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 25
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 25
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 25
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 25
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ernor Mason Surveyor General for the Middle Department of Cali- fornia, where his services were called into frequent activity in settling disputed questions of boundary, but he so discharged his arduous duties that he gained the esteem and confidence of the people. In the organization of civil government he was chosen a delegate from Sacramento, where he was then in business, to the convention called by Governor Riley to form a constitution. His course in this body was firm and decided, his suggestions clear and pertinent, and his attachment to the interests of the people marked and commenda- ble. His labors were manifestly for the interests of the State, and he allowed no party trammels to swerve him in the least. None quitted that convention with more honor and more general esteem than did he.
In January, 1850, Mr. Snyder was married to Miss Susan II. Bray- ton, an accomplished lady, formerly of Massachusetts. He has since had the grievous misfortune of losing her.
In 1851 Mr. Snyder received the Senatorial nomination from the city of San Francisco, and was elected by a large majority. In the Legislature he proved himself admirably adapted to the position he held. Ile was cool and practical in all his views, untiring in his per- severance, and devoted to principle.
In 1859 he moved to Sonoma and purchased his present proper- ty. He purchased seventy-four acres from Colonel Haraszthy, and one hundred and twenty-five acres from the city of Sonoma. He has now a large vineyard and an extensive wine cellar. He has, since its organization, been President of the Grape Growers' Asso- ciation, and has done much to make the industry of viniculture a success.
In politics Major Snyder is a Democrat, firmly attached to the principles of that party. At every point of observation, and in all his varied pursuits and positions, he has ever commanded the re- spect and esteem of all parties. He has so identified himself with the State, that her history, in a great measure, is his. He watches her progress and her extending fame with tender solicitude. He is a citizen of whom California is justly proud. Frank, courteous and confiding in his manners, liberal in the encouragement of every en- terprise of moral or material worth, a man of extensive reading and
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scientific acquirements, he is in all the relations of life a worthy citi- zen of a great and growing State.
MARIANO DE GUADALUPE VALLEJO.
Among the estimable citizens of Sonoma, who, owing to their services in connection with the early history of California deserve a niche in our Sketch Book, few rank higher than he of whom we now speak, General M. G. Vallejo. He is descended from an old Castilian family, and was born in Monterey July 7th, 1808. His father, who had moved from Spain to the State of Guadalajara while yet a youth, took an active part in exploring and settling California. Mariano was educated in the schools of Monterey. These schools were intended to impart an education not only intellectual and re- ligious, but also civil and military. In 1829 he removed to the Mis- sion at San Francisco, where lie remained until 1835, acting as Com- mandante of the Presidio, Collector and Alcalde. In the latter year he was sent to establish a colony at Sonoma. This he did, and took a very prominent part in all the affairs of State and the revolutions of the country till the ascendancy of the immigrants from the United States. In June, 1846, he was taken prisoner by the Bear Flag party, and was for a few days confined at Sutter's Fort. He was then released by command of Commodore Stockton on his parole. Gen- eral Vallejo favored the Americans in California, and seems never to have placed a high estimate upon the Mexican people. Hc, with the other Californians, readily acquiesced in the rule of the conquer- ors. He was, in 1849, clected a member of the convention to form a constitution. He has since occupied many honorable positions, and has in all acquitted himself with credit.
In 1832 he was married to Señorita Benicia Francisca Filipsa Carrillo, daughter of one of the most influential families. Four- teen children have sprung from this union. As a soldier and states- man he commanded universal respect for his marked ability, and now, as a polished gentleman, retired from the scenes of active pub- lic life, he enjoys the esteem of all who know him.
WM. M. BOGGS.
Mr. Wm, M. Boggs, though at present a citizen and property
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holder in Napa, has in the past held so prominent a place in the annals of Sonoma, that we here notice him. He came out to Cal- ifornia with his father in 1846, and acted as captain of the train most of the way. The ill fated Donner party was for the greater part of the journey attached to his train, and had they so continued would have escaped the horrible fate that overtook them in their snow-bound camp. Mr. Boggs crossed the Sierra Nevada some two weeks in advance of the Donner party, and reached the valley in time to secure shelter for all. He served three months in the Mexican war on this coast as a non-commissioned officer in a bat- talion of mounted riflemen, recruited by himself and A. F. Grayson. The battalion was attached to the command of Lieutenant Maddox of the Marine Corps under Commodore Stockton, and was honora- bly discharged at Monterey. Mr. Boggs settled in Sonoma with his family, and resided there seventeen years. He was a large dealer in real estate, some of the finest places in the valley having been at different times owned by him. His eldest son, now twenty-six years old, was born in Sonoma, and is the first American born in Califor- nia under the national flag. Mr. Boggs moved to Napa in 1863. and has since resided in that city.
WM. J. REYNOLDS.
Born in Southwark, England, in 1816, and lived in his native country, following the business of ship carpenter, till 1838. In this year he left for Valparaiso. The year following he took passage at Valparaiso for San Francisco. In California he went into the ship- wright and blacksmithing business with Messrs. John Rose and J. C. Davis, under the firm name of Davis& Co. They built and launched two vessels from the point of land in Napa City now owned by G. N. Cornwell, above the stone bridge on First street. One was a schooner, launched in 1841, the other a barge, launched in 1845. In the barge Mr. Reynolds traded up and down the streams emptying into San Francisco Bay, exchanging general merchandise for the circulating medium of the time, hides and tallow. In 1847 this same company took a contract from Salvador Vallejo, and built a mill on the East side of Napa River near seven miles above the city. Some of the timbers of this mill are still standing. The firm built
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some other vessels in the State for the river and coast trade. In 1852 he settled in Sonoma, where he has ever since resided.
DAVID CHAMBERLAIN.
Mr. Chamberlain was born in Deerfield, Oneida county, New York, July 15th, 1819. After traveling through Louisiana, Missis- sippi and Ohio, and after spending the Winter of 1846-7 in Mis- souri, set out for Oregon on May 9th, 1847. Mr. Chamberlain ar- rived with the "Chicago Company," which made the first settle- ment in Oregon, on the 3d of October 1847. In August of the fol- lowing year he emigrated to California and mined on the Feather River, getting provisions at Sutter's Fort, and paying such priees as this-flour, $25 per hundred weight. He then went to the Amer- ican River as a miner. Here beef cost an ounce ($16) a pound. The same for beans, sugar and tea ; and for tobacco, an ounce and a half per pound. Thence he went to Kelsey's dry diggings, since called Oregon City, and Hangtown, since grown to be the city of Placerville. Mr. Chamberlain returned to Oregon in 1849, leaving San Francisco, February 3d-fare $100 to Astoria-and thence to Portland, by canoe, $150. In April '4y he again came to Califor- nia by the ox-team method. In July '49, paid, in Sacramento, a $3,000 doctor bill for three month's sickness. Again he returned to Oregon in 1850. In 1851 he went East, returning to Oregon in 1854, crossing the plains the second time. In 1857 he came to Sonoma county, California, settled down, and has had a home here ever since. Visited the Sandwich Islands in 1864; returning, went to New York, by way of Panama, in 1871; again returning to Cali- fornia, this time via Central Pacific Railway. Mr. Chamberlain is now a resident and solid member of society in Santa Rosa.
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MATHEU ENGLER.
This genial Teuton was born in Baden, Germany, 1816. In 1844 he moved to Massachusetts, and has since passed an eventful life. He remained in Massachusetts three years, then moved to Ohio, where he remained the same length of time. In the Spring of IS50 he started overland for California. His trip across the plains was romantic. though not very desirable. He traveled on foot : 1
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started bringing his provisions on a wheelbarrow, and carrying his blankets on his back, trusting to fortune and his rifle for meat. After traveling about two hundred miles from St. Joseph, Missouri, his wheelbarrow gave out. From Green River he traveled eight hun- dred miles without anything to eat except what he killed. After a journey of over four months, the character of which may be judged from these incidents, he arrived in Sacramento, August 15th. He was employed as cook at Sutter's Fort with the promise of $150 per month. But the cholera breaking out one of his employers died of this epedemic, the other was hanged for horse stealing, so that his- remuneration failed to appear. He then took up a 160 acre tract of land near Sutter's Fort, and erected thereon a small house, 8 x 10 feet, and called it the Eight Mile House. After stopping here four months he sold out and started by water for Gold Bluff. He took provisions and pack mules for making the overland jour- ney after landing. He took steamer at San Francisco, but after being out at sea four days, a severe storm came on, and there was for a time little hope but that the vessel would go down. Owing to the severe rolling of the vessel the mules were so badly injured that one hundred were thrown overboard. Most of the sails had been blown out of the bolt ropes, and the passengers were so thor- oughly convinced of the unseaworthiness of the vessel that they com- pelled the Captain to put back into port. Eight days after they star- ted they got back to San Francisco. He left San Francisco at once and started for Gold Bluff overland, with a pack train. The Win- ter of 1851 he spent in Weaverville and engaged in mining. His second day's mining was rewarded by his finding a two ounce nug- get of gold. He was one of a company of twenty who went out to prospect the country towards the head of the Sacramento River. On account of the hostile demonstrations of the Indians, all but four of the party, three besides Mr. Engler, turned back. The remaining four were lost on the old Oregon trail, finally gave up the project and turned back.
Another expedition was formed for going out to Rogue River, but it too was given up on account of the Indians. He traveled over a great part of the rough mining country during 1851. In the Fall of that year he left for Australia, and there met with severe financial
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reverses, and returned the following year. He was afterwards en- gaged at various occupations till 1858, when he came. to Sonoma and purchased his present property Southwest of the town from Wm. M. Boggs. He has since devoted liis attention to viniculture and general farming. He has a beautiful farm and a cellar, and manu- factures his own grapes into wine.
JOHN KINDER SMITH.
This staunch and substantial citizen was born in Adams county, Illinois, 1830. In 1849 he started for California. He remained two months in Salt Lake, and reached California late in the Fall of 1849, and in 1851 moved to Sonoma county, where he has princi- pally resided since. He was raised a farmer in his native State, and has, since coming to California, been chiefly engaged in farming and working in the lumber business. He now has a large saw-mill in Coleman Valley, in the coast country South of Russian River. He has seen much of the eventful career of a pioneer, and in all his relations in life has acquitted himself with credit and gained the esteem of all who know him.
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CHAPTER V.
NEWSPAPERS OF SONOMAN.
Sonoma county has been peculiarly blessed with newspapers, both as regards number and intrinsic merits. The first paper in Sonoma, the Sonoma Bulletin, was started by A. J. Cox, in 1850, and had a sickly existence till in 1855 it ceased to be published. It was a diminutive affair, and was issued as circumstances permitted, some times regularly, at other times with intermission, rarely ever prompt on the day announced for publication. The subsequent history both of Mr. Cox and of the press upon which the Bulletin was printed, are elsewhere briefly noted.
August ISth, 1855, Mr. Thomas L. Thompson issued the first number of the Petaluma Journal and Sonoma County Advertiser. He continued the publication of this paper till in the Fall of 1856 he sold out to H. L. Weston. Mr. Weston has been associated with
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the paper a greater part of the time since. It was afterwards known as the Petaluma Journal, and was afterwards consolidated with the Argus, and has since been known as the Petaluma Journal and Argus. This paper has always been conducted with marked ability, and proved a paying concern. It has been a firm advocate of all matters of local and general interest, and the prosperity of that part of Sonoma county is in no small degree due to its influence. It is now published by Weston, Scudder & Co., and is one of the ablest country papers in the State. Connected with the paper is an excel- Ient job office.
The Petaluma Argus was started by A. Guilliard in 1858. J. J. Pennypacker and A. J. McNabb succeeded him, and after conduct- ing it a few years, consolidated it with the Journal. At the time Mr. Thompson issued the first number of the Journal, Sonoma county in- cluded all of Mendocino, yet the total population did not exceed 4,000.
In October, 1857, W. A. Russel, now of Southern California, is- sued the first number of the Sonoma County Democrat, published at Santa Rosa. He kept the paper a year or more, and was succeeded by Budd & Pinkham. Mr. Budd soon became sole proprietor, and in April, 1860, transferred the establishment to Mr. Thos. I .. Thompson. The latter gentleman continued its publication till in 1868, when he transferred it to Peabody, Ferral & Co., but resumed again in 1871, and still continues. Sonoma has for many years been the great stronghold of the Democracy in the coast counties, and the Democrat has always been the party paper. Yet, while it has been an earnest and zealous advocate of the principles of Democra- cy, it has not been behind any in its guarding the local and general , interests of the people. Ever ready to assist in works of enterprise and local improvement, and ever carnest in advocating whatever would tend to better the social and moral status of the community. it has become a power in the land.
In January, 1860, MIr. A. J. Cox, the pioneer printer, com- menced the publication of the Review at Healdsburg. This was a small five column four page paper. Mr. Cox continued the publi- cation with varied success till in February, 1863, whenan extra wasis- sued announcing the paper's suspension, In May. 1864. Messrs.
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Fenno & Warren, with Mr. Cox as editor, commenced the publica- tion of the Advertiser, a sheet smaller than its predecessor. In 1865, after a suspension of some time, the paper was revived and called the Weekly Advertiser, Mr. J. E. Fenno, publisher, A. J. Cox, editor. But only a few numbers were issued.
On the 4th of October, 1865, the first number of the Democratic Standard was issued at Healdsburg. It was edited and published by Wm. R. Morris, now Clerk, and W. A. C. Smith, then principal of the public school at that place, later of St. Helena, under the firm name of Wm. R. Morris & Co. This was a six column paper. It was a local paper in its policy, taking more interest in the material welfare of that section of the county than in politics; yet, during the whole existence of the paper, it strongly advocated the principles of the Democratic party. On the 3d of October, 1866, Mr. Morris became sole proprietor, who, a few weeks thereafter transferred a half interest to John B. Fitch. In January 1867, Mr. Fitch became sole proprietor, and the following month sold out to Messrs. Boggs & Menefee. A few weeks thereafter Mr. Boggs retired, and W. A. C. Smith purchased an interest, the paper being published under the firm name of Menefee & Co., with C. A. Menefee as editor. After Boggs & Menefee purchased the establishment, the paper was enlarged, and printed on paper 26 x 40 inches, the present size of the Napa Reporter. Under the editorial management of Mr. Men- efee, it gave a warm support to the Democratic ticket during the gubernatorial campaign of 1867. In the Winter of 1867-8 the office was transferred to Messrs. Fitch & Davis. Soon after the transfer, the subject of voting a subsidy to a railroad company to build a road into the county came up. Two routes were to be voted upon, one to build a road connecting with the Napa Valley road near Soscol, running through Sonoma, Guilicos Valley, Santa Rosa, Healdsburg and on to Cloverdale; the other from some suitable point on the river south of Petaluma, and follow up the main valley. Messrs. Fitch & Davis were strong advocates of the former route, but a visit to Petaluma completely revolutionized their ideas, and made them strong advocates of the latter route. This compelled a change in the paper, and it was run by several parties, till in the Fall of 1868. the material was purchased by John G. Howell, its
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publication discontinued, and the Russian River Flag started. This latter paper has always been strongly Republican in politics, but en- inently local. It is still under the control and management of Mr. Howell, assisted by his brother, S. S. Howell. The Flag, contrary to the Standard, has, ever since its commencement, been a paying concern. It was for a considerable time regarded as the most wide awake local paper in the county.
In 1860 a paper was started in Petaluma called the Republican It breathed awhile and then died.
In the Summer of 1870, Messrs. Woods, McGuire and Edwards commenced the publication of the first daily paper in the county, the Daily Petaluma Crescent. Mr. C. B. Woods was editor. The paper was Democratic in politics. It was issued by various persons, but most of the time by Mr. A McGuire, till in the Spring of 1872 it passed into the hands of H. M. Woods. It gave a warm support to the Greeley electorial ticket, and soon after the result of the election was announced, suspended publication. In addition to its daily, it also issued a weekly edition.
At the opening of the political campaign of 1872, the Argus com- menced the publication of a daily, and has kept it up since.
In the Spring of 1872, Mr. W. J. Bowman commenced the pub- lication of the Cloverdale Weekly Reviere, but after issuing a few num- bers, declining health compelled him to give up the enterprisc. Shortly afterwards Mr. J. B. Baccus, Jr., took the material of the Reviens and commenced the publication of the Bee. This was continued till in the Fall of the year, when he removed his office to Lakeport and commenced the publication of the Lakeport Bee.
The influence that these papers exerted upon the social, moral and material welfare of the people has been, and still is, very great. The general prosperity of the country, and the superior educational and social status of the people is due, more than to any one thing, to the influence these papers have exerted.
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES.
Sonoma county has been pre-eminently blessed in regard to schools and school facilities. The county is divided into eighty-six school districts, and Petaluma has been set apart as a school city,
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with her own school regulations. In the districts in the county there are ninety-six separate schools maintained, and there are 6, 127 school children in the county. The public school buildings in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and several other places, are elegant structures, and well supplied with all the appurtenances for thorough teaching. The grade and character of the teachers has for many years been far above the average. The thorough systematization of the schools and their efficient management are in a great measure due to Mr. C. G. Ames, who for six years was active County Superintendent, and to the gentleman. Mr. G. W. Jones, who at present occupies that position.
Several high schools and colleges in embryo were at different times started in Petaluma, and for a time bid fair to become per- manent institutions of the place, but after accomplishing much good, were compelled to suspend. Some of these institutions were pre- sided over by some of the ablest educators the county afforded. But the thoroughness of the Public Schools, that were financially backed by the State, was so great, that patronage was not sufficient to these schools to warrant a farther continuation. There are in the town now two private institutions of learning, one of which, St. Vincent's Seminary, is a Catholic school under the management of the Sisters of Charity. Both of these schools are in a flourishing condition, and are doing an excellent work.
There were several attempts to make Santa Rosa the location for the establishment of a fine school. A large and imposing edifice was erected in the Northwestern portion of town by a Mr. Scott, and several unsuccessful attempts made to establish here an institution of learning. A great deal of capital was expended, but the enterprise was finally abandoned and the building sold to assist in liquidating the debts. It was moved and placed in position on Main street, and now forms the commodious Kessing Hotel. A few years after this the managers of the Pacific Methodist College at Vacaville be- came dissatisfied with the latter place as an educational point, and determined to move the college and establish it at Santa Rosa. They completed in 1871 one of the finest buildings for school purposes to be found in the State, and have now one of the largest and best schools to be found in the whole country. The course of study is
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complete, discipline is rigid, and thorough proficiency in studies un- falteringly exacted. It is an endowed institution, and is destined to become a great and superior resort for those wishing a complete ed- ucation.
In 1872 Elder Johnston completed an elegant and commodious building to be used as a college. As soon as completed school was opened. Mr. Johnston is a member of the Christian Church, and it was his design to erect a school under the auspices of that denom - ination. but owing to the excellent school at Woodland he has been compelled to rely solely upon local support. This, however, not- withstanding the presence of the Methodist College and the superior Public Schools, has been very fair, and his school promises to be- come valuable and permanent.
Healdsburg was at an carly date, owing to its beautiful location and pleasant surroundings, selected as a site for a collegiate institu- tion. A large building was erected by Mr. Scott on a beautiful spot on the Eastern boundary of the town. Colonel Matheson, who fell at the head of his men almost at the commencement of the war be- tween the States, opened a mechanical and agricultural school here. It was the design of the founder to build up a large institution here that should not only confer a collegiate education, but prepare those leaving it for active work in life. But the design was too compre- hensive for the times, and ample support could not be had. So at the commencement of the great struggle, becoming infused with patriotic enthusiasm and a desire to lend his services to protect the unity of his country, he joined a California regiment, was sent into active operations on the Potomac and fell at the head of his men. One or two other unsuccessful attempts were made to establish a school here, till in 1863 Messrs. J. W. Anderson and S. E. Stock- well took charge of the concern and established what they called the Sotoyome Institute. The first term of this Institute opened in January, 1864, with the most flattering prospects of success. In February of the same year W. A. C. Smith was received as a partner in the adventure and took charge of the mathematical department. It continued in this management for some time, and the reputation of the thoroughness of the instruction went abroad, and it was fast growing in general favor and esteem. An unfortunate difficulty be-
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