USA > California > El Dorado County > Historical souvenir of El Dorado County, California : with illustrations and biographical setches of its prominent men & pioneers > Part 55
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HENRY TINNEY
Is of English parentage and birth. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth Tinney, to whom he was born on the 19th day of April, 1831, in Somersetshire,
Was the oldest of a family of three children of Eze- kiel and Jane (Jenkins) Trengove. He was born in the town of Redruth, county of Cornwall, England, August 25, 1825. In 1847 he came to the United States, and thence to Cuba. After mining a short time returned to England after his wife, whom he had married August 2, 1846, and left behind when going to America. In April, 1850, he again returned to the United States and went to work in the lead mines in Southern Wisconsin. In the spring of 1852 he crossed the plains to California, and arrived at Nevada City on the 15th of August, the same year. After a few days he journeyed on to Negro Hill and has been a resident ever since. For many years he acted as agent for the Ditch Company, was their superintend- ent of blasting, etc. ; was engaged in mining and run- ning a tunnel 1,800 feet, which lasted two years. For over ten years he has been Justice of the Peace, an office he has filled to the entire satisfaction of all who have come in contact with him in official business. Is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and pos- sessed of a genial nature. He is a member of Gran- ite Lodge, No. 62, I. O. O. F., at Folsom. Is a man of exactly six feet stature and belongs to a long-lived family.
FRANCIS JOSEPH ARNOLD VEERKAMP,
One of the most enterprising and intelligent farmers of El Dorado county, was born in Meppen, on the river Ems, in the Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, October 2d, 1822. He is a son of Bartholomew and Louisa (Oelcker) Veerkamp. His father was engaged in various pursuits, such as farming, lumbering, mer- chandising, gardening and bee-keeping; he was also a musician, and acted as organist in the churches of his town. When "Frank" was but twelve years old his parents emigrated to the United States and settled in Montgomery county, Ohio, but moved, in 1836, to St. Louis, and yet later to Lincoln county, Missouri. Here Frank stayed until about 24 years old, when he
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BIOGRAPHY.
went to St. Louis and engaged in merchandising until he decided to go to California, on which journey he started on April 11, 1852, at 2 o'clock P. M. After a safe and peaceful voyage of five months across the plains, he arrived at Placerville September 11th, spent a few weeks at Uniontown, and located on the place where his son F. J. now resides, where he opened a hotel and store of miners' supplies. In 1873 he removed to his present home on what has long been known as the " Japanese Tea Ranch," which he had purchased about three years before. He has 340 acres of as good land as can be found in the Sierra Nevada foothills for general farming and fruit- growing, and on it will be found about 20,000 vines and fruit trees of only the best varieties. The Gran- ite Hill postoffice is kept at his residence, Mrs. Veer- hamp being postmistress. On the 22d of September, 1849, at St. Louis, Mo., he was united in marriage to Louisa M. Totener, who was born June 10, 1825, in the town of Walsrode, Kingdom of Hanover, Ger -! many. By this union there have been born to them a family of ten children, viz: Henry B., born in St. Louis, Mo., January 27, 1851 ; Frances J. A., born where he now lives, January 11, 1853 ; Joseph W. E., born March 1, 1856, and died July 23, 1862. In 1858 one was still-born. Sophia Louise, born Aug. 4, 1859, died January 19, 1866 ; William B., born November 23, 1861 ; Joseph W. Egbert, born June 8, 1864 ; Louis Barthold and Charles F., twins, were born August 4, 1866, and Charles F. died Sept. 26, 1866 ; Louis P., born April 15, 1871. Mr. Veer- kamp is surrounded with an interesting family, all in- dustrious and of good habits. He came to El Dorado county poor, and has suffered many and severe losses, but is now rated among the most influential and well-to-do men of the county. In politics he supports the Democratic nominees as a rule ; in religious views we can do no better than quote his own language : " Do right and fear no man."
Henry B., the eldest son, was married in May, 1882, and now resides in Amador county. He also owns a farm at Gold Hill, on which there is a good residence and orchard.
Frank J. Veerkamp, his second son, was married February 20, 1877, to Miss Alice Wagner, daughter of William and Drucilla Wagner. She was born near Quincy, Ills., July 21, 1858. They have two child- ren, viz: Louisa Drucilla, born in Virginia City, Nevada, April 18, 1878, and William F., born Dec. 6, 1880, at Gold Hill. Mr. Veerkamp owns the farm on which his father first settled at Gold Hill, of about 200 acres, and is growing a vineyard and orchard on it.
PIERRE J. VIGNAUT,
Born near Bordeaux, France, on Sept. 29th, 1835. Came to the United States in 1855, landed on Sept. 6th. Came via the Horn to California and settled at Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras county. In 1862 re- moved to El Dorado county, and settled at Placer- ville, where he still resides. Here he was married on January 28, 1873, to Mrs. Julia E. Needles, of Illinois, and to them have been born three children. After coming to California he learned the machinist busi- ness. He has 160 acres of land at what was once known as Hank's Exchange, on which there is about 400 fruit trees. In his home at Placerville there is 31/2 acres in fruit and vines. In politics he is Republican, is a member of El Dorado Lodge, No. 26, F. and A. M., of El Dorado Lodge, No. 118, A. O. U. W., and of the Grange.
WILLIAM W. WAGNER
Was born four miles from Alton, in Madison county, Illinois, April 29, 1826. His ancestors were among the first settlers in southern Illinois, some of them having participated in and lost their lives in the Indian massacre at Fort Madison. When a child he removed with his parents to Pike county, Ill., where he grew to manhood, and was married io Drucilla Thomas on the 11th of May, r855. They have had five children, viz: Eveline (deceased), Alice A., now Mrs. Frank Veerkamp ; an infant child that died ; Jessie F. and John B. In 1850 Mr. Wagner crossed the plains to California, returned East to be married, and in 1862 again returned to the Pacific coast and settled where he now resides, on the bank of the South Fork of the American river.
H. W. A. WORTHEN, M. D.,
Was born on the 28th day of March, 1814, at Peters- burg, Virginia, where his parents resided at the time, but a couple of years after the birth of this child, moved to Kentucky, and settled in Cynthiana, the county seat of Harrison county, of said State, where young Worthen spent his youth up to manhood. His father intended to give him the best education, and spared no means to fulfill this plan ; accordingly his boyhood years were consumed in attending the public school, then the Cynthiana Academy, and after absorb- ing the course of this institution, he studied medicine for several years. To finish his professional studies he thereafter attended lectures at the old and highly respected institution, the Pennsylvania University Medical College, from which he graduated In 1846. Dr. Worthen then commenced practicing at his pro- fession at home, where he had a large circle of friends and many acquaintances, and with his considerate and
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HISTORY OF EL DORADO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
discreet character he possibly might be found in the same function up to this day, had it been for the discovery of gold at Coloma, which was heralded throughout the country a few years later. He like others was taken by the fever, and unable to prescribe for this disease, he followed the stream of emigration to California. He left home in company of several other young men, on the Ist of April, 1850, to join a larger emigrant train at Independence, Missouri, crossed the plains and arrived at Placerville, on the roth of August, 1850. Here Dr. Worthen immediate- ly took to mining around Hangtown, and continued to follow this vocation until the spring of r852, when he in partnership with Dr. S. T. Childs, opened the first drug store at Placerville, and began practicing medi- cine again. The great fire of 1856, which laid Placer- ville in ashes, made him one of the greatest losers, burning up everything he was in possession of, but with unabated energy he made another start, and after selling out his interest in the drug store, has continued the practice of his profession. Of late he has as- sumed charge of the county hospital, the supervisors of El Dorado county appointed him superintendent of that institution about four years since, and as his health continues to be good, the hale and hearty old gentleman promises to officiate his duty for a good many years to come. We subjoin our best wishes.
GIDEON WORTH,
Popularly known as Capt. Worth, is one of the few who came to French creek in an early day and yet remains. His ancestors for several generations back are of New England origin. His grand and great grandfathers were born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, and there young Gideon first beheld the morning sun, on the 22d day of October, 1815. His father's name was Solon, and that of his mother Phoebe. As early as 1828 he became impressed with the idea that he wanted to be a sailor, and at the age of 13 went to sea on a whaling ship. He followed the sea, until the news of the discovery of gold in California had reached the ports of the world, and he decided with the thousands of others to go and hunt it, he was 180 days in sailing around Cape Horn; the list of passen- gers were almost entirely made up of mates or other officers of ships, who were in pursuit of gold, they landed in San Francisco in September, 1849. They divided themselves into bands of ten each and chose their own way, three of the companies or thirty men came to Mormon Island, after a short time they re- turned to San Francisco and disbanded, each man go- ing as he chose. Mr. Worth again came to Mormon Island. In 1851 he returned to Massachusetts to visit his family, whom he had left behind in '49. On
his returning to the State he went to Shasta county, but after a short time came again to Mormon Island, and in 1852 he went to French creek and mined. In 1853 he purchased the place on which he now resides. Christened by Mrs. James White, of San Francisco, " Walnut Glenn." It is a beautiful location on French creek, consisting of 160, acres on which grows about 15,000 grape vines, all kinds of fruits, walnuts and al- monds in great abundance. A view of the residence and immediate surroundings can be seen on another page in this book. He was married in Nantucket, Mass., Nov. 7, 1847, to Elizabeth A. Long. There have been three children : Thomas G., born August 13, 1848, at Nantucket, Charles A., born same place, January 2, 1852, and Sarah E., born on French creek, September 19, 1855, now Mrs. Waters. Mrs. Worth came around the Horn in 1854, being 106 days on the water. Since living on French creek he has made one trip to New England, but time had wrought so many changes that it seemed not like home again, he returned to California and settled down on his home which he has seen transformed from a chapparel patch to a fruitful orchard and garden.
JACOB WINKELMAN,
Of Greenwood, was born in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland, on the 2d day of September, 1831. He came to the United States and located in Missouri, in 1844. He was married on the 2d day of September, 1862, to Miss Ellen Daley, a native of Massachusetts. They have five children : Ida W., Paul, Fannie, Vic- tor and Stillman. His father, Jacob Winkelman had come to California from Missouri, in 1850 and estab- lished a brewery in Sacramento. In March, 1852, he opened a brewery and soda factory at Greenwood, and in 1855 he opened a hotel called the Brewery Hotel. The brewery, however, was removed to Placerville, about 1861. Mr. Winkelman died in 1879, leaving his son, who now keeps the hotel, as his only succes- sor. He devotes his entire time to the house, and keeps a hotel second to none on the road.
ARETAS J. WILTON,
A resident of Kentucky Flat, first saw the light of day in the town of Plattsburg, Clinton county, New York, on February 27, 1827. His father, James Wil- ton was from Woolwich, Kent county, England, and his mother Hulda (Bristol) was of German decent. In 1845 Aretas became master of a vessel on Lake Champlain, and continued sailing on the lake until 1853. During that year he arrived at Placerville, Cal- ifornia, and for three years following was a miner at White Rock. He next moved to Volcanoville, and in the spring of 1859, he came to his present home of 160 acres, on Section 22, township 13 north range, 11 E.
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BIOGRAPHY.
It is valuable mining land, and also much of it good agricultural land, and well adopted to fruit growing and vines. He was wedded to Isabella Marshall, a native of Canada, on February 25, 1850, and to them have been born four children, viz : Jane Ann, who died when 18 years old, George J., Seth A., and Merrick, who lost his life by accidental choking, when 14 months old.
His sons are both married and residing on Ken- tucky Flat. George J. was married April 26, 1881, to Lora E. Smith, Fred Elmer, their son, was born Feb- ruary 9, 1882. Seth A. was married July 26, 1877, to Lydia A. Dow, and one son, Cyrus Merritt has been born to them.
DAVID WATKINS
Of French creek, came to California in 1850, and mined in the vicinity of Placerville. He had left his family behind, and in 1852 returned to the East to bring them out, which he did in 1853, with an ox team. After a journey of over six months, he reached French creek, and began mining again, after two years he pur- chased the place on which he now lives, and settled down with his family, at that time there was but two white women on the creek, Mrs. Shanks and Mrs. Z. P. Brandon, who died in the fall of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Watkins were both natives of Colum- bia county, Ohio. He was born February 11, 1818. In 1837 he went to Putnam county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming and operating a wood yard. They were married on December 19, 1839, they have four children, John W., Henry T., Lucinda, now Mrs. M. Keith, and Sarah C., now Mrs. George O. Grist.
HENRY WULFF,
The subject of this sketch was born in the Kingdom of Hanover, on the 11 day of January, 1829, and is a son of Frederick and Charlotte (Flente) Wulff, who were also Hanovarians. Henry was reared on a farm and after completing his education, went to learn the cabinet maker's trade, which he followed from 1844 to 1848, when he came to the United States and settled at St. Louis, Missouri, where he pursued his trade for about two years. The news of the great fint in Cali- fornia, having reached that city he decided to seek his fortune in pursuit of the same. In company with six Our. " he crossed the plains, leaving St. Joseph, April 27th and landing at Ringgold on Weber creek, Sept. 29, 1850, after a short time spent at Ringgold, Sacramento and San Francisco, he went on to Oregon and for a time followed the carpenter's trade. From Oregon he took a chase after the "gold lake," failing to find that much coveted pool, he bought a horse and returned to California, via Yreka Flats, Siskiyou county, then but just discovered, proved afterwards a very rich camp. He mined a while on the Salmon river,
but not satisfied left here and purchased a fifteen mule pack-train, which he took to Oregon for goods. On his return trip, when a few miles from Rogue river, they were overhauled by Indians, who killed one of the party and robbed their train. He then returned to Shasta valley and after a short time to Shasta county, where he remained until in January, 1852, when he started for the Atlantic States by way of the Isthmus where he arrived in the month of May. On the 2d of October, 1852, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Lehrke, a daughter of Dietrich and Eliza- beth Lehrke, who came from Hanover, Germany, to the United States in 1849. In 1854 Mr. Wulff re- turned to California, as a passenger with an ox train, paid $100 fare for his wife and child and $50 for him- self and had to walk and drive the oxen in addition. At Ragtown on the Carson river he left the train and journeyed on to Placerville, where he arrived Septem- ber Ist. After a brief trip to Shasta county, he re- turned and engaged in work at carpentering for a short time, then bought a tunnel claim for $500, all of which he lost. Then again engaged in work at his trade which he followed till 1859.
On the 11th day of August, 1859, he moved on to his present home, of about 960 acres of valuable land and well improved. The small amount of means he had when arriving in California, was lost in the mining venture, and at two different times had the misfortune to have a limb broken, but in spite of all this, he has had the good fortune to accumulate a good property. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and also one of the first three who founded the Ancient Order of Druids, No. I, of which he was the Grand Marshall, at San Francisco, in 1882. To Mr. and Mrs. Wulff have been born a family of 16 children, viz : Henry F. G., born January 31, 1854 ; John S., born August 16, 1856; George W., born May 17, 1858 ; Albert L., born April 16, 1860 ; Herman G., born February 6, 1862; Elizabeth A., born January 21, 1864 ; Char- lotte C., born March 12, 1866 ; Frederick Lincoln, born same day of month as the lamented Abe, Feb- 12, 1868 ; Augustus W., born June 12, 1870; Frank M. H., born March 11, 1872 ; Mary P., born March 22, 1874 ; Caroline E. A., born November 3, 1875 ; William L., born February 21, 1878, and a son dead born January 18, 1877. The first born at St. Louis, Mo., second one at Spanish Hill, third at Placerville, and the balance of the family on the present home.
NATHAN WENTWORTH
Was born in the town of Exeter, Penobscot county, Maine, May 4, 1828. His father was twice married and reared a family of seventeen children. Nathan followed farming and teaming in the East. In 1851
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HISTORY OF EL DORADO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
he sailed via the Isthmus to California, arrived at San Francisco, Dec. 14, 1851, he went at once to working on the Bear river ditch on the spot where the Auburn hotel now stands After mining a short time he went to Michigan Bluffs where he operated a saw-mill for twelve years, this burned down and he began mining. After six years he came to Georgetown, and for four years followed butchering. He is now engaged in farming and teaming. He was married to Frances Maria Nutting, of Me., and three children were born to them. For his second wife he married Mrs. M. E. Andrews, and one son is the fruit of this union, viz : Guy Elmer. Mr. Wentworth is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Georgetown and of Pilot Hill Grange, No. 1.
ELIAS W: WELLER,
Of Coloma was born in the town of Zanesville, Ohio, on the 2d day of January, 1833. He emigrated to California by the Panama route, in 1852, and in the month of July of that year settled at Coloma and en- gaged in the mercantile trade. On the 25th day of December, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Katie Borland, a daughter of Alex. Borland. There have been born to them four children, viz : Jennie M., born Nov. 4, 1865, Katie R., born Dec. 4, 1867, Charles E., born April 19, 1871, Elias, born April 17, 1873. Mr. Weller has been successful in trade and surrounded himself with a good home, and has an in- teresting and intelligent family.
WILLIAM WHITE
The subject of this brief mention, is a resident of Coloma valley. He was born May 29, 1833, in Tip- perary, Ireland, where he received all the education he ever had in the common schools before 1844, when he came with his parents to America, and settled at Buf- falo, State of New York, where his father was a gard- ener. William sailed on the lakes under Captain Hart for about four years. In 1851 he came by way of Nicaragua route to California and engaged in mining in Big ravine, at Auburn, from here he went to Indian canyon, and was also one of the first miners on Iowa Hill. He followed mining on Dry creek and elsewhere until 1854, when he engaged in merchandis- ing at his present place, here he sold goods and bought gold dust for several years. In 1857 he returned to Buffalo to settle up his father's estate, and while there he made the acquaintance of Mary E. Schultz, a daughter of Michael Schultz, of Williamsville, New York, after another trip to California, he returned East in 1859, and on November 17th, they were united in marriage. One son has been born to them, William Hart, named in memory of his father and Captain Hart, with whom his father sailed the lakes.
In May, 1854 Mr. White settled on his present home and in 1856 began improving it. He has about 400 acres, 50 of which is under cultivation in orchards of apple, peach, pear and some small fruits, together with about 11,000 grape vines. Mr. White is a good business man and has secured for himself and family a good home and competence, and is bestowing upon their only son a liberal education.
HENRY A, and HORATIO A. WAGNER,
Were both born in Lower Canada, their parents, how- ever, were Americans. Nicholas C. Wagner, their father, was born in Vermont and Silva (nee Pelton) Wagner, their mother was a native of Massachusetts, and their ancestors for four generations back, were New Englanders. They reared a family of eight children. Horatio came to California in 1853, and Henry in 1855. Their first location in the State was at Nevada city, where they engaged in mining. They next settled in White Oak township and engaged in mining on Tennessee creek, on the Coloma and Sac- ramento road. In 1871 or '72 they purchased their present mine known as the "Gold Hill," Seam or Wagner Brother's " Asbestos " claim. - The gold taken from this claim is of a fine quality, and assays from $17 to $18 to the ounce.
JOHN Q. WRENN, M. D.,
Was born in the town of Westfield, Indiana, in 1844. He attended the Union High School and worked on his father's farm, until about 18 years old. He after- terwards entered the high school at Ann Arbor, in- tending to take a course in the University of Michi- gan ; this however, was prevented by the failing health of a brother, occasioned by service in the war of the Rebellion.
In 1867 he was married to Miss Martha A. Mills, who was stricken down and died from typhoid fever in about two years, leaving the Doctor in care of a son, then but 19 months old, He then began the study of a regular course in medicine under the tuterage of Doctor Samuel Carey, of Carmel, Indiana. During the winter of 1870-1 he attended lectures in the Uni- versity of Michigan. He then attended the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, of New York ., TỨC year. In the spring of 1876 he graduated from the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, and con- tinued in the practice of his profession there until 1881, when he came to California, and began the practice of his profession, at Placerville. In September of the same year, he removed to Georgetown, where we find him doing a lucrative practice. He is in the full con- fidence of the people as a physician, and as a man and citizen likewise has their esteem and regard. In the
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BIOGRAPHY.
practice of surgery he has been very successful. Is now the examining physician for the Chosen Friends, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. For his second wife he married Miss Elizabeth M. Keyser, of Covington, Kentucky.
COMMODORE PERRY YOUNG
Was the tenth child of a family of twelve. He was born in Hawkins county, East Tennessee, on the 15th day of March, 1816. His father died when he was but 12 years old, he remained with his mother at work on a farm until he acquired manhood. In 1830 his mother moved to Missouri and settled in Pettis county. In 1849 he crossed the plains to Oregon and in '50 came to California, late in the same year he re- turned East, and in 1852 again crossed the plains to the golden west, this time to remain. His first at- tempt at mining was at Diamond Springs, in com] any with M. G. Griffith. From 1861 to '64 he was en- gaged in mining at Grizzly Flat. In 1850 he mined at Georgia Slide. For several years he has been Jus- tice of the Peace in Coloma township. Is a member of the Masonic fraternity and was Master of Acazia Lodge four years, Treasurer two years and is now Secretary. He was received into the order at Georgetown, Mis- souri, in 1851.
JOHN GE YOUGH,
The Chinese shoe-maker of Garden Valley, was born in the province of Canton, China, Aug. 10, 1846, and is a son of Ge Ya-Ho. In 1862 he was possessed of a desire to visit the United States, and contrary to the wishes of his parents he joined in with a company of about thirty and started on what he expected would be a pleasure trip, as he fully intended to return to China. After arriving on this coast he heard all his countrymen and friends say they were going to the mountains to dig gold, so he joined in and with the as- sistance of friends purchased a claim at Johntown. He could not make mining pay, however, and aban- doned it to take a place in the home of Mr. Borland, a shoe maker in the village. He began driving nails and pegs to assist Mr. Borland, and in a short time became master of the trade. Mr. Borland and his good wife were kind to him and taught him the En- glish language, which he can read, write and speak quite well. In 1871 he purchased the residence and business of Mr. Borland and has since conducted a lucrative business, he has the confidence, good will and co-operation of all the best American citizens in the vicinity. He embraced the Christian religion soon after coming to our shores, is temperate and steady in all things, and no man in the community contributes more liberally to the support of church, school or
charitable purposes than does John Ge Yough. He has adopted the American style of dress throughout. Is a believer in the golden rule, and would that there were more such, both among his and our own country- men.
JACOB ZENTGRAF
Was born in Saxe-Weimar-Eisnach, Germany, Aug- ust 12, 1821, is a son of George and Mary Zentgraf, who were natives of the same place. When 16 years old he learned the stone cutters trade from his father, also a stone cutter, and continued to work at the trade in Germany, until 1852, during that year he emigrated to the United States, and followed the trade at Butler, Pennsylvania, for a few months. In 1853 he came to California via Nicaragua route, landed at San Fran- cisco, December 11th, same year, and began mining on Weber creek. In the fall of 1854, in company with his brother Antone, bought the place where he now lives and began setting out vines the same year; 32 vines had been planted on the place in 1849, by a Mr. Stevens. This was perhaps the first vineyard in the country, and all those others of early days were furnished from it. Mr. Zentgraf has sold vines as high as $25,00 per thousand. As early as 1857, 1800 gallons of wine was made on this place and all of it Sold at $1.50 per gallon. In 1859 a small distillery was set up by Mr. Zentgraf and brandy made at $2:50 per gallon. He now makes from 12 to 14 barrels of brandy and from 4 to 6 thousand gallons of wine. In 1871 he erected his present home. The farm consists of about 520 acres of land, on which there is abun- dance of water and good improvements. The place is located on the Coloma road about ten miles from Folsom.
He was married in August, 1858, to Mary Fishc". who was born in Germany. There have been nine children born to them, seven sons and two daughters, viz : George, John, Gabriel, William, Lambert, Frank, Jacob, Johanna and Mary. In 1857 he bought the interest of the brother and has owned and controlled the place alone since. Mr, Zentgraf is one of the suc- cessful men of El Dorado county, when he landed in California he had a family on hand and $5 in money. Father died in Germany and mother came to the United States in 1857.
SEBASTIAN ZIMMERMAN
Was born in the Canton Aargau, Switzerland, near the Rhine. His father was a farmer and wine grower. When Sebastian was 24 years old he came to the United States and settled in Seneca county, and later in Hancock, Ohio. In 1852 he crossed the plains with an ox team to California, and his first venture was mining at Webertown. After about one year he
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HISTORY OF EL DORADO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
went to Amador county, and two years later to Dia- mond Springs, here in company with Dr. Adams and a Mr. Hines, he took out $63,000 in gold in nine months. In 1858 he purchased the Ohio House property, on which he erected several buildings and opened a hotel. There were from 50 to 80 teams stopping every night at that time, but the completion of the railroad to Shingle Springs, broke up the hotel
business and he engaged in farming. Has 700 acres of good land. He was married in 1857 to Catherine Sullivan. There have been eight children, viz: Mary, deceased, Kittie, Addie, Theresa, Mattie, Joseph, Robert E., and Arthur. When at Diamond he mined on what was called Bean Hill, and paid as much as $750 for a one quarter lot in the village at that time.
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