USA > California > Marin County > History of Marin County, California also an historical sketch of the state of California > Part 50
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437
BIOGRAPHIES-NICASIO TOWNSHIP.
it encroached upon the land which he had purchased years before at a very low price. He then divided his land into city lots and sold the greater part, forming the remainder into a homestead, which has been for some years his city residence. During his long sojourn in California, he has visited his native State twice. In 1871 he returned with his family to the East and spent the Summer. In 1869 he purchased the farm which he now carries on, situated at San Geronimo station, Nicasio township, consisting of seven hundred acres of grazing and farming land. The San Geronimo Gold and Silver mine is located on his place. Mr. Rogers was united in marriage with Clara Walbridge, a native of Caledonia county, Vermont, in 1856. Five children have been born to them, three of whom, Nellie, Addie, and Harry are now living.
James Roy. Was born in Vermont, April 19, 1834. On June 10, 1862, he emigrated to California via the Isthmus, and immediately settled in Marin county. In 1868, with his brother, T. B. Roy, he purchased the farm on which they now reside. Is unmarried.
Thomas B. Roy. Born in Caledonia county, Vermont, November 22, 1840. In 1861 he came to California, arriving in San Francisco in the month of October of that year, and there remained one year, and on October 1, 1862, removed to Marin county, where he located on the tract of land known as the White Ranch. In the Fall of 1865 Mr. Roy proceeded to Contra Costa county where he sojourned for three years ; we next find him relocated, and in 1868, in company with his brother, James Roy, bought their present farm of four hundred and twenty acres. Married November 21, 1871, Mary E. Somers, also of Caledonia county, Vermont.
H. F. Taft. . Was born in Chittenden county, Vermont, March 8, 1838, where he was educated and resided until twenty-one years of age, when he emigrated to California, landing in San Francisco June 1, 1859. For the first three years of his residence he was engaged on a dairy farm; he then came to Marin county, and in the Fall of 1862 located at Point Reyes, and there engaged in dairying. In January, 1866, he removed to Nicasio val- ley, and there settled on a ranch, and in 1876 came to the town of that name, between which and the railway depot he runs a stage; is postmaster and Wells, Fargo & Co.'s agent. Is a Knight Templar Mason in the York Rite, and thirty-two degrees in Scottish Rite. Married March 17, 1859, Eliza L. Woodruff, deceased. Married, secondly, Kate M. Farrell, who died January 10, 1875, and thirdly, Marcia L. Higgins, on December 27, 1877. He has by his first wife, Carrie O., and by his second wife, Lewis R. and Frank W.
438
HISTORY OF MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
G. Tognazzini. Born in Switzerland, April 30, 1840. Came to Cal -. ifornia in 1870, and located in Marin county. Married September 17, 1870, Delfina Righetti. Milo, Edina and Arnesto, are the names of their children.
S. Tonini. Born in Switzerland, October 4, 1857. Came to America in. 1872. Came to Marin county November 28th. Resided a short time in. Contra Costa county. Was engaged upon the Piper ranch in 1874 and a. part of 1875. In August, 1875, returned to this county, and has been. engaged in dairying ever since.
439
BIOGRAPHIES-NOVATO TOWNSHIP.
NOVATO.
John William Atherton. Was born in the town of Blue Hill, Han- cock county, Maine, March 19, 1835, his father being John Westcott Ather- ton, and his mother's maiden name Abbie Grant. In October, 1853, he- shipped before the mast on board the schooner " Julia Elizabeth." In June, 1855, was shipwrecked on board the brig "Bonnie Bird," on Amelia Island, Florida; returned home, after which he shipped on the bark "Whistling Wind " (afterwards destroyed by the privateer "Sumter "); in her about eighteen months. Spring of 1857 shipped as second mate of the bark "John Wesley;" remained in her about fourteen months, the captain and himself being the only native Americans on board the entire voyage. Dur- ing these voyages he visited England, Ireland, Wales, Holland, Spain, Medi- terranean and Black Seas, etc., etc. In the Summer of 1858 he returned home, and in the following November shipped on board the "Herald of the Morning," Captain, O. Baker, bound from Boston via Cape Horn to San Francisco, which port he reached March 19, 1859. Mr. Atherton came at once to Marin, and worked at farming until the Fall of that year, when he embarked on his own account. In the Fall of 1864 he settled on his present estate of two hundred and thirty-two acres of upland and fifty-seven of marsh. In 1877 was elected a Supervisor of Marin county by the Repub- lican party, his term expiring at the next general election, and has been a Trustee of the Novato School District for several years. Married August 29, 1858, Ellen A., daughter of Isaac S. Osgood. of Blue Hill, Maine, by whom he has George A., Carrie A., Hattie E., and Clarence W.
N. J. Brink. Born in Denmark, December 13, 1826. In 1844 he went to Prussia ; after four months returned to Hamburg, and in the Summer of that year went to sea. This livelihood he followed until 1853, when he came to Marin county and settled at his present place, consisting of seventy-nine acres, located at Black Point.
Francis De Long. Whose portrait will be found in the body of this. work, was born in the town of Cornwall, Addison county, Vermont, Jan- uary 10, 1808, and is the son of Aaron and Sylvia Bingham De Long: He remained in his native town until he was seventeen years of age, at which
440
HISTORY OF MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
time he went to the adjoining town of Shoreham for the purpose of learning the tanner's and shoemaker's trade. He returned to Cornwall at the end of two years, and remained there until he was twenty-one years old. He then went to another neighboring town, Bridport, and, in partnership with Ahira Scovel, began the business of tanning leather and working it up into stock. He remained here for six years. In the Fall of 1836 he started for Illinois, but his wife falling ill, they stopped at Lockport, New York, where he finally concluded to locate. He at once engaged in his business, and remained for fourteen years. May 1, 1850, he sailed for California, coming via the Isthmus, and arrived in San Francisco July 15th of that year. He at once engaged in the grocery business in company with his brother, James De Long, and Wm. McNeil, under the firm name of De Long, McNeil & Co .. In May, 1851, they were burned out; soon after the same parties, under the same firm name, engaged in the hardware business and continued until May, 1857. His brother James, however, returned home and died in 1853. In November, 1856, in company with Joseph B. Sweetser, he purchased the Novato ranch, where he has ever since been located. This partnership con- tinued to exist until January 1, 1879, when Mr. De Long, by the purchase of Mr. Sweetser's interest, became the sole owner of the tract. It now con- tains fifteen thousand acres. On this place there is the most extensive orchard in this State, and probably in the United States; a full description of which will be found in the body of this work. He is a genial gentleman, and although seventy-two years of age, is hale and hearty, and as full of business and energy as he was at thirty. He married Miss Eliza Gale, a native of Addison county, Vermont, January 28, 1830. She died in Brid- port, Vermont, October 7, 1834, leaving one daughter, Mary Eliza, born June 21, 1831, who died in Lockport, New York, May 17, 1847. He was married a second time to Mrs. Esther Sampson, a native of Vermont, September 22, 1835. She died October 5, 1836, at Lockport, New York. He was married a third time to Miss Dorcas A. Coye, a native of Homer, Cortland county, New York, August 24, 1842. She died October 12, 1847, at Lock- port, New York. She left one child, Frank Coye, born October 10, 1843, who is presently engaged with his father in the management of the Novato ranch.
Frank Coye De Long. Was born in Lockport, New York, October 10, 1843, and is the son of Francis and Dorcas A. Coye De Long. When he was but four years of age his mother died, and he went to reside with his grand-parents at Homer, New York, remaining there five years. He then returned to Lockport and resided with his uncle by marriage, Hon. L. F. Bowen. Here he remained till he was seventeen years of age, attaining his. education at Union School, that place. In 1861 he came to California via the Isthmus, arriving in San Francisco May 22d of that year. He was
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BIOGRAPHIES-NOVATO TOWNSHIP.
engaged as salesman for Rockwell, Coye & Co., of San Francisco, until 1873, with the exception of one year, when he engaged in the broker business. He then took charge of Messrs. Sweetser & De Long's San Francisco business, and remained there until January 1, 1879, at which time, his father having purchased Mr. Sweetser's interest in the Novato ranch, he came to Novato and associated himself with him.
John P. Dessart. Born in Belgium, April 13, 1849. Emigrated to Kan- sas in 1870 ; from there removed to Colorado in 1873, and came to Califor- nia in 1875. In 1877 he came to Marin county and became clerk to J. B. Faggiano at Novato. e
J. B. Faggiano. Was born in Italy, June 1, 1830. When four years of age his parents moved to France, where the subject of this sketch resided until he attained the age of ten years. He then went with his father to the Society Islands, and there remained seven years, being for a portion of the time engaged as interpreter to the Government. He next came to Califor- nia, arriving in San Francisco September 25, 1849, and went direct to Mur- phy's Camp, Calaveras county, where he mined for four years. We next find Mr. Faggiano following the occupation of a butcher in Amador county for seven years, after which he returned to San Francisco, purchased a sloop and established what is known as the "Novato Line," plying between Novato and San Francisco. Having continued this enterprise for fourteen years, he sold out and bought a store at Novato, which he has since man- aged.
George S. Haven. Born in Maine, September 2, 1837, where he resided and engaged in clerking until he emigrated to California in 1859. Arrived from Panama in San Francisco during the last days of April in that year, and went direct to the mines in Placer county, where he remained for three years and a half. Came to Marin in April, 1864; paid a three months' visit to Arizona; returned to this county and located at Novato, where he now resides, being engaged in dairying. Married, September 6, 1872, Mary M. Humphrey, a native of Maine, and has Frank, Grace, Charles and Frederick.
Amaziah Hayden. A native of the State of Maine; was born Jan- uary. 27, 1815. In the year 1837 he went to Illinois, where he was engaged in farming for two years. He then removed to Wisconsin, and there entered the lumber trade, which he discontinued in 1864 on coming to California, arriving and settling at Novato, Marin county, on November 4th of that year, where he has since resided. Married November 20, 1839, Amanda A. Young, a native of Maine, by whom he has Daniel L. and Alice. Have lost one child, Miner.
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HISTORY OF MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
E. W. Hayden. Born in Maine, December 22, 1834. When of age he went to Wisconsin, and there was engaged in lumbering for eight years. In May, 1864, he started for California across the plains and arrived at Novato, Marin county, on November 4th of the same year, where he has since resided. Married August 27, 1870, Katie P. Johnson, a native of Maine, and has one child, Eva W.
Welman Losee. Born in Prince Edward's county, Canada, May 8, 1840, and there received his education, and resided on a farm until 1863. In that year he came to California via Panama, arriving in San Francisco Jan- uary 10, 1864, and came direct to Marin county. After working six years for Sweetser & De Long he commenced dairying on his own account, and at present is in the same business. Owns no land in Marin county. Married October 15, 1870, Lydia T. Johnson, a native of Cumberland county, Maine.
J. S. Maybee. Was born in Canada, April 1, 1816. At the age of fourteen years he went to Livingston county, New York, and there resided until 1838, when he returned to Canada, remaining there for three years. He then moved to St. Clair county, Michigan, and there farmed for three years; thence proceeded to Portage county, Wisconsin, where he remained five years; he next farmed in Henry county, Illinois, for two years. In the Spring of 1856 he went to Dakota county, Minnesota, and there resided until 1868; next to Missouri until 1873; then back to Minnesota for two years, and in 1875 emigrated to California, settling at Novato, Marin county, where he is now engaged in producing blocks for the paving of the San Francisco streets. Married August 20, 1840, Elizabeth Purvis, a native of Belfast, by whom he has Nancy A., Margaret, Benjamin F., Francis, Esmer- alda and John J. D.
.
David Myers. Born in Ireland, February 14, 1841, where he resided until the Summer of 1864, when he came to America, and after spending about a year in Massachusetts emigrated to California via Nicaragua. On arrival he proceeded to this county, where he has since resided, being at present engaged in dairying near Novato. Married October 24, 1871, Julia Mullen, a native of Ireland, by whom he has Ellen, Mathey, Timothy E., and Mary.
Daniel McDonald. Born in Canada, May 1, 1842. In 1869 he emi- grated via Panama to California, and after passing a few days in San Francisco; came to this county and obtained employment with A. Hayden, with whom he remained for six months. He afterwards worked for a short time with a threshing machine, and then formed a partnership with W. Losee in the dairying business, but after two years commenced the same occupation on his own account. He owns a farm
443
BIOGRAPHIES-NOVATO TOWNSHIP.
of one hundred and sixty acres in Canada and a hotel on the shore of Lake Ontario, as also some property in Petaluma, Sonoma county. Married August 29, 1871, Amelia V. Gilbert, a native of Wisconsin, and has one child, Maude.
Gumescendo Pacheco. Born in Novato, this county, January 13, 1852; was educated at the Santa Clara College, finishing his education in 1871. He then returned to this county. He married, February 27, 1876, Miss Rosa Tanfaran, a native of California. Since this time he has been engaged in farming and dairying. He owns one thousand and six acres of land, being a part of the old Pacheco homestead, located on the San Rafael and Petaluma road. His children are Mercedes and Gumescendo.
John B. Redmond. Born in Ireland, May 11, 1819. In 1845 he went to South America ; here he engaged with Wardington & Templeman in a merchandising business; remained in South America for about three years ; he then came to San Francisco, still in the employ of the same firm, who had started a branch business in San Francisco ; he remained in their employ for two years more, after which he engaged in a mercantile business on his own account in San Francisco, which he followed until 1864, when he came to this county and settled on his present place, consisting of six hundred and forty acres, located about four miles west of Novato Corners. Here he has since been engaged in dairying. Mr. Redmond married on May 2, 1853, Miss Jonna Walsh. Their children are : Agatha A., Mary F., Bertha C., Medie F., and John. They have lost two, Aiden and Mary A.
Carl P. Rush, (deceased). Was born in Germany, June 24, 1826. When sixteen years of age he went to sea, which occupation he followed until 1849, when he came to California, and after spending four years in San Francisco and at the mines, came to Marin county and settled on a farm, consisting of three hundred and seventy acres, located about one mile from Novato, where he resided until he was inhumanly murdered, June 7, 1877. The circumstances attending this foul deed will be found in another part of this work. Married, July 8, 1864, Annie Brown, a native of Germany, who still resides on the farm.
H. Schlake. Was born in Germany, September 13, 1827. In 1850 he emigrated to California, and after spending three years in Sonora, returned to Germany, but came back to this State in 1867, and settled in Novato township, Marin county, where he has since been engaged in dairy-
- ing. Married, May 5, 1854. Lizzie Rabe, a native of Germany, by whom he has Sopha, Henry, Maggie, Lizzie, Willie, Annie, Mary and Rika.
444
HISTORY OF MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
Frederick Schlieker. A native of Germany, born December 12, 1834. Here he received his education and learned the baker's trade, which he followed until attaining the age of thirteen years, when he went to France and remained for two years. He then removed to England, where he enlisted in "The Rifle Brigade," and, after serving about four years, received his discharge and came to New York, arriving on Christmas Day, 1854. Here he worked at his trade until the Spring of 1858, when he proceeded to Jefferson county, New York, and commenced cheese-making, an occupation he continued until April, 1861, when he enlisted, and for two years took part in the late war, was a participant in no fewer than twenty- six engagements, being wounded three times. Emigrated to Californiavia Pan- ama, arriving at San Francisco July 14, 1864 ; came direct to this county and engaged in cheese-making, settling near Nicasio, where he remained until 1870, when he commenced dairying in Novato township and has since resided there. Married, September 11, 1868, Gertie Pollin, a native of Ger- many, by whom he has two children named Louisa and Mamie.
A. G. Scown. Is a native of Australia, having been born there May 30, 1841. When ten years of age he started for California with his parents, but on the voyage his father died, and the subject of this sketch with his mother proceeded on their journey. His first employment was as waiter on board the steamer "Fashion," plying between Sacramento and San Fran- cisco, where he continued for six months; he next attended school in the latter city for a like period. During this time his mother remarried, moved to this county and settled near Novato, where her son joined her. Married, February 2, 1876, Mrs. Mary Cornnell, a native of Ireland.
John Sedgwick. Born in England, September 16, 1837, and there received his education and resided until 1863. In that year he went to Australia, where he mined for four years, at the end of which time he came to California, and after four years passed in Placer county, settled on his present dairy farm. Married, October 3, 1875, Mary Sears, a native of Philadelphia.
J. R. Sweetser. The subject of this sketch is a native of Cumberland county, Maine, having been born there June 7, 1840. At the age of nine years he accompanied his parents to California, by way of Cape Horn, and arrived in San Francisco September 9, 1850. They first settled in Alameda county, where J. R. Sweetser received his education and resided until 1857, when Mr. Sweetser, Sr., with his family, removed to Marin county, and located on the Novato grant. In 1866 he visited his native State, and there, May 17, 1867, espoused Francis E. Johnson, returning at once to their farm in Novato township, where they have since resided. Their family con- sists of Fred W. and Maria J.
445
BIOGRAPHIES-NOVATO TOWNSHIP.
Louis Tomasini. Born in Switzerland, May 24, 1845. In 1864 he emigrated to California, and, after spending five months in San Jose and twenty months in the mines, came to Marin county, where he has since been. engaged in dairying.
446
HISTORY OF MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
.
POINT REYES.
Henry Claussen. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Schleswig, July 15, 842. Here he resided until 1851, when he accompanied his parents who then moved to the southern part of Sweden, and there remained until 1859. While here he attended the academies of the district and became well grounded in a liberal educa- tion. In 1859 he shipped as cabin-boy, and thus remained at sea until 1864 in which year he came home and commenced the study of navigation, on completing which he sailed with the' rating of Second Mate until 1867, and afterwards as First Mate until 1870. In that year he brought his family to California, arrriving December 10th, and settled at Sacramento City. On April 1, 1871, he came to Point Reyes and began the dairying business, which he now carries on. Mr. Claussen's father died September 29, 1879, and his mother returned to Sweden. Mr. Claussen has been School Trustee of the Point Reyes district for five years. He is one of the many careful, honest and industrious dairymen of that section of Marin county, and a man most highly honored and respected by all who know him. A gentle- man in the highest and truest sense of the word, and one whom it is a pleasure to meet and know. In 1872 he married Agneta C. Wittgren, a native of Sweden.
Thomas B. Crandell. Was born in Providence, R. I., January 15, 1841. At twelve years of age he went to the town of Barrington, Bristol county, and there commenced the life of a farmer. In 1859, being then eighteen years of age and becoming restless with a great desire to go to California, he went to Boston, Massachusetts, hoping to be able to ship on board of some vessel going to the Golden State. In this he was unsuccessful, but shipped for a three years' voyage on board of the ship "Norseman" bound for Valparaiso and Callao, thence to ports in the China sea. At Callao, not being satisfied with continuing the voyage, he left the ship with the expectation of being able to find another bound for California. He remained at Callao a short time and then shipped on board the bark "Othello," sailing under the Chilean flag, returning to Callao after a three months' voyage along the coast of Peru. During this voyage the Captain, a good-hearted Scotchman,
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BIOGRAPHIES-POINT REYES TOWNSHIP.
took quite an interest in him and promised to secure him a vessel going to California on their return to Callao. According to promise the Captain procured him a berth on the bark "Palmetto" bound on a trading voyage to Central American and Mexican ports and, ultimately, to San Francisco. Arrived at San Francisco May 24, 1860, after an eventful and to him a profitable experience of nearly eighteen months at sea. On landing at San Francisco he learned that the vessel he left Boston in had foundered at sea. Two months afterwards he received his first letter from home, and the nerv- ousness with which he broke the seal of that letter containing the first news from home and kindred after a separation of twenty months, will never be forgotten .. He resumed his old occupation, working on a stock farm in Yuba county a few months; then returned to San Francisco, where he remained until he moved to Point Reyes, January 20, 1861. In 1870-71 he was engaged in the sheep business in Tulare county, and in 1877 he settled on his present dairy farm, on which he has two hundred milch cows. Mr. Crandell was elected Justice of the Peace two years, and has been Overseer of Roads since 1877. Married Eliza, daughter of James A. and Susan B. Smith, of Barrington, R. I., March 8, 1868, by whom he has three children; viz., Chester S., Harry A., and Hattie M.
James M. Farley. Was born in Sonoma county, January 15, 1854. At the age of ten he came with his parents to Marin county, and settled in San Antonio township. In 1877 he rented a ranch of O. L. Shafter, and has since been engaged in the dairying business.
Abram Jewell Pierce. The subject of this sketch, whose portrait appears in this work, is the eldest son of Solomon and Sarah C. Jewell Pierce, and was born in Chittenden county, Vermont, December 17, 1841. He resided there until 1856, when, accompanied by his mother, he came to California to meet his father, who had preceded them in the Spring of 1850. They arrived at San Francisco on February 7, 1856, and immediately pro- ceeded to El Dorado county. Their home was near Georgetown, and they remained here until July, 1858, when they moved to Petaluma township, Sonoma county. Here his father first engaged in the dairy business, pur- chasing, in company with George C. Jewell, a ranch, where he continued in business until January, 1859, when he disposed of his interest to Isaac Jewell. He then purchased a tract of two thousand acres, located on Tomales Point, Point Reyes township, in Marin county, and at once moved upon it with his family, remaining here till 1865. The elder Pierce then returned to Petaluma, leaving A. J. in charge of the ranch, where he remained for one year, when it was leased, and young Pierce paid a visit to his old home in Vermont, spending nine months of the time in pursuing and completing a thorough course at Bryant & Stratton's business college, in
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HISTORY OF MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
Burlington, Vermont. He then returned to Petaluma and resided with his parents till November, 1869, when he again came to the ranch in Marin county and erected his present residence. In 1870 Mr. Pierce, accompanied by his wife, made a tour through the southern part of the State, hoping to improve her shattered health. They returned to Petaluma, and in June, 1871, he entered into partnership with W. E. Cox, in the grocery business, where he remained until 1873, when he disposed of his interest to John Fritsch, and returned to his ranch, where he has since resided. Mr. Pierce has one of the most extensive and best regulated dairies in Marin county, a full description of which appears in the body of this work. He is a gentle- man of the highest sense of honor and the soul of generosity. December 5, 1867, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage with Miss Minerva Davis, daughter of W. K. and Sarah Brown Davis, who was born in Zanesville, Ohio, May 1, 1846. The result of this union was two children, Willie Solomon, born September 17, 1868, and George, born April 8, 1870, and died September 12, 1870. Mrs. Pierce died June 8, 1873, at the age of twenty- seven years. May 6, 1876, he was again married, to Miss Mary J. Robinson, eldest daughter of Thomas and Sarah A. Kirk Robinson, who was born in Barton, Lincolnshire, England, January 25, 1852.
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