller's office, in which position and in the tax collector's office he spent two years. In 1855 he made a trip to Mexico, spending some time in Colima and then returning to California. In 1856 he came to Sonoma County with
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bought 1,000 acres of land lying east of what is now the town of llealdsburg, and known as the Sotoyome ranch. It was npon this ranch in May of that year that Mr. Seaman first became identified with Sonoma County, and it is here that he has lived since that time, engaged in farming and stock-raising, in which, especially in fine horses, he has devoted much attention. Mr. Seaman has never married. Politically he is a Republican. For many years he has been a prominent member of the I. O. O. F. of Healds- burg; is a member of the K. of P., and also of the Knights and Ladies of Honor. Mr. Sea- man's geniality of disposition has endeared him to many friends.
DWIN P. THOMSON. -- Among the many fine farms and vineyards in the Sonoma Valley are those in the neighbor- hood of Agna Caliente, oue of which is owned by Mr. Thomson and is 100 acres in extent. It is located on the east bank of the Sonoma Creek, and is nearly all bottom land of a rich deep soil. Fifty acres are devoted to vineyard, producing mostly wine grapes of such choice varieties as the Zinfandel, Riesling, Cabernet, Sauvignon Vert and others, and also a fine variety of Tokay and other table grapes. In addition to a family orchard, which produces a large variety of choice fruits, Mr. Thomson is still further improving his farm by planting (in 1888) twenty acres of olive trees, to which this loeality is well adapted. The rest of the land is producing hay and grain. Mr. Thomson pur- chased this place in 1885 and, although not a farmer or viticulturist, he has made a succes in his enterprise. His previous training in mer- cantile and other business pursuits has given him practical business knowledge and habits that, when applied to his new calling, show that successful agricultural pursuits . consists of something more than merely delving in the soil. The subject of this sketch was born in Edinburg, Scotland, in 1860. llis father,
Thomas Thomson, was a native of that place. His mother, Mary (Phelps) Thomson, was born in England. Mr. Thomson's youth was spent in his native place, where he had the advantages of the excellent schools with which the city abounds. At the age of eighteen years he started in life by entering into mercantile pur- suits in London, England, where he was em- ployed in some of the large East India houses. Ile was also an expert tea taster, in which Incra- tive occupation he was associated with some of the largest tea importing houses in that metrop- olis. In 1881 Mr. Thomson visited the United States and traveled extensively through the Eastern States, finally locating in Montana, where he engaged in stock-growing. This oc- cnpation he continued until 1885, when he came to California and, after visiting several sections of the State seeking a desirable location, he took up his present residence, since which time he has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. In 1886, in the city of San Francisco, Mr. Thomson was united in marriage with Miss Mary Thomas, the daughter of Robert and Mary Thomas, residents of Healdsburg. One child, Waldo, has been born to them.
IIARLES L. TORR was born in the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 31, 1841. Ilis father, John Torr, was a na- tive of England where, in the city of Liverpool, he had seven forefathers buried in the same cemetery. Mrs. Torr was a native of France. The family emigrated to Canada, where Charles was born and reared. When he was thirteen years of age he was apprenticed to learn his trade in a woolen mill owned by Hunt & Elliott, large manufacturers of that city, and worked at the business in Canada and New York up to 1870. In 1567 he, together with his brother, James W. Torr (now of Los Angeles), built a mill at Mount Albert, East Gilburry, Canada, and they conducted the business for three years when Mr. Torr bought ont his brother's interest
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and continued it alone for a short time. In 1870 he was sent for to come to California and take charge of the woolen mills at Merced Falls, where he acted as superintendent for about three years. He then, with two other parties, bought a woolen mill at Los Angeles, where he was in business for nearly five years. He then sold his interest there, came to Petaluma and bought the controlling interest in the mill at this place, after which he formed a copartnership with Maurice Newburgh, which partnership contin- ues to the present time. Mr. Torr is a thorough mechanic in his profession, there being no less than seven different branches of trade connected with the woolen mill, any of which he is capa- ble of doing, from the adjustment and setting of any part of the machinery to the dycing of some of the finest woolens, Mr. Torr is a member of the Masonic Blne Lodge and chap- ter of Petaluma, having first joined the order in Ontario in the spring of 1863; he also be- longs to the order of the Eastern Star, and is a member of the Petaluma fire-department. Ile was married in 1862 to Elizabeth R., daughter of IIenry Crawford, of Pickering, Ontario. They have five children: Dudley L., Ida May, Lee O., Mead O, and Lottie May.
ANDREW J. THOMPSON was born in Pietou, Nova Scotia, March 14, 1844, his parents being John and Margaret (Me- Donald) Thompson, both natives of Scotland. They emigrated to Nova Scotia over sixty years ago, the father being engaged in farming, to which occupation the subject of this sketch was reared until the age of fifteen years. He then began an apprenticeship as a wagon maker, and afterward as a carpenter. In 1861 Mr. Thomp- son came to the United States and located in Maine, where he worked at his trade for about one year, then going to Wisconsin and remain- ing at Fond du Lac and Green Bay until 1564. In that year he came by the Isthumus route to California, arriving at San Francisco September
2, 1864. Immediately after his arrival he pro- ceeded to Vancouver's Island, and was there engaged at his trade for a year or more, after which he went to Washington Territory and lo- cated at Seattle. While there he was engaged as a spar maker and ship carpenter, as well as at his trade of carpenter and joiner. In 1868 he started upon his return trip East, but upon his arrival at San Francisco learned of the prev- alence of yellow fever upon the Isthmus. Hc therefore delayed his trip, and went to Mendo- cino County where he worked in the lumber mills for some months. lle then returned via steamer route to New York, and thenee to Wis- consin. After his return to that State he worked for a number of years at his trade and was also employed in the railroad shops at Fond du Lac and Green Bay. In 1874 he married Miss Hannah Johnson. a native of Minnesota, and in 1877 came with his wife to California, locating in Mendocino County. After remain- . ing there six months he came to Sonoma County, lived in Santa Rosa a short time, and then es- tablished a wagon making and repair shop in Sebastopol. This enterprise he conducted for about a year, when he sold out and engaged at his trade as a carpenter. In 1885 he was severely injured by falling from a building, since which time he has been unable to work steadily at his trade. After recovering from his injuries sufficiently to enable him to engage in any business, he established a variety store in Sebastopol, an enterprise that has proven successful. In 1881 Mr. Thompson purchased fifteen acres of land on the Green Valley and Sebastopol road, about three-quarters of a mile northwest of Sebastopol. This land was en- tirely uncultivated and in its wild state. From the time of his porshase he has devoted a great deal of his attention to the elearing, planting and improvement of his home, and has now a fine orchard of five acres, producing a large variety of fruits, such as peaches, apples, pears, French prunes, cherries, etc. lle also has a large variety of table grapes. A neat and com- fortable cottage residence, and substantial out-
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buildings (all the work of his own hands), attest the success which has accompanied his labors. IIis land is all well adapted to fruit and vine cultivation, and he is each year increasing his orchard. Mr. Thompson is an industrious, energetic, straight-forward man, and is respected and esteemed by the community in which he resides. He is a consistent member of the Methodist church, and also a member of Santa Rosa Lodge, No. 87, K. of P. Politically he is a Republican, taking an intelligent interest in all matters effecting the interests of the county.
AUGENE FRANKLIN PRATT was born at Downer's Grove, Du Page County, Illi- nois, in 1851, being the son of W. B. and Alzira (Page) Pratt, the latter a native of Ver- mont. W. B. Pratt, a merchant and miller, emigrated to California in 1869, settled at Cal- istoga and afterward removed to Durham, Butte County, where he died in 1880. Young Pratt spent the years of his boyhood at school and in his father's store at Lake Forest, Illinois, and when the family emigrated to California he came with them, being employed in his father's mill, where his education as a practical miller and machinist was acquired. In 1870 Mr. Pratt went to Idaho and engaged in teaming from Winnemucca, Nevada, to Silver City, Idaho, a distance of 210 miles. Returning to California in 1874 he engaged in the livery business at Calistoga. Mr. Pratt was married in 1875 to Emma J. Teale, danghter of Peter Teale, one of the pioneer settlers of Napa Valley and a native of the West Indies, of French and English ex- traction. They are the parents of three chil- dren: Harry, Ehmer, and Robert Delafield. In 1880 Mr. Pratt removed with his family to Washington Territory. Herecounts with pecu- liar interest many incidents which occurred on the overland journey which was made with a four-horse team, this being during the Nez Perces war. The Pratt family witnessed the
battle of Umatilla. They settled at Pataha and engaged in farming for two years, but the In- dians were so troublesome that they became dis- conraged and returned to Napa, California, in 1882. This being about the time of the vine- yard boom in that section of the State, he sue- cessfully engaged in the business, planting, selling and dealing in vines and vineyards until 1884, when he was induced by Mr. R. Dalafield to take charge of his ranch in Knight's Valley and also to engage in the manufacture of wine. Purchasing what was known as the Foss cottage, near by, for his family residence, he removed his family from Calistoga and entered into the service of Mr. Dalafield, with all the energy and enterprise which are his leading characteristics. The winery which has grown up under his supervision (and of which a full description may be found on another page of this work) is an ex- tensive one and Mr. Pratt has fully utilized the mechanical knowledge acquired in former years, by introducing many improvements and making it as near perfection as possible. Cleanliness and order are the leading characteristics of the establishment, and no expense of money, time or care is spared in prodneing a vintage which is already becoming favorably known to the public and which is destined to take high rank in brands of California wines. Politically, Mr. Pratt is a Republican, but believes in selecting the best men for any official position irrespective of party lines. For eight years he has been an active Odd Fellow, and is also affiliated with the Masonie order, being a member in the third degree, and has been a worker in his lodge for several years. Above all he is a lover of home life and home influences.
REDERICK JAMES YANDLE was born in Somersetshire, England, on the 12th of July, 1845. He remained at home until he reached the age of twenty-one years, when he embarked for America, landing in New York in 1866. He went direct west from New York
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and located at Rockton, Illinois, where for two years he worked at his trade as a mill-wright. From there he went to Beloit, Wisconsin, where he remained fourteen years, working as a ma- chinist. From Beloit he removed to California in 1884, taking up his resideuce in San Fran- cisco, where for a time he was foreman of the Sutter Street Railroad. In the spring of 1885 he moved to Santa Rosa, where he established the Santa Rosa Foundry and Machine Works. Ilis establishment was destroyed by fire in 1886. Unfortunately for Mr. Yandle, his insurance had expired only two days prior to the disaster, and he suffered the entire loss. But with in- domitable energy and pluck, he set immediately to work, and in less than a month he had his works rebuilt, and commenced operations again. In the fall of 1887 Mr. Yandle took in as a partner Mr. F. B. Glyun, and enlarged the busi- ness. It now comprises a foundry, machine shop, planing mill and a lumber yard, and is at present one of the largest and best furnished establishments of the kind on the north side of the Bay of San Francisco. The firm name is now Yandle & Glynn. Two years after land. ing in America Mr. Yandle was united in mar- riage with Miss Katie Carroll, of Beloit, Wis- consin. She was born in London, England, March 6, 1848, and came to America with her parents in 1850. The result of this union is two children: Willie, born in August, 1872, and Harry, born in December, 1873. In the fall of 1888 Mr. Yandle returned to his old home in England to visit his aged mother, as well as brothers and sisters. In the early months of 1889 he returned to his Santa Rosa home, and has again settled down to a supervision of his extensive business.
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