USA > California > Glenn County > History of Colusa and Glenn counties, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the counties who have been identified with their growth and development from the early days to the present > Part 70
USA > California > Colusa County > History of Colusa and Glenn counties, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the counties who have been identified with their growth and development from the early days to the present > Part 70
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Mr. and Mrs. Bedford have had nine children born to them: Richard Thomas, who farms on the old home place; Edmund Cole- man, who resides in Willows; Mary A., who resides with her parents ; Charles Henry, of Orland; Carrie, Mrs. Gould, of Wood- land; Mildred, Mrs. Vanderford, of Orland; Marcus Green, who manages the home ranch; Archibald Houston, of Paskenta; and Lena Freeman, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Bedford are members of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
WILLIAM GORDON CARPENTER
A man who has made his influence felt in the affairs of Co- lusa County as one of the leading and successful ranchers of the Sacramento Valley, in which section he is well and favorably known, is William Gordon Carpenter, a native of Missouri, born in Grundy County, on December 14, 1861. His father, Andrew Jackson Carpenter, was born near Louisville, Ky., and was mar- ried in that state to Susan Mitchell. They removed to Grundy County, Mo., where they remained until 1863. Deciding that the West held better opportunities for him, Mr. Carpenter then set out with his family, consisting of his wife, two daughters and twc sons, on the long journey over the plains and mountains, with slow-going oxen hitched to their wagons. After an uneventful journey of six months, they arrived in California. The first year was passed in Stanislaus County, where Mr. Carpenter put in a crop along the Stanislaus River. It was a dry year (1864), and he met with a total failure. This greatly discouraged him, and he 42
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moved to Oregon that fall, using horse teams, as he had disposed of his oxen. He took up a claim of one hundred sixty acres near the town of Eugene, in Lane County. This he improved; and here for some years he farmed with fair success. His next move took him to Whitman County, Wash., where he engaged in raising wheat near Colfax for two years. Here he passed away, in 1880. His widow and her family then located in Eugene, and three years later came down to California. Mrs. Carpenter died on December 24, 1907, leaving six children: Mrs. Laura Saunders, of Oregon; George W., residing near Maxwell; Drucilla, Mrs. Baker, of Co- lusa ; William G., of this review; and Mrs. Alameda Gregory and Stonewall Jackson, of Maxwell.
William Gordon Carpenter was but a babe when his parents brought him across the plains in 1863. He was reared and edu- cated in Oregon, whither his parents had moved in 1864. He was sixteen years of age when the family moved farther north into Washington, and was then able to be of great assistance to his father on the ranch, where he learned to drive the big teams in the grain fields. Upon the death of his father the family located in Eugene, Ore., and two years later Mr. Carpenter came down to California and found employment near the town of Maxwell. His mother and the other members of the family joined him the fol- lowing year. In 1884 he began ranching on his own account, leas- ing a ranch near Maxwell, where he farmed for about six years. Then he leased land from Colonel Hagar on the Sacramento River, in Colusa County, and for fourteen years was engaged in grain- raising on that place, at the same time leasing adjoining land, farming fifteen hundred acres in all. In 1909 he leased his present place of ten hundred fifty acres, part of the W. H. Williams estate, which adjoins the town of Williams; and also twenty-five hundred acres from the Stovall-Wilcoxson Co., about eight miles west from the town. This entire acreage he devotes to the raising of grain. He raises some fifteen hundred acres of wheat and barley each year, summer-fallowing the balance of the land. Mr. Carpenter is up-to-date in his methods, using a sixty-five horse-power Holt cat- erpillar, and a fifty horse-power Holt steam tractor. These mod- ern machines are supplemented by a Holt combined harvester. Be- sides harvesting his own crops, he cuts about two thousand acres each year for his neighbors, the proceeds of which add materially to his annual income. In 1900 Mr. Carpenter became the repre- success, and also sold the first Holt steam tractor in the county. and used the first steam rig in Colusa County, operating it with sentative for the Holt Manufacturing Co. of Stockton. He bought Since then he has placed all of the Holt power rigs and combined harvesters used in the county. He devotes considerable time to
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sales, and now finds the gasoline caterpillar tractor taking the lead over the steam tractor.
Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage at Colusa, on Decem- ber 17, 1893, with Miss Hannah Miller, a native of Stockton, and a daughter of J. H. and Mary J. (Goodin) Miller, born in Spring- field, Mo., and Kentucky, respectively. Her parents crossed the plains to California in 1856. For a time they followed mining, after which they farmed in Colusa County, later removing to Stockton. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter five children have been born: Loveta Jane, a graduate of the Williams high school and the San Jose State Normal, and now a teacher; Darrell J., a high school graduate; Georgia Elaine, a student in the high school ; and Helen and William Bernell.
Mr. Carpenter is a member of Central Lodge, No. 229, of the Odd Fellows, at Williams. He is a Past Grand, and has repre- sented his lodge at the Grand Lodge. He and his wife, and their daughter Loveta, belong to the Rebekahıs, Pearl Lodge, No. 181, at Williams. For over twenty-five years Mr. Carpenter has been an active Odd Fellow. In political matters he favors the Democratic platform, and has been a member of the County Central Commit- tee for years. He has served as a school trustee in Maxwell.
JOHN WILLIAM SOETH
A farmer in Clark's Valley, where he is well and favorably known, John William Soeth has been a resident of California since he was a lad of twelve. He was born in Holstein, Germany, January 25, 1876, and attended the German schools until 1888, when, with his grandparents, he came to the United States. They were bound for the Pacific Coast and on arriving in California settled in Colusa County, in a section that later became a part of Glenn County. In Marion school district this German lad learned to speak English, and completed his grammar school education. His school days over, he began working on ranches, and for ten years was a wage-earner. With his savings he engaged in farm- ing, and for three years had Fred Mason, an energetic young man, for a partner. He then sold out his interests and bought a twenty-acre tract of the Glenn ranch, on the river. He im- proved the place, raised alfalfa and ran a small dairy, and made his home there for eight or nine years, when he sold out. With the proceeds he bought six hundred forty acres of the Johansen place in 1902. He has four hundred acres under cultivation, and is adding to his income by raising sheep and hogs.
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Mr. Soeth was married in Colusa County to Miss Rose Allen Hebert, a native daughter, born March 18, 1880, into the family of Samuel and Mary (St. Louis) Hebert, natives respectively of Canada and Missouri, in which latter state they were married. Mr. Hebert was a soldier in the Civil War. He came to Colusa County, where he located a government claim of one hundred sixty acres and followed farming. His wife came to California with a brother. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Soeth seven chil- dren have been born: Alda Norine, Wanda Valentine, A. Lorine, Velma, Orrin, Odon and Theoran. The family is highly respected by all who know them, and hold a high place in their community, where Mr. Soeth is ever ready to cooperate with every movement for the betterment of the county. He is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the German Lutheran Church.
ROY W. GRENFELL
An enterprising and successful business man, Roy W. Gren- fell, as secretary and manager of the Grenfell Lumber Company of Colusa, has made his influence felt in the commercial world. He was born in Madison, Wis., December 12, 1879. Coming to California with his parents in 1885, he grew up in Grass Valley, and graduated from the high school there in 1897, after which he returned to Wisconsin and was graduated from the Northwestern Business College, at Madison. He then entered the employ of a lumber company there, and remained two years learning the busi- ness, at the end of which time he was put in charge of the office of a sawmill at Chelsea, Wis. Returning to California, on a visit, Mr. Grenfell heard of an opening at Colusa, and coming here on February 28, 1905, bought out the C. C. Hickok Lumber Company. Since his arrival in this city, he has built up a large and profit- able business.
Everything in the building line is carried by this enterpris- ing dealer. He buys redwood in ship-load and car-load lots, from Eureka to Albion, and pine from Portland, Ore. In connection with his lumber yard, Mr. Grenfell operates a planing mill and caters to the building contractors in this section of the valley. Since he located here he has had an unusually successful career and has won a high place in the business life of Colusa County.
As he succeeded in business, he found time to devote to other interests. He bought seventy-six acres of land and set out an orchard of prunes. On twenty acres of this property, the trees are now (1917) two years old and in a promising condition. As
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a public-spirited citizen, Mr. Grenfell has always had the best interests of the county at heart, and has ever been ready to lend his support to all worthy movements for the benefit of his com- munity. He believes in the future of Colusa and the country sur- rounding it ; and by his industry he has made a place for himself in the life of the valley with the passing years.
At Grand Rapids, Wis., Mr. Grenfell was married to Miss Myrtle Kellogg. Three children bless their union: Janice, LeRoy, and Clarence. Mr. Grenfell was made a Mason in Medford, Wis., Lodge, and belongs to the Chapter and Commandery at Colusa, being Past Commander. He belongs to the Marysville Lodge of Elks, and to the Antlers Club of Colusa.
THOMAS G. AJAX
A wide-awake business man who still finds time to devote to healthful recreation, and who, by providing legitimate sport, has become one of the best-known sportsmen in this part of the state, is Thomas G. Ajax, a native of Terre Haute, Ind., of Welsh descent. He was a journeyman tailor, and followed his trade as a young man in various parts of the East. He came to the Coast, and for a time followed his trade in Seattle, Wash., after which, in 1889, he came to California and opened a tailoring establishment in Sacramento. Later he removed to Willows, where at first he had a tailor shop under the Crawford Hotel, making there a display which at once attracted the attention of the public. When he had acquired some reputation, he moved to his present location on West Walnut Street, where he conducts a first-class tailoring business, making a specialty of ladies' garments. Knowing just what is wanted, and how and when to supply it, he has built up a trade such as many longer established would be glad to enjoy.
In 1911, Mr. Ajax opened a modern and thoroughly up-to-date cleaning establishment at 320 South Butte Street, equipped with every known appliance for washing, extracting, drying and other- wise cleaning, with or without steam, the same being the only modern dry-cleaning plant in the entire county. He has built up a considerable business by parcel post, adopting the plan of paying the carriage both ways within fifty miles of Willows, and so at- tracting patrons from a wide surrounding territory.
Some years ago Mr. Ajax was married to Miss Sadie Lowe, a native of Missouri; and together they participate in the social life of the community. Mr. Ajax is a member of the Woodmen of the World, and is also a member, and was one of the organizers, of the "Clampers" of Willows.
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Along the line of sports Mr. Ajax has become well known throughout Northern California. In 1900, he was the organizer and manager of the "Willows Giants," one of the best amateur baseball teams in the state-a team that won many championships and defeated the most renowned players sent out from San Fran- cisco and Sacramento. As a souvenir of those exciting days, Mr. Ajax has an interesting scrapbook containing the account of all ball games played by the team since 1900. Some of the best play- ers in the Pacific Coast League, in the past few years, have played with the "Willows Giants." Boxing events have also been promoted by Mr. Ajax; and in early days he was interested in local entertainments such as Negro minstrel shows. In more recent years he has found recreation in goose hunting in the local marshes, using a flock of live decoy geese, and accompanying visiting sportsmen from various parts of the state to the most favorable hunting grounds. Mr. Ajax superintends the annual celebration of the Fourth of July. It will thus be seen that he has given himself to the advancement of clean and beneficial sport, and in this matter he has undoubtedly rendered a public service.
REV. HERMAN J. VON RENNER
As pastor of the German Lutheran Church of Germantown, Glenn County, Rev. Herman J. von Renner is proving his ability in his chosen calling-in fact, has already proved it, for he is a leader in the educational and social life of the community. Born in Richville, Mich., March 16, 1886, of German parentage, Rev. Renner pursued his studies in the public schools of that vicinity, after which he attended the Maston High School, at Buffalo, N. Y., for four years, and the Preparatory School at Milwaukee, Wis., for three years, and finally graduated from the Theological Seminary at Springfield, Ill., in the spring of 1908.
Coming to California, Rev. Mr. Renner accepted his first charge in the fall of 1908, as pastor of the church he still serves, in which capacity he has more than satisfied every demand made upon him. He is an active factor in all movements for the ad- vancement of the people in his community. He formed the Ger- mantown Young People's Society, and takes an active interest in its work. He is a school trustee, and assisted in the formation of the Farm Center, Germantown district. He also teaches the German language, having two classes from the local school and giving the course of instruction in his church. Rev. Renner makes the interests of his people his own interests. A man of
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education and attainments, he has built up his church and lent every effort toward placing the community on a higher level, both socially and economically. He is a highly respected and very popular man, having the faculty for making friends and keeping them, as is shown by his many friends and helpers in his chosen field.
At Altamont, Ill., August 30, 1908, Rev. Renner was united in marriage with Miss Emma Laatsch, a native of Illinois. They have one son, Bertwin.
THOMAS E. MARONEY
One of the most enterprising and progressive business men of the city of Colusa is the gentleman whose name heads this article. As owner and proprietor of the Colusa Machine Shop, he has built up a good business on the premises formerly occupied by the old Colusa Foundry. In March, 1914, Mr. Maroney bought this property from Mrs. Frank Wulff, whose late lmshand was formerly proprietor of the business.
Thomas E. Maroney is the son of Martin Maroney, a sawyer and machinist. He was born at Huntington, W. Va., January 31, 1870. About that time his father was running a sawmill at Por- terville, in that state, and previously he conducted one for the Yellow Poplar Lumber Company. Grandmother Maroney was born in Ireland, and came to Pennsylvania, living for many years near Meadville, where she died at the age of one hundred three. His parents still reside in Huntington.
Young Maroney's early childhood, boyhood and young man- hood were associated with machinery; and his inclinations turned so strongly in that direction that his education was confined to the public schools in his native state, which held sessions about four months in the year. All of his spare time was spent in his father's mills and shops. At the age of fourteen he was appren- ticed to the Ensign Manufacturing Company, to learn the trade of boiler maker. He served for four years at Huntington, W. Va., and at eighteen was a competent journeyman. His first position was at Logan, in that state, in the employ of the United States Coal and Oil Company. He began at the time the ground was broken, and remained until they shipped their first coal; and he was present when the first car load went out to the president of the company in New York City, which represented an expenditure of one and a quarter millions of dollars.
Soon after this, Mr. Maroney came west. He held responsible positions as boiler maker, construction engineer, and machinist in
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Detroit, Chicago, and Bakersfield, Cal. He was construction engineer for the Associated Oil Company, in the Kern River fields, for two years, and from there went to Old Mexico, where he held important positions with the Madera Lumber Company until the Mexican revolution made it unsafe for Americans to remain in that country. He again came to California in 1907, on the last train over the route by which he returned. An ex- tended trip to several Oregon cities, and a prospecting and min- ing trip into Del Norte County, Cal., occupied about two years of his time. He then made a visit to Colnsa, where he decided to locate. His ability was soon evident and he had many. jobs offered to him. Soon after, in partnership with a friend, H. S. Hearn, he started in business; and they were very successful from the beginning. The firm continued as Maroney and Hearn until January 23, 1917, when Mr. Maroney became sole owner. His shops are equipped with all kinds of modern tools and machinery, and are run by a powerful electric motor. He is prepared to execute any kind of repair job or to manufacture anything in his line.
Mr. Maroney was married to Mrs. Leonora Hannah, widow of J. H. Hannah, and a native of Virginia. Their comfortable home in Colusa is presided over by Mrs. Maroney with a delight- ful charm and grace of manner; and they have a wide circle of friends in their home town and throughout the county. Frater- nally, Mr. Maroney is a Mason and an Odd Fellow.
ALFRED L. WEST
Among the wide-awake real estate dealers of Willows, and one who succeeds largely because of his unbounded confidence in the future of the town, is Alfred L. West, a native of the good old town of Quincy, Ill., where he was also brought up. There were schools enough, and good ones, too, in Quincy; but circumstances compelled Alfred to quit his teachers and his books at the age of thirteen, and to commence his hard struggle with the world. His first employment was in a grocery store at Quincy, at three dollars and fifty cents a week. Later, he went to Chicago and engaged with a dry-goods establishment, where he learned the business ; and during the thirteen years he remained there, he was advanced steadily until he reached the position of manager of the store. He next conducted a dry-goods business at Louisville, Ky .; and after- wards was a dry-goods merchant at Kansas City, Mo., and then at Carson City, Nev.
Caroline. H. Muller
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Coming to San Francisco in 1894, Mr. West became associated with the North Western Mntnal Life Insurance Company, and remained in that city until 1907. He then removed to Willows, where he engaged in the real-estate business, and by exceptional foresight and close attention to details built up a remunerative trade. He has become agent of the North Western Mntnal Life Insurance Company, of Milwaukee, and of the Westchester Fire Insurance Company and the Imperial Fire Insurance Company, of New York City.
MRS. CAROLINE MULLER
If America is preeminent as the land of opportunity for the man of moderate means, California is the state for the develop- ment of woman, especially as a factor in the business world. This is made clear in the career of Mrs. Caroline Muller, owner of valnable real estate in Willows. She was a danghter of John and Dorothy (Herschel) Hirt, farmers near Strasburg, France. It was here that her father died, after which her mother joined her children in America, where she died in San Francisco. She had five children, three of whom are still living. Mrs. Muller, the second youngest in the family, was educated in the public schools of her native country. She came to California in 1877, making her home in San Francisco until her marriage to Joseph Muller, born in Colmar, Alsace-Lorraine, when it was a province of France. He learned the trade of blacksmith there, and followed it until he came to America, making his first stop in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he continued his trade until he had become familiar with the ways of the country and had made enough money to bring him to the Pacific Coast, whither he came in 1875. He arrived in Los Angeles, then a small town, and there followed his trade. He was able to speak French and German fluently, and soon picked up Spanish and English, all of which were valuable assets to him in his work. He was looking for a location in some growing com- munity; and with this in view he traveled north from Los Angeles, stopping at various places, and finally arrived in Wil -. lows, in 1880. He bought some town lots, put up a blacksmith shop at the corner of Sycamore and Butte Streets, and in time built up a profitable and thriving business, drawing enstom from all over Glenn County. He was an adept workman, courteons to all his patrons, and was well liked by all who knew him. He served as a trustee of the city and became prominent in the lodges of the Masons and Odd Fellows.
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Mrs. Muller's enterprise and public spirit have been demon- strated in many ways. She has shown an optimistic confidence in the future of Willows, improving her property with suitable business houses. She has erected three modern business buildings .. Her home at the corner of Shasta and Sycamore Streets has stood for more than thirty-three years as a familiar landmark in Wil- lows. The yard is set with beautiful flowers, and is shaded with fruit trees and ornamental trees, all of which she has cared for with her own hands. She is continually making improvements on her holdings, and displays her enthusiasm in many ways for the advancement of her adopted city, supporting and working for pro- gressive movements that make for a better town.
Mrs. Muller has four children: Mrs. Emma D. Barceloux, Alfred L., Jeanette J., and Joseph T., all of whom have been given good educational advantages. Mrs. Muller is active in social, religious, and civic circles, supports the various associa- tions that have for their aim the moral uplift of the community, and is recognized as a charitable, hospitable and progressive citizen.
RICHARD HENRY NICHOLS
An enterprising farmer in the Clarks Valley section of Glenn County, who is making a record for himself in the agricultural interests of the state, is Richard Henry Nichols, owner of eleven hundred twenty acres of land at the head of Willow Creek, below the Needham and Washington grades. He was born in Holstein, Germany, October 7, 1880, a son of Claus J. and Elsie (Soeth) Nichols, who brought their family to Glenn County in 1891, the year that this county was formed. They became the owners of eleven hundred twenty acres of land above Mills Holm, where they carried on their occupation as farmers for several years, finally retiring to make their home in Los Angeles. There Mr. Nichols died in 1914. Mrs. Nichols still makes that city her home, residing on Flower Street. Of the three children, Richard Henry is the only one living.
Richard Henry Nichols received his education in the public schools of Glenn County. From a lad he lived on a ranch, where he became greatly interested in farm pursuits, learned to drive a big team, and proved to be of great assistance with the work about the ranch. At the age of twenty-one, he entered into partnership with his father. In 1905 he purchased six hundred forty acres of his present place, upon which he located and made necessary improvements. He fenced it, built barns and a house,
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and engaged in raising grain and stock. Later he added four hundred eighty acres adjoining, thus giving him ample acreage for his stock and grain fields. He makes a specialty of raising cattle and sheep.
Mr. Nichols was married in Willows, to Miss Mattie Johann- sen, born in Clarks Valley, a daughter of Hans Johannsen, a pio- neer of the valley, but now living retired in Oakland. Two children grace their happy home: Elsie and Edith. The family are mem- bers of the Lutheran Church. For several years Mr. Nichols has been a member and clerk of the board of trustees of the Marion school district. He also serves as road overseer of the fourth road district of the fourth supervisoral district in Glenn County. The success made by Mr. Nichols has been the result of his own efforts, and he has made many friends throughout Glenn County.
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