History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 141

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

USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions > Part 141

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JAMES DALE SMITH .- Whose portrait appears in this history, the only child of John and Elizabeth Smith, was born in the parish of Kilmars, near Kilmarnock, in Scotland, on the 19th of September, 1845. In 1848 his father sailed for Vancouver Island under contract with the Hudson Bay Company, to open and work a coal mine which they had discovered, but on his arrival the company claimed the right to dictate new terms, and as with them in early times, might made right, Smith refused to go on with the work, but availed himself of an opportunity to come to California, which he did in 1849, and settled in Benicia, where quite a number of Scotch peo-

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ple were then located, many mechanics finding profitable employment in the machine shop of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, Smith among the number. In 1852 he removed with his family to San Ramon Valley, locating near where Danville now stands, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1864. "Scotch Smith," as he was generally called, and his wife, were pioneers in every sense of the word. Their door was always open to the needy, and no road was too long for Mrs. Smith to go if she could assist the suffering or alleviate their distresses. The same qualities of heart and mind actuated their son, who grew to manhood on the same farm located by his father. In boyhood the advantages for schooling were not very good, and we find the subject of our sketch, in 1864, at the time his parents both died, with only a limited education, as far as books are concerned, but thoroughly posted as to the qualities of a good horse. And it used to be said that if there was a wild horse that no one else would ride, "take it to Jimmy Smith." When his parents were aware that they were soon to be called away, they were much concerned for the future of their only child, surrounded as he was, and had been, by the influences of early Cali- fornia society, but on their making their anxieties known, he immediately relieved their concern by promising them that he would discontinue his dealings with fast horses, and as soon as possible would go to school, and try to make himself worthy of them, their confidence, love, and name. The year succeeding the death of his parents, we find him busily engaged in clearing off the obligations left upon the estate by their long illness, and the loss of stock consequent upon the drought of 1863 and 1864; he had given his two favorite race-horses to a friend, and was ready at the end of the year to go to school. He became a student of the Oakland Mili- tary Academy, and devoted himself to study for two years, so attentively that, at the close of the second year, he was offered a position as instructor in the Academy. He accepted, and for two years taught with a success gratifying to both his Principal and himself. It was while teaching in the Academy that he met Miss Addie Luelling, daughter of Seth and Clarissa Luelling, of Milwaukee, Oregon, who afterwards became his wife. Mr. Smith, finding his presence on the farm necessary to perfect the loca- tion made by his father, resigned his position in the Academy and went upon the farm to reside. He was soon engaged to teach the San Ramon School, which he could do and retain his residence upon the farm, to supervise the work. On Febru- ary 22, 1870, J. D. Smith was married to Miss Addie Luelling, in Oregon, but returned and immediately began teaching, which he has continued to do, with unvary- ing success, up to the present time. He taught two years in the public school in San Ramon, which position he resigned to accept the Principalship of the San Leandro School. This he held two years, and resigned to accept a Professorship in Washing- ton College, in Alameda County, which position he held for two years, and resigned to take charge of Livermore College. This institution he purchased from its founders, Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury, in 1875, and has enlarged it from time to time to accommo- date the increasing patronage. Livermore College owes its success as an educational institution to Prof. J. D. Smith's vital energy as a man, and capacity as an instructor. The thoroughness of his work is attested by the fact that of the many who have pre- pared for public school work in the normal course of Livermore College, not one has failed before any of the county boards in their examination for teachers' certificates. It is worthy of mention, also, that no year passes that he does not extend a helping hand to some worthy young man or young woman who is striving to obtain an edu- cation. Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Smith have only one child, a son, Duncan L. Smith, born March 16, 1874.

THOMAS A. SMITH .- This highly esteemed pioneer of Alameda County, and early resident of the town of that name, whose portrait will be found in this volume, was born in Sparta, Hancock County, Georgia, April 6, 1835. Having the misfortune to lose his father when but one year old, he was taken by his mother to different parts of the Union, finally at the age of fifteen years coming to California alone to seek his

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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

fortune. Sailing from New Orleans on the 15th July, 1850, to Havana in the steamer Ohio, and from Havana to Chagres in the steamer Georgia, up Chagres River to Cruces, and across the Isthmus to Panama, thence in the steamer California, our subject arrived in San Francisco August 23, 1850, three weeks before California was admitted to the union of States, but five days thereafter he proceeded to the mining districts of Tuol- umne County, commencing his search for gold in the river of that name, not far from Jacksonville. At the end of two months, moving to Big Oak Flat, he there remained fourteen months, when, returning to San Francisco, he entered upon the study of law in the office of Messrs. Sloan & Rhodes, but from exposure and hard work his health would not permit of the confinement necessary to the study of the profession. It may be mentioned en passant that during his residence in Tuolumne County, although but sixteen years of age, Mr. Smith was manager and cashier of the largest mining company in the district, said company consisting of twenty-five men from twenty- five to sixty-five years of age. Having remained at his legal studies for sixteen months he crossed the bay to the Encinal of San Antonio (Alameda) to visit Doctor Hibbard, on account of health, who prevailed upon our subject to take up his quar- ters permanently there. This he did in January, 1853, when he embarked in the pursuit of agriculture, and was joined by his mother and sister, the former of whom resided with him until her death, in 1866. (This estimable lady was distinguished for her many virtues, and was one of the then famous committee of ladies delegated to receive General La Fayette at Savannah, Georgia, on his last memorable visit to the United States.) Mr. Smith continued farming until the year 1864, when he commenced merchandising, which he followed until the year 1868, when he embarked in his present business as real estate agent. He has also held several public posi- tions of trust, the duties of all of which he has discharged with peculiar efficiency. In 1858 he was elected a Justice of the Peace of Alameda Township, serving until 1861 or 1862, during which term he was chosen one of the last Associate Justices of the Court of Sessions. He was also the first Treasurer of the town of Alameda, and performed the functions of that office for two years, while, in 1876, he was elected County Recorder, in which office he introduced the present valuable system, by which that office is made the best and most convenient Recorder's office in the State. In Mr. Smith we have a gentleman who at a very early age commenced an active life in our State, and has dwelt in it, an ornament to its associations, for upwards of three decades. He remained in California from his first arrival in 1850 until the year 1878; he then made a tour of Europe, and is now one of California's most respected citizens. It is by such a life of unswerving fidelity to his natural instincts that he has risen to honor among his peers. He married, January 26, 1880, Miss Alida B. Andrews, a native of California, eldest daughter of the now Rev. A. B. Andrews, a lady of culture and refinement. We find by reference to dates that Mr. Smith was only a little over fifteen years of age when he arrived at San Francisco; and he says that he had not even money enough to get on shore, but had to borrow from an acquaintance, as there were no wharves at which the steamers could land at that time; also that he walked from Stockton to the Tuolumne River. At the time he went to Big Oak Flat the Indians were very hostile and shot one of the company's members at night, and he could often see their tracks around his cabin in the morning when he got up, and had some lively adventures with the hostiles. As early as twelve years of age Mr. Smith was noted for coolness in danger, and from a notice in an old newspaper at that time, it was said that he saved the Belle of Red River, a steamer plying on that river in the cotton trade, from probable loss by fire, and prevented a panic by privately letting the captain know the condition of his discovery, which perhaps saved many lives; he also saved the life of one man on the Chagres River, who fell overboard, by plunging after him and holding him up until both were rescued. We are informed that Mr. Smith's life would make an interesting book if written, but he thought that our province was more particularly to call attention to California Pioneers, and what

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was connected with their lives during their residence in the State. Mr. Smith could have had the nomination of the last Democratic Convention for State Senator, but would not consent, although earnestly requested to do so by some of the most prom- inent gentlemen in the county.

HENRY SMYTH .- Was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in the year 1827, and resided there for the first thirteen years of his life. Subsequently proceeding to John- ston, Renfrewshire, Scotland, he there learned the trade of blacksmith, which he followed until the year 1850, when he emigrated to the United States, settled in Phila- delphia, and labored at his calling. In the year 1853 he came to California, and direct to Alameda County, where he established himself in his present business. Married in 1867, Miss Mary E. Marlin, a daughter of John Marlin, and has six children, viz .: Eliza J., Harry T., Florence, James, Mabel, and Elsa.

HENRY J. SOHST .- Was born in Mecklenberg, Germany, February 4, 1838, where he was educated, learned the carriage-makers' trade, and resided until 1868, when he crossed the Atlantic to the American Continent and settled in New York City. At the end of six months he came to California and joined his brother in Oakland, and in the year 1873 was admitted as partner in the firm of Sohst Brothers, proprietors of the Pioneer Carriage Factory, northeast corner of Eighth and Franklin Streets. H. J. Sohst was elected in the last city election, March, 1883, as School Director from the Sixth Ward, for the term of two years. Married, November 29, 1877, Miss Minnie C. Koch, a native of Jackson, Amador County, California, and has two children, viz .: Sophia, born August 11, 1878, and Eddie, born April 11, 1880.

ADOLPH STEIN .- Was born in Poland, April 25, 1852, and there resided until 1869, when he emigrated to the United States, and settled in the city of New York; there he was in the State Militia until 1873, when he moved to the Pacific Coast. In San Francisco he followed his trade of tailor until 1877, in which year he crossed the bay and established himself in the same business in Oakland, being at 916 Broadway. Married, January 1, 1872, Miss Malvina Griepthal, a native of Prussia, and has three children, viz .: Bertha, Carrie, and Abraham Moses.

CALVIN J. STEVENS .- Was born in Brownville, Jefferson County, New York, October 23, 1828. Here he resided on a farm with his father until he attained the age of twenty-three years, when, in May, 1852, accompanied by one sister, he started for California by way of the Nicaragua Route, and arrived in the State July 7th of the same year. Coming direct to Alameda County, our subject located in Union City, now Alvarado, and embarked in a mercantile and milling, forwarding and com- mission business, there remaining until 1858, when he transferred his merchandise to Centreville. In 1869 he moved his flouring-mills to Livermore, where he is now extensively engaged in producing flour, and grain-buying, as well as in general mer- cantile affairs. Mr. Stevens is also an extensive farmer, owning one hundred acres of land adjoining the town of Livermore, and many other ranches in the county, besides possessing a large property in the city of Oakland, where his family resides. Mr. Stevens has also served the county in the capacity of Tax-collector for two years, in 1874 and 1875, while he is recognized to be a leading business man of keen percep- tion and rare integrity. Mr. Stevens is married and has three children, viz .: Albert B., Mellie, and Daisy.

CAPT. LEVI STEVENS (deceased) .- The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born at Truro, Massachusetts, May 16, 1812, and in com- mon with most of the youth of that locality was reared to follow the sea, becoming master of a vessel while still a young man. For many years he sailed out of Boston, and in 1851 brought a ship from that port to San Francisco. From there he made a voyage to China and thence proceeded to Boston. Subsequent to this trip, which which was an extremely profitable one, he formed a copartnership in Boston in the shipping and commission business under the firm name of Stevens, Baker & Co., with a branch house in San Francisco, Captain Stevens taking charge of the latter, bring-

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ing a ship-load of goods out from Boston with which to stock the establishment. By his superior business capacity, his unswerving integrity in all his dealings, his close attention to details and his excellent judgment, he succeeded in establishing one of the largest shipping and commission businesses on the Pacific Coast, and at the same time making for himself a reputation second to none in commercial circles in Cali- fornia. He did not confine himself solely to the business of his firm, but being of an energetic disposition, succeeded in promoting, very materially, many laudable and important enterprises, which proved of great benefit to the community. In the course of time he accumulated a large fortune. He was one of the incorporators of the Merchants' Exchange Bank in San Francisco, and was elected its President, the bank during his connection with it doing a profitable and flourishing business. After he resigned he went to Europe, accompanied by his wife and two daughters, and traveled extensively. Upon his return to California, and during the great commercial depres- sion consequent upon the labor troubles, the close attention he was compelled to give his many enterprises produced such a strain upon his mental powers that his strength began to fail rapidly. Helocated in Fruit Vale, Alameda County, in 1864; surrounded himself with the comforts of as beautiful and picturesque a home as can be found in California. Among the many enterprises in which he took a prominent part, was that of the Pittsburg Coal Mine near Antioch, Contra Costa County, building an extensive railroad from the mine to tide-water, and was also largely interested in a profitable hydraulic mine near Smartville, Yuba County. While engaged in these enterprises he also found time to carry various extensive real estate transactions in Alameda County to a successful and profitable conclusion. His death, which occurred November 26, 1882, was caused by paralysis through over-taxation of his mental powers. He was buried on the 28th November, from the Hamilton Church, Oakland, with most solemn and impressive ceremonies. During his active business career he was noted for his enterprise, untiring industry, and firm integrity. He was pure in thoughts, manners, and speech; his influence was gentle, harsh words from his lips being unknown. He wished all his fellow-men well, never harboring or expressing unkind thoughts towards any one. He possessed a marked and active sympathy for all those in distress, and was for a long time a very efficient President of the San Francisco Benevolent Association. In his private relations he was most affectionate, generous, sympathetic, and kind, and indeed, in all bearings of life was one of Nature's true gentlemen. He married, in Boston, Massachusetts, October 15, 1837, Miss Olive R. White, and leaves with her two surviving daughters.

SIMEON STIVERS .- The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Camden County, New Jersey, July 23, 1826, but at three years of age he went to live with an uncle, Earl Marshall, and aunt. At seventeen he com- menced to learn the carpenter's trade, having been previously educated at the Phila- delphia High School. Arriving in California in 1846 he worked at his trade in Yerba Buena (San Francisco), and was for the most of his time in the employ of W. A. Leidesdorf. In 1848 he came to Mission San José, Alameda County, where he has since resided. Soon after the discovery of gold he tried mining on the American River, and was quite successful. Married, September 12, 1858, Miss Anna M. Jones, a native of Ohio, and has: Letitia M., born July 17, 1859; Simeon E., born August 12, 1861; Charlotte J., born February 27, 1864; Samuel, born August 10, 1866; Cham- pion D., born August 6, 1869; Anna M., born February 4, 1872; Mark, born January 31, 1874; and Edward, born May 3, 1878.

JAMES JOHNSTONE STOKES .- Was born in Gloucestershire, England, October 7, 1816, and there resided until the year 1829, at which time he sailed for the United States, but soon returned to Old Albion's shores, and resided continuously in parts of England and in Merionethshire, North Wales, until 1841, in which year he again crossed the Atlantic, going to Canada West, from whence he visited the cities of New York and New Orleans, sojourning for awhile in each; and then going North, he

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resided for awhile in Buffalo and Sandusky City, until the fall of 1848, when, on learning of the discovery of gold in California, Mr. Stokes made up his mind to go to the New Dorado. Finding his way to New Orleans, he sailed from that port in the month of October, 1848, for the Isthmus of Panama, whence he voyaged to San Francisco, arriving in May, 1849. It may be mentioned that he was employed for several months by the American Consul at Panama, ere proceeding on his journey. Having arrived in California he at once proceeded to the mines, near Auburn, where he remained eighteen months, and was subsequently engaged in different places at various occupations, until 1859. In the year 1851 he proceeded to Astoria, Oregon, but returned within the year to California. In the year 1859 he came to Union City, Alameda County, and was engaged in merchandising there; but afterwards moving to Alvarado, he purchased the building adjoining his present store, which was destroyed by fire in December, 1876. In the following year he built the one which he now occu- pies, where he is engaged in a prosperous merchandising business. Married, October 16, 1854, at Brentford, Canada West, Mrs. M. S. Hart, and has ten surviving children, viz .: Frank R., James J., Henry H., Philip A., Edward A., Harold L., Walter S., Guy H., Mary E. S., and Tom.

LEONARD STONE .- The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Worcester County, Massachusetts, March 3, 1825, and is the son of Benjamin and Lucy (Wheeler) Stone. At the age of eighteen he began to work in a chair factory, and followed this trade until leaving for the Pacific Coast. Sailing from New York, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, to California, he arrived in San Fran- cisco, ex steamer Golden Gate, February 21, 1851, and immediately proceeded to the mines, at Auburn, Placer County, where he remained prosecuting his search for the yellow metal until the fall of 1853. ' At that period he sought a place wherein to found a home, and being captivated by the pleasant appearance of the country around San Lorenzo, there concluded to locate. Here he resided until 1858, when he settled on his present estate, comprising one hundred and twenty-three acres, where he has since dwelt, engaged in grain and fruit raising. Mr. Stone has been prominently identified with the political doings of the county, all of which will be found recorded in the chapter on Legislative History. Mr. Stone married, November, 1858, Miss Jane Mad- den, a native of Philadelphia, and has: Lucy, Mary, William L., Elizabeth, Sarah, and Susan.

LYSANDER STONE .- The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Erie County, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1825, and is the son of Silas and Susannah (Ward) Stone. Having resided with his parents until he reached man's estate, April 1, 1847, in company with William Meek, a party of twenty families and forty-nine wagons, he crossed the plains to Oregon, where he arrived on the 13th of September, driving one of the first wagons over the Cascade Mountains, via the Bar- low route. Settling on the Clatsop Plains, Mr. Stone commenced farming, an occu- pation he followed until the spring of 1849, when he came by water to California, and passed the interval between April and August of that year in the mines. The next twelve months he followed teaming, after which he commenced dealing in cattle, horses, etc., in Colusa County. In the spring of 1860 he came to Alameda County, settled on his present property, consisting of two hundred and fifty-six acres, and has since resided there, honored and respected by his fellow-citizens. He married, May 14, 1857, Miss Kate A. Barker, and has three children, viz .: Jennie F., Egbert B., and Andrew L.

MAHLON BEACH STURGES .- Was born in Norwalk, Huron County, Ohio, Feb- ruary 26, 1830, and is the son of Thaddeus B. Sturges-at one time District Attorney of that county for a number of years, a graduate of Yale College, and a pioneer of 1849 to California-who died in Placerville, in 1851. The subject of our sketch hav- ing received his early education in the common school of his native place, and finish- ing at a private school at Marcellus, Onondaga County, New York, at the age of

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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

eighteen prepared to go to college, but owing to the financial embarrassment of his father this course was abandoned, and he took to commercial pursuits. Obtaining the position of book-keeper in the Franklin House, Cleveland, Ohio, he there remained two years, when he changed to the Durham House, and held a like position there until the intelligence of his father's death caused him to resign and proceed to California, to do which he was obliged to raise money by an insurance on his life, which has long ago been refunded. Coming by way of Panama, our subject arrived in San Francisco in March, 1852, and immediately on arrival secured a ticket for Sacramento, which left him penniless. On gaining that town he found it submerged. Mr. Sturges proceeded to the mines, in company with the late William B. Mastick of Oakland and Judge Carey of San Francisco. On arriving at Michigan Bar, where he found his brother, he engaged in mining as an occupation (Mr. Mastick and Mr. Carey con- tinued on to the mountains) until the fall of that year, when he embarked in the mercantile business. Having proceeded to Sacramento to purchase goods, as ill-fate would have it, his newly-bought stock was entirely consumed in the great fire of that season. Broke in purse, he was by no means so in spirit, therefore he once more faced the mocking world, and proceeded to the mountains, by way of Marysville. Arriving at Rabbit Creek-a place now called La Porte, in Plumas County-he cooked for a company of miners that winter. He next worked for wages for about one year, when he took up claims in company with J. M. Perry and George Stowe, both of Illinois. After three years' toil he then sold his interest to his partners, who after- wards took out $64,000 worth of dust in three weeks, and in four years they took out over $300,000. Mr. Sturges now took up a claim for himself adjoining, and "struck it rich," but owing to a change of the adjoining claim it swung him off, and he lost all. Once more his pocket was at "bed-rock." Undeterred, he proceeded to Jamison City, Plumas County, and conducted a hotel for James Kitts, where he remained until the fall of 1856; then moving to Mariposa County, he re-embarked in mining operations for one winter, but, the season being dry, and not meeting with much success, he footed it to Stockton, whence he found his way to San Francisco. He now accepted a position as steerage steward on board the steamer Sonora, then com- manded by Captain Bobbie, in which he made several trips to Panama. He now returned to the Bay City, married, and went to the mines at La Porte, but soon moved to Richmond Hill, working for wages at anything that offered; Mrs. Sturges, in the first year, making on her own account $1,800. Our subject now changed his habita- tion to Sawpit Flat, where, purchasing a claim, he commenced working it, while his wife carried on the laundry business, at four dollars a dozen, clearing thereby from thirty to forty dollars per week. At the end of four years he gave up mining, and sold out his claims. At this period he served two terms as a Justice of the Peace and Notary Public under Governor Low's administration. Mr. Sturges next pur- chased the water rights of Onion Valley Creek, consisting of eight miles of ditches, which supplied the mines of Sawpit Flat and Richmond Hill with water. Two weeks after purchasing, the miners of Sawpit Flat struck rich pay, which made his purchase very valuable. In one year he made enough to pay for his purchase and leave a handsome balance. He continued in this undertaking until 1867, when he sold out on account of ill-health. He removed to San Francisco; and there he was engaged for a year in keeping a lodging-house, when, disposing of it in 1869, he paid a visit to his former home in the Eastern States for the purpose of securing a patent on an improved gas-burner he had invented. His intention was to settle in the Eastern States, but, owing to the great climatic changes between heat and cold, he returned to California in July, 1870, and purchased his present farm of fifty acres, situated one and a half miles from Washington Corners, on the main road to Centreville, on which he has made many improvements, being engaged in general farming and stock-raising, devoting much of his time to the rearing of thoroughbred short-horn cattle, a num- ber of his raising having taken premiums at the different fairs throughout the State.

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History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 141

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