USA > California > Amador County > History of Amador County, California, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 72
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storm. His business has been chiefly stock-raising and farming. He owns four hundred and eighty acres of land abont midway between Jackson and lone, at the junction of the old Sutter Creek and Jackson roads. Natural springs supply all the water necessary for domestic and stock purposes. For a view ofthe house and beauty of situation see engrav- ing in the body of the book. Mr. Robertson never inarried, but has had all the care of a father in helping to raise the younger members of the family, and also to support a mother in her declining years, the mother being spared to him until the Autumn of 1880.
BENJAMIN ROSS
Was born in Portland, Maine, February 19, 1822, where he learned the trade of mounting pictures and mirrors; cnlisted in Company E, Captain Charles B. Crowninshield, First Regiment, Massachusetts Mexican Volunteers ; served under General Taylor on the Rio Grande until September; then under Gen- eral Scott until the close of the war, being promoted during the time to the position of Sergeant Major. After the close of the war he returned to Boston, but started to California soon after by way of Fort Smith, Santa Fee and Salt Lake, arriving at Weber- town, El Dorado county, in September, 1850. In 1852 moved to Volcano, which place he has since generally made his home except during a trip to Idaho in 1862-63. Has at different times been en- gaged in mining, merchandising, banking and surveying In 1872 he was appointed United States Deputy Surveyor for mines by Surveyor General J. R. Hardenburgh, which position he still holds under Surveyor General Wagner. In 1878 he was elected Supervisor for District No. 2, and is now, by virtue of seniority, chairman of the Board. He was married December 6, 1865, to Miss McIntyre, and has a family of interesting children.
JONATHAN SALLEE
Was born in Lincoln county, Missouri, June 17, 1832, where he resided until he was nineteen years of age, when he crossed the plains with an ox-team, making the trip in four months. His first halt was at Mud Springs, now El Dorado, but he soon moved to Weber creek, where he engaged in mining until 1859, when he returned to Missouri, where he remained until 1871, when he returned to California with his family; for, however much we may think our State is played out, a few years' residence in the Eastern States is sure to make us long for the mild Winters and even hot Summers of this State. He located on his pres- ent ranch, about one mile and a quarter from Plym- outh, on the road to Oleta, where he has since resided. His place contains three hundred and twenty acres of good land, favorably located for business and health, it being in the elevated part of the county,
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BIOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE SKETCHES.
above the malarial region. He unites stock-raising with the cultivation of the farm, the country around being a fine range for eattle.
He was married April 25, 1861, while in Missouri, to Miss Mary E. Beach, who died in the Spring of 1865. By this marriage there were two children, a son and daughter. April 26, 1866, Mr. Sallee was married a sceond time, making Miss Sarah Jane Longfellow his wife. By this marriage they have had two children, but one of whom is living, the family now consisting of himself, wife, and three children.
ARTHUR B. SANBORN,
Of the firm of Turner & Sanborn, is a modest, indus- trious, and, consequently, promising young man. He was born in 1856, and received such education as could be obtained in the town of Jackson, until he was fifteen years old. He made the most of his opportunities, and, at the close of his school days, commenced a regular course of reading, political economy being a favorite study. He is steady and reliable, never having been given to the dissipations so common to the young men in California, or, in other words, he never took time to sow any wild oats, but went directly to work improving his mind. In 1879 he became connected with H. S. Turner in the management of the Jackson Sentinel, and is now part proprietor. He is a brilliant and forcible writer, and has a promising future.
JOHN SANDERSON
Is a native of Ireland, and was born in the month of June, 1830. He remained in the " Emerald Isle," until he reached his seventeenth year, at which time he came to Ameriea, and settled in the grand old State of New York, where he remained three and one-half ycars. He then r.moved to New Jersey, and was a resident of that State until he came to the Pacific coast in 1864. Having had experience on the " briny deep " in his trip from his native country to the United States, he naturally chose the steamer as his mode of conveyanee, and arrived in California by way of the Isthmus of Panama in due time, sound of limb and buoyant in spirits, seeking like all others an easy fortune in the mines of this State. His first location was at Sutter Creek, in Amador county, where he followed the occupation of a miner for about six years. From his savings be purchased the beautiful ranch that is now his home, located about one and one-half miles west of Sutter Creek. This home place of Mr. Sanderson's is admirably situated and contains 320 acres of choice land, which he is eultivating in a manner that is bound to make it pro- ductive.
He was married on the 13th of February, 1863, to Miss Katy Hughes, a native of New York, and their
union has been blessed with eight children, seven of whom are living. The only son born to them was called to the other world on Thanksgiving day, 1879.
BRUNO H. SCHACHT
Is a native of Germany, born about 1850. He is a young man of thorough business habits, and has the confidenee of all with whom he associates. In 1879, shortly after being naturalized, he was elected to the position of Public Administrator, a situation more responsible than profitable, which he fills with eminent ability and integrity. He has a beautiful residence in the town of Jackson, and evidently intends making the place his permanent home.
ALEXANDER SHEAKLEY
Was born at Sheakleyville, Mercer county, Penn- sylvania, May 1, 1827. In this town he spent his boyhood, and acquired the practical business educa- tion which has insured success in his many under- takings. In 1852 he followed the stream which set with so strong a current to the Golden State, arriving at Placerville, where he remained engaged in mining until September, 1853, when he came to Ione City,then growing into notiee in consequence of the rich lands in the valley, and its being on the line of travel from the mines to Sacramento. This place he made his permanent home, and materially aided to develop into its present prosperous condition. He has been engaged in many kinds of business. For the first ten years he carried on blacksmithing. Close attention to his trade impaired his health, and dis- posing of the business, he engaged in hotel keeping, becoming proprietor of the Arcade, then one of the finest hotels in the State. Since then he has been engaged in many things, always, however, retaining the ownership of the fine tract of land eontaining one hundred and eighty-four acres, which is his res- idence. This place is beautifully located, twenty to fifty feet above the valley, which sweeps in a circle around the elevation on which his house is built. Sometimes twenty reapers can be seen cutting down the fields of golden grain, which alternate with orchard and vineyard. He has a fine residence, with all the modern improvements, which is a prominent object in whatever direetion one may approach the valley. His place is underlaid by a vein of coal, which is likely to become valuable. Mr. Sheakley is one of the solid men of the county, always reliable. He was married, April 6, 1864, to Mrs. A. E. Mon- tandon. No children have blessed the union, to inherit and improve the fine property, though judg- ing from Mr. Sheakley's hearty appearance, he does not contemplate retiring from the care of it for many years to come.
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HISTORY OF AMADOR COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
JAMES W. SIEALOR.
The subject of the following sketch is a native of Virginia, having been born in Page county, Angust 24, 1830. At the tender age of six years he removed with his parents to the State of Missouri, locating at Springfield. The father of the present subject was a foundryman, and James followed that business, after leaving school, for some years. Ile also engaged in farming, and was a tiller of the soil when the western fever first laid hold of him. In 1853 he moved with his father and mother to California, coming by way of the plains, and experienced the trials usually attending such a trip in those early days.
Ilis first location was at Volcano, Amador county; and his business for some years after reaching the Pacific coast was varied, he being engaged in min- ing, teaming, ranching, milling, and other branches of industry.
For the past seventeen years he has resided on his present ranch, situated six miles north-east from Volcano. IIe has three hundred and twenty acres of fine land, and thoroughly understands the culti- vation thereof. On this ranch he has a saw-mill that was erected in 1860, and which Mr. Shealor runs about six months in the year, manufacturing pine lumber for the people in his vicinity.
He was married February 4, 1853, to Miss Melinda Simms, of Missouri. Their uniou has been blessed with five children, four boys and one girl.
The father of our subject is still living, but his mother died December 23, 1863.
D. B. SPAGNOLI
Is a native of Italy, having been born in the town of Rooegro, Province of Novara, November 30, 1840. He obtained his early edneation in the city of Pal- lanza. In 1852, he went to the Freuch college at Vevey, remaining there until 1854, when, in company with his parents and one brother, he came to Califor- nia. The names of the family were Deodato Spag- noli and Maria Antoinette, father and mother, and the two sons, Silvester and D. Benjamin. They . reached San Francisco August 1, 1854, coming to Clinton, in Amador county, the following September. The elder Spagnoli mined near Clinton for several months and then bought a store and stock of goods, consisting of general merchandise. D. B., the sub- ject of this sketch, at the breaking out of the Frazer river excitement, went north with the crowd, and had about as exciting experience of the dangers of navi- gating the Frazer river and of traveling among the Indians, as any man that ever returned alive. An interesting book might have been written on the subjeet, if book-making had been in his line of business. After his return in 1858, he followed stock- raising until the death of his father in 1863, when he took charge of his father's estate, consisting of store, mining interests and ditches, managing these until
1865, when he was appointed Deputy County Re- corder, occupying the position two years. In 1867 he was appointed Deputy County Clerk. In 1869 the offices of Clerk and Recorder were merged in one, and he received the nomination for the double office at the hands of the Democrats, and in September was elected, serving two years. At the expiration of his term of office he formed a law partnership with R. M. Briggs, having studied law and been admitted to the bar while County Clerk. Mr. Spagnoli has had a liberal education, speaking some four or five languages with fluency. He belonged to a wealthy and refined family in Italy, and started in life with many advantages, which he has not failed to improve. IIe has had great influence among his eountrymen, who would take his advice and trust their business to his carc. He was married January 12, 1870, at Stockton, to Miss Rosa Isabella Bryant. In 1872 he returned to Italy on account of business, visiting London, Paris, Rome, Lyons, Milan, Turin and other cities of the Old World. After his return from Europe he became interested in the drug store at Jackson, finally becoming sole proprietor.
His mother died in Amador county in 1873. He lost his wife in 1874, who left two sons (now living), two and three years of age, named respectively, Syl- vester Nelson D., and Urbono Giovani D.
SYLVESTER G. SPAGNOLI
Was born in the town of Rooegro, Italy; eame to California in 1854 in company with his parents, Deo- dato and Maria Antoinette Spagnoli, and a brother, D. B. Spagnoli, now a resident of Jackson, and settled in Clinton, Amador county, in the month of September, 1854. In 1865 he wert to Owybee, in Idaho, on a mining excursion, returning the same year. On the location of his brother in Jackson in the Autumn of 1865, he took charge of the home business, consisting of merchandising, mining, and ditching, which he successfully managed. He was married November 23, 1868, to Miss Minnie V. Bry- ant, by whom he has had four children: Stella M. S., now eleven; Clotilde E. S., born in Clinton, and Min- nie R. S., aged three years, born in Harmon, county of Penobscot, State of Maine.
Mr. Spagnoli enjoys the confidenec and respect of the community, having held the position of Justice of the Peace three terms, once in 1876 by appoint- ment, and twice since by election.
ROBERT STEWART
Was born December 17, 1826, in Donegall eounty, Ireland, and emigrated to the United States, after reaching his majority, by way of New York. He soon after went to Freeport, Stephenson county, Illinois, where he was engaged in farming operations for eleven years. He started for California in com-
PHOTO BY C. SUTTERLEY .
LITH. BRITTON & REY. SA
BENJ" ROSS
THOMPSON & WEST, PUB. OAKLAND, CAL
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BIOGRAPHICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE SKETCHES.
pany with Young and Johnson, March 19, 1850, and reached Placerville the 4th of September following, visiting the city of the saints while on his way. He tried mining at Placerville (then bearing the ominous name of Hangtown) for two weeks, and removed to Rancheria creek, but in a few days went to Volcano, which place he has, since October 16, 1850, made his home. Hc early began to take part in politics, and, in 1859, was elected to the position of Supervisor from that district, serving two terms; was then appointed Deputy County Clerk, under T. M. Pawling, which position he held for two years. In 1873 he was again elected Supervisor, and re- elected again in 1876. When not engaged in his public duties he has been engaged in mining, placer and quartz, principally the latter, though during the years 1876-78-79, he connected banking and buying gold dust with his mining operations. He is still engaged in quartz mining, owning a mine and mill on north fork of the Mokelumne river.
Ireland never gave birth to a more genuinc, whole- souled man than the subject of this sketch. Whether in the mines or in the forum, as an officer adminis- tering the affairs of the county, or as a miner down in the earth hammering out quartz, his genuine Irish humor never left him. Though his cducation was rather limited, his native good sense and wit has always made him a fit companion for the highest as well as the unassuming. His solid and substantial qualities were appreciated by others than men, and July 2, 1876, Miss Celia Cottingham, the acknowl- edged belle of Volcano, consented to accompany him on the afternoon journey of his life, the silver threads contrasting finely with the gold. He has a well- stocked library of modern works, with which he employs himself in his leisure hours, and is, in con- sequence, in the front ranks of the thinking portion of the world.
J. D. STOLCKEN
Is a native of Germany, having been born at Han- over, September 7, 1838. He remained in his native country until he reached the age of about fifteen years, at which time he became interested in the "briny deep," and left the scenes of his childhood to become a sailor. His intelligence, and aptness for his new calling soon manifested themselves, and he was made an officer, and held the responsible position of mate on several ships during the fourteen years succeeding his first venture on the high scas. During that time he visited many parts of the world, and became familiar with the higher branches of the principles of navigation. In 1870 he came to California, desiring a change of occupation, and a more lucrative field for his labors. His first year in this State was passed in the mines of El Dorado county. He then came to Amador county, and located the Soto mine, at Pioneer crock, which he worked for nine years, finally selling the claim to
an Eastern company. Desiring a change once more, he, with the proceeds of the sale of his mine, bought property at Volcano, and also a large stock of such goods as is generally to be found in a variety store, in which business he is at present engaged. His store is well appointed, and conducted on the " square" principle; and his stock is complete, con- sisting of fancy goods and notions, also "wet and dry " groceries. He is a single man as yet. A view of the residence of Mr. Stolcken will be found in this volume.
A. A. VAN SANDT,
The subject of the following sketch, is a native of the old " Buckeye " State, Ohio ; was born in Hamilton county, April 22, 1832. His boyhood days were passed in that county until, in 1844, when he removed to Caldwell county, Missouri, where he acted in the capacity of plow-boy on the farm owned by his parents for some years. His facilities for obtaining an education were somewhat limited, but being a lad of more than ordinary ability he succeeded in obtain- ing a thorough knowledge of the branches taught in a district school. His next move was to Crawfords- ville, Indiana, where he remained until the year 1852, when he came to the Pacific coast, and entered the mines of California, engaging in mining, which busi- ness in connection with ditching he followed with varied success until 1868, at which time he settled on his present ranch, where he has since resided. As a farmer Mr. Van Sandt has proved a success, and is to-day the possessor of a fine. large ranch, containing six hundred acres, and adapted to the cultivation of every kind of grain, hay, and fruits. The ranch is situated on the Mokelumne river, and commands a beautiful view of the surrounding country. He was married in 1875 to Miss McCloucy, and their union has been blessed with two children, both boys, aged respectively four and one years.
In the possession of his interesting family, and beautiful home, Mr. Van Sandt stands second to none of the many farmers along the river, and being in the prime of life bids fair to enjoy the fruits of his labors for many years to come.
JAMES W. VIOLETT
Was born in Logan county, Kentucky, July 1, 1828, residing there until 1849. He fell into the California column in 1850, making his way to Sacramento, where he followed the business of a carpenter until 1853, when he came to Ione valley, which place he has made his home, with some slight interruptions, ever since, engaged in farming, in some of its branches, in which he has generally been successful. In 1871 he purchased the famous Pardee orchard, one of the oldest as well as largest in the county. It contains one hundred and eight acres of, perhaps, as productive land as can be found in California. The
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HISTORY OF AMADOR COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
fruit from this place has always borne a high charac- ter. The writer of this article has seen bunches of the Exchol or Palestine grape over two feet in length, growing on the place. Twenty-one acres are now planted in choice fruit trees numbering over two thousand.
Mr. Violett was married September 7, 1871, to Mrs. Martha Watkinson, formerly Miss Martha Gregory. They have six children. Mr. Violett is an honest, industrious, and intelligent man, having the confi- dence and respect of his neighbors, and is foremost in every work calculated to improve schools, churches or other beneficent projects.
JOHN VOGAN,
Whose name frequently appears in the body of our history, was born in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, May 7, 1822. He carly began to "go West," his first move being to Memphis, Tennessee. In 1849 he eame to California, making his first halt at San Francisco, where he remained but a short time, his next destination being Sacramento. Here he engaged in staging, the business which afterwards developed into extensive proportions, having lines to Marys- ville, Auburn, Jackson, and Mokelumne Hill. In 1854 he moved to the Q ranch, and in company with Charles Green still further extended its lines, one of the longest being a daily from Sacramento to Sonora, via Jackson and Mokelumne Hill, a distance of one- hundred and twenty miles. These lines were all well stocked, the horses and coaches being first-class. The Forest line of stages were well known for com- fort, speed and safety, through the State. Though the expenses were enormous, so were the profits, the fare from Sonora to Sacramento being twenty dol- lars; from Jackson ten dollars. The lines were afterward consolidated with the California Stage Company, which proved a losing concern. After the staging business had ceased to be profitable, Vogan commenced the construction of a graded wagon road from Ione to Jackson. An experience of ten or twelve years in staging over the rough roads, or rather over no roads at all, enabled him not only to appreciate the value of good roads, but also to plan the grades and curves that would make a good road. It was finished about the year 1863, and was, and still remains, a monument of skill and perseveranee, being one of the best roads considering the eircum- stances, to be found in California.
He was elected Sheriff in 1876, and re-elected every term since.
He was married July 19, 1860, to Miss Luey Green, at the Q ranch. They have six children, five girls and one boy. He has a beautiful home and twelve hundred acres of land at the well-known Mountain Springs.
Mr. Vogan is liberal in his sentiments, genial and pleasant in manner, with no disagreeable angles in
his character, and is always reliable for a first-class anecdote of any and every prominent man of the country. In his business operations he is a square dealer, above reproach. As an executive officer he has exceeded the expectations of his friends, making one of the best detectives in the State, his quiet, undemonstrative manner enabling him to ferret out many transactions which would be successfully hid- den from a noisy man.
RICHARD WEBB
Is a native of England, born about the year 1841; was naturalized in San Francisco in 1876, and made his appearance in Amador county the same year, as editor of a semi-weekly paper published at Sutter Creek, which was soon consolidated with the Ledger at Jackson, he becoming sole proprietor. Soon after removing to Jackson he married a daughter of Thomas Jones, Esquire, of the same place, thus com- pleting his identification with American interests. His career as an editor has been more fully referred to in connection with the newspapers of Amador county. It may be added, however, that he has paid particular attention to the administration of county affairs, and has unearthed many irregulari- ties (a severer term might be used), and has in many ways assisted in bringing about the present econom- ical management of financial matters. No crooked official bears any good-will to Richard Webb.
CONRAD WELLER
Was born in the town of Helmstadt, in Germany, December 14, 1832, living there until he was sixteen years old, acquiring a good business education at the schools for which Germany is so famous. Following the tide of emigration, which was then beginning to set heavily towards America, in company with an elder brother, he landed in New Orleans in 1849, going directly to St. Louis, where he completed the trade of tinning and sheet-iron working, which he had partially learned in Germany. From thence he went to Belleville, Illinois, where his brother resided, remaining there until 1853, when he crossed the plains to California. He first located in Sacramento, working at his trade, but finally came to Jackson October 24, 1855, and three days afterwards opened the store which he has since occupied, except when interrupted by fires, the great fire of 1862 totally destroying his goods and store. In addition to the manufacture of tin and sheet-iron ware, he has always kept on hand the best stock of stoves and other hardware to be found in the county.
He was married in 1861, to Miss Katie Griesbach, of Volcano; have one ehild, a son, born August 3, 1862.
Mrs. Weller was born in Munich, March 3, 1845, of Jacob and Catherine Griesbach.
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Mr. Weller and wife are good samples of the emi- gration from Germany, who, by honest, persistent industry which, satisfied with a fair prosperity, move straight along without grumbling to competence and wealth, and who have done so much to develop the resources of the country, and establish the habits of life so invaluable to a nation.
MATTHEW H. WELLS
Was born May 9, 1809, in Suffolk county, Long Island, and is, therefore, a New Yorker. He resided on the romantic island until he was seventeen, obtaining a practical business education while therc. His next residence was in New York City, where he was engaged in an extensive grocery store for three years. The desire to see the world being strong, he enlisted in the service, going on the United States ship Boston, where he remained four and a half years. The next thirteen years were spent in New York City in various kinds of business. Upon the breaking out of the gold fever he took passage in the brig Cordelia, leaving New York January 30, 1849, reaching San Francisco July 15th, which, considering the character of the vessel and ignorance of the winds and currents in those days, was a remarkably quick trip. He followed mining for a short time, but soon engaged in butchering in Sacramento, which he followed for some months. Then he tried a boarding-house for awhile, and then a store, for in those days lawyers sold peanuts and blacked boots, and ministers occasionally dealt monte, no one fol- lowing his own trade, or indeed any one, long. In 1852 he came to Amador creek, where he kept a store for eleven years, falling into the steady habits of the New England life. In 1863 he located on the ranch where he now lives, about forty miles east of Sacramento, on the road to Jackson, Plymouth and Oleta. He has large and commodious buildings, making a comfortable residence for both man and beast. His farm contains about seven hundred acres of land.
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