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 74
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 74
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LEONARD HUFFMASTER
Nestling beautifully in the foothills of the Coast Range, in Blanchard and High Valleys, lie the ranches of Leonard Huffmas- ter, a native son and prominent farmer and stockman of the Lees- ville district, Colusa County, who has made a name and place for himself in his community. A son of a pioneer settler in Califor- nia, Leonard Huffmaster was born on April 20, 1867, in Yuba County, and was reared at Reed's Station until 1881. He attended the public schools in his native locality and also after coming to Blanchard Valley and Antelope Valley, and for a time was a stu- dent in the Maxwell school. His father was Edmund Huffmaster, a native of Springfield, Ill., who served as a volunteer in the Mex- ican War. He was an engineer and machinist by trade. He crossed the plains to California with horse teams, and in 1852 ar- rived in the locality where Wheatland now is situated. Settling at Diamond Springs, with two partners, he ran a sawmill for seven years, after which he sold out to his partners, taking their notes in
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payment. They defrauded him of his money by going through in- solvency. Locating in Wheatland, he bought a ranch, and began farming. At the same time he followed his trade as an engineer, engaging in both occupations until he sold his ranch. He then lo- cated at Reed's Station, where he preempted a quarter section of land, made necessary improvements while running the place, and also followed his trade as engineer. In 1881 he located in Blanch- ard Valley, Colusa County, homesteaded one hundred sixty acres, and later purchased a like amount of land adjoining. Here he farmed until his death on June 17, 1890, at Sites. Edmund Huff- master married Susan Parker, a native of Pennsylvania, born in Potter County. She was a daughter of Lorenzo Parker, who brought his family across the plains in an ox-team train abont 1852, and located near Wheatland, where he became the owner of a fine ranch. Later he sold ont and settled in Chico, where his last days were spent. He was a fancier and breeder of standard-bred horses, and was a good judge of horse-flesh. Mrs. Huffmaster died at Sites at the age of seventy-seven. Mr. and Mrs. Huffmas- ter became the parents of six children, of whom Leonard, the sub- ject of this review, is the only survivor. John was accidentally killed in the mill at Diamond Springs. Charles was a splendid machinist and an inventor of some note, having patented many in- ventions, among them a governor for steam engines. He also in- vented a steam dome for engines. He was master mechanic with the Best Agricultural Works at San Leandro for twenty-seven years. His last days were passed in Oakland, where he died. Lydia became the wife of Charles Shaddock, and died at Sites. Clarence died at San Leandro. Emma became the wife of Nicho- las Smith, and died in Trinity County.
His school days ended, Leonard Huffmaster rode the range, learned to rope and brand cattle, and became familiar with all branches of the stock business, and a particularly good judge of stock. In the meantime he was also engaged in grain-raising and in cutting wood and getting it to market. In 1888 he took charge of the old home ranch. There was a heavy indebtedness upon it, as much, in fact, as the land could be sold for in the market at that time. Nothing daunted, however, he assumed all obligations, and by careful attention to the cattle and wood business paid off the inenmbrance and established himself as a successful stockman. As his herds increased and needed more range land, he bought ad- joining property from time to time as his means would permit, un- til he is now the owner of two thousand two hundred sixty acres, practically in one body. The land is equipped with a good set of buildings, as substantial as any to be found in the whole of the
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Blanchard Valley. There are two sets of buildings on his High Valley ranch; and he has a residence at Sites, and one at Lees- ville. Besides his own land, he also leases some eleven hundred acres from the Cortina Vineyard Company, near Williams, and raises large quantities of grain and hay for his stock. Through close application to the details of his large stock and ranching in- terests, Mr. Huffmaster has prospered financially. He raises cattle, horses, mules, hogs and sheep on his ranches, and also buys and sells extensively. His cattle are of the Durham breed; and his horses of Percheron stock. He owns a fine Jack and several Jennets, which head his band of mules. His brand, L. H., is well known among the stockmen of the surrounding country.
At the old Thomas Newsom place, four miles northwest from Williams, Leonard Huffmaster was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Hanson, who was born near Marysville, a daughter of Wil- liam and Lydia (Wilson) Hanson, pioneers of California. Wil- liam Hanson at one time built and owned a toll bridge across the Yuba River; and later he became a rancher near Willows. He was killed by being accidentally run over by a passenger train. Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Huffmaster five children have been born: Grace Elizabeth, Clara Augusta, Leonard Clifton, Glenn Wilson, and Ellen Blanche, all bright and intelligent children. Mr. Huffmaster is a trustee of the Leesville school district. He was a charter member of Maxwell Parlor, No. 148, N. S. G. W., until they surrendered their charter. In politics he is a Democrat. Mrs. Huffmaster is a woman of refinement, loving disposition and Christian character. She is a member of the Baptist Church at Willows. She joined this congregation years ago; and her friends of early days prevailed upon her to remain with them in church fellowship, though she now lives so far away that she can rarely attend. Mr. Huffmaster is a very liberal and kind-hearted man, and is ever ready to help those who have been less fortunate than himself. He is an interesting conversationalist, and an ex- ceptionally hospitable host. Fortunate indeed is one who has the privilege of being entertained at his home. "Len" Huffmaster, as he is familiarly called by his many friends, is a truly self-made man, and is highly esteemed in the community for his honesty and integrity of purpose, his moral worth and his manly ways. He is a man of whom Colusa County may well be proud.
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CHARLES ALEXANDER
Self-educated and self-reliant, Charles Alexander has solved the vital problem of attaining to success in the face of disheart- ening difficulties. A son of Allen Alexander, he was born near Maxwell, Colusa County, July 27, 1870. His father was born in Brown County, Ill., in November, 1833, and as a lad attended school in the rude log schoolhouse in the vicinity of his home, also doing such work about the farm as his strength would permit. In 1850, at the age of seventeen, fired with the same spirit of adventure, no doubt, that had led his parents to locate in the Middle West, he joined a wagon train bound for California, and drove an ox team across the plains. Arriving in California, he at once went to work in the mines; but finding that occupation too precarious, he soon turned his attention to other pursuits. For a while he worked for wages in the vicinity of Oroville, then a dis- tributing point for the mines in that section. Later he went to Colusa County, and from there made his way to Petaluma. Re- turning to the Prairie State in 1867, he married Ann B. Huffman, a native of that state. With her he returned to Colusa County, Cal., where he has since resided. He received good wages, and saved his money until he had enough to buy an outfit to begin ranching. Leasing land near Maxwell, he raised grain and some stock, remaining on that ranch until 1875. He then sold out and moved np into the section now embraced in Glenn County, and near Stonyford bought a quarter section of land, to which he added from time to time until he owned thirteen hundred acres, upon which he successfully raised grain and stock. The valley in which his ranch is located is known as Alexander Valley, and a portion of the place adjoins the East Park Reservoir. Allen Alexander is one of the oldest men now living in Glenn County who have seen and assisted in its wonderful development. His wife died in 1885, leaving four children.
The oldest child in his father's family, Charles Alexander attended the Mount Hope district school, the schoolhouse then standing on the present site of the East Park Reservoir. As he grew older, he assisted with the ranch work; and when seventeen he entered Pierce Christian College at College City, for a special course, after which he returned to the home ranch and remained until 1891. The following year was spent on the George Ware place. He then returned again to the home place and located there, leasing the northern portion until 1909, and since then
Carla abjander Mystic alexander
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operating the whole place. Here he is engaged in raising grain and hay, together with fine horses, cattle and hogs.
Near Stonyford, on October 25, 1893, Mr. Alexander was united in marriage with Myrtle Angelina White. She was born near Maxwell, a daughter of the late Fred White, a native of England, who came to the United States and settled in Kansas City, Mo., in 1870. Five years later he came to California, and in 1894 bought a ranch on Elk Creek. Fred White married Annie Bailey, also of England. She died in California; and after her death, Mr. White sold his ranch and made his home with Mrs. Alexander. He passed away on May 15, 1917, at the age of eighty-one years. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander, three children have been born: Allen Frederick; Gleta, Mrs. MeGhan, living near Lodi; and Enla, at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are members of the Eastern Star Chapter at Willows. Mr. Alexander is a member of Snow Moun- tain Lodge, No. 271, at Stonyford, of which he is Senior Steward (1917) ; and he also holds membership with the Elks in Chico. He is a Republican, and served on the County Central Committee for years. For nine years he has been a trustee of the Grape- vine school district, and has done much to maintain a good school. Mr. Alexander and his wife enjoy the confidence and good-will of all who know them; and they are accorded a place among the worth-while citizens of Glenn County.
FRANCIS MARION KESSELRING
One of the successful farmers and stockmen of Colusa County, and a native son, Francis Marion Kesselring was born at English Hill, Sonoma County, on April 27. 1859. His father, Jacob Kesselring, was born in Germany, and came to the United States with his parents when six years of age. The family located first in Pennsylvania and then at Jonesville, Mich., where he grew to manhood; and there he married Emily Jane Smith, a native of Indiana. Being in poor health, they came to California, crossing the plains in 1850, with ox teams; and on arriving at Bidwell's bar Mr. Kesselring followed mining and teaming for four years, after which he returned East via Panama. In 1856, he and his wife came via the Isthmus to San Francisco, landing from the steamer the day Casey and Carey were hung. They spent a year in Butte County, and then came to Sonoma County. Here Mr. Kesselring remained until June, 1858, when he returned to Butte County and engaged in the hotel business at Peavine. In 1860, he
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moved to Colusa County, and the first year ranched west of New- ville, after which he moved to St. John, on Stony Creek, and engaged in farming. He plowed the first land on the south side of Stony Creek, and his residence was located where the Central Canal crosses the stream. In the fall of 1864, he moved back to Sonoma County, but in 1865 returned to St. John. In 1866 he moved across the river into Butte County for a year, after which he again returned to St. John. He leased land and ran a hotel till 1870, when he moved on to Colusa Plains, to land upon which he had filed in 1868. This he improved, making it his place of residence for seven years, when he sold and moved to Modoc County. Afterwards, however, he returned to Colusa Plains, where he died on May 31, 1880. His wife survives him, and is now residing in Orland. Their four children are as follows: E. B., proprietor of a hotel in Orland; G. A., residing in Chico; F. M., of this review; and Ora, Mrs. Sharp, of Oakland.
Francis M. Kesselring's childhood was spent in Colusa and Glenn Counties, where he received a good education in the public schools. From a lad he was trained in the raising of grain and in the care of stock, assisting his parents until he was twenty years of age. He then began farming near Adin, Modoc County, and later bought land, which he operated until 1886. Selling his property, he then made a trip to Chiapas, Mexico, and purchased a two-hundred-acre farm. Two years later, he disposed of this and returned to Adin, where he engaged in the livery business for two years, and then sold out to become a buyer and seller of horses and mules. He sold horses and mules to the Sacramento markets, and also shipped them to the Hawaiian Islands, in partnership with W. N. Winter. They made shipments of from forty to sixty-five at a time, shipping on sailing vessels, which made the voyage in from twelve to twenty-six and one half days. Horses and mules were purchased in Northern California and Southern Oregon, and were brought to their pastures at Sites, in Colusa County, where they were kept until they were in shape for the market. After three years in this line of trade, the sugar company they had been supplying failed. He could not sell the last shipment to advantage, and it was practically a total loss.
About this time, in 1902, Mr. Winter and Mr. Kesselring purchased from the Stonyford Improvement Company about twelve hundred acres of land in and adjoining Stonyford, and began developing and improving the property for alfalfa-raising and dairying. One year later, however, Mr. Winter withdrew from the partnership. Mr. Kesselring then assumed the whole indebtedness involved in the project, and continued the enterprise alone. Nothing daunted, he put his shoulder to the wheel, with
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the result that he now has one of the best-improved dairy farms in the county, with a valuable dairy herd of the Red Durham strain. He also purchased other land, and now has fifteen hun- dred acres. He has four hundred acres in alfalfa, which is irrigated from a ditch run out from Stony Creek by John Smith, the original owner, as early as 1868, and probably the oldest ditch on the creek. Mr. Kesselring is three quarters owner of the ditch, which has a right to two thousand inches of water. He also leased mountain range for pasture, being extensively engaged in stock-raising. For years he raised alfalfa seed, one year obtaining twenty cents a pound for his entire crop.
Mr. Kesselring was one of the organizers, and is a director, of the Stonyford Creamery Company, of which he has been vice- president for years. He was also one of the organizers of the Willows Creamery Company, but afterwards sold his interest.
In July, 1903, Mr. Kesselring married Mrs. Annie (McDaniel) Anderson, who was born near Stonyford, a daughter of William Anderson. Her father was a California pioneer of 1850, who became a prominent stockman of this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Kesselring rebuilt their home in Stonyford. Besides this resi- dence, which is the largest in the town, they also own other residence and business property in Stonyford. Mr. Kesselring was made a Mason in 1884, in Adin Lodge, No. 250, F. & A. M., and also served as Master of the lodge. He is now a member of Snow Mountain Lodge, No. 271, F. & A. M .; and both he and his wife are charter members of Eowana Chapter, O. E. S., at Stony- ford. They are both liberal and enterprising, and are held in high esteem in the community, where they are well and favorably known.
GEORGE LEMUEL MASON
One of the most enterprising and progressive men in western Colusa County is George Lemuel Mason. He is a native son of the county, born near the present site of the East Side Reservoir, on July 5, 1875. His father, Andrew Mason, a stone mason by trade, was born in Connecticut in 1835. He enlisted in the regular army and was sent out on the plains, where he served in the Indian wars. After being mustered out of the service, he was located in Utah for a time. In 1863 he came to Colusa County, where he followed his trade, working on several of the first brick buildings constructed in Colusa. Afterwards he farmed at Elk Creek, and still later at Stonyford. Next we find him at Bear Valley, from which place he returned to Stonyford, where he now lives retired, the oldest man in the district. While living in Utah,
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Andrew Mason was united in marriage with Rebecca Smith, who was born in Illinois and crossed the plains with her father in pioneer days. She died in 1880. Of the seven children born to this worthy pioneer couple, six are still living, of whom George Lemuel is the youngest.
At the time of his mother's death, George Lemuel Mason was but five years old. A good home was found for him with Mr. and Mrs. Welton, who raised him with care, giving him the advantage of the public schools. He remained under their pro- tection and influence until twenty years of age, after which he engaged in ranch work for himself. He was married in Stonyford to Miss Minnie Robertson, also a native of the county, born near Maxwell. She was the daughter of I. L. Robertson, an old settler of the county. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mason located on a ranch of one hundred twenty acres, two miles west of Stonyford, which they purchased and improved, and still own. For five years Mr. Mason was associated with A. L. Robertson in the butchering business in Stonyford, after which he resumed farming and dairying, leasing the Welton place for over a year. Having been a stockholder of the Stonyford Creamery from its organization, and being also one of its directors, he arranged with the company for a lease of the creamery, which he is operat- ing. At this plant he is manufacturing a fine grade of creamery butter. He also produces ice cream for the market, and is en- gaged in the manufacture of ice, using a De Kalb ice machine of five tons' capacity. Aside from the local trade, he ships his products to the summer resorts in the mountains. To perfect himself better for his work, in 1916 he took the short course in the manufacturing of dairy products at the Davis Farm Depart- ment of the University of California. He is well qualified for his present business.
Mr. and Mrs. Mason have had seven children. George Morris and Fred Lewis are assisting their father in the creamery. Ida M. died at ten years of age. The others are Verda S., Herbert H., Albert A., and C. Milton. Intensely interested in the cause of education, Mr. Mason is serving his community as a member and clerk of the Stonyford school district. He is also acting as con- stable of Stonyford township, having been elected to that position in the fall of 1914. Fraternally, he was made a Mason in Snow Mountain Lodge, No. 271, F. & A. M., of which he is at present Master, for the second term. Mrs. Mason is a member of Eowana Chapter, O. E. S., at Stonyford. Mr. Mason stands for high morals and Christian ideals. He is a member of the Stonyford Union Church, in which he is one of the deacons. In his political views, he has always been a stanch Republican.
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JOHN F. DURHAM
A venerable and highly esteemed gentleman who has been a resident of the county since 1867, John F. Durham was born near Weston, Platte County, Mo., on August 11, 1851. His father, J. H. Durham, was a native of Kentucky, and was descended from an old and honorable Virginia family. The elder Durham moved to Platte County, Mo., in 1841, where he resided until 1865, when he brought his family over the old Oregon trail with ox teams to Corvallis, Ore. After remaining there for two years, he came on overland to Colusa County, Cal., and leased a part of the Murdock ranch, west of Willows, for one year. He then pur- chased land seven miles northwest of Williams, and was engaged in raising grain until he retired to Maxwell, where he died at the age of seventy-four years. His wife, who was Burretta Bentley before her marriage, was born in Kentucky, and died in Maxwell, also at seventy-four years of age, her death occurring in February, 1895. Of their union, six children were born, five of whom are living, John F. being the eldest.
When a lad of fourteen years, in 1865, Jolm F. Durham drove an ox team across the plains for her father, standing his turn as guard with the other men of the train; and two years later he drove a mule team from Oregon to California. He attended pub- lic school in Missouri, Oregon and California, finishing his schooling in the Freshwater district. On leaving home, he bought a ranch, on which he engaged in farming until 1878, when he sold out, and with his brother Robert started the first hardware store in Maxwell, under the firm name of Durham Bros. This partner- ship continued until the time of his brother's death, after which Mr. Durham carried on the business under the name of J. F. Durham & Co. The store carried a full line of hardware and agricultural implements, and also engaged in tinning and plumb- ing, as well as well-drilling, until 1895.
Desiring to take up farming again, Mr. Durham located at Stonyford in November, 1897, where he purchased one hundred sixty acres, a part of his present place. Later, he bought two hundred acres adjoining this property. On his three-hundred- sixty-acre ranch he engaged in the raising of grain and stock, his brand being the well-known lone D.
In Maxwell, on October 30, 1879, occurred the marriage of John F. Durham with Miss Mary E. Phelps. She was born in Jackson County, Mo., in 1858, the daughter of J. M. and Hannah (Dailey) Phelps, who settled in Maxwell, Colusa County, 45
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in 1870, and removed thence to Stonyford, where the father died in 1900. The mother made her home with Mrs. Durham until her death in 1917, aged eighty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Durham had six children. John F., Jr., was accidentally killed by a fall, while working as a carpenter on the Truckee Dam project, in Nevada. Walter is forest guard at the Paskenta government reserve. May, Mrs. August Johanningsmeier, resides at Sites. Willis M. is a forest ranger in the Paskenta district. Alta, Mrs. Chester, re- sides in Williams. J. Homer is a farmer near Williams.
Mr. Durham was for nine years school trustee at Maxwell, and was a member of the board, and its clerk, when the first brick schoolhouse was built. He served as justice of the peace of Maxwell township till he resigned from that office. He also served as director of the Central Irrigation District for twelve years and was president of the board during his last term. Mr. Durham was elected justice of the peace of Stonyford township in 1906 on the Democratie ticket, and was reelected in 1910, serving eight years. For eleven years he was a member and clerk of the Indian Valley school district. In all the offices to which he has been elected, Judge Durham has always served with credit to himself and with satisfaction to his constituents; and he is hon- ored and respected by everyone. Fraternally, he was made a Mason in Maxwell Lodge, F. & A. M., but is now a member of Snow Mountain Lodge, No. 271, of Stonyford. He is a member of the Baptist Church and a man of worth and integrity.
A. L. MARTINELLI
One of the largest dairymen of Colusa County is A. L. Martinelli, a resident of California since 1869. Mr. Martinelli was born in Maggia, Ticino, Switzerland, Angust 3, 1854. His father, Fidele Martinelli, was an early settler in California, com- ing in 1854, and remaining until 1867, when he returned home. A. L. Martinelli received a good education in the public schools. When fourteen years of age, having become interested in Cali- fornia from hearing his father relate his experiences and tell of the wonderful resources of the Pacific Coast, he left his native land and came via Panama to this country. In July, 1869, he arrived at Nacassia, Marin County, and for the first four years was employed in dairies in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties, without the loss of a day's time. From 1873 to 1875 he ran a dairy near old Sonoma. Removing then to Napa County, he leased a dairy and began the creamery business, starting the Bay
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View Creamery. In 1877 he bought a ranch of thirteen hundred sixty acres on Carneros Creek, seven miles southwest of Napa, where he ran the Bay View Creamery for sixteen years. He then sold out and moved to a ranch two miles southwest of Napa, where he continued business under the same name. On each occasion when he exhibited dairy products at the Farmers' Institute in Napa, he took the prize.
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