History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 140

Author: Munro-Fraser, J. P
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : M.W. Wood
Number of Pages: 1206

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CHARLES B. RUTHERFORD .- Was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, Sep- tember 24, 1824, but at ten years of age went to Ontario County, New York, where he entered the Canandaigua Academy, joining it at the time that Stephen A. Douglas graduated therefrom. Two years thereafter he took up his residence with an uncle living in the vicinity of Rochester, and with him dwelt until he reached eighteen years of age. In the meantime his father, who was a Revolutionary soldier, served the full seven years and. was for some time in the Government Secret Service, carrying com- munications between all parts of the world, and served through all the administrations from Washington to Jackson. In 1842 our subject proceeded to Boston, where

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he learned the trade of painter, embarking in the business on his own account after two years. In 1849 he went to San Antonio, Texas, and there served as Quarter- master's Clerk in the Government, where he remained until July, 1852. He then proceeded through Mexico to Mazatlan, and there taking passage in the Mexican vessel Maria, arrived in San Francisco October 4, 1852. He at once found employ- ment at his trade, working for ten dollars per day wages, for about six weeks, when he removed to Tuolumne County and there engaged in business for himself for nine years. After passing a twelvemonth in San Francisco, and spending a short time in San Luis Obispo County, where he resided during the year of 1863, he came to Alameda County, started in his present business and for the past fourteen years has carried it on at No. 1014 Broadway, Oakland. Mr. Rutherford was the County Public Administrator for the term 1876 to 1881. Married, in Oakland, to Miss Ellen Trover, a native of Albany, New York, and has six children, viz .: Charles F., Mary (now Mrs. J. Howland), Linda (now Mrs. Samuel Stow), Nellie, Edward, and Anita.

D. P. SACKETT, A. M. (Principal of Sackett School) .- Was graduated from Yale College. Soon after graduating he became head-master of Temple Hill Academy at Geneseo, Livingston County, New York. One year thereafter he was chosen principal of Leicester Academy, Leicester, Worcester County, Massachusetts. This institution is, excepting Phillips (Andover) Academy, the oldest endowed academy in Massa- chusetts. Three years later he was called to the principalship of the Female College of the Pacific, Oakland, California, under the presidency of Rev. E. B. Walsworth, D. D. In August, 1871, the Golden Gate (now Hopkins) Academy was opened with D. P. Sackett as Principal. The number at the beginning was ten. At the close of the year the attendance had increased to sixty, when Mr. Sackett resigned his position to spend a year in foreign travel. Since his return to this State, in the following year, he has been mainly engaged in educational work, and for the past four years in the school that bears his name.

DANIEL MOODY SANBURN .- Was born in Lamville County, Vermont, March 30, 1827, where he dwelt until emigrating to California. February 24, 1852, he sailed from New York in the Ohio, but a few days after was transferred to the Georgia, and after reaching Panama, thence per steamer to San Francisco, where he arrived April 11, 1852. He immediately proceeded to the mines and there remained until December, 1852, when he came to Alameda County and commenced farming and stock-raising. In 1861 he settled on his present place comprising four hundred and forty-one acres. Married, November 14, 1866, Miss Elizabeth Kunz, and has one son, Benjamin Charles.

A. W. SCHAFER .- Was born in Germany, September 15, 1829. When nineteen years of age, he emigrated to the United States and settled in Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania, where he followed the carpenter's trade until 1851, when he came via Panama to California, arriving in San Francisco March 21, 1851. He immediately proceeded to the mines in El Dorado County, where he remained, occupied in mining for eight years. Mr. Schafer now returned to Pittsburg, where he remained until 1861, in which year he once more turned toward the Pacific Coast, and locating in San Francisco there resided until 1862, when he came to Alameda County and settled on his present farm, consisting of three hundred and thirty acres, where he is engaged in general farming. Married, in 1853, Miss Minnie Freck, by whom he has six surviving children, viz .: Amelia, Annie, Henry, Emma, Minnie, Willie, who are all residents of Mount Eden.

HENRY SCHELLHAAS .- Was born in Chicago, Illinois, September 24, 1850, and there spent most of his time until 1872, in which year he came to California, settling in Oakland in the month of August, and there entered the employment of P. Schrer- ber. At the end of three years, he purchased a half-interest in a furniture store, and established the firm of Wilbert & Schellhaas. Disposing of this business two years thereafter, Mr. Schellhaas commenced operations at No. 408 Eleventh Street, Oak-

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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

land, and has since conducted his large store there, where his enterprise has earned for him a notoriety second to none in the State.

IVES SCOVILLE .- Is the son of Hiram and Elizabeth (Sherman) Scoville, and was born in Onondaga County, New York, March 8, 1825. Having resided there until attaining the age of twelve years, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he resided until the year 1863, during which time he served his apprenticeship at and acquired the trade of machinist, where his father had established a business in 1837. In 1857 our subject severed his connection with his father and brothers, and entering the employ of T. W. Gates & Co., with that firm continued until 1863, when he came to California. Locating, on arrival, in Oakland, in 1871, he established the Oakland Iron Works, situated at Nos. 511 and 513 Second Street, which he still continues. Is married, and has a family consisting of two children-sons.

GEORGE W. SCRIBNER .- Was born in Otisfield, Cumberland County, Maine, January 29, 1827, and is the son of Ivory H. and Lydia M. (Fogg) Scribner. When quite young he was taken to the city of Boston by his parents, and there he resided until he attained the age of twenty-one years. In 1849 he started for California by way of Texas, the most part of the journey being made overland; and arriving in San Francisco on the 5th August of that year, he at once embarked in the butcher's trade, which he continued there until 1856, at which time he came to Oakland, began business there, and has been so engaged since. Mr. Scribner was a member of the City Council during the years 1858 and 1859. Married, September, 1852, Miss Mary E. Can- terbury a native of Providence, Rhode Island, who died in 1867. By this union there are five children, viz .: Mary A., Addie L., Walter B., Florence M., and Sadie J.

LEOPOLD SELNA .- Was born in Switzerland August 5, 1841, and at eight years of age was taken to Leghorn, Italy, where he resided until 1856, in which year he came to California. His first month in San Francisco he worked in a French restau- rant on California Street, after which he proceeded to Stockton, and commenced working in a boarding-house, where he continued two months. He was for three months cooking for ranchers, then went back to Stockton, and began peddling fruit and fish, which he followed for eighteen months. We next find him cleaning saloons, but was soon promoted to be a bar-tender, at which occupation he worked four years. Our subject now got employment on a San Joaquin River boat, but, after the third trip, left her and went to Amador County, where he became waiter in the St. George's Hotel, in Volcano. At the end of a year he moved to Bear Valley, Mariposa County, and opened a restaurant, which he conducted until 1865. From there he proceeded to Middleton, Fresno County, where he tended bar for a year, and in 1866 returned to San Francisco and served in the Syvarzas Punch Factory until he became man- ager of the concern, during his continuance there opening a branch on Kearny Street near Bush Street. In 1872 he came to Oakland, worked as bar-tender for Mr. Becht, and at the end of two years bought out the place, and still continues it. Married, in 1870, Miss Mary Leonard, a native of New York, and has four surviving children, viz .: Etta E., Louisa, Elvira, and Leonard.

CAPT. LUDWIG SIEBE .- The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Bremervoerde, Hanover, Germany, January 20, 1846, and there resided until 1860, at which time he came to the United States. settled in Brooklyn, New York, and there engaged in the grocery business. In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Third Regiment of New York Volunteers, and after serving with General Banks in Louisiana, and General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, remained in the field until the close of the war. Captain Siebe now returned to Brooklyn, re-established his former business, and continued in it until 1867, at which time he left for California, arriving in San Francisco in the month of August, and embarked in the grocery trade. While a resident of that city our subject organized Company C of the San Francisco Fusileers (Second Artillery), being elected First Lieutenant, in which capacity he served five years, when he was elected Captain of

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the company, and held the position four years. He was then offered the position of Major of the Second Regiment, but owing to business affairs, he was compelled to decline, and was then placed on the retired list, still retaining his rank. In February, 1880, he leased the well-known resort of Shell Mound Park, where he has spared nei- ther labor nor expense in making it one of the most beautiful and attractive places of holiday recreation in the State. Married in San Francisco, April 20, 1870, Miss Maggie Hoffman, a native of New York City, and has eight children, viz .: Mary, Augusta, Frederick, Muryaethen, Henry, Louisa, William, and George.

JACOB B. SHERK .- Was born in Waterloo Township, Upper Canada, July 2, 1833, and there resided until he attained the age of eighteen years, when he emigrated to Jo. Daviess County, Illinois, there located, and remained until 1854. On April 20th of that year he sailed from New York for San Francisco, via Panama, and arrived May 18, 1854. He at once went to mining, and followed it in Klamath and Butte Counties for eleven years, when he returned to the Bay City in the spring of 1865. He was then variously employed until May, 1872, at which time he came to Alameda County, engaged in hop-growing in partnership with B. Benedict, and still continues in that business. Married and has no issue.

JAMES SHINN .- Born at Salem, Ohio, in 1807. Resided in his native State until 1836, then removed West and lived in several Western and Southern States until 1856, when he came with his family to California, and at once settled upon the place which he now occupies, near Niles, Alameda County. Mr. Shinn has pursued the business of general farming and fruit-growing, and for some years has been exten- sively engaged in the nursery business in all its branches, especially in the growth of trees and plants for general orchard planting.

MANUEL FRANCISCO SILVA .- Whose portrait appears in this work, to repre- sent the Portugese population of Alameda County, was born in the Island of Fayall, May 23, 1851, and there resided for the first ten years of his life. In the year 1861 he came to California with his parents, who settled in San Pablo, Contra Costa County, and there our subject received his education and dwelt until 1864. At that time he moved to Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, where he remained until 1868, in which year he came to Mission San José, where he completed his schooling, and after- wards obtained employment in a store as interpreter for five years. Mr. Silva now entered upon a four months' course in the Pacific Business College in San Francisco, at the completion of which he entered the employ of H. C. Gregory, in Centreville. In 1879, with the intention of there remaining, he visited his birthplace; but, return- ing to California, he engaged with the firm of D. C. Bane & Son, who, selling out to Dodge & Co., Mr. Silva continued with the last-named until October 15th, when he, in connection with W. W. Haley, purchased the interest of Dodge & Co., and the firm name is now W. W. Haley & Co., our subject being the junior member.

DUNCAN SINCLAIR .- Was born in Canada East, in April, 1838. When sixteen years of age he emigrated to California by way of New York and the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in San Francisco November 2, 1855. Having passed about two years and a half in the mines of Tuolumne County, he came to this county, en route to San Joaquin, and finally returned to Tuolumne. Mr. Sinclair subsequently returned to San Joaquin County, where he was variously employed until 1862, in which year he located at Haywards, Alameda County, and there resided until June, 1871. At this time he moved to Murray Township, located on his original farm of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he has since added until it now comprises five hundred and sixty-nine acres, on which he is engaged in general farming. He is married, and has three children: Duncan R., Annie B., and Robert Arthur.

DAVID S. SMALLEY .- The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in our pages, wasbornin Farmersville, Seneca County, New York, November 1 1, 1829, but when one year old he was taken by his parents to Ovid Centre, in the same county, where he resided until he attained the age of twenty-three years. His father was a farmer ;

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he became skilled also in that most honorable occupation. Having there received his schooling, he was prompted, as thousands were. It was not long after that he bade farewell to his friends, and on December 28, 1852, he left for California; arriving in New York, he sailed January 5, 1853, in company with Judge Charles Halsey, on board the steamer United States, coming by way of the Isthmus of Panama. While on the Isthmus Judge Halsey's family was taken sick, and he was obliged to remain over one steamer. The Pacific Mail Steamship Company, after nine days' delay in Panama, put four hundred and fifty human beings on board of one of their crafts, unfit to carry swine, that had not made a voyage for years. When four days out a fever broke out, caused by an odor, the worst ever endured by man, from the rotten bilge, and death ensued in all its hideous shapes, and in less than six days no fewer than a hundred of those who had stepped on board with hope in their hearts were consigned to the vast deep, never to return until the command is given to the sea to give up its dead. Add to the foregoing the sufferings caused by a terrific hurricane that lasted seven days, four of which they were water-logged, the water putting out the fires-but by the great effort of all on board they were saved-and we have an inkling of what the hardy pioneers who came to California at an early day had to contend with. After putting into Acapulco for repairs, and placing in position the large pump used several months previous in getting the North America off a sand- bar, one hundred miles below, the vessel proceeded on its voyage, finally casting anchor in San Francisco Bay. February 14, 1853, after a tedious passage of twenty-five days from Panama, Mr. Smalley at once came to Alameda County, and found employment where now stands the town of Alameda There he remained till the fall of 1857, when he leased land on the Peralta Grant for one year. Subse- quently selling out his interest there, he purchased the livery business of T. W. Mul- ford, at San Leandro, and in partnership with Samuel Davis, conducted that stable until October, 1859. At this time Walter J. Stratton acquired the share of Mr. Davis, and thus the association remained until 1865, at which period a livery-stable was opened at Haywards by them, of which our subject took charge, his partner, Mr. Stratton, remaining at San Leandro. This copartnership lasted until December, 1878, when the business association was severed, Mr. Smalley remaining at Haywards, where he is at present engaged in that occupation. He also owns about forty acres of land within the corporate limits of Haywards, and thirty-two acres more near San Lorenzo. Mr. Smalley is a member of the Washington Township Pioneer Associa- tion. He paid a visit to his old home at the East after a lapse of thirty years, in 1882. It ought to be mentioned that in 1860 he went East on a visit to the State of New York, where he was married to Miss Jane S. Dunlap, a native of Ovid Centre, Seneca County, New York, and daughter of George Dunlap, of that place. It only remains for us to say that our subject is much respected by the community in which he resides, as a man of sterling worth and honesty. His family consists of five chil- dren, viz .: Lelia M., James, Nannie, George, and William.

GEORGE SMITH .- Was born in Esopus (now Kingston), Ulster County, New York, April 5, 1822. In May, 1823, his parents settled in South Stockton, Chautau- qua County, New York. At the age of sixteen he graduated at the Fredonia Academy, and received a certificate to teach in the public schools of the county. July 24, 1850, he married Miss Eliza M. Fenner, eldest daughter of the late C. C. Fenner, of South Stockton. Mr. and Mrs. Smith removed to Genesee County, Mich- igan, in 1856, where they were both engaged in teaching until 1858, when they returned to Chautauqua County and engaged in dairy farming. April 15, 1861, Mr. Smith started for California by way of the plains, taking the northern route, and arriving at Jacinto, Colusa County, in August of that year, where he remained until April, 1862, when he went to Suisun, and engaged in teaching for the next six months. Mr. Smith came to California for his health, which he had now entirely recovered, and being pleased with the country, sent for his wife to join him at Sacra-

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mento, where she arrived in February, 1863. The Washoe mining excitement carried them with many others to Gold Hill, Nevada, where Mr. Smith engaged in transport- ing ore from the silver mines to the mills for the next four years. In the spring of 1867 he settled in San Leandro, Alameda County, where he and his wife yet live. In 1869 the subject of this sketch was elected Justice of the Peace for Eden Town- ship, and served in that office four years; and after the incorporation of the town of San Leandro, he served a like term as Police Judge. He also served two terms as Trustee of the town. In 1879 Judge Smith received the nomination for the Assem- bly by the New Constitution Party. He is now engaged in horticulture.

HENRY SMITH .- Was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, April 15, 1834, but when three years old was taken by his parents to Berrien County, Michigan, where he resided until 1846, when, losing his father, he moved with his mother and family to Iowa, and remained in that State two years. In 1848 he moved with his mother and four brothers to Salt Lake, and they took up their abode in that vicinity. In the spring of 1850, accompanied by his brother, Jonathan Smith, our subject started across the plains with ox-teams for California, and arriving at Hangtown (Placerville), July 10, 1850, engaged in mining for four years, save one twelvemonth he passed in Lower California, when he served as a soldier in Captain Fitzgerald's company, under General Bean. On the cessation of hostilities he returned to the mines, and in 1854 took up his residence in San Leandro. In 1864 he moved from there to his present place, where he farms one hundred and sixty acres of what is locally known as the James G. Clark Ranch, situated one mile southeast of Decoto, where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits of a general nature. Married, February 27, 1857, Miss Helen M. Fox, a native of Jefferson County, New York, and has three surviving children, viz .: Abbie A., Minnie E., Joseph H.

HONORABLE HENRY C. SMITH (deceased) .- This well-known and much respected pioneer, a son of the late Major Timothy S. Smith, United States Army, was born at Fort Defiance, Ohio, October 25, 1824, but when two years old was taken by his father to South Bend, Indiana, and in 1827 to St. Joseph, Michigan. In July, 1845, he emigrated to California. He left Fort Independence, Missouri, August 12, 1845, and after passing through many perils and hardships, arrived at Sutter's Fort on Christmas Day of that year. In 1846 he entered upon military service under the celebrated Bear Flag, and served under General Fremont in his battalion, and remained in the service of the United States until peace was declared between Mex- ico and the United States. He was one of the first Alcaldes appointed by General Riley, Military Governor of California. In 1852 he was elected to the Legislature from Santa Clara County, and acquitted himself with much credit, and materially aided in the organization of Alameda County out of those of Contra Costa and Santa Clara. In March, 1855, he was elected a Supervisor from Washington Town- ship; on September 3, 1855, he was re-elected to the Board, and on its organization, September 12, 1855, was chosen chairman, which position he held while he continued a member, to December 1, 1856, when he was succeeded by Joseph R. Mason. In 1859 he was the candidate of the Democratic Party for County Clerk, but was unsuc- cessful, his opponent, Joseph R. Mason, being elected by a majority of thirteen votes. In 1861 he removed to the State of Nevada with his family, and remained there till the summer of 1864, when he returned to Alameda County. While in Nevada he ran for the Assembly, but was defeated. In 1867 he removed to Livermore Valley, where he settled on a quarter-section of Government land, and continued to reside there until within a few weeks of his death. He was elected a Justice of the Peace for Murray Township in October, 1871, and assumed the duties of his office on Jan- uary I, 1872. He resigned in December, 1872, and died in Livermore November 24, 1875. Mr. Smith was a very genial and warm-hearted man, who never tired of serv- ing his friends and making himself useful in the community. Married in California in the year 1846, Miss Mary Vangorden, a native of Niles, Michigan, and left a family

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of four children, viz .: Julia A., Emma L., Franklin Pierce, Charles Henry. The eldest is now Mrs. F. Hargrave.

HENRY T. SMITH .- Was born in Granville, Putnam County, Illinois, February 27, 1844, and there resided and attended the common schools until 1862, when, at the call of his country, he enlisted in Company H, Twentieth Illinois Infantry, for three years, being assigned to General Sherman's division. He took part in all the engage- ments in which his regiment participated, through the memorable campaign of Sher- man's march to the sea. At the expiration of his term of service he was discharged, July 24, 1865. He then returned to his native State, and followed the carpenter's trade for two years. After a residence of eight years in La Salle County, he moved to Oregon, and in November, 1872, came to California, and located in Oakland, and followed his trade until August, 1877, when he was appointed on the city police force of Oakland, a position he held until January 10, 1880, when he resigned and moved to Arizona, where he sojourned some eight months, and again cast his lot in Oakland, where he still resides, and is engaged in the insurance business, taking charge of the Oakland Home Fire Insurance Company of Oakland on February 4, 1882. Mr. Smith was united in marriage, November 14, 1867, to Mary J. Dagen, a native of Ohio, by which union they have three daughters: Susie M., Rubie, and Jessie B.

LEONARD SMITH .- Was born in Frederick County, Maryland, September 16, 1819. Having resided in his native place until he attained the age of twenty years, at that time. he emigrated westward, and after residing in St. Louis, Andrew, and Buchanan Counties, Missouri, in 1849 he came to California. Mr. Smith first located at Auburn, Placer County, where he mined; also at Nevada, Grass Valley, and Ophir, when he returned to the State of Maryland. He then removed to San Antonio, Texas. He found himself once more in California, and settling in Oakland in 1872, opened a stationery, book, and variety store, under the firm name of M. S. Smith & Co. Married in 1864 Miss Mary S. Lyon, of Virginia, and has two chil- dren, twins, viz .: John Francis and Charles Leonard.

LEWIS CASS SMITH .- Was born in Berrien County, Michigan, August 15, 1830, and is the son of Major Timothy S. Smith, United States Army, one of the revolu- tionary heroes of 1812, who emigrated to California in 1854, and died in Alvarado, his remains being buried at Centreville in 1863. The subject of this sketch, after having passed his earlier years on a farm, on June 4, 1851, left for California with his brother, the late Hon. Henry C. Smith, and sailing from New York, made the voyage to Chagres on board the Prometheus, and thence crossing the Isthmus to Panama on mules, concluded the voyage in the Sea Bird. On arrival at Monterey his sister was so ill with fever contracted at Panama that it was thought advisable to land at that place. This was in the early part of August, 1851. After a sojourn of two weeks in the ancient capital, the journey was continued to his brother's residence at Mission San José, where, residing but a short time, our subject proceeded to Stockton, and took charge of his brother's vegetable store for three months. Returning then to Alvarado, he engaged with Henry C. Smith in mercantile pursuits for a year, when he went to the mountains and embarked in stock-raising, an occupation he followed for ten years. After this he purchased his present property, comprising about five hundred acres, where he combines general farming with beet and vegetable growing. Here he has erected a handsome residence, and enjoys a state of single blessedness.

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History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 140

Author: Munro-Fraser, J. P Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : M.W. Wood Number of Pages: 1206

Author: Munro-Fraser, J. P
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : M.W. Wood
Number of Pages: 1206