USA > California > Napa County > Historical and descriptive sketch book of Napa, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino : comprising sketches of their topography, productions, history, scenery, and peculiar attractions > Part 23
USA > California > Lake County > Historical and descriptive sketch book of Napa, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino : comprising sketches of their topography, productions, history, scenery, and peculiar attractions > Part 23
USA > California > Sonoma County > Historical and descriptive sketch book of Napa, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino : comprising sketches of their topography, productions, history, scenery, and peculiar attractions > Part 23
USA > California > Mendocino County > Historical and descriptive sketch book of Napa, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino : comprising sketches of their topography, productions, history, scenery, and peculiar attractions > Part 23
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Cyrus Alexander was born in Pennsylvania on the 15th of May, 1805, and was consequently in his 68th year when he died. When he was about six years of age his parents removed with him to St.
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Clair county, Illinois, a short distance from St. Louis, which, at that time, was a great trading post for the fur companies, and also the headquarters for those brave, rude trappers and mountaineers-those rough diamonds of hardy civilization that sparkled so brilliantly in he diadem of the then Great West. Frequent intercourse with these men, and their thrilling tales of flood and field stirred up the spirit of adventure in the breast of young Alexander, and at the age of sixteen, with no other capital than a stout heart, and trusty rifle, he bade his parents, relatives and friends farewell, and left to seek his health and fortune in the wilds of the unknown West, saying at the time he would never return until he had made his fortune. His health at this time was quite delicate, and his frail constitution, one would naturally suppose, would quickly succumb to the hardships unavoidable in the career he had chosen ; the contrary proved to be the case however-he gained strength rapidly, became possessed of an iron constitution, and, when under certain severe trials some of his comrades would die from want and exposure, his power of en- durance brought him safely through all.
From St. Louis he first went to Galena, the lead mines having then been but recently discovered, and this point was then almost without the pale of civilization. Remaining here but a few months his restless spirit whispered, Onward ! And making arrangements with Sublett, then one of the famous trappers of the day, he pene- trated to the Rocky Mountains, where, for a year, his efforts resulted quite favorably to his employer's interest. Mr. Alexander then re- solved to hunt and trap on his own account and lay the foundation of what he hoped would prove to be his fortune. At three different times, with unflagging energy and a determination to overcome every obstacle, he thought he had accumulated furs and peltrics enough to realize his moderate idea of a fortune ; but reverses would overtake him, and disasters sweep away everything he had in the world, with the exception of his original capital, which he had at the start, and which, happily, never diminished, vis : a stout heart and a trusty rifle.
On one occasion whilst returning to the settlement in a boat laden with the fruit of his year's labor, the boat upset on the Yellowstone and everything was lost. At another time a large amount of pel-
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tries which he had " cached " or hidden in the mountains, was stolen from him by one of his comrades whilst he was off on a short expedition.
On several occasions he and his companions did not live as luxu- riantly or fare as sumptuously as one would expect in a wild region where game should be plentiful, for boiled moccasins and dried skins, he relates, was once their entire bill of fare ; and at another time, after several days of fasting, the decaying carcass of a deer floating down the stream was considered a God-send-hastily taken out, roasted and devoured without the assistance of any sauces what- ever to give it a relish.
After several years passed in the mountains with indifferent suc cess, he determined to push still onward towards the Pacific, and ar rived in San Diego about the year 1827. He spent several months hunting otter and seal in the Gulf of California ; here he had a very narrow escape with his life. He was out in a boat with three or four others, when a sudden squall upset it and the occupants were all drowned with the exception of Mr. Alexander, who, strange to say, was Providentially saved, although unable to swim a particle, whilst those who were drowned, were expert swimmers.
At San Diego Mr. Alexander became acquainted with Captain Henry D. Fitch, a leading merchant then of Alta California, a man of sterling qualities of head and heart, who having come here from Boston several years previous to Mr. Alexander, had already estab- lished an enviable reputation among the natives. His acquaintance with Captain Fitch seems to have been the turning point in his for- tune, and cast his lot in this section of the country, for the Captain, being a shrewd judge of human nature, selected him at once, as the proper person to take charge of his immense and valuable grant, the Sotoyome. Shortly afterwards Captain Fitch sold to Mr. Alexander a goodly portion of the grant, the main part of which is now known as Alexander Valley. On two occasions Mr. Alexander could have obtained a grant of land from the Mexican government, but as the oath of allegiance was required, he refused to take it. He said the times looked very squally to him for a while, upon the breaking out of the Mexican war, and, as an American, the excitement against him was intense.
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When the discovery of gold took place, and the great American hegira commenced to this our favored Mecca, the early Pioneers of 49 found Mr. Alexander peacefully living under his own vine and fig tree ; and even then, in these comparatively early times, he was an old settler. The gold-fever proving contagious, he, also, left his ranch for awhile, and in company with Nathan Coombs and others, spent several months in the placers ; but his keen judgment soon showed him-what California farmers have ever since been slowly finding out-that every acre of the virgin soil of our glorious State was a mine in itself and liberally repaid the laborer for all the toil bestowed upon it. His cattle, fruit and onions found.a lively, ready · market, and were liberally paid for by the hard-working miners.
In 1844 he married Rufina Lucero, a fine looking young lady, a native of New Mexico, who had come to this State on a visit with her sister, the wife of William Gordon. As was customary in those days, and still is in many European countries, he was first married by the Alcalde, a Civil Magistrate, and then by the Church at the old Catholic Mission of Santa Clara. His wife and five children survive lim. his daughter Margarita, the oldest of his children now living, was married several years ago to William Mulligan, of Healdsburg.
When he first settled in this portion of the country his nearest post office was Sonoma, and his nearest point for family supplies was Yerba Buena, the embryo San Francisco.
Mr. Alexander always looked forward with pleasure to the com- pletion of the Pacific Railroad, anticipating a visit to his old home and the scenes of his boyhood days, after so many years of absence, for he was now in good circumstances, and could well afford to en- joy himself and reap some of the pleasures justly earned by years of labor and industry. This fond hope of his, however, was never realized, for long before the railroad was completed he was stricken with paralysis, and it was with great difficulty that he could go over the ranch and superintend his affairs. A few years later, a second stroke, more severe than the first, confined him to the house, and thus silently and gradually passed away one of the fathers of our new State-a self-made man, who, reared amid the storms and soli- tude of the mountains, laughed at danger and discouragement, and alone and unbefriended, carved out his fortune.
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A person to take a look, to-day. at the beautiful, thriving village of Healdsburg would think it strange, perhaps, that bears and pan- thers were once the only inhabitants within its incorporate limits, but such was the case after Mr. Alexander moved here, and he used, frequently, to refer with pleasure and with a glow of his youthful fire, to an exciting incident of lassoing a wild bear, with some comrades, at a place about where the Healdsburg plaza is now situated.
Mr. Alexander was very plain and unostentatious, but his hand and heart were always open to the needy. As a member of society his character was unblemished, and his word was always considered as good as his bond. The only enemies he ever had were ejected squatters who had settled on his land, but this was no fault of his, being an unfortunate misunderstanding which has occurred in almost every county in the State ; but even the majority of these, after the heat of passion had died away, have acknowledged him to be a wor- thy, honest man.
His character for hospitality was widely known, and in early times, as many as twenty strangers would often meet at one time at his table and partake of his cordial generosity.
"Tis the memory of such men as these that we should cherish in this, our adopted State, and while now, enjoying here all the luxu- ries of civilization, we should often take our grandchildren upon our knees and relate to them the adventures and the sterling qualities of our noble Pioneers.
COLONEL AGOSTON HARASZTHY.
The subject of this sketch, by the important services rendered to the State, deserves more than a passing notice. Colonel Haraszthy was born in the year 1$12. in the Comitat of Backsa, Hungary. His family was one of the oldest and most influential of the old nobility-his name appearing frequently in the history of that country over a period of 760 years. He was educated to the law, as was the custom there. At the age of 18 he was a member of the body guard of the Emperor Ferdinand, which was composed of nobles. Then he was Chief Executive Officer of his State. He then became the Private Secretary of the Viceroy of Hungary.
When the Liberal movement began, he at once took the lead of
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that party in his State, but was afterwards, upon the failure of that movement, compelled to leave his country. He came at once to New York, and after travelling over the United States he wrote and published a book upon their resources. The work was designed to invite emigration from Hungary, and was the first work upon that subject ever printed in the Hungarian language.
Soon after he made the State of Wisconsin his home, purchased large tracts of land, founded several settlements, built bridges, con- structed roads and established ferries.
Having in his possession valuable State papers, the Austrian Gov- ernment opened negotiations for their surrender. The question was referred to General Cass, who succeeded in gaining permission for Colonel Haraszthy to Hungary and remain for one year. This he did, settling up his affairs; and although his landed estates were con- fiscated, he succeeded in saving $150,000, which he brought with him to this country, together with his family plate and paintings.
Returning to Wisconsin, he engaged in mercantile pursuits-built and owned steamboats, and also engaged extensively in agricultural pursuits. He was the first to plant the hop in the State, and en- courage its cultivation. The Commissioner of Agriculture reports that the product of this crop, in the county where it was then introduced, for the year 1866, amounted to over two millions of dollars.
He was at this time also at the head of the Emigrant Association of Wisconsin, which brought over large colonies of English, Germans and Swiss, and settled them upon the fertile lands of that State. He gave to the Catholic Church a tract of 640 acres of land, upon which has since been erected an extensive monastery.
When news came of the revolution in Hungary, he was the leader of those who gathered arms and ammunition, and sent them to his countrymen-also expending large sums from his own private purse for the same object.
In 1849 he removed to California-settled at San Diego-was elected Sheriff of the county, and rendered valuable aid in suppress- ing the Indian war of that period. He laid out what is known as "Middle San Diego," and in 1852 was elected a member of the "Legislature. Being a working member, he had a place on the
SHARE & BURR.
J. R. SNYDER.
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principal Committees, and distinguished himself by his opposition to all schemes of fraud and monopoly.
In 1852 he removed to San Francisco, and devoted himself to agriculture and horticulture upon his property at Crystal Springs, in San Mateo County. He was appointed by President Pierce as As- sayer in the United States Branch Mint, and at a later period was made smelter and Refiner. After his resignation of these positions, serious charges were made against him, but upon a thorough inves- tigation they were proved to be wholly without foundation, and he was honorably acquitted. During this time he built the present Metallurgical Works which have rendered such important service. and also he received patents for improved processes for the refining of gold.
In 1856 he removed to Sonoma, and devoted his whole attention to viniculture. He founded a Horticultural Society, and began im- porting vines from abroad. He was the first to advocate the raising of vines without irrigation-planted the most extensive vineyards, and at once put himself at the head of the wine interest. He may with propriety be called the Father of Viniculture in California.
In 1858 he wrote a treatise on the culture of the vine and the manufacture of wine, which was published by the State for gratuitous . distribution. This publication gave the first impulse to this interest, and from that time California became the Wine State of the Western Continent. He was the first to employ Chinese labor in his vine- vards, and the first to adapt the relwood timber to-the making of casks for wine.
In 1861 he was appointed by the Governor of California as a Com- missioner to visit the wine countries of Europe, which resulted in the importation of 300 different namel varieties, of grape-vines, which have now been planted quite extensively in most of the vine- yards in the State, from which are made the most valuable wines we now produce.
The book written by Col. Haraszthy, entitled "Grape Culture, Wines and Wine-Making," is conceded to be one of the best yet written. Upon his return from Europe in 1862 he was chosen Pres- ident of the State Agricultural Society-having been Vice-President for three terms prior thereto. In 1863 he organized the Buena Vista
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Vinicultural Society, to which Society he conveyed his 400 acres of vines in Sonoma.
In 1868 Col. Haraszthy went to Nicaragua, with the intention of engaging in trade; but his active mind and talent for improvement would not let him rest. He became interested in an extensive sugar plantation, and began clearing new lands and planting more canes. Having procured from the Government of Nicaragua valuable privi- leges for distilling, he erected an extensive distillery for the manu- facture of spirits for exportation. He also turned his attention to the textile fibres of the country, and was waiting patents for im- proved machinery for their cleansing and preparation for market.
In the winter of 1870 he returned to California to purchase machinery, and to charter a vessel with which to open the trade between San Francisco and the ports of Nicaragua. It was his de- sire to make the rich products of that country tributary to the wealth and material progress of California. He returned to his plantation in Nicaragua, and on the 6th of July, 1869, mysteriously disap- peared. On that day he left his house to go to where he was hav- ing a saw mill erected. His footsteps were traced to a river. It is supposed that he endeavored to cross this river by climbing the branch of a tree, and that the branch broke, letting him fall into the water, where he was devoured by an alligator.
Colonel Haraszthy's whole aim was to introduce new ele- anents of wealth. to search out new fields of industry, and thus to lead the way to a wider field of material progress in whatever country he lived. He was a man of good and generous impulses. He was hospitable and liberal almost to a fault. His hand was ever ready to help those who stood in need. He was full of am- bition, but only in the line of being useful to his fellows. Those who knew him intimately loved and admired him, and all acknowl- edged a charm in his presence which they felt, but could not ex- plain.
RANSOM POWELL
Among the genial. whole-souled spirits of Sonoma, few rank higher than the subject of this notice. Mr. Ransom Powell was born in Robertson County. Tennessee, in 1826. He traveled ex-
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tensively through Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri. In 1845 he enlisted in the Mexican war, under Congrave Jackson, of Dona- · than's Regiment. His regiment was sent to Santa Fé, and thence to El Paso and into the State of Chihuahua. They had several en- gagements with the Mexicans, and in one, near the city of Chihua- hua, among other trophies taken from the enemy, captured twenty- one pieces of ordnance. After the war he returned to Missouri, and in the Spring of 1849 started overland for California. He was principally engaged in the mines till in r856, when he came to Sonoma, arriving there just in time to vote for James Buchanan. He now lives upon a fine homestead near the town of Healdsburg. Since his settling in this county he has, though paying considerable attention to farming, been chiefly engaged in speculating and gen- eral trading.
A. P. PETIT.
Mr. Petit, the well known architect and builder, is a native of Bucks County, Pensylvania, emigrated to this State in 1849, and settled in Santa Rosa in 1864. He has followed the business of architect and builder since he has been in the State, and has won an enviable reputation for his excellent designs and masterly workman- ship. He has erected some of the finest and most substantial houses, both public and private, found in this section of the country.
WILLIAM ROSS.
The subject of this sketch has long been known throughout the county and this judicial district as one among the ablest of attorneys: He was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. His family emi- grated to Ohio when he was an infant, and he resided in the latter State until he started for California. . From 1840 to 1849 he served the County of Perry, Ohio, as Auditor, and no better evidence could be given of the esteem in which he was held than this long continuance in one office. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in Ohio. In 1849 he joined an ox train, and came overland to California. The company left Zanesville April 3d, and after a se- vere and perilous journey of seven months reached Sacramento in .November, He settled in El Dorado County, and commenced the
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practice of his profession. He attended the first court ever held in the county, and there defended his first client, a man charged with stealing gold dust. He filled an unexpired term as District Attorney in that county. In 1852 he removed to Sonoma County, where he has since resided, engaged in his professional practice. In 1860 hc was elected to the Legislature. Since then he filled an unexpired term as District Attorney, and was afterwards twice elected to the same office. He has always taken a deep interest in the prosperity of the county. In his official career, and his professional practice, he has acquitted himself with credit, and won the esteem of a host of friends.
JOIN MATHEWS.
This gentleman was born in Kentucky in'1828. His family re- moved to Indiana in 1832, and in 1847 went to Missouri. He en- listed in the Mexican War, and served in Arbuckle's Regiment, un- der Col. Gilpin. Was thirteen months in the war, then returned to Missouri, and six months after, on the 26th of April, 1849, started for California, "the plains across," reaching Lassen's on the 3d of October, 1849. Came to Sonoma county In 1865, where he has since remained.
ELISHA L. DAVIS.
Born in 1823 in Marengo County, Alabama, Mr. Davis removed in Texas in :Sso. Left Texas in 1846 for the Mexican War under Jack Hayes. He was engaged with the Indians in several battles. Remained in Mexico principally till peace was declared. He then returned to Texas, and in March, 1849, left for California, coming through Mexico, and reached San Diego in July, 1849. Came to Sonoma County to live in April, 1862, and has been farming here ever since.
ATTILA HARASZTHY.
The subject of this brief memoir is a son of Colonel Agoston Haraszthy, whose biography is elsewhere found. He was born in Hungary in 1835. settled in Wisconsin in 1844, and came overland through Arizona and New Mexico to San Diego in 1849. In 1851
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settled in San Francisco, where he resided till 1856, when he re- moved to Sonoma. Here he has ever since resided, engaged in the vineyard and wine interests. He has assisted in the planting of near seven hundred acres of vineyards in Sonoma Valley, and now has charge of three hundred acres, the property being owned by a com- "pany of five individuals who confide their several interests to his care. He superintends the manufacture and sale of all the wines from this extensive property. He was Superintendent of the vine- yards of the Buena Vista Vinicultural Association and held an inter- est in the lands until the incorporation of that society. Since the incorporation and during the absence of the Superintendent. Colonel A. Haraszthy, during two years in Europe, he acted as Superinten- lent. He is a pioneer not only in the State, but in viniculture here. He has done much to advance this interest, and by his fair and courteous dealing has won the esteem of a host of friends and ac- quaintances.
DAVID COOK.
David Cook was born in Lincoln county, Kentucky, in 1804; and when quite young his parents removed to Rock Castle county. Here he lived till 1831, when he removed to Missouri, and in 1833 settled with his family in Cass county. In 1848 he removed his family to Bates county, and he engaged in business in the Indian Territory. In 1849 he emigrated across the plains to California. He arrived in the Sacramento Valley the first of October of that year, but did not stop long. He came on to Sonoma, where he ar- rived the latter part of October. He has ever since been a resident of the valley. and has occupied several positions of trust.
ALBERT G. LYON.
Is a native of Patrick county, Virginia, but at the age of twelve moved to Missouri. He was among the emigrants to California in R $46, arriving in the Sacramento Valley in October of that year, wind spent the Winter with William Gordon, near Cache Creek, in Yolo county. In the Spring of 1847 he purchased land of Manual Vaca, on what was afterwards known as the Vaca Plains. Here he raised one crop, when the excitement on the discovery of gold break-
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ing out, he left for the mines. Not succeeding well at mining he left and came to Sonoma in the Fall of 1848, where he has since resided. He has been extensively engaged in farming and in the vineyard and orchard business. He is an active member of the Or- der of Odd Fellows, and a much esteemed citizen in the neighbor- hood.
CHARLES V. STUART.
Mr. C. V. Stuart, a lineal descendant of the old house of Stuarts of Scotland, was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, 1819, and there spent his early years. In 1834 he removed to New York and engaged in mercantile business. In 1848 a company was formed to emigrate to California, and he joined it. Independence, Missouri, was made the rendezvous for the party, and there all the supplies were shipped. In April, 1849, all things were ready, and his train started on the perilous journey. The company had no wagons ; all their supplies being carried on pack animals. Mr. Stuart was elected Captain of the company, which position he held till they arrived in California. From Independence the train passed on to the Arkansas River, following that river up to Pueblo ; thence Northerly to Snake River, thence to Salt Lake, where they remained three weeks. From Salt Lake they proceeded through Tejon Pass to Los Angeles. At the latter place Mr. Stuart left the company and proceeded to San Francisco, and has since been engaged in the real estate business. In 1859 he purchased his present valuable proper- ty in Sonoma Valley. It was the Northern part of the Agua Calien- te Ranch. He has on it a large vineyard of bearing vines. Mr. Stuart has made very extensive and costly improvements on his place, and now has one of the finest and most convenient homes in the valley.
WM. B. READ.
Wm. B. Read was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in 1824, and has seen much of the world and its reverses. He worked at his trade, blacksmithing, for some time in the Shenandoah Valley; in 1845 he started for New Granada, but brought up in Rio Janeiro ; thence he went to Chili, and remained several months in Santiago.
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In 1846 he left for San Francisco. Here he joined the Govern- ment forces and served six months in Los Angeles. He was then employed in the Quartermaster's Department at Monterey under Captain Marcy. He was one among the first miners in the cañon of the middle fork of the American River, and followed mining in different places for considerable time. In 1848 he made a trip to the Sandwich Islands, but soon returned. The Winter of 1848-4 he spent in Sonoma and Pope Valleys. He was principally engaged in mining from that time till in 1862, when he came to Sonoma and located a tract of land on the East side of Agua Caliente Rancho. Here he has since resided, following the business of gen- eral farmer.
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