USA > California > Amador County > History of Amador County, California, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 69
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HISTORY OF AMADOR COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
S. W. EMMONS
Was born January 31, 1829, at Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio. When but three years of age he removed with his parents to the State of Michigan, where he lived on a farm until he reached the age of eighteen years. Having acquired a common school education from the meagre facilities of his neighbor- hood by attending school during the Winter terins, he left home and went to Detroit, and entered a machine shop for the purpose of learning the trade of a machinist, spending the next five years in so doing.
In 1853 he saw bright and golden prospects in California, and, to realize his hopes in that direction, sailed for the Pacific coast, which he reached in due time, by way of the Isthmus. Hc at once entered the mines in El Dorado county, but soon after went to Mokelumne Hill, in Calaveras county, where he followed mining until 1856, with varied success. In 1857 he accepted a position as engineer in Clinton, Amador county, where he remained one year. His next move was to accept a position at the New York branch saw-mill, and had charge of the engine from 1858 to 1864. In the last-named year, he took the management of the engine and machinery at the Oncida mine, which he retained two years. He was afterwards in a like position in Jackson, in the Ken- nedy mine. In all these responsible positions Mr. Emmons succeeded admirably in giving entire satis- faction to his employers, and became noted for his excellent management. Tiring of this occupation, and requiring out-door exercise, he engaged in farm- ing at the New York ranch, which he followed about two years. He then bought the Pine Grove hotel, a place well and favorably known throughout the country, located on the Jackson and Volcano road, ten miles north-east of the former place, and has since catered to the wants of his guests in a creditable manner.
Mr. Emmons was married on New Year's day, 1873, to Miss Eliza Beem, a native of Illinois, and their union is blessed with one child, a son, about five years of age.
The hotel and surroundings of Mr. Emmons can best be appreciated by a glance at the view herein contained on another page.
PETER FAGAN
Is a native of Canada West, having been born at a place called Bytown, now known as Ottawa, in the year 1835. The first sixteen years of his life were passed on Canadian soil, and his early educa- tion was obtained in the schools of his native town.
In 1851 he emigrated with his parents to the State of Illinois, and located in Bureau county, and for about eight years devoted his time to the tilling of the soil, which experience was of service to him in later years. In 1858 he came to California, by way
of New Orleans and HIavana. He remained a short time in San Francisco, and then came to Amador county, locating at Sutter Creek, where he has since resided, engaged in various occupations. The first four years of his residence at this place, he was engineer at the Eureka mine, a position he filled with more than ordinary ability. He then turned his attention to teaming, and for two years followed that business.
Desiring something better suited to his tastes, he gave up teaming and opened a livery stable, and has the satisfaction of knowing that his is the only first- class establishment of the kind in the town, in fact, no better can be found in many large cities. Hc is also considerably interested in ranching, owning a fine farm, containing two hundred acres. IIc has a mill in which he grinds the feed for his livery stock, and also for the public. The mill was originally run by steam, but is now run by water-power.
Mr. Fagan is one of the live men, noted for energy and executive ability, and deserves, and does possess, the confidence of the community. He held the responsible position of Sheriff, in the years 1874-75, and performed the duties of the office to the satisfac- tion of all.
Ile was married in 1864, to Miss Maggic Duke, a native of New York. They have seven children living, six girls and one boy.
HI. C. FARNHAM
Is a native of New York, having been born July 12, 1827, at Forestville, in Chester county. Here he acquired some education, and, what is of much more importance, the habits of industry and economy, which in every well regulated community are essen- tial to success. At the age of eighteen, on foot and alone, with his whole estate in his hands, he started out on his life career. He was a splendid penman and felt confident of paying his way by teaching penmanship along the lines of travel, which he did, forming classes at many points, teaching the young ideas how to- write. He brought up at Milwau- kee after six months of this, his first experience, in the world. Seeing no opening for work with his pen, he turned to the plane and saw, and worked at the carpenter business until 1850, when he enlisted in the great column bound for California, and one hot, sunny day found himself wandering around the streets and mining holes of Hangtown, wondering what next ? He mined around Placerville for a couple of years, and then, early in 1853, went to Fiddle- town, now Oleta, and in company with James Mc- Leod erected the first saw-mill in the vicinity. Through some faulty construction or setting, the boiler collapsed a flue and was thrown many feet out of its bed, fatally wounding two men (McLeod being one), and severely injuring Mr. Farnham, the flying boiler, with McLeod on the end, passing between Mr.
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STEPHEN FINN. ( DECEASED)
TOMPSON &WEST PUB DANLAND CALD.
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BIOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE SKETCHES.
Farnham and another man sitting at a table in the office. Notwithstanding the accident the mill was repaired, and has done good work ever since, though the cutting away of the timber has necessitated several removals of the mill farther into the mount- ains.
Ile has a fine ranch of two hundred and eighty aeres, of the deep, productive granite soil, in the immediate vicinity of Oleta, with large barns and elegant house. Several large teams hauling lumber to the mills of Plymouth and Amador, make the place look like business. In fact, Mr. Farnham is a business man; every line in his face, every move of his feet and look of his eyes, together with the sys- tem of order displayed on his farm, in his barns and shops, and mill, indicate the ruling motive of the man. He has an unmitigated contempt for the whining, indolent men, who stand around with their hands in their pockets, saying " the country is played out, nothing more to do." He has full faith in Cali- fornia, and believes it the best State in the Union.
He was married April 1, 1854, to Miss Eunice Haynes, a native of New York, by whom he has had seven children, two daughters and five boys, now living.
STEPHEN FINN.
Few places in Amador county are better known than Finn's raneh. Like the Q ranch, Buena Vista, Buekeye, and other well-known places, it was not a town, but like them early became noted as among the first to establish the comforts of home and its refining influences, and reveal the possibilities of the new State. It was hardly possible to come into the county without hearing of Finn's ranch, or to con- verse about any matter without mentioning it. Every place was located as so many miles from Finn's ranch. Stephen Finn was born in County Wicklow, Ireland, December 26, 1829. Some nine years afterward his parents, following the great stream of emigration, went to Canada with their family of four children, Stephen being the youngest. They settled in the county of Kent, and commenced anew the struggle for a home. A rigorous climate, lands to be cleared of trees, and buildings to be erected, made this a laborious task, but young Finn did not flinch from the trial, but stayed by his parents until the coming of age, acquiring the habits of in- dustry and self-reliance which proved so valuable in the State of his adoption.
On the sixteenth day of February, 1852, he mar- ried Miss Catherine Martin, a native of Canada, of French descent, who was born August 2, 1830. From this marriage came nine children, of whom six sur- vive. In 1853 Mr. Finn, with his young wife, came to California, settling first in El Dorado, then known as Mud Springs. Their stay there was short, how- ever, soon moving to this county, which he made a home for more than a quarter of a century, or until
his death, which occurred on February 28, 1880.
He was a Roman Catholic in his religious opinions, but his charity and hospitality was not limited by church lines, all being welcomed to the comforts of his home, until the white house under the tree be- came famous for its good cheer. Easter, Christmas, New Years, and Thanksgiving, as well as birthdays, all found a large company of neighbors and friends at his table.
He was a good citizen, industrious in his business, true to his promises, and faithful in every position in life.
L. J. FONTENROSE.
This gentleman was born September 27, 1850, of Italian parents, coming with them to California seven years later. He received his edueation in the public school of Sutter Creek, carrying off a large share of the honors, being, in every sense of the word, but birth, a native Californian. His education has been supplemented by a liberal course of reading, encouraged by his father, who early perceived the advantages of education to a citizen of the Republic. At the age of fifteen he entered a mercantile house, which position he retained until he was twenty-one, when he abandoned that business and engaged in quartz mining, running an engine most of the time. At the death of his father, five years later, he returned to his home and took charge of the busi- ness until 1879, when he was appointed Deputy County Clerk, a position he was especially qualified to fill. At the county election held in 1880, he was chosen to the same position which he still retains. He is a trusty, patient, pains-taking man, and wins the confidence of all with whom he has business.
MARGARET FOSTER.
The lady referred to in the following sketeh is a native of the State of Illinois, having been born in Madison county on the 15th of February, 1818. Her life was passed in her native State until the year 1852, at which time she, in company with her hus- band, crossed the plains to California and settled in Amador county. She was married February 14, 1842, to Claiborne Foster, who departed this life at the place where his widow still resides, September 6, 1876. Being left alone in the world with the excep- tion of her two children, Mrs. Foster managed the business and ranch in a very creditable manner to herself. She has conducted a hotel for the weary traveler and teamster for some years, and it is a pleasure to become an inmate of her hospitable home. Her ranch is beautifully situated in the mountains six miles from Volcano, on the old emi- grant road, and contains three hundred acres of choiee land. Her union with Mr. Foster was blessed with two children, both girls, who are married, and each have families of their own.
39
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HISTORY OF AMADOR COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
JOHN H. GRAMBART
Was born July 22, 1830, near Bremerhaven, in the Kingdom of Hanover. Ile came to New York in October, 1815, und to California, cia Panama, in 1853, arriving in San Francisco on the anniversary of Washington's birthday. Ile came to Drytown soon after, and engaged in the retail dry goods and grocery business with J. C. Williams. Ile was married August 15, 1860, to Miss E. D. Wells, daughter of Mr. H. Wells, of Amador Crossing. They have one child, a boy, thirteen years of age. Hle purchased the Central House in company with his father-in-law, Mr. H. Wells, February 4, 1863. This is one of the best known places in the county, occupying a central position on the lines of travel. It can hardly be surpassed for natural scenery and beauty of location, having an extended view of Sae- ramento valley and the western part of the State.
CHARLES GREEN
Is a native of Ohio, having been born in Licking county, December 5, 1830, in which State he resided until 1850, when he emigrated, coming to California. His first halt was made in Sacramento, when, attracted by the rich bottom-lands and beau- tiful erops, he went to farming, raising stock, hay and grain. Ile sold out in 1852, and moved to Yolo county, engaging in much the same business, where he again stayed about two years. Like almost every one, he had to try his luck in the mines, and mined two years at Salmon Falls, on the American river. In 1862 he went to Folsom and became interested in a large flouring mill, which he ran for three years. IIe then went out on the line of the Central Pacific railway, in the interest of T. II. Carroll & Co. He again turned to the mines, and in 1870 located in Amador county, looking for two and a half years after the property of the Sacramento and Amador Canal Company. In 1872 he went into the employment of the Phoenix Mill and Mining Company, then controlled by the Hoopers, as super- intendent of the ditch, and was finally made foreman of the mill, and eventually superintendent. His ineumbency was marked by a great development of all the works about the mine, until it became the most extensive in the county. He was married, June 23, 1878, to Miss E. M. Russell, a native of Illinois, having been born September 19, 1848, in the town of Fillmore, Cole county. Mr. Green has a beautiful residence with pleasant surroundings, situated on a gentle eminence overlooking the town of Plymouth, a large portion of the western part of the county, and part of the Sacramento valley. His family at this time, 1881, is himself, wife and one child.
I. B. GREGORY
Was born in Sumner county, Tennessee, April 5, 1819, and for the succeeding thirteen years remained
a resident of that State. Ilis advantages for obtain- ing an education were somewhat limited, but he managed, by energy and close attention to his studies, to acquire a knowledge of the common branches, to which he added, in after years, a large amount of practical knowledge, which places him on a firm basis in that direction. In 1832 he removed from Ten- nessee to the State of Missouri, where he remained until 1846, at which time he went to Texas, and for about three years was a resident of that State. In 1849 he again emigrated, this time to Iowa, and stayed there three years, and then returned to Mis- souri. One year later he started for California by way of the plains, and after experiencing the usual incidents connected with such a trip, reached his objective point and located at Ione City, Amador eounty, where he followed the occupation of con- tractor and builder. In 1862 Mr Gregory was elected a Supervisor of his district, serving in that position about three years. In 1867-68, he rep- resented his people in the Assembly of the State Legislature, in a very ereditable manner to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, and was solicited to again accept the nomination for the same office, but declined. Mr. Gregory possesses the enviable distinction of being almost the only man ever elected to office in the eounty who did not urge his eanvass with whisky. Some years sinee he joined a temperance society, the secretary of which firmly pasted the two sheets containing his signature and pledge, together, in consequence of which he eannot erase his name, and still feels bound by the obliga- tion. His honor and integrity are the brightest jewels in his character. About three years sinee he removed from Ione City to his present home in Jaek- son valley, a view of which is to be found in this volume. Mr. Gregory was married to Miss Martha Jane McMurry, March 2, 1843; nine children are living at the present time to bless their union, one being laid to rest to meet them no more on earth.
A. C. IIAM
Was born on the Licking river in Kentucky in 1841. Soon after the family removed to Illinois, where they resided until 1855, when they eame to California, joining the father, J. C. IIam, the extensive eon- tractor and builder, who had preceded them some years. They made their residence at Aqueduct City, the headquarters of some of the largest enterprises of the senior member of the family. Young Ilam soon "struck out" for himself, engaging in mining and other business. On the opening of the Amador wagon road our friend established a hotel, ealled Ham's Station, about twenty miles above Volcano, which he managed for some years, but which sinee the building of the larger hotel at Aqueduet City, he has left to the management of an agent. Mr. IIam has now become sole owner of the Modoe mine, in
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BIOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE SKETCHES.
the Pioneer district. The mine bids fair to take its place among the bullion producers of the Pacific coast. Persons wishing for a few days' rural amuse- ment in a romantic valley will do well to make Mr. Ham's place their headquarters, as he is familiar with all the resorts of the grizzlies and other game.
FRANKLIN HERMAN.
The subject of the following sketch is a native of Pennsylvania, having been born in Franklin county, February 27, 1830. When five years of age he removed with his parents to the wilds of Ohio, where he remained until he entered the army, and engaged in the war with Mexico. His education was received in the common schools, and leaving school and friends at such an early age, he was necessarily deprived of advantages in that line. IIe, however, obtained a thorough knowledge of the common branches, and with his one year's service in the army placed himself on a fair footing with many who received more advantageous schooling.
At the expiration of his term of service he returned to Ohio, where he remained about two years. He was married when quite young to Miss Mary G. Dreisbach, a native of Ohio, and soon after started with his bride for the Pacific coast, and located at Shasta in 1853, where he remained about four months. He is by trade a blacksmith, a business he has followed during all his life on this coast. Upon leaving Shasta he settled at Sutter Creek, Amador county, where he has since resided.
Mr. Herman is at the present time engaged by the Mahoney Mining Company, as a true son of Vulcan. He has very few superiors, and is withal a gentleman in whom repose the respect and confidence of all who know him. His family consists of himself, wife and two children, a son and daughter.
R. S. AND J. M. HINKSON
Are natives of Washington county, Missouri, where they resided until 1849, when they crossed the plains with the extensive family of that name, with their connections by marriage, the Boones. They located at Drytown, on the north side of the creek, in what was soon after El Dorado county, Dry creek being the dividing line. Few families have been better known than the Ilinksons. They were the first to open and develop the Potosi mine. The elderly Ilinkson did more, perhaps, to restrain and calm the anger of the people during the terrible affair of August, 1855, than any other man, his age and rep- utation being appreciated by the honest, though hasty miners. The two sons whose names are at the head of this article, came to Volcano in 1879, and engaged in the livery business, which they are still carrying on. They run a stage line to Jackson and also have a mail contract between Jackson and Volcano, and
also carry the express for Wells, Fargo & Co., and do an express business on their own account. They both have families residing in Volcano. The Hink- sons are reckoned among the solid, reliable men of the county.
FRANK HOFFMAN
Was born April 18, 1827, in Evarsdorf, in Germany, coming to America at the early age of sixteen, New Orleans being his first residence. After remaining here three months he went to St. Louis, in Missouri, where he remained seven years, engaged in the butchering business. In 1850 he fell into the big column of immigration and crossed the plains to Cal- ifornia, reaching Mud Springs (El Dorado) among the earliest. Here he followed the same business as in St. Louis until the following Spring, in company with John P. Hoffman, now living near Ukiah City. In the Spring he went to Grass Valley and started business there, continuing in it for about six months, when he sold out and went to the Missouri House, near Auburn, where he remained about six months. Mokelumne river was his next location, settling on a ranch and remaining about four years. While en- gaged in ranching with a partner, they started a livery stable at Mokelumne Ilill, but not being satis- fied with it, they abandoned the project, but started in the following season the same business at Jackson, which venture proved profitable and permanent, for the business has been continued in the same place to the present day.
Ile was married in 1862 to Miss Christina Clem. They have no children.
Ile has a well-equipped stable, fine residence, and a highly cultivated farm of one hundred and sixty acres, adjoining the town of Jackson. He is one of the solid men of the county, who was willing to wrest wealth out of the chaos of early days, with hard work and close attention to business, and who did it too.
JAMES H. HOLMAN
Was born in the town of Versailles, Indiana, Febru- ary 18, 1831, residing there until he was twenty-one years of age, acquiring the education and business habits which has served him to such good purpose in California. The great wave of gold fever, which swept over the country in 1832, took him from the parent home, and March 1st we find him among the crowd, driving an ox-team and plodding his weary way across the plains towards the sunset. The long- est journey must have an end, and August 7th he looked down into the Hangtown (Placerville) basin, famous for murder, hanging and gambling, as well as its rich placers. What a contrast then with now ; then Lucky Bill was coining money on the streets, a meal of bread, tough steak and black coffee was worth a dollar, and Coon Hollow was giving up its
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HISTORY OF AMADOR COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
millions to those who would dig. The oldest Yuba Dammer would say that it was a " right peert place ; " now ? Hle followed mining for two years and then went to teaming, a business which he has fol- lowed extensively to the present time, latterly for the Empire Mining and Mill Company at Plymouth. In 1856 he located at Fiddletown (Oleta) where he remained for five or six years. In 1870 he located on his present ranch one mile and a half west of the town of Plymouth, and commenced making a permanent home. Ilis farm contains 160 acres of highly im- proved land. In connection with farming and team- ing he has raised stock of all kinds. He enjoys the confidence of the community and has held several responsible offices. He was married August 4, 1856, to Miss Catherine Ashby, a native of Illinois, by whom he had one child, not now living. Mr. Hol- man's surroundings are pleasant and comfortable, a good place to anchor to, after the hurry-skurry of thirty years of excitement and labor.
JOHN HOSLEY.
"I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy." Who does not know John; "rongh, but generous, brave and kind." He has played more jokes, said more pithy things, and spent and given away more money than any other man of his inehes or avoirdupois in the county, if not in the State. The good jokes and sayings of his would fill a book, and make interesting reading, too. Ilis love of fun is the strongest element in his character. Sample No. 1 of a lot : A number of San Francisco mining sharps had been to Washoe in an carly day, and returning with sacks of ore from newly-dis- eovercd mines, stopped at his place. He listened to their speculations about the value of this and that package of ore, and after they had gone to bed, judiciously exchanged ores, putting in those he knew to be first-class. They continued their way to San Francisco, and hastened to put their specimens in the hands of the assayers. Their most extravagant hopes were realized. The ores assayed up into thousands. Companies were formed, the mines pur- chased, and the expectant millionaires started back in all haste to take possession and make their for- tunes, but no ores of the same sort were found. When they related the circumstances, they had the comforting remark that they were sold by old John, whereat they went home wiser, but not wealthier men.
He was born in Yorkshire, England, July 14, 1825, emigrating when about ten years of age. He first lived in Canada, but afterwards in Vermont, coming to California in 1849 among the pioneers. He lived at Mokelumne Hill for some years, and ran the first ferry-boat that was established on the river, it being at first only a dug-out. He enlarged it to a plank- boat, capable of carrying three or four passengers,
and finally sold out, having made all the money he wanted. Dr. Soher soon afterwards purchased the same institution for twelve thousand dollars, and expending some thirty thousand dollars more, inaugu- rated the Big Bar bridge. John was present at the birth of Mokelumne Hill, knew all its crooked habits; kew all the defaulting treasurers, sheriffs, and tax- collectors; can tell more yarns of their doings than they or their friends will like to have recorded. IIe has made many rich discoveries in quartz and placer, but money would never stick to his fingers long enough to stain them a bit. What he had belonged to all his friends, and their name was legion. As the country became settled up, and the free, flush times of '49 beeame impossible, he retreated into the mountains, and is now manager and proprietor of the toll-road leading over the mountains from Ante- lope Springs to Kirkwood's and Carson valleys. Ile has a nice plaee some nine miles east of Volcano, where we advise all to repair who wish to catch a whiff of pioneer times, or get materials for a book of fun.
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