USA > California > Mendocino County > History of Mendocino County, California : comprising its geography, geology, topography, climatography, springs and timber > Part 70
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Henry Willard, Was born in Ostego county, New York, in 1828. When about thirteen years of age, he left his parents and went to Norwich, Chenango county, where he remained until nineteen years of age, when he joined Stevenson's regiment and rounded Cape Horn, arriving in San Fran- cisco in the spring of 1847. The regiment was stationed at San Francisco until July, 1848, when Mr. Willard went to the mines, in Placer county, at the first discovery of gold. Here he remained one year. He then returned to San Francisco and went from there to Marin county, where he took charge of Corte Madera del Presidio ranch, for the widow of John Reed, for about seven months. We next find him engaged in business in San Rafael, where he remained two years. He was then engaged in the wood business at the Novato ranch until 1856, when he came to Mendocino county and located about three miles below Ukiah, where he remained one year. He then settled on his present place, consisting of seventeen hundred and ninety acres, located in Sanel valley, about two miles east from Hopland, where he has since resided, being engaged in farming and stock-raising. Mr. Willard married in 1856 Miss Mary Maxima. By this union they have ten living children.
D. W. Walker. Born in Pennsylvania, in March, 1823, where he resided until 1856, being engaged in lumbering. In the above-mentioned year he went to Wisconsin, where he followed blacksmithing and merchan- dising until 1860, when he immigrated to California, and located in Santa Clara county, where he followed farming until 1865, when he moved to Cloverdale, Sonoma county, where he lived about one year while he, in com- pany with W. T. Brush and Thomas J. Gould, built a steam saw-mill on Dry creek in Mendocino county. In the spring of 1867 he moved to where the mill was built, where he resided two years. Then moved the mill to where it now stands, about sixteen miles above Ukiah, and sold it to
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HISTORY OF MENDOCINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
Wheeler and Osburn, and they sold to Reeves. He then moved his family to Ukiah, where they resided about one year, then moved to Cloverdale, where he engaged in the livery business, which he followed about three years, then sold out and returned to this county, and settled once more on Dry creek, where he has since resided, being engaged in stock-raising and wool-growing. Mr. Walker married, September 1, 1847, Miss Eliza Loomis. By this marriage they have five children: Lucy, Fannie, Fred T., Lida and Lovina J.
James A. Ward. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, March 13, 1842. When · eight years of age he, with parents, crossed the plains to California, arriving in Nevada county in October. After a residence of about one year in Marysville they moved to Indian Springs, where they spent one year in hotel-keeping. We next find them in Sonoma county, where they spent one year in farming, then settled in Marin county just across the line from Sonoma county. In 1864 the subject of this sketch, leaving his parents, came to Mendocino county and settled on his present place, consisting of six hundred and forty acres of deeded land, located on Dry creek in Sanel town- ship, where he is engaged in stock-raising and wool-growing. Mr. Ward is the earliest settler left on the creek. He married, November 12, 1867, Miss Malina C. Edwards. By this marriage they have four children: James W., Carrie M., Lillie B., and Mary N.
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TEN-MILE RIVER.
Alonzo Dickinson. Was born in Grafton county, New Hampshire, November 19, 1842. His father being a farmer he was raised on a farm, and resided there till he was sixteen years of age. He then began the battle of life for himself, and at the age of eighteen, January 31, 1860, he sailed from New York on the steamer St. Louis to Panama, and thence to San Francisco on the (Rolling) Moses Taylor, arriving February 23d. He went at once to Marin county and engaged to work on the dairy of Calvin Dickson, at San Geronimo. In 1865 he formed a partnership with James Frazer, which has since continued, and they engaged in the dairy business. In 1863 he and his brother rented a dairy ranch at San Geronimo. In 1867 they went to Novato and rented land from James Black, where they remained till 1870, when they sold out and rented their stock till 1872. He then came to his present place in Ten-Mile River township, Mendocino county, where he is engaged in the dairy business. April 12, 1876, he married Miss Mary Alice Disher, a native of Holt county, Missouri, born October 8, 1859.
Leonard Dodge, Whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Nova Scotia, May 15, 1826. When fourteen years old he went to Eastport, Maine, and from there he went to sea, following a sea-faring life till he came to California, landing in San Francisco, June 22, 1849. During that summer he ran a schooner up the Sacramento river. In the fall of 1849 he went to San Rafael, and in the spring he went to the Embarcadero at Sonoma, where he engaged in teaming, which he followed till 1854. In that year he visited the mines in Amador county, Mud Springs, Dry Town, Rancheria, Fort Sutter, and Mokelumne Hill. In the spring of 1855 he went to Napa City, where he resided during the summer of that year. In the fall of that year he came to Mendocino county, and worked for Simpson & White till 1865. He then went as one of the mountaineers to Humboldt county, in the United States service under Captain John A. Simpson, and served till 1862. In 1866 he settled on his present place, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock- raising. Married Miss Susan Dungan in May, 1865, and has two children: John L., born May 10, 1877; and Amelia, born August 21, 1878.
James Friel. Was born in New Jersey, December 27, 1837. In 1845 he, with his parents, moved to Pennsylvania. In 1860 he came to California
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HISTORY OF MENDOCINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
via Panama, arriving in San Francisco April 27th. He went at once to San Mateo county, and began working in a saw-mill. In the spring of 1861 he went to Amador county and engaged in mining. In the spring of 1862 he went to Victoria, and thence to Cariboo county and engaged in mining. He then returned to California, and after a short time spent in Marin county, he came to Mendocino county, and began working for Macpherson & Weatherbee, and remained with them for eighteen years. He then joined his brother Anthony in a mercantile venture at Westport, which they still conduct.
Anthony Friel. Was born in New Jersey in October, 1844. In 1845 he, with his parents, went to Pennsylvania, where he lived till 1870, when he moved to Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming till 1879. In October of that year he came to California and located at Westport, Mendocino county, where he is engaged with his brother James in the mercantile business.
Alexander Gordon. The subject of this sketch whose portrait appears in the body of this work, was born in Montreal, Canada. He received a common school education as he grew up through boyhood to man's estate. He remained in Canada till 1863, being engaged in farming during that time. In that year he, with his family, sailed from New York City for California, via Panama, arriving in San Francisco in October, 1863. He at once pro- ceeded to Mendocino county, and procured work in the Caspar saw-mill, where he remained for several years. He next purchased a ranch north of Caspar a short distance, and began the butchering business in connection with farming, which he conducted for five or six years. In 1875 he purchased his present ranch, about two miles north of Westport, consisting of one thousand acres, where he is engaged in farming, stock-raising, and also butchering for the Westport market. In the fall of 1879 he was elected Supervisor to represent the fourth district. He is a man of enterprise and sterling integrity, and one to whom honor is due. He was married to Miss Christian M. Martin, February 28, 1861, a native of Canada. Their children are: John, Elizabeth, Alonzo, Ella, and Peter.
John F. Johns. Was born in Germany, June 28, 1827, where he lived till 1847. At the age of twelve years he began an apprenticeship to the blacksmith trade, which business he followed till he left the country. In 1847 he was drafted into the Prussian cavalry and served four years. He then began his trade, which he followed in various parts of the country till 1856, in which year he immigrated to America, where he followed his trade. In 1858 he came to California, and settled in Sacramento, where he worked at his trade for a short time, when he went to Washoe, Nevada, and built a blacksmith shop on Comas creek, where he resided till the fall of 1860. He then moved to Fisk's Mill, Sonoma county, where he continued at his trade
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for nine years. In 1869 he sold out his shop and purchased a ranch near Timber Cove, where he remained till 1872. He then disposed of his farm and moved to Stewart's Point, Sonoma county, where he worked for one year. In 1876 he went to Caspar Creek, Mendocino county, and remained one year; then two years in Trinity county at his trade; then to San Fran- cisco; then to Mendocino county again; and in 1877 came to Westport and opened a shop, and in 1878 he erected his present hotel building, and opened that business, which he has since conducted. He married Miss Hedwig Mer- thans, August 17, 1865, a native of Germany. They have no children.
W. R. Miller. Was born in Scotland, May 1,1833. At his birthplace he received a common school education and resided till twenty-three years of age. In 1846 immigrated to America and settled in Massachusetts, and there resided till 1858. He, in the above-named year, came via the Isthmus to California, arriving in September. He immediately proceeded to Bolinas, Marin county, where for two years he worked in the redwoods. In 1860 he went to Timber Cove, Sonoma county, where he resided for seventeen years, being engaged during this time in milling, shipping, and mercantile pursuits. In 1877 he came to Mendocino county and established his present mill at Cottoneva. Married Miss Emina Kelley, May 1, 1867, and by this union they have two children, William D. and Etta.
William S. Moss. Was born in Canada West, August 12, 1826. In 1860. he came to California via Panama, arriving in June of that year. He proceeded to Nevada City, and remained in that vicinity till 1866, when he came to Mendocino county, and after remaining one year at Nevarra Ridge, he moved to Caspar, and resided three and one-half years. In 1870, he came to Ten-mile River township, and purchased his farm, and is now engaged in farming, hotel and saloon-keeping. He was married in 1856 to Catherine Ann Calvin, a native of Canada West, born November 17, 1841. Their children are: John, born July 9, 1857; Charlotte V., born May 14, 1866; William S., born June 12, 1870; and Cora A., born May 1, 1873. They have lost one child, Frank G.
Henry T. Powell. Was born in Iowa, February 2, 1834. When he was eight years of age, his parents moved to Iowa. March 8, 1854, he started across the plains for California, arriving September 15th of that year. He located in Alameda county, and began farming. In 1856, he went to Olema, Marin county, where he engaged in dairying. He then went to the mines, where he remained two years. In 1861, he entered the United States ser- vice. He then returned to Marin county; thence to Humboldt county; then returned to Marin county; thence to Sonoma county; then returned to Marin county, being engaged in farming and dairying in all those places. In 1868, he was Deputy Assessor of Marin county. In 1869, he came to Mendocino county, and was Deputy-Assessor for the northern portion of the
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HISTORY OF MENDOCINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
county for several years. He located at Kibesillah in 1878, and has been Justice of the Peace for the past two years. He was married in 1869 to Miss Georgia C. Foster. Their children are Alexander, Clara, Hattie, Nye, and Frank.
James T. Rodgers. Was born in Washington county, Maine, August 16, 1828, where he resided till he was twenty-one years of age. In 1849, he sailed from Boston, via Cape Horn, and arrived in San Francisco, June 24, 1850. He immediately proceeded to the mines and began operations on the middle fork of the American river, at Murderer's Bar, where he stayed for two years. In 1852, he returned to his home, and sojourned eighteen months, when he returned and followed mining for one year. In 1856, he once more returned home, this time being absent one year. He then returned to California; worked at coasting one year; then went to Port Orford, Oregon, as superintendent for H. B. Tichenor & Co.'s lumbering mill, which position he filled for seven years. He then came to Mendocino county and filled the same position for the same firm, at Nevarra for four years. He then formed a partnership with H. Severance at that place, Nevarra Ridge, and began the hotel business, which he followed for ten years. In April, 1877, he sold his interest to his partner, and came to Westport and constructed the present chute at that place, as well as giving the town its name. Mr. Rodgers is unmarried.
Joseph Smith (deceased). Was born August 17, 1821. When seven- teen years old he settled in Putnam county, Illinois, where he followed the stock-driving business till 1852. He then came to California across the plains and settled at Vallejo, Solano county, where he resided until 1854. In that year he returned to Illinois, and on the 10th day of November of that year he married Rachel Jane Sherman, who was born in Putnam county, Illinois, September 15, 1834. They resided in that county till 1860, where he followed the drover's business. In March of that year they came to California across the plains, and after a tedious journey of six months they arrived in Vallejo. They immediately took up their residence in Healdsburg, Sonoma county, where they lived one year and then returned to Vallejo, and resided there till 1868. They then moved to Ukiah, Mendo- cino county, and resided there one year, when they moved to Kibesillah, where his family now lives. Joseph Smith died June 10, 1874. Their chil- dren are: George W., born September 15, 1855; William S., born March 16, 1857; Rebecca E., born May 7, 1859; Benjamin F., born March- 23, 1861; Charles H., born January 11, 1864; Hugh L., born September 17, 1865; Ada J., born July 24, 1867.
Calvin Stewart. Was born in Lynn county, Iowa, April 4, 1847. In 1852 his parents went to Washington Territory. In 1856 they came to California and located at Half Moon Bay, San Mateo county, where they
A Davielson
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resided till December of that year. They then moved to Sonoma county and located at Bloomfield, and in 1857 they moved to Stewart's Point. In 1858 Calvin spent a few months in Point Arena, and in the fall of that year went to Vallejo, Solano county, and resided there two years. In 1861 he returned to Stewart's Point and spent two years. In 1864 he came to Point Arena, and in 1872 established a shipping point at Bridgeport. In 1875 he came to Ten-Mile River township and established a shipping point at New- port, North. At the same time he, in partnership with James Hunter, purchased land and began farining. In 1876 they purchased the Newport North mill, which they have since conducted. It was destroyed by fire in December, 1877, but immediately rebuilt. He was married, November 28, 1877, to Miss Frances Cooper. They have one child.
Mark T. Smith. This worthy pioneer and estimable gentleman, whose portrait we take pleasure in presenting to our readers in the body of this work, was born in Goffstown, New Hampshire, July 31, 1830, and was the son of Benjamin and May Hartin Smith. When he was quite young his parents removed to Alton, Madison county, Illinois, and young Smith availed himself of the presence of a first-class educational institution in Upper Alton, Shurtleff College, now known to all her many thousand sons scattered all over the Union as " Dear old Shurtleff," and attained an education inside its classic walls. June 12, 1846, he enlisted in the Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Colonel W. H. Bissel, for a twelve months' service in the Mexican war, and is one of the twenty-six who are now left of all the rank and file of that body of brave volunteers. He was mustered out in August, 1847, and returned to Illinois. He spent the time till March 21, 1849, on the Mississippi river, when he started across the plains for California, mak- ing the trip from Fort Hall to Coloma in nineteen days and three hours, he being accompanied by four men and eleven animals, and reached Sacramento with only three animals. At Carson valley they met Calhoun Benham, " Sandy " Brown and Humphrey Marshall. When they met they had a grand jollification, and ate up all their provisions, unmindful of the morrow. Those who crossed the plains with him were William Carter, Arthur Madene, George Greathouse and Charles Cheeney. At Weaverville Smith's dress consisted of a pair of buekskin pants, hickory shirt, hat that had gone to seed, and one boot and one shoe, and his money consisted of $7.50. He being one of Nature's noble men, and so generous that he would go hungry, if necessary, to treat his friends in the best of style, he put down the $7 for a bottle of whiskey, and stowed the four-bit piece away in his pouch for a bite of food when he got hungry again. He proceeded to Coloma and there met a man from Illinois, with whom he worked till the fall of 1850. He then, with a party of fourteen, started on a prospecting tour through El Dorado county. In a place called Antonio cañon they " struck it rich," and
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HISTORY OF MENDOCINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
in a very short time they took out $40,000. He then returned to Cold Springs and began merchandising. He then was prospecting for eighteen months, and in the latter part of 1852 he began as clerk in the hotel known to all old-time miners as the "Fourteen-Mile House " on the Coloma road At the end of three years he went to Diamond Springs in El Dorado county, and engaged in the butchering business, which he followed till 1856. In that year he purchased eight thousand acres of the San Majilul grant, all of which he lost on account of poor title. In May, 1858, Mr. Smith came to Point Arena as agent for Don Leandro Lucco, the nominal owner of the Garcia grant. At the end of one year he purchased the shipping port at Fish Rock, where he remained engaged in the shipping business till 1861. He then sold his interests there and went to Yolo county, where he engaged in farming till 1865, when he returned to Point Arena and began clerking for A. W. Hall, remaining there till 1874, when he moved to his present home in Ten-mile River township, and is engaged in stock-raising. Mr. Smith is still the same genial whole-souled gentleman he was when he arrived in California, and is the soul of honor. In a word, he is in every sense a gentleman. In 1860 his neighbors honored him with the office of Supervisor, but he resigned before his term was out. He married Miss Carrie O'Neal, September 22, 1859, who died June 10, 1865. They had two children: Jennie, born November 16, 1860, and Carrie, born June 30 1861, and accidentally killed December 27, 1877.
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UKIAH TOWNSHIP.
UKIAH.
F. C. Albertson. Born in Healdsburg, Sonoma county, May 2, 1858. Received his primary education at Sotoyome College, and at the age of sixteen attended Heald's Business College for six months. He then returned to Healdsburg and after three months, in company with his parents, moved to San Buenaventura. Here the father followed his trade, that of cabinet- making, for six months, then returned to Healdsburg, and after four months moved to Sonoma, where they remained about three months. In September, 1876, they moved to Ukiah, Mendocino county, where the father has since followed his trade, while the subject of this sketch is filling the office of Con- stable, having been elected September 3, 1879; but had served as Deputy under R. M. Hildreth for two years previous to his election.
Nathan Bartlett, Whose portrait will be found in this book, was born in White county, Tennessee, February 12, 1832. When seven years of age his parents moved to Missouri, where the subject of this memoir received his education and lived upon the farm until 1854, at which time he left the parental roof and crossed the plains with ox-teams, in company with a gen- tleman who brought a drove of cattle across. He arrived in Amador county in October, and followed mining for one year, after which he engaged in farming in San Joaquin county for one year, and then returned to Amador; remained only a short time, and in 1858 came to this county and settled on a farm two and one-half miles above Ukiah, where he farmed until 1862, when we find him in Nevada, where he resided two years; thence to Sonoma, and after a residence of one year returned to this county and settled on what is known as the Bartlett ranch, located about three miles south-east of Ukiah. where he now resides. Is connected in business with his brothers; owning four hundred and eighty acres of farming land where he lives, and also one thousand one hundred acres two miles below on the river, which is used as a sheep ranch. Their farm is considered one of the finest in the valley.
Joseph T. Berryhill. Born in Greene county, Ohio, June 16, 1823, where he resided until 1840, when he, with parents, moved to Indiana. In 1842 Joseph left his parents and went to Iowa, where he followed carpenter- ing until 1867, when he went to Missouri, where he followed his trade; also carried on farming until 1875, when he came to California and located in Mendocino City, this county. Here he followed carpentering two years,
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HISTORY OF MENDOCINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
after which he spent two years at Caspar engaged in farming. In August, 1879, he settled on his present place, consisting of one hundred and seventeen acres, located about two and a half miles below Ukiah, where he has since resided, being engaged in farming. Mr. Berryhill married, October 24, 1844, Miss Jane Butler, who died on the 4th day of July, 1867, leaving ten children: Mary, James, Celia, Thomas, Georgie, Sarah, Laura, Frank, Sylvester, and Alice. They lost one, Josephine. He married again, August 7, 1868, Mrs. Cynthia Faulkenberry, a native of Kentucky.
Alexander Burke, Whose portrait will be found in this work, was born in White county, Tennessee, July 26, 1813. In 1833 he went to Missouri, where he followed farming till 1853, when he crossed the plains to California, and located in Sonoma county. At the end of one year he went to the mines and remained there two years. In 1855 he returned to Sonoma county and settled on Mark West creek, where he engaged in farming. In 1857 he came to Mendocino county and located on one thousand one hundred acres of land, about four miles south of Ukiah. He put three of his sons on this place, and spent most of his time in Sonoma county. In 1862 he moved his entire family to Mendocino county. When he came to Ukiah in 1857 he brought a wagon with him, which was the first vehicle of the kind ever seen in the valley. He now owns two hundred and sixty-seven acres, and has also an interest with his sons in a large sheep ranch. He married, December 5, 1833, Miss Susan J. Shelton, a native of Knox county, Tennessee. Their children are: James H., John W., Francis M., Andrew M., Mary E., Martha E., Neville R., Joseph A., and Susan C. They have lost one, Thomas L.
James L. Burger. Born in Missouri, October 15, 1836. In 1852 he with parents, crossed the plains with a drove of cattle, and settled in Suisun valley, Solano county. James L. made his home, and spent most of his time in the mines until 1855, when he went to Yolo county, his parents returning East; then he engaged in raising stock two years. During this time he located a stock ranch in Long valley, Mendocino county, and in 1857 he moved upon it. He remained there six years. In 1863 he moved to Mark West, Sonoma county, where he remained two years. He returned to this county again in 1872 and settled at Ukiah, where he, in company with two others, established the Ukiah Livery Stable. After two years he bought his present farm, just south of Ukiah, where he has since resided, farming and speculating in stock. Mr. Burger married, April 5, 1856, Miss Nancy J. Lambert, a native of Kentucky. By this union they have six children: Ella S., born August 28, 1857; John T., born March 20, 1859, and died September, 1859; Oleva A., born March 12, 1861; Jennie C., born January 2, 1863; George A., born November 3, 1864; and James D., born March 6, 1870.
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UKIAH TOWNSHIP.
Frederick Brunner. A native of Prussia, was born August 22, 1831. When seventeen years of age, he came to the United States, and settled in Ohio, where he served four years as apprentiee at the tinsmith's trade. Then went to Detroit, Michigan, where he followed his trade two years, after which he went to Davenport, Iowa, continuing at his trade until the spring of 1862, when he came to California, via Panama, arriving at San Francisco, April 24th. After a stay of one year in that eity, he eame to Petaluma, Sonoma county, remaining until March, 1871, when he came to Mendocino county and located at Ukiah, where he has sinee resided, con- dueting a general hardware business. Mr. Brunner married, September 4, 1856, Miss Caroline Othmer, a native of Germany. Their children are: Frederick G., Louisa, Henry E., Gustavus, Rudolf, Albert, Arthur, and Caroline. Mrs. Caroline Brunner died at Ukiah on December 2, 1874.
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