History of Kern County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 45

Author: Morgan, Wallace Melvin, 1868- [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Los Angeles, Cal., Historic record company
Number of Pages: 1682

USA > California > Kern County > History of Kern County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present > Part 45

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The eldest among four children, Andrew C. Silver was born at Shelby- ville, Shelby county, Ill., August 24, 1863, and remained in Illinois until sixteen years of age, meanwhile attending the grammar and high schools of his native city. During 1879 he accompanied his father to Kansas. His employment in that state was as a clerk. Going to Colorado in 1882 he learned the trade of bricklayer while employed with the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Company. Two years later he returned to Winfield, Kan .. to take up work at that occupation. With his father he removed to Los Angeles in 1887 and found employment in laying brick. During 1889 he became a resident of Bakersfield and here he since has built up an established reputation for skill in his chosen occupation. Entering the employ of C. J. Lindgren, he soon rose to be foreman and in that capacity he aided in the construction of a number of large buildings. Upon the removal of Mr. Lindgren to San Francisco in 1907 Mr. Silver purchased his outfit and ever since has engaged in contracting and building, mean- while having charge of many important jobs, including the Sanger building, Druid's hall. Estribou residence and others. Ever since the organization of the Builders' Exchange he has been an interested worker, while politically he has maintained a warm interest in the principles of the Democratic party, which he always supports by ballot and influence. The family resi- dence at No. 212 Eureka street is presided over by Mrs. Silver, who was Miss Adeline M. Jasper, a native of Santa Cruz, this state, but a resident of Bakersfield for a time prior to their marriage. They are the parents of four children, Andrew, Edna, Esther and Homer.

LEO G. PAULY .- The founder of the Pauly family in America was Antone, the son of a prosperous German merchant and himself of German birth and education, but after 1860 a resident of the United States and during the Civil war the proprietor of an omnibus line in Washington, D. C. The duties of his business necessitated his frequent travel through different sections of the country and in order that he might not be discommoded by delays he secured passes from General Miles and General Beauregard. With the aid of these indispensable papers, which now are in the posses- sion of his only son, he was able to travel back and forth between the lines and at no time did he suffer delay or inconvenience. At the close of the war he sought the cheap lands of the Mississippi valley and was induced to settle at Nauvoo, in Hancock county, Ill., whence some years before the Mormons had been driven by citizens not in sympathy with their religious views. Before he had developed a farm into profitable condition he was obliged to leave owing to a pulmonary affection, for which physicians recommended the climate of California. Accompanied by his family he came to Los Angeles in 1869, but, securing no relief, he was advised to seek a higher altitude and in this way he first became associated with Kern county. The family secured a team and wagon and followed the customary path of travel to the Tehachapi pass, where, finding a suitable location at the desired elevation. they took up a tract of government land. Later adjacent property was purchased. Sheep and cattle were bought and a large industry developed, there being as many as three thousand sheep in the flock at one time. By thrift and wise management the father acquired seventeen hundred acres adjoining the village of Tehachapi and he laid out two additions to that town, where for five years he engaged in the butcher business. The climate enabled him to regain his health. Hle en- joyed many seasons of agricultural and business activity and became a man of note in his community. Finally, at an advanced age and after a life of usefulness, he passed away November 18. 1893. For many years he was

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survived by his wife, whose death occurred January 7, 1911. in Kern. Born and reared in Kulmbach. Germany, and known by the maiden name of Catherine Zink, she came to this country in young girlhood and was married at Washington. D. C.

Out of the nine children forming the parental family only three are now living, the two danghters being Mrs. Clara Parks of Los Angeles and Rose, Mrs. H. F. Keeler. of Lancaster, this state. The only son, Leo G., was born at Tehachapi, this county, July 26, 1875, and received his primary education in that village. During November of 1895 he was graduated from the San Jose State Normal, after which he became principal of the Tehachapi school and continued in the position for two years. When twenty-two years of age, in 1897, he was offered the principalship of the Kern school and accepted the post. At that time there were five teachers in a building of six rooms. As principal he advanced the standard of schol- arship and made the school as thorough as any in the county. Other buildings were erected during his tenure of the office, including the Lincoln school of four rooms and the addition of four rooms and an assembly hall to the Washington school. When finally he resigned in March of 1909 he was at the head of a successful educational force of fourteen teachers with modern equipment and every facility for thorough work. Since June of 1896 he has been a member of the county board of education and for twelve years of this period he officiated as president of the board. Upon the consolidation of Bakersfield and Kern in July, 1910. he was chosen a member of the city board of education and at the regular election in April. 1911, he was again placed in this position.

Since relinquishing his educational work Mr. Pauly has been connected with the Ardizzi-Olcese Company of East Bakersfield. an incorporated con- cern and the oldest mercantile establishment in Kern county. Entering as manager in March of 1909, at the expiration of the first year he became financially interested and was elected secretary of the corporation.

The marriage of Mr. Pauly and Miss Essa Davis was solemnized in Tehachapi and has been blessed with three children, Harold. Leo A. and Catherine. Mrs. Pauly was born in Los Angeles county and grew to womanhood in Bakersfield, her father, J. L. Davis, having been a pioneer farmer of Kern county. In national politics Mr. Pauly votes with the Republican party. Fraternally he holds membership with Bakersfield Lodge No. 266, B. P. O. E., and has been a prominent officer, being Past Exalted Ruler. Upon the organization of the old volunteer fire department in Kern he became a member, realizing the great need of adequate fire protection. At the time of the consolidation he was serving as chief of the depart- ment and he still retains his interest in its equipment and management. The old homestead of seventeen hundred acres still belongs to the family, but for years has been leased to tenants for farming purposes.

JAMES FREDERICK HYDRON .- A responsible position with the Kern County Land Company is filled by Mr. Hydron, who has been a resident of Bakersfield since 1894 and an employe of the company for practically the same length of time. Chance attracted him to the great west. When twenty-one years of age he had the good fortune to visit the World's Fair in Chicago and made a careful study of state exhibits. The old mission building occupied by the California exhibit drew him to a careful inspection and he noted with amazement and admiration the wonderful array of citrus and deciduous fruits, and of grains, vegetables and other products. For the first time his attention was directed to the Pacific coast and it was this exhibit which caused him to come to California the fol- lowing year, since which time he has made Bakersfield his home and the scene of his business activities.

A. W.K lipsling

burs H. W. Keepatein. 1

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HISTORY OF KERN COUNTY

Born at Louisville, Ky .. February 11. 1872, James Frederick Hydron is a son of William and Mary (Roman) Hydron, members of old southern families, the former a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the latter born near Louisville. Ky. For a considerable period the father engaged in the car- riage-maker's business at Louisville and during the Civil war he enlisted from that city with a Confederate regiment of soldiers, serving at the front until the expiration of his term. During the '70s he removed to Indiana and established a business at Jeffersonville, where he continued to make his home until his death in 1903 at the age of sixty-seven years. All of the children, four sons and two daughters, are still living and their mother also survives, making Louisville her home at the present time. The fourth among the six children was James Frederick. the only member of the family in California. After he had received a common-school education in Jeffersonville he aided his father until he came to California in 1894 and settled in Kern county. Immediately he found employment with the Kern County Land Company. His first task was that of driving mules and a scraper. Soon he was transferred to the surveying department, where he remained for two years. During his connection with the surveying corps he helped to survey the tunnel at Kern river canyon. Later he served on the street-car line as a conductor and continued with the land company in that capacity for three years. April 15, 1906, he was placed in charge of the Bakersfield warehouse owned by the company and since then he has filled the difficult position with efficiency. In every capacity he has proved himself a man of sterling worth and integrity. Politically he votes with the Democratic party. For some years he has held office as banker of the local lodge. Modern Woodmen of America, in the work of which he has been influential and active. Some years after coming to Bakersfield he married Miss Cora Cowing, a native of Kern county and a daughter of John Cowing, a California pioneer, identified for a long period with the agricultural development of this county, but more recently a resident of Moneta, Los Angeles county. Mr. and Mrs. Hydron have an only son, Harry Edward.

HENRY W. KLIPSTEIN .- The genealogy of the Klipstein family is traced to an ancient and noble race in Germany, where a coat of arms pro- claimed their distinguished lineage and honorable station. The history of the family can be traced back to George Klipstein, a citizen and turner of Eisen- ach, who had a son Hans, a forester of Einhaus, and the latter a son Casper, of Hesse-Darmstadt, who was chief forester of the principalities of Batten- burg. Reidenkoff and Itter. Casper Klipstein had a son John Casper, who was preceptor and organist at Gladenbach, and his son, John Conrad Theodore. was a forester. The son of the last-mentioned, Philip, was born in Hesse- Darmstadt and became a surgeon of note. In the capacity of surgeon he came to America with the Hessian troops and served in the Revolutionary war. When peace was declared he was honorably discharged and settled down to the practice of his profession in Winchester. Va. This Philip Klipstein was the great-grandfather of our subject. The grandfather. Philip Augustin, was a native of Virginia, born in 1791. He was a minister of the old "Ironside" Baptist denomination, preached the Gospel in the Old Dominion and held high rank among the people of his faith. The next generation was represented by Thomas E. Klipstein, who lived and died in Virginia. His marriage to Mary Frances Hampton brought him into connection with a distinguished family of his state, whose most noted member was Gen. Wade Hampton. In the family of Thomas E. Klipstein there were five children, of whom four grew up ; Sallie, Mrs. A. R. Bartenstein, of Fauquier county, Va .; Eliza Peyton, Mrs. W. G. Bartenstein, who died at Virginia Colony. Kern county; Catherine Hampton, Mrs. Basey, of Virginia Colony ; and Henry W.

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The home of the Klipstein family was in Fauquier county, Va., and there February 13, 1852, occurred the birth of a son, Henry W., who being a mere lad at the time of the Civil war could not enter the army, yet witnessed much of the horrors of warfare. The family home, only forty miles from Wash- ington, was often threatened by opposing forces and its inmates were in peril of their lives as the fierce struggle waged around them. In their immediate neighborhood occurred the sanguinary contests of Bull Run during 1861 and 1862. The community became disrupted by strife and schools were closed, so that the young lad studied his lessons at home under the careful oversight of his mother. When the war had ended and schools again opened for study, he took up educational work and finally obtained a common-school education, after which he began to make his own way in the world.

The marriage of Henry W. Klipstein took place in Virginia in April, 1876. and united him with Miss Martha Jennings Rixey, the daughter of Smith H. and Catherine E. (Triplet) Rixey. The father was a planter in Culpeper county, Va., where Mrs. Klipstein was born. She is a near relative of Con- gressman John Rixey of the Old Dominion and also of Dr. Preston Rixcy, phy- sician to President McKinley and also Surgeon General of the Navy in the Mc- Kinley and Roosevelt administrations. For a number of successive generations the Rixey family has been prominent in the annals of Virginia, whose ad- vancement has been promoted by their patriotic efforts and progressive spirit. A member of a family including seven children (six daughters and one son), Mrs. Klipstein was reared in the home of an aunt, Martha Rixey, and while still a young girl became the wife of Henry W. Klipstein, whom she accom- panied to California in 1888, his ill health having been the cause of their re- moval to the genial western climate. Arriving at Bakersfield on Christmas day, they at once sought a means of livelihood and began in the dairy indus- try. Being given an opportunity to buy the dairy then owned by the Kern County Land Company, they availed themselves of the chance and were prospered by the undertaking. As his means permitted, Mr. Klipstein began to buy land and cattle. At this writing they own the Klipstein ranch of about twelve thousand acres, located near Maricopa, and also about three thousand acres of the old Wagy ranch and farm, and on account of the location of the ranches they control about seventy-five thousand acres of government range land. In the land and cattle business he is in partnership with his sons, Henry W. and Phil A., and on their ranches range more than three thousand head of cattle. The move to the west proved fortunate to him, as he has regained his health and also has been greatly prospered in ranching and stock-raising. For years he has been closely connected with the Kern County Land Company in business matters. Besides his vast landed possessions, comprising the cattle ranches with their commodious ranch houses, he owns improved and unimproved property in Bakersfield and here has a modern residence at the foot of Dracena street built on a natural mound at an elevation of about twenty feet above the surrounding country.

Nine children comprised the family of Mr. and Mrs. Klipstein, of whom seven grew up and six are still living. The eldest, Thomas E., a successful oil operator and formerly connected with the Kern County Abstract Com- pany, is well and favorably known in Bakersfield and represented elsewhere in this volume. The eldest daughter, Kate Hampton, deceased, was the wife of J. HI. Hillard, of San Francisco and at her death left one child, Ramona Frances, now living with Mr. and Mrs. Klipstein and attending the Ramona convent. The two youngest sons, Henry W. and Phil A., are energetic young ranchers and excellent judges of stock, their specialty being cattle. The former is first lieutenant of Troop A. California National Guard. Engenia is the wife of G. E. Ruckstell, formerly of San Francisco, now proprietor of a garage at Maricopa. Mildred M. married J. II. Bacon and lives at Fellows. The youngest

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member of the family circle, Mattie Rixey, resides with her parents. Politi- cally Mr. Klipstein is a Democrat.

E. L. WILLOW .- The discovery of gold proved the attraction that brought to the west Elias Willow, a Pennsylvanian by birth and a cooper by trade. At an early age he had accompanied his parents to Ohio and had settled in Sandusky. The even tenor of his life was changed by the news concerning the discovery of gold in California and as soon as pos- sible he started for the coast. Joining an expedition that made the trip with wagons and ox-teams, he crossed the plains during the summer of 1850 and arrived in due time in Eldorado county, where he engaged in placer mining. As no special fortune rewarded his efforts he turned his attention to merchandising in the same county. As he not only con- ducted a general store, but also acted as postmaster of his little village and as agent for the Wells Fargo Express Company, he formed the acquaint- ance of the people throughout all that section of the country. During the early days he knew by name practically all of the pioneers of his section and by all of them he was regarded as a friend. More than one was indebted to him for timely help. Indeed, his benefactions in those days of frontier existence were often in excess of his means, but his nature was so kindly that he could turn a deaf ear to no appeal for assistance. When he decided to leave Eldorado county he loaded his household necessities in a wagon, put his wife and children in the vehicle, and drove south until May 13, 1874, at which time he arrived at Bakersfield. Here he established a permanent home. For ten years he had the contract for sprinkling the streets, using for that purpose a water-wagon of his own manufacture. After he discon- tinued that business he became secretary of the county board of horticultural commissioners and at his death in 1891 he was still filling that position. As road overseer for several terms he had charge of the highways of his dis- trict, while in addition for many years he filled the office of school trustee.

The marriage of Elias Willow united him with Miss Ann Eliza Pavey. who was born in Coldwater, Mich., April 26, 1843, and died at Bakersfield in October, 1909. Her father, Henry Pavey, had crossed the plains for the first time during the summer of 1850. After he had remained long enough to investigate conditions he decided that he would like to settle perma- nently in the west, therefore he returned to Michigan for his family, who accompanied him across the plains in 1852, making the trip with ox-teams. For many years and until his death he engaged in the horticultural in- dustry and also conducted a nursery business in Eldorado county. There were but two children in the family of Elias Willow, the daughter being Mrs. Flora Ellen Stanley, of Fairbank, Ariz. The son. E. L., was born in the village of Mud Springs, Eldorado county, Cal., May 14, 1864, and has been a resident of Bakersfield since May 13, 1874. during which year he entered the public schools of this place. After he had completed the studies of the local schools he entered the commercial department of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where he remained until his graduation. As early as ten years of age he began to learn the furniture business, his employer having been J. Neiderauer. of Bakersfield. During early life he learned the trade of a cabinet-maker. In starting out at the trade he earned $8 per week, but in one month his wages were raised to $9. After his graduation he returned to the Neiderauer store and continued to work as a cabinet-maker, but in a short time began to learn the em- balming business, of which in due time he acquired a recognized proficiency.

The firm of Willow & Kelsey started in the furniture and undertaking business in January, 1889, on Twentieth street and Chester avenue, the present site of the Bank of Bakersfield. During July of the same year the store burned to the ground and the entire stock of goods was destroyed.

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entailing an almost total loss. Next Mr. Willow engaged in the cabinet- making business at No. 1219 Nineteenth street. From boyhood he had been active in the old volunteer department as a member of the Eureka Engine Company. Upon the organization of the Alert Hook & Ladder Company he became a charter member and was elected foreman. Later he became chief of the volunteer fire department. When the paid depart- ment was organized he was chosen the first chief of the department, re- ceiving sixty out of sixty-one votes cast. For sixteen years he continued in this responsible position. Meanwhile the signal 'phone alarm system was introduced and other improvements made. All of the horses in the department were personally trained by him and they knew his voice so well that even now, when he speaks to them, they instantly recognize him. During April of 1907 he resigned as fire chief, having previously purchased the furniture business which he has conducted ever since. To show how much he was appreciated by the men in the department it is a significant fact that at the time he tendered his resignation every man in the depart- ment excepting two also handed in their resignations. The Willow building, erected in 1904 at No. 1227 Nineteenth street, extends one hundred and thirty-two feet on Nineteenth street and has a depth of one hundred and fifteen and one-half feet on L street. The location is unexcelled for building up a large trade, but the patronage is not limited to Bakersfield itself, for Mr. Willow has customers from all parts of the county. From the organiza- tion of the Merchants' Association he has served as its treasurer and he also has been a prominent member of Kern county board of trade. In national politics he votes with the Republican party. His marriage took place at San Francisco and united him with Miss Frances A. Foran, who was born at Mariposa, this state.

HENRY BOHNA .- The name of Bohna is of peculiar interest to the people of Bakersfield by reason of the fact that Christian Bohna, who arrived here February 1. 1860, built the first house on what is now the town site. When he brought the family to this region he found conditions most unat- tractive. By reason of the numerous swamps covered with willow trees the location was most unhealthful and during 1860 the family suffered constantly from sickness. The first step which he took after his arrival was to secure a shelter for wife and children. The house which he built was constructed of cottonwood timber, with a roof of flag-tule, and were it still standing. it would be an object of great interest to the present large population of the city. After he had provided a home for the family he cleared ten acres of the land and planted a crop of corn, from which he gathered as many as one hundred and ten bushels to the acre. Encouraged by the success of the under- taking, he cleared more land and in 1861 planted a large field of corn. from which he secured a good crop. but the great flood of 1861-62 was so huge that he became entirely discouraged and moved away as soon as the water went down. There were few to suffer from the reverses that overtook him, for at the time his nearest neighbors (only two families being at that place) were nine miles distant.

In many respects Christian Bohna was a remarkable man. One of his striking characteristics was a love of travel and adventure. It did not satisfy him to remain for years in one location, no matter how dear might be the friends there nor how promising the opportunities. He wished to see all of our great country and as facilities for travel were limited in those days he spent large sums of money in taking his family from one state to another. Had he been less fond of travel, more willing to remain in one place. 11n- doubtedly he would have accumulated a fortune, but as it was he left little means for his family. However, he did leave something more to be desired. the respect of acquaintances and a reputation for integrity and the highest principles of honor.

Henry Bolsa

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HISTORY OF KERN COUNTY

Born in Saxony, Germany, December 28, 1805, Christian Bohna followed the usual procedure among the youth of his country, viz. : attendance at school until fourteen, apprenticeship at a trade until eighteen and then three years of service in the army of his country. After having been honorably dis- charged from the army at the age of twenty-one he came to the new world, prepared for work by a thorough knowledge of blacksmithing, which he followed in New York City. With a desire to see the country he traveled through Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas and Texas, besides making brief stops in intervening states. Meanwhile his trade earned him an honest livelihood. When he started across the plains in the spring of 1853 he had his wagon fitted out with blacksmith's tools of every description and thus he was enabled to earn his way as he traveled toward the west. Landing in Calaveras county he set up a shop and made considerable money by his trade, but invested the most of this capital in mines in that locality. During the fall of 1856 he returned to Arkansas and settled in Pike county, where he took up farin pur- suits. Soon, however, he found himself dissatisfied, eager to return to the west. Accordingly in 1859 he sold the Arkansas farm and came to the west, arriving at El Monte in the fall of 1859, and from there coming to what is now Bakersfield, February 1, 1860. The mishaps of the next two years have been recorded previously and furnish the reason for his removal to Oregon. From that state he soon moved to Idaho. In both places he engaged in farming and mining. The year 1867 found him back in Kern county, where he settled at Woody, retiring to some extent from active labors. He passed away in 1872 and was interred in the cemetery of Linn's valley.

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History of Kern County, California, with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present, Part 45

Author: Morgan, Wallace Melvin, 1868- [from old catalog] Publication date: 1914 Publisher: Los Angeles, Cal., Historic record company Number of Pages: 1682

Author: Morgan, Wallace Melvin, 1868- [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Los Angeles, Cal., Historic record company
Number of Pages: 1682