USA > California > El Dorado County > Historical souvenir of El Dorado County, California : with illustrations and biographical setches of its prominent men & pioneers > Part 54
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
CALVIN S. ROGERS.
Is a son of William and Hannah (nee Fox) Rogers, he was born on the 28th day of October, 1827. His parents were farmers, and young Calvin was reared on the farm. In the month of August, 1849, he sailed under Captain Hale in the ship Alex Coffin, around Cape Horn to California. He arrived in San Fran- cisco in January, 1850. He went on an old whale boat to the mouth of the Merced river and there dis- posed of the boat and packed into the mines in Mariposa county.
In 1850 he left the southern mines and came to Salmon Falls, thence to Forbestown and Rich Bar on the Feather river, after several attempts at Forbes- town and Salmon Falls; he finally came to Greenwood creek, and began mining in company with Buck and Reed. Later be bought a ranch on Alder creek, kept a boarding house two years at Michigan Bar, and in 1855 he purchased an interest in the ranch he now owns of 160 acres in a beautiful little valley. On the Ioth day of November, 1881 he was united in
262
HISTORY OF EL DORADO COUNTY. CALIFORNIA.
marriage to Rachael Culbertson, a daughter of Israel and Sarah C. Hodgkin, who was born in Maine, in 1832. She came to California in 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers are both members of the Pilot Hill Grange of which she is the organist.
FELIX RICCI
Was born in Italy on the 4th day of March, 1825. He is a son of Christopher and Teresa Ricci. When only 11 years old he went to learn cabinet making. In 1848 he emigrated to the United States and in 1849 came to the Pacific coast, and was one of the first of his countrymen to come to California; he arrived in June or July and engaged at mining in Tuolumne county, also kept a hotel there for a time in the town of Columbia. In 1854 he went home to his native land on a visit but returned to California again in 1855, and this time engaged in merchandising and mining on American Flat, where he erected a large ston building that yet stands. He is engaged in trade at Greenwood, where he carries a large assortment of general merchandise. He was married in 1864 to Eliza Deleat. They have a family of seven children, viz : Mary J., Francis B., Henry L., Peter E., Rinal- do J., Bertha C., and Paul F. Mr. Ricci carries a large and varied stock of merchandise and commands a large share of the trade coming to Greenwood.
WILLIAM WALLACE RUST
Is a son of William and Hannah (Haskell) Rust. H was born in the town of Ipswich, Massachusetts, April 27, 1827, remained on the farm at home until about 15 years of age, when he went to learn the blacksmith trade, which he continued to work at until September 23, 1849, he then sailed on the bark Dan- iel Webster around Cape Horn to California, and ar- rived at San Francisco in May, 1850. After a short time spent in working in San Francisco he went into the mines at Salmon Falls. After about 15 months went to Oregon Bar on the North Fork of the Ameri- can river, thence to El Dorado canyon, and after a few months spent in traveling for prospects, he purchased a blacksmith shop at Oregon Bar.
In 1853 opened a bowling alley and saloon at Dia- mond Springs, thence again to Salmon Falls. In March, 1854, he removed to where he now lives, and followed his trade, later he went to the Green Springs ranch to shoe stage stock. In 1856 he bought the ranch where Mr. Zimmerman now lives and sold it, and in 1864 purchased the " Pleasant Grove," his present home. Was married May 12, 1856, to Louisa J. Pitts, of Mo., there are thirteen children, Harriet M., Mareno E., Wallace, Thomas, Julia A., William,
Louisa J., Alice C., Franklin, Albert, Charles, John and Ethel M. Harriet, Mareno and Alice C. are dead. There was once a hotel kept on the place called Pleasant Valley House.
GEORGE W. RAMSEY.
Of the successful farmers and fruit growers of Un- iontown none have been more so than the subject of our sketch. Born and reared among the sturdy hard working men and women of the old Keystone State, he inherited habits of thrift and industry that have not and probably never will depart from him. He has 160 acres of land, located in the beautiful Coloma valley, extending up into the foothills of the higher ranges that border the same at an altitude of about 800 feet above the sea level, and having a northern exposure, especially fitting it for the successful growing of the vine, of which he has about 1200 now in culti- vation, in addition to which he has about 1100 peach, 350 apple, 75 plum and 50 pear trees, all in bearing condition and of the best varities. This place he lo- cated and began improving in 1859. An engraving in this work shows the location of the building and to- pography of a portion of the ranch. The country as viewed from the residence is quite picturesque. To the west is Clark's mountain, to the east is Mt. Mur- phy, while to the south is Thompson's Hill, the high- est peak in the vicinity, and called by James W. Mar- shall, who discovered gold, Prospect Mountain. It is said that it was from this point that Coloma Valley was first seen by him. Mr. Ramsey was born in Washington county, Penn., on the 6th day of August, 1829. A son of William and Elizabeth (McConoughy) Ramsey. When quite young his parents removed to Des Moines county, Iowa, where he accompanied them, and from there to California in 1850, locating at Coloma, where he engaged in mining and has not been absent from the State six weeks at one time since. Is a member of Acazia Lodge, No. 92, F. and A. M. at Coloma, also of Sutter's Mill Grange. Mr. Ramsey is one of the substantial men of Coloma township and enjoys the good will and esteem of all.
ANDREW RASMUSSON,
One of the pioneers of El Dorado county, was born in Sweden, on the 16th day of April, 1822. When quite a young man he emigrated to the United States, and settled in Wisconsin, from which State he proceeded to California. He followed mining for a while in the vicinity of Uniontown, but soon abandoned the mines and bought a place on which his family now reside, and in a short time transformed it from a rude un- cultivated brush heap to one of the most cheerful and beautiful homes in the valley. There is 50 acres, all of which is under cultivation in vines and fruit trees,
263
BIOGRAPHY.
of the best varieties. In addition to this farm there is another one of 80 acres, on which they produce their grain and hay. Mr. Rasmusson died November 28, 1880. It is said of him that he was an industrious, honest man, and died esteemed as a good citizen by all who knew him. He was a member of the Grange, I. O. O. F. and the Masonic Fraternity. Was married to Eliza A. Bauer on the 2d, of March, 1862; she was born and raised in the city of Philadelphia, Penn .; there are six children, viz: Charles A., born March I, 1863, Willard L., born August 1, 1865, Mary Alta, born December 8, 1867, George A., born October 7, 1869, Frederick A., burn September 5, 1872, Louisa E., born September 11, 1874.
GEORGE H. ROELKE,
The subject of this notice, was born on the Atlantic Ocean, near the city of Baltimore, Maryland, on the 2.1 day of May, 1829; his father was John and mo' her Augusta. They were natives of Hesse, Germany. Mr. Roelke served through the war in Mexico in 1847, under command of Generals Taylor and Wolfe. After being discharged from the service he went to Cincin. natti and was married to Caroline Augusta Boda. Be- fore going to the war he had learned the cabinet mak- er's trade, and now engaged at that in Cincinnatti, Ohio. In January, 1852, he started to California via the Panama route, arriving at San Francisco May 8 of same year. During the year '52-3 he was engaged in making long toms at Placerville. In 1854 he moved to Kelsey and followed the same trade. In 1859 he settled at Spanish Flat and except a. trip to Frazer river has not absented himself since. Is engaged in mining, farming, blacksmithing, mill building and hotel keeping. Has been Justice of the Peace for eight years, and is active in school interests. He has perhaps the best residence in the place, which he built with his own labor in 1880. There is a family of five children living, John W., James E., Henrietta C., Sophia E., and Caroline A. Henrietta is now Mrs. John W. Reese. Mr. Roelke is ranked as one of the most substantial citizens of the county, is a member of the I. O. O. F., and Masonic Fraternities.
HENRY WARREN RUSSELL
Was born at Andover, Massachusetts, October 20, 1829, and is of the eighth generation reared on the same farm. He was the twelfth child of a family of thirteen, born to Joel and Sallie (nee Curtis) Russell. After Henry was 18 years old he went to learn the machin- ist's trade, which he followed in the East and for two years after coming to the Pacific coast, in running a steam engine in San Francisco. He came to Cali- fornia in 1852, and in 1855 settled at Garden valley and began mining on Happy Flat; he has worked it | qual ty.
over two miles in length, and when done mining im- proved it for agricultural purposes. He has 170 acres in his farm at Garden valley. He was one of the owners of the Rosekrans mine which was sold in 1879 to H. L. Robinson, of Placerville. He was married December 25, 1866, to Miss A. E. Treat, a native of Michigan; by this union there are four chil- dren living, viz: Inez B., born March 28, 1871, Warren T., born August 8, 1875, Edith A. and Edgar H., (twins) born February 23, 1879. The first two died in infancy. Mr. Russell is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Georgetown and of the Royal Arch Chapter at Placerville. In religion a Protestant, in politics a Republican.
JAMES SKINNER
Was born in the town of Kettle, county of Fife, Scot- land, on the 19th day of May, 1812, he was the thir- teenth child, only three of whom now survive, viz : Barbara, born in 1794, and residing near Dundee, Scotland; Christine, also residing in Scotland, and James, now in Green Valley. His father was James, and mother Elizabeth (nee Douglass) Skinner. The father was a weaver by trade and young James also learned the trade, and in connection with it the car- penter's trade, both of which he put to a practical test in the manufacture of looms, spinning wheels, etc.
In 1836 he learned engineering and worked at that trade in Glasgow, until 1842, when he emigrated to the United States and engaged in the manufacture of silk, which he followed till 1852. During this year he emigrated to California, and soon engaged in the mines at Foster's Bar, near Coloma. In 1856 he de- cided to erect a permanent home for himself and fam- ily and purchased the place on which he now resides ; the only improvement he found on the place was a cabin. In 1860 or '61 he planted out a vineyard which was one of the first in the country, and is now one of the largest. Mr. Skinner is extensively engaged in the manufacture of wines, brandy and vinegar, for the manufacturing of which he has built a substantial and commodious two story distillery, 50 x 28, feet with additional boiler house, etc., where a six horse power engine is placed also. The wine cellar is one of the best in the county and has storage rooms for 15,000 gallons of wine. It is built fire proof and very con- veniently located for the handling of the products, be- ing cut in a gently sloping hillside; the press-room oc- cupying the second floor is then nearly level with the ground. A double layer of pipes run from the press to the distillery and from there back to the cellar. From his present plant he can manufacture 15,000 gallons ›per annum, the liquors are made in large quantities and hence of a more uniform and good
264
HISTORY OF EL DORADO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
In 1838 Mr. Skinner was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Bernard, of Scotland. To them have been born seven children, James, born April 21, 1840, William H., Elizabeth, born Oct. 6, 1846, Alexander D., born October 10, 1850, George M., born October 4, 1856, John A., born October 30, 1847, and lost his life from accidental shooting when about 19 years old. The last child born to them was also named John. James was born in Scotland and was married on August 14, 1876, to Mary E. Forbush; to them three children have been born, James, Edwin, and Mary E. He is engaged in farming and mining. Wil- liam H., like the balance of Mr. Skinner's family was born at Rosborough, Mass .; is also engaged in mining. Alexander D. is in company with his brother James in ownership of mines and about 400 acres of land. George M. is at home in charge of the business of his father. Elizabeth is now Mrs. M. Slocum. They have four children, viz : Jessie D., Harriet E., George M. and Oliver.
Mr. Skinner came to California a poor man, but by industry and business tact has surrounded himself with plenty. Has lived out his three score years and ten with promise of many more; was born of long- lived ancestors. When but about 11 years old he was put to work in a weaving establishment without any education, but being determined to show some knowl- edge of books he attended night schools and by close observation and application has acquired for himself a good practical education. His home, a view of which can be seen on another page, is one of the best in the township. It is located on the Folsom and Coloma road, at the foot of Pine Hill, a prominent peak in the Sierra foothills, used for some time as a signal station by the Government.
EDWARD HALL SMITH
Was born on the 10th day of October, 1830, in the city o! Boston, Massachusetts, is a son . of Levi and Annie (Creighton) Smith, who were both natives of Massachusetts; when a boy he learned the confection- ery trade and followed it as long as he remained in his native State.
On the 5th day of October, 1853 he sailed from New York via, Nicaragua route to San Francisco and arrived on the first of November, 1853. He went at once to the Kanaka valley, in El Dorado county, and began clerking for his brother Levi, who was keeping a store. In January, 1854, he began merchandising as the successor to his brother in the same building. In June of the same year he went East to accompany his family out; they again sailed on the 5th of October. On his return this time he opened a store on Sweetwater, and in connection with it a
boarding house and mine, in which he would work through the day to cut the wood and otherwise provide for the boarding house after coming home. He sold his place and bought a store and ranch on Crocker's ravine in Kanaka valley. In 1859 made a visit to the East with his wife, and on their return continued to reside in the valley until 1863, when they removed to Mormon ravine. In 1870 he sold out there and bought the Deer Valley ranch, on which he now lives, conducting a general merchandising business in connec- tion with farming. He was married September 15, 1853 to Martha Ann Grover, a daughter of James Grover, of Wiscasset, Maine. They have six children living and one dead: Annie C., now Mrs. John S. Wulff, Martha E., now Mrs. Joseph Jarger, Louetta A., Edward H. Jr., Mary E., Lillie G. and Bertha Ada., deceased. Mr. Smith was possessed of only a limited education and early thrown upon his own re- sources. He borrowed money on which to travel to California, and for a time it was a hard struggle for fortune; his perseverance has been rewarded and he is now ranked as one of the most prosperous men in the county. For many years he has been active as a Justice of the Peace in his township.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SHEPHERD
Is of English parentage. He was born in Lancaster, England, on the 18th day of May, 1839. His father was Robert and mother was Nancy Shepherd. When but nine years old his parents removed to Canada and settled at Simcoe, where B. F. learned the har- ness making trade with one William Benjamin, now of Colfax, Placer county; he brought Mr. Shepherd to California with him. For about three years Mr. Shepherd worked in a harness shop at Georgetown, and for a short time in the mines. In 1862 he began business for himself, keeping a general variety store; in 1874 he added a stock of drugs, and the same year was appointed Postmaster. He now deals in general merchandising, drugs, saddles and harness, and is pro- prietor of the Pioneer hotel. Is a general and wide awake business man and does the major part of the trade of Georgetown. He was married on January 28, 1864, to Miss Frances A. Berry. To them have been born five children, viz: William A., born Decem- ber 3, 1865, Benjamin F., born December 6, 1867, Julia P., born November 27, 1869, died February 26, 1873, Fannie F., born March 5, 1871, and died Feb- ruary 9, 1873, and Maud'E., born February 9, 1872.
JAMES SWEENEY
Was born near Denmore West in the town of Pets, county of Sligo, Ireland, in January, 1833. His father was John and his mother Bridget Sweeney, th y lived on a farm, and young James grew up under the
RESIDENCE OF MRS SARAH DORMODY, WIDOW OF THE LATE WM DORMODY EL DORADO.C. · CAL.
VINEYARDRANCH AND RESIDENCE Of H .T . HART . ELDORADO.CO. MORMONISLAND · P ·O · CAL·
265
BIOGRAPHY.
eyes of his parents. When a lad of about 11 years he came with his parents to America; they first settled in Wisconsin and remained there until 1852, when they moved to California, where they arrived on the 30th of September, same year. The first six years of Mr. Sweeney's stay in this State were spent in mining, at White Rock, Frenchtown and Indian Diggings; but not being thoroughly satisfied with a miner's uncertain existence, he bought the farm he now lives on, in the spring of 1858, and moved his family on to the place on the 5th of July, of that year, being married to
lived in El Dorado county, he has been an active pros- pector and hard worker in developing the hidden treasures of his adopted county, and it is but justice to say that success has rewarded his vigilance and a handsome competence has been secured to him for his declining years. April 21, 1882, he purchased J. W. Brown's home in Greenwood, which he rebuilt and refurnished in the best style possible. It contains II rooms all elegantly and tastefully furnished with the best of goods. The grounds are large and neatly kept, The water supply is of the best quality and Miss Honora Donovan, in March, 1856. To them abundant. For twelve years he has served the people of Greenwood as Justice of the Peace and Notary Public about as long, during that time the county has only paid costs in one case. Mr. Smith, in company with his brother John, under the firm name of Smith Brothers, has inaugurated a new departure in the way of a strictly cash store in Greenwood.
have been born three children, Martha D., John H. and Bridget A. Mr. Sweeney's farm is a well im- proved and valuable property, he carries on a dairy business, keeping from 50 to 70 cows, besides that he takes a great interest in fruit growing; there are about 2,000 bearing fruit trees on his farm.
C. F. SANDFOSS
Was born in Germany in 1833, and in early boyhood he settled with his parents at St. Louis, Missouri, crossed the plains to California in 1852, and located in El Dorado county, where he has since resided contin. uously except a trip to the States. For the past 16 years has been on the farm. Owns about 430 acres in what is known as Mill valley, called after Bartram's mill, that occupied once the valley. There is a fine residence on the place and beautifully located.
SAMUEL W. SPONG
Is a native of Washington county, Maryland, where he was born November 23, 1825. His father was David, and mother Elizabeth Spong. His father was a distiller and farmer, and Samuel worked on the farm until 1849, when he came to California and engaged in mining at Mormon Island, and later at Salmon Falls, and has been engaged at mining ever since, with slight interruptions. Success was with him, he discovered some very rich mines. He was married on the 5th day of July, 1875, to Miss Etta Hall; by the union there have been two children, Stella, deceased, and Lotta E. Mr. Spong is a member of the I. O. O. F., Cosumners Lodge, No. 63. Is now residing on a ranch on Gray's Flat.
THOMAS SMITH
Was born in the county of Meath, Ireland, December 26, 1827. He came to America in 1847, and settled in Dubuque county, Iowa. In 1858 he went to New Orleans, and remained until 1861, when he returned to Dubuque, and thence in same year came to California, located first at Spanish Dry Diggings, thence to Am- erican canyon, and thence to the Argonaut mine in 1876. During the score of years that Mr. Smith has
MARSHALL SEVY,
The village blacksmith of Diamond Springs, was born in the town of Greenbush, Clinton county, Michigan, on the 27th day of May, 1850. His parents were both natives of Gennessee county, New York, were married in Michigan, and raised a family of four children. At the age of seventeen Marshall went from the farm to work in a saw-mill, and when twen- ty-two years old he became an apprentice at the black- smith trade. On the 23d day of August, 1874, he wedded Miss Jennie Case, a native of the State of New York. In 1875 they removed to California and located for a few months at Bronco, Nevada county. Here he was engaged in fluming wood down from the mountains. After leaving Nevada county he came to Shingle Springs and engaged in blacksmithing for D. T. Hall; thence to Diamond Springs, where he started in business for himself. In 1878 he spent considerable time in hunting for another more profit- able locality, but after traveling over the whole south- ern part of this State and part of Nevada, he returned to Diamond Springs, where he is engaged in a lucra- tive and growing business.
ISAIAH E. TERRY
Was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, March 13, 1832, and is a son of Benjamin and Alice (Weaver) Terry, who were also natives of New England, and raised a family of nine children, and of them Isaiah was the third. His boyhood was spent on his father's farm and attending school. In 1852 he left New York for California, coming via the Isthmus of Panama. He arrived at Greenwood about the middle of Feb- ruary, and engaged in mining for several years. In 1865 he began farming; in 1868 rented the place on which he now lives, and after three years of occu-
266
HISTORY OF EL DORADO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
pancy he purchased it. The ranch comprises 300 near the Cathedral of Wells, in England. He emi- grated to the United States in 1848. After spending two years in Chicago, where he worked at sail-making, acres of good land, well watered and provided with buildings and fences. The first trial of grain raising in the county was made on this place in 1851. He he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and came to Cali- was married October 5, 1862, to Adelia J. Harris, a fornia in 1853, where he engaged in mining around Placerville. In 1858 he bought the place he now owns; and has been engaged in farming and fruit- growing. There is 160 acres, on which he has about 3,000 trees and 10,000 vines. He was married in 1864 and has had six children : George W., Eliza- beth, Hannah M., John H., Clarinda and Nellie. His present residence was built in 1877. daughter of William Harris. She was born in Indiana and came to California when but five years old. Her birthplace was near South Bend, on Harris Prairie, called after her ancestors. Of Mr. Terry's children there are Elmore E., Alice E., Gertrude, Arthur N., Mable and Annie. Mr. Terry is now owner in and Superintendent of the Hoosier Bar Mine, on the Middle Fork of the American river, operated by the patent elevator process. WILLIAM TRENGOVE
WILLIAM HARRIS
Was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, on June 4, 1814, and is the fourth of the ten children of Jacob and Susanna (Hartman) Harris, both Penna- mites. At an early day they removed to Stark county, Ohio, and from there to St. Joseph county, Indiana, near South Bend, where both of them died. After his parents' death William went to the Galena lead mines, where he engaged in mining until 1838, when he returned to Indiana. On March 11, 1849, he started to cross the plains for California, and arrived on Bear river about September 15, of that year, hav- ing crossed the Sierra Nevada over the Truckee route. Here he did not stay long but moved on to the North Fork of the American river, near Auburn, and thence to Murderer's Bar, where he remained for the winter and next summer. In the fall of 1850 he sold his claim and went East by the way of Central America, spending the greater part of the winter in the latter country. Returning to California with his family in the spring of 1851, he located on the place he is still living on ; he erected a log house which still stands. This ranch had been first located by Stephen Tyler, and was used as a stopping place and boarding-house. Board then was as high as $18 per week. Mr. Har- ris, however, went back to the mines on the Middle Fork of the American river for the next three or four years, before he settled down for good on his ranch. He was married to Phebe Baldwin, of Lebanon, Ohio, on the 24th of February, 1838, and their union has been blessed with seven children : Adelia J., now Mrs. Terry ; Elizabeth E., now Mrs. Morgan, her first husband was Jos. Fairchild ; Josephine, now Mrs. George Goodpastor; Harriet M., now Mrs. Daniel Heindel; Emma Z., Charles W. and Jo- seph E.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.